*A/N: Thanks to my lovely beta and awbffe NessiesMomma for beta reading.*

*Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or its characters, SM does. I do however want Edward Cullen to spend eternity in my bedroom ;]*

I melted into the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck, and burying my hands in his hair. He pulled back ever so slightly, the crooked smile permanently on his beautiful face.

"We have to go downstairs," his velvet voice whispered.

I simply nodded, incapable of words at the moment.

"Get dressed. Alice left you something to wear. It's hanging in the bathroom." He stood up. "I'll wait outside."

When Edward shut the door behind him, I bolted for the bathroom. I showered inhumanly fast and did my hair. On the back of the door was a pleated dark green dress with intricate black flowers decorating it. It was beautiful.

I put it on and twirled in the mirror. I looked pretty. Placing a headband to push back my locks, I strolled back into my room and opened my door. There was Edward waiting. Finally, I took in his clothing. Edward was wearing a dark grey suit that had a vintage look to it. Underneath his jacket, he wore a deep blue button up. And on his face? Well, the smile was still there and it matched my own.

"Why are we dressed so nice?" I asked him as he took my arm in his own and escorted me downstairs.

"You'll see."

And he winked. He actually winked at me. I was two seconds from dragging him back into my room and continuing that kiss, but I finally saw the living room.

Candles and flowers took up most of the room. A grand piano was positioned in the back of the room and all the Cullen's and Charlie, Sue, Seth, and Leah were standing below waiting for me. I was taken aback, what was this all about? As Edward brought me to the last step, my father stepped forward opening up for a hug.

He enveloped me in his arms and leaned down to whisper, "Happy Birthday, Bella."

I pulled back and stared up at him and then looked around the room. "All this is for me?"

"Yes," Esme said as she walked over and hugged me. "Happy Birthday."

The rest of the Cullen's hugged me, and wished me a happy birthday. I stood now before Sue, Seth, and an utterly bored Leah. Leah just nodded at me, which didn't surprise me, right as Sue ran over teary-eyed and took me in her arms.

"I'm so sorry for everything," she sobbed. "Happy Birthday."

"It's not your fault," I assured. "I love you. You're the best Mom a girl could have."

She wiped at her face and smiled sadly at me. She turned and pushed a sad faced Seth towards me. His eyes stayed trained on the floor and I bent over and lifted his chin up.

"What's this face for? Didn't you hear it's a birthday party? That means there is cake!"

He sniffled, "We're not related anymore."

"Seth," he met my eyes. "You are my only little brother. Don't let anyone tell you different. Blood doesn't make you family, love does."

"I love you, Bella." He sniffled and crashed into me.

"I love you, too, kid." I stated while ruffling up his hair.

I don't know why I had been worried about this when I found out the truth. There was nothing that could stop Seth from being my little brother or Sue from being my Mom. They were there for my entire life, nothing changed that. Leah, on the other hand, now that was debatable.

"Alright," Alice called, "now that the tears are out of the way, let's get this party started. Presents?"

I inwardly groaned. I hated being the center of attention. But, the Cullen's had done so much for me; I couldn't begrudge them of this.

Rose walked forward holding out a black jewelry box, "Happy Birthday."

I opened and saw a chain linked necklace with a small heart charm at the clasp. On the charm was what appeared to be a crest, a roaring lion in an oval with clovers beneath it and an opened palm above. It read "Cullen" underneath. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

She smiled and took the necklace from the box placing it around my neck. "Now it's perfect."

"My turn!" Emmett bellowed thrusting a box in my arms.

It felt empty so I shook the box. Nothing could be heard. I stared up at him confused.

"New sound system. Already installed in your truck."

"Wow, Emmett. Thank you so much!"

"Jazz and I bought you the dress you're wearing," Alice smiled out. "Plus a whole new wardrobe that we put in your closet."

"This is too much. Thank you."

"We're next," Esme stated warmly. She held out a small box and I took it.

I opened it slowly seeing a moonstone ring incased in a silver band. It was exquisite. "It's gorgeous. Thanks."

"You're welcome," Carlisle answered.

"We coordinated our gifts as a family," Charlie stated nervously. I smiled for him to continue. He held out a photo album and I took it opening it to the first page. There smiling up from the pages was a girl with similar golden eyes of the Cullen's. She had curly brown hair similar to mine and a brilliant smile. She looked so care-free.

Tearless sobs escaped me. "Is this my mother?"

"Yes. We filled the album with pictures of her and of you growing up. We left room at the end for your own pictures. Which is why…" he drifted off and Seth stepped forward.

"We got you this," He stated happily holding out a digital camera with a bow on it.

"Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me."

Alice walked over taking the camera and began snapping away. I strutted over to my family and was welcomed by their arms. After the tears subsided from Sue, mostly, Edward cleared his throat and I turned towards him.

He was seated at the piano, his fingers halting over the keys. "Bella, you inspired this one."

The familiar lullaby from this morning played throughout the room. Knowing now, that it was all for me, made my heart speed up. I stared in awe of the creature before me. With his Adonis like features and beautiful talent, I couldn't keep my eyes off him.

With a final repeat of the chorus his hands lifted off the keys and he stared at me waiting. I rushed to him crushing him into an embrace. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, Bella," he breathed into my hair.

"Show me the love," Alice called, camera in hand.

I turned and smiled, resting my head on Edwards shoulder. The flash went off and I placed a light kiss on his temple. Soft music could be heard from the speakers and everyone was talking around the room. I couldn't remember the last time I was this happy.

My phone vibrated on the table and I stood walking over to get it.

Happy Birthday Bells

It was Jake. I stared at the phone willing it to give me answers to his behavior and what was going on. I typed back a response.

Thanks. How you feeling?

His response was immediate

We need to talk. You free?

Birthday party at the Cullen's. It'll probably end late. Tomorrow?

I'll wait. Text me when you're out.

I put down my phone and Edward stared at me questioningly.

"It's Jake. He wants to talk. I'm going to see him after the party."

I swore I heard Edward growl. "Bella, you can't see him."

"I can't? Excuse me, but when did you become the boss of me? I don't remember signing my life over."

Edward look visibly hurt. "It's for your safety."

"It's Jake! He's not going to hurt me. I'm probably safer with him then a room full of vampires."

"Bella, just listen to me. Please." He begged.

"Listen to him," Charlie ordered.

"Now you don't want me seeing Jake?"

"No."

"Bella," Carlisle intervened. "There are things you don't know."

"Of course there are. Can you please tell me then? So I can understand why you all are forbidding me from seeing my best friend."

I was hurt and confused. Why were there still secrets being kept from me? I just wanted to be around the one person who had been there and wasn't in on this secret going on around me.

Carlisle seemed defeated. I didn't want to be rude and yell at him, but this secret keeping was getting old. "Bella, when we first moved here we were hunting in the woods near the Quileute lands. The tribe startled us and before they could give us away we made a treaty with them. As long as we stayed off Quileute lands and never bite a human they wouldn't reveal what we are."

"But, what does this have to do with me?"

"They're shape-shifters. Not all of them, but a few have the gene."

"Shape-shifters?"

"They take on the shape of a wolf."

"Are you implying Jake is… a werewolf now?" Was anything a myth? I felt like I had entered some kind of fantasy book.

"Well he has some kind of control over his change. It doesn't depend on moonlight."

"Jake wouldn't hurt me. Ever."

"Bella," Edward pleaded. "You don't know that."

"I'm going."

I bolted up the stairs and changed into jeans and a grey t-shirt. I scrolled to Jakes last text and typed in a reply.

Where do you want to meet?

Right outside the Rez.

On my way.

I made my way downstairs and heard Edward and Carlisle arguing.

"I'm going with her Carlisle! She needs protection." Edward growled out.

"You know the guidelines Edward. And if he sees you he'll attack."

"What if he attacks her? Are you prepared to exist with that on your conscience?"

"Son, I know you feel a connection to her and an overwhelming need to protect her as your mate. But, she is stronger than you think."

Mate? Is that all this was to him? Mating? As much as I wanted Edward physically there was feelings developing that were much deeper than that. With new found determination, I walked into the living room. Charlie held a sleeping Seth in his arms and Sue and Leah stood beside him.

"Ready, Bells?"

"Your coming?" I questioned.

"No, but you can walk us out." Charlie answered. "I know better than to change your mind. But, be careful." He turned to Carlisle. "Thank you for throwing the party and watching Bella."

"It's no problem, Charlie."

"Thank you for the party. It was really amazing." I said hoping to show them my gratitude.

"We'll wait up for you," Esme promised.

"We have a lot to discuss," Carlisle added.

"Okay, I'll come back."

"Bella, please be--" Edward started.

"I'll be careful. No need to protect me." I sneered.

I turned on my heel and made my way out of the room with Charlie following me. I kissed them all goodbye, except Leah. She put on her iPod and zoned out the world. I watched them drive off and began running towards the Quileute border.

There stood Jake. No shirt. Ripped jean shorts. I paused when I reached him and eyed him up and down. His muscles were defined and chiseled.

"So it's true. You're a werewolf."

"Yeah."

"Jake what happened to us?"

He opened his arms. "Come here."

I ran to him and I snuggled into his warmth. Tearless sobs broke through me as Jake soothingly rubbed my hair. He brought us to a sitting position and positioned me on his lap.

"I'm sorry for this morning," he whispered.

"Me too. You were… going through this. I shouldn't have flipped on you."

"Bella, I was screaming at you. I'm glad you put me in my place."

We stayed there clinging to each other as comfortable silence surrounded us. I listened to Jake's erratic heartbeat as it thrummed beneath my ear. It made the most beautiful beat.

"I was so worried about meeting you here,"

I knew what he meant. He was worried he would have to fight the urge to attack me. "I wasn't."

"You're still Bella."

I sat up and met his eyes in challenge, "You thought I'd be different?"

"Sam said when were around vampires, they reek and we have to keep our control in check. But while I can still smell those filthy bloodsuckers, you still smell of Bella."

I punched him lightly in the arm, "I'm half filthy bloodsucker, jerk."

"At least you kept all the good parts human."

I laughed lightly. "So how does this wolf thing work?"

"Well our bodies will mature at twenty-five. So, I won't age. We phase in times of anger, if we can't control it, or if we need too. I'm at a whopping 108.09 degrees. Oh, and when the pack's in wolf form we can all hear each other's thoughts."

"Creepy. How many wolves?"

"Well, Sam's the Alpha and Paul's the Beta. Then there is me, Jared, Embry, and Quil."

"That explains why Billy had me call Sam."

"Yeah, that first phase was painful. I'm glad he got you out of there," a frown crossed his features.

"You phased right after I left?!"

"Right as you crossed the threshold." He shook his head. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hurt you."

"Jake," I placed my hands on both sides of his face. "You couldn't hurt me. Half-vampire remember?"

"But, we're designed to kill you."

"There's always a choice, Jake."

He nodded. "So, how does the hybrid stuff work? You immortal? Got any special powers?"

"Well, so far all I know is I kept human eyes, so they won't change colors based on my… erm… diet. I can drink blood and eat human food. Apparently my mind is safe, if that's a power. And uhm, I can sleep but I don't necessarily need it." I paused as a yawn escaped me. "I'll have to ask Carlisle about being immortal."

Jake yawned. "You better. We'll bring new meaning to best friends for life."

I laughed sleepily, snuggling closer to Jake. He placed his head on mine and wrapped his arms around me tighter. My eyes fluttered closed and I heard Jake snoring. I felt something vibrate on my side, but decided to ignore it letting sleep find me.

EPOV

I kept trying to dial Bella's number but she wasn't answering. Ever since Alice had seen Bella's future erase, we were at a standstill. We were unable to go to her, in fear of breaking the treaty, but needing to know if she was okay.

"Carlisle, we can't just do nothing!"

Ever since she stormed off from me, I had been wondering what I'd done to upset her. Surely she could feel the depths of my feelings for her. I'd risk it all just to hear her laugh and sense her presence in the air. Anything to kiss her soft lips again. My life had little meaning until I saw her descend those steps at the Swan house. I now had something to exist for.

"Edward, I'm sure she's fine. You're letting your feelings inflict on your common sense. She beat Emmett, remember?"

Beginner's luck, Emmett thought.

"Not helping, Em." I growled

"Sorry, bro, but seriously, she's fine. Alice always loses sight where those dogs are concerned."

I heard Alice groan from upstairs in her room. I hate to say it, but he's right.

"I don't like the thought of her with that mongrel." I scoffed.

"You're jealous of him?" Jasper laughed. "You obviously weren't feeling what was coming off her in waves during that little lullaby earlier. Or smelling it."

"I can't just sit here. I'm going to find her."

I ignored the pleas of my family and ran out the door. I breathed in the air and quickly found her scent. It led toward the Rez. I sped off towards her without looking back.