"Carlisle, I don't need your or anyone's protection. I can take care of myself just fine."

"I don't doubt that you can, Jacob. I just want you to know that you don't always have to feel the need to take on the world by yourself or with just the backing of Seth and Leah. Of course my protection does come with a little extra proviso."

Jake's eyes narrowed slightly as he cautiously considered Carlisle's stance. "Not that it really matters, but what sort of proviso are you talking about?"

"I will protect you from all dangers up to and including hazards that are self inflicted. Should it come to my knowledge that you are up to something that is going to put you in harm's way needlessly, just like with my children, I will stop you and impress upon you the foolishness of your actions. Granted, that may mean turning you over to your father, but if need be ..."

Carlisle allowed his words to drift off, but his meaning very clearly registered with the youth.

"Oh hell no. This is a one time deal here. We aint doing this again, Carlisle."

"Oh yeah, like we haven't all thought that same thing at least once. Good luck with sticking to it, my wolfish bro cause luck is what you are going to need when you cross Pops again."

Carlisle's jaw clenched tightly before he let out a long suffering sigh.

"Emmett, I can see that my warning was not sufficient enough for you. You and I will be having a little tutoring session on the meaning of privacy later this evening."

"Oh MAN. That just slipped out. Come on, Pops. Can't you give me just one more chance?"

"I've given you many more chances than should be necessary to correct what appears to be becoming a habit, Son. I'm sorry, but that ship has sailed. You chose not to heed my warning so obviously I am going to need to make a stronger impact if I expect you to behave."

"I would rather you impact on someone else."

A quiet chuckle drifted down from upstairs.

The patriarch raised his voice slightly to make sure that there could be no excuses from any of his children as he announced, "Since all of you seem to want to be involved and are so overly concerned with Jacob's fate, I've decided that the next one that interrupts will take his punishment for him. If you want to be involved that badly, I will make this one time concession and allow for direct involvement. Do I have any takers?"

Jacob tilted his head and listened. He had never known such absolute silence in all of his life.

"Good. Then let's keep it that way or I will make good on my offer."

Returning to his desk, Carlisle leaned against the front edge with his arms loosely folded as he focused on the wolf boy and blocked out all other distractions.

"I do hope that this is a one time deal, Jacob, but I thought it was only fair to let you know where I stand with regards to you. I will never let harm come to you if there is any way at all that I can prevent it."

"I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate the fact that you care and all, but we'll just have to see."

"Fair enough and for now we should only concern ourselves with the present. You asked me how bad I considered your behavior to be. I would say significantly so, but why was that a question?"

Jacob dropped his gaze to his lap, finding the various pockets of the cargo pants much more fascinating at the moment than the elder vampire's eyes. Flicking away a piece of lint he mumbled softly, "Jasper said that sometimes you ...if what a person did was bad enough...sometimes... well sometimes you would take a belt..."

"Do you think that you deserve that harsh of a punishment?" Carlisle inquired softly as he leaned forward and ducked his head slightly to glimpse the boy's face.

"I don't know. Is that what Jasper... well?"

"That would be between Jasper and myself, but whether I strapped him or not makes no difference. First, you are different individuals which is something I always take into account. Second, while your offenses are the same, the situation is not . Jasper knew the rules; you did not." The elder reached out and gently tipped Jacob's head back up. "No, Jake. I will not take a belt or anything else to you, though I will admit that I did consider one of Esme's wooden spoons to be an appropriate implement when looking at the damage that you've done to all of her hard work."

"I'll clean it up. Make things right."

"Your cohort will be helping with that." Drawing a breath to steady himself, the patriarch continued. "Alright, Jake let's get this over with. You will be punished for the fight and subsequent destruction. Your other offenses..."

"How many?"

"Pardon?"

The boy swallowed hard as he struggled to hold Carlisle's obsidian gaze. "How many licks are we talking about?"

"There is no set number. I find that the lesson sinks in better if you ponder on the reason that landed you over my knee as opposed to maintaining your focus on a specific number that you must react like it was some sort of finish line."

"Hold on. Wait just a damn minute here. Over your knee? Oh hell no, Carlisle. You're not putting me across your lap like some little kid. I don't fucking think so."

"This is not open for discussion, young man. I have my reasons..."

"I don't give a damn about your reasons. That's not happening."

In an instant, Jacob found himself yanked from his chair and pinned down across the slick surface of the desk. A hellacious burning sting engulfed his hindquarters before his brain could catch up to just what was happening.

Jacob's rapid heartbeat and shallow respiration allowed Carlisle to quickly monitor the boy's condition as he leaned his weight against the shifter's back to speak softly in his ear.

"That was your final warning to mind that tongue, mo buachaill. Now, I am going to let you up and am willing to explain my reason for putting you across my knee, but know this; you are not in charge here, Jacob. While I am being lenient with you, I will not allow you to dictate to me how your punishment will play out. Am I understood?"

"Whatever."

Another brisk swat caused the boy to inhale sharply through his clenched teeth before he felt the pressure disappear completely from his back.

Straightening up, Jake rubbed at the burning sensation in his haunches as he turned to face the coven leader. Maybe pushover really isn't quite the right distinction. Fuck but that smarts and he's a lot faster on the draw than I imagined. THAT will take some getting used to. Benevolent vampire, my ass.

"When you find yourself in this sort of predicament with me it is prudent to mind your attitude," Carlisle warned in a stern tone while quickly examining the boy's state. Jacob nodded and sulked as he leaned against the desk leading the elder to deduce that what was hurt most were the youth's feelings.

Heaving a sigh, the leader softened his stance and ran a hand through his hair to calm himself.

"Jacob, in the majority of cases where I am forced to physically correct my children I do so with them across my lap. It is more...personal and I understand if that makes you uncomfortable, but it allows me to more easily offer any support needed. I need to maintain that connection and with you I am facing a completely new challenge making that even more important.

I know the amount of force required to make an impression on my children. From working with my patients, I have an understanding of the control needed should I find myself in the position to discipline a human. Your unique physicality necessitates a trial and error approach with error not actually being an option.

Now, my first thought on how I was going to handle this was by my normal method; slacks down and over my knee you go. However, before I went down stairs to claim you I was reminded that your clothing had been destroyed twice today and there was concern about an omission in your attire. Frankly Jacob, spanking your bare backside would solve a lot of problems for me since I can more easily observe the physical effect and be assured that I'm not causing any damage to you, but I don't want you to be more uncomfortable than necessary.

With that in mind, I've decided to allow you to keep your pants on, but that will require more caution on my part. The greater the contact, the easier it will be for me to monitor you. That is what makes this particular position absolutely mandatory at this time.

It's not about treating you like a child, Jacob. It's about keeping my promise to your father by making sure that you remain safe."

Jacob kept his head down as he thrust his hands into his pockets with a near silent grumbling.

Carlisle closed his eyes as he massaged the bridge of his nose while offering, "Or you can drop the slacks and bend over the desk right now. That would be your only other option, so make your choice, son."

The patriarch let his hand drop back across his chest as he watched the youth expectantly.

Jacob shifted his weight from foot to foot as he carefully considered those two options, neither of which were very appealing. He didn't have any real issue with exposing his body and he reasoned that Carlisle had most certainly seen his share of naked butts over the course of his lifetime. There wasn't much to be embarrassed about there, and yet he just didn't care for the idea of giving up the meager protection that the thin cotton pants offered. The boy had never been put in the position where he had to decide between his pride or comfort and either way he picked, he was certain that he was still going to lose.

"Jake, I wish that I could give you all night, but I can't. You need to come to a decision."

The sting in his rear had dulled to a mild throb which helped to tip his preference.

Avoiding the doctor's eyes, in a whispered voice the shifter announced, "I'll keep the cargoes."

"Very well and for what it's worth, I think that is a wise choice even if it makes my job more difficult."

When Jake continued to keep his eyes downcast, Carlisle whistled sharply to gain his attention. With a crooked finger, the elder directed the boy to follow him as he walked over to the couch and sat down.

This sucks. Could this suck any harder? Jacob huffed, but obediently shuffled over then stopped to stand a few feet in front of Carlisle.

"Jacob, it will all be over before you know it." The vampire patted his right thigh as the wolf boy stared blankly at him.

"Carlisle, I don't know that I can do this." Jake was suddenly overwhelmed with nervous energy. Shaking his head, the boy took several steps back as he held both hands out, palms towards Carlisle as if to fend him off.

"It's alright, Jake. Fear is a completely natural reaction. Come here and just have a seat with me. Give yourself a few minutes to calm back down."

The youth bowed up slightly. "I'm not scared, Carlisle. I'm just not ready."

The doctor nodded, acknowledging that he understood better than the boy realized as he gave an inward sigh.

"No wonder you and Jasper clashed. You're too much alike. Neither of you can stand to drop your guard for fear of being seen as vulnerable."

"I'm an Alpha. I don't have a vulnerable side. I can stand alone and take care of myself. I don't need you and I don't need your family getting in my way. l'm a man of responsibility, Carlisle. I'm responsible for Seth and Leah. I'm the leader. I call the shots, not you. I don't have to stay here and listen to you. The only reason that I'm here is to protect Bella. I'm not here to be treated like some sort of pet that just pissed on the good rug.

You talk about respecting each other; then how about showing me some respect? This is just stupid and I'm not going to be part of this sick game any longer. You can pull that power play shit with your minions, but you can so leave me out of it."

Carlisle's expression was completely unreadable as he surveyed Jacob with cool detachment. Silence stretched between the man and his young charge creating an oppressive atmosphere in the room until the tension grew too great for the boy to stand it any longer.

"Say something, damn it."

"What do you want me to say, Jacob?" Carlisle's voice was calm, carrying very little inflection. "Either you will submit and accept the consequences that your actions have earned you, or you won't. That decision remains with you."

"But you said..."

"The details of your punishment are mine to set, but I will not force you to accept them if you are this uncomfortable. We can leave now and return you to your father if you would like. I'll just need to grab my keys."

"I already told you that Sam..."

"And I have told you that it is a risk that I am willing to take, but once you are back home you are to remain there until this incident between us and the Pack is settled. I won't have you coming back when that forces you to cross through Sam's lines." Carlisle let the words sink in before he continued softly. "You will stay with Billy, as will Seth and Leah. Your father and I have already discussed the possibility of this occurrence and the limitations on your movements will be upheld on both sides. As already stated, you have become a part of this family and we protect our family by any means necessary. I will not have you endangered by stupidity and the simplest solution to prevent that is to deny you access to the property until it once again is safe."

"You can't do that."

"I most certainly can." The patriarch's eyes shown a weary sadness, but even in their darkened state they were bright with determination. "And I will. This is my property, Jacob and I will have you escorted from it. I'm sure that one of Charlie's deputies can lend a hand should that be required."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me."

A soft knock came on the study door interrupting the dispute.

Carlisle continued to hold Jacob's hard glare as he answered, "I'm engaged at the moment."

"I know that you are, dear, but I believe that I might be able to help."

Esme slowly opened the door and eased her way inside the study with a bit of a shudder at the stifling tension.

Sidling up to her mate, she kissed Carlisle's cheek. "Go take a walk. You both could use a break right now."

"I'm fine, Love. There's nothing to worry about. We're just hashing out the details of where to go from here."

"Yeah," Jake agreed while stubbornly glaring into the black abyss of Carlisle's eyes. "And I aint going anywhere as long as Bella stays."

A delicate hand caressed the elder's cheek before Esme cupped it lightly to turn him to face her, effectively breaking the eye contact between her mate and the youth. "Let me handle talking to Jake while you get some fresh air. A new perspective can sometimes help with a stalemate."

Carlisle blinked rapidly a few times before his brow furrowed as if he had just become fully aware of his wife's presence then he shook his head.

"We're okay."

"No, you're not. Now go and let me take over for a little while." When he continued to hesitate, she caught his face between her hands and forced him to focus entirely on her. "Some things require a mother's touch."

Carlisle exhaled in a soft sigh as he closed his eyes. "I don't want you putting yourself at risk."

"It's Jake. He is no more dangerous than our own children and I survive just fine with them. Now go on. Go spend a few quiet minutes out on the balcony and enjoy the night air. You've been cooped up inside far too long. You need to give yourself a chance to clear your head and Jacob needs a few minutes to calm down. I can't handle another room getting destroyed by a giant wolf."

Esme glanced over Carlisle's shoulder to briefly meet Jacob's eyes before he looked away, clearly embarrassed.

With a slight nod, the elder conceded to his mate's request as he lightly brushed his lips against her forehead. "Maybe just a few minutes, but at the first sign of trouble, call. I won't be gone long."

"Take your time. He won't give me any trouble. Besides that, Em and Jazz are just across the hall and Edward can be here in less than a second. I'm perfectly safe."

Bowing his head, Carlisle allowed himself to be led to the door and ushered out into the hall to make his own way to their bedroom reluctantly leaving his mate in possible peril.

With Carlisle out of the room Esme could breathe a little easier as she turned to address the wolf boy.

"Sit down, Jacob."

"I rather just stand."

"Sit down, Jacob," Esme repeated in the same stern no nonsense tone as she stood waiting for him to comply.

Within seconds the stiff necked tall muscular boy visibly wilted before the matriarch. Slowly he shuffled over to the couch and sunk down on the soft surface with a groan.

Quietly Esme padded over to sit down next to him. Crossing her legs and placing her folded hands in her lap, she settled in as she waited for him to make the first move. Sadly, her closer proximity appeared to make the boy shrink further down on the cushion in an attempt to make himself smaller and less of a threat. Finding that they weren't going to get anywhere like this, Esme placed a hand on his knee and succeed in getting him to look at her.

"What's wrong, Jacob? What is it that is really troubling you?"

"I don't know, Esme. I thought that I could suck it up and go through with it. It didn't seem like that big of a deal, but now I don't think that I can and I don't want to leave either. Bella needs me."

Gently, the matriarch stroked her fingers through the youth's short dark hair. "We all need you. You've been a tremendous help to us, Jacob and we would hate for you to have to leave, but Carlisle has made his decision."

"He can change it."

Letting her arm encircle his shoulder, Esme pulled him closer with a whispered, "Baby, come here."

The shifter resisted for a few seconds before allowing himself to be enveloped in the woman's embrace as she slowly rocked him soothingly.

"When Carlisle's mind is set, there is very little chance of him changing it. You might as well wait for Rainier to waltz over to Hawaii."

"Continental drift. Could always happen."

Esme smiled while placing her cheek against the top of his head. "And figuring in the length of time it would take for that to happen, it would take Carlisle even longer to rescind his decision."

"Can't you talk to him? He'll listen to you."

The woman exhaled with a puff that fluffed the boy's hair. "If I thought that Carlisle was being overly harsh with you or if I felt that you hadn't earned a bit of discipline, I would. I don't want to see you suffer any more than I would see my children suffer, but there has to be consequences for our actions, Darling. If we could do whatever we wanted without repercussion the world would be in more of a state of chaos than it already is."

"But Carlisle's consequences are barbaric and antiquated."

"Carlisle is a little old fashioned, but his methods work. Believe me, I wish they didn't and that there was a better way. I prefer a less hands on approach when it comes to addressing my mischief makers, but I can't deny that Carlisle gets quicker results."

"That's because they are scared to cross him."

"Are you scared, Jacob?"

With his head buried against her chest, the youth began to shake it before his shoulders heaved as he drew a breath to whisper, "Yes."

"There's nothing to be scared of, my sweet boy. Carlisle isn't a brute. I can't say that you won't be sore for a little while, but it's nothing that will last. He's a healer by nature. The last thing that he wants to do is hurt you."

When Jacob didn't appear convinced, Esme ease him back from her so she could look into his face.

"Let me share something about myself with you that might help. A long time ago, I was married to a man who was the exact opposite of Carlisle. He viewed me as his property to do with as he wished. There would be nearly nightly beatings as well as ..." Esme stopped for a moment and closed her eyes tightly as she swallowed back the bitter venom that rose up in her throat.

Jake reached out and took her hand causing her to open her eyes to find his deep brown ones filled with pain and rage. Patting the back of his hand, she smiled weakly.

"It's okay, Jacob. It was a long time ago and Charles is very long gone. I ran away from him...twice. The second time was shortly after I found out that I was carrying his child. I refused to allow my baby to be raised in those conditions and I finally escaped him for good.

It wasn't long after that when Carlisle found me on death's door and brought me back to life. He was everything that Charles wasn't. He is good and kind and loving. He cares about me, my happiness and our children more than anything else in this world. If there was any reason at all to fear him, baby, you can rest assured that I would not be here. I will never allow myself to repeat the mistake I made by trying to remain with Charles as long as I did and I surely would not expose a child to that sort of tortuous life."

Jacob sat there speechless, absolutely transfixed by Esme's tragic tale. As he slowly came back to his senses, he moved a strand of hair out of the woman's face while staring at the gleaming tears that she tried so hard to blink away.

"I... I didn't know."

"It's not something that I tend to talk about. I would rather forget it, but that's mostly impossible."

"I can understand why."

"I shared this with you because I don't want you to have any fear. Nervousness is okay. God knows that we are all prone to that, but fear and Carlisle just don't go together."

Jake blinked at her. "Wait a minute. We?"

"Uh-huh." Her smiled brightened a little at the shock on the youth's face. "Carlisle is my mate, but he also was the one who brought me into this life. I'm afraid I haven't always made things easy for him."

"But..."

"I was a newborn once, you know? A newborn with some pretty bad habits that had to be controlled. Stole a sailboat once...and a baby. That was the straw that broke the camel's back." Esme became momentarily lost in thought, the smile never fading from her face. When she looked back at the slack jawed boy she couldn't help but giggle. "Forever is a long time to behave like a proper lady, Jacob. We all have moments where the rules become more of an interesting challenge. None of us are immune from testing them to make sure that they have remained firm and fully enforced." Giving him a wink, she ruffled up his hair then pulled him into a hug.

"So I'm not getting out of this, am I?"

Releasing the dark haired youth, Esme sat back with a more serious expression.

"I'm afraid not. At least not unless you are planning on going home."

He shook his head. "I won't leave."

"Then I would say that your mind has been made up and you know what is expected of you. Now my big bad wolf just needs to stand strong and accept the consequences of his folly." Gently cradling his face between her hands, Esme looked deep into his eyes. "Jacob Black, you can handle this and Carlisle will help you through it."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Smiling, Esme pulled his head down and kissed his forehead before letting him go.

"I'm going to get Carlisle and let him know that he can come back in."

Jake swallowed hard then nodded. "Should I be standing in a corner or something like that?"

"No." Esme shook her head while trying to encourage the boy with a soft smile. "You are right where you need to be." She slipped off the leather cushion and took a few steps towards the door before glancing back over her shoulder. "Just trust Carlisle. If you have questions or concerns, don't be afraid to ask. He'll get you through this and we'll help you feel better after. You are never alone, Jake. Every good leader has a strong support system to lean on when they need a little extra boost. Don't be afraid to rely on the strength of those who love you. It's not a sign of weakness. That's what we're here for."

With that she was gone in a blink leaving the boy to ponder her words.

Jacob groaned loudly as he leaned back and covered his face with his hands.

I can do this. I have to do this. I won't leave Bella and I have already disappointed far too many people, myself included, by acting like a complete ass. Oh yeah. Jasper tells you not to fight with Carlisle and what do you just have to go and do anyway? I hope that you're proud of yourself.

His thoughts shifted from one topic to the next but the central point remained the same. When he focused on Esme's inner secret he found that his breath hitched in his chest. Swallowing hard, he forced the air out of his lungs and let his mind go blank as it tuned into the sound of his slow breathing.

Victim of domestic abuse who has even found herself sitting in a room probably very similar to this one and she didn't freak out. Damn, but you suck. You're scared of what Carlisle will do to you while his wife has the balls to stand up and take what sends you running for the hills. Sure it will hurt, but it's not like he's going to break anything on you. Fuck, you dislocated your shoulder and broke a leg while goofing around with Paul and didn't think anything about it. Just snap it back in place and get right back to it. What will this be but a few smacks on the ass? Alright, maybe a few hundred. Who knows. Still it can't be that bad.

He groaned again as he reached further back in his memories.

Why can't I remember how bad an ass whipping hurts? I know it hurt, but for the life of me I can't remember how bad. I know it seemed like I was going to die at the time, but I was always back to screwing with something right after so it couldn't be all that terrible.

"It was so long ago that I just can't remember."

"How long?"

Jacob's hands shot off his face and he sat bolt upright to find Carlisle standing a few feet away.

"W-What?"

"What was long ago and how long ago are you talking? Some how I'm willing to believe that we judge time a little bit differently. May I?" The blonde motioned towards the seat next to Jacob.

Nodding, the boy scooted over a bit to make more room then waited for Carlisle to get comfortable before he spoke.

"I was... well... I was thinking about the last time my dad..." A slight blush darkened Jake's bronze cheeks.

"Ah. I understand. There's no need to explain any further if it makes you uncomfortable."

Jacob blew out his breath in a huff. "I don't think anything about this night is going to make me comfortable anyway so it's no big deal." Looking down at his hands the youth gathered his waning courage before leveling his gaze on the patriarch's eyes. "It was right before my mom's accident; maybe a month. Embry and I had a little bit of a fire fetish. We lit a bonfire behind the garage and were daring each other to stick our hands in the fire and see who could hold out the longest." He rolled his eyes at the memory. "It was pretty stupid but we thought that we were really bad ass at the time." Suddenly he stopped his story telling and his eyes grew large as he watched Carlisle.

The elder shook his head and waved the boy on. "It is going to take time. The fact that you caught yourself is enough of an improvement for now. Go on."

"Well that really is all that there was to it. We singed the hair off of our arms and while playing with the lighter I melted Embry's hair a bit. I was surprised that he didn't catch, but then more surprised for some reason when there was a puff of smoke coming off his head. That was the moment that my dad felt the need to take a walk out to the garage to go get some parts for his truck. He was pissed."

"I can imagine."

"He hauled both of us into the garage and lit into us with that old ping pong paddle. I know that it hurt, but I really can't remember it. I can remember how Embry's hair curled up when touched by the flame and I can remember the smell of singed hair, but I can't remember how bad my as-butt hurt." His brow furrowed as his eyes seemed to go out of focus with his memory before his pupils contracted as he watched Carlisle. "Why do you think that is?"

"The mind selectively blocks memories that it either doesn't consider important or those that are too traumatic for it to relive."

"Do you think I was traumatized?"

"From what I know of your father and of how very much he loves you, I highly doubt that." The doctor smiled lightly.

Jacob shifted a bit then asked in a low voice, "Do you think I'll remember this?"

"For a little while. Hopefully not too long. With any luck I can find the same key that your father did so that you will recall the lesson, but not the pain." Carlisle thought for a second before adding, "At least I hope that you haven't continued to light your friends on fire. That could prove to be a very hazardous pastime around here." The patriarch smiled as he gave the boy a wink.

Jacob laughed and shook his head. "No, I never played with fire after that and Embry has a full head of hair to prove it."

The shifter chuckled a bit more before releasing some of his pent up tension in the form of a sigh.

"I'm sorry for causing a scene like that, Carlisle. That ... I never meant for that to happen. I don't know why I freaked out like that."

"I fear it was my fault. I was so focused on resolving this, that I pushed you a bit too hard and too fast. For that, I apologize."

Jake extended a hand which Carlisle gladly took and shook firmly before releasing his grip.

"Mistakes happen," the wolf boy smiled before he sighed again as he turned expectant eyes on the Coven leader. "So..."

"Are you ready?"

"No," Jake answered with a snort. "But I don't think that I would ever be ready."

"I suppose not." Carlisle closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. When he opened them again, there was a stern determination to his gaze. "Jacob, what occurred in here a little while ago is expunged entirely. As far as I'm concerned it never occurred. With that knowledge, please remind me of why we are here."

"I started a fight with Jasper which caused some serious destruction to your home. I promise that I will fix what I can and pay for what I can't."

"You and Jasper are responsible so both of you will share in the clean up and repairs."

Jake mumbled his agreement before he swallowed hard to dislodge the lump in his throat.

"You now know that within this family fighting with one another is not allow. There will never be a reasonable excuse for violently physically engaging another family member."

"About that. I have a question, Carlisle."

"I'm happy to answer it."

The boy squinted one eye as he thought before finally asking, "Technically, wouldn't tearing my butt up be considered a violent physical engagement? And if so, since there is no reasonable excuse for that isn't this form of punishment really not allowed?"

Carlisle cocked an eyebrow as a slight smirk formed on his lips.

"Very clever, my boy. Very clever, indeed. I guess I shall have to make a slight adjustment in the wording of that rule. You are never allowed to physically engage in anger."

Jake carefully studied the expression on the leader's face before sighing in defeat. "I'll have to think about that to find another loophole."

"You certainly get credit for trying." With a soft chuckle, the patriarch patted the youth's shoulder before clearing his throat and taking on a more serious expression.

"Jake, in lieu of the fact that you weren't aware of the rules before hand, the amends that you have already made with Jasper is sufficient in proving to me that this lesson has been learned. BUT, because of the leniency being shown right now, should there ever be a repeat of this transgression you will be punished swiftly and fairly severely. Mark that well and don't let me catch you fighting with my children again unless it's in jest. Clear?"

"Yes, Sir," the boy responded respectfully.

"Regretfully, we still have the destruction of property and overall disobedience to contend with. You may disagree, but I feel that these two points fall under the realm of common sense. You shouldn't have to be told not to destroy the property of others. The disobedience is a matter of common courtesy. I know that you are under no obligation to obey me outside these walls, but within them when a request is made of you it is generally expected that request will be followed.

As with Jasper, had you stopped and walked away when asked to do so, we wouldn't be in this situation at all."

Carlisle gave time for his words to register with the youth and it wasn't until the boy nodded in understanding of his crimes that the patriarch continued.

"Jacob, it is for those two final transgressions that I feel you've earned your place across my knee. You already know that I have discussed this with your father and though he was understandably reluctant, he did agree with my decision to correct your behavior.

Is there anything that you want to offer in your defense?"

After a couple of seconds, Jake shook his head as a soft, "No, Sir" passed his lips.

"Very well. You already know that you and Jasper will need to put the living room back in order, but with that one acceptation, once your spanking is over this matter is closed. There should be no need for anyone to mention it again. All will be forgiven and we can go back to what passes as normal for our anything but normal lives."

He gave the boy a gentle smile as his last statement drew a brief snort of amusement from Jacob before inquiring, "Ready?"

"As ready as I'm ever going to be, I guess."

This time when the vampire leader patted his thigh, Jacob leaned over and shimmied across it with a resigned sigh.

Carlisle shifted him forward and felt the shifter stiffen.

"Try to relax, Jake."

"Easy for you to say."

"Son, I have you. I'm not going to let you fall. You're going to be just fine."

Rubbing Jacob's shoulder's firmly, Carlisle relieved some of the tension in the youth while also acclimating his hand to the boy's warmer body temperature.

Jake crossed his arms on the cushion and buried his face in them as he tried to follow the doctor's order to relax.

"My God, Carlisle. I feel like a three year old."

"That's what happens when you act like a three year old having a temper tantrum."

"Hmm. Yeah. Guess you do have a point."

Tightening the arm that he had wrapped around Jacob's waist, Carlisle pulled the boy more firmly against him while resting his free hand on the seat of the shifter's slacks.

"Last words?"

"Sorry?"

"Accepted."

The slightly cupped hard hand connected briskly with Jake's upturned bottom with enough force to cause the boy to yelp before biting his lip to silence his protests. Another stroke and his hands clenched into fist. The third and subsequent swats fell a bit lighter with Carlisle settling into a slow steady rhythm which threatened to hypnotize Jacob.

When he felt the boy involuntarily relaxing, Carlisle breathed a sigh of relief. Jacob's initial reaction had been a cause for some worry. The cessation of breath, the violent spike in his heart rate and the faint scent of blood that the doctor could only imagine coming from some self inflicted injury were indicators to him that once again he had handled Jake too quickly and possibly too hard. While the lighter strokes weren't nearly as effective at the onset, his wolfen miscreant bore them with no indication of undue stress which served to ease the vampire's fears.

Sometimes you have to go with quantity over quality.

A rather out of place smile briefly curled the patriarch's lips as he shook his head at his own musings before slipping back into the serious state of mind that the situation deserved.

Quickening his pace, Carlisle peppered every inch of Jacob's backside with light blows until the boy began to squirm in an attempt to find some relief from his relentless hand. It was only then that Carlisle's attack slowed back to his original pace while adding a bit more force behind the strokes.

"Be still, Jacob."

"I'm trying, but...damn, Carlisle. My ass... feels like it's on... fire."

A sharp solid swat caught the more sensitive weight bearing area of the youth's right cheek drawing his breath out in a hiss through clenched teeth.

"Now is the time that minding your tongue would be most prudent."

Jake grunted at the next stroke before nodding his head. "I get that."

The boy's ability to talk eased Carlisle's mind further and gave him the confidence that he needed to strengthen his strokes along with his resolve. Even though he continued to carefully monitor the boy's vital signs, he more fully focused on his task and soon Jacob was keenly feeling the patriarch's displeasure at having been put into this situation.

"Jacob Black, this sort of behavior will never be tolerated from you. You have disappointed me, but more importantly you have disappointed your father. He and I both know that you are far better than the behavior that you have displayed here this evening. You may as well come to realize right here and now that you will be held to the higher standards we know you to be capable of achieving.

Taking on the mantle of Alpha is a huge responsibility. I know that you are already aware of this because of our earlier talk, but what you seem to have missed is the fact that your pack will look to you to set the example in all things."

Carlisle's hand came to a standstill to rest on the back of the boy's thigh giving the lad a chance to fully focus on his words.

"With great power does indeed come great responsibility. You must keep in mind that when you are out and about, you are the representative of your clan as well as your pack. You should always strive for others to see you in the best possible light, Jacob. I am sorry that you have had this burden placed on your shoulders at such a young age and I am completely aware that is entirely my doing, but there is nothing that can be done to change that now.

You can not allow the rage of the wolf to dictate your actions any more than we can allow our thirst to dictate ours. Use the power that it gives you, but never become its slave. If you have trouble controlling it, seek the counsel of your father. Billy is a very wise man. He loves you greatly and will help in any way that he can."

Carlisle moved his hand back to rest against the youth's behind as he judged the greater heat radiating from the battered area.

Gently rubbing some of the sting out of the shifter's haunches he continued softly. "Should you require additional support, you are always welcome in my home. I can act as a neutral party and will offer any guidance that you seek which is in the realm of my knowledge.

You are a leader, Jacob. I will expect you to act like one."

Tipping the boy a bit further forward, Carlisle quickly reignited the fire across Jacob's rump before concentrating his efforts where the reminder of the lesson would linger for a bit longer.

"That means that there will be no fighting with my children, no damaging the property of others, and you will show respect to those around you from now on or you may very well find yourself answering to me again. Do I make myself clear?"

A particular sharp blow to Jake's sit spot earned a yelp from the boy and his hand shot back to try to protect his tender burning bottom.

"Jacob, move your hand."

The wolf-boy shook his head as his breath hitched in shallow gasps. "I can't... can't take..."

Carlisle leaned down close to his ear as he grasped the rogue arm firmly by the wrist and pinned it at the small of Jake's back. "Yes you can. It's nearly over and you've done exceptionally well."

His breathing ragged, Jacob tucked his free hand under his chest before laying his head back down with eyes tightly closed. With his teeth clenched as he fought waves of physical and emotional pain, he responded as clearly as he could.

"Crystal clear, Sir."

"That's a good man. That's exactly what I want to hear."

Jacob felt a surge of pride at the elder's comment. Not only was it complimentary, but Carlisle had referred to him as a man. His heart swelled even as several more hard smacks lit up his tail further before Carlisle appeared satisfied that his point had been made.

Releasing his hold on the boy's wrist, Carlisle rubbed Jacob's back before gently patting his shoulder.

"It's over, Son. After a rough start, you've done very well, Jacob. I'm proud of you, but let's not have to do this again."

The Quileute's breath continued to hitch as he battled a mixture of emotions and blinked away the tears he refused to allow Carlisle to see. Finally after a few minutes that seemed more like hours to the youth, Jacob slipped off the patriarch's lap allowing the doctor to help steady him until he had regained his strength and balance.

"Are you okay, Jacob?" The concern in Carlisle's eyes caught the boy slightly off guard.

"Okay is kinda a relative term, don't you think?"

A soft smile graced Carlisle's face, but worry quickly clouded his expression as Jacob shivered and nearly collapsed before the elder could catch him.

"ESME!"

Gently, the doctor laid his charge on the loveseat before crouching down next to him to quickly check the youth over.

"I'm alright, Carlisle. Really. I'm just tired all of a sudden and my behind is hurting like a... let's just say I'm sore and leave it at that."

Jacob looked up to find Esme standing behind her husband looking over his shoulder at him apprehensively.

"Esme, please run and get Jake a bottle of water."

"What happened? Carlisle, what did you do to him?"

Her accusatory tone caused the boy to chuckle. "He kicked my butt good."

"He's mildly dehydrated, but he should be just fine. All of the evening's stress has taxed his system. Now what he needs most is some fluids and rest." With skill gained over several lifetimes, Carlisle swiftly completed his abbreviated exam. "When was the last time you had something to eat?"

"I had a bite of that hotdog before I bounced it off the back of Blondie's head."

"Honey, please; a bottle of water, not too cold, and something light for him to snack on."

Esme seemed to simply vanish only to reappear with a bottle of water and a bag of chips.

Gratefully accepting her offering, Jacob shifted his weight onto his hip as he sat up enough to drain the bottled water in several gulps. He hadn't realized how parched his throat had become until the cool water raced down offering soothing relief. With his thirst slacked, the boy settled back down on the loveseat.

Once again the matriarch disappeared before his eyes to return this time carrying a pillow and blanket.

"Esme, I really am okay. You don't need to bother yourself with me."

"You are okay when I say you're okay, young man." She carefully raised his head then gently returned it to the downy support of the pillow before wrapping the blanket around him. "A mother knows what her child needs better than he does."

"Esme..."

Carlisle looked up from taking Jake's pulse and shook his head. "Don't. Just accept it."

Jacob held the doctor's eyes for a moment before looking back up at the fretting woman with an appreciative smiled. "Thank you."

Returning his smile with one of her own, the matriarch kissed the boy's forehead then sat down on the edge of the couch with him as she stroked his hair.

Under the administrations of her comforting touch, Jake found himself relaxing further until he was having a difficult time keeping his eyes open.

"Close your eyes and go to sleep, baby. You're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you like this ever again."

Even in his sleep hazed state, Jake couldn't help but notice the look that Esme gave her mate.

"Don't fight, Mama Bear. He didn't hurt me." A twinge of pain from his searing hot rump caused him to roll his eyes. "Well, maybe just a little, but it's not that bad. All Carlisle did was give me something to think about the next time I'm tempted to really fuc...screw up. There is no way that I'm going to let myself get back into this position so you gotta know that he got his point across. You were right about his method working and that whole quick result thing."

Jacob extracted an arm from beneath the blanket and reached out to brush his fingers lightly against Esme's cheek.

"I'm so sorry for everything that I put you through tonight. I'll find a way to make it up to you."

"Jacob Black, you have already paid the price for your mistakes," Esme quickly glared at her husband. "And then some." Looking back at Jake her expression softened once more. "You have absolutely nothing to make up for."

"Except for your wolf modified den. I really need to get to cleaning that up."

The boy began to rise, but it was Carlisle's hand on his should that stopped him.

"Rest. The house can wait for a few hours. The only thing I want you to do right now is get some sleep. Those are doctor's orders, young man." Carlisle ruffled Jacob's hair before he stood and stepped away to allow Esme to mother her newest cub.

"Carlisle, maybe you should take him to the guest room. I'm sure that he will be more comfortable in bed."

"That's an excellent idea, Sweetheart."

"Actually, I kinda like it here," Jake stated as he rolled his pillow up and settled in better.

Carlisle leaned against the back of the guest chair that had most recently contained the youth and crossed his arms while cocking a brow with a smile tugging at his lips.

"Truly?"

"Well yeah. It's comfortable enough and all your stuff is pretty cool. ...Unless you don't want me in here."

"I don't mind at all." Carlisle reached over to his desk and dimmed the light. "Get some sleep. Esme and I will let you have your privacy."

Reluctantly, the matriarch followed her mate's lead. Getting up she kissed the boy's cheek and whispered, "If you need anything at all, just call. We won't be far away."

"I could use one thing."

"What's that, Jake," Carlisle asked with concern returning to his dark eyes.

"Could I borrow a cell phone? Mine is somewhere in the living room. Kinda lost it when I phased and I really need to call my dad."

Smiling lightly, the patriarch pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to the boy. "Not too long though."

"Nah. Just long enough for him to know that I made it. If I stay on too long he'll just end up bitching me out for having been so stupid. I just need him to know that I'm good...and so are you."

Carlisle bowed his head while still smiling and sighed at the reassurance and acceptance of his young Quileute. "Thank you, son."

"Don't mention it, Pops."

"HEY, that's mine!"

"EMMETT!"

AN: Not entirely sure what to do with it now. I had planned on one last chapter to give the siblings a little bonding time with Jacob, but Emmett did such a good job of capping this chapter off... Hmm. What do y'all think?

Thanks everyone for still putting up with me. Thanks to Splinter, my wonderful beta whom I would not be without. Once again, memories of Esme the boat thief are lovingly stolen from the incomparable edwardian1901 and her wondrous "Esme the Artful Dodger." I do love that Esme managed to pull this one together for me. Carlisle was floundering and giving me fits so I rang up his lady love and she set the wolf cub and her mate straight. Woo hoo! Go Esme!