Chapter 35

I awoke to the front door opening and two pairs of silent feet cladding down the steps. Jacob and Seth reached the tree line and I stood up, wagging my tail in greeting. Seth patted me on the head, "Sorry 'bout that, Leah." I turned my nose as they phase.

What's up, Jacob? Seth asked. I saw in Seth's mind Jacob's worried human face and watched how he quickly jumped to his feet and pulled Seth out the door.

Rose and Emmett were talking about how they were going to leave, and I can't let them leave without her talking to Charlie.

Haven't they been talking on the phone? I wondered.

Yeah but I want her to see him. I saw the thoughts behind his words. He was hoping that seeing Charlie would make Bella want to stay, meaning Renesmee would stay. I sighed.

Don't you think they should choose when Bella is strong enough to see Charlie? I mean, she's only like 3 days old, she can't be strong enough to be near humans can she?

She seems to be doing fine with Renesmee. And the doctor said this was like her gift, amazing self control. Run patrols while I'm gone, I'll be back soon. He turned on a dime and took off towards Forks.

Seth and I took off, running in opposite directions around the perimeter. Seth was very worried, he didn't have as much confidence in Bella as Jacob did. Well, what Jacob had wasn't really confidence, it was more of his imprint taking over his life. Jacob growled at me.

After a while Jacob reached the Swan residence and phased back. I really hope this works out ok. Seth worried out loud. Charlie's strong but I don't know if this is the best idea.

Jacob doesn't have his head on straight. I agreed. But I guess all we can do is see how this plays out. I'm sure the Cullens won't be all that happy 'bout this.

And then Jacob phased back and we watched Charlie's reaction through his mind. Jacob! I can't believe you phased in front of him! Seth yelled in his mind.

It was the best way to convince him. Jacob's mind blinked out and we were left in a quiet shock.

You're right. Jake's got a couple screws loose.

I told ya.

Jacob phased again. Ok, he's following me.

We'll meet you at the Cullen's house Jacob. We're not making the same mistake as last time, we're coming in with you. I thought, turning towards the Cullens.

I'll be fine, I'm sure their reaction won't be that bad.

We can't take any chances, Jake. Seth agreed with me.

Seth and I pulled into the Cullen's yard just as it started to rain. The water fell down in bucket's soaking us to the core. Seth shook out his fur, giving him a drowned rat look. You don't look that hot either, sister. Seth laughed. I bared my teeth at him.

Knock it off guys or I'll make you stay outside. Jacob ordered once he pulled in.

Psh, you wouldn't do that. I taunted.

Try me. But Jacob phased to his human form and pulled his shorts on. Seth and I did the same and followed him across the yard. Jacob seemed to skip up the stairs and walked right in the door without knocking. Seth and I were more timid, and followed with caution. The stress in the room seemed like a hazy cloud surrounding us.

"Hey guys." Jacob greeted, like nothing was up.

It was completely silent, Seth and I took our positions on Jacob's flanks.

"Rose." Bella reached out and Rosalie put Renesmee in her hands. I'm guessing Renesmee was there to keep Bella from doing something rash.

"Charlie'll be here soon." Jake said casually. "Just a heads-up. I assume Alice is getting you sunglasses or something?"

"You assume way too much." She hissed. "What. Have. You. Done?"

"Blondie and Emmett woke me up this morning going on and on about you all moving across country. Like I could let you leave. Charlie was the biggest issue there, right? Well, problem solved."

"Do you even realize what you've done? The danger you've put him in?"

Jacob snorted and they continued to argue. All the while Seth and I stood there dripping and shaking at the strained atmosphere. I watched them bicker back and forth. Bella and the other leeches were extremely upset but that goofy smile never left Jacob's face. It was so different seeing him happy like that instead of sad and wasting away. I wondered if that's what I looked like. I shifted my feet. If I imprinted would I change like Jacob had, I would be happy? Stupid, Leah. When are you gonna learn the world is out to get you.

The mind reader Alice came in through the door behind us. She turned and pointed at each of us. "You, you and you. If you must stay, get over in the corner and commit to being there for a while. I need to see. Bella, you'd better give him the baby, too. You'll need your arms free, anyway."

Bella's face sank. "Take her." She whispered and Jacob took her reverently. The whole atmosphere had changed and it was too much for me to bear.

"Am I allowed to leave?" I asked Jacob.

"Of course." Jacob replied, it was my idea to come in here anyways. I gave Seth a departing glance and hurried for the door.

"Stay east so you don't cross Charlie's path." I heard Alice say as I rushed for the door but I didn't acknowledge her. As soon as I reached the tree line is stripped and let myself go. I ran to calm down. I needed to get better control of this. I wanted to stop as soon as I can and I wasn't sure how long I'd have to stay human. I'd have to practice I guess. I shuddered at the thought but kept running.