Disclaimer: I am not Stephenie Meyer; I do not own the Twilight series, just a fan having fun. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 9

Sorry I took a little longer to update… I promise the next ones will come sooner!!! Pretty please review so I know you're still reading and interested!!!

Nessie's POV

I'm running through the forest in what seems like slow motion. I can feel the wet grass and dirt beneath my bare feet, the soft evening breeze blowing my hair and cold sweat dripping from my neck. Anxiety and fear are invading my body but I don't understand why, I realize this is a dream of course, but can't seem to make out the cause of my affliction. I turn my head in all directions but can't find any sort of threat. My body is aching; I look down and realize I'm covered in blood, my blood. I keep running, I have a destination, something pulling me forward when I should be passed out already. I don't like this dream, my vision is blurry and I can barely feel my body, apart from my frantic racing heart and the pain coming from my torso. In the distance I can make out a huge furry figure; my pace quickens, I know it's him, relief is soon to come, I know he'll make everything alright. Once I'm close enough to take in his enormous figure I realize something is wrong, very wrong; his eyes are yellow, teeth bared and blood covered, his hair is filthy and black; this isn't Jacob, it's not even a wolf, not like the ones I know. Panic hits me like a shock wave and I try to stop and run away, but can't. Before I know it I'm facing him, a gruesome and evil creature that smells unlike anything I've ever smelt. Wake up!!! Wake up!!! I cry to myself.

My breathing is ragged and his stare sends chills up my spine. He turns his focus from me and looks at the floor beneath his massive paws, a smile curling his lips. I'm afraid to look, afraid to take my eyes of the monster; I'm shivering with fear, my eyes glued to his sneering face. I want to wake up!!! Finally curiosity beats me and I look down, realizing immediately I shouldn't have, because beneath the creature lies the most horrible scene: Jacob, my Jacob… dead.

I woke up with a start, sobs and the sound of my own pounding heart echoing in my ears. My entire body was shaking, slight screams escaping my lips. I felt disoriented, the panic not allowing me to focus.

"Nessie!!! Nessie!!! Baby, what's wrong?!!! Please baby… it's ok… I'm here… your safe!!!

His voice brought me back to reality, the nightmare slipping away. Jacob was in bed with me, both his hands on my face. He was frantically looking up and down at me, trying to asses if I was physically injured. The torment I saw in him gave me the all the strength I needed to control myself, because I couldn't let him worry like that for me.

"Jake… I… I had a nightmare." – It sounded childish and irrelevant, this had been much more. An image of Jacob lying dead popped in my head and another sob escaped me. Jacob didn't seem to think it was childish; he still had torment in his face and was kissing my cheeks and forehead, rubbing his hands up and down my back in a soothing manner.

"It's ok Nessie… I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you… shhh… just breath baby, it'll be alright."

He hugged me for at least half an hour until my sobs subsided and my heartbeat regained its usual speed. I was taking in big breathes, hoping to cleanse myself of the horrible images and thoughts that were invading me. I knew it was a dream, I knew Jacob was fine; I had him right now, in my arms, holding me and whispering comforting words. I knew all this, but somehow the fear was still there, somehow the panic had not yet left me. I had never thought about Jacob dying, hadn't ever considered it; why would I, when death seemed like something far away, something only humans have to deal with. The thought that it actually could happen was more than I could stand.

Once my breathing slowed down he broke the hug, pulling back enough to look at me while still keeping his arms securely around me.

"Ness… are you ok? Do you need anything?" – The tone of his voice reminded me of my childhood and the way he would speak to me with such care when I was a baby. He was brushing the leftover tears from my cheeks.

"Just you." – The worry left his face and was replaced with a smile, not a wide grin, but a sweet smile.

"I've never seen you have a nightmare like that… I even felt it, it woke me up even before you did. Do you want to tell me about it?"

"No, saying it out loud will only make it real."

"But it's not Ness… you do know that right? I'll protect you from anything." – It wasn't me I was worried about. I knew Jacob could protect me, but what about me? Could I protect him?

"It's a good thing Bella and Edward aren't home, they would have freaked and probably burst into the room, making our little secret finally public."

"But dad knows you spent the night… it would have only broken the illusion of our secret…. That's weird, why aren't they home?"

"I guess before they worried about your safety and had to stay here all night, but now since they know I'm here, they sort of feel free to go and do whatever they want."

I put my hands on both sides of his face and kissed him. I needed to feel his love, needed to forget about the dream and remind myself that he was here and wasn't going anywhere. I was happy when he kissed me back with just as much passion, I had been afraid that after the tree incident and my father's blatant disregard for privacy, he would back away from me. His kiss was deep and thorough, like somehow he knew it would erase my nightmare. It worked, because after a few minutes all I could think of was Jacob, not the dead one from my dream, but the Jacob sitting down in my bed, impregnating his scent all over my sheets and caressing me in such a way that I suddenly felt very thankful that my parents weren't home.

"How do you feel now?"

"Mmmm… better, although I could use a little bit more of this." – I said this while pulling him from his t-shirt back towards me. He laughed and broke away from our embrace.

"We don't want to push our luck Ness… I don't know what I would do if Edward ever forbids me to stay the night."

"He can't… I belong to you… now get back here." – Jacob laughed once more but didn't come close to me again.

"Ness, I've got 2 hours before I have to get up… I've been skipping afternoons at the workshop and I'm really behind on this car I'm working on… if I keep it up I'll be out of a job."

"You mean you're working tomorrow… Saturday?"

"Yep… but Pixie is taking you shopping right? So I'll be here when you get back."

"Fine." – I wasn't convinced but could see he was tired, so we lay back down, rolling over so we were facing the same direction, Jacob behind me. He put his arm around me and pulled me from my waist toward him. I took hold of his arm and wrapped it closer to me, knowing his protection would keep the nightmare away. I felt him nuzzled his face in my curls and in a matter of seconds he was snoring.

When I woke up 3 hours later he was gone, leaving a small note on my pillow.

Ness,

I'll be back for lunch so we can go hunting. Have fun with Pixie. I love you, miss you already.

Hot Stuff

The note made me laugh; leave it to Jacob to always know how to lighten my spirits. I wondered if it was an imprinting thing or something he would be able to do regardless.

I took a shower, got dressed and headed for the big house, where I was sure to find everyone. As I walked through the forest I remembered my dream. This time, the image that made its way to my brain was not Jacob, but the horrifying wolf-like creature. I had been so overwhelmed by the sight of Jacob's corps that I had forgotten all about the monster. As I tried to make sense of it, my mind replayed a conversation: "They found this like warehouse full of bodies… some sort of new species of wolves… like mutants or something… human DNA… genetic disease… Volterra."

I started running toward the house. I had been so happy spending my days with Jacob that I had completely blocked out the impending information I had gotten 3 weeks ago. As soon as I entered, my father came out to greet me, so I quickly placed my hand to his cheek and projected the entire conversation as well as my dream, blocking out my feelings so it wouldn't be too much for him. I knew he could have read the thoughts right out of my brain, but I was used to placing my hand on people's cheeks and something about it made it feel intentional, like he wasn't reading my thoughts without permission, like it was me showing him.

"It's alright darling; you don't need to worry about this."

"But the Voltury!!! You don't think it's a coincidence do you?"

"I don't have enough information to asses that. I'll go upstairs and tell Carlyle; maybe he knows something about this incident. We'll get to the bottom of this Nessie, I promise. In the meantime, I don't want you to worry about this; that dream you had was pretty awful and I don't want you having any more. It's in our hands now, ok?"

"Ok dad, I trust you and grandpa."

"One more thing, I'm sorry for the way I handled things yesterday… your mother thinks it was pretty embarrassing for you and I realize that now… I guess I've been so used to knowing every intimate thought of the members of this family and having no secrets and no subjects being taboo, that I didn't realize that it's actually not acceptable to handle things the way I did. I apologize."

"It's ok dad… I'm sort of used to it too, to tell you the truth… but Jacob was pretty upset, so I guess it would be best if you didn't talk about those things him."

"Agreed. Now go say hi to Alice… she's trying to convince your mom to go shopping with you two, maybe you can persuade her otherwise." – I nodded and headed toward the library, where I found my poor momma sitting with a book in her lap and an exasperated look on her face. Aunt Alice was standing in front of her jumping up and down and talking really fast, her voice chiming like a bell through the room.

"Oh, come on Bella!!! Are you really going to say no to me? Your favorite sister? There are so few pleasures that I get in life… please… pretty please!!! You haven't bought clothes in over a month, a month!!! It's unacceptable Bella Cullen and I will not stand for it, look at those sweats and that t-shirt… cotton!!! Maybe Edward let's you get away with everything but not me missy!!! Please… you don't even care about clothes… make me happy… I can't stand what you're wearing!!! Are you really going to deny me this small tiny pleasure, 5 insignificant hours out of your eternal life?"

"Ohh God Alice… I thought that by having Nessie as a shopping partner you'd leave me off the hook."

"Nope, and you know why? Because you are irreplaceable and not substitutable, Bella… I love you!!! Don't you love me?" – Auntie Alice was pouting now, her angelic face looking adorable. I knew my mom would give in at this, she hated when Aunt Alice would doubt her love for her.

"Don't you love me Alice? You know I hate shopping and wearing designer clothes."

"It is because I love you that I sometimes have to force you into doing something that is for your own good. So… are you going to make me sad or happy?"

My mom sighed and I couldn't help but chuckle silently. "Fine, I'll make you happy."

Alice was hugging my mom, her pout gone and replaced by a brilliant smile.

"Weren't you supposed to help me Renesme?" – My mom was looking at me with a smile while Aunt Alice danced all around the library. She probably heard my conversation with dad.

"Sorry momma… but you know by now there's no convincing Auntie Alice."

"That's right, you see? Even your daughter knows best!!! So, let's get a move on, we have to get to Seattle, I really wanted to go to New York, but since Nessie can't be away from her pup for more than half a day… we'll have to make due. You see, I can compromise."

Both mom and I snorted at her comment, if Alice was good at anything it was getting her way. I was sure one of these days she would be able to drag me away from Jake and towards New York.

Aunt Alice hurried downstairs to wait for us while mom and I said goodbye to dad, who was on his way to grandpa's office.

Mom and dad kissed for far much longer than necessary; like I said, I can never get used to living in a house full of horny teenagers. In a way I've always suspected that mom hates shopping mostly because it means spending time away from dad. I thought of the time when dad left her. Aunt Rosalie told me the story, because it was something my parents never spoke about, I even think mom conveniently let that part fade away with most of her blurry human memories. I always thought that it was a bit of an overreaction to turn catatonic in my dad's absence, it always felt crazy to me to need someone so much… until now. Seeing my parents say goodbye with such passion, knowing they'd see each other in just 5 hours, made me think of Jacob. I never quite felt whole when he was away, not even when I was a child. Some of my earlier memories consist of Aunt Rose holding me, with a bottle of blood in her hand, and me stretching my little baby hands towards her, showing her I wanted to see the big dark skinned boy. Back then I had no idea who he was; I was too small to know anything, but I remember wanting him near, the same way I wanted my momma near.

Finally my parents broke apart.

"Have fun." – My dad was smiling his crooked smile and was teasing mom, who growled at him.

"Bye dad, love you." - He kissed my forehead and we made our way downstairs. Aunt Alice was already at the door with an impatient look on her face, her arms folded over her chest, tapping her foot on the floor.

"You two are so slow for vampires, let's go!!!"

The three of us were walking toward the door when suddenly it opened and in walked Aunt Rosalie followed by Uncle Emmet. As soon as she saw me her expression changed. I had barely seen her the last 3 weeks, her and Uncle Em had taken various trips since Jacob and I got together; the only times I had seen her, she had left running and not allowed me to talk to her. This chance encounter at such a short distance was rather rare and very uncomfortable.

"Oh - oh" - Uncle Em tried to keep things light, but when he saw that her mood didn't change, he quickly darted out of the entrance hall and made his way to the TV room.

"Rose, we're going shopping, would you like to come with us? Look, even Bella is going." – Aunt Alice's cheerfulness was in huge contrast with the situation.

"No, I don't think so, but thank you sis." – She started walking past us and I couldn't contain myself.

"Rosie? Please talk to me…" – I called her "Rosie", the way I always did, the way she liked. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to look at me, a stone expression on her face.

"Renesme, I think I've made it very clear that I'm not interested."

"But why not? You knew, like the rest of them, that this would happen eventually. Aren't you happy for me? I know you say you hate Jacob, I know you think he's this gross dog with no manners, but he's been in our lives for so long, he's family, I would think that even you consider him that. And above all Aunt Rosie… he loves me and I love him, the way you love Uncle Em, the way a vampire loves his mate, the way my mother loves dad. How can you object to that? Who else could make me happy? Who else could ever be enough for me if not him?"

Mom and Alice were staring in expectance at Aunt Rosalie, who all of a sudden looked very much like a vampire; she was standing stone still, no expression visible on her perfect face. I walked closer to her, feeling a lump in my throat.

"I know in my heart that you don't really dislike Jacob, please Aunt Rosie… I need you in my life… I miss you."

"Nessie… I miss you too… but I can't… I can't approve of this… he'll take you away from us, I know it… he's not a vampire… he doesn't belong."

"I'm not a vampire either; does that mean I don't belong? He doesn't want to take me away Rosie, he loves you, all of you, because he knows how important you are to me. He's willing to put up with the smell and the fact that his entire wolf existence was created to fight you, to hate you, just so that he can be with me. Can't you do the same? Can't you forget he's a werewolf, forget he's a Quileute, forget you don't like him and embrace him because he's my love, my world?"

I saw how Aunt Rose's expression softened and finally resembled the woman I love. She smiled at me and took in a big breath.

"I'm sorry Nessie… you know how I am. You're right, I knew this day would come, I just didn't think it'd get here so fast." – I could see pain in her eyes and felt horrible.

"You haven't lost me Rosie… you'll never lose me… not unless you keep giving me the silent treatment." – Aunt Alice and mom were looking from me to Rose with amusement, thinking Rose would snap at any moment, but she didn't.

"Alright Nessie… I'm done with my little temper tantrum… I'll learn to cope with it… just promise me you won't be going around the house making out with him, I don't want to vomit all over Esme's white carpet." – I knew she was teasing, but I also knew she meant it.

"You can't even vomit, Rosie."

All of a sudden I heard loud clapping. Uncle Em was walking back toward the entrance hall, a huge goofy grin on his face and his big bear hands producing the loudest clap ever known to man.

"Awww… my two girls have finally made up!!! Does that mean I can talk to Jake again? Or better yet, does that mean I can make fun of these two love birds? I've got a lot of nasty jokes backed up in me."

Aunt Rose rolled her eyes and Emmet cringed thinking a slap on the head was coming, it didn't, but his reaction made us all laugh.

"Ha ha, very funny. Ok, you two hug already!!!"

Aunt Rose and I hugged while everyone clapped and cheered. While she was hugging me she whispered "Don't tell the pup that I'm alright with this, I want to torture him a little longer." I couldn't help but laugh, because if the situation were the other way around, I'm sure Jacob would have said the same thing.

Aunt Rose still decided not to go shopping, so the three of us made our way to Seattle.

Five hours later, we were on our way home with a trunk full of clothes and shoes. Poor momma was forced to purchase 3 really expensive and really over the top sexy dresses and matching stilettos, the kind of outfits she wouldn't be caught dead in. Aunt Alice not only shopped for herself but brought back clothes for the entire family, including Jacob. I knew Jake wouldn't wear the preppy things she got him, but it was still a nice gesture. I on the other hand looked for things that I knew would make any man's head turn, hopefully it would be Jacob's. At the end of the trip I had a bag full of really cute and girly sundresses, spaghetti strap tops, little skirts and shorts and a few new pieces of underwear that I kept hidden from both mom and Alice. I knew I wouldn't actually do anything with Jake, at least I didn't think so, but I felt better knowing I would wear nice things around him, just in case.

As soon as we were 5 minutes away from home my butterflies started acting up. Would I always be this excited to see him? Mom heard my heart and took hold of my hand, smiling at me. Soon enough the other great person in my life would be doing the same.

Jacob's POV

I spend the entire morning feeling guilty. My Nessie had had a horrible nightmare, had been scared to death, had been sobbing for almost an hour, and still I had left her to come to work. This relationship stuff was hard; not the being with her, that was as easy as breathing, but everything else. My boss was really pissed off at me, the last 3 weeks I hadn't showed up to work in the afternoons, giving him bullshit excuses every time. It was times like these when I really despised the leeches, because they get to do whatever they want all day long because they're loaded; I on the other hand have to work my ass off.

The only upside is that I'm actually a damn good mechanic, which means I can finish the job faster than anyone in the workshop, which means that while my boss can get pissed at me, sooner or later it passes when he sees I finish the job on time and first-rate.

As soon as the clock stroke 1:00 pm, I threw my tools in my toolbox and ran for the door. I raced the Rabbit as fast as it could go until I reached the Cullen house. I practically jumped out of the car and went in the house, not even bothering to knock, I was passed being polite. Once I entered I saw Nessie showing off what looked like a new dress to Blondie, who was sitting crossed legged on the sofa, smiling in approval. The dress seemed pretty much like any other dress she owns; except for one tiny difference… it was ridiculously and outrageously short!!! What was she trying to do? Kill me? Have me killed by Edward? As if everything I said the night before meant nothing, she had to go and buy the sexiest god damn dress she could get her hands on. I suddenly felt the urge to go find Pixie and pull off an arm or two.

Edward walked into view, Bella by his side, and I could see he wasn't pleased by this either, he wasn't even enjoying my distress like he always does. He didn't look at me but I knew he was reading my thoughts, because he had a pained expression on his face and he was frowning at Nessie who seemed not to even notice him.

"Jake!!!" – She ran towards me and hugged me; I hugged her back but kept my distance, maintaining a safe cushion of air between our bodies. When she pulled back I could tell there was a certain lightness to her; and then it hit me, Rosalie.

"Did you make up?" – I whispered, hoping it was low enough that Blondie wouldn't listen.

A big smile spread across Ness' face and I knew the answer was "yes".

"The fact that my niece and I made up and are speaking again has nothing to do with the fact that I still despise you, I hope that's clear dog." – Blondie had gotten up and was gracefully walking toward where Emmet was watching a football game, looking at me with as much hatred as her face could muster.

"Good Blondie, I enjoy pissing you off, I just hope my lifetime with Nessie will do the trick."

Nessie swatted my chest and gave me a reproachable look, enough for me to hold my tongue. Blondie actually looked hurt and for the first time in all the years I'd known her, I felt sorry for her. I also felt like a jerk.

"Hey Blond…. I mean… Rosalie… I didn't mean to be rude; I thought you were joking, like always."

"For Nessie's sake I won't fight with you anymore dog, but tread lightly; just because you've been hanging around us all this time doesn't mean you belong, got it? I've put up with you because of my darling niece, but don't think for one moment that you already have your ticket in just because you imprinted on her, you still have to earn your way. You're a dog that cast a magic spell on my niece, nothing more." – In all my life, I had never been so insulted. Rosalie had many times before called me worse things than "dog", but everything she had just said hurt me in such a way that if I were a girl, I'm sure I'd be crying right about now.

Earn my way? Was she actually talking about money? Hadn't I already earned my way by forcing my pack to protect them? And what was all that crap about me not belonging? I belong with Nessie… I belong with Bella… hell, I even belong with Edward!!! All this time I actually felt that Blondie considered me family, that she just got a kick out of harassing me. Was I wrong? Was I wrong about everyone else? Did the rest of them see me like that, like I wasn't good enough for Nessie? Or worst, like she's forced to love me because of some magic spell?

I regretted having felt sorry for her and apologizing like a moron. I was reminded just why I started hating her guts in the first place.

Edward walked toward Blondie who was making her exit after butchering me. He took hold of her by the arm and with a menacing look growled at her. She looked at him perplexed, almost scared. Without a word, Edward pulled her away from us and left the house. Half a second later, Emmet was running after them, hollering warnings at Edward. Not even the fantasy of Edward pulling one of her limbs off could cheer me up.

Nessie turned to look at me and her face mirrored the way I felt. She placed her hand on my cheek.

"Are you ok, puppy?" – She projected, apparently too taken aback to speak.

"No." – I couldn't lie to her and I desperately needed her to comfort me.

"Aunt Rose didn't mean it Jake, I don't know why she said that, but it's not true. It's just her way; she used to say horrible things to mom when she was human, right momma?" – Bella was standing in the same spot were Edward had left her. She was looking at me with reassurance.

"Jake, whatever Rose may say or do, Edward and I are your family and nothing can ever change that. Even if you would have never imprinted on Nessie, you would still be a part of our lives and we would still love you, she would still love you. Now, if you excuse me… I have to go rip Rose's head off."

Bella left toward the forest where the rest of them had disappeared and even though I knew she meant every word, I still felt horrible.

Nessie was looking at me intently, reading my features. When she spoke, her anger surprised me.

"No, I won't let her do this to you." – She said it more to herself than to me.

Before I could ask her anything, she was running out of the house, following the others. I did the same.

When we got to the clearing where everyone was, the scenario was pretty crazy. Emmet was standing in front of Rosalie, both of them in a defensive crouch. Opposite them were Edward and Bella. Bells had on her crazy murderous look, like the one she gave me when she found out I had imprinted on Ness. She too was crouching and baring her teeth, more on the offensive. In the middle of it all was Edward, he was standing upright completely calm, his face not showing any sign of turmoil as the others.

"I'm not going to attack you Emmet, don't be ridiculous."

"Sorry bro, but you're not touching Rose."

"Do you actually believe that I would be capable of such a thing?... Rosalie, come out from behind Emmet and let me talk to you like a decent person, like the kind of person we both know you're not." – Edward's voice was calm and velvet, but somehow it sounded extremely frightening.

Rosalie stopped crouching and walked up next to Emmet, her face smug as if she hadn't just been hiding a second ago. Bella relaxed her pose once Rosalie and Emmet stood upright, although her teeth were still bared.

"Thank you. Now Rose, I put up with a lot from you when Bella and I were starting out. You were disrespectful and rude to her, you made her feel unwelcomed, even though you knew how long I'd been alone. It didn't matter to me much then because your approval was never something I strove for. However, my daughter loves you and does need you approval."

"I've already made up with Nessie, it's that dog the one I can't stand." – I felt Nessie stiffen at her words.

"Call him what you will, we owe a lot to Jacob. He was willing to stick up for us when the wolves wanted to kill Nessie, even when he knew nothing about her, even when he was still in love with Bella and despised me, despised all of us. The next time you insult him, you should think about how your beloved niece is alive because of him."

Bella was growling now. No matter how long she's been a vamp, I've never gotten used to that, I don't think I ever will. Human Bella would have been terrified by now, I missed that.

"Oh Bella, stop with the overreaction." – Rosalie was obviously put off by Edward's words, and since she couldn't contradict him, I guess she decided to direct her anger at someone else. It was a huge mistake, because Bella launched herself at her. She would have probably taken her head off if Edward hadn't been fast enough to restrain her. He was smiling now, amused by Rosalie's reaction to Bells. On second thought, maybe I do like vampire Bella better.

"Rose, I love you, but if you ever speak to Jacob that way again… I swear to God I'll pull your head off!!! Either you behave or I'll make you behave!!!"

"I'd like to see you try that Isabella!!!"

"STOP!!!" – Nessie screamed at the top of her lungs, walking forward into the clearing. I followed closely, afraid she might get hurt. As soon as everyone heard her, they all stepped back.

"This has gone far enough. I thought we had already settled this Aunt Rose. If it comes between you and Jacob I will choose Jacob!!! Hell, even if it comes between Jacob and my parents, I would still choose Jacob!!! I hope that's clear enough for you. We're a packaged deal; you can't have me as your niece if you don't have him. I know you have your ways, I know you sometimes say hurtful things without even thinking, but I hope that you know that this is the last time I'll stand to watch you belittle Jake. If it happens again, it won't be my momma; it'll be me the one that rips your head off."

Blondie looked like she was about to cry, if she could anyway. I on the other hand felt terrific. Hearing my Nessie defend me that way was amazing, I felt like sweeping her off her feet and kissing her all over. Edward rolled his eyes at me and I couldn't help but smile back at him.

"I'm sorry… I didn't really mean it… I just got angry… he was showing off the fact that he had won, I couldn't stand it…" – Either she's a really good actress or she really was sorry, because remorse was reflected in all of her words. Emmet was by her side, his arm around her, very serious for once.

"It's not about winning, this isn't some sort of contest, why is everything a competition for you?"

"Your right… I'm sorry… I really am… I usually just bother Jacob for fun, today was completely inexcusable and I know I went overboard. I didn't mean it." – She looked at me, that last statement directed at me.

"I don't want to go through this again Aunt Rose, I want to be able to bring Jacob home and not have to deal with your displeasure. Please tell me you'll finally let go of you pride and just accept it already, I know deep down inside you already have, but can you show it?"

Blondie nodded and whispered "I promise."

"Ok, now give Jacob a hug."

Everyone stared at Nessie, eyes wide in shock, including me.

"Um… Ness… hmm… I don't think that's necessary." – I was completely mortified.

Edward was the first to laugh, probably reading in Nessie's mind that it was a joke. Bella and Emmet soon followed, Emmet shaking Blondie's shoulder with his arm, as if cheering her on to laugh as well. I barely got out a chuckle, the idea of hugging Rosalie still creeping me out. Nessie was giggling profusely, looking at me with a mischievous expression.

"But seriously, there should be some sort of gesture." – Bella was trying to sound serious but couldn't quite keep a straight face.

"I could pat his head?" – Everyone laughed even harder at Rosalie's joke, including me. It wasn't even that funny, but I guess we needed to wind down after the intense confrontation. When we were all done laughing and everyone was visibly relaxed, Nessie decided it was time to go. We'd been waiting all morning to finally be together, alone. She said we had to go hunting and that it was getting late, so we all started leaving the clearing. Ness was walking in front of me and before I knew it, my eyes were wandering her body, especially her long toned legs. I imagined how she'd look like taking down a deer wearing that tiny excuse for a dress. My mind started involuntarily producing scandalous images, images of us together. The skin in her upper thighs looked delicious and soft, glowing like the rest of her skin when exposed to sunlight. I wanted to kiss every inch of her glorious skin, and now that I'd seen more of her, I desperately wanted to take off that skimpy little dress and find out what else I'd been missing.

I heard a faint growl and turned to see Edward, who had his hands in fists and his eyes pressed closed, containing himself, his nostrils flaring. It would have been pretty funny if he would have killed me right then, considering a second ago he was defending me against Blondie.

"Ness, don't you think you should go change? That's hardly an appropriate outfit to go hunting, you might mess it up." – Edward's voice sounded flat, probably from trying to hide the irritation from his tone.

"It's ok dad, I'll be careful. Besides, it's new, I feel like wearing it." - Nessie gave Edward her most brilliant and innocent smile, the kind no dad could resist, in fact I was having a hard time resisting it.

I looked over at Edward and with a wicked smile shrugged my shoulders, tilting my head to the side, as in "sorry dude, nothing you can do."

"Alright darling, it's your call if you want to stomach the wrath of Alice."

"Oh, you're right… I really wouldn't want that…"

It was Edward now who was giving me a dirty smile, damn leech.

"Jake, would you wait for me here, I'll just go change… be back in two seconds." – She sped off toward the cottage. Edward took hold of Bella's hand and started walking away, but not before turning his head toward me and saying – "Hmm, turns out there was something I could do… dude."

I cursed under my breath and Bella started laughing.

"Tell me later?" – She asked Edward, knowing he was probably making fun of me, like always.

"Of course love." – They raced off, leaving me alone in the clearing. Rose and Emmet had existed quickly once Ness declared the confrontation over. I didn't like feeling this way about Nessie, it felt wrong. No, strike that… it felt right, more than right, amazing. That was the scary part, I felt like some sort of child molester… like some creep boyfriend who can't stop thinking about sex. Nessie deserves more than that, she doesn't deserve some guy drooling over her and wanting to feel her up, treating her like some object. I would never say it out loud, and much less think it within a five block radius of Edward, but the cocky leech had set the bar really high. I felt like I had to live up to him and the way he loved and treated Bella before they were married, because Nessie would probably be expecting that, expecting me to be as perfect as dad. I cursed again; the damn leech had been like a monk, how could I possibly copy that when I wanted her so bad?

I felt her sweet scent and new she was getting close. She emerged from the forest wearing jeans and a t-shirt, her hair pulled back and no shoes.

"Ready?"

"Yep, wanna race?"

"No… I'm pretty drained actually, can I ride you?" – I felt my face get hotter than usual and was glad my skin is dark; otherwise I'd be blushing and would have to explain myself.

"Sure, I'll just go take these off." – I went behind a tree, stripped and phased. When I got back I realized Nessie was now the one blushing. I couldn't ask her, so I just let her sit on top of me and soon I was running, tracking a herd of deer. Surely the exercise would take a bit of the edge off.