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

Chapter 14

Nessie's POV

It had been five months since dad and grandpa came back from Alaska, and since then, we had heard nothing about the werewolves. Weekly, grandpa would run routine check-ups on our close family friends all around the world, calling them to make sure if they had anything new to report and were safe. But so far, nothing. Aunt Alice left the house for days at a time, trying to get some distance from me so she could concentrate on seeing the future, but she was coming up short. This whole situation was really getting on her nerves and she figured that these things probably have the same effect to her gift like Jacob and I. These days, she was in such a bad mood all the time that even Uncle Jazz, who loves her to death, kept his distance; coming up with all sorts of "guys only" activities with dad and Uncle Em… needless to say, momma and Aunt Rose where not happy.

I've never been one to care much about the news, but I became obsessed with knowing everything that was happening around the world, believing that at some point an attack would be reported or one of the creatures would be spotted. Every morning I would read five different newspapers, watch two international news programs and surf the web for any breaking news. But again, nothing.

The tests grandpa ran on the creature's arm confirmed that they were in fact werewolves; because he found wolf DNA adhered in their genetic code, making him absolutely certain of their breed. Something else he found was traces of vampire venom inside the arm's blood stream, which probably resulted from one of the Denali's bites. This little piece of information made me very nervous, because that meant that these things were immune to vampire venom, unlike Jacob, otherwise the bite would have surely killed the armless creature. How else were they stronger than Jacob and the others? How else were they invulnerable to vampires… to my family? The thought that vampire venom would not render the creature completely lifeless was beyond me; and no matter how much Jacob reassured me that I had nothing to worry about, that was the only thing I found myself doing: worrying.

Despite his incessant rants about how strong and dangerous everyone in my family and in his pack was; Jacob still ran double the patrols he used to. This meant that for the last five months our time together became more limited: I would see him briefly in the mornings, then he would go to work and I to school the entire morning, he would come over for a few minutes and then leave for almost the rest of the afternoon to run the patrols, which were now not only more in number but also covered more ground, making them take longer to finish. Every day I would ask to go with him and everyday he would refuse. I was completely conflicted with this, wanting to keep him safe by my side and spend the amount of time we used to, but also wanting his pack to find the werewolves once and for all and finish them off.

"Show me what you're thinking". – We were tucked in bed together, his arm around me and my legs wrapped around his. I was still pretty sleepy when he spoke, so it took me a little bit to answer.

"I was thinking about you running patrol all by your lonesome self." I'd tried just about every tactic to convince him to let me come with him, so whatever I tried now was just for the sake of it, all hope that it could work completely gone. When I said this he smiled and kissed the tip of my nose.

"Well… not exactly… I have Leah with me." – I punched his arm and he laughed. There was something about his relationship with Leah that never made me jealous, weirdly enough considering she's probably the woman closest to him apart from his sisters and my mom.

"She would be a really angry girlfriend… but if you prefer to be abused… go ahead." – He laughed again at my response and continued to play along.

"Leah can be very gentle sometimes." – He said it looking up into the distance as if remembering a fond moment. Now I was the one laughing.

"It's the fur isn't it?"

"The licking." – He wiggled his eyebrows at me making me laugh even harder. I moved closer to him but instead of kissing him I started licking his face, imitating an overzealous doggy, with the panting and all. I got on top of him and continued to lick his face as he continued to laugh his bark of a laugh.

"Ok… Ok!!! You win… I'll just have to break it off with her!!!" – He kept laughing until my tongue was tired and I stopped the licking, sitting up straight.

"You're crazy Ness!!! I love it!!!"

"Shh… don't yell so loud… they'll hear you."

"Ness… you act like they can't hear me even when I'm whispering."

"I know… but we need to keep the "illusion"."

"I really hate Edward." – Jacob was shaking his head as if in disapproval but his face read amusement. I heard my dad growl from the distance, obviously not in the house but still able to hear everything. Jacob rolled his eyes at me.

"One day, we'll just up and leave this place and be alone for a while… what do you say?"

"Um… how about now… today!!! Let's just leave Jacob… you can stop with the whole patrolling and I won't go to school and we'll have a day all to ourselves!!!" – I really missed spending time with him, at least the amount I was used to, and I hated knowing he was out there in danger's way while I sat at home impotent and concerned. I had a History exam today and whole bunch of Literature and Sociology papers to turn in, but I didn't care; all I wanted was to escape the horrible reality that somehow we were in danger and that somehow I could lose him.

"Ness… I was joking."

"I know… but I'm not. I barely see you anymore and I'm always worried about your safety… please, just for today, can't we play hooky?"

"Ness, don't you have that big History exam today?" – I knew he was going to try and persuade me by appealing to the "good student" side in me, but it was definitely not going to work. My mind was set; all I had to do now was change his.

"Yeah, but I can say I got sick or something and Mrs. Welsh will have to let me take it another day."

"Ness, you know I love to fool around and everything, but we can't drop everything… I can't ask my pack to be responsible and run patrols if I'm off playing hooky with you."

"You know what? That really pisses me off Jacob. From what mom tells me, you used to be pretty reckless with her… who knows what else you were with her." – I whispered that last part, because it bothered me, because as much as I know now the extent of their relationship and am secure in mine, it's still not pleasant to know that your mom was another woman in your boyfriends life. Jacob smiled when I said this and I hated him for it, because his smile always makes me forget what I was saying and distracts me from getting what I want.

"You're jealous of Bella? Stinky Bella?"

"She wasn't stinky before." – My response came out like a child throwing a fit.

"Ness, weren't you the one that almost ripped my head off a few months back for taking things too lightly?" – Dammit. He had a point. But that was different; it wasn't so much that he was taking things lightly as much as the fact that he was dismissing my feelings and worries. I guess men are right… women are really complicated. I knew he was right but I was still pissed off; I wasn't being rational, because feelings rarely are.

"Fine… whatever… save your recklessness for someone else." – I crossed my arms and looked away.

"Ness… I was reckless with Bella because I didn't love her the way I love you, I was stupid and irresponsible and she got hurt plenty of times; one scratch on you baby and I'd simply die. Why do you think your dad hated my guts… he's never been reckless with Bells and I came along and simply didn't give a damn, because I didn't love her enough."

Again, he was making all the sense in the world; but I still didn't like it. The more I thought about it the more unfair it seemed that my mom got to experience that side of Jacob and that I never would. I couldn't shake of my jealousy, because mom had had the best of both worlds: her soul mate that would always be careful and protective of her and her best friend who she could be careless with, run away with. I wanted that… but not from anyone else, I wanted both things from Jake. The fact that he had said yes to any of her dangerous requests and wouldn't say yes to my simple "let's play hooky" plea, really angered me.

He was looking at me intently as I tried to calm myself, knowing I had failed miserably in persuading him and was already late in getting ready for school. I could feel a lump in my throat, but I faked composure, embarrassed by my immature thoughts. He was right and I was wrong, and being completely silly. So I got up from the bed and hurried into my closet, still on the brink of tears… irrational uncalled-for tears.

"I need to start getting ready… I'll just take a quick shower and then you can drive me to school."

"Ness… you ok, I thought you would argue more." – Jacob called from the bed, obviously unable to read my emotions.

"It's fine." – I said this a second before I closed the bathroom door shut.

Jacob's POV

Nessie was acting strange ever since the day she wanted to skip school and run away with me. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I knew it wasn't good. I couldn't tell if she either was angry at me, or offended, or hurt or absolutely nothing. Whenever I asked if everything was ok she'd simply nod and kiss me, a fireproof was of shutting me up and changing the subject.

A couple of times throughout the week I asked Embry to cover for me on patrol, hoping the extra time together might cheer her up; but she had simply said on both occasions "poor Embry… that means he won't rest in between shifts… next time just go". I couldn't understand her, one minute she's upset that I won't skip patrols to be with her, and the next, she's actually telling me to go and leave her.

"Oh God, if I have to listen to any more of your analysis of Nessie's feelings, or attitude, or state of mind, or mood or whatever the hell you imprinters obsess about, I swear I'll through your ass off a cliff!!!."

"Come on Leah… leave him alone… he can't help it… none of us can."

"Was I talking to you… preschool stalker?" – I could sense the acid in her remark towards Quil, I could also see that she was running close to the area were Sam lives, which probably explained her mood.

"I'm not some drama queen like Nessie… don't think you have me figured out Jake."

"Whatever, sorry Leah… I'll try not to think about her."

"I'm over Sam… stop thinking those things." – Her tone sounded fierce but the emotions that I could read up off her were sadness and withdrawal. That's the thing about the "pack mind", everything just shows through and infects everyone else.

"Come on guys, let's not fight… we've only got a few miles to go, let's just keep it cool."

"Fine Quil… sorry about the preschool comment." – Leah really didn't sound or seem sorry, but at least she apologized; that was a step up.

We continued with the patrol, all of us quiet except for the thoughts we could read off one another. Quil was thinking about Clair, surprisingly. Leah was still pissed that I thought Sam still had an influence on her moods. And I tried not to think about Nessie, but failed miserably.

"Take her flowers."- Leah thought, still a little bit annoyed but mostly warming up to me, like she always does.

"You think?"

"Yep… when mom and dad used to fight, she'd get so angry she'd kick him out of the house…

"Now I know where you get your temper."

"Shut up… I'm talking… anyway… he would always bring her flowers and just at the sight of daddy holding a big bouquet, she'd melt right away and the fight would be over."

"Well, we're not exactly fighting… I'm not even sure if she really is upset, maybe it's not even about me."

"Couldn't hurt though… at least it'll cheer her up, no matter what."

"Ok, thanks Leah… I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good luck Jake."

"Good luck man." – Thought Quil as he phased back, as did Leah, leaving me alone in my wolf form. I ran through the forest looking for the prettiest flowers I could find, but somehow nothing seemed beautiful enough for Nessie. I knew I was wasting valuable time, time when I could be with her, so I started running back to the cottage. I was getting closer when I spotted them, a cluster of wild flowers I'd never seen before, they were small with a bunch of really weird looking misshapen petals; the outer ones were purple while the inside ones turned a shade of pink with yellow highlights. The flowers were perfectly pretty and girly but somewhat odd and unruly, just like my Nessie. I phased back to human form and started picking them until I had the size of bouquet I wanted; so I quickly headed toward the cottage, my heart quickening its pace at the prospect of finally seeing her.

I was only a few feet away from the cottage when Edward came walking out of the front door.

"Hey."

"Good evening Jacob." – Edward responded, nodding in a very solemn way. He could really get on my nerves… the smug leech.

"There is nothing smug about having good manners."

"You act like I'm some sort of god damn stranger… that's smug."

"Alright… how about… Hey dude, what's up?" – He said it like he was some sort of news reporter reading from a teleprompter. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"You're getting old man… when were you born again? The middle ages?"

"1900 is not the middle ages… did you learn nothing in school?"

"Ok pops… enough of this… where's my Nessie?"

"She's not here; she wasn't feeling well so she convinced me to let her go to New York with Alice. She's been dying to take Nessie on a shopping spree and since tomorrow is Friday, I decided it would be alright to let her skip one day of school."

"What the hell!!! She just left without saying anything? And what do you mean "she wasn't feeling well"? Why wasn't I told about this? Is she sick, is she going to be alright? Dammit Edward, when is she coming back?!!!" – I was yelling at the top of my lungs, half angry and half scared and panicked. Edward as always remained calm and completely indifferent to my rage, like the smug leech didn't think I would be capable of hurting him. I was capable of anything when it came to Nessie.

"I'm sure of that Jacob."

"Would you stop reading my thoughts and start answering my questions!!!? Where the hell's Bella anyway… I'd like a word with her!!!"

"She has nothing to do with this… if anything she tried to convince Nessie to call you before leaving."

"What? It was Nessie the one that didn't want to tell me?" – The idea hit me like a blow to the stomach, and it didn't help that it was Edward the one delivering it.

"Start talking leech." – I said it through clenched teeth, just about ready to tear his throat out.

"Calm down Jacob… it's not that bad, trust me."

"I don't… just spill it." – I was lying of course, because when it came down to it, I would probably trust him with my life.

"She didn't want to call you because she knew once she spoke to you she wouldn't be able to leave, so she's calling you once they land. She just wanted to take a break, have some fun with Alice and forget about this whole werewolf thing that has her more worried than anyone else."

"When's she coming back?" – What Edward said put me at ease, although I was still panicking about when I'd be able to see her again.

"They're coming back first thing Sunday morning."

"I can't believe this… I can't believe she'd do this to me."

"I'm sure she didn't mean any harm… just wanted to get away for a bit."

"Get away from me you mean."

"Of course not."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. I was overreacting; she was fine and just in need of some vacation, that's all. Even though I repeated this over and over in my brain, I still felt like this had something to do with her strange behavior this past week.

"About that…" – Even though I hated to have Edward read my thoughts, I overlooked it because it seemed he knew something about Ness' behavior.

"You know something… you know what's been bothering her?"

"Jacob, I'm a mind reader… of course I know."

"Ok, there's no need to get smug again… just tell me."

"She's jealous of you and Bella. I knew that whole thing would come up again… women, they can't let anything go." – Edward was relaxed and talking as if we were a bunch of old ladies chit chatting. I on the other hand felt horrible.

"Why? She knows it was nothing, she knows I love her!!!"

"Yes, she does… it's not like that. Once she found out about you and Bella, and made her peace with it, she started asking Bella about that time in your lives. She loves you so much, she wanted to know everything about you; so Bella told her about the idiotic and irresponsible things the two of you did when I was gone." – Only when he remembered that period of time did Edward's voice change and become resentful, even bitter.

"This is about me not wanting to take a day off, isn't it?"

"Ah Jacob, there is so much of Bella in Nessie. She's temperamental, she wants what she wants."

"But, I can't treat her like I treated Bella, because I love her too much… you do understand, don't you?"

"More than you know… I suspect that you now understand why I hated your carelessness toward my Bella."

"What I don't understand is why you didn't beat my sorry ass."

"Believe me… I wanted to." – Edward smiled but it was a menacing smile, the kind that lets you know he's thinking about all the sadistic things he had wanted to do; it sort of creeped me out.

"Um… where's Bella?" – I felt like a child asking for his mother. Edward chuckled when I asked, probably reading my uneasy expression.

"She's at the big house. So, what are you going to do?"

"This weekend? Curl up in a ball in my room and wait for Ness to come back." – Edward laughed again, thinking I was joking… but I wasn't.

"I know you're not joking… what's funny is how similar we are."

"Please Edward, don't compare us… it really creeps me out." - He laughed again, but again, I wasn't joking… or maybe just a little.

"What should I do?" – I felt stupid and vulnerable by asking him this, but I was willing to put myself in that position if it meant that I could make Nessie feel better. I know how messed up I'd feel if I felt someone new her better than me; if I knew that there was a part of her that she hid from me, no matter how wrong it could be.

"Jacob… you're talking to the master of "careful"… I have no idea. I still fuss over Bella and she's practically indestructible."

"So you're telling me that after a century of being alive, you got nothing for me?"

"Nope… but I'm sure you'll work it out." – The leech was holding out on me, I knew it. Maybe he was simply torturing me or just enjoyed to watch me struggle, whatever the reason, I've never known him to not know what to do. I was really getting pissed off at him and frustrated; here I was standing like an idiot with a bunch of flowers while Nessie was miles away with hyperactive Pixie, she probably wasn't even going to miss me. Just the thought of spending an entire weekend without her burn a hole in my chest.

"We should head to the big house… Nessie just called." – The sound of her name brought me back from my thoughts. I was feeling so horrible I didn't even listen to the phone ringing half a mile away in the big house. Edward and I hurried and a second later we were entering through the front door.

Bella was lying down on the living room couch with the phone to her ear.

"He just walked in honey… I love you, call me tomorrow, ok?" – Bella smiled at me and passed the phone. I took in a deep breath before I spoke.

"Ness?" – My voice came out hoarse.

"Jakey… are you ok?" – No. But I couldn't say that to her, so I put on a brave face, or at least voice.

"Yeah baby, are you in New York yet?" – Stupid question considering she said she'd call once she arrived.

"Yes, we're driving toward the hotel right now, Alice rented a car… so…"

"So why didn't you tell me?" – I couldn't help it, once I was able to talk to her, my betrayed feelings came back and I needed to express them. Bella and Edward were right there, but I didn't care; I was beyond wanting privacy at this moment.

"I… I just needed to get away, take my mind of things."

"You mean get away from me." – I couldn't hide my hurt feelings.

"No!!! Please Jake… I just needed to clear my head; it's not a big deal… I love you, leaving was one of the hardest things. Please understand baby." – She'd never called me "baby" before; I really liked it, although I couldn't fully appreciate it because I was so upset.

"Don't lie to me Ness… you just left me; and for no good reason."

"Jake… I didn't leave you… Alice has been dying to bring me to New York… I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I should have… I didn't think… please don't be mad at me." – She sounded so sorry and worried that I quickly forgot about my own anger.

"It's ok Nessie… I'm not mad… I just got worried that maybe you didn't want to be with me anymore."

"Jake, how can you even think that? I love you more than anything; don't say things like that… I… I'm coming home right now..." – I heard Nessie say to Pixie "drive back"; I heard Pixie moan and then tired screeching. I felt relieved because the prospect of spending three days without Ness was daunting. I also felt guilty for ruining her trip with Pixie, for not being supportive or understanding, for not putting her needs above my own. I couldn't do that.

"Ness… don't do that, I'm ok, really. I just got all crazy because you didn't tell me… I understand you need a break from all this craziness… tell Pixie to turn around again, go shopping, have fun, I'll be here when you get back."

"Jake… are you sure? I can't have fun if you're not feeling alright."

"Yes, I'm sure… don't worry baby… just bring me something back alright."

"What do you want?"

"Mmmm… I don't know… surprise me." – She giggled, probably thinking I was implying something naughty.

"Ok, I'll do my best… I love you Jakey… I'll probably cut my trip short, ok?"

"Whatever you want baby, just promise me you'll have fun."

"What will you do?" – I remember what I had said to Edward about curling up in a ball; apparently so did he, because the leech let out a chuckle.

"Um… with patrols and Embry wanting to hang out, I'll probably keep busy." – Busy yes, happy… no. Apparently I'm not such a bad actor because Nessie bought it. After she said goodbye to me like a thousand times, and "I love you" even more, we hung up; the dial tone on the end of the headphone reminding me of the distance between us.

Bella walked over to me and gave me a hug. It wasn't very pleasant, considering she doesn't smell that good, her skin is icy cold and her entire body is hard as a rock, but at least it was comforting.

"I know how you feel Jake… but she'll be back before you know it. Do you want me to cook you something… your favorite meat loaf?"

"No thanks Bells, I'm not hungry… I'm going home."

"Jake, when have you ever not been hungry? Come on, stay a while."

"I can't, sorry Bells… I just want to go to bed." – The prospect of sleeping without Nessie was not pretty, but I needed to face it and get it over with.

I left the big house and phased, maybe if I ran a bit I'd get tired enough to go right to sleep. I could only hope.

I had already run about 20 miles when I felt Seth phase.

"Jake!!!"

"Seth, what's wrong? Your patrol isn't for another hour."

"Something happened… something bad… you need to get to La Push now!!!" – An image of Leah sprawled up in a bed came into Seth's mind, along with terrible concern for his sister. I turned around and started heading towards the Rez as fast as my paws would take me.

"What happened Seth… is she alright? Is she hurt?"

"I'm not sure… something attacked her… she can't remember what it was… she had blood all over her… mom found her passed out on our front porch."

"Is she healing?"

"Yeah… most of her wounds have already closed… she was conscious for a while but then she passed out again and hasn't awoken yet. Jake, please tell me she'll be alright." – I felt bad for the kid, Leah and his mom was the only thing he had left.

"Don't worry kid… Leah's strong, she's one of the strongest girls I know… just head home, I'm coming."

Seconds later I was making my way into Leah's bedroom. It was really crowded; Sue was sitting to her right holding her hand. Embry, Seth and Quil were standing in the entrance, just staring at Leah's pale face. Charlie was standing behind Sue with his hands on her shoulders. I was surprised to see Sam amongst the visitors; he looked horrible, not at all composed like he usually is. I didn't know how to act; this was my Beta for crying out loud, I was responsible for her, how could I let this happen? I slowly walked over to her and analyzed her wounds. Seth was right, they were healing, not as quickly as they normally would but enough that in a couple of hours there would be no trace of them. Her skin was still stained with blood and her eyelids looked dark; I'd never seen her so vulnerable, so weak; I wanted to throw Sam out of the room, because it wasn't right for him to see her this way, she wouldn't want it.

Sue looked at me with tears in her eyes. – "Jacob, please tell me she'll be alright."

Before I could answer her, Leah stirred in the bed and slightly opened her eyes. I moved closer and she reached out to hold my hand. Her eyes focused on mine and all I could see was panic, her heart beating faster by the second. She opened her mouth and tried to talk but nothing came out except for a soft heave, so I moved even closer as to listen better. She opened her mouth again and spoke, her voice so low that only the wolves in the room would be able to hear it.

"Jacob…"

"Leah, who did this to you?"

"They… they looked human…"

"Werewolves? Vampires?"

"I don't know… I don't know Jacob."

And with that, she closed her eyes again and fell sound asleep. Little by little all the people in her room left, leaving only Sam and me. Sam cleared his throat and spoke.

"I'd like to stand watch on her tonight." – Out of nowhere, I felt angry at him. How dare he act like he still cared when I've seen firsthand all the pain he's caused her. Seeing Leah like that, so hurt and weak in bed, made me feel overly protective towards her. Even though she can really piss me off and even though she's a bad tempered pain in my ass, she's still my second in command and one of the few people I'd trust my life with. I got up from the bed and faced Sam.

"Go back to Emily." – I basically spat out the words.

"That's not fair Jacob."

"I agree, it's not; it's not fair to Leah to have you waltzing around here like you actually care, so just leave, she's in good hands." – Sam looked really offended but he didn't say anything else, just turned around and headed out.

I went back to sit by Leah's side and before I knew it, I dozed off. My dreams where of Nessie, running though the forest wearing my favorite green dress, with her curls falling wildly on her shoulders. I was chasing after her, not able to get close enough to touch her; she was giggling and turning to smile at me, and no matter how hard I ran, I just couldn't get to her. I knew this was a dream, because Ness would always let me catch her; and even though Nessie was far away from me now, I knew she'd come back and I'd be able to ease her jealousy. All I had to do was live through this horrible weekend.

Sorry it took me so long to update, I've been super busy with work. Your reviews mean a lot, I even go back to re-read my previous chapters just to see what you're talking about, it's really fun!!! Keep them coming!!! Tell me what you think is going to happen!!!