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

Chapter Sixteen

I sighed as I felt Jake carry me upstairs to my room. Charlie was snoring in his recliner, the TV playing lightly in the background. Jake moved to place me on the bed, but I wrapped my arms around his neck before he could let go.

"Bells," Jake chuckled, trying to pry my hands off.

"No," I whined, smiling.

"Let me at least go get your dad to bed," Jake insisted softly.

"You'll come right back?" I asked skeptically.

"Of course," Jake murmured, brushing his lips against mine.

I pressed my lips against his more firmly, threading my fingers in his hair. My tongue reached out and flicked against his lips. He moaned softly as he braced his arms on either side of my head. He broke away to trail kisses down my neck.

"You are evil, Miss Swan," Jake sighed, pulling away from me.

I grinned and let him go.

"You'll be back, right?" I asked.

"Just as soon as I get your dad in his own bed," Jake agreed.

I watched as he walked out of the room, his entire body as graceful as flowing water. Every step was fluid and somewhat predatory; his wolf coming out. I smiled and sighed, closing my eyes.

Tonight had gone well, I thought. The Cullens had obviously not anticipated my Omega qualities. I wondered if the rest of the pack had realized that I was the reason Edward couldn't read them anymore. My mind had always been closed off to him, it only made sense that, once I was part of the pack mind, he wouldn't be able to read that either.

I heard the stairs creek and knew Jake was helping Charlie into his room. I heard them talking softly to each other before Charlie's door closed. I waited in anticipation for my door to open and Jake to walk in.

I heard the door open and close, but Jake was too quiet as he moved across the floor for me to hear him. My body thrummed, eager for his touch. Everything inside of me was waiting for the first brush of his fingers, of his lips.

I gasped when I felt his heated touch skim across my cheeks.

"Are you trying to fool me? You're not a very good actress," Jake teased.

"I wasn't," I breathed, keeping my eyes closed.

"No? Then why were your eyes closed?" Jake asked.

I felt his heat settle over me. His lower body was pressed firmly into mine while he rested his upper body on his arms braced on either side of my head. His heat surrounded me deliciously. The spicy scent of his shampoo and soap intoxicated me and I moved closer, needing more of it.

"Bells?" Jake chuckled.

"Mmm?" I hummed.

"What are you doing?" Jake asked.

"You smell so good. And I love how hot you are," I moaned, arching into his body.

"Well, thank you," Jake laughed.

"Mmm, thank you," I grinned, opening my eyes.

Jake's face was directly over mine, barely an inch separating our lips. His dark brown eyes looked unwaveringly into mine. I lost my breath as his eyes read everything mine had to offer.

"You were amazing tonight," Jake whispered.

I blushed and buried my face in his neck.

"Why are you hiding?" Jake asked, laughing again.

"Because," I huffed.

"You don't like it when I compliment you?" Jake asked.

"No," I mumbled.

"Why?"

"Because."

Jake laughed and pulled me away from his neck. I pouted up at him, trying not to smile.

"That's not an answer," Jake told me.

"It makes me feel funny," I whined.

"Funny?" Jake frowned.

"Yeah. Funny," I sighed, staring at the skin under his jaw that I wanted to kiss and lick.

I watched as his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. My eyes flickered up to meet his and I was lost.

"Kiss me, Jake," I whispered.

Jake smiled and lowered his lips to mine. My breathing grew shallow and my pulse accelerated the closer he got. When his lips were just a breath away, he stopped. His eyes held mine the whole time, enjoying my reactions to his nearness.

"Kiss me, Bella," Jake murmured.

My lips were fastened to his as soon as the worlds were out of his mouth. I groaned as I felt his tongue slide against mine, sending shivers up my spine. One of his arms slipped behind my back, pulling me up, closer to his body. I gasped at the feel of his hard chest pressed against mine.

The difference in our bodies was exhilarating. He was so hard and immovable while I was soft and pliable. He was all planes and angles; I was curves and roundness. He was dark; I was light. We were the perfect contradiction together.

"Stop," Jake groaned, nipping my ear.

"What?" I gasped.

"Thinking," Jake said, trailing down my neck.

"I was thinking about you," I informed him breathlessly.

Jake paused and brought his face up to mine, smirking.

"Well, then. I guess that's okay."

I bit my lip and threaded my fingers through his short hair. His eyes closed and his growled softly.

"You are such a dog," I giggled.

"Woof," Jake grinned.

I laughed and he started scratching behind his ear like a dog with fleas. I stopped when he looked down at me, his eyes dancing with unsuppressed joy.

"What?" I asked, skimming my fingers across his forehead.

"I just can't believe that I have you. I'm, seriously, the luckiest guy in the whole world. And it's all because of you," Jake smiled.

I tried to hold back my tears, but they refused to stay locked inside. Jake frowned as the first one fell down my face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it as-" I stopped him before he ruined the words for me.

"No. I'm not crying cause I'm sad. I'm actually really happy. And I feel the exact same way every time I look at you. It doesn't make any sense that you would choose me, but you did. And I'm completely changed for the better because of it," I whispered.

Jake grinned, brushing away a few more tears that had escaped. He bent to catch one with his mouth, lingering on the spot.

"You're everything I've ever wanted, Bells. It's not you who's lucky; it's me. Nothing will ever change that. You're it for me," Jake said.

"I love you," I murmured.

"I love you, too."

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my alarm clock blaring. I groaned and slapped the annoying device into silence. Rolling over, I was pleasantly surprised to feel warm arms wrap around me.

"Good morning," Jake yawned.

"Morning," I mumbled, snuggling into his chest.

"School time," Jake groaned.

"Mmmm! I don't wanna go!" I whined, throwing the covers over my head.

Jake chuckled roughly and pulled the covers back down. I blinked up at him and huffed indignantly.

"I don't want you to go either, but you have to," Jake complained, brushing his lips against my forehead.

I sighed contently and wrapped my arms around his chest, pulling myself closer. He smiled and kissed me briefly before removing his arms.

"Go get ready. I'm taking you today," Jake informed me.

"Why?" I asked, stumbling out of bed.

"Just as a precaution," Jake shrugged.

I yawned and turned to look at him lounging in my bed.

"Hurry up. I gotta take a shower, too," Jake ordered, pointing to the bathroom.

I glared at him and motioned for him to leave.

"I am not getting ready with you in the same room as me," I grumbled.

"Oh, come on, Bells. Please? For being so good last night?" Jake pleaded.

I blushed crimson and pointed to the door.

"Out," I said.

"Fine," Jake groaned, jumping out of bed and strolling to the door.

As watched as he walked past me. He grinned and slapped my butt as he walked by. I gasped in outrage and moved to smack his arm. He laughed and danced out of my reach. He hurried out the door, closing it behind him.

"Get ready, honey. We need to be leaving in abour an hour," Jake called through the door.

"Jerk!" I shouted as I gathered my things together.

I heard Jake laughing as he walked down the stairs. I glared at my clothes as I prepared to go to the bathroom. I poked my head out to make sure Jake had really gone downstairs before sprinting into the bathroom.

Once the door was safely locked behind me, I relaxed and started getting things ready for the day. After my shower, I looked at myself in the mirror and frowned at the mark on my neck. It had just barely started fading, but was still an ugly purple. I was grateful my hair covered it for the most part.

I stepped out of the bathroom to see Jake standing right in front of the door. I yelped and jumped back, slipping on some water on the floor. Before I could fall, I felt warm hands grab hold of me and pulled me forward. Instead of crashing to the floor, I crashed into Jake's chest.

"Thanks," I mumbled against his chest.

"Any time, Bells," Jake laughed.

I glared at him as he sidestepped into the bathroom.

"You took forever. I'll have to be real quick with my shower if we're going to get to school in time," Jake groaned.

I wanted to throw something at him. He was being very annoying this morning and I couldn't figure out why.

The bathroom door shut in my face and I turned to get ready for school. I gathered all my books and papers from my desk and shoved them in my bag. Before leaving my room, I tossed all my dirty clothes into the hamper. The shower was still running as I made my way downstairs.

I glanced at the clock and huffed.

We still had half an hour until we needed to leave. The little sneak was lying to me!

I thought about all the different ways I could torture him as I fixed myself a bowl of cereal. I listened intently as the shower cut off upstairs and Jake started getting himself ready for the day. I wondered if he was on Bella Duty today or if it was one of the others.

"Ah. Much better," Jake sighed as he came into the kitchen.

"So glad you feel better," I grumbled, taking my bowl to the sink.

"What's wrong, honey?" Jake asked sweetly, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"You are a liar, Mr. Black, and I am through with you," I informed him haughtily.

"Really?" Jake asked, his arms tightening around me.

"Yes. Really. I do not appreciate being fooled," I continued on in my I'm-better-than-you-are voice.

"Hmm. Well, now, Miss High-and-Mighty, what can I do to make it up to you?" Jake asked, his breath right in my ear.

"I'll have to think about it and get back to you," I decided, turning around in his grasp.

He was smiling, enjoying our game. I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought his face closer to mine.

"You can start with a kiss, though," I suggested.

"If it'll help get me back in your good graces," Jake sighed in mock defeat.

I giggled as his lips lowered onto mine. It was a simple, sweet kiss, with both our tongues staying in our own mouths. I smiled when he pulled away.

"I think I can forgive you," I said.

"Thank you," Jake grinned, hugging me close.

"Time for school," I chirped, twisting out of his embrace.

He sighed and followed me out to my truck. I looked at him as he climbed inside. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he didn't want me going to school if the Cullens were going to be there. I took his hand in mine as he back us out of the driveway.

"It's going to be okay, Jake. They can't do anything with all those witnesses around," I reminded him.

"A few hundred humans are not going to be able to stand against two determined vampires," Jake groused.

"Well, that's why someone will be outside on Bella Watch. If something goes wrong, they'll take care of it," I soothed, rubbing his arm.

"I'm on Bella Watch today," Jake informed me.

"I figured you would be since it's day one," I admitted.

"If they come near you, I want you to let me know. Keep yourself open to me, alright?" Jake pleaded as we neared the school.

"I don't think it'll come to that, but okay. If anything happens, I'll call for you," I promised.

"I mean it, Bells. If you ever doubt their intentions, call for me," Jake insisted.

"Jake, calm down. You can't phase in here," I said sternly.

He looked down at himself, surprised to find himself shaking. He instantly stopped and took a deep breath. He squeezed my hand a little tighter than usual, but it didn't hurt.

"Sorry," Jake mumbled.

"It's okay. I know this bugs you. Just, trust me, okay? It's going to be fine," I assured him.

Jake nodded stiffly, still not liking the idea. I leaned up and kissed his cheek, hoping to ease his face into a smile. It worked until we reached the school parking lot.

He pulled into my parking spot and put the truck in park, glaring around the parking lot. He growled when his eyes landed on the Cullens standing by their cars near the entrance of the school. His hands gripped the steering wheel and grinded against it. I became alarmed when dust started falling from his hands.

"Jake," I called, bring his attention to me.

He stopped growling and looked at me. I sighed, reaching up to smooth out his frown lines. He face softened and he leaned into my hand. I smiled at him, hoping to ease his inner turmoil some.

"Everything will be fine," I murmured.

Jake gritted his teeth and nodded.

"I love you," I whispered, kissing him.

"I love you, too. Be safe," Jake said when I pulled away.

I gave his hand one last squeeze before hopping out of the truck. I turned to look at him as I started walking towards the building. His eyes were tortured as I walked away. The pain in my chest that always came when I was away from Jake, throbbed. My hand flew up to my chest at the same time his did. I stopped and we stared at each other.

I knew there was no way we'd make it through the day like this. Without a second though, I opened the link that connected our minds. Instantly, the pain dulled and I could breathe easily again.

I love you, Jake thought agonizingly.

I love you, too, I replied softly.

Get to class before I jump out of this truck and haul you back home, Jake ordered.

I smiled sadly at him before turning to head into the school. I felt Jake tense as I walked by the Cullens, but I didn't so much as spare them a glance. He relaxed once I was safely in the school.

You do realize I have classes with them, right? I asked as the first bell rang.

Sit as far away as possible, Jake answered.

I watched him climb out of the truck and walk into the woods, preparing to phase. As soon as the trees blocked him from sight, he became a giant russet wolf.

Focus, honey. You're about to run into someone, Jake chuckled.

I looked up and realized I was about an inch from running into someone's back. I stopped suddenly, but not soon enough. Jake laughed as I stumbled through my apology.

The girl turned around and I stopped.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Isabella Swan. What? No bodyguard today?" Lauren sneered.

"Come on, Lauren. Let's get to class," Jessica insisted.

Lauren ignored her, focusing on me instead.

"You know, Bella, I noticed yesterday your boyfriend wasn't here to pick you up. It was another one of those Quileute boys. Did your boyfriend dump you already? Got smart like Edward, I bet. Has he left the country, too? Oh, sweeties, I'm so sorry. It's just not fair, is it? The guy has to actually leave the country to get away from you. Poor Bella," Lauren mocked.

"Oh, Lauren. You truly are too kind to care about me so much. You don't have to worry, though. Jake had to work, that's why he sent Embry. He actually brought me to school today to make up for it. I'm sorry you got confused. But, then, I'm not surprised. It doesn't take much, does it?" I sighed in fake pity.

Lauren was glaring at me, but I just smiled and walked around her. I could feel Jake's approval at my ability to take her on and it made it so much better.

"Oh, Bella! Wait! Did you say your boyfriend was working? I thought he was younger than us," Lauren persisted.

Oh, she was not going to go there. I could feel her coming in closer behind me.

"What happened? Was he too stupid and dropped out? Well, that explains why he's with you," Lauren grinned.

Jake growled at her in my mind. I realized I didn't want him to witness this and immediately severed the link.

"You listen here, Lauren. You can say what you want to about me, but don't you dare insult Jake. He's more intelligent than you can ever hope to be. The only reason he dropped out of high school is because his dad needed help with the bills. He's already in the process of getting his GED where as you'll be lucky to graduate. What's your GPA now? 1.3? Maybe a community college will take you if you're lucky, but I doubt it. At least my Jake has skills to fall back on if he decides not to go to college. Unfortunately, there isn't a job for a professional bitch, so you're out of luck," I snapped, turning and walking away from her again.

I knew I was probably going to be late to my first class, but it had been worth it to tell Lauren off. The look on her face when I had walked away was priceless.

I barely made it into class before the bell rang. I quickly took my seat with an apologetic look to the teacher. He nodded and went on to teach his lesson.

I could feel Jake attempting to reconnect our minds and allowed him in.

Bella! God, don't do that! I didn't know what had happened to you, Jake scolded.

Sorry. I didn't want you to hear what she was saying about you, I frowned.

Honey, if you think some uptight little bitch is going to get under my skin, you obviously don't know me well enough, Jake chuckled.

Yeah, well, still, I grumbled.

I like the fact that you defended me, though, Jake admitted.

I smiled and went on to take notes, thinking about how much I loved my wolf.

Lunch was going to be awkward. All day, I'd been avoiding the Alice and Edward and they hadn't been able to talk to me since we were in class. There would be nothing stopping them from coming up to me during lunch.

Don't go anywhere with them, Jake reminded me for the tenth time.

I know, okay. I'm not worried. It's just going to be difficult if they come up to me, I explained.

Jake huffed and went back to focusing on the scenery. He'd been relatively quiet all day, watching for any changes in or around the school. Occasionally, he'd get distracted and start thinking about me, but neither one of us minded where his thoughts took him.

"Bella! Over here," Angela called, waving me over to the table.

I waved back and began making my way around tables and chairs to get to her and the rest of the gang. I settled into a seat between her and Eric.

"Hey, guys. What's up?" I asked, taking a bite of my apple.

"Did you see the Cullens were back?" Angela asked.

"Yeah. They're in some of my classes," I told her.

"Are you okay?" she asked, frowning in concern.

"Sure. Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, laughing slightly.

"Well, you were just so torn up after they left. I wasn't sure if you'd be okay with them coming back," Angela shrugged.

"It's not like I could've kept them from coming back, Ang," I pointed out.

"You know what I mean," Angela waved off.

"I know what you mean. It doesn't bother me at all. I have Jake now, remember?" I grinned.

Angela nodded, stabbing her salad with her fork.

"You know, it's a little weird to just see Alice and Edward. I'm so used to seeing all of them," Angela said.

I glanced over at their usual table to see Alice and Edward sitting alone. Neither one of them were talking. Instead, they were both looking straight at me. I blushed and looked away quickly.

"It's be less weird if they weren't watching me," I grumbled.

Angela glanced at the table and choked on her food. I slapped her on the back until she calmed down.

"That is creepy," Angela agreed.

"Tell me bout it," I sighed, shifting in my seat.

Jake was growling in my mind, not liking that Alice and Edward were watching me. In his agitation, he had taken to pacing the edge of the woods.

"I'm gonna go for a walk. See you in Biology," I told Angela standing up.

She frowned up at me, but nodded.

I walked out of the cafeteria as quickly as possible. Jake's irritability was throwing me off balance and I had to get somewhere to calm him down.

Chill, Jake. You're driving me crazy, I pleaded, leaning against my locker.

Sorry, honey. I just can't stand seeing them watch you like that and not be able to do anything about it, Jake growled.

I know, but your emotions are making me angry, I told him.

Ugh! Sorry, Jake groaned and forced himself to lie down.

I closed my eyes and tried to think soothing thoughts. Between the two of us, we were able to get his emotions back under control. I sighed as he calmed down. I opened my eyes, intending to return to the cafeteria, and screamed.

Edward Cullen was standing less than a foot away from me.

Jake was instantly on alert, growling ferociously.

"What the hell, Edward?" I grumbled, trying to calm myself and Jake at the same time.

"I want to talk to you, Bella," Edward answered.

"Talk," I snapped, glaring up the hall towards the cafeteria.

"Will you at least look at me?" Edward asked.

"I don't need to look at you in order to hear you," I pointed out, searching for some way out of this confrontation.

Jake was getting antsy and it made me uncomfortable. He didn't like Edward so close to me and he was debating whether to come bursting into the school or not.

"Bella," Edward sighed.

His fingers grasped my chin lightly and turned me to face him. Jake snarled in response and moved to leap through the trees.

Don't! It's fine, I stopped him.

"Don't touch me. Jake doesn't like it," I glared, jerking my chin out of his grasp.

"Jake?" Edward frowned.

"Jacob Black. My boyfriend," I supplied.

Edward closed his eyes, his jaw tight. He straightened up and moved away from me.

"I see. I hadn't realized… Forgive me," Edward bowed his head.

"What did you want, Edward?" I asked, getting impatient.

Jake was pacing along the edge of the trees again, just waiting for Edward to make another wrong move.

"This Jacob is one of your wolves?" Edward asked, looking above my head.

"Yes. He's second in command," I agreed.

"Second?"

Edward's eyes snapped back to mine.

"Yes. Sam's the Alpha," I frowned, not liking his tone.

"Interesting," Edward murmured.

"Didn't I tell you not to contact me before Sam had contacted you? Why are you trying to bring the wolves on your unnecessarily?" I asked.

"I needed to speak with you," Edward repeated.

"Speak, then!" I fumed, throwing my hands up in agrivation.

Easy, Bells. Don't get him angry, honey, Jake warned.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm down for his sake. I didn't want Jake worried about me setting Edward off.

"Talk," I sighed, looking at the clock on the wall.

"I lied to you, Bella. And I will never forgive myself for it," Edward said.

"What are you talking about?" I grumbled, done with his cryptic conversation.

"When I left, I lied to you. When I told you I didn't love you anymore, it was the truest form of vulgarity I have ever uttered. It wasn't true, Bella. I love you still," Edward admitted, taking my hands.

I looked up at him, completely shocked. Jake bristled as Edward touched me again. He didn't like what Edward had said too much either, but he was ignoring it for the time being.

"What are you talking about?" I repeated, unable to come up with anything better to say.

"I love you, Bella. I never stopped," Edward whispered, leaning towards me.

I realized he intended to kiss me.

"Stop," I said, backing away from him and pulling my hands out of his grasp.

He looked at me in that same tortured expression he'd worn last night. The only difference was I knew now why he wore it.

"I'm too late, aren't I?" Edward sighed, looking down.

"I'd say I'm sorry, but I'm not. Edward, there are things I didn't tell you last night that you should know," I started.

The bell rang then and the halls were suddenly filled with students.

"It'll have to wait. Please, don't talk to me again until Sam contacts your family. I won't betray their trust by going against Sam's decision," I vowed.

"I understand," Edward nodded.

I gave him a nod of my own before heading off to my next class.

Wow. Fourteen pages. What do you think? Good, huh? You got a confrontation between Lauren and Bella and Edward and Bella! Everybody say "yay"! Hahaha! See you guys next chapter!!