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

Chapter 10

Nessie's POV

Things between Rosalie and Jacob significantly changed, well… sort of. They still made fun of each other, bickered and bantered, but at least there was no real hostility. The entire situation was resolved to the point where Aunt Rose would even help me get ready for our dates and give me advice.

Dad and grandpa spent several days researching the wolf incident in Volterra but came up short on information. Apparently the Voltury had dissolved the investigation and the entire matter was buried. Grandpa contacted several of his friends from around the world just to check if anyone knew anything, but again, most of them hadn't even heard about it. At the end of it, grandpa came to the conclusion that the creatures they had found were probably real werewolves, not like Jake, but full moon, uncontrollable sort of werewolves, the kind the Voltury had believed Jacob and the others to be. He said that it was probable that the werewolves had arrived in Volterra and were turning people, hence the amount of bodies found in the warehouse. Dad said he can only assume that the Voltury had killed them, preventing them to spread and threaten their village. The only loop hole in their hypothesis was the shabby job of disposing of the bodies, because the Voltury are known for being discrete and it was sort of odd that the police so easily found the poorly stashed bodies. But then again, even the Voltury can sometimes make mistakes.

After dad and grandpa came to that conclusion, I was finally free of any worries.

It was the end of the month, which meant that a bonfire was due at La Push. This would be the first bonfire I would attend as Jacob's girlfriend, which made me a little nervous. It was ridiculous of course, considering I'd gone to so many of them and all the guys where probably my closest circle of friends. Either way, I wanted to look my best, so Aunt Rose agreed to do my hair and makeup; nothing to elaborate, just a nice loose French braid, some mascara and blush. I usually don't wear a drop of makeup so I didn't want to end up looking like a drag queen. Thankfully all the decades of my aunt doing her own makeup paid off.

However, when it came down to my wardrobe, I was stumped. I usually wear jeans and a sweater to the bonfires, but tonight I really felt like wearing one of the dresses I'd bought with Alice. I stood in front of my enormous closet for several minutes deciding on what to do. I didn't want to appear over dressed or like I was trying too hard, considering my usual attire to these things is casual, but I also felt that tonight was important. Finally my girlyness got the best of me and I went for the dress. Once it was on I realized just how reveling it was. I knew that had been the intention when buying it, but suddenly I felt self conscious. Even though my growth spurt had slowed down a few years ago, I was still changing constantly and the most recent changes consisted of my butt and hips getting slightly bigger, as well as my breasts. The few scarce inches of change made a huge difference on the dress that used to fit loosely but now hugged every part of me. It didn't look bad at all, but I stressed over what Jacob's people would think. As I stood looking at myself in the mirror, I heard Jacob's car pull up next to the cottage and a second later I heard his voice downstairs. There was no time to change outfits, so I just put on my sandals and found a jacket that matched the lavender of my dress and hurried downstairs, hoping the extra item of clothing would help cover up some more skin.

As soon as I reached the living room, I heard Jacob's heart stutter and start beating faster. His eyes were wide in wonder and he was looking up and down at me, being totally obvious. My mom was standing next to him and I saw her elbow him. His reaction made me blush and I remembered how I had stared at him the same way a few days ago after the fight with Aunt Rose. He didn't know this and I would die before telling him, but that day when he phased to go hunting, I sort of sneaked a peek at him behind the tree when he was stripping. It really hadn't been on purpose, Jacob just made the mistake of choosing a rather small tree, so from my angle I got a glimpse of his bare bottom as he pulled down his shorts. It was probably the nicest thing I'd seen in a long time, just thinking about it made me giddy.

My dad came into view and frowned at me, shaking his head disapprovingly. Oops, I totally forgot to block that thought. "Sorry" I thought to him, but not even my apologetic and embarrassed smile could take the disapproval from his face.

"Just don't make a habit out of it."

Both momma and Jake looked at him with confusion. Dad ignored them and retreated to his bedroom, where mom was sure to follow. As she passed me she hugged me and kissed my cheek, whispering in my ear "you look breathtaking… just go easy on Jake, ok? I'd like my best friend alive and I suspect he's about to have a heart attack." She winked at me and smiled, before going to find dad. That's what I love about my mom, she can be just as intense and overprotective as dad, but when it comes to Jake she keeps it light and cuts us some slack.

"Wow Ness… remind me to thank Pixie the next time I see her. You look amazing… I almost feel bad taking you to the bonfire."

"I love the bonfires!!! Besides, tonight is special."

"You bet, just when I thought I couldn't adore you any more, you go ahead and surprise me like that."

"No silly, I mean it's special because it's the first bonfire I go to as your girlfriend." - Jacob put on a huge smile when I said this.

"Your right, I hadn't thought of that… so is that little number for showing off and making everyone else jealous?" – He wiggled his eyebrows and like always I giggled.

"No… this one's for you." – It sounded much more innocent in my head than the way it came out when I said it out loud. Jacob's heart stuttered again and I knew that if I had heard it, my dad must have too. "Sorry dad" I thought one more time.

Jacob was just standing there looking at me in a way that made me very nervous. After like two seconds however, he bit his lip and ran his hand through his disheveled hair, looking away.

"Come on, let's get going Ness… we don't want to be late." – He opened the door for me and we were off.

All throughout the car ride Jacob was uncharacteristically quiet, simply nodding or going "mjm" in agreement to the things I was saying. He would barely look at me and I started to get worried. Was he mad at me? Was he nervous about introducing me as his girlfriend? This made no sense of course, all the wolves and their imprints and close family knew about us. Was it the elders he was worried about? Or everyone else?

A million thoughts entered my mind. Rosalie had been so quick to discriminate Jacob because according to her "he wasn't one of us"… could the same happen the other way around? Could people in La Push be upset because I'm not Quileute? Is that what Jacob is worried about?

I wanted to ask him but before I could we arrived at First Beach. Jacob got out as soon as the engine was off, opened my door and then started walking toward the gathering with his hands inside his jean pockets and looking at everything but me. Now I was really freaking out, because Jacob always holds my hand when we walk together; even before we became a couple, we always had the habit of holding hands. That was it; I couldn't hold my silence anymore.

"Jake… what's wrong?" – He stopped walking and turned to look at me.

"Nothing." – He said while shrugging his shoulders.

I was eying him suspiciously, but before I could retort, Quil appeared out of nowhere.

"Hey man, hey Ness!!! Wow Nessie… you sure you came to the right place?" – I suddenly regretted my outfit selection.

"What? Can't a girl look pretty?"

"That's not the word I was going for…" – Jacob punched him hard on the shoulder and I heard a crack.

"Hey man!!! What the hell!!! You dislocated my shoulder!!!" – Quil was already pulling his arm back in place with another horrible crack.

"That's not all I can do… say one more thing and it'll be your head that I'll dislocate… got it?" – Jacob's threat and menacing look weren't enough to scare Quil, who started laughing.

"Oh come on dude… it's not like I have eyes for anyone but my Clair Bear… it's those other dudes you gotta worry about. We've got a lot of native boys deprived of female interaction… if you know what I mean." – He winked at me, making me laugh. Quil is always making sexual innuendoes and it's kind of funny because to me he's this sort of goofy innocent guy who has a crush on a 6 year old, well not actually, but I like to tease him that he does.

Jacob seemed to calm down once he realized I wasn't offended by Quil's remark, but he still didn't laugh along. Quil took me by the arm and started leading me toward the crowd, before Jacob could hurt him anymore. Jacob just went along, walking behind us.

"Hey Jake!!! Come see who's back in town!!!" – There was a group of people gathered a few feet from the fire. Out of the group, I only recognized a couple of girls that graduated with Jacob. Quil had his arm around me and was telling me all about his new job, leading me absentmindedly to the opposite side of the fire. I saw Jacob look at me and hesitate for a moment.

"Jake!!!" – Alexandra, one of Jacob's friends, called out to him again. Jake finally turned around and headed toward the group. Quil was still rambling excitedly but all I could focus on was the conversation on the other side. Jake said hello to everyone but seemed really surprised when a girl came into view, a girl I'd never seen before.

"Amber, hey!!! When did you get back?"

"Last night. You look so grown up Jake, I barely recognized you!!!"

Quil paused for a moment, giving me a chance to speak.

"Hey Quil, who's that girl? Amber?"

"Oh, she used to go to school with us but her parent's send her to study in California when we were like 15."

"So why aren't you saying hi to her?"

"She wasn't really my friend."

"But she was Jacob's friend?"

"Um… why don't I keep telling you about my job? Yesterday my boss send me to do a checkup on all the computers in the school campus and… "

"Quil." – I interrupted, with a warning tone and giving him a serious look. "Your hiding something from me… don't change the subject."

"Oh come on Nessie!!! Why don't you ask Jake ok? I don't want to put my foot in my mouth or have his up my ass."

"No Quil, I'm asking you."

"Ok, fine… it's really no big deal… it's just that… well… Amber was sort of Jacob's girlfriend… it wasn't serious or anything, I mean, we were kids, 15 years old."

I turned around and saw that they were still talking. Jacob's heart rate was normal so I didn't panic, but I couldn't help but feel jealous. She was really beautiful, with dark ashy skin, long straight black hair, big green eyes and a pretty somewhat shy smile. I strained my ears as to distinguish her heart beat from the others, until I finally narrowed it down, wishing I hadn't. Her heart was fluttering like a butterfly and I could tell her pupils were dilated. She wasn't flirting with him, which is why she was still alive, but I could tell she liked him. I started taking in deep breaths, trying to stay in control.

"Hey Ness… are you ok? Please don't freak out… you're his imprint, no girl will ever mean anything to him, ok?" – Quil looked anxious. I didn't want to cause him any trouble, so I faked composure.

"Sure, sure."

I realized Jacob was looking at me so I looked away. His behavior from before and now this was really taking its toll on me. I saw the two of them together and realized she would be the kind of girl that Jacob's people would approve off, full human and Quileute. I felt stupid, here I was sitting on a log wearing a dress that didn't belong in a bonfire, watching my boyfriend reconnect with his ex and not even bothering to introduce me or show me off like I'd thought. I felt tears stinging my eyes, so I got up and started walking away; maybe a little stroll through the woods would help calm me down.

The voices started fading away and I immediately felt better. I could feel the salty sea breeze blowing on my skin and I welcomed it, like nature's way of comforting me by kissing my face. I was starting to make my way into the trees when I heard footsteps behind me.

"Ness… wait up… what's wrong?"

"Nothing." – I said, imitating him from before. I kept walking until he caught up with me and spun me around by my shoulders.

"Come on… I know that face Ness. Talk to me."

"There's nothing to talk about Jacob. I just felt like taking a walk." – Before I could stop him, he took my hand and placed it to his cheek, securing my body with his other arm wrapped around my waist, so I couldn't move away.

"Hey!!!" – It was too late, all my feelings washed through my hand; the way he wouldn't talk to me in the car, the way he didn't hold my hand on our way in or even look at me, his ex girlfriend, my jealousy and all my terrible suspicions about him being afraid that I didn't belong.

Once there was nothing more to see, he let go of my hand but didn't release my body. He looked furious and I thought maybe he hadn't gotten the point; he should be apologizing not getting angry. When he finally spoke, it was through clenched teeth.

"Ness… do you have any idea of the effect you have on me? Do you? It's hard enough that these… these needs keep growing, without you having to go and put on that god damn sexy dress!!! And then you expect me to be fine with it!!! To restrain myself as if it's nothing?"

"What… what do you mean? You were avoiding me… and then you talked to that Amber girl and…" – Before I could finish my rant, he growled and pushed his mouth towards mine. In all our time together he had never kissed me like this. It was rough and aggressive, like a flood gate had been opened. In between kissing me he would say things, the fierceness still in his tone.

"Damn it Ness… can't you see how much I want you?... Your killing me… I love you Ness… I can't believe you were jealous… I promise to never do that to you again… you're the only one I want"

He was rambling and I really wasn't paying much attention, all I wanted was for him to shut up and kiss me the entire time. He had me up against a tree, the hard bark pressing against my back. If I were entirely human I'm sure I'd be bruised by now.

"Jake… I… I don't want you to restrain yourself… I want you too."

He stopped kissing me and even though I kept trying to pull him back, he was stronger and resisted me.

"Ness… I can't."

"Can't what?"

"I can't do this… think of you this way… want you this way… it's not what you deserve."

"Oh, so I deserve a boyfriend who doesn't like me? Maybe you'd feel more comfortable making out with that Amber chick… should I go get her?" – He was really starting to irritate me. He smiled at my comment however, and some of my irritation went away. Stupid irresistible dog.

"You know… I've never made anyone jealous before… I kinda like it."

I pushed him from his chest but he just slightly leaned back and took hold of both my hands, intertwining our fingers.

"I really hate you sometimes you know."

"No you don't." – He bent down to try and kiss me but I moved my head back, not allowing him.

"Don't do that." – He said, his voice husky and low, as he tried to kiss me again. But again, I didn't allow him.

"Ness…"

"Oh I'm sorry Jacob… but I just decided that you don't deserve a girlfriend that wants you that way either… so there."

"It's not the same."

"It's exactly the same… I just don't feel comfortable degrading you to a piece of yummy meat Jake… so in order for our love to stay pure, let's just restrain from any sort of physical contact, ok?"

Before he could say anything, I let go of his hands and started making my way back to the bonfire. This seemed like the perfect plan, a few days of this and I was sure Jake would realize the absurdity of his reservations. I was really getting tired of him wanting me one minute and then feeling guilty and pushing me away the next, so he was now getting a taste of his own medicine. The only slight problem in my plan: I would have to be extremely strong to not give in.

As I reached the gathering he caught up with me and took my hand, looking at me with a shy expression, one I could never get used to coming from a strong guy like him.

"Is this allowed?" – How could I say no to that face? I merely smiled at him and nodded. He seemed to relax.

The group of girls were looking at us when we returned, holding hands. Jake smiled and started pulling me toward them.

"Hey guys, so this is Nessie, my girlfriend… Ness, these are some girls I went to school with: you know Alex and Karla, then there's Silvia, Megan and Amber." – I smiled at them and they did too, only Amber seemed a little disappointed. I saw the other ones eying me and for the first time in all the bonfires I'd attended, I felt out of place. I usually only hang out with the wolves, who are so loud and big that nobody else notices me, which is a good thing because sooner or later they would have realized my unusual growth speed. I only met Alexandra and Karla a year ago and since then I haven't changed that much, which makes my relationship with them much easier. It's not like they don't know that there are some weird things going on with the guys in the tribe, but since its tribe business, nobody really questions it. I however am an outsider and could really stir up people's curiosity.

"Really? Girlfriend? Since when?" – Megan was looking at Jake and me in disbelief; I wanted to eat her alive.

"Well, the truth is I've been in love with her since forever… but it's until now that the girl game me a chance." – Jacob turned to look at me and winked at me. I could see the jealousy in all the girls' eyes.

"Ok, well we'll see you around… come on baby, let's go say hi to the guys." – And with that we turned around and left.

"So is that the kind of "showing off" that you had in mind? Or should I do better?"

"No, that was about right." – I smiled at him and felt like kissing him, but I needed to stick to the plan so I just kept walking. Thankfully Seth came up to us, creating a distraction. He gave me a big hug.

"Wow Nessie, you look so beautiful!!! I hope I get an imprint as pretty as you." - Seth was smiling his most wide eyed innocent smile. If I could pick a kid brother, Seth would defenetly be it.

"Thanx kiddo."

"Hey guys!!! Hey Jake, did you see Amber? She's looking hot! I should go over, see if I can imprint on any of them." – Embry was looking past us over to the group of girls. Jacob laughed at his joke and simply said "be my guest." Embry laughed too and started walking towards them, pumping his chest up. We said hi to the entire group, which consisted mainly of Jacob and Sam's respective packs, everyone's imprints, Billy and a few elders. I sat next to Jacob's sister Rachel as they started retelling one of their ancient legends. Quil had Clair on his lap and was playing with her hair, little Clair waving at me very enthusiastically. Next to me, Paul was whispering very naughty things into Rachel's ear; I turned and saw Jacob giving him a warning look, but Paul ignored him. I wondered what it would be like if Jacob ever gave in to being physically attracted to me. I wondered what he might say or even do if he allowed himself to think it's not wrong. Just the thought gave me butterflies in my stomach.

The rest of the evening carried on uneventfully. After a while people started leaving and we decided it was time to go as well. When we arrived at the cottage I noticed my parents were not home. Jake got out of the car and walked me to the door, a mere formality considering he would probably spend the night.

"So, did you have a good time?"

"Yes, I especially enjoyed watching Embry trying to seduce Amber." – Jacob laughed.

"I know!!! She looked scared. My boy needs to learn some skills."

"So… how long did you two go out?" – I tried to sound casual but it came out wrong. I could tell my question made Jacob anxious, but I needed to know.

"Um… I don't know… like 5 months… "

"So was she your first girlfriend?" – Suddenly a huge grin spread across Jacob's face.

"You know… you look really cute when you're jealous." – Jacob took me by the waist and started leaning in. I could feel his sweet scent encircling me, but I was determined not to give in; so I pulled back, his lips just millimeters from mine. He opened his eyes and gave me a sexy half smile.

"Really… truly… irresistible… when you're jealous." – He was trying to get his lips closer to mine, but I kept moving back. I pressed my forehead to his as to stay close to him but keeping a safe distance between our lips. He still had his eyes closed, looking so vulnerable and sensual that I hated myself for coming up with this insane plan.

"Please Ness… kiss me."

"I… I can't… I won't degrade you to a piece of meat." – I said it in a mock tone but Jacob didn't laugh.

"Are you seriously going to torture me this way?"

"Just until you stop being a jerk." – Jacob pulled back and folded his arms across his chest.

"Ok, two can play that game."

"Oh really?"

"Yep… I'm not staying over tonight." – His words shocked me, was he serious?

"Fine… if that's what it takes." – I turned around and went in the house, not even saying goodnight to him. I felt like I was about to cry, this whole thing had gone terribly wrong. This was supposed to drive him crazy, knock some sense into him, and now it was backfiring. I went upstairs straight to bed, tonight was going to be hard so I wanted to get it over with.

I was lying in bed curled up in a ball, trying to fall asleep. After an hour I considered running to the big house and asking Uncle Jazz to put me out. Another hour passed and I was already getting somewhat drowsy, I felt Jacob's scent and knew I had begun to dream. Good, if I couldn't have him with me at least I could dream about him.

"Ness… "– The sound startled me because I didn't recognize the voice, it sounded hoarse, like a chain smokers voice. I sat up in my bed and saw a silhouette in the dark. He took a step closer into the moonlight and relief soon washed over me.

Jacob was standing there, tears in his eyes. I got up from the bed, ran toward him and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around me so tightly that it became hard to breath. He buried his face in my chest and I caressed his ruffled hair, feeling his tears dampen my t-shirt.

"I'm sorry Ness… I'm such an idiot." –I put my hand over his mouth, not letting him continue. I took him by the hand and led him toward my bed, where we both laid down facing each other. He wrapped his arms around me again and I did the same, interlacing my legs with his, as if there was a chance he could get away. We soon dosed off, his familiar heartbeat serenading me like a beautiful lullaby, more beautiful than anything dad could ever write.

So I know this one's pretty small but I just really wanted to post it soon. Next up we'll have some more sexual tension and Nessie giving Jake some of his own medicine jajajaja

Please let me know how I'm doing... I haven't gotten as many reviews as I'd like so please, let me know you're still out there reading my stuff and if I'm going on the right direction. I'd love to get some feedback, would really motivate me. Thanx for reading!!!!