Aidzuki POV.
the living room phone ringing was what woke me up the next day. I tried to shift my sensitive ears away from the sound but found I couldn't move very much. whatever was weighing me down was so warm that I didn't wanna move anyway let alone open my eyes. I felt like I was under a large heavy blanket. If it's important they'll call back... Soon enough the ringing died down and I sighed snuggling my nose into the fuzzy hem of my blanket. I tried to lift the covers higher but was instead met with soft skin that twitched before the whole blanket shifted. My eyes fluttered open at the same time the phone began to ring again.
I look down to see my blanket isn't a blanket but jake, for once my heart doesn't beat out of control at the proximity instead I relish in the comfort it brings me. He wraps his arms around me also telling me he was also awake. The phone dies down a second time drawing my attention to the fact it was ringing in the first place. I squeeze my arms around Jacob before yawning. "OhayĆ."
He didn't say anything for a while, feigning sleep and I smile and just run my fingers through his hair and he presses his head back against my hand and sighs. The phone goes off again and this time Jacob huffs in defeat. He groggily mumbles as he drags himself up to reach for the phone holding himself up over me "It was a good morning at least." Jacob grumpily takes the phone and answers it "Black residence" He answers, his voice deep and raspy from sleep .
"Jacob?!" Bella's panicked voice shout from the other end.
"Bella? What's the matter are you in danger?" Jacob asks worried. We move around so that we are sitting side by side and intently listen to Bella explain how Edward picked up another vampire's scent in her home, even worse Charlie was home when it happened.
I was already standing to gather a few things by the time she finished. Jacob stood as they said their goodbye's making sure to let her know we're on our way.
"Good thing Bella wasn't there at the very least." I say looking for Jacob's keys. Jacob nods as he disappears towards his room. We try not to take to long to get out of the door and once we do we are stopped by a stern looking Akaiame. I quickly give her a run down of the situation and she says that we owe her a day of training since we want to run off and save 'That bloodsucker's girl.' I agree and move past her while Jacob stands there stuttering.
"And don not think I will forget." She glares at us.
"We won't Sensei. Jacob come on!" I shout to snap him out of his panic.
PdPdPdPpPdPdPdPdPdPd
Jacob descends the stairs behind Bella after checking her house over from top to bottom. Jacob stops Infront of Edward who surprisingly stayed outside so his smell doesn't mingle to much with the mystery intruders. I could tell Edward was worried from where I stood beside Jake's car as The wolf confirmed his suspicion. "Whoever it was, he most definitely left a stench behind." Jacob said trying to be as neutral as possible.
He's been tense since we arrived which is why I am keeping my distance from Edward. "It'll be hard to miss if we cross it again." Jacob continues. "We'll handle it from here." He said with finality.
"We don't need you to handle anything, or anyone." Edward says calmly their steady stares never breaking.
"I could care less what You need." Jacob shoots back a little amped up.
Edward tisks shaking his head. "Alright we're done here." He say dismissively seeing the wolf getting riled up. Jacob glares at him not liking his haughty behavior. "No, Your done here." Jacob said getting in Edwards face. I roll my eyes.
Edwards coal black eyes lock on Jacob's dilated brown ones and they tense to attack. I immediately go to stand between them but Bella beats me to it. "Stop!"
They let her push them apart and she stands firmly between them annoyed. "I'm sick of this. For now on i'm Switzerland!" She declares leaving no room for argument. Thinking it's time I get Jacob out of here I walk up beside him and pat him on the back once. "You did what you came here for. Lets go inform the pack."
I watch as Jacob's jaw clenches, he grimaces but nods in agreement. "Yeah good idea. But we will be back." He said without breaking his gaze with Edward.
"I'll see you later." Bella hugs the shifter tightly and Jacob returns it not bothering to make a show of it to upset the vampire like he usually does. She lets him go and we share our own embrace. "I'll be back to protect you to." I say next to her ear while looking at Edward. I wanted it to be clear I will be here for Bella whether or not he likes it.
We leave not long after and head straight to Sam's house where the Alpha should be since it wasn't his time to patrol. Soon we were on his porch waiting for him to open the door. "I can't believe that leach just thinks he can just take control whenever he wants. Rogue vampires are the packs problem." He said through gritted teeth.
"I understand you're upset but Bella is his mate, so of course the Cullens are gonna protect her as well. She is considered one of them even if she hasn't been turned yet." I was just as annoyed about seeing Edward. I couldn't help to notice his state however. He was paler then usual and his irises were pitch black and he looked...starved. Worry bubbles up along my annoyance. Was the vampire even feeding? Were any of the Cullens feeding or were they all to worried about Bella's safety.
Jacob growls. "Don't even remind me of her Turning into one of those things." he shakes his head disgusted. "That's why I have to protect her while she's human. I know the Cullens just can't wait to sink their teeth into her."
I frown at him disappointed. It was her choice and Jacob wasn't getting that. He was blinded by what he thought was best for his friend. Jacob couldn't see he can't stop her. I'm not fully aware of how it works and maybe I should be disgusted to but all I know is Bella wants to live forever with Edward which is something I could relate to.
"Jac-" Before I could even get his name out Sam opens his front door looking disgruntled with eyes steely. "Jacob, Aidzuki. What brings you by?" He inquires curiously.
"A unfamiliar Bloodsucker left a stink in Bella's house." Jacob said right to the point. Sam became serious and opened his door wider and gestured for us to come in.
"Was anybody hurt?" Sam asks.
Jacob shakes his head. "Charlie was home at the time. I think this leach was sending a message." We move into the alpha's living room and sit down.
"I agree. Bella's house is in Cullen territory so we'll have to come to some sort of agreement with them. When we do we will extend patrolling closer to her house. Two wolves will watch over her and will switch out every so often. I imagine the Cullen's will be watching her to which will make it easier to protect la push at the same time."
"We won't be spread thin to often that way." Jacob catches on quickly. "Plus we will have time to rest between shifts."
"I'll help to." I pipe in.
Sam nods in my direction. "Of course. You are apart of the pack as more then just an imprint." The words came out of the alpha's mouth matter of fact Like he had already factored me in. I didn't know whether to feel offended or pleased since it was said with so much authority. I just settle on grateful and move on.
"I will call Carlisle for a meeting a-"
"Don't bother." Jacob interrupts Sam standing up. "I'm headed back. Until a plan is officially made I'm gonna stay at Bella's. patrol her house. I'll let her leech know."
"No you will stay here and wait for me to contact the doctor. If her mate was there then the Cullens are probably well aware of the situation. Leah and Paul are out patrolling. You can inform them of the situation." Sam shot him down quickly.
Jacob grits his teeth. "You've gotta be kidding me." He grumbled.
"I kid you not Jacob." Sam said lightly but still serious.
"So now you trust the Cullens all of a sudden?" Jacob bit out.
"Jacob. We don't know if it is just one new leech. As alpha I think it's best we move as a pack. The Cullens are currently our allies. And our main priority isn't Bella." Sam explains calmly.
"That's easy for you to say when everyone you care about is here!" Jacobs raised his voice, angry. I frown noticing he began breathing erratically his body tense and shaking.
"I'll go." I volunteer. I trust the Cullens to protect Bella but if it will defuse the tension between the two shifters tension.
"Neither of you are going anywhere. Not yet. Not without the pack." Sam sighs. "I plan on meeting the Cullen's tonight, this is a serious new development. And if they agree you both will have the first shift." I could tell Sam was being as reasonable as possible. "I care about Bella and Charlie to, but they aren't the only ones threatened by the pale faces. Let it go Jacob. For now."
"No." Jacob shakes his head. "I'm going." Jacob stand to walk out and I stand along with him but I quickly move into his path.
"Jacob I think you should listen to Sam. I know she'll be safe for an hour or two." I said trying to get through to him.
Jacob looked at me in disbelief. "Bella's your friend to how could you take his side over mine?"
"I trust the Cullen's and Sam's decision it's not about sides. You're upset because of what happened with Edward. You aren't thinking clearly." I defend gently. "Jacob please. Listen."
He began to try and control his breathing as he looked deeply into my eyes which held nothing but sincerity. Sam watched on quietly for which I was grateful. The last thing needed was more fuel to the fire. Eventually Jacob nods "Fine. I'll stay. But I still want first watch."
"You have my word." Sam promises.
?/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\?
Over the course of the next few days Both the wolf pack and Cullen clan reluctantly worked together to protect Bella. Which wasn't easy in the least. Bella and I were the only ones that could keep the peace between them. I was glad no fights broke out if not a little surprised, but the arguments and insults quickly became a daily occurrence. Eventually I only stepped in if I saw it might become physical otherwise I just waited for the ruckus to quiet down. How they even made a schedule together baffles me. The two wolves sent to guard Bella often took their places when the Two Cullens already there had to feed and vice-versa when the wolves had to rest. It was during one of my shifts with Jacob when a very pale, black-eyed Edward approached us. Out of all the Cullens Edward fed the least and it showed, to concerned about his mates safety to leave her side often.
The vampire approaches Jacob, His face neutral and steps sure. Jacob, who was in wolf form, tilts his head a to the side in a questioning way.
Edward Hesitates a few minutes. "I need to ask a favor." He finally speaks.
There was a long silence during which Edward must be reading Jacob's mind. Edward clenched his jaw. "It's about Bella." Jacob rolls his eyes and another silence fills the air.
Edward nods. "I need to feed but I can't do it without somebody physically beside her. So I wanted to ask if you could watch over her tomorrow while I hunt?" Another pause as Edward reads the wolf's mind follows the question.
"I would never do that to her." Edward Says defensively. "Even if I were starved for years." He hissed through clenched teeth.
Jacob stood and paced as he spoke to Edward. Edward nodded Hackles still raised but he visibly relaxed and gave a sigh of relief. "Thank you." The vampire turned to leave but paused a peered over his shoulder. "I know." He then continues on his way back inside.
I was perched high into a tree and jump down beside Jacob. "You said yes?"
Jacob looks at me and blinks before looking away again. I pout knowing he wasn't going to phase into his human form to answer me. "You could at least nod your head."
HIs giant head bobs once for a yes and I smile excitedly. "I coming to!" I haven't hung out with Bella in so long.
Jacob nods enthusiastically.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The next morning Jacob and I wait for Edward and Bella to show up. We arrived fifteen minutes ago and were standing behind Jacob's car. "No way! Jun t's verse was way better in tongue twister then little po's." I cross my arms seriously. On the way up here we listened to some music artists Jacob wanted to introduce me to. Long story short we ended up arguing about who had the better lines.
"It's 'lil pro' and he's been in the business way longer then T. The line about Headgear and braces was to clever. Old school will always top new school." He replied lightly not taking this discussion half as serious as I was.
"I don't even know what that means. Did Lil po go to an older music school?" I ask curiously. Jacob just laughs at me even doubling over.
I blink confused. "...Did he?"
"Non of them went to music school ai. they're just talented." He said smiling wide. "Lil pro has just been doing It longer. He's what some people call an O.G."
"Og? Why would you call someone that?" I smirk this time well aware I have no idea what I'm talking about.
It paid off when I was rewarded with another boisterous laugh. "Hahaha Og." I watch his face as he laughed, it was my favorite part. Times have been so stressful that it was nice to hear.
A black car I quickly recognized as Edward's Volvo pulls up in front of us. "Our precious cargo has arrived." I nudge him.
They both get out of the car and stand across from. "Doesn't he own a shirt?" Edward says once he spots Jacob's half naked form.
Bella looks up at him with a 'behave' look. "I'll be fine from here. You should go." Edward hesitantly Looked away. "And don't rush. You need to hunt." Edward nods and they lean into each other like magnets until their lips connect.
Jacob gags loudly and places his foot against his car. I shake my head as I try not to giggle at his antics. When Bella finally did pull away she looked winded as she adoringly told the vampire to maybe rush a little before turning to walk towards us. I smile at her when she finally reaches us. I squeeze her in a tightish hug and let her go. "Hey beautiful." Jacob greets with a nod and we move to get into the car.
"So.. what do you wanna do today?" He asks her with a sigh.
"Bike, hike, tell Jacob jun T is the better artist? whatever you want." I suggest happily.
"Yup, your call. But we're going to a party tonight." Bella just nods and we climb in the car.
89898989898989898
Later that day when the sun has set we find ourselves in Lapush. Jacob walked between us as he led us to the party he mentioned earlier. "Are you sure this is ok? I hate being a party crasher." Bella said slightly nervous about how the other guest will react to her presence.
Jacob pursed his lips. "Technically your a council meeting crasher." That caught both mine and Bella's attention. I felt a flutter of excitement in my belly while Bella looked ambushed, "See? the council leaders. Dad, Quil's grandfather, and Sue Clearwater." Jacob gestures ahead at a group of people sitting around a campfire. I immediately see faces I recognize and even some I don't. The pack is there with some older folks who i'm guessing make up the council. "Sue took over for harry when he died."
Bella stops in her tracks and Jacob and I follow suit "I really shouldn't be here." She said unsure.
"I'm sure you're fine Bell." I reach across Jacob to lightly push her shoulder. "They thought it'd be cool for you to hear the histories." Jacob explained.
"Histories? The tribe's histories? Aren't they secret?" She asks even more unsure about being here.
"We all got a role to play, and your part of this. Besides it'll be the first time Aidzuki, Seth, Leah, and Quil will be hearing them to." He reassures her.
"But you are the first outsiders." He said continuing to lead us ahead. "Ever."
"If I would've known that I... would've dressed better." She half joked.
"You look great. Besides i'm sure this doesn't require your best flannel." I say. "Look at me. I'm not exactly royalty."
"Jake!" Seth came jogging up to us.
"Hey." Jacob says in greeting.
"It's about time you got here. Paul's been hogging the grub but I saved you guys a few burgers." He said matter of fact.
"Good looking out." Jacob thank him. He then turns to Bella "Bella this is Seth clearwater Leah's little brother. Newest member of the pack."
"Hey nice to meet you." Bella shakes hands with the young shifter.
Seth looks at me and waves with his kind smile in place. "Hey Aidzuki! Make since they'd also want you here. You know cause your Ja-"
"Seth." Jacob frowns and shakes his head. Bella seeing Jacob's discomfort at whatever Seth was gonna tell her changes the subject "So you're the newest member huh?"
"Newest, bestest brightest-"
"And slowest!" Jacob puts the younger wolf into a headlock and Seth punches at his stomach. They giggle like kids as they horse around and I just shake my head as side step them when they stumble in my direction.
"Alright you rapid inu's can we have a seat now?" I said walking around them and pushing Bella forward. I really wanted to hear those stories.
"What does inu mean?" Seth raised an eyebrow.
"It means sit down so we can hear the stories." I say playfully ruffling his hair.
We all settle around the fire and get comfortable to hear Billy black tell old Quileute tales. Once he started I was amazed at how good he was at it. In the middle of his story, Akaiame-sensei joins us but sits outside the circle only throwing the atmosphere off for a few seconds before we're all pulled back into the elder man's words and deep soothing voice. I looked around to see I wasn't the only one invested but even those who have heard the story probably hundreds of times were hanging on his every word. Everyone except Bella. She looked less entranced and more conflicted, her eyes holding a deep worry. She was looked almost horrified. I note the look to ask about later but tuned back in to the story for now.
When the elders finished with their stories the elders went home while the younger attendees stayed behind to hang out a little longer. It was just Quil, Seth, Leah, Akaiame-sensei, Bella, and Jacob and I.
Leah stood near the tree line far away just watching over the group. Most likely cause her little brother was here. In the same place as before Akaiame San Sat still and quiet...with her eyes on Leah. Her eyes were skeptical as she examined the only women shifter.
Quil and Seth were arm wrestling while being egged on by Jacob. I sat on one side of him while Bella was on the other leaning against him with tired eyes and her arms wrapped around Jacob bicep. It didn't bother me because unlike usual Jacob wasn't hyper focused on her and fawning over everything she did. I would be lying if I said I didn't wish it were me cuddled up to him, but I didn't want to freak him out since Bella didn't know about the imprint.
Quil slamming Seth's hand down and whooping in victory drew my attention away from them. Quil stood throwing his fist up in the air in celebration. "Woo! Well I guess that settles that debate."
"What debate?" Seth asks confused.
"Which of the two of us are stronger." He flexes his arms and leans over to kiss one.
"Yeah well I bet i'm faster!" Seth challenges standing up. Quil tisks "Bet." The two stand there eyes narrowed on each other before they both take off towards Leah.
"I think I should get home. I'm like, drooling on your arm." Bella looks up at Jacob.
"Uhm. Ok sure it is pretty late. Charlie might kill me if the sun is there before you are." Jacob hauls himself to his feet taking Bella with him. He turns to me in silent question before I stand up and we walk to Jacob's car together.
"It was nice hanging with you guys." Bella said as she gazed out the window in the backseat.
"I hope we do it again soon. I think I needed this." I spoke from the passenger side. "It's been so long since we got to hang out and be actual teens. Especially with everything going on."
"Sometimes it sucks being paranormal." Jacob sighs.
"Better then to be human right now." Bella mumbled sounding slightly guilty. "I mean you guys are risking your lives for Me. That's not fair."
"It's our choice to protect you." Jacob said firmly but softly.
"I know I just wish there was some way to keep everyone safe." She said hopelessly.
I turn around so that I could look directly at her. "Just worry about staying safe for now ok. Maybe a day will come when you will keep us safe as well."
She gazes back her brown doe eyes full of concern and doubt. I offer a smile "We will be fine Bella."
I turn back around and the car stays silent until Jacob turns on the radio. We all stay wrapped up in our own thoughts until we arrive at the swan residence where Edward waits on the front steps looking slightly displeased. "Gramps looks a little grumpy." Jacob jokes annoyed.
I could tell Edward heard him by the way his lip twitches as he approaches. "Be nice Jake." Bella says getting out the car.
They embrace Before Jacob and I say goodnight to Bella and pull off. Before we do I see that Esme and Jasper are on patrol around her house tonight and I wave at them. Esme waves back with a smile and Jasper tilts his head to acknowledge he saw me.
"I'm beat." I yawn
"Me to. You staying the night again?" I nod to Jacob's question. I wasn't quite ready to go home to the Cullen's house yet. Before we even make it back to La Push I fall asleep in the passenger side the last thing I hear being the smooth gentle beat of some R&B station.
