A/N: Sorry for the long wait guys. But I hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

As always, thanks for the reviews. They blow me away.

Now, on with the chapter…

Chapter 20: Claimed

"I think the waitress likes you a little too much."

"I could say the same about the guy to your right."

I giggled. "You're making that one up."

"Oh no I'm not," he said, glancing over at said guy. His eyes taking on a hard look. "He should mind his own business."

"The waitress should too."

He shrugged, meeting my gaze. "That's different."

"How so?," I challenged.

"She has to look at me, she's the waitress. But him over there-" he shook his head in disgust. "- should focus more on his own girlfriend. Douche."

At that I laughed. "Jacob just ignore him."

"You're right, it's my baby's birthday after all." He smiled. "Eighteen and all grown up."

Jacob had insisted on taking me out on my birthday, even though he could barely afford it. No matter how many times I rejected his offer, he wouldn't listen. Telling me that I was his world and that it was unacceptable for him not to take me out. Not only that, but he took me to one of the most expensive restaurants in Port Angeles. Insisting that he'd pay for absolutely everything.

To say I was touched by the gesture would be an understatement. I was blown away. Especially since he'd gotten a part-time job at a mechanics in Forks and saved every penny he earned towards building us a house. He really was something special.

Kara had been upset that I was spending the day with Jacob, but I promised her we'd go out soon. It was the least I could do for my good friend. However, my parents were highly suspicious of my plans. Asking me more than once about where I was going and who I was going with. I'd told them I was going out with a few friends from school, and although they didn't believe me, they never pushed the subject. Though, from the look in my mother's eyes, I could tell she knew who I was going out with. But she never said anything.

I didn't know how to feel about that.

As Jacob and I waited on our food, I came up with an idea to pass the time. "Do you want to play twenty questions?"

"As long as we get to ask each other anything." He smirked, reaching for my hand across the table. "Since we're so close now."

"Sure, you go first."

And so the questions poured from our mouths, one after the other. The very first one's had been simple and easy to answer. But as the time ticked by, they grew more personal. Causing us both to blush at times.

"Are you…" I trailed off, embarrassed to ask.

He brought my hand up to his lips, kissing the palm. "Am I what?"

"Are you… are you a virgin?"

"Yes," he answered, honestly. Giving me a small smile.

My jaw dropped. "You're a virgin? But… that's… all the girls love you…"

"So? Sex isn't important to me Nina. I've been through a lot to know that."

I couldn't even begin to describe the relief I felt at his revelation. To know that he was a virgin like myself made me feel equal to him in that department. And the fact that he wasn't looking for sex made me feel even more equal to him. Because that's exactly how I felt about the subject. It wasn't the most important thing in the world, and I believed in saving yourself for the right guy.

Jacob was my right guy. But was I ready to give all of myself to him?

"That's amazing," I said, dreamily. "You're just amazing Jacob. You're so sensible, so mature. I love you."

Chuckling, he pressed another a long kiss to my palm before setting my hand back down. "That doesn't mean I haven't got a sex drive." He winked.

I blushed, remembering all the times we'd spent kissing in my bed. All the times he'd pressed himself against me. All the times I felt… "I know that, Jake."

"Only you effect me that way, Nee," he whispered across the table. His hot breath causing the candle light to flicker. "I hope it's the same for you?"

Whenever we had a conversation, it was mostly innocent, with a little flirting thrown here and there. So that night, as we moved onto more intimate subjects, I couldn't help but feel awkward and embarrassed. Despite my comfort around him.

Searching my face for an answer, his dark orbs had never made me feel as naked as they had then. The natural glow they suddenly took on reminding me of a predator wolf, seeking its prey. White teeth gleaming in the dim light as he smiled. It was all so mischievous, and so unlike Jacob's normally friendly personality. Then again, we weren't exactly having a 'friendly' conversation.

"Of course," I said quickly, my gaze drifting downwards to the exposed skin of his chest. Hairless and smooth. Jacob had really grown into a man, even more so than I originally thought. That night when I'd driven up to his house, my eyes had nearly fallen out of their sockets at the sight of him. There was nothing left of the boy he once was. Nothing.

Dressed In a pair of grey khakis that clung to his thick thighs like a second skin and a white shirt that was a size too small for him. I couldn't help but notice how huge he had gotten. How much stronger, bigger and taller he had gotten since the time I had seen him in all his naked glory. Jacob Black was massive.

"I can't wait for us to move in together, things will be so much easier."

I smiled at the thought. "It'd be kind of like how Sam and Emily moved in together when you first phased."

"Exactly. It'll be great, everything will just fall into place and we can focus more on our relationship. We won't have to worry about your parents finding out about us anymore."

"Jake." I sighed, drawing my gaze back up to his face. "You know it won't be that easy."

Looking away from me, he clenched his jaw. "Nina, don't start."

"What do you mean by that?," I asked, my voice raising two octaves louder in annoyance.

"You know what I mean," he said through gritted teeth, turning to face me again. Anger and irritation burning his dark brown eyes.

Over the past month, Jacob and I had been having a lot of arguments. Mostly about how I was going to leave my parents. In his opinion, it wouldn't be difficult, especially since I'd be an adult when the time came. But I saw things differently. Completely differently. As much as I disliked how my parents thought of Jacob, and how they always seemed to think I had something up my sleeve, I still loved them. They were always there for me and raised me to be the good person that I was. Leaving them would be hard.

However, I knew that I'd see them every now and then. But the thought of all the arguments I'd have to go through, and all the tears I'd cry, made me dread that moment. It wouldn't be easy on my parents, Joey and myself. It'd be very, very hard.

Jacob hardly ever offered me sympathy on the subject.

"This is so unfair of you. After everything we've been through, I thought that you'd at least offer me sympathy. I live with those people, they're my family. Imagine you had to leave Billy, I bet you'd hate that. But I'd comfort you, you know I would."

Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, he took a deep breath to calm himself. "I do sympathize with you, all the time. But there are certain times when it's best not to, in order to remain strong. To give you willpower. I'm alpha of a pack, I know what I'm talking about."

"Oh so that's it? I'm equal to the guys huh?," I asked incredulously. "That changes things. A lot."

His mouth opened to speak, but the waitress arrived with our food. Interrupting our conversation. As per usual, she shot Jacob a flirty smile before sauntering away. Her red ponytail swinging back and forth. Confidence oozing from her.

Staring down at my food, I suddenly didn't feel hungry anymore. As delicious as it looked.

"You're not equal to them, you could never be," he said softly. "I'm so sorry I made you feel that way honey, I'm so, so sorry. This alpha stuff is getting to my head. I shouldn't be treating you that way. I love you. I love you more than anyone. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"

"It's OK," I whispered as I began eating. My hunger slowly creeping back into my stomach at his apology.

In truth, it wasn't really OK, but I wasn't about to have a discussion about it in a restaurant for everyone to hear. I'd just eat my lasagna and forget it for now. After all, who wants to be miserable on their birthday?

The rest of the night passed by like a blur. Jacob and I small talked, the atmosphere awkward after our mini argument. I could tell he was upset with himself by the way he looked at me and the effort he put into our conversations. A part of me wanted to tell him to let it go, but I really wasn't up for anything. My bubble of excitement had deflated.

As we left the restaurant, Jacob slipped his hand into mine, running his thumb over my skin affectionately. Normally, it'd feel lovely and cause my heart to jump in my chest. But all I felt then was… nothing. Absolutely nothing.

"Nina," he whimpered out, twirling me around to face him. "Please, I'm sorry. I was a selfish moron in there. Just don't let this ruin your birthday, please. I'm so sorry, I'll make it up to you. I'll take you wherever you want. As long as it makes you happy. Please."

"Jake, just forget it OK? I'm just.. I don't feel like myself right now. Ignore me."

Grasping my face in his hands, he brought his plump lips down on mine. Kissing me with such force I stumbled backwards. "Please," he moaned before plunging his tongue into my mouth. His wet muscle working wonders over mine. It almost felt soothing. Almost.

My hands pushed against his broad chest. "Jake! Stop."

But he wouldn't listen, and before I knew it, he dropped to his knees on the pavement. Pulling me down with him. His hands snaking into my hair, holding me in place as his kisses grew more passionate. Saliva drizzling down the sides of his lips.

Cars drove by and every second one would have a person whistling out the window at us. Some even went as far to say 'Get some' and 'Get a room'. My cheeks burned with mortification, but Jacob ignored them. Focusing his attention on me and me only.

"Jake," I gasped out as his wet lips moved to my jaw. "Jacob stop, we're outside. Please."

And just like that, he froze. "We're… oh my…"

Pulling away from him, I jumped up to my feet. My body shaking. "We need to leave. Now."

"Baby," he said breathlessly, standing up in front of me. "I didn't realize, I forgot."

"Just take me home, Jacob. My head hurts."

"Come home with me, tell your parents you're sleeping at Kara's."

I shook my head. "No, I can't."

"Please," he begged. "We'll watch a movie, I'll make you a cake and we can stay up all night. I've made a mess of everything already."

Point was, I had forgiven Jacob. But I couldn't stop thinking about the months to come and the decisions I'd have to make. How was I going to tell my parents I was leaving to live with Jacob? What if Jacob never builds us the house? What if I had no other choice but to leave him and move to Seattle?

Everything was a mess.

"Jacob, I want to go home. I need some space," I told him, pressing my palm to my forehead.

"Well… can I see you tomorrow?," he asked hopefully.

"Of course, Jake," I said, reaching for his hand. "I love you."

The ride home was mostly silent, except for the soft hum of the engine and the tapping of Jacob's fingers against the steering wheel. Dark clouds enveloped the sky, blocking the half-moons glow. There was certainly a storm on its way. Nothing new to the Washington state.

Every now and then, I'd sneak a glance at Jacob as he kept his eyes focused on the road. His profile was beautiful; all strong jaw-bone and perfect high cheekbones. Unlike mine and plenty of other people I knew. Our profiles did nothing in our favor. But this was Jacob Black, shape-shifter and alpha to a pack. He was simply magnificent.

I was sorry for how the night had turned out when it could've been so much better. It was my fault. I shouldn't have brought up how difficult it would be to tell my parents I was leaving, knowing how he felt about the topic. I'd make it up to him somehow.

When Jacob pulled up across the road from my house, I didn't move. There was no way I was going to end the night that way. Feeling depressed and regretful. I needed to let him know how nice it was of him to take me out on my birthday and spoil me with a gorgeous charm bracelet and chocolates. He needed to know how much that meant to me. How much he meant to me. Everything he'd done for me was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

"Thank you, for everything," I said softly, gazing up into his handsome face. "You took me out to an expensive restaurant, bought me expensive jewelry and made me feel special. And I'm so sorry I ruined things by bringing up my parents, that was stupid and careless of me. I'll make it up to you, I swear. I just need you to know that I really appreciate everything you've done and that I love you."

Killing the engine, Jacob shifted in his seat to face me. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Nina. You're my world. So don't thank me, I already know that you're grateful. And our argument… well let's just pretend it never happened, alright?" He smiled. "Now, I think you should head on out. Before your parents notice there's a strange car parked by their house."

I chuckled, reaching for the handle. "Can I have a birthday kiss before I go?"

Jacob didn't need to be asked twice. In an instant, his lips descended upon mine. Knocking the breath out of me. Our tongues desperately searching for the other, dancing together feverishly. The taste of his mouth sweet and spicy. Turning my brain to mush.

I didn't want to leave the car, but I did want to go back to his place and kiss him until sunrise. Thoughts of what it would feel like to have his naked chest pressed against mine and how mouthwatering he'd look all sweaty and flushed, plagued my mind. I knew that meant I should stop or things may get out of hand.

But the thing was, I never wanted to stop. I needed him like the air I breathed.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I allowed him to pull me up and onto his lap. Straddling him as he leaned back against the seat. Making things much more comfortable for us. To an outsider, our position wouldn't look appropriate. However, Jacob and I were too into things to give a care.

"I'd do anything to keep you for tonight," he murmured against my moist lips before trailing open-mouthed kisses along my jaw.

I closed my eyes, relishing in the feel of him. "You already own me, Jake."

"Partly." His kisses moved south, nearing my scar. "Maybe someday."

"Maybe," I agreed. Holding onto him tighter because I never wanted to let him go. Ever.

Pushing my baby blue cardigan off, Jacob hooked his gleaming teeth into the thin strap of my lilac dress, dragging it down over my shoulder. Proving that although he was a virgin, he was blessed in the 'sexual' department. Never failing to be sexy.

"I'm not.. stripping you… I just-" instead of finishing his sentence, he licked my forearm. Once, twice, three times. "You taste just like I imagined."

"Gosh, Jake," I practically gasped out in pleasure. He was just so unbelievably sexy. It was unreal.

"Nina," he whispered, bringing his lips to my ear. "It's so hard for me-"

"Jacob!" I screeched, jumping off his lap and into the passenger seat. Frantically looking for my handbag. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…"

Then I heard him, shouting as he ran across the road. My dad.

We were so Busted.

Pulling the driver's door open, my dad spoke in a firm, angry voice. "Get out. Now."

"Okay, okay," I said quickly, terrified.

"And you," he directed at Jacob. "I need to talk to you, mister."

Scrambling out of the Rabbit, I scurried around the front and over to my dad. He was standing in the middle of the deserted road, arms crossed over his chest, expression unreadable. One look in his eyes and I knew that he'd known all along. He just needed a confirmation and tonight things were in his favor. Much to my own shame.

It wasn't that I was ashamed of being with Jacob, of course I wasn't. But to think that my father had seen us in that position was mortifying. It made us look bad. And there was no way that I could make up an excuse for our behavior.

He'd seen us in one of our most vulnerable states...

Across the road, my mom appeared at the doorway. "Nina! Honey! Come over here," she called.

For the past month, my mom had been acting strangely. As though she knew that I was still seeing Jacob against her will. The funny thing was, she seemed to be taking it well. Shooting me smiles and knowing looks every now and then. It was so strange. Didn't she hate him?

"Do as your mother says, Nina," my dad warned. His glare fixed on Jacob, who had just gotten out of the car to stand behind me.

But I couldn't move. My feet were literally stuck to the ground. I knew it was because of Jacob and the fantastic work of the imprint. To me, dad was a danger to us, and I wasn't going to part with my soul-mate. We needed each other for protection. As crazy as that sounded.

"Nina," my mom called again. "Come here, please."

Warm fingers brushed my hand. "Go, I'll be fine. Trust me."

"But-" I protested.

He cut me off. "Please."

So just like I was made to do, I obeyed him and hurried across the road. Glancing over my shoulder as I reached my mom, Jacob and my dad were still standing just where I'd left them. Waiting for me to enter the house.

Once I stepped into the hall, mom shut the door behind me. "Nina!"

"What?," I asked, shaking all over with nerves.

She spun around to face me, wide eyed. "What? honey, are you and Jacob really that stupid? Did you think that your father and I wouldn't notice an unfamiliar car parked outside our house? This is not what I expected. At all."

"Mom, I was leaving but… but I just got carried away," I mumbled the last part. My face burning with embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

"Nina, I know that I gave you a hard time over your boyfriend. I was going through a tough time with your father and I wanted to please him so that we could work things out. But now that we're separated, I… I don't mind you being with Jacob. If he loves you and you love him in return then there's nothing wrong with that." she sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But for your own sake, keep things low profile from now on and I'd advise you to go up to your room before your father comes back. I don't want him to ground you when he's not thinking clearly. Go on."

Shocked by everything she'd just sprung on me, I fought to form a coherent sentence. "But.. J-Jacob, dad's going to hurt him.. I can't.. mom-"

"No, your father will speak to him. That's all. I'll make sure of it. Now you head on up. You'll see Jacob tomorrow won't you?"

I nodded in response, but as I turned around and headed up the stairs, tomorrow felt too far away. There was nowhere else I wanted to be but in his arms right then. Warm and safe. To feel his hot breath against my face as he spoke. To smell his unique scent. To just be with him.

He didn't deserve to hear anything my dad was going to tell him. I just hoped it wouldn't be as bad as I imagined it to be.

Wrapping my arms around myself in the freezing cold, I ran all the way to the Black household in the pitch dark. Around midnight, when I was sure everyone was in bed, I snuck out. Yes, it was probably the most crazy thing I'd ever done, but I definitely wasn't going to regret it.

I needed to know what my dad said to Jacob, after all, my parents spoke in hushed voices at night. Besides that, I just needed to be with him. I needed to hold him in my arms and tell him that no matter what anyone says, it'll never change the way I feel about him. It'll never tear us apart.

Fifteen minutes it had taken me to reach the house, and as I approached it, I couldn't help but feel worried when I saw that all the lights were out. Then, I realized how silly I was being. It was twelve-thirty pm, what did I expect? Jacob was probably in bed, and Billy.. well Billy could be anywhere. He definitely wasn't awake if he was at home though.

Hesitantly, I tapped my frozen knuckles against the front door. One time, two times, three times, four times. Obviously, no one was going to answer. So my only other option was to go around the back and peer into Jacob's room. Perhaps he'd hear me if I knocked on his window?

Unfortunately, Jacob wasn't there when I'd looked in.

"Nina," a voice whispered, startling me.

Spinning on my heel, I leaned back against the wooden wall. Heart pounding as my eyes scanned the forest. There was no one in sight. But I could've sworn that was his voice. I wasn't imagining it.

With chattering teeth, I managed to barely speak. "J-Jacob?"

"Nina," he whispered again, the wind carrying his husky voice to me.

"Where a-are you?" I whispered back.

"Over here," he said a little louder, yet I still couldn't see him.

"I can't see you."

Silence. "Do you want to?"

Frowning, I wondered why he asked me that. "Of course."

Then suddenly, he appeared in front of me. Taking slow steps up to the back porch where I stood, still leaning against the wall. The reason why he had been hiding from me earlier becoming clear as soon as I saw him; he was completely naked.

As naked as the time I had first seen him phase and he never looked so beautiful. In the darkness, I could still make out the russet tone to his skin and how it glowed as he stalked closer to me. His whole body was adorned with firm muscles and if I looked closer, I could see that he had a fair amount of brown freckles scattered across his smooth skin too. Something I'd never noticed before.

"You're going to have to get used to my being naked all the time. It's one of the cons to being a shape-shifter." He smirked, finally standing directly in front of me. Smelling of musk, pine and earth.

"I could.. get used to it," I told him, reaching up to touch his bare chest. Not a hair in sight.

He wiggled his eyebrows at me, suggestively. "That doesn't surprise me, Nee."

The blush I'd expected to creep into my cheeks never came. Instead, a wave of fear overcame me and I blurted the first thing that came to mind. "Jacob, what did my dad say to you?"

"A lot of things, actually," he said, laughing humorlessly to himself. "A lot of things that made me feel completely and utterly worthless."

"Jake," I whispered quietly, moving my hand upwards to caress his shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

"And to think he's your father, that you're related to him." He shook his head in disbelief. "I don't.. what am I…you…"

Hushing him quiet, I grasped his hand in my free one. Giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't let him get to you, he was just being a complete jerk. And I'm sorry for that, I wish I had a more understandable father. Just forget whatever he said to you."

Slipping his hand out of mine, he took a step backwards. "I have feelings, Nina. You're not the only person who can hurt me, lots of people can. So don't come here and tell me to forget about things. You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know that, Jake. But my dad didn't mean anything he said, he was just being mean to you because you're dating his daughter. That's all. What did he say anyway? You're too old to date me?"

"Really?," he asked incredulously. "That's all you think he said to me? Really?"

The look on his face told me he was disappointed in my assumptions, which in turn, made me feel worse about the situation. Whatever my dad had said to him must've been bad. Very bad. And yet there I was, taking things lightly. I was such a moronic idiot sometimes.

After a moments silence, I asked. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing.. it doesn't matter. Forget it," he said dismissively, a troubled look in his normally happy eyes.

Stepping forward so that there was hardly any space between us, I pressed my palm to his cheek. "It does matter. Tell me. Please."

Leaning into my touch, Jacob's gaze fell to the floor. "He told me I was a poor scumbag."

My breath caught in my throat, yet I forced myself to speak. "J-Jacob, I'm so-"

"That I've probably got every disease under the sun." His eyes snapped to mine. "That I'm using you. That I'll be stuck in La Push forever and ever because I'm penniless. That I don't deserve you and that I better stay away from you… that you're going away for good and I'll never see you again. That you'll meet someone way better than me and I'll be just a memory to you. Because all I am and all I'll ever be is worthless."

In the freezing night air, my blood ran cold and I was left feeling numb. The words he'd spoken had all sounded so horribly wrong. Every single one of them. How could my father be so cruel? Jacob had never done anything bad on him or anyone. To think that he had it in him to say all those things… it was awful. So awful that I fell to my knees and burst into tears. My heart hurting for Jacob.

"Nina, honey, don't cry. It's not your fault," he said softly, yet his body remained still. Hesitant to move.

I shook my head before pressing my forehead to his bare thigh, sobbing against his flawless skin. Nothing mattered to me at that moment but Jacob. My love for him so strong it hurt. And I couldn't imagine my life without him. He was my world, my everything. Without him I was nothing.

And if my parents wanted to take me away from him, I wouldn't let them.

This was my life, not theirs.

There were no words that could make up for what my father had said to him and even if there were, I doubted I'd be able to speak them with the sobs that raked my body. The tears I cried were for everything; from the hurt that had been inflicted on Jacob to the thought of leaving for Seattle with my mother. Like I'd said, I wasn't going. It was both physically and mentally impossible for me to do so.

Jacob let out a shaky breath, before bending down and taking me into his arms. Surrounding me with the warmth that was his and his only. For a minute, we just stayed that way, me crying into his chest as he ran his hands through my hair. Neither of us speaking a word. Then, I felt myself being lifted off the ground. Jacob holding me securely as he opened the back the door and walked into the house.

Taking me to his tiny bedroom, where we lay on his bed for a whole hour in complete silence.

"When you leave, don't say goodbye to me. I don't want to hear that word," he said finally.

"I'm not going," I replied, my voice hoarse.

"Nina, you know yourself that that's not true. It's impossible for me to finish the garage before June. I'd need thousands of dollars and unfortunately I haven't got that. I'm poor. It's the truth."

Propping myself up on my elbow, I stared down at him. "I've told you before, Jake, money is not important to me. I don't care about it, as long as I have you."

He rolled his eyes. "Money is important, we've already discussed this before. We need money. How do you expect us to survive?"

"I'm talking about big money, Jake."

"Yeah, that's important too. If I haven't got big money, how am I supposed to finish off the house, huh? How am I supposed to furnish it?"

"But it's not important, we can just-"

"It is important!," he roared at me, face burning with anger. Rolling off the bed, he stomped across the room and slammed his fist into a mirror. Smashing it to pieces. "I'm fucking sick of everything!"

Sitting up on the bed, hand clasped over my mouth, I stared over at him in shock. Jacob had never been this angry before and if he had, it was never around me. There was always the possibility of him losing control and phasing, which was probably why. But he didn't even look like he was about to explode into a wolf. He just looked completely mental.

Blood rolled down his fingers, dripping onto the floor and to add to the mess, he grabbed the wooden frame of the mirror he destroyed and threw it across the room. Muttering unintelligible words to himself as he did so.

I knew he wouldn't hurt me, so I lay back down. Facing the white wall, my back to him. Another long silence filled the room after that and I decided to just close my eyes. To try and pretend everything was OK. When it so obviously wasn't.

Jacob eventually crawled back into bed, the mattress dipping under his weight as he brushed away the hair that fell over my face. His soft lips pressed onto my tear stained cheek and soon, the whole side of my face had been kissed. Slowly and lovingly.

My eyes fluttered open and I rolled onto my back to gaze up at him, but our eyes only met for a second before he attacked my lips with his own. Devouring my mouth with a burning passion. Our tongues dancing together feverishly. Hearts beating as one.

Throwing a thick leg over my hip, he lowered his weight onto me, until there were no space between us. His hands roaming up and down my sides, leaving a hot trail behind through my clothes. He was literally on fire.

The next couple of minutes passed by like a blur; starting from where he helped me out of my cardigan to the moment our naked torso's touched.

It hadn't been planned and it definitely hadn't been what I'd expected to do so soon.

But when Jacob and I finally made love, it opened my eyes to how beautiful the art of imprinting really was.

And I realized that leaving him wasn't an option anymore.

I was going to fight for my freedom.