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

Chapter Six

It was dark, but I could see the outline of the moon through the clouds. I could hear the sound of the ocean as it crashed against the shore. I could smell the salt water as it mixed beautifully with the smell of pine and fir trees. The night air helped cool my overheated skin.

I was on a cliff near First Beach.

I walked over to the edge and looked down. The ocean roared in displeasure as it slammed against the rocks.

It was hungry.

I was going to feed it.

It would take away all my pain.

Then, I wouldn't have to hear his thoughts every time I phased. I wouldn't have to see how happy he was with my cousin. I wouldn't have to help her plan the wedding. I wouldn't have to live in agony as they went about their happy little lives. I would be free.

I sighed, breathing in everything around me. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to fall.

I woke up screaming.

One look around and I realized I was on the cliff I had been dreaming about. I groaned softly, sinking to the ground. My feet hung over the edge of the cliff and I realized how close I had been to actually falling. I breathed deeply for a few minutes, just trying to get my bearings back. The dream had felt so real. I wondered if she was really planning on doing it.

I had to go see her.

I stood up and closed my eyes, trying to get a sense of where she was. I could tell Seth was patrolling with Paul close by. Reaching out to him, I pushed into his mind.

Seth, where's Leah?

Bella? What are you doing? Where are you? Seth asked, coming to a stop in the middle of the woods.

I saw through his eyes as Paul came to a stop as well, giving him a confused look.

Never mind that. Where's Leah? I asked, becoming concerned.

She's at home. She has to patrol tomorrow night. She stayed up tonight so she can get used to it. Why? Seth asked.

Thanks, Seth. See you later! I said without answering his question.

Bella!

I broke the connection between us and headed towards the Clearwater house. I could feel the sun begin it's climb into the sky and knew Jake would be headed over to my house soon. I hoped to be done at Leah's before he managed to leave his house. I could save him the trip and worry about where I was.

Ugh! Charlie was probably freaking out right now.

I couldn't do anything about it until I made it to the Clearwater's. I had to talk to Leah and figure out why she wanted to kill herself. Even if Sam had imprinted on Emily, it didn't mean she had to go jump off a cliff. There had to be something I could do. I was the Omega, for crying out loud. I was supposed to bring my pack peace.

It was dawn by the time I reached Leah's house. I knocked gently, hoping she would be the only one to hear me. Not five seconds after I'd knocked, Harry Clearwater opened the door. He looked surprised to see me.

"Omega? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm here to see Leah. Is she awake?" I asked timidly.

"Of course. Come in," Harry ushered me into the house.

I followed him and was glad to see Leah sitting at the kitchen table. She didn't look near as happy to see me. Sue was at the stove, fixing breakfast.

"Welcome, Bella. Are you hungry?" Sue asked kindly.

"No, thank you, Mrs. Clearwater," I politely declined.

"She's here to see Leah," Harry grunted.

Leah glared daggers at me before standing up.

"Come on," she groused.

I followed her outside. She sat on the front step, looking out into the front yard. I sat beside her, hoping to ease into the conversation.

"What do you want?" Leah asked through clenched teeth.

"Leah, did you have a weird dream last night?" I asked, hoping it was just the dream.

"No. Why?" she snapped.

"I had a dream that you were standing on a cliff and threw yourself over. When I woke up, I was at the cliffs near First Beach. I'm worried about you," I admitted.

"Why? What do you care if I kill myself? What does anyone care?" Leah asked harshly.

"Leah, you are part of the pack. That makes you family. Family sticks together. If you're having trouble, we should talk about it. I want to help you," I said, wanting to grab her hand, but knowing it wouldn't help.

Leah snorted and glared up at the sky.

"Everyone wants me to talk about it. What if I don't want to? What if I want to dwell on the past? It's the only good thing I see anymore," Leah sneered.

"Something good will happen to you, Leah. You just have to stop looking back," I encouraged.

"Look who's talking," Leah scoffed, glaring at me.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, frowning.

"You can't let go of your past. You're so hung up on Edward, you can't see what's right in front of you. Jake would do anything for you, but you treat him like a dog. You give him little pats on the head and coo at him, but if that filthy bloodsucker walked back, you'd leave Jake. Do you know what that would do to him? It would kill him. You would kill him," Leah accused.

I just stared at her, completely dumbfounded. I had no comeback. Everything she had said was true. I was just stringing Jake along. If Edward did come back, I would go running right back into his arms. Wouldn't I?

Oh my gosh!

I'd just thought his name! I clutched at my chest, expecting to feel the familiar burning sensation. Instead, all I felt was a soft ache, but I could definitely handle it. I stared at Leah, my eyes wide. She looked at me a little concerned. Not apologetic, just like I was crazy.

"Oh my gosh," I gasped.

"What?" Leah glared.

"I did it. I thought his name," I whispered.

"What are you talking about?" Leah groused.

"Edward. Ha! I just said his name! Oh my gosh! I have to go tell Jake!" I laughed, smiling wide.

I jumped up and continued to smile down at Leah. Impulsively, I reached down and hugged her. She stiffened in my grasp, but didn't pull away. I let go before she could attack me with her words. I was too happy to let her ruin my moment.

"Thank you, Leah. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I cried, jumping down the steps and turning towards Jake's.

Before I made it too far, I turned back around and pointed a finger at her. She was watching me with wide eyes, her mouth open in shock.

"Don't think about killing yourself tonight. I will know and I will tell Sam," I warned.

She glared at me again and I smiled, shaking my finger at her. She growled and stood up, storming into the house. I laughed and turned back around and began running to Jake's. Before I could get there, I ran into Seth.

"Bella? What the hell was that this morning?" Seth asked, grabbing my arm.

"Nothing, Seth. It was just between me and your sister," I assured him, still smiling.

"Why are you so happy?" he asked, returning my smile hesitantly.

"I have to see Jake," I answered, bouncing in place.

"Oh. Would you like some company?" Seth offered.

"No. You go get some sleep. I'll see you later," I promised, patting his shoulder as I continued walking.

"Okay. Bye, Bella," Seth called.

I waved over my shoulder and began running down the road. I was running down the driveway when Jake stepped outside, eyes on the ground. He didn't look happy. I was about to change that.

"Jake!" I cried, running full tilt towards him.

He looked up in surprise and smiled when he saw me. He turned so he was facing me just in time for me to plow into him, causing him to stumble back with a muffled grunt. I laughed, throwing my arms around his neck and bringing my legs up to wrap around his waist. His arms came around me to secure my place against him.

"You will never guess what just happened," I grinned, looking into his eyes.

Everything stopped. I couldn't even breathe. All my being was focused on Jake. Nothing else mattered. Everything that used to matter disappeared to be replaced by this man. He was it. He was everything. Jacob Black was my heart.

I blinked and it all came back into focus. I was able to breathe, but Jake had become the new focus of my world. He was looking at me in surprise, his eyes darker than usual.

"What… just happened?" I asked softly.

I watched as his tongue darted out to moisten his lips and wished my lips were pressed against his so I could feel that tongue. Instead, I focused on his eyes, waiting for him to answer my question.

"I think… I just imprinted on you," Jake whispered.

I felt my eyes go wide as I dropped my legs from around his waist and fell to the ground. Jake kept his arms around me, not allowing me to pull away.

"How is that possible?" I asked.

"I don't know. It's supposed to happen when I first see you. I don't know why it took so long," Jake admitted.

I bit my lip and looked up at him. His face was guarded and I didn't like it. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. I tried to read his emotions, but he was keeping those guarded as well. It was frustrating not knowing what was going on inside of him. I realized this must be what Edward had felt when he couldn't read my mind.

"Jake?" I asked, hoping he'd break the wall around himself.

He glanced down at me, his eyes still blank. I reached up and brushed my fingers against his cheek. He closed his eyes and leaned into my hand, bringing up one of his own to hold it there. I smiled a little at the picture he presented. A big, bad werewolf cuddled into my small, little hand.

"Are you… upset about this?" I mumbled, my eyes cast down.

Jake's hand wrapped around mine tightly and he yanked me up and into his arms. He was growling as I came up to make eye contact with him. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms and legs around him again. One of his hands was fisted in my hair while the other encircled my waist.

"Never! I have been dreaming about this for too long to ever be upset or disappointed or angry or any other negative thought that comes into your head," Jake hissed, his face fierce.

I gulped and nodded my head, bringing my hands around to brush against his face. He closed his eyes and struggled to regain control of his breathing. His trembling slowed as I continued to pet him. When he was completely calm, I leaned up and placed a kiss against his lips.

He moaned softly and pulled me closer, his tongue slipping out and tasting mine. It was a quick kiss, but still full of passion and promises. His hands slipped to my hips, keeping my legs wrapped around him as he tortured my mouth in the sweetest way. He moved his mouth to my jaw, gently biting the skin before kissing away the sting. It was heady and addictive. I didn't ever want him to stop.

"Eh-hem."

I jerked back in surprise at someone clearing their throats. I glanced around and my eyes landed on Billy. He was watching us from the porch, a knowing smile gracing his face. I felt myself blush scarlet as Jake let me slide back to the ground. He chuckled lightly as he ran a finger down my cheek. He placed a kiss along the path of his finger.

"Don't worry, honey. He's just teasing," Jake whispered in my ear.

I bit my lip in embarrassment and continued to blush. Jake laughed and pulled me to his side before turning to his dad.

"Dad, what do you know about the imprinting process?" Jake asked and I tensed beside him.

He gave my shoulder a quick squeeze and brushed his lips against the top of my head. I relaxed against him, my hand reaching up to hold the one draped across me. He held on tight while we waited for Billy to answer his question.

"Not much, honestly. We're kind of learning as we go," Billy shrugged.

"I think I just imprinted on Bella," Jake admitted.

Billy's eyes went wide and he looked between the two of us.

"Well, now. I might have a theory about that," Billy grinned.

We waited, but he didn't elaborate.

"Would you mind sharing?" Jake asked sarcastically when Billy just continued to grin.

"Sure. Let's get inside, though. It's damned cold out here," Billy grumbled, turning to go back inside.

Jake pulled me forward and into the house. He sat down on the sofa with me beside him. We watched as Billy wheeled himself to sit right in front of us. He was watching us with a satisfied smile about his lips. I figured he was thinking about how well his and Charlie's plan was going to work now. They'd been planning our wedding since we were in diapers.

"Alright, so you know how imprinting works, right?" Billy asked.

Jake and I both nodded.

"Well, I think Bella here had a choice to make. She is an Omega, after all. Omegas are not strictly regulated to werewolves. Truthfully, all species have some form of an Omega. For instance, if Bella had bonded with a vampire, she would have been an eirene aggelou. All creatures can bond with an Omega.

"Now, Bell was bonded to the Cullen's. However, when they left, the bond was broken. That allowed for a new bond to form. Unfortunately, because Bella was still holding on to Edward, her future was still undecided. I can only assume that since you have now imprinted, she has finally let him go," Billy explained, smiling fondly at me.

It was quiet for a while as Jake and I tried to process what Billy had just said. When I looked up at Jake, he was looking down at me with wary hope. I took his hand and brought it to my lap. He looked away from my eyes to our hands.

"That's actually what I was coming to tell you. I said his name today and it didn't hurt. There was a dull ache, but nothing compared to before. I'm finally moving on," I whispered.

Jake looked back into my eyes, his filled with pure love as he brought my hand up and kissed it.

"I knew you would," he murmured.

I flashed him the most brilliant smile I could, loving the feel of it. Jake's was just as wide as he smiled back at me. He suddenly stood up and pulled me into his arms, laughing as he spun us around.

"I can't believe this! Everything I've ever wanted is right here! God, I love you!" Jake grinned.

He stopped spinning and placed me on my feet before leaning down and giving me a very passionate kiss. He broke away way too soon, still grinning like a fool. Billy chuckled softly from behind us and I heard his wheels as he rolled towards us.

"Congratulations, Jake. Bella. You deserve this," Billy said.

I leaned down and gave him a hug, silently thanking him for accepting this. Jake whooped and hugged his father as well. The two men laughed as I watched. Then, Jake pulled me into the hug as well and we all laughed in celebration.

"Dad, I gotta call Sam and set up a bonfire for tonight. I want everyone to know that my Bella has finally let me in," Jake stated, smiling arrogantly.

I rolled my eyes at him, but couldn't help the smile that slid onto my own face at his obvious happiness. I was finally doing something to help Jake instead of the other way around. I watched as he hurried into the kitchen to call Sam. Billy sighed beside me and I looked down to see him watching me with a satisfied look on his face.

"What?" I asked, feeling myself blush.

"I'm proud of you," Billy said.

"What for?" I laughed nervously.

"You've done well at stepping up to your role as Omega. And now you've let go of the bloodsucker. I don't know how you did it, but I'm glad you did," Billy explained.

"Actually, it was all Leah. I went over to see her this morning and we had a talk that made me realize it was time to let him go," I admitted.

Billy nodded and I wondered if I should tell him about my dream. Should Harry and Sue be informed that their daughter was suicidal? Would it make a difference?

"Billy? You remember the dream I had about the battle in the field?" I asked cautiously.

He nodded once giving me a curious look.

"Do you think it was prophetic?" I questioned, looking at my nails.

"Possibly. The Elders and I have discussed it. We think you might have some ability to see into the future," Billy replied.

"Do you think all my dreams are?" I asked, biting my lip.

"No," Billy frowned.

I huffed a breath, working up the courage to tell him.

"Last night, I had another dream. It was similar to the one where I ended up in the field, except I was going to a cliff this time. I was standing at the cliff by First Beach, just waiting. And then… I jumped. When I woke up, I was standing at the edge of the cliff, screaming. What do you think it means?" I asked.

"Could mean anything," Billy sighed, looking out the front window.

"Do you think… I'm going to end up jumping off a cliff?" I probed.

"Not you, Bella. I don't see why you would," Billy chuckled, looking back at me.

"But someone else might?" I continued.

Billy pursed his lips and didn't respond. He didn't need to. I could feel the answer in the air. Leah would try to kill herself.

And right now, I was the only one who knew.

That night at the bonfire, I couldn't stay still. I was constantly looking around for Leah or attempting to feel her essence. Jake chalked up my constant movement to excitement at telling the pack he had imprinted on me. He could barely contain himself when we walked up to the others on the beach. He was smiling brightly and laughing at the slightest thing.

I noticed Sam was watching me and figured he was sensing my anxiety. I flashed him a quick smile, hoping to assure him that everything was fine. I didn't want him worrying about Leah. Leah would probably kill me for telling him anything, anyway. Thankfully, his gaze shifted to Emily as she came to stand beside him. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hey, Bella!"

I turned to see Seth coming towards me, a huge smile across his face. I smiled back and turned to face him fully. He leaned down and gave me a hug, popping my back in the process.

"Oops. Forget how fragile you are," Seth chuckled, stepping back.

"It's alright, Seth. Where's Leah?" I asked, looking behind him to see Sue and Harry walking towards Billy.

"Oh, she's patrolling tonight," Seth shrugged, looking around at the pack.

"What? Where?" I asked, my eyes going wide.

"Just around La Push. Why?" Seth frowned.

"Nothing. I have to-"

"Hey, Seth. Hey there, beautiful," Jake greeted, sliding his arm around my waist.

"Hey, Jake. Man, this is awesome. What's the occasion?" Seth asked, smiling wide.

"You'll just have to wait," Jake grinned, pulling me closer.

Seth looked between the two of us, giving us curious looks. I just smiled at him. It felt forced, but they both accepted it. Soon, Jake was pulling Seth towards the rest of the pack, talking happily. I glanced around, hoping no one was watching me.

When the coast was clear, I hurried into the trees. I was sure it wouldn't take long to get to the cliff and I'd be back before anyone missed me. Most importantly, Jake.

I ran in the direction of the cliff, hoping I would get there in time. I didn't want to have to tell the Clearwater's their daughter had ended her own life because she was a werewolf. And I knew the news would kill Seth. He looked up to Leah so much, even if he tried to hide it.

I burst out of the trees in time to see Leah looking towards the beach longingly.

"Leah! Stop!" I shouted, coming to a stop a few feet away from her.

"Go away, Bella. Or should I say Omega?" Leah sneered, not turning to face me.

"You can't do this! You can't do this to your parents and Seth!" I yelled.

"What do they care? Huh? Do you see them up here? I don't even know why you should care! They obviously don't!" Leah screamed back.

"I told you. You're pack. That makes you family," I whispered.

"I'm not pack. I don't want to be pack. I never wanted this. It's because of this stupid werewolf gene that Sam left me for my cousin! We were supposed to be getting married!" Leah cried, tears streaming down her face.

"Leah, let's just stop and think about this. We can walk down to the beach right now and talk it out with everyone," I coaxed.

"No. I'm done talking. I'm done feeling this way. You have no idea, Bella. The agony is unbearable," Leah sobbed, clutching her chest.

"Yes, I do! Leah, listen to me. I'm an Omega. That means I bond with people, or species. I bonded with the Cullens and they left. That nearly killed me. I have to be bonded to something. It's my job as an Omega. I have to bring peace to people. When the Cullens broke our bond, it was just like what you're feeling, but so much worse. It was almost like an imprint, except I didn't feel like that about the leader. Carlisle was like my father. I lost my entire family in one sweep as well as my love.

"But look at how things have turned around! I'm bonded to the pack now and I couldn't be happier. Just today, Jake imprinted on me. I'm his forever now. Nothing can break that bond. You'll find your own imprint, Leah, and it'll be with the guy who truly is perfect for you. I know it. I can feel it," I pleaded with her.

Leah looked at me, her eyes so sad.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I just can't keep fighting to take another breath. The fight's gone out of me," she whispered.

"Let me help you," I begged, moving closer.

She took a step back, shaking her head.

"Nothing you do will help. I'm beyond help now," Leah sighed.

She turned and looked over the cliff. I watched as she took in a deep breath. I moved forward to grab her, but she stepped over before my hand could reach her.

"NO!" I screamed, moving to the edge of the cliff and looking down.

I watched as she plummeted to the water. I winced as I saw her body smack against the surface. I could still sense her, but her essence was fading fast.

Without a second thought, I backed up, took a running start, and dived into the water behind her. On my way down, I struggled to flip myself over so that I was feet first. My body jackknifed into the water. The cold seeped into my very bones as I surged down.

I clawed at the water, fighting my way to the surface. I broke through and gasped in a lung full of air.

"LEAH!" I screamed, spinning around, hoping to see her.

It was all dark.

I struggled to keep my head above water, focusing everything in me on feeling Leah. Closing my eyes, I swam the in direction I felt her faint presence until I swam right into her. Her body was colder than usual, no doubt because of the freezing temperature of the water.

I grabbed her around her shoulders and pulled her head back up against my chest. I glanced towards the shore, unsure if I would be able to tow her in.

The Elders had told me while I was bonding with Sam that I would be able to draw upon the pack strength if I needed to. I used that bond to propel us towards shore. Little by little, I swam us backwards, hoping the shore was getting close. I could hear voices shouting and the faint sound of splashes, but ignored them. I needed to focus if we were going to make it to shore.

Suddenly, Leah was being ripped out of my arms by some unknown source. I struggled and fought to grab hold of her again, but I felt arms wrap around my waist and pull me against a solid force.

"No! Leah!" I cried, fighting to get back to her.

"Bella! Bella, calm down! Sam's got her!"

I stopped struggling and turned my head to see that Jacob had a hold of me. His body was extremely warm against mine and I figured the ocean had dropped my body temperature dangerously low.

I began swimming again as we moved towards shore. I couldn't relax, as Jacob requested, until I knew Leah was safe. I helped as he swam us closer in. He tried to tell me to let him do the work, but I ignored him. I was completely focused on getting to that faint essence I could feel swimming ahead of me.

When I felt sand under my feet, I started pushing. Jake kept hold of me as we broke through the waves. I saw Leah lying out on the beach as Sam performed CPR. Emily and Sue were crying while Harry and Seth comforted them. The rest of the pack was standing around, watching.

As Jake and I broke free of the surf, I ran over to Leah's side.

"Get off her, Sam!" I growled, shoving him out of the way.

He stumbled back, shocked.

I had no idea how to do this, but I knew one of my wolves was in trouble. I concentrated on what little essence I could still feel from Leah and pushed my own energy into her. I drew on the pack strength to revive her. They all felt it and tried to push more of their energy out, but I blocked their efforts, using my Omega strength that came from healing. Her essence was growing stronger, but I refused to stop until I felt it become whole again.

"Omega, you must stop."

I snarled at the voice and hand on my shoulder. Leah still needed me. I could feel it. The cracks in her essence were slowly mending.

"Omega! Stop!"

I ignored the new voice, focusing that much harder on Leah. I could feel the power building and I welcomed it.

"Bella!"

There was a flash and then everything went dark.

Yay! Another chapter! Aren't you happy? Now, I know a lot of you (probably all of you) are going to be upset that I made so much of this chapter about Leah when it should have been about Jake and Bella. I just wanna say, trust me! Jake and Bella have the rest of the story to be together and all imprint-y! Have some faith in me! Next chapter will be all about Jake and Bella! Promise!! See you next time!!

eirene aggelou- "peace bringer"