Warning: This story will contain rape – it will not happen until the story is substantially established (20+ chapters from the start). It won't be described in detail and the trauma will be tastefully represented. I will not use it as titillation either. If rape is a trigger for you I wanted you to be aware now so you wouldn't get attached to the story and then feel traumatized when it happened. It happens in life and I wanted to deal with how a couple heals from such a horrible and traumatic event. Please see the RAINN website for resources and ideas to end sexual assault.

AN: The action won't begin until we are far into the story. The prologue was just a taste. I'd like to thank Project Team Beta and especially, onlybythenight1 and wandb for their input on this chapter. Thanks to Pemberly Rose for being the canon queen and vampiiexplainsnoreasoning for being my first run beta. Sorry this chapter took so long, but I wanted to ensure it was high quality before I published it. Find me on twitter Efficient_Vixen.

Disclaimer: SM owns all recognizable characters. Song lyrics are property of their respective owners.

Making Amends and Plans

You're on the road

But you've got no destination

U2, Beautiful Day

JPOV

I arrived at the cottage early in the morning. Edward greeted me at the door. "Good morning, Jacob."

She up yet? I asked in my thoughts.

"Bella's getting her dressed now. We need to head over to the main house for a family meeting; please join us."

Okay. Is everything alright?

"No need for concern; we want to debrief after yesterday's events and discuss our future plans."

Just then the light of my life came running in and leapt into my arms. "Jake, good morning!" she yelled and then after she could reach my face, projected her thoughts. Can we hang out with Auntie Alice and Uncle Jazzy today?

"Sure, sure. We're heading up there now."

We all headed over to the house, while Nessie began projecting images of her family to me. She was so happy Alice and Jasper were home. She was looking forward to multiple games of dress up with the pixie.

~*O*~

Nessie made a beeline straight into Alice's arms when we got there – she had missed them so much. We all took seats at the dining room table. Carlisle was seated at the head of the table with Esme to his right and began speaking, "Jacob, welcome to your first family meeting with the Cullens. Please recognize that we consider you family and hope that you'll feel free to discuss your points of view at this meeting. We have several things to talk about today; some are appropriate for little ears and during others, Edward will step outside with Nessie since he can hear what's going on regardless. If Edward has anything to add he'll do it when he returns. Everyone will have a chance to make their opinions known on each issue. Please remain respectful of all opinions and remember that at this table we're all equals.

"I'd like to start with a sincere thanks to you, Jacob, and both packs. We would appreciate if you'd pass on our thanks to your brothers and sister. There are some things I would like to solicit opinions on regarding the treaty and the state of the packs." I was somewhat surprised by this since I thought we had already resolved any issues with the treaty while Bella was transforming. "Jacob, I understand that your people are proud and self sufficient, but I'd like to repair a small portion of the damage that our presence may have caused. I'd like you to be honest with us as to whether or not our suggestions would be taken as a thanks or as an insult. We understand that most of the boys were in high school when they phased and, as a result, most of you have dropped out with no intention to return. We also understand that phasing has caused other major disruptions in the lives of most of the pack, and it is our presence that caused the phasing."

Oh great! They've discussed that me and most of my pack are drop outs. I can only imagine what the multiple advanced degree family thinks of us now. Everyone at this table except Bella, Nessie, and me has at least earned a Doctor's degree once. Could I ever be good enough for Nessie?

Edward gave me a weird look and then opened his mouth to say something.

Get out of my head! Don't you dare respond to my personal thoughts in a family meeting!

"Edward and I would like to meet with the Elders if you think they would be amenable to a financial contribution to the tribe. We understand that since the pack must keep the wolves a secret that they can't be compensated by the tribe for the work they do. We would like to offer some opportunities for the wolf pack to sustain itself. There are multiple ways we could assist, and we would like to do something, so please give us your opinions on each possibility and we'll discuss any feasible concepts with the Elders.

"Option one - we provide a large donation to the tribe, which is ear marked for the support of the pack. We can create some legal documents to make sure it is only used for the pack, while at the same time keeping the pack secret. The initial donation would sit in a trust and only the interest would be used to support the pack."

I thought about this option and couldn't see any way that the pack would accept such a gift. Doc was right: my people were proud and wouldn't accept random handouts from anyone. I held my tongue to hear the other options.

"Option two - we provide an entirely anonymous donation to the tribe to use for improvements to the school or community center. Now, this wouldn't provide any direct benefit to the pack, but it would benefit all Quileute families. If we go with this option, I would ask you to please keep this a secret."

I considered this, but again was hesitant.

"Option three - we invest in a business or lend money to a pack member willing to own a business, which will employ pack members and provide flexible schedules and pay. After the business begins to turn a profit we would create a payment plan to return our initial investment with some minimal interest. If the pack is uncomfortable touching our money, then it is also possible we could cosign a loan from a bank."

The pack may be willing to consider that option.

"Option four - Alice provides financial planning advice to members of the pack at their discretion. This is the last option and may be the most comfortable for the pack. Alice would invest only the money which pack members provide. Each pack member would have to provide their own funds to invest. Alice has never lost a dime in the markets."

I began to wonder if her blind spots would cause her to lose our money. I wouldn't want to suggest something to my brothers only to find out she couldn't actually help us since we were wolves.

"So Jacob, do you think any of these options are worth our meeting with either the pack or the Elders?"

After thing about it for several seconds, I responded, "Doc, I don't know. It all sounds very generous, but I have to say there may be too much animosity for us to consider any of these possibilities. Honestly, the first two options wouldn't even be considered. Like you said, we're a proud people and the idea of accepting a gift from our ancient enemies would be a little too much like blood money. I know it isn't like that for you guys, but it would be for the pack. Options three and four could be possibilities, but it would really be up to the pack and each person would have to make their own decision. Would Alice even be able to invest for us since we're blind spots?"

Alice responded, "Jacob, the stock market is sort of like the weather. I can predict when it is going to rain even in La Push because the wolves don't cause changes in the weather. I would be watching the markets as a whole, rather than the money being invested by the wolves. The money would be such a small amount compared to the value of the entire market that it couldn't impact market trends."

I guess that makes sense. I didn't really get how the stock market worked, so I would just have to trust Alice on this subject.

"Jake, why don't you bring these ideas to the packs and let us know if there is any interest. We wouldn't want to pressure any one at all. We're just trying to make up for some of the problems we have caused," Edward explained.

I nodded my agreement. It's not like I can keep something like this from them anyway, pack mind and all.

Carlisle began again, "Back to the issue of education, our family feels strongly that education is important. We would like you and the other wolves to be able to complete high school, but again it isn't our place to pressure any of you. If you, or any other member of the pack, would like us to tutor or home school you, we are all qualified and have the necessary education. We would like you all to either be able to get diplomas or GEDs."

I took a deep breath. "Doc, I think that would be a nice idea, but again, it's a personal decision and I'd have to discuss it with the pack. I should probably take you guys up on the offer for myself."

Carlisle smiled.

"Jake, I understand you'd like to take Nessie to La Push sometime soon," Edward stated, raising an eyebrow as if challenging my ability to take care of his little girl.

I saw Nessie's face break into a big grin just before she hopped off Alice and jumped into my arms to show me all her ideas of what we could do in La Push.

"We want to be sure that her visiting won't impact the treaty, since we didn't resolve that issue in our conversation with Sam," Edward explained.

"Of course it won't have an impact. Nessie can come and go as she pleases. However, no other Cullens can, unless there's an emergency," I explained to everyone. Then added in my thoughts, I resolved this with Sam and the Elders months ago.

"Does anyone have anything to add regarding those issues?" Carlisle asked.

The room remained silent.

He began again, "Now we need to discuss our plans for the future. Since I'm pretending to be 34, I may be able to pass off my age for a while longer, but if anyone begins to question it, we need to know what our plan will be. Let's go around the room and get opinions on what we should do in that case."

He looked to Esme to begin. "Forks has a special place in my heart; it was here I gained a daughter and granddaughter here and would love to stay as long as possible. However, I'm aware that you need to work to find satisfaction in life. I worry about us just shutting ourselves in if we stay here, since we could live a totally reclusive life if you didn't need to work as a doctor. I think I should begin looking for a new place for us to live where the children can begin high school again and then stay through college. You could start over as a twenty-five year old fresh out of residency, and we could stay for eight to ten years in one place." Esme then looked sympathetically toward me then back to Carlisle. "I'm concerned that we need to move far away from the Pacific Northwest since you are fairly well known in the medical community. Even if we change our names, I worry that this area is too small."

I noticed the whole family snatching glances toward Bella and me. I started fidgeting, uncomfortable with all the attention.

Carlisle then directed his gaze to Emmett, who broke the awkward silence with his booming voice. "Damn, I hate starting out as a young teenager, but I know it's necessary. Make sure there are bears wherever we end up."

Rosalie sighed then cut in, "I couldn't care less about the menu, but I agree with Esme. I would love to stay here for as long as possible, though."

I was next. "I have responsibilities here that I need time to take care of, and I prefer to stay here. My family is here, and there are fifteen other wolves who patrol these woods to keep us safe." Us meaning Nessie. "Wherever you go, I go. If you'll have me, that is."

Everyone except Rose, who let out a little sigh and scowled at me, nodded and smiled.

I ignored her and continued, "I also believe that Leah will follow me wherever I go, so she can remain in my pack. Quil would rejoin Sam's pack to remain with Claire. Seth and Embry may want to stay or go."

Jasper then began, "Of course, I would love to take another year or two off from the constant blood lust and teenage angst, but I agree with Esme, it's better to be prepared."

"Now that Jake and Nessie are with us, we're pretty fuzzy in the future," Alice said with a sigh. "But I'm pretty sure we'll be moving in two and a half years during the summer of 2009. I want to be in the same grade as Jasper this time, and please make sure there's decent shopping within 250 miles."

I had to crack a grin at that. Looks like the pixie is being picky. As long as she has her shopping, she's fairly normal. Otherwise, she gets pretty scary. She can't get to her happy place without shopping.

Edward spoke next, "I'm concerned about Bella and Nessie. I would like them to spend as much time with Charlie as possible, and we don't want to miss any of Nessie's short childhood. I'd like to remain close to Forks for their benefit. Your thoughts, love?"

"I agree with Edward, but staying together is the most important factor for stability. If we need to move far away, then we will simply have to find ways to see Charlie as often as possible. Regardless of where we end up, I will not be attending school until Renesmee is also attending school. I'll be as reclusive as necessary, but I will not budge on this issue," Bella stated emphatically.

Edward then said, "I also won't be attending school until Nessie can."

Carlisle then took back the floor. "Alright, we all agree that we need to be prepared for a move when the time comes. Alice has put in the shopping stipulation, Emmett wants bear on the menu, Bella and Edward require a more reclusive location in order to stay home with Nessie, and Jacob will need housing for himself and any pack mates who join us. The consensus seems to be that we will need to put some distance between us and Forks. I'm sorry, Bella and Jacob, that your families will be so far from us, but we will provide regular plane fare for both of your fathers to visit and vice versa. Esme, please look into various options meet these requirements. Thank you all for your input."

Edward then took Nessie outside. "Nessie, let's go play outside by the river for a few minutes."

Carlisle waited until they were out of Nessie's ear shot and started again, "Yesterday, Edward told the story of what went through the Volturi minds during the encounter and what turned the tides in our favor, so there is no need to review that. However, I'd like to take a few minutes to talk about Bella's plan for Nessie and any concerns or comments any of you may have." He then opened the bag Nessie held yesterday and dumped its contents on the table. "Bella, thank you so much for having the foresight to make arrangements. Please understand that I want to go through this bag so we can provide you feedback; so that, if we are ever in another situation like this there will be no question as to what the plan is. Bella, please go through the bag and explain each item to the family. We have more experience changing identities and running, so consider this a teaching exercise. We'll let you explain everything first and then provide feedback."

Bella took the contents of the bag and began explaining the items. "Shirt and shoes for Jake since he only keeps cutoffs on him when he phased and $200,000 cash to provide for Nessie and Jake for at least a few years."

My eyes were popping out of my head. Where did Bella get that kind of cash without anyone knowing?

"Passports under Jacob and Vanessa Wolfe; I figured Jake could pretend to be Nessie's step-father." she picked up a couple of envelopes. "These are letters to Jake and Nessie explaining what happened and a single sheet of paper with the destination where I hoped Alice could find you."

The table was silent for a few moments. "Bella this is all excellent," Jasper interjected, "but I have a few recommendations for the future, some of which I plan to personally take care of very soon. First, I'd like you and Jacob to memorize some of our Swiss and Cayman account numbers so that if there's ever an emergency you have access to funds for several hundred years. I will provide you each with ten account numbers to memorize; these funds can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world. Also I'd like you both to have information on all of our various homes; I will provide you with key codes and addresses for each home. We are also going to set up some credit cards which are automatically paid from attached accounts. We all have at least six aliases with matching ID, credit lines, and bank accounts. I meant to make sure the two of you and Nessie all had your aliases set up, but unfortunately Alice's vision came so suddenly I never got to it. I apologize. Jacob, when you know who in your pack will be joining us, please let me know so I can establish identities for them as well."

My mind was reeling from the information Jasper had just given us, and he hadn't even give us anything to memorize yet. I knew the Cullens were rich, but this was downright shocking.

Jasper continued, "If you ever have to run, make sure you take all of your identification with you. It's easier to change identities if you already have the papers than if you have to purchase a new identity. Also, Bella, I'm sure you took that money from our room since your smell was still in the closet yesterday. When packing cash, pack as much as will fit in the bag; you could have packed another $100,000. Never worry about taking money in this house. We have more than we will ever need,and if Nessie had to run then she should have every dime available to her. You did an excellent job. I just want you to know where this family stands on these matters. I'll have your aliases established within two weeks; please let me know if you have any preferences on names."

I then felt I needed to say something. "Uh...I'm not comfortable having unlimited access to your family's cash and credit." I personally couldn't care less how much money they had, but I'd been raised to believe you worked for what you had, and the idea of just taking hand outs from the Cullens didn't sit well with me.

"Jacob, please do not misunderstand. Our intent is not to simply give you money and tell you to use it. This access is for emergencies. If you opt to use it as you wish, we are perfectly content with that. However, if things had gone poorly yesterday, then you would have been the sole provider for Nessie. She should have access all of the Cullen resources. We all choose how to spend our funds. The accounts Jasper is speaking of are family accounts, which exist for emergencies only. We also have individual accounts, which hold a great deal of wealth," Carlisle explained.

I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the situation, and I think Bella may have sensed my anxiety because she then broke in, "Jake, I understand how you feel, but will you at least learn these account numbers for Nessie's sake?"

I nodded.

"Carlisle," Jasper began, "I'm concerned about Nessie's emotional state after yesterday. I'm worried that since she's so young, she may have unresolved issues from yesterday. I'd like everyone to keep a close eye on her, and please inform me or Carlisle if you notice anything strange. I'll be monitoring her closely for the next several weeks when she is in the house."

Carlisle then asked, "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

Everyone shook their heads.

A few seconds later, Edward and Nessie came through the back door and he said, "I think you all covered everything perfectly. Thank you all for everything."

He then handed Nessie to Alice, who darted upstairs with her while giggling and saying, "Well, you definitely have better taste than your mother." I knew it would be hours before I could see Ness again, but she needed to spend time with the pixie, and I needed to speak with both the packs.

I headed upstairs to say a quick bye to Nessie and headed off to La Push to talk with the packs and convey the Cullens' ideas.

~*O*~

I returned at dinner time with the news that some of the boys, Embry, Quil, and Seth, would take the Cullens' offer of assistance with home schooling so they could catch up to their ideal grades. The other wolves had either already completed school or hadn't missed enough to make it an issue. Collin and Brady phased at the beginning of summer, so they didn't miss any school because of it, and Sam was taking it easy on all the younger boys with night patrols. The six new wolves phased just before Christmas break, so they didn't miss much school either and were able to get caught up. My choice on education was for some tutoring to help me get my GED, since I couldn't see giving up time with Nessie to go back to high school; she just changed too fast.

The money concept was not taken well by the majority of the wolves. However, Paul and Jared were thinking of starting a garage, so they would appreciate a cosigner on a bank loan, but nothing more than that. Some of the others said they were interested in asking Alice for investment advice, but would need to earn some money first, so I let Alice know that eventually she would get a few phone calls.

I made plans to take Nessie to La Push the next day so she could meet Billy, Rachel, and Claire. Nessie asked me to carry her home and read with her before she went to sleep. I slept in wolf form outside her window, just because I needed to be near her. The next morning would be Nessie's first visit to La Push.

~*O*~

Luckily, everyone we were visiting already knew that Nessie was supernatural, so I didn't need to worry about her following the rules Bella had instituted for Charlie. She could talk, project, and be herself without any danger.

We went to my house first so she could meet Billy.

My dad was immediately smitten, and he took her right into his arms to talk. "Well hello, little Nessie, I'm Billy, Jacob's dad."

"Why do you have long hair? The only person I've met with hair as long as yours is Zafrina. Do you want to see her?"

"Sure, and I have long hair because it's a cultural tradition. The boys all used to have long hair, but it gets too messy when they run in wolf form. So, they all cut it."

She looked from me to my father and ran her hand through his hair. "Really, even my Jacob?"

He chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, even my Jacob. I'll tell you what we can do – you show me what this friend Zer..." he stumbled over the name.

"Zafrina," I offered.

"Yes, you show me this Zafrina person, and I'll show you pictures of Jacob growing up."

"You can show pictures too?" she asked wide-eyed, having never seen a photo album. She thought he had a power like her and Zafrina.

"No, Nessie, he doesn't have a power like you; he has pictures like you see on the walls or in books," I interrupted.

"No, I don't have a power, but I can do magic." His eyes twinkled, and I knew he was about to pull something 'out of her ear.'

"Really, like what?" she asked doubtfully.

"Do you like candy?" he answered with another question.

"What's candy?"

"Jacob's never given you candy? What a tragedy," he mocked me.

"Dad, she doesn't eat food," I defended.

"Oh, what's that?" he asked as he drew a piece of candy from behind her ear.

"I don't know," she answered, obviously surprised since she didn't feel anything behind her ear.

"This is candy... and it's yummy. You should try it. Don't chew it, just lick and suck on it," he said.

"Okay." She took the hard candy and tasted it. Then she held her hand up for me to come over. I knelt on the floor in front of her and Billy so she could ask what she wanted.

What's this? she asked while projecting flavors of sweet and citrus.

"It's sweet and sour. That's a lemon drop," I answered, wondering why my father would pick a confusing candy like lemon to be her first.

"I like this lemon drop."

Billy chuckled, clearly amused with himself. "Do you want more, little Nessie?"

I just stood up and went to the kitchen to find more candy – I knew this would be a long exploration into a new taste experience.

"So what's your favorite blood, Nessie?" I heard my father ask. He just has to point out the differences.

"I like human blood, but I'm not allowed to have it. Grandpa says it's too limited for him to bring it home as a snack for me. Animal blood is fine; it fulfills my hunger, but tastes kind of boring. My favorite is Jacob's, but Grandma told me it was rude to bite, and that I could only take little mouthfuls since he needs his blood more than I do. So I just stick to animals."

Well that was new information: Esme was the reason she stopped biting.

"You're grandparents are right. Do you know what humans use human blood for?"

God, he thought a four month old needed a lesson in morals.

"No," she answered honestly.

"Dad..." I said from the kitchen, trying to get him to tone down the morality lesson. I finally found his stash of regular candy and the sugar free stuff, which he was supposed to eat. I walked into the living room with a bowl of each.

"Well, humans use it to save lives. Doctors, like your grandpa, use it to fix people, which is why they don't let you have it as a snack. People donate it intending to save lives. As far as what your grandma told you, she's right too, but she's right because Jake would never tell you he needed it, and you wouldn't want to accidentally hurt him by taking too much."

"No, I'd never want to hurt my Jacob, he's too important to me to hurt him."

I rolled my eyes and let out a little growl. I really didn't want him giving her nightmares or worrying her. "Don't worry about me, Nessie. I can take care of myself, and you don't have a very big belly anyway."

She turned to me with a look of complete seriousness and said, "No, Jacob, I get to worry about you. I'll never bite you again. You're not food; you're my Jacob."

I decided to drop it and change the subject. "Dad, please tell me you haven't been sneaking regular candy when you have a whole supply of sugar free. You have a nice horde in the kitchen, and I want to make sure you're being health conscious."

He had a guilty look. "The regular candy is for the kids."

"What kids, Dad? Nessie's the first kid to be here in ages. Seth's the youngest person who comes here regularly and he's 16 now, so try again."

"Charlie likes it."

I burst out laughing, that was bullshit and we both knew it. Charlie hated sweet things, and even took his coffee without sugar.

"Charlie, as in Grandpa Charlie?" Nessie asked.

"One in the same, Ness," I answered then said, "I'm confiscating the regular candy, Dad, and I'm telling Rach not to let you buy anymore."

"Jake, I thought you'd want me to keep some on hand for Nessie?" he pleaded.

"Your choice; we both know you have your vices. I'm not going to let your sugar levels get too high. You can keep the vitamin R in the fridge or the regular candy. I'll bring some candy with me when Nessie visits."

"You can take it, but where are you going to hide it, Jake? You live here. I know you don't spend a lot of time here, but this is your home."

I'd bring it to the Cullens'; it's not like anyone there would eat it. "Don't worry about that, Dad. I thought you two had pictures to share?"

"Oh right," Nessie said as she put her hand up to my father's face.

He shivered a bit – Zafrina was a little creepy looking and Nessie's power was a shock to everyone she showed. "Wow, that's some trick, kiddo. Let's get some photo albums out so I can show you my boy when he was smaller than you."

The two of them spent a few hours scanning through photo albums and eating candy. I brought her to meet the wolf girls next at Emily's, and they fell just as in love with her as everyone else had.