Disclaimer: Once again I do not own Twilight. No Copy Right Infringement Intended.

A/N My Beta is out of state, so any mistakes are mine and mine alone. Hope everyone had a wonderful New Years. Now on with the show!

Chapter 5

Jpov

A wise man gets more use from his enemies
than a fool from his friends.
-Baltasar Gracian

Running in wolf form was still exhilarating, being able to stretch muscles you didn't even know you had. In human form I was always restless, chomping at the bit if you will, in wolf form I was free.

I focused my thoughts on the treaty line and where I could see my pack waiting for me. When I came through the woods I was relatively relieved that there were only 2 of them. The doctor and … I didn't know her name, but she was a sprite with short hair.

"Can we speak in a civilized manner?" The Doc asked, his tone was friendly and I could see he was trying to make himself look non-threatening, though the girl looked impatient, her eyes darting around furtively.

I phased back quickly in front of them, this wasn't a time for modesty. I pulled my pants on and walked closer. Paul and Embry flanked me still in wolf form.

"What?" I asked harsher than I intended, my arms folded across my chest trying to seem intimidating.

"Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?" The bloodsucker had the nerve to ask.

Keep yourself together Jake. You're in charge and if this goes wrong on your own head be it.

"Jacob Black, Alpha." I addressed myself coolly.

The Leech smiled, "I had the honor of personally putting the treaty in place with Ephraim."

I cocked my head to the side, but made no further comment. I warily watched the little one who looked like she was about to start jumping up and down.

"We won't be staying." He spoke, "We wanted to redefine the terms of the treaty."

"What terms?" Suspicion rose within me as I waited apprehensively. My mind whirling in a hundred different directions trying to find out what they would want to change.

"We would like your permission," the little one scoffed the last word, "To change a human, my brother's mate."

Stillness went through the pack and several of my brother's hackles were raised.

"If you bite a human, you are all fair game." I growled.

"This is our home young Jacob..." The doctor tried to placate me, "It will be past your lifetime before we can return."

"If you bite someone here the treaty is void." I snarled.

"Carlisle this is pointless." The pixie moaned, "We can just get Bella and take her with us."

Fury rose up inside me like I've never experienced before. I turned to Sam and our eyes met. I didn't have to say the words. My look clearly said, 'Make sure Bella stays on the Reservation.'

"Calm now Alice, we don't even know if she's in Forks." the Leech known as Carlisle spoke softly.

"I saw her! I just... I can't find her!" Alice groaned gripping her short hair in her hands.

So they didn't know for sure Bella was here? This could work to my advantage. I would have to tell Bella what they were here for. I couldn't keep things from her, she was my other half and she deserved to have her say. This would be something she had to decide on, however, she would need all the facts first.

"Give me a moment to discuss this with my pack." I told them gruffly.

"You can't possibly be entertaining this?" Embry was furious.

"Of course I'm not! I will add a clause and trust me when I say they will NEVER touch my Bella."

"What kind of clause?" Jared wanted to know.

"Where Bella has to give her permission, AND ask to be changed." I told them grimly.

"JAKE!" Quil moaned, "That's not a good idea."

"I know what I'm doing." I growled menacingly.

When no one else tried to argue with the decision I had already made I phased back.

I walked calmly back over to the two Cullen's trying my best not to curl my lip in disgust.

"Have you made up your mind?" Carlisle asked in a resigned sort of way.

"Yes." I replied, taking my time to look at both of them. "I will amend the treaty." I paused taking a moment to look coldly into each of their eyes.

"You have permission to change one human. It can only be done if she asks to be changed, not something asked in the past. You must ask her if that is the life she wants. If she chooses yes, you will bring her to the treaty line where I will be given the opportunity to ask her as well. Or we can all be present when she is asked. He answer is final. If she says yes, we will turn a blind eye this one time. IF she says No, you are to accept her wishes and move on. You cannot bribe her or threaten her, she must choose on her own volition."

The pain it caused me to speak those words could not be measured. I knew the pack was wary about this, hell imprint or not, Bella could change her mind. But I wouldn't force my hand. I would respect her wishes and be whatever she wanted me to be. I knew if I took her choice away she would be absolutely furious.

"Like she would say 'No.'" Alice scoffed.

I rolled my eyes and looked to who I presumed must be their leader, "Are there others back?" I asked.

"It is just us, for now." his eyes were reproachful.

"It's when your kind come near the reservation, that's when we being to phase." I told him roughly, "Some of them are very young... Not yet 14."

"I didn't realize..."

"In the future be mindful of that." It came out like a statement but also a threat.

As they turned to leave I could see the triumph in the Pixie's expression then they were gone.

I phased back shredding my shorts and cursing to myself. It had been a while before I'd lost any clothes to my condition.

I'm going to go for a run and then I need time to think. I told the pack feeling years older than I was. The conversation had taken a lot out of me...

Embry I want you to organize patrols, with the Cullen's being back, there is no telling when they all come back. Can you do this? My inner voice called out to my pack brother.

I got it covered.

Feeling assured that the Res was going to be safe I took off to my secret place. I don't know if you could really call it a secret, when most of the pack knew. When I got close I phased back human and strolled naked to where I had stashed an extra pair of pants just in case. It was close to First Beach, but in a private alcove with the forest ranging behind it. The outside was done. For the last year and a half with the help of the Pack we'd been building this house. It was a traditional two story with light blue vinyl siding, with decorative stones as the foundation. I walked through the dark mahogany front door and sighed at the mess. The place still needed dry wall in some areas and I put myself to work.

I had designed the house myself. When you walk in there is an open foyer with a walk in coat closet. Big enough for storage and shoes to keep the walkway cleared and clean. The spiral staircase was a nice touch and I was impressed with the craftsmanship of our hard work. To the left was an arch that led into a closed off living room. To the right was a formal dining room large enough to sit the entire pack. From there it was open into the large chef's kitchen. It was as big and beautiful as Sam and Emily's. A mud room/ large laundry room and the door to the garage was just off the kitchen along with a small powder room for guests.

The foyer and kitchen both had an off white marble floor that tied in nicely with the rich dark wood floor that flowed through the other rooms.

Open from the kitchen was a large family room. I figured I'd make the living area into a man cave. Upstairs were 4 spacious bedrooms the biggest being the master bedroom with a large sitting area with built in book shelves. The master bath had a large soaking tub and a glass encased 2 person shower.

The other 3 bedrooms were the same size, one had an ensuite bathroom with a large glass shower. A Jack and Jill bath between the last two rooms. The house had plenty of closets and cupboards and storage out the wazoo.

Being physical and working on the house I had in my secret heart of hearts built with Bella in mind helped calm me in a way being a wolf never could. In this space I could picture coffee at the Kitchen Island and little Lizzie in her high chair making a mess out of Mickey Mouse pancakes. I could imagine Bella sitting at the large bay window book in hand, smiling as I tried to clean our daughter.

I had no idea when I started this project that I would ever get the chance to see Bella again. Let alone be with her.

However being here in this space I could taste it. I knew she had loved Edward, fuck I knew she did. Even if she thought she was over him now, Bella is the forgiving type.

Three things I knew to be absolutely true about Bella.

She never put herself first. She would take into account others feelings and wanted to do what she thought was best.

She was my imprint, even if she still loved Edward, he would never be able to give her the life I could, Edward could never love her as much as me, even if he tried.

Bella loves our daughter. A mother's love outshines every other love. She would never give up her child... our child.

I knew I wasn't underestimating Bella. She wouldn't choose to become a vampire because that meant never seeing Lizzie again, and I knew she couldn't do that.

Before long I was sweating profusely hanging up the last bit of drywall. All that was left was for the house to be cleaned and painted.

I walked into the cool night and realized I must have been there even longer than I had thought, and in that time I was able to work through my negative emotions and pull myself together.

I made it to Emily's house in 10 minutes only to find that Bella had indeed left. Though the smell of the lasagna wafting in the air told me she had been a great help.

"Is everything okay?" Emily asked worriedly.

"Is Sam not back yet?" I asked confused.

"No." she whispered.

I could see the panic in her eyes and I gently grasped her shoulder, "I asked Sam to make sure Bella didn't leave. I'll send him home when I find them, they might be with Billy."

Cursing the further I got from Emily's house I broke into a run and raced home. To my surprise Billy and Lizzie were at the table eating something that looked and smelled absolutely mouthwatering.

"Bella?" I questioned panting as I was out of breath.

"You just missed her. She wanted to clear her head, Sam was accompanying her."

I sighed in relief and turned about and back out into the night...

A/N

I know this is one of the shortest chapters but I couldn't fill it any more if I tried. The next chapter might be confusing, it will be from Bella's point of view and will explain what she's been doing while Jake was with the Cullen's and finishing his house.

Also I have some news. January 20th I will be undergoing weight loss surgery. I'm going to try my very best to Update on time, but I will be doing a lot of healing. So I should know more the closer it gets to surgery. Thank you guys for all the reviews!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!