Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Stephenie Meyer created it all.

A/N: Again going to pimp a fic from one of my betas: Way of the Wolf -

http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/2173996/hopeforastalemate

If you haven't read my other stories, Harvest Moon and its sequel, Full Moon Rising, please come join me. I was totally humbled to be told that I'd been nominated in the first round of the Avant Garde awards for the Hall of Fame for Harvest Moon. I mean seriously: against "Fifty" and "Darkward"? My poor, struggling, canon Edward doesn't stand a chance.

There are some incredible stories there, and I know many of the authors personally and even beta some of the stories – but I am like totally blown away that someone would even think I deserve a chance in those ranks.

Full Moon Rising has been nominated for the Best Shock Value.

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Jacob POV

I could tell that once again being in yet another vampire castle made Evelina and Alrik nervous. Seth and Leah weren't much better, although Seth either couldn't or wouldn't take much seriously. I needed to be able to talk with Eve alone, to explain, but I was betting her brother wasn't going to allow that. Since our stuff had been moved over to the house across the city before we left, I wondered if perhaps that was where we needed to go.

I looked up to see Carlisle and the others approaching the area where we stood apart from everyone.

"Jacob, Aro sent me to ask if you would be more comfortable retiring to the other house," he murmured in his soothing voice.

Looking to Eve and Alrik's faces, I answered, "Yes, I do think that might be best. I would like to say goodbye to him though first."

Carlisle smiled, pleased with the thought I'd show the courtesy.

"I'll go with you," Edward's voice came to my side.

I turned toward him as he and Bella approached. "Honestly, you, Jasper, and Emmett need a shower first," I said, laughing as Bella plastered herself to my side giving me a hug.

"He's right, Edward. Why don't you three go clean up?" Esme suggested in her smooth voice just before she began laughing. "You are a mess." However, as the three couples started to move toward their respective rooms she cleared her voice calling Bella, Alice, and Rosalie back. "They'll never get out of the shower if the three of you go. We'll wait on you," she declared to the boys and then pinned the girls to the spot with her stern gaze.

The nearly identical crestfallen looks on their faces was quite humorous. The benefit of being vampires - the only one I'd give them - was that they were fast. They'd be back in just a few minutes. In the meantime, I'd use the time to introduce everyone.

I turned and was rendered momentarily speechless by the blond beauty at my other side. I felt the pull to protect her and consume her all at the same time take over. How in the world had this happened? I asked myself again and then smiled broadly…HELL I didn't care. My bubble momentarily burst, at the sight of the snarling man at her side. Damn, why couldn't Leah have imprinted on him? It would have made it easy. He could be distracted with her, instead of glaring at me.

"Eve and Alrik, allow me to introduce my…friends," I said and earned a brilliant smile from Esme for using that term.

I nodded to where Carlisle and Esme stood together, his arm around her shoulder. Carlisle looked as impeccable as if he'd just walked out of a formal affair. Not one strand of his blond hairs was out of place, and if there hadn't been rips in his clothing, you would've never known he'd just killed several vampires. Esme, as always, was smiling in satisfaction. I imagined that before she was turned, she had been a lovely person, but the amplification that I now understood occurred had made her amazingly more so.

"This is Carlisle and Esme Cullen. They are the unfortunate parents of Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, Alice, Edward, and Bella Cullen." I saw Carlisle's grin broaden when I mentioned Bella within his coven. He was in my opinion her father; as well as, Aro. "Carlisle is the one responsible for the treaty you'll learn about that allows us to leave in peace with them. More importantly, he and Esme are good people."

Carlisle smirked in an Edwardesque manner and nodded his head in acknowledgement at them. "Evelina, Alrik, it is a pleasure to meet you. Jacob is too kind in his assessment of us; he always has been."

I snorted, remembering how much I hated them in the beginning. "Well, not always…" I added in to everyone's delight.

Alice chuckled and skipped to stand before us. "I'm Alice Cullen, and Jasper, the long tall drink of southern comfort, is my husband," she said charmingly, drawing a smile from Eve. I would even dare to say that Alrik's lips twitched. "I spent two months living in the back of a car with Jacob. If anyone other than Bella can claim to know him, it's me. He snores, by the way, really bad," she mischievously added.

I growled at her and reached out to pull her hair, but she dramatically jumped back and ran toward Jasper as he and Emmett walked back into the room. Never one to back down from a challenge, Emmett walked directly up to us.

"I heard everyone introducing themselves. I'm Emmett, the brains of the outfit, and the lovely blond hellion is my wife Rosalie." Rose had remained quietly by Esme's side, but she blurred over to stand under Emmett's arm and smiled genuinely at us.

I was amazed when she spoke. "It's good to meet you. I hope…" she grinned at me "…you'll keep Jacob straight for us."

Eve looked to me in confusion, and when I saw Edward coming through the door, I knew it was time to move. I needed to explain everything to her.

"Wait, Jake, you haven't introduced me," Bella chimed in. It was with her words that I realized she was back, pressed against me. Maybe that was why Eve had looked so confused. How I'd missed the freezing cold at my side, I'd never know.

"This little one is Bella, and she is my best friend." I grinned down at her, knowing that everything was fine between us. I finally understood her and Edward's tie, and just how unbreakable it truly was, because the woman at my other side held my heart just as tightly. "Our families have known each other since before we were born."

Bella's grinned adorably at me and then over to Eve. "Jake's the best, I swear to it, no matter what you hear from those dogs he lives with."

Eve and Alrik's eyes widened, finally understanding the unique situation Bella and I found ourselves in. Edward made our side, and as if there was gravitational pull between them, Bella put her hand out and their fingers intertwined as she moved to him. She gently reached up to brush a wet lock of his hair back from his forehead.

"Eve, you've met Edward of course."

Eve smiled and spoke. "Yes, we're familiar with each other. He still owes me an explanation."

Edward chuckled and nodded his head. "I do. But, didn't we say that we would be going to the other house for that."

"Now that you won't carry rubble into my pad, that's exactly where we should go," I threw out. "But first, I needed to speak with Aro. In this moment, I was the ambassador between my kind and theirs. "Carlisle, may we," I nodded toward the elders.

He graciously moved to my side, and we approached the leader and his white headed brother, where they stood in a large group that included their wives. I didn't know them well, but I could tell that they were happy about the discovery of the other one's wife. I couldn't imagine how it felt to see her after a thousand years.

Aro turned as we approached. "Jacob Black, I will not engage in a drawn-out farewell. It seems as if your life is intrinsically tied with ours. For now, I will merely say that I look forward to the next time. Why don't you do us the honor of visiting with your mate on occasion? Isabella will miss you, and I dare say that she and Edward will visit often in the United States. Will this be acceptable to your Alpha male?"

I was a little hesitant answering for Sam, but I thought I could do so in this instance. "As long as he is warned, I do believe so."

"And you, you agree to this?" he murmured in a strange tone.

I was tongue-tied and clearly perplexed. I didn't really understand why he was questioning me.

"Hmmm…" The sound of his musings still stirred the hairs on my skin. I didn't think I would ever grow to where being around him was comfortable. "Usually humility does not impress me, but your case is an exception. This Sam I saw in your memories, you have given him authority, but you, Jacob, are the true leader of your people. The blood of the chief runs through your blood. You will never be able to totally abdicate that responsibility, nor will you, I suspect. You may give him the official leadership, but you will work in tandem with him. In that, you are not so much different than my brothers and me."

My mouth fell open, and I heard Carlisle chuckle. I turned to glare at him and his only response was to shrug his shoulder at me. I was startled out of my thoughts when I saw Aro, from the corner of my eye, reach out his hand to me.

"Thank you for coming to save my daughter and for fighting with us, when you could have just as easily left us to our fate. I will not forget. Your tribe is safe from our interference, changeling. I will make sure that the vampires of the world know that there is a treaty between the Volturi and Quileute. My edict will give you the full measure of my protection from interference."

Somehow, I sensed that this time his hand was raised in respect and not for the purpose of gathering my thoughts. Certainly he would anyway, but I reasoned it was the thought that counted. I braced myself for the alien feel of him against my skin and grasped his hand.

I breathed a sigh of relief, as did the wolves beside me, when we made our way out of the creepy castle. The house they'd put us up at was much better. It was still entirely too fancy for my tastes, but at least it didn't stink too much. We watched the houses and streets pass by us from the darkened car we'd been given so that the Cullens could accompany us. Making our way into the house, Leah switched on the lights and went directly to the large living room. We all followed.

"Jacob, would you like for me to make a fire?" Carlisle asked, easily slipping back into an almost human like role.

"Sure," I answered, not really knowing how it would help, but he thought it would, so I went with it.

"Jacob, would you like me to fix something to eat," Esme asked, and her offer definitely perked the interest of myself and the others. Seth's stomach answered for us, and she smiled delightfully. Bella rose to go with her, but leaned quickly over to kiss my forehead.

"Jake, go ahead and tell her, don't wait. It's got to be driving her wild," she whispered.

Of course everyone heard her words, so both Alrik and Eve's attention was focused directly on me.

"Jacob, if I might go first," Edward said, and I definitely trusted what he suggested. He was obviously aware that he would be able to transition everything for me. He smiled softly, confirming my thoughts.

"Eve and Alrik, Carlisle is my sire. I was turned in the early 1900's when I was dying from Spanish Influenza. When I awoke from the burning that transforms us into vampires, I realized I was able to hear the thoughts of everyone around me. Aro and I have a similar gift. Mine is limited in that I can only hear what others are thinking at that moment; whereas, his is only limited to those he can touch. He sees everything in the being he touched…every memory…every emotion…every thought they've ever had."

They tense, realizing just what Aro had taken from them when he shook their hands.

"It was necessary," he answered their unspoken questions. "Eve, you'd already shown that you were trustworthy at that point, but he wanted to make sure that your actions in that moment really did mimic your true intents. But back to me, when I was brought to the castle, I knew that I would most likely not survive. However, I had a secret weapon…"

"Me!" Alice chirped. "Edward knew that if he could get you away from the castle that I would be able to see what was happening." Their eyes jerked to her and then around to the others.

I knew the question they were thinking just because of the look on their faces. "Yes, each one of them is talented."

Emmett started to interrupt me, but I spoke over him. "Carlisle is the glue that keeps them together. He is a natural leader, which they will follow anywhere because he knows what fights to fight and which ones to negotiate. Esme…Esme is the heart of the family, without her they would fall apart. Existence as vampires isn't really meant to be like this. That they survive as a family is purely because of her. Edward hears thoughts, as you know, and helps to guide their pathway, and Bella is the one that shields them from harm. Emmett is the protector; he is loyal and would place his life on the line for everyone. Rose is the rational one; she examines everything and makes sure that she speaks out when she believes that they are being taken advantage of. Alice watches their future, and Jasper helps keep them all under control and prepare them for what is needed."

Alrik and Eve looked at me in astonishment, while the Cullens remained silent in response to my assessment. Seth and I snickered, seeing the shocked looks on their faces. Even Esme and Bella had stepped to the door having heard my words.

"Well, it's true," I gruffly said. "The word talented means more than what you give it credit for."

Bella moved quickly to kiss the top of my head before she moved back to the kitchen. While the others remained mute, Edward smiled at me and quickly picked up where he'd left off.

"I didn't even allow Didyme to know what I was doing. I can't help that I hear your or anyone else's thoughts. I am glad, however, that in your case, I was able to do so; it let me know that you might be a possible ally."

"I can accept that, Edward, "she said slowly after having taken a few minutes to think over what he said. It had been an uncomfortable silence. "It makes sense, and had I been in your position, I would have done the same thing."

Alrik spoke for the first time. "This surely explains your devastation of the men who enslaved us, and I for one can only thank you on mine and my sister's behalf. What I do not understand is this strange compunction she feels to be with you," he directed toward me.

"Jake, may I help here," Bella's voice called out as she and Esme walked into the room, a huge tray of sandwiches between them. Bella carried two six packs of cokes. She handed us plates, while Esme placed the tray on the table between the couches. Esme left and came back with several bags of chips.

She sat down beside Edward, and he wrapped his arm around her tenderly. Even as nervous as I felt about what was happening to me, I couldn't help but see the perfection of the look that passed between them. She leaned up and said something to him quietly. He nodded and smiled at her.

"Alrik, Eve, would you allow me to tell you my story?" She looked toward the blond man.

When he nodded his head, she settled further under Edward's arm. I watched Eve's face wondering what she would think about their love affair.

"I met Edward when I came to Forks to live with my father. I can't tell you his side…" she glanced up to his face "…of the story, but I can tell you mine. The first day I saw Edward, it was like I was mesmerized. I couldn't keep my eyes off him. We had a few rocky patches, which I won't go into." That was the understatement of the century, and the group laughed around us. "But I can tell you that even when I was human, I was inexplicably drawn to him. I didn't feel whole except for when I was with him. It was like there was a hole in my chest that only he could fill."

I knew how she felt now. I wanted to hold Eve. It was all I could about.

"I knew before I was aware of what Edward was that I loved him. We tried to make it work apart, but it was impossible. We complete each other; I am his other half, and he is mine. It wasn't until he began to explain his world that I found out his word for what I was to him…mate. We are all that way, Carlisle and Esme, Emmett and Rose, Alice and Jasper. Although there was an existence before finding each other, it was like everything came alive once that person was in our life. Surviving without them is near impossible."

"Like Didyme was without her husband," Eve stated. That's right…she'd witnessed first hand a perfect example of what not being with your other half could do.

"Yes, exactly," Carlisle said softly.

Eve looked to Bella's face intently. "So you are saying that you believe I am Jacob's mate?"

My mouth fell open at how quickly she'd caught on. "No…" I croaked out "…not mate, my imprint."

She focused on me then. "Imprint?"

I couldn't talk, my tongue was tied. Her eyes had crashed into mine, and I was floundering in their depths.

"Jake?" I heard Bella call out. She waved her hands at me, telling me to pick up where I'd left off. She rolled her eyes at me, and I had to shake myself. I heard Jasper's quiet chuckles and knew he'd picked up on my feelings. Damn mood reading vampire…

"I'm sorry," I finally forced out. Seth snickered at my apology and I growled at him. "Eve, as vampires have their mates, wolves have imprints. When we see the one…we just know."

"WAIT!" Alrik rose swiftly, his face a thing of fury. "You cannot be serious. You don't even know her. How can you lay a claim to her and believe I would accept this." He stalked toward me, which is what I'd expected. He was her protector, at least in his mind. His hands balled up in fists ready to pound on me.

"Alrik!" Eve shrieked as Emmett, Carlisle, and Jasper both stepped between him and me.

Eve's brother growled at them, but Carlisle raised his hands in a beseeching manner.

"Alrik," Carlisle said softly, "please listen to the whole story before you make a decision."

Edward intervened quickly at this point. "It isn't what you are thinking, Alrik. Jacob will not force her to do anything. He can't. It goes against everything within him. He isn't Stefan or Vladimir, and neither are we. Although, I know it would be hard for you to accept that after what our kind has done to you."

After assessing the men that stood between us, he looked directly toward me. "Explain better, because I am not happy with this. I know you were part of the reason we were freed from the others, but I don't know you. You are friends with other…" he looked around in mild disgust "…vampires. I've come here willingly, but only because of Eve's desires. How do we know this isn't a trick? How do we know you won't expect us to be your servants?"

"I guess you really can't know," I answered honestly. "All I can say is that we will leave here tomorrow to go back to our home, and I would like for you to take the chance and come with us. There are many things you should consider. My home…it isn't fancy. In fact, we live a much simpler life on our reservation, although thanks to Aro we all now have the means to make it different. I'll buy a house that you can stay in, while you assess us and my sincerity. I don't expect you to accept this easily."

"There are many other things to consider. First, we are not werewolves like you. We weren't bitten to become what we are; it is part of our lineage…a genetic thing that lives within us until it is needed to protect our tribe. I don't know exactly how Sam and our leaders will react, but you aren't much different than us, so I believe you will be welcome. However, if you want to return to your home, I would understand. I need you to know that I will follow Eve if you chose to do that. It is impossible for me not to do so."

She looked up to Alrik and around the room to the faces of the vampires and seemed to come to some conclusion. As she stood, I risked a glance toward Edward looking for help. He widened his eyes slightly and smiled at me in encouragement.

"May we speak alone outside?" she asked me and then glared at her brother as if telling him to stay.

"Certainly," I jumped to my feet, and as I passed Edward he captured my hand tugging me down so that he could speak in my ear.

"Tell her your heart, Jacob. It is what she needs to hear" He spoke so softly that I knew only I and his family could hear.

It was hard to think about anything as she walked in front of me. This was definitely new…the sexual compulsion. Yes, I'd wanted Bella, but there was a difference. I almost couldn't concentrate on anything else but that with Eve. It was as if the animal inside me could barely be contained from throwing her down on the floor and taking her to show my dominance. I was a mess. I heard Edward chuckle and wanted to growl at him. So this is how he'd felt…again, how had he kept from killing me?

"Eve," I said softly when she neared the hallway. She turned to look back at me. "There's a private garden at the back of the house," I said, pointing in the opposite direction. "I promise I will not harm you."

She scoffed at me, and I grinned realizing she was challenging me as to whether or not I could take her wolf to wolf. She was agile… It would be a fun fight. I could feel the blush burn across my cheekbones as she walked toward me and took her time eyeing me up before she passed.

"LUNGE…TAKE HER," the beast inside me called out as her scent hit me with the power of a wrecking ball, wrapping around me. In reaction, I flexed my fingers against the doorframe and the sound of the wood groaning drew her attention. She smiled seductively, pleased with how she could toy with me. Witch! My blood started pumping through my system erratically at the sweet challenge.

The light rain was still coming down, but there was a covered gazebo, to which she ran. I followed actually glad when the mist helped to cool down my lust. She sat on the bench against one of the walls, which provided protection from the rain. I ducked to move under the covering and realized that I felt caged in. The roof wasn't much taller than me. I could have easily knocked my head on some of the wood supports.

"Sit down, I won't bite," she teased seeing my predicament.

How many times had I heard my pack mates use the same joke? It made me realize how homesick I would be if this didn't end in me going home.

"Jacob…" I shuddered at the same of my name on her lips "…this imprint thing…have others in your tribe experienced it?" I nodded answering her. "Can you tell me what the females felt?"

I thought back to what Emily had said. To be honest, it had been difficult to listen to because I hadn't liked having to hear about Leah's pain. But when I looked into Eve's blue eyes, I knew that I had to attempt to explain.

"Imprinting is something our elders have known about for a long time. It has happened throughout our history, or at least as long as our shifting has occurred. But it has been many generations since the last shifters, so the only other one I can talk about is Sam. He imprinted on Emily. I can't answer you too well, because I haven't heard her talk much about it, but she said it was if something in her unfurled. She felt warmth when she saw Sam, and when he told her about it, it was if it all made sense…fit. She fought it because she didn't feel right loving Sam."

Her eyes lifted in question.

"It is a long story that I will hopefully get to tell you later." I finally sat down beside her and leaning over slightly put my hands together and in between my knees. I focused on them, hoping to keep from making an idiot or pervert out of myself. "I will tell you that Emily felt guilty because someone she loved, loved Sam first. But she couldn't fight it anymore than he could, anymore than I can."

"Jacob, I don't know you or even really comprehend what is going on here, but I understand what this Emily felt. I felt it when I saw you on the wall, and that was before you changed before my eyes. Imagine my surprise?"

I'd turned when she said this to stare at her. I knew the longing that my soul felt for her was clearly evident in my face. Everything but this woman had disappeared from my priorities. Maybe if I ignored Sam's calls he couldn't order me home – could he do it anyway if it involved my imprint? I didn't know, but I did now that if she was taken away from me either by choice or force, I would cease to exist.

"But, I am scared. I don't understand this thing between us."

"Can I explain it from my point of view?" I asked softly. She nodded, smiling hesitantly at me. I couldn't help the goofy grin that spread across my face, and she blinked seeing it, which I hoped was good.

"I won't lie to you. The reason I came here was for Bella. I was in love with her before she was changed. Okay, that's not even accurate. I was in love with her after her change, as well. I was fighting Edward for her before, but when she was changed into a vampire it eliminated the chance we would ever be together. I was devastated, but I know Edward much better now than I did before, and he is her other half. I understand that now, in a way I never really did. I still love Bells, but it is different, softer…I guess almost in a platonic or brotherly kind of way. I'd still kill anyone who hurt her, and I guess she will always be special to me."

I hesitantly glanced up to see what she thought and the hope exploded in me when she nodded to me to continue. The slight grin on her face told me that so far, she was okay.

"When I saw you, it was as if everything that had existed before, every priority, every thing important, including my feelings for Bella, suddenly took a far back seat. You are everything to me now. I'm programmed to be everything to you…every want, your every desire…my soul wants to fulfill. The guys in our pack tease Sam that he has become Emily's lap puppy, but that isn't it really, just that I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I'll still be a pain in the ass, I suspect, because I can already tell we are going to but heads about you putting yourself in danger…" I let that one roll off my tongue, before continuing.

"Even though you are capable of handling yourself, it is going to drive me crazy to see you in dangerous situations. Although, now that Aro has made his decree, other vampires would be insane to come near us. What we don't kill, he'll track down," I snorted at the realization of just what his decree would mean.

Would my sons, and thinking of Leah…daughters, be exempt from the shifting? It was ironic that after all the angst I'd felt about it, I experienced a degree of sadness at the thought. Well there was always a solution; I'd just invite the Cullens for a visit. I grinned at my own internal debate.

"Jacob, I am perfectly competent of taking care of myself!" she said defensively.

I laughed out at the tone, having fully expected it. "See, I knew we were going to face this. I know that you can defend yourself, but you don't understand, I don't want you to have to. Just work with me on this, 'kay?" I glanced back up at her hesitantly to find her eyes narrowed on me.

I was struck dumb again by just how gorgeous she was, even in her anger. I saw the awareness of my adoration dawn on her face. She had me wrapped, and unfortunately, I was guessing she knew it.

Remembering Edward's encouragement, I cleared my throat. "I'll never love another, Eve. You are it for me. I'm just wired that way. I have no control of it, but I wouldn't want to if I could. I know we are strangers for lack of better words, but there is no doubt in my mind that you are perfect for me. I have to admit that if I have to live this life, it will be nice to have someone who can not only understand it, but participate as well. I've never felt anything but friendship for Leah, but I tried to consider her, even when I was in love with Bella. There was nothing in my heart but admiration and respect. Do you know how perfect it is that I don't have to hide what I am from you, but more importantly that you can be a part of it? Even Sam doesn't have that with Emily. Leah hasn't imprinted on any of the others, so she won't have that either. I'm still a little amazed at my luck."

When I glanced to her, she'd leaned back against the wood and was assessing me. It was all I could do to keep my legs from jumping in anxiety.

"Keep going," she murmured softly.

"Do you have anyone to go home to?" I asked the question that had been plaguing me.

"No…"

The sound of her sob almost destroyed me, and I turned quickly to take her into my arms. The peace that settled over me as her tiny hand and cheek pressed against my chest overwhelmed me. We were in an awkward position, so I risked taking a liberty and slid my other arm under her legs to bring her to sit in my lap. She was so little in comparison to me that I almost felt like I was rocking a small child. It was difficult to keep from panicking over why she was crying. Had she lost a lover?

I looked out over the gardens and had to work hard to suppress a chuckle. Edward and Bella stood in one of the windows looking out over us like sentinels. Even from where I sat, I could see Bella's eyes where uncharacteristically shiny. Edward held her in his arms, her back to his chest.

"It's okay," he mouthed, making me feel better.

He held his hand up slowly as if telling me that they would give us privacy now. I knew they'd been watching over me to make sure everything was going to be fine. Their leaving was symbolic of course; his damn mind reading wouldn't give me too much privacy. He shook his head and then bent down to say something to Bella. She startled and then wiggled her fingers at me before making a circle. Was she telling me that she was going to shield our thoughts from him? Edward's only answer was to nod. The lace curtain fell down as they stepped back from the window.

Over the next few minutes, her sobs turned soft, and I felt the wetness from her tears as they soaked my shirt.

"They killed our parents. I guess they were too old in their opinion to force into service. We were on vacation. There is no one else, other than aunts and uncles, and how would we explain our absence? We were there for over three years. I'm certain our house has been sold and our possessions given away or destroyed. I would suspect we are assumed dead."

I smoothed her long blond hair down her back as she continued to cry. "I'm sorry. Nothing will ever replace them, I know. I lost my mom when I was young. She and my father were in a car accident. My dad is still living, but I miss my mom terribly at times."

Three years? How young had she been when they forced her?

"Eve, how old are you?"

"Nineteen," she sniffed.

Great, I could just hear Emmett's cougar comments coming. Rosalie was technically many years older than him, so I would throw that back at him if he started.

"I know I can't replace your family, but I'll be here for you, I promise," I said softly into her hair, breathing in her scent.

I was struggling against my base instincts. The feel of her wrapped in my arms was no longer soothing, it was something altogether different.

"Come home with me, Eve. Give us a chance. There is nothing here to tie you or Alrik. I'm sure the Cullens can help us with the documentation you'll need. We'll be flying home in a private plane, so there's no problem with getting there. We can get them to forge you a new identity, something that indicates you finished high school. We can go to college together, make a new life…" I left off, feeling like possibly I was pushing her too much. "If you feel the need to leave afterward, I will do my best to let you go. I don't know how, but I know that I can only do what makes you happy."

My heart seized at just the thought. Sam had had this so much easier. Emily was at least one of us…used to the voodoo that was part of belonging to a tribe. The farthest she would have run from him was back home. Her hand softly stroked against my chest through the silence. It was hard to remain quiet, and I looked up hoping against hope that maybe Edward was in the window again and would help out. It seemed by his absence that Bella had kept her promise. Damn…of all the times…

"Okay."

"Okay!" I almost shouted out, when she finally responded. She chuckled hearing the all too obvious excitement in my voice. Pulling back to see her face, I wanted to cry myself at the sight of her red eyes. "You'll come with me?" I asked making sure I understood.

"Yes. Or at least I think yes, I have to talk with Alrik. But we don't have anywhere to go, and getting to the United States with the promise of help seems like the best option. I…" she looked nervous "…I don't want to be away from you either."

I snatched her back to me in a tight hug, putting my cheek against the top of her head. When I got her to the states, I didn't intend to let her out of my sight. I wondered what my dad was going to think when I told him that I was either moving her in or finding a place for us. Mostly likely he was going to beat me first for ditching out of school and leaving while he was fishing with Charlie. Finding out I was bringing his future daughter-in-law (if I had anything to do with it) home would probably be good news.

"Jake…" she squeaked. "Still human here…"

I laughed out in sheer abandon as I eased up and scanned her face just to make sure I hadn't harmed her. She returned my smile but then her eyes narrowed in on my lips. I froze in fascination as she put her fingers to my chin and pulled my face lower.

"I've been dying to do something," she murmured just before her lips touched mine.

The air in my lungs whooshed out as everything within me focused on the feel of her lips against mine. I groaned against her and then pulled her closer to me so that I could fully enjoy it. Fire raced between us when we pressed against each other. When she opened her lips and I felt the tip of her tongue, I swore out at the lust that exploded in me. Dragging her against my aroused body, I let her see exactly how this felt for me. Twisting to brace her knees on each side of my hips, she pushed up rising above me, forcing me back against the wood. The brush of her hair across my skin felt like tiny caresses as it fell into my face. She laced her fingers in my hair, and I let her dominate my mouth, our tongues brushing against each other frantically. I was going to take her in the gazebo if she didn't stop, so against everything that screamed within me to make her mine in everyway possible, I tore my lips from hers.

"Eve…you are going to kill me. Next time you do that, I…"

"The next time I do that, I'll expect you to follow through," she panted just above my ear. "I just had to know," her breathy voice sizzled across my skin.

We both sounded like we'd run a marathon, and I felt her heart thumping erratically against my cheek. I needed to move because I wanted to put my lips to the curve of her breast, which just so happened to be conveniently pillowing me.

"Umm…Jake. I don't mean to interrupt you, but Alrik is getting really nervous, and it might behoove you to come in and let him see that Eve is okay," Bella's voice called out from behind us, breaking the spell.

I groaned in disbelief, not wanting to let her go.

"I'll talk to him," she whispered down to me.

"No, I will," I told her.

Bella stood in place until Eve walked up to the door. I worried for a moment that Eve would feel something negative toward Bella because of what I'd told her.

"Eve, I'm so glad you are here!" Bella all but squealed out. Her happiness was so evident that whether or not Eve was originally unhappy, she couldn't resist what was so apparent. A hesitant smile crossed my imprint's face as she looked into the face of my best friend.

"I think you and I need to talk. I need pointers," Eve mischievously said.

Bella looked back to me and grinned in an evil manner. "Most definitely. Oh, the things I can tell you…"

"Really?" Eve asked in a speculative manner.

Bella answered by smiling back at her.

"I'm going to like you," Eve said sincerely.

"I hope so, because Jake is…well, he is special to me," Bella replied just as sincerely.

Eve nodded quickly and stepped into the house. While her back was to us, Bella turned to me, her eyes wide. She puckered her lips, making kissing motions. The little shit… Tease me would she.

"She kisses better than you, Bella," I said very seriously.

"I didn't get to use tongue with you Jacob. If I had, you might not be saying that," she grinned in a devilish manner, harassing me.

I heard Eve's snort from in front of us. Bella waved me through, knowing I wanted to catch up to her. Taking a chance, I grabbed her hand just before we made the doorway. Everyone turned to us as we stepped in, and Jasper smiled brilliantly at the vibe coming off me. I saw Esme move to Carlisle and smile gently at him just before he folded her into his arms. Bella quickly sat on the couch with Edward.

There was no reason to postpone the inevitable.

I spoke directly to Eve's still furious brother. "Alrik, I have asked Eve to come to Forks with me. She has informed me that she would like to, but it will depend on your answer. I believe that the Cullens will help us get all the paperwork we need." I stopped to look at Carlisle and then was surprised when everyone looked to Jasper instead.

"It won't be a problem," he murmured, and I decided to talk with him later about this.

"You can start a new life, far away from here." I was hoping that might be enticing.

"I know I don't have much to say in this matter, but if it will make you feel better, Eve can stay with our family," Leah offered.

I snarled at her, but then realized she probably had a point. Alrik was most likely angrier about me being around his sister than the thought of being in a new place. I realized I was right when he turned to her.

"Do you live by yourself?"

"No, with our parents. My dad won't let Jacob take advantage of Eve. He'll treat her like his own daughter."

I snarled at her, realizing just how overprotective Harry would be. She curled her lip back at me. Much as I hated it, when I saw the somewhat relieved expression on his face, I realized Leah had steered us in the right direction.

"Alrik, you can stay with me," I offered. "It will give us time to get to know each other, and for you to figure out how serious I am and learn about our traditions and imprinting."

The blond giant seemed to relax somewhat. "I find that acceptable."

Alice squealed, and I saw Edward's lips twitch. I suddenly wanted to know what Alice had just seen…wait she couldn't see around us, right? I saw Bella's questioning look and then Edward's fingers feather over her jean's pocket. Her smile was brilliant.

The rest of the evening was spent in conversation; the Cullen's embarrassing me with stories of our travels across the western seaboard in our attempt to find Bella. Who knew that Alice could be so vindictive? I was afraid that Eve wouldn't give me a chance after hearing the stories about me, but she sat at my side holding my hand the entire time. Finally as the day began to turn to night, the Cullens rose to leave.

"Jacob, we'll be back in the morning to collect you. We'll take you to the bank to exchange the money you collected and accompany you to the airport," Carlisle told me as we walked toward where the car awaited.

"Thank you."

"Jake, can I talk with you for a quick minute," Bella called me to the side.

Pulling me into the small study, she shut the door and then put her finger to her lips telling me to be quiet. She reached into the pocket that I'd seen Edward tapping earlier. Grabbing my hand, she placed something in it. "Edward chose this for you out of the jewelry. It is okay, nothing weird about it, other than it is a jewel stolen from a king. I would say it is worthy for the woman who will be your everything," she barely spoke. "Alice couldn't see what was happening of course, but she did see us packing in the future for some big event. I can only assume…" she left off.

I was totally confused at the feel of a ring in my hand until she moved her hand and I saw what she'd placed there. My hand started shaking, and I grabbed Bella to me. "Are you serious?" I choked out.

She nodded her head vigorously. "Alice will kill you if she doesn't get to help with the preparations for the wedding. You know, it would help me immensely if you do give in. She's still kinda mad at me for my no fuss wedding to Edward."

My mouth had remained open in a gape throughout her little speech. My teeth snapped shut finally. "To tell you the truth, Bells. I'm kinda mad that I wasn't at your and Edward's wedding."

"It was spur of the moment, literally." Her face fell for a moment. "I wish I could be at yours Jake, but I'm sure that Charlie will want to be there."

"We'll do two. You are gonna be my best girl, Bella. We'll do it after the first one, out in the woods. With all of you there…and the wolves. It'll be a blast. We'll do something totally unexpected, and tell Alice to go wild."

She grinned at my words. "Maybe that is what she was seeing, but one thing I know, that ring should be the one that resides on Mrs. Jacob Black's hand. She'll be getting two priceless things, it and you."

Tears filled my eyes and Bella stepped to me, throwing her arms around my waist to hug me. "Jake we did it…we found our forevers."

"Yeah, we did, Bells. We did. And best of all…" she glanced up at me "…we got to keep each other at the same time."

The next morning I was a mess. It was a combination of my emotional and physical needs. I'd been unable to sleep knowing that Eve was in the house with me and that I couldn't be with her. I was beginning to understand why Sam gave up all pretences of being normal and moved Emily in immediately. It was actually physically painful to be away from her. The only thing that made it somewhat bearable was that I awoke from my fitful attempt to sleep to the smell of bacon, eggs, and biscuits. Pulling the shirt over my head just as I stepped through the kitchen, my progress was halted immediately by the vision of Bella and Eve cooking together. Eve was frying a mountain of bacon while Bella whipped the eggs.

I sat down at the table with a slightly nauseous looking Edward. When I crooked an eyebrow at him regarding his presence, he chuckled. "You'll do a lot of things for love, Jacob. Even if it is to test out your masochistic tendencies by willing submitting to one of the most noxious smells you can imagine."

Rolling my eyes at him, I replied, "Edward, I don't stink that bad."

He grimaced. "Not you, the bacon."

Seth stumbled into the kitchen right behind me and dropped into the seat beside Edward, barely settling before he dropped his arms to the table and his head on top of them.

"Oh my God, Bella. Divorce Edward and marry me," he gruffly muttered when she sat a large cup of black coffee in front of him.

"Sugar or cream?" she laughed.

"Only sugar from you," he countered, earning a slight shove from Edward. He then solely focused on draining the cup in between his chuckles.

"Carlisle and the others will be here soon, and we'll make Florence at just the right time to visit the bank before you get on the plane. Do you mind if I go through the bags and organize what we need to exchange?" Edward asked, and I realized he was just using it as an excuse to get out of the kitchen.

For old time sakes I thought about telling him "no" just to torture him, but when he turned to me with pleading eyes, I couldn't. The relief on his face, when I said "sure" and Eve informed him that their bags were already at the front door was comical.

"You shouldn't coddle him like that, Jake. He'll come to expect it," Bella retorted letting us know we were busted.

Alrik and Leah joined us not long afterward and too soon the Cullens arrived. Although I was almost totally preoccupied with watching Eve, I was aware that the time to say goodbye to them was all to near. Too soon, we loaded up in the two Mercedes Maybachs Aro had sent, and we were on our way through the gates of the city. As I looked back through the darkened windows to see the town on the hill disappearing, I wondered if I would ever see the city of vampires again. I was torn as to which answer I really wanted.

Carlisle and Emmett went with the five of us into the bank, and I could tell that we all had identical expressions of shock as we walked back out an hour later with certified receipts in our hands. Carlisle had given the manager our names and routing numbers for accounts with a major bank in Seattle. I was now a millionaire…just like that. I'd known there was a lot of money in the bag, but still. It didn't escape my notice that my account already had a sizeable chunk of money to which this deposit was added. I would be speaking to Bella about that little problem later. Eve and Alrik had been more shocked that Carlisle had given the teller a new last name. For now, she would be known as Evelina Jostein from New York…but not for long if I had a say in the matter.

When we reached the cars in the underground garage, Jasper was finishing up a conversation on his phone. He nodded to Carlisle before getting into the car in which he and Alice rode. Seeing the nod, the Cullen leader turned to me.

"Jacob, when you arrive in Seattle, you'll be met by a gentleman of the name Jenks. He'll work with Eve and Alrik to get the necessary papers completed. In addition, allow him to take the jewelry off your hands…other than any pieces you would like to keep. He'll dispose of them for you at a percentage of the profit. He'll be fair."

Emmett smirked and looked toward the car that Jasper had just entered. I was betting that the warrior one had something to do with keeping this Jenks "fair."

"Ok," I responded, still a little tongue tied by my sudden change in fortunes.

The ride from the bank to the airport was entirely too short. A plane similar to the one we'd come in sat ready for us. The crew had already done all the things necessary to take off, so we were left with little time for goodbyes. I decided in that moment that I would follow Aro's example, and before Bella got started and caused me to bawl, I took things into my own hands.

"Okay, so we need to set up visitation schedules for you to bring Bella to see me. You understand of course that we share custody here," I told Carlisle, knowing that how I addressed him would set the tone for the whole goodbye.

He smiled gently, and I swear I saw relief pass over his features. "Of course, Jacob. I'll need to get approval through Aro of course, but I do believe we can assure you that your visitation rights will be respected," he actually teased back.

"Good, good. I expect the first one within the month. Tell Aro I said so."

"I'll do just that," he said smoothly, but I heard the humor in his voice.

I went down the line then kissing Esme, hitting Emmett in the arm, nodding to Rosalie, and saluting Jasper. When it came to the "pip squeak," much to her mate's horror, I picked her up into quick hug, rubbing my scent all over her short, spiky hair.

"Eww… Jacob," she squealed, her nose adorably scrunched. "Put me down, you dog. I'll have to go home and take a bath now before Jasper will even come around me." She was not as upset as she seemed, and her fake scowl quickly fell away. "Gonna miss you until we bring Bella to see you."

"Same here, Alice. Same here."

Edward and Bella were last, and it was impossible to consider saying goodbye, so instead I just pulled them both into my arms, giving them a hug. "Love you guys."

"Love you too, Jake!" Bella shouted out, and I felt Edward's arm tighten against me. It was an appropriately male thing to do.

I watched as the Cullens thanked my pack mates, my future wife, and her brother profusely, but finally the steward called from the stairway stating we had to leave soon in order to follow the established flight plan. As the plane pulled out of the enclosed hanger in which we'd boarded, I watched through the window as they stood like eight identical stone statues watching us leave.

I glanced to Eve, who was sitting beside me and smiled. She reached over and grasped my hand, calming me. Just before we turned the corner that would hide the hanger from my sight, I saw Bells blow me a kiss. This time, unlike the other, I didn't cry, and she didn't either, because we knew that as long as I lived, the Cullens would be a part of my life and family.

Please let me know what you think!

I'd thought there would be only one more chapter of UU, but now I'm admitting more likely two. OOPS!

I am privileged to have crmcneill as a beta – even when he drives me crazy. Many, many thanks Master.