I do not own any of the recognizable characters presented in this story. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

12. EXPLANATIONS

Terry's POV

You know, when Jacob recognized what had just happened between Paul and his sister, Rachel, I thought he was going to lose it and kill him. Jacob's face turned really red and a vein bugled on his forehead. It was actually funny to look at.

He then exhaled loudly and returned to his normal color. Jacob swallowed hard and then pursed his lips, tipping his head back to stare at the ceiling. "Paul… Care to explain to Rachel what just happened and… everything else?"

Paul never looked away from Rachel, he just smiled and nodded his head. I'd be lying if I said seeing Paul like this didn't scare me. It was just weird. He pushed me down the couch, closer to Seth and patted the spot where I was for Rachel to sit down. She looked hesitant at first, but when she looked back into Paul's eyes she complied.

I wondered if I was like that. I watched Rachel closely as Paul explained everything about the tribe and imprinting to her. It was really interesting to watch another person be on the receiving end of this conversation.

When he finished, he just stared deeply into Rachel's eyes, smiling. She looked around the room, making eye contact with all of the pack mates. "So… You're all werewolves?"

"Everyone but Terry here." Jared put me in a head lock and gave me a noogie.

I tried to squirm free. "Ah! Jared! Stop it!"

"That's enough…" Jacob spoke quietly from across the room. He was just looking out the window. If I didn't know any better I'd say he was brooding. Looks like some of Edward rubbed off on him. I smiled to myself.

Jared released me and I rubbed the top of my head with my hand, sticking my tongue out at him. He laughed and Rachel tilted her head at me. "But he has the same tattoo as you guys. And he's dressed the same."

"The imprints usually get the pack tattoo somewhere on their body to show they belong in the pack." Jacob turned around and cracked a little smile. "I just like it when he dresses that way."

"So, he's your imprint?" Rachel asked, turning to face Jacob.

Jacob looked into my eyes. "Yes he is."

"So, were you gay before Jacob imprinted on you?" I heard Rachel's voice, but I was too intoxicated by the stare Jacob was giving me. I guess that answered the question I had earlier.

The room was silent for a while before Jared elbowed me in the ribs. I shook my head and looked at Rachel. "I'm sorry, what?"

She smiled. "Were you into men before you met my brother?"

I shook my head, turning back to face Jacob. "No. Love like this transcends the normal precedents of relationships. I don't think there is a term for what Jacob and I are. We're not gay, but we love each other."

Jacob smiled and crossed his arms over his chest. Then he laughed just a little and looked down at the ground. "Yeah… That's exactly right."

The discussion went on for a little while longer before the pizza guy rang the door bell. Poor man, I don't think he'd ever experienced anything like a bunch of half naked guys rushing for the boxes he was holding.

After all of the pizza was devoured, Jared started stretching. "Alright, Jacob. Enough with the suspense. Who's fighting who?"

I saw a gleam in Jacob's eye. "Oh yes… I nearly forgot." He pointed at two people. "Seth. Paul. Outside."

Seth's eyes widened. "Really? I have a chance to be Beta?"

Jacob nodded.

Paul looked between Jacob and Rachel, torn. Rachel leaned over to me and whispered. "What's wrong with him?"

I chuckled. "He doesn't want to leave you, but he wants to fight with Seth really badly. He wants your permission to go."

"But he doesn't need my permission…"

I shrugged. "This is something you're going to have to get used to."

Rachel furrowed in confusion before she turned back to Paul. "Go. Make me proud."

Paul's eyes lit up. I had never seen an emotion like that come from Paul. I never thought he was capable of emotions other than sarcastic and angry. He nodded., smiling. "For you." He stood up started walking over towards the door.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Look who's whipped now!"

As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Paul spun on his heel, looking at me with the fiercest expression I had ever seen. The rest of the pack laughed. Jacob smiled and grabbed Paul's arm. "Come on, killer. Outside."

The rest of the pack all crammed through the door, followed by me and Rachel. I touched her arm. "You might not want to watch this… It can be pretty frightening." I quickly revisited in my mind the times that I saw scary wolves.

"What do you mean?" She turned to me, again confused.

"They're going to fight. As wolves." Her eyes grew large as we continued outside.

When we got where the pack had assembled, something caught my eye. The Cullen's were walking towards us. Emmett was cracking his knuckles like he wanted to participate. Edward had an amused smile on his face, he obviously knew what was going to happen and told his family. Carlisle held on to Esme, who looked worried, her motherly side showing. Rosalie was… I'll give you three guesses. Alice and Jasper both looked like they were ready for an entertaining show. Bella was the only one missing. Edward walked over to where I was standing with Rachel. "Bella is with Charlie today."

I looked at Rachel who was almost paralyzed with fear. She had just learned the truth about the Cullen's and I guess to normal people vampires seem like something to be afraid of. I smiled at her. "Trust me Rachel, they're good guys."

In an instant, her fearful exterior melted away into one of pure calmness. I looked over at Jasper who was staring at her. I guess that does have its uses…

"Alright, Seth. Are you ready?" Paul smirked at the younger boy. From just looks, it seemed like Paul was going to win. He was bigger and older than Seth.

Seth smiled up at him. "I was born ready." There was something about Seth, a hidden spunk that might put him on top.