Chapter 16

In any other world
You could tell the difference
And let it all unfurl
Into broken remnants
Smile like you mean it
And let yourself let go
Cos it's all in the hands of a bitter, bitter man
Say goodbye to the world you thought you lived in
Take a bow, play the part of a lonely, lonely heart
Say goodbye to the world you thought you lived in
To the world you thought you lived in

~Any Other World by Mika~

I knew I didn't have long. Chances were that Alice had already called Edward and he would be on his way back. I couldn't go home, he would find me there straight away and I knew that he wouldn't hurt Charlie. I had to go somewhere where he couldn't get to me, where he couldn't try and dazzle me into believing him when I was already so confused, so hurt and lost in my emotions.

I knew almost immediately where I could go – the place where none of the Cullens could reach me, the only place where they weren't allowed to go. I changed direction and started running towards La Push.

I didn't know where the boundary line was to La Push – Carlisle had mentioned it before, but I'd never pressed for details. I took a guess and figured that Jake's house would be well within the limits. I could hide out in the garage for a while and get my thoughts organised.

And maybe cry a little.

I sniffed as I walked the last fifteen minutes to Jacob's house, rubbing at my eyes. The emotions were threatening to overwhelm me, the anger fading into the incredible urge to start howling. All the hopes that I'd let myself build up over the last few months were crashing down around me and it felt like an iron fist was squeezing around my heart, crippling me.

I pulled my windswept hair out of my face and tucked it into my hood, hating the stray tear that had escaped. I wiped it away quickly before turning down the path that led to Jacob's house. The sun was almost set and I saw Billy sitting on the porch, enjoying the last of the day. I trudged over to the garage and looked in the door.

Jacob was bent over the rabbit, an oily rag hanging out of the back pocket of his jeans. He looked like he'd grown two feet since I'd last been up here and his hair was cut short and shaggy, from what I could see from behind. He whistled quietly and reached for the rag, leaning into the engine. I walked over to the high workbench and climbed up on it, hunching up and burying my face in my knees as the tears finally began to come.

They had all lied to me, by omission if not directly. If it hadn't been for Alice seeing a possible future where Edward loved me, I would never have been part of their lives. The feelings that were beginning to emerge between Edward and I… were they real, or did they only feel that way because Edward and Alice had been manipulating the situation? It was agonisingly upsetting and I was angry at them and at myself for letting my guard down in the first place.

The situation with Doc was equally heartbreaking and with no exaggeration. My heart literally felt like it was shattering into pieces, because his part in this hurt almost more than Edward and Alice's. Whilst they had befriended me, enchanted me, Carlisle had done more. He had welcomed me to his family, had insisted that I belonged with them, that I would always have a place with them. More pandering to Alice's premonition?

And the experiments… the overwhelming curiosity of a bored vampire? Had I simply been a way to pass the time, a hobby for lack of a better word? How could the man who had informed me, in no uncertain terms, that he wanted me with his family permanently have only ever wanted me for scientific purposes?

Too many questions. No answers. Not without going back there and I certainly didn't wan-

"Don't cry."

My head jerked up. I had almost forgotten where I was and found myself staring into the intensely dark eyes of Jacob Black. Because he was watching me.

What. The. Hell?

I stared at him wide-eyed, my hands clutching at my side as he cocked his head, giving me a lazy smile.

"I mean, finding a random girl in my garage is one thing, but if she starts crying, I really have to sit up and take notice, you know?"

"Wha… but… how…?" I stammered, still staring at him in disbelief. His smile widened and he reached over to the workbench, pulling a slightly cleaner rag out of a toolbox and holding it out to me.

"Here. No more crying, OK?"

I couldn't stop staring at him. His smile twitched slightly and he ran an oily hand through his hair.

"You know, I'm going to have to ask some questions, right? Your name would be a good start."

"You can see me." I blurted out and he chuckled, folding his arms across his chest.

"Yeah, I've been working on this sight thing for a while."

"No… I mean… you shouldn't be able to see me. You…"

"Jake!" Another voice broke the tense air and we both jerked our heads towards the door as Embry fell through, panting. He straightened abruptly and grinned, "Oh… sorry, I didn't realise you were… busy."

Embry could see me too.

I scrambled off the workbench, keeping my distance as I backed away from both of them, my eyes feeling as though they were going to fall out of my head. What the hell was happening? How could…

No. No!

"Jacob, we need to get you to a doctor." I gasped and he snorted. Embry raised his eyebrows.

"Going to introduce me, Jake?"

"Hell, I don't even know who she is!" Jacob laughed and held out his hand to me, "Jacob Black."

"I know who you are, we don't have time for this! We have to get you both to a doctor!" I insisted angrily, glancing at Embry, "There's something wrong, you shouldn't be able to see me!"

"Why'd you pick a crazy one, Jake?" Embry joked and I glowered at him.

"I swear to god, Embry, I will beat you down."

"How do you know our names? And why won't you tell me yours?" Jacob asked curiously and I ran my hands through my hair, frustration surging in my chest.

"Will you please listen to me? I have had a really bad day." I growled, moving towards Jacob and planting myself in front of him, "You and Embry are coming with me and we are going to find a doctor because there is something wrong with you both and you are not going to argue with me!"

They stared at me and then Embry began to chuckle but Jacob's eyes widened. He leant forward slightly, moving his face towards mine. His nostrils flared and he sniffed. I scowled.

"Personal space, kid. Now get a move on, we have to go." I turned, trying to think up a plan. There must be a doctor somewhere on the reservation, if I could persuade Jacob and Embry to go and get an examination done we could find out why they could see me. If we weren't too late. How close to death could they be, they both looked so healthy?

Of course, all of this became irrelevant because Jacob seized my hand, a rumbling growl emanating from his chest. I gasped, his hand incredibly hot against my skin, and tried to tug away but he held me still, his handsome face twisted in anger.

"You're not allowed here! You're breaking the treaty!"

"What?"

"Jacob, what are you…?" Embry paused and sniffed before narrowing his eyes, "Is that…?"

"She stinks of it." Jacob spat and I glared.

"You're not daisy-fresh yourself, you brat."

"Shut the hell up! Embry, go get Sam. We need to deal with-"

"The eyes aren't right." Embry interrupted, "She has brown eyes. I thought they all had red or gold eyes."

Something clicked and I gasped, before biting my lip because they had turned to me with suspicious eyes. I swallowed hard before realising something.

"Shit. Jacob, what about Billy?"

"What about him? How do you know about Billy?" Jacob demanded angrily and I scowled, my patience wearing thin.

"Jake, shut up. You need to listen to me." I said and tugged my arm. He let me go reluctantly, eyes narrowed. I breathed deeply.

"I know what you're thinking. I know who you're talking about with the… the eyes thing. But we don't have time for that now. The fact is that you shouldn't be able to see me because people who can see me are… OK, it's complicated, but I need to go and see Billy because… because if he can see me…"

Not Billy. Not my father's best friend, the man who had been like an uncle to me. Jacob didn't have a mom, he would be all alone, his sister's didn't live nearby, he didn't have anyone.

I looked at Embry who was frowning at me and then back to Jacob before shaking my head.

"I don't have red eyes or gold eyes. And… and I will explain but, Jake, if you can see me, that means that something is wrong. And if Billy can see me, the situation will only get worse. So can we please just make sure that Billy is OK before-"

"You're not going anywhere near my dad!" Jacob snarled.

OK. Enough is enough.

I rolled my eyes and put my hands on my hips.

"You know what, Jake? You are such a child. I guess some things never change and apparently no one ever told you to respect your elders."

I turned my back to them and walked through the wooden wall of the garage and towards the house. I heard scrambling behind me but didn't look back as I approached the porch. Billy was smoking a pipe, scratching his knee idly and I climbed up the ramp that led to the porch, before crouching beside the wheelchair. I saw Jacob and Embry approaching slowly, eyes uncertain and afraid. I looked back at Billy and tilted my head so that I could see his face clearly. He was watching the two boys idly.

"You boys alright?"

"Billy, can you see me?" I asked loudly, so that Embry and Jacob could hear me. Billy didn't react and that small fact lightened my heart a little. They stared and Billy frowned.

"Jake, what's wrong?"

"Can't you…?" He stared and I shook my head swiftly, "Uh… nothing. I just… did you want to go in yet?"

"I can get myself in, you boys keep working on that car. Anything that keeps you out of trouble."

I stepped back and perched myself on the unsteady porch railings as he wheeled past. Jacob waited until Billy had disappeared into the house before walking up onto the porch and closing the door and turning to me, eyes like slits as he glared at me.

"What are you?" He demanded, standing over me, clearly hoping to intimidate me. I gazed up at him thoughtfully.

"Me? I'm a ghost. The real question, Jacob Black… is what is wrong with you?"

I managed to convince them both to come back into the garage. The last thing we needed was Billy seeing Jacob and Embry talking to thin air. They stood, arms folded, watching me closely as I took a deep breath and tried to explain.

"OK. So. The thing is… as I said, I'm a ghost. I'm dead. And for ages no one could see me. But then I found out that some… people can." I paused and glanced at Jacob, "Dying people. People very close to death can see and touch me. Which is why we need to get you to a doctor, Jake, and you too, Embry. I think you're dying."

They exchanged an amused glance and I scowled.

"This isn't a joke!"

"Honestly, lady? I've never felt healthier in my life." Embry grinned and Jacob rolled his eyes. I glared at them both.

"I've just told you that you're both dying and this is how you react?"

"We're not dying." Jacob said calmly, "But we can't tell you… put it this way - we are different. And that's all you're getting out of me until you answer some questions."

"We don't have time for questions, Jacob!"

"Well, make time." He said sharply and I glared at him, leaning back against the work surface and folding my arms, imitating his pose.

"Jacob-"

"How do you know my name? And what's your name? In fact, answer that one first." Jacob ordered and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"When the hell did you get so bossy?"

"Why are you acting like you know me, ghost?"

"Don't call me ghost, I have a name!"

"Tell me what it is then."

I hesitated and swallowed, uncertain about my next move. As soon as I told him who I was… Charlie couldn't know. He couldn't have this brought up, he suffered too much just thinking about me. If Jacob tried to run his mouth off…

I tugged at the sleeves of my hoodie, pulling them down over my hands as I dropped my gaze to the floor. Telling him my name gave him power over me and that hadn't exactly worked out for me last time. But he needed answers and so did I, if I wanted to get him help. Of course, the best doctor I knew wasn't exactly available and for whatever reason, the Quileutes didn't trust the Cullens. Billy knew what they were but I didn't know if Jacob did, although he knew something. But I wasn't getting answers without giving him any.

I looked at Embry.

"I'd like to talk to Jacob in private. If that's OK?" I asked uncertainly. Embry and Jacob exchanged a meaningful look and Embry nodded.

"I need to catch up with the guys anyway. Sam will want us soon, Jake."

"You go ahead. Let him know I'll be there soon." Jacob assured him and Embry disappeared after casting me a last curious look. I waited until he was gone before looking back up at Jacob.

"I've known you since you were a tiny baby, Jacob." I said quietly, "You have two sisters, Rachel and Rebecca. Your father is Billy and your mom was Sarah. She had long black hair and she made the most amazing chocolate chip cookies I ever had. I only got to have them a couple of times because I was only here in the summer and she died when you were three."

Jacob stared at me, his jaw clenched with emotion. His eyes were dark but shining slightly. I felt a harsh lump in my throat and forced myself to meet his eyes.

"When you were six I came to live in Forks. I came to babysit you and the twins a couple of times and you made me read Jack and the Beanstalk about ten times before you would go to bed."

Realisation was dawning and Jacob lifted a hand to his hair, tightening it in the black locks as he stared at me, eyes widening. I took a deep breath and wrapped my arms around myself.

"You took care of your father so that your sisters were able to go and live their lives, so that they could get married and go to college. You like to build things and you put that car together pretty much from the ground up. You don't like football but you'll sit and watch it with your dad and with…"

Tears were threatening again and I forced them back. I had cried too much today but Jacob had let out a shuddering breath and shook his head slowly, never taking his eyes off me. I sniffed hard.

"You're a smart kid, Jacob." I whispered, "And I'm pretty sure you've figured out who I am by now."

He nodded, still staring and sighed quietly.

"Geez… you know, you have his eyes? They're just like…"

"Charlie's." I agreed and Jacob made a small huffing noise of surprise.

"Yeah. Yeah… you're… you're Bella, aren't you?"

"That'd be me." I nodded, my voice tight with emotion. Jacob gave a strange, strangled laugh and scratched his head.

"Holy crap… hell, you're a lot shorter than I remember."

"It was ten years ago, kid." I reminded him, "You've just gotten a lot taller. A hell of a lot taller."

"Ten years. You died ten years ago." Jacob said, almost to himself. "That's crazy, Bella. You're dead."

"I know."

"You're a ghost."

"Yup. And now we've established that fact, can we please get you to a doctor? Is there one on the rez?"

Jacob jerked out of his stupor and grinned, running a hand through his hair.

"Oh, that. Yeah, I'm not going to a doctor."

"Jacob, I will not hesitate to kick your ass. I have had a hell of a day and I don't want to argue with you."

"So don't. Look, Bella, I've been going through same changes lately and they've left me a little… unusual." He sighed heavily, "It's kinda hard to explain because I'm not really allowed to tell. But this is a weird situation."

He fell silent, deep in concentration. I moved closer to him, paying close attention to his physical appearance. He was taller than the last time I'd seen him, quite a bit taller. His hair was ragged as though he'd cut it himself and his face had lost it's roundness that had kept him looking so youthful. Even from a foot away, I could feel the heat emanating from his skin.

"Jacob, do you have a fever?"

"Nope."

"You're…" I hovered a hand over his arm, feeling the heat. It was impossibly warm for an average human, "Jacob, you're burning up."

"It's just one of those changes I mentioned. So, tell me about being a ghost."

"No, tell me why we're not finding a doctor!" I said firmly and he gave me a lopsided grin, lifting his hand and catching mine. He gave an overdramatic shiver.

"Cold!"

"Jacob!"

"Bella, I've just found out that someone who died ten years ago has been watching me as a ghost. Give me a break and answer some questions, OK?"

I looked down at our joined hands, the russet shade of his skin against the paleness of mine, the incredible heat of his flesh contrasted with the dead cold of my own. I sighed and shook my head but Jacob winced, his nose wrinkling.

"Geez, that smell…"

"What are you talking about?" I sniffed a lock of my hair, unable to notice any particular smell. Jacob pulled a face.

"It's gross. Kind of sickly sweet, it's making me feel nauseous."

"I don't smell."

"You smell like…" He stopped and narrowed his eyes, "Hmm. Maybe we should talk about this later."

"Or we could talk about it now. Quit deflecting me, Jacob."

He looked torn, between wanting to talk more and worrying about the consequences, though what those consequences were, I had no idea. But he was distracted suddenly by the sound of a wolf howling nearby and he swore, stepping back and releasing my hand. My skin felt like it had been burnt by the heat of him and I rubbed it gently. Then I heard footsteps running towards the garage and turned quickly as a figure appeared in the doorway. He was tall, dark-skinned with very short hair and shirtless, which I couldn't comprehend given the typical weather of constant drizzle.

The stranger's dark eyes fell on me and then narrowed as he scanned me from head to foot. I stepped back uncertainly and Jacob cleared his throat.

"Hey Sam."

"Embry just came over saying that there's some strange girl here that smells like the Cold Ones and I need to check it out. Is this her?" He said abruptly and I scowled.

"It is and I can hear you."

Apparently my survival instincts were quashed beneath my need for good manners.

Sam's eyes narrowed and I took another step back, feeling the workbench press against my thighs. I swallowed, suddenly nervous. Another one that could see me, another one like Jacob. What was going on in La Push?

Sam stalked towards me and I scooted back along the bench, but he paused a few feet away, his nostrils flaring and he glowered at me.

"You're breaking the treaty."

"She's not a Cold One, Sam. Check the eyes out." Jacob insisted and I glanced at him.

"Cold One…?"

"She stinks of it, Jacob! Did you tell her anything?" Sam snarled and I frowned but Jacob shook his head.

"Not a thing. But she's suspicious. Did Embry tell you what she is?"

"What do you mean, what she is? You said she wasn't a-"

"She isn't!"

If there was one thing I hated more than being lied to by my only friends, finding out that an old family friend was possibly dying and then having doubts about the reality of my existence – it was being talked about like I wasn't there.

I know, my priorities are seriously messed up.

"Hey." I said sharply and they both looked at me as though they'd forgotten that I was there, "I am still here. I can hear everything you're saying and if you want to ask me something, Sam Uley, you ask me. Don't be so damn rude!"

"How do you know my name?" He narrowed his eyes and I sighed. This was getting old.

"Cut the crap. I'm telling you once and only once because I'm sick of doing this. My name is Isabella Swan. I'm a ghost and people can't usually see me. As far as I know, the only ones that can are the ones that are about to die. So start giving me some answers, Sam, because I'm going to haunt this reservation until you do."

He stared at me and Jacob began to snigger. I glared at him and then jumped as a wolf howled somewhere very close by.

"What the…?" I glanced at the two boys, but they were watching me closely, as though searching for my reaction. Uncertainly, I moved through the workbench and wall, looking towards the forest.

My still heart leapt into my throat as three large wolves shifted out of the shadows, stalking towards me. I let out a strangled cry and began to back away, not sure if I should run or stand perfectly still. They couldn't see me if I stood still right? Or was that dinosaurs?

Sam and Jacob both appeared by the door to the garage, Sam staring at me. I gave them a frantic wild-eyed look.

"Don't move! There are wolves!"

"Guys, don't freak her out." Jacob said dryly and Sam scowled and waved at the wolves. They stopped in their tracks and I blinked in astonishment. Sam turned to me and folded his arms across his bare chest.

"We need to talk, Isabella Swan. But not here. Jacob is going to take you to my house."

"How did you…?" I looked back to the wolves and then back to Jacob who was watching me with a slight grin. The bits began to slide into place and one of the wolves, a skinny grey one, began to shift, it's mouth hanging open in a grin. Jacob gave it a sideways look and laughed quietly.

The penny dropped and my mouth fell open.

"Oh my god… you're a werewolf!"

A/N: Hello my darlings! Thank you SO much for the reviews, the most of any chapter so far! And yes, Jacob is here. I love him. LOVE HIM. My beta does not. I force her to look at pictures of him for hours on end, hoping to brainwash her into loving him. No luck so far, but I can keep trying.

Any Other World – So not only has Bella lost her friends/new found family, there are now werewolves. Goodbye to the world she thought she lived in.

Reviewers will receive their chosen Cullen/Werewolf and empty garage to entertain yourselves in.