Alright! So, the preferences were kind of mixed. Instead of doing one or the other, I'm going to take the advice of WereWolfs-R-Hot and am going to switch halfway through. That way, people who wanted to hear from Jake get Jake, and people who wanted to hear from Bella get Bella! Keep your eyes peeled for the change!!

Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight

Chapter Four

Jake's POV

I was not liking this one bit. This was the dumbest thing I had ever heard of. Really, I couldn't figure out what Sam was thinking when he suggested this.

I was standing beside Bella in front of the tribal Elders, waiting for Sam to finish his explanation. I had to admit, I was proud of her. Even though the old fools were giving her cautious looks, she held her ground. She just glared right back, daring them to say something about her new found abilities. It might have helped that she had the entire pack behind her.

I had to admit, it was a nice change from when they had first found out I'd told her. I really thought they were going to murder me. I should've known Bella would be able to come right in and wrap them all around her little finger. Hell, she obviously had no trouble wrapping me up. What would make my brothers any different?

I frowned a little to keep myself from smiling as I thought about her. She was strong and sharp as nails. She had taken everything in stride, not so much as batting an eyelash as I told her all about becoming a werewolf. And then, she had actually let me kiss her. That had truly been the best two moments of my life. Nothing I had experienced so far could ever hope to compare.

It had nearly killed me to be away from her for those two weeks when Sam had forbidden me from so much as talking to her. I had listened to every phone call to Billy and it had torn me apart to hear the disappointment in her voice. I knew I was breaking my promise, but there wasn't anything I could do. And then, when she showed up at the house, I was so terrified. My control was shaky at best at the time. I had just gotten into a huge fight with Paul about her and seeing her there had brought back all of Paul's comments. But when I was around her, the wolf was quiet. The urge to phase was curbed.

Nothing had scared me more than finding her in that field with Laurent. I had taken great pleasure in ripping that bloodsucker apart piece by piece. It still hadn't been enough to calm the anger I'd felt when I heard him talk about killing Bella, though. It wasn't until I was near Bella herself that I finally calmed down. I hadn't even meant to phase in her arms. I knew it would cause problems and Sam would get on my case about it, but I couldn't stop it. I was helpless against her.

I was brought back to the present by Sam coming towards Bella and me. My grip on her hand tightened. I wasn't going to let her go.

"Jacob, she needs to come forward," Sam hissed, taking her other hand.

I glared at him, communicating without words that she wasn't leaving my side.

Apparently, Bella couldn't read my face as easily as I could read hers. She let go of my hand and followed Sam up to stand before the Elders. I felt Quil and Embry fall into place beside me, supporting and restraining me at the same time.

"Isabella Marie Swan, recount the changes you have undergone the past few days," Old Quil ordered.

I saw Bella tense slightly and couldn't help the growl that came up from my chest. I saw my dad shoot me a warning look out of the corner of my eye, but my entire being was focused on Bella. If for one second I felt she was being threatened, I was going to take her and run.

"The first thing I noticed was I was sleepwalking. I had a dream about a battle between vampires in a field and I woke up in that same field. That's where the pack found me with the human-drinking vampire. Then, the next night, I was able to heal the scrapes on my feet from walking barefoot through the woods," Bella started.

I glared at her back. She hadn't told me about that. I was going to have a serious talk with her about keeping things from me.

"After dinner, I wasn't stumbling when Jake took me into the woods. He told me about how he shouldn't have been able to tell me about being a werewolf, so I guess that's the fourth thing. The most recent though was Sam. I asked him a question and he wasn't going to answer me, but he couldn't help it. He answered my question anyway," she finished.

"Is that all? Is there anything else, no matter how insignificant you may find it?" Dad asked.

"She can calm the wolf," Sam answered before Bella could.

All the Elders looked surprised, their eyes going wide. Without another word, they started whispering amongst themselves. If I had been paying attention, I could've heard what they were saying, but all my attention was focused on Bella. I didn't like the distance that separated us. I tried to relax my shoulders with no luck.

Even with the tough front Bella was putting up, I could tell she was scared. Hell, I was, too. The Elders had the power to tear us apart with one word. If they found her to be a threat, I wouldn't be allowed to see her. The fact that she can draw out our secrets would put the pack at risk. I wouldn't even be able to call her.

My attention was brought back to the meeting as Dad spoke up.

"Our apologies, young one. We have only now come to realize what we have before us.

"There are legends of a young woman who came to be with the tribe after the first pack phased. She was treated with great respect by our people. She tamed the wolves and brought peace to our people and our enemies. The cold ones and the pale faces both were no match for her abilities. She could heal the body and the soul. She could reach into a man's mind and pull out the truth. She put everyone around her at ease. Her special bond with the pack allowed her to calm the wolves. She felt the pain of the pack as strongly as any wolf. To the pack and our tribe, she was known as Omega.

"It would appear we have another Omega in our midst," Dad smiled.

I stared in disbelief as one-by-one, the Elders bowed their heads to Bella. She looked just as surprised as the rest of us. She turned to glance back at me. Before I knew it, I had broken rank and was standing beside her. Taking her hand in my twice as large one, I tried to tell her without words that everything would be okay, that I wasn't going to leave her to go through these changes alone.

"Omega, your pack is dismissed. You and your Alpha have much to learn," Harry Clearwater said.

I gritted my teeth, holding back the growl, but I couldn't stop the rumble in my chest. Bella patted my hand, giving me a reassuring smile.

"I'll be alright. Sam will take care of me," she whispered.

I frowned down at her, not wanting to leave.

"Go home, Jacob. I'll bring her by when we're done," Sam suggested.

It wasn't a command. I was free to refuse. But one look at my dad and I knew I had to leave. Sam wouldn't be able to keep this from me, though. I would find out what happened later.

"Come on, Jake," Embry said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I looked down at Bella one more time, hurting at the thought of leaving her. She smiled up at me, only her eye betraying her sadness and fear.

"Go. I'll see you soon," she insisted softly.

Then she did something completely unexpected. She stood up on her toes and placed a kiss on my cheek. I had to bend down for her to reach, but it was worth it. I stood up straight, my eyes close, and allowed Embry to steer me from the hall. There's no way I'd be able to leave otherwise.

Bella's POV

I was trying to control the loud thumping of my heartbeat as I stood beside Jake, listening as Sam recounted what had happened today. He was being as detailed as possible so the Elders would understand. The Elders were listening to him, but all three of them were watching me.

Sam and Jake had explained that the Elders were actually pack member's fathers. Billy was the head of them, or the chief, I guess. Then there was Old Quil and Harry Clearwater, both of whom were giving me cold looks. I got the feeling they didn't trust me. Billy was at least looking at me with some sympathy.

I think he noticed my toes tapping. Not in impatience. In nerves. It was the only body part that I could move without being obvious.

I was watching Jake out of the corner of my eye. He hadn't relaxed since we'd stepped into the building. He was worried the Elders were going to do something drastic. I could see the tenseness in his body, from his jaw to his shoulders to his balled up fist. I briefly wondered if he even noticed it was clenched. Probably not. His fists spent most of the time in that position. His other hand was holding onto mine tightly, like he was afraid I was about to be torn away from him. I completely understood the feeling.

I watched as Sam turned around and took a few steps towards me. Jake's hand tightened on mine and Sam noticed.

"Jacob, she needs to come forward," Sam hissed, taking my other hand.

Jake just glared at him. I knew he wouldn't let go of my hand willingly. So, I made it easier on everyone and slipped my hand out of his grasp, allowing Sam to lead me forward.

"Isabella Marie Swan, recount the changes you have undergone the past few days," Old Quil ordered.

I tensed a little at his tone. He was obviously unhappy. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

"The first thing I noticed was I was sleepwalking. I dreamed about a battle between vampires in a field and I woke up in that same field. That's where the pack found me with the human-drinking vampire. Then, the next night, I was able to heal the scrapes on my feet from walking barefoot through the woods," I started before wincing slightly.

I had forgotten to tell Jake about that. He was probably mad at me. In fact, I could feel his glare on my back. I ignored it and continued.

"After dinner, I wasn't stumbling when Jake took me into the woods. He told me about how he shouldn't have been able to tell me about being a werewolf, so I guess that's the fourth thing. The most recent thought was Sam. I asked him a question and he wasn't going to answer me, but he couldn't help it. He answered my question anyway," I finished.

"Is that all? Is there anything else, no matter how insignificant you may find it?" Billy asked.

"She can calm the wolf," Sam answered before I could say no.

All the Elders looked surprised, their eyes going wide. Without another word, they started whispering amongst themselves. I swallowed nervously as they kept glancing at me. Billy was frowning, but not like he was mad. It was almost like he was confused. The other two were still looking surprised and talking very fast. Finally, they all sat back in their seats and turned their attention back to me. It was Billy who spoke.

"Our apologies, young one. We have only now come to realize what we have before us.

"There are legends of a young woman who came to be with the tribe after the first pack phased. She was treated with great respect by our people. She tamed the wolves and brought peace to our people and our enemies. The cold ones and the pale faces both were no match for her abilities. She could heal the body and the soul. She could reach into a man's mind and pull out the truth. She put everyone around her at ease. Her special bond with the pack allowed her to locate any of it's members. She felt the pain of the pack as strongly as any wolf. To the pack and our tribe, she was known as Omega.

"It would appear we have another Omega in our midst," Billy smiled.

I heard everyone gasp and figured this came as a shock to them as well. I could hardly believe what Billy was telling me.

I was an Omega? What did that even mean?

I looked back at Jake, hoping he would help me straighten everything going on in my head out. He was watching me with wide eyes, like he couldn't believe what we'd just been told. The second our eyes met, he was walking the short distance that separated us and talking my hand in his. His eyes told me he wasn't going to leave me, that he was going to stick by me come hell or high water. All I wanted in that moment was to fling myself against his chest and start crying. A voice speaking forced me out of my sorrowful state.

"Omega, your pack is dismissed. You and your Alpha have much to learn," Harry Clearwater said.

Jake gritted his teeth and I felt stop the rumble from his chest. I patted his hand, giving him a reassuring smile. The rumbling stopped and he took a deep breath.

"I'll be alright. Sam will take care of me," I whispered.

He frowned down at me, obviously not wanting to leave.

"Go home, Jacob. I'll bring her by when we're done," Sam offered.

Jake looked up at him before glancing over at the Elders. He sighed and looked back down at me. I saw Embry come up behind him.

"Come on, Jake," Embry said, placing a hand on Jake's shoulder.

Jake looked down at me one more time, pain evident in his eyes. I didn't like seeing him hurt so I smiled up at him, hoping it hid my own sadness and fear.

"Go. I'll see you soon," I insisted softly.

Then I did something completely unexpected. I stood up on my toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. He had to bend down for me to reach and I smiled as my lips brushed against his skin. When I pulled away, he stood up straight, his eyes close, and allowed Embry to steer him from the hall. I watched until the door closed behind him, then turned to face Sam and the Elders.

"Come forward," Billy commanded.

Sam and I walked towards them, standing side-by-side. My insides were quivering in fear. I wasn't sure what was going to happen today, but I had a feeling it was going to change me forever.

"The Alpha and Omega work very closely with one another. There is a bond formed between the two that allows the Omega to reach into the pack mind with ease. This bond will take some time to form. However, once in place, it can never be broken," Billy stated.

"The two of you will be spending the next few hours focusing all your energy of creating this bond. We have much to do and little time to do it," Old Quil continued.

"You will follow us outside. We must be surrounded by nature for the bond to become complete. There are certain rituals that have not been performed in years that must be done tonight," Harry finished

I glanced over at Sam. He was staring at the Elders with a serious expression on his face. I wasn't sure I wanted to be bonded with him forever. I mean, wasn't that Emily's job? And what all did this bond entail? Was it like the imprint or something else? I sighed heavily as I faced the Elders again.

Billy was watching me, smiling slightly.

"You have questions, Omega?" he asked.

I blushed guiltily.

"Well, um, yes," I agreed.

"Please, ask," Billy smiled.

"O-okay. Um, what exactly does this bond between Sam and I mean? Is it going to affect Emily at all?" I asked first.

I sensed Sam stiffen beside me and wished I could reassure him. Instead, I kept my eyes on Billy's smiling face.

"No. This has nothing to do with imprinting. The bond between the two of you will be like that of any other wolf in the pack, only stronger. The two of you will be able to communicate telepathically in human and wolf form. Through Sam, you will be able to locate any member of the pack and sense their well-being," Billy explained.

I nodded once, giving a small sigh of relief.

"Am I going to turn into a wolf?" I asked next, a little worried.

Billy gave a little chuckle while Old Quil and Harry smiled at me.

"No, Omega. Your place is as a human, not a wolf," Billy assured me.

Another sigh of relief. Another worry taken care of.

"It will all become clear after the connection is formed. The sooner the two of you are connected, the sooner you will fully understand the depth of your powers," Old Quil said.

I nodded once to him. He and Harry stood up while Billy wheeled back. They led Sam and I out of the meeting hall and into the night. I couldn't stop the shaking that started up as soon as we left the hall behind. I had a feeling it would be quite some time before I was able to return to Jake.

Jake's POV

Five hours. Five freaking hours! What the hell were they doing for five hours?

I was sitting on the couch, staring at the door while Quil and Embry flipped through the channels on TV. We'd been doing this since ten o'clock when we'd been kicked out of the meeting hall. It was pure torture.

"You stare at that door any harder and it's gonna burst into flames," Quil commented.

I ignored him.

He had been way too chipper since becoming a wolf. Yesterday, he'd thoroughly enjoyed making me think something was coming for me and Bella. He'd warned me that something was headed our way. Something bad. Something dangerous. Something hungry.

Then the jackass had popped out of the trees, laughing like an idiot. He'd actually had the nerve to consider phasing when Bella asked if he would talk to her. Neither one of us had any clothes. If I hadn't growled and threatened him, he probably would have, just for laughs.

I sighed, leaning back against the couch. This was taking too long. Something must've happened. What if Sam had lost control? Or they ran across Victoria? Or Bella was having one of her bad moments?

Just as I was about to work myself into a frenzy, the front door opened and Billy wheeled through followed by Sam carrying Bella.

I jumped up from the couch and was instantly by her side.

"What happened?" I asked, fear clutching my heart.

"Relax, Jacob. She's just tired. It's been a long night," Sam assured me.

I glanced at his face and saw how tired he was. His shoulders were drooping and his eyes were half closed. Frowning, I held out my arms and he placed Bella into them. I cradled her close, letting the soft sound of her breathing calm my nerves. I breathed in her scent, closing my eyes.

"Thank you," I murmured, looking up at Sam again.

He nodded once, rubbing his hand over his face.

"I've got to get home. Emily is probably worried. Meeting at my house tomorrow," Sam said, walking out the door.

I turned away from the door to see Billy wheel into his bedroom and shut the door. Quil and Embry were still sitting in the armchair and couch. They looked up at me, their eyes curious.

"Do you want to wake her and find out what happened?" Quil asked hopefully.

"No. She needs sleep," I glared.

"Fine. I'm out then," Quil grumbled, standing up and walking towards the door.

"Me, too. See you tomorrow, Jake," Embry nodded, followed Quil.

I didn't even wait until the door was closed before I started walking towards my room. I pushed the door open as quietly as possible and moved to lie Bella down on the bed. She mumbled softly in her sleep, rolling over onto her side. I shut the door before moving into the bed with her. She turned into my chest using my arm as a pillow.

I couldn't help but smile at the feel of her in my arms. Nothing compared to it. I closed my eyes, savoring it. I didn't know how much longer I'd get away with this. I knew she still loved her bloodsucker, but I also knew she was warming up to the idea of us.

A shiver of pleasure worked it's way down my spine at the thought of being with Bella in that way. Of being able to call her mine. Of kissing her anytime I wanted. Of growing old with her. Of watching her have my kids.

I wanted the pictures in my head so bad. I would do anything to get them.

"Jacob," Bella mumbled.

I looked down at her face, thinking she had woken up, but her eyes were closed, her face peaceful. Beautiful. I held her tighter, needing to feel her close to me.

I let my mind wander to what had happened tonight. I hoped Sam would fill us in tomorrow, but I wasn't sure. I needed to know what was happening to Bella, though. She was my whole world. Nothing was more important to me than her. I'd do anything for her.

I wished I'd imprinted on her. I couldn't read her in that department. Whenever she asks if I've imprinted, she always looks so relieved. Did she wish I had imprinted on her, too? Or was she relieved I hadn't? I couldn't tell and it was driving me crazy trying to figure out.

"Shh," Bella soothed, rubbing my chest.

I smiled.

Even in her sleep, she knew when I needed comfort. I wondered if she realized how perfect for each other we were. We were already so attuned to each other. I could always tell what she was feeling. She knew exactly what to do when I was getting riled up. I was the loose canon. She kept me grounded. I forced her to enjoy life. She made me want to be a better man. She was everything I'd ever wanted. I'd loved her for years. Nothing was ever going to change that.

I yawned widely, feeling the hours of worrying catch up with me. Snuggling against Bella, I closed my eyes and allowed sleep to take me.

Bella's POV

I was warm, comfortable, and very tired. Stretching a little, I struggled against waking up. I just wanted a few more hours. Unfortunately, it didn't look like I was going to get it.

"About time you woke up, sleepy head. Do you realize my arm will probably have to be cut off? I haven't been able to move it all night!" Jake whined, pulling his arm out from under my head.

I couldn't help but laugh as I listened to him. He was making noises like he was in pain, but I knew he'd be fine.

"Come on, Bells! It's time to get up!" Jake called, thumping the bed.

"Don't wanna," I mumbled, snuggling into his pillow.

"Too bad. We're already going to be late. I don't want Sam to give me any extra patrols as punishment," Jake moaned, shaking me.

"Jake! Leave me alone!" I shouted, rolling over with a smile on my face.

"Bel-la! Please!" Jake pouted.

"Ugh! Fine. But I get the shower first," I groused, rolling out of bed and onto my feet.

He watched me with wide eyes, probably surprised that I didn't fall.

"Omega," I grumbled, pointing at myself.

His eyes turned soft as he sat up in his bed. I was looking at my feet, wiggling my toes slightly. I felt his hot hands on my waist as he pulled me into a hug. I bit my lip, trying to keep the tears back.

"It'll be okay, honey. I'm here," Jake whispered, stroking my hair.

I took a deep breath before breaking out of his grasp. He looked hurt, but let me go.

"I'm, uh, just gonna go shower," I stuttered.

"Sure thing, Bells. You know where everything is," Jake smiled softly.

I nodded, walking out of the room.

In the shower, I let my thoughts float around in my head, trying not to land on any particular one. Last night had been so full of surprises. First the whole bit about being an Omega. Then finding out I had to "bond" with Sam (that had been fun). Then hearing more legends about the first Omega. Apparently, I was supposed to bring peace between the wolves and their enemies. Fun.

The hot water wasn't so hot anymore and I felt bad for not leaving Jake more, but he ran a high temperature anyway. He could warm up the water himself.

I stepped out and hurried to get dressed. When I walked into the kitchen, Jake was eating a huge bowl of cereal while Billy read the paper. They both looked up when I walked in.

"Good morning, Bella. Charlie called. I told him you'd be over later this afternoon," Billy smiled.

"Oh, so it's Bella this morning?" I teased, taking a seat.

"Formal ceremonies require formal names," Billy reminded me.

"I know, I know. Heard it all last night," I sighed, taking the cereal box Jake offered and pouring myself a bowl.

Jake finished up his breakfast before hurrying to grab a quick shower himself. Billy and I sat in comfortable silence after I washed the dishes.

"You'll have to come back a few more times, Bella, to learn more about the Quilete history," Billy informed me.

"Alright," I grumbled.

"It'll help in the long run," Billy assured.

"I know," I agreed, sitting back in my chair.

About five minutes later, Jake came in with wet hair.

"Thanks for leaving me all the hot water, Bells," Jake grinned.

"No problem, Jake. Anytime, really," I shrugged, taking him seriously.

"Ha-ha. Come on. We better be getting to Sam's," Jake said, taking my hand.

"Bye, Billy!" I called as Jake pulled me from the house.

I heard him chuckle softly right before the door slammed shut. I smiled up at Jake and he grinned back, lifting my hand to his lips for a quick kiss. I sighed slightly, wishing Jake had imprinted on me.

What the hell?!?

Okay, my lovely readers! Hope this answered some of your questions. We'll go into detail about Bella's connection to the pack next chapter! Yay! By the way, you guys are totally amazing!! Your reviews are total bright spots in my day!! I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! See you next time!!