NOTICE: so towards the end of writing this I remembered that Bella was with her mom during the whole wolf/Cullen/Victoria chase. I was too lazy to make the necessary changes so just go with it =]

When Alice seemed to collapse, his heart practically stopped for a good minute. Luckily, it wasn't as he had feared. Was this what always happen when she had visions? Maybe it was just the vision added on to the news he had just delivered to her. Taking a breath as she spoke, the next question was raised into his mind.

"What did you see?" he asked. Slowly Alice, separated herself from his grasp.

"Nothing" she said, but her eyes betrayed her words. They were wide, as if she had just seen something life changing. In fact they were the same way after he explained to her what imprinting was. Therefore he knew she was hiding whatever her vision held.

"Alice, you can tell me. I won't say a word" he spoke softly, slightly hurt by the fact that she didn't wish to share with him.

"It's nothing that you have to worry about, Jacob. I can't see werewolves, remember?" she informed him. Her words came out harsh, but in reality she was only trying to settle his uneasiness. "I think it's best if I just go clear my head."

"Wait" Jake made a move towards, her only to be met with her fierce gaze.

"Jacob, do you know what will happen if I stay? If I let you talk to me anymore about this? As soon as I go home Edward will see it clear as day in my head. Who knows what will come from there?" she spoke trying to get him to understand the situation. This wasn't just about them. Others were involved in this and before anything was done, she needed to figure out what all of this meant.

He hung his head, understanding her words but certainly not liking them. Looking sadly, Alice turned and pushed open the screen door before leaving. She needed to clear her head. There was no way Edward could find out about what Jake had told her. Then if Jasper found out. She didn't like to think that her husband would be so rash to do something foolish, but then again she never saw a situation like this happening before.

Walking down the road, she knew it wasn't exactly a hop and skip to her own house, well not for a human. But she didn't bring her own car and couldn't wait for Bella to drive her back. Therefore she walked. Where to? No idea, but she needed to clear her head. What did all this mean. Jacob Black had imprinted on her. So he was essentially in love with her forever. Did that mean she would fall in love with him as well, or did she have a choice in all this. After all, she had Jasper. God, she was a horrible person. While she would be off in her life, this poor boy would be alone. Could she live with that burden? Surely Jake didn't expect her to just up and leave Jasper; but at the same time the thought of being the cause of someone else's misery caused a frown to cross the pixie's features. A rare feat indeed.

She didn't know when it happened, but walking became running and soon everything was a blur around her. She was supposed to be getting rid of these thoughts, not going deeper into them. The blur of headlights soon turned into the brown and greens of the forest. Feeling pellets of rain against her forehead, she slowed to a stopped. Running at those speeds in the rain only made the droplets more painful.

Looking around, she had never been to this area of the forest before. The rain continue to pour harder, and that's when it hit her. Letting out a small gasp, she turned to move when a snarl stopped her. Turning about face, she stared at the dark wolf in front of her. Make that dark, large wolf. He had almost a grey-ish tinge mixed with a light black color to his fur. Alice was not one to fight, but she wasn't one to die.

The wolf growled once more, before turning, almost reluctantly, and trotted off. The pixie haired vampire stood in confusion, but only for a second as in the blink of an eye she was gone. Why had he just allowed her to leave? Did it have to do with Jacob? Whatever the reason, she counted her blessing and safely crossed back into Cullen territory. With any luck, she wouldn't be making that mistake again. Trying to think happy thoughts, she arrived at her home, smiling as she walked through the door.

"Alice, sweetie, you're just in time to help with my new recipe" Esme said approaching her, graceful as ever. For once, the smiling reply she gave her betrayed how she truly felt. After what had happened last time she was supposed to be cooking, it was the last thing she wanted to do.

"and what happen after the vision" asked Bella, handing Jacob a cup of coffee.

"she just said it didn't involve me and that she needed to think" Jake finished telling his story of the events that occurred once Bella had left for the store.

When she had walked back into the house, she saw Jacob sitting on the couch with his head in his hands and instantly knew that things did not go as they hoped they would. Going into it, this was a reality they knew was a possibility and she tried to remind Jake of that. Yet it seemed that her words didn't do much to comfort him. He believed he had come on too strong, but she couldn't blame the young man. His soul was tied to Alice for pete's sake! How could one not come on strong. Bella did try to assure him that this was not rejection. She simply needed to think things through, right? It was a fool's dream to think she would up and leave Jasper upon hearing it and Bella wondered if she would ever leave Jasper.

Now she didn't think of herself as a home wrecker, but Jacob was her best friend first and foremost. Jasper was more like a distant cousin twice removed. Still, it wasn't her place to go around and influence Alice's decision. She would let the pixie make her own choice and then she would support whatever Jacob wished to do.

"Can't you just be friends? I thought you said you could be whatever the imprints needed you to be" she questioned, trying to find the silver lining in all this.

"I suppose" Jacob said, taking a sip of his coffee. Apparently caffeine was supposed to bring his mood and energy back up. "That's usually when imprinting happens at a younger age, or on a younger person. At this age, it'd be kind of hard for me not to develop romantic feelings for her." he explained. Though, if Alice wanted him to be strictly her friend, then that's what he would be.

"Is there a backup plan to all this?"

"Alice wanted time. So I'm going to give her time" Jake said reluctantly. "Pushing her anymore isn't going to change her mind."

His answer took Bella by surprise. It was…mature. He wasn't being a rash seventeen year old, even if he technically didn't age. Jacob Black had just made a level headed decision. He wasn't going to run over to the Cullen Estate and fight Jasper for Alice. He wasn't going to start appearing in the school parking lot everyday trying to talk to her. Sitting next to her wasn't the brash werewolf that threatened to rip off the heads of vampires. He was accepting her words, as painful as they must be, and waiting. Leaning over, she wrapped an arm around him, the best she could anyway. There was no way she was going to let the story end like this.

"Thanks Bella" muttered Jake as he head leaned on top of hers. "For everything you've done for me in the past weeks."

"Don't worry about it. Besides, it gets you to like leeches more doesn't it?" she questioned, laughing at the expression he gave her in return.

"Leech, singular" he corrected. "Besides, Alice isn't a leech. I'm more convinced she's a pixie."

The next few days went by uneventfully. Forks which was hardly ever buzzing with action seemed even more dull than usual. At least to most people in the town. For one Alice Cullen, the days were stressful more than anything. And for one Jacob Black they were filled with anxiety. Every now and then the vampire would wonder if her adopted brother was aware of the situation, but if he was he just didn't speak about it.

It had become common in the few days since the event at Bella's house for her to wander the forest when not hunting. It was seemingly the best way to clear her mind when the thoughts of Jacob started to brew. However part of her, a quiet part, knew that when traveling in the woods she was hoping to come across Jacob Black. The pixie haired woman hated this feeling, she wanted to everyone to get along. Maybe if they could just talk, they could find a solution to all of this.

Eventually she found that her plan wasn't working as much as she wished it would. To his defense, she did tell him that she wanted time to think. It seemed that thinking to herself had really gotten her no where and probably had the exact opposite effect. She began thinking of what he had told her more and more instead of less. The petite vampire was frowning a lot more than usually and finally decided that she needed to talk to the young werewolf. The only problem was that she had no clue how to get in touch with him. It wasn't as if she could just walk onto their land and request a meet. Then as if the sky opened up the answer became clear. Bella.

"So let me get this right. You want me to set up a meeting for you and Jake?" questioned Bella over the phone. She had to admit that when the caller id showed ALICE CULLEN she was quite surprised. Usually she just waited until Bella went over to share the latest fashion news with her. What was more surprising was that it wasn't fashion news!

"That's correct" Alice chirped in reply.

"Are you okay, Alice? You seem a little cheery" Bella stated. "I mean cheery that you're going to have a one on one with Jacob." Obviously it wasn't uncommon for Alice to be happy but when it came to setting up a meeting with her werewolf friend, then it wasn't exactly common place. Still, this was an unexpected development, one that she was happy about.

"I'm fine" she replied. In truth this was the most cheery she had been since entering Bella's kitchen. She hadn't exactly gotten depressed, but there was certainly a little less pep to her step.

"And Alice.." the young woman paused trying to phrase it correctly, "..don't hurt him. Not physically of course, but emotionally. It's been hard enough these past few days not being around you."

Isabella was not trying to guilt trip her, but she was being honest. She knew that it wasn't easy for Jacob to stay away from Alice, even if it was just watching from a distance. The last thing he needed was for her to meet him in person just to break his heart.

"I won't" Alice said after a pause. "Just ask him to meet me at the jewelry shop in town."

Jacob Black walked down the streets of Forks. His tan skin standing out against the mostly light crowd. It didn't help him blend in that he was simply wearing a black t-shirt while everyone else had their coats and sweatshirts on. When Bella had called him with word that Alice wanted to meet him, he had to stop himself from jumping through the phone. It was unexpected, but Jake wasn't questioning her means or motives. If he could just spend the day with her, then maybe it would be enough. The location seemed typical of her. Any sort of jewelry or clothing store seemed to remind him of the pixie instantly.

Looking up he saw that the sky was clouded as per usual in Forks. At times it was quite depressing, but right now he felt like nothing could put him down. Well of course there was the obvious. But he had to think positive. It was the only way he could keep his sanity. She wouldn't have called him to break his heart would she? He knew bloodsuckers were heartless technically speaking, but he imagined if they had them, Alice would have the biggest one.

The small shopping strip wasn't exactly crowded, but with all the monotones it would be easy to get lost in the flow of people. Luckily, her smell was like none other to him. Walking towards the nearest bench, he took a seat next to a woman reading the newspaper.

"Did you really think a newspaper was going to hide your smell?" he asked, watching as people walked by.

"Is it that bad?" Alice questioned with a false pout as she placed the newspaper down.

"Quite, the opposite. Though I could have sworn I mentioned this already."

"What a girl can't enjoy being told she doesn't smell like the worst fragrance known to man?" Jacob simply shook his head and laughed. Was this really happening between the two of them. Were they having some sort of playful banter? Glancing down, he saw she already had some bags at her feat. The stores in Forks weren't exactly Armani, but he figured she had to do something to pass the time here. It wasn't all fun in games though, he had to remember that he was here for a reason. "Jacob, I've been thinking." Turning to look at her, his senses were all focused on the pixie besides him. "I can't just let you go in misery because of me."

"Alice…" he started cutting her off. "..I don't want you to make any decision based off of sympathy. I want you to want your decision."

"I do want my decision" she stressed, her eyes going wide. "Jacob Black. You're charming, and caring. You make me laugh and despite your horrid smell, make me want to stay around you." She placed a hand upon his cheek, and though there was an initial shock of temperature drop, he couldn't find it in himself to pull away. "You make me feel like a princess and how can any woman not give a chance to that."

Jacob sat there, a bit dumbfounded to be honest. This was the same Alice Cullen right? Of course it was, she just made a comparison to being a princess. But what did this mean. A chance at some sort of friendship, or a chance at something more? Honestly, it didn't matter. He would take any chance she gave him. "I-I don't know what to say."

"Say you forgive me? For being a jerk to you last time" she spoke looking at him with hopeful eyes. Jake had not been sure about his decision to just let her go that day that seemed so far ago. He wanted to chase after her, convince her that he was the right choice but something stopped him. Later on, Bella had told him that it was the mature choice. Apparently the mature choice worked out in your favor from time to time.

"I can't forgive you for being something you weren't" he replied. Without another response, Alice pulled him into a hug. As awkward as the meeting of hot and cold was, it also felt right. The young shifter blinked for a second before wrapping his arms around her. This definitely felt right.

"so what else are you doing today?" he questioned, his chin resting on her shoulder.

"I was thinking, If you didn't mind of course, that we could do some shopping. In Seattle" she spoke smiling at him. He had a feeling he was going to grow to hate that smile as it made his knees weak and he felt like a squealing ten year old girl.

"Are you going to be able to keep up?" he questioned, a smirk playing on his lips. Alice gave an offended look as if to say 'did he really ask that'. Letting out a laugh, though it sounded more like a bark. They began walking until they reached the forest line. Once within the security walls of the trees, they were ready to go. "You may want to back up" he warned. The pixie had yet to witness an actual werewolf transformation. Taking a step backwards, she was intrigued by what was taking place. In an instant, Jake went from teenage body builder to a rather large, brown wolf. For being such a creature, it was more magnificent than anything she had ever hunted in the wild. Part of her wanted to touch him, but she figured that might not seem appropriate. She was so busy admiring his new form that the smell was the last thing on her mind.

"Shall we go then?" she asked before realizing that he wasn't a talking wolf. As she took a step forward, she noticed Jacob wasn't moving. Turning back to her company, Jacob seemed to be listening to something else. "Is something wrong?" she questioned, taking a step back towards him. Looking at her with his big brown eyes, he turned without another word and took off through the words. "Jake!" Part of her was tempted to run after him, however she let him go. Had she said something wrong, or maybe he actually had to leave. She wondered if the wolves were aware of the danger that she saw in her vision and if it had anything to do with why he had just disappeared. Sighing Alice began walking in the direction of the Cullen Estate. Oddly enough, she didn't want to run. She wanted to feel normal.

Can you focus Jake, jeez.

The large wolf glanced over at his brother and simply snarled. They continued trotting on through the woods for any sign of the red haired blood sucker. He had to leave Alice, because despite her being his imprintee, he had a duty to his pack. He couldn't just override an alpha command, right? Therefore he now searched the woods with Paul, while the others were split up into groups of two as well. Jacob wanted nothing more to be down with this red haired bitch that had become such a pain in their ass the past two years. She trotted along their land as if it were nothing. Quil had stated how it was lucky that she had no affiliation with the Cullens or it would have been all out war by now.

Keeping his ears alert, it would be easy enough to sense her through the pure smell. Just because he had become accustom to Alice, didn't mean the rest of them didn't reek like no other. Still, Jake knew that to rely on scent alone was foolish. All of his senses needed to be on high alert. Which in this form, they always seemed to be. Still with everything that had just happened with Alice, his mind was a bit distracted. Hence Paul's warning.

The leaves of the forest crunched beneath his paw, as they moved cautiously through the tree trunks. One thing was for sure, her hair stood out among the brown trees. However, she moved so fast it didn't really make a difference when they were looking for her. Then it came. All it took was two words and Paul and himself took off.

North Stream.

The brown bark of the trees soon blended in with the green tree tops until everything was a blur as they ran. The stream wasn't too far from where they were. Already being in the northern part of the woods, it was only a matter of time before he caught sight of his fellow pack members. Ahead, the flow of red hair could be seen. She weaved patterns through the trees, trying to cause a break between her pursuers. She may be smaller and more nimbler, but they knew these woods like the back of their paws. Not to mention, together they could keep up with her easily.

Being able to communicate non-verbally was especially useful in this situation. They could convey thoughts of what side to take, where she was going to turn, how to cut her off. All of it could be done without alerting the bloodsucker of what was going on. Lurching forward, Paul snapped for her leg however, he missed as she moved into the clearing and jumped across the stream. The pack stood there snarling and barking after her.

She got away again.

That was a sentiment they all shared each time they chased her. She used the treaty to her advantage and day by day Jacob was wondering if the treaty was hurting them more than helping. As they began to turn, a scent filled his senses. Alice? It wasn't soon before the other smells of the bloodsuckers reached them as well. Growling, Paul was the first one to take off along the tree line and the rest of them soon followed. It was only a matter of time before the familiar head of red hair appeared. Again she was flying through the air, crossing the stream once more. This was enough to give an extra pep to their step. Glancing to his left, he spotted the pale figures emerging across the stream but his eyes quickly focused on Alice. She was safe. Turning back to the red haired blood sucker, again she leapt across the stream. It was up to their enemy to catch her. Just having to rely on them for anything made him angry. Again she crossed, however another bloodsucker crossed as well. Paul seemed to see this as well as he snapped at the Cullen, knocking him out of the air. In an instant the two sides were at each others neck, barely registering the fleeing villainess. Jacob growled, but as his eyes found Alice's they held a different emotion.

He had imprinted on her, yet they were born to be enemies. The present scene was an obvious portrayal of that fact.

Watching as a medium haired bloodsucker wrapped his arm around Alice, any sensitive emotion in his body turned into anger, as his snarling became more vicious. He didn't deserve Alice. As Sam began retreating to the higher ground, the others soon followed suit. Jake being the last to go.

Alice watched as the werewolves began retreating. Slowly but surely, they retreated to the tree line as herself and the rest of her family did likewise. She couldn't help but notice as she watched them leave that Jasper's hand on her shoulder felt cold. It was odd considering he was like her. Maybe it just had to do with the fact that she was recently near Jacob. Whatever the reasoning…it discomforted her. The chill that went down her spine was not welcome. For the second time in the recent weeks, Alice just wanted to run away and not look back.

A/N: so first off. i must apologize for the delay in this reply. it's been half-done forever and i wasn't really sure how i felt about this chapter but i'm hoping it's good =] second off I LOVE YOU GUYS AND GALS. seriously i have the best reviewers on ! i feel like the general thought is that I should go through Eclipse as it would add more closeness for Jacob/Alice. This chapter i tried to put more of Alice's emotions into it, I'm not really sure how that worked but you can tell by the end of the chapter her wall against him is starting to go down by something as simple as a touch from Jasper. so i hope this is good =] as always leave reviews and even creative criticism. i'm always looking to improve!