Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my 'gang'.

A/N: Also thanks to my awesome Beta, Blueboarderchick.

This chapter is in Jacob's POV. My longest chapter ever.

Chapter 11

JPOV

How could she leave me?

Bella said she wouldn't marry the leech because she loved me. Then she said it didn't change anything. That it wasn't enough to make her stay. She said she didn't want to be like her mom. She didn't want to wake up one day feeling like she threw her life away. Why couldn't Bella see that she was nothing like her mother? She didn't have a restless spirit like her mother did. She would have been happy in Forks. We would have been happy.

As she left my room, I wanted to go after her. I wanted to see her before she went to Florida but I wasn't done healing, so I was stuck waiting for her to come back. Every other day I would go by her house to see if she was back yet. I don't know why but I got the feeling I wouldn't get the chance to see her before she left for school. She was gone for two weeks and I missed her.

Sam tried to keep me busy with more patrols after my Dad told him about routine trips to the Swan house. The guys in the pack were constantly on me about going by Bella's house, telling me I was stalking her. Whatever. Aside from the imprinted wolves, none of them knew anything about love. Bella wasn't just a girl. Bella was the girl. Surprisingly, Leah always remained silent whenever they got on my case. It was a little strange because usually she would be the one leading the charge. She never liked Bella.

Then Bella finally came back. She'd been back for two days before I found out and she didn't even call to let me know. I overheard it when Dad was talking to Charlie over the phone. I was furious with her. She was leaving the next day and she wasn't even planning on seeing me before she left.

I undressed, phased and ran all the way to her house. The need to see her was too strong. I couldn't let her leave and I would do anything to convince her to stay. I thought that if I could just talk to her, maybe she'd change her mind. I phased back and got dressed. As I broke the tree line I could see Bella's house. There were no lights on and I began to wonder if she was still at home.

I took a deep breath and inhaled. She was home and I could smell her sweet strawberry scent. I climbed the tree to her bedroom window and leapt through it. I think my landing woke her up but before she could sit up completely, I had her in my grasp. I was almost tempted to shake some sense into her but I would never hurt her. When I asked her why she didn't come to see me and she told me that it would have been too hard to say goodbye to me. I felt my anger drain away. I loved that girl more than anything and I just couldn't stay mad at her.

As I kissed her forehead, the scent of her arousal hit me like a ton of bricks. I was familiar with the scent but in the past it had always been for the walking corpse. I couldn't believe it. She wanted me as much as I've always wanted her. As she looked at me I knew she was scared but I reassured her that I would only go as far as she wanted me too. That night with Bella was the greatest night of my life. Her beautiful hair spread across her pillow, being able to touch and taste her in ways the leech only dreamed about was incredible.

That night I held her as she slept with her head tucked under my chin and her hand on my chest. I didn't want to leave but I knew Charlie would be home soon. I couldn't be in here when he came to check on Bella as I was sure he would. I might have been a werewolf but bulletproof I was not. I gently eased her off me and got dressed. I left her a note on the pillow next to her and left as I heard Charlie's cruiser only minutes away.

I waited in the trees by her house till morning. I had to see for myself. I couldn't believe she would actually leave but as I saw her walk out of the house with the look of torment in her eyes, I knew. She was leaving and I felt my heart break. I had to let her go and as always I would give her whatever she wanted even if I had to break my own heart to give it to her.

I took my broken heart and ran away. I left the remains of my clothes behind me. I couldn't stay human anymore. It hurt too much. I ran until my bones ached. My body begged me to stop and rest but every mile away from home was another mile between me and my misery.

As the last rays of the sun began to fade, the thoughts of the pack invaded my head.

Jake, where are you man? Seth asked.

Jacob, you need to get your ass back here. Leah was as sensitive as usual.

Yeah, we really don't have time to deal with you and your leech lover drama. God, why couldn't someone punch Paul in his face?

We're your friends, Jake. You shouldn't be alone right now. Embry said gently.

Yeah man, you should come home. Quil said.

At least she wasn't your imprint. This piece of garbage was from Jared. Like I needed to hear that crap. I couldn't care less about imprinting.

Leave me alone! I shouted.

All I wanted was to be left alone. Was that too much to ask? Their voices swirled around my head nonstop. Finally, after continuously bombarding me with their thoughts Sam got them to phase back.

It's okay if you need a little time away. We'll look out for Billy until you get back. With that said Sam phased back and I was left in sweet silence.

I would run for hours until my energy was spent or until I had to hunt something to eat. I heard the others phasing in at different intervals but for the most part no one spoke to me and I was able to ignore their thoughts. Every day was the same routine. I would hunt, run until I could run no more and think about Bella.

I would think about the time we'd spent together just sitting in my make-shift garage, drinking warm sodas and Bella watching me work. I'd remember how she looked when she first came to me. She was broken in the worst possible way. The leech didn't just leave her. He told her she wasn't good enough for him and he didn't want her. She was a mess but I was there to put her back together.

I'd always known Bella loved me even when she said she only loved the leech. We got each other in a way the leech never understood. Even when he tried to keep her from me, she would still sneak way to La Push. But this time it wasn't the parasite keeping her from me. Bella was doing it herself and I just couldn't understand why.

For weeks I carried on like that until I realized it was time to go home. I'd left my Dad alone long enough and I had responsibilities I couldn't run away from. I knew I couldn't run away from the pain of missing Bella. There was no escaping it.

The pack and my father welcomed me back with open arms. Being human again after going wolf for so long took some getting used to. I had to adjust to wearing clothes and eating off dishes again. I returned to school and did everything I was expected to do but I was still obsessing over my pain of losing Bella.

Eventually Sam was the only one who could patrol with me. Being able to share each other's thoughts and feelings was hard, especially when one of us was in pain. Sam said he didn't mind though. He understood the pain of not being able to be with someone you loved. I knew he loved Emily but he didn't choose her. He chose to love Leah but now he couldn't be with her and she hated him. I think the worst part of it all was that he still loved her but the imprint was just stronger.

My sister Rachel moved back home and then Paul of all people imprinted on her. We held a welcome home bonfire for her at the house and as soon as I saw his slack jawed expression, I knew what had happened. My body shook with fury and my control snapped. Before I knew it I was running at him. Paul took one look at me and darted off in the direction of the woods. We both phased after we crossed the tree line. I could hear his thoughts as I chased him deeper into the woods. He was trying to lead me away from Rachel. The ass was actually worried that I would hurt my own sister.

It's not my sister you have to worry about me hurting, asswipe. He'd tire eventually. I was known for my endurance. Of all the crap that had to happen to me Paul imprinting on Rachel was the last straw.

I heard Paul whine. Come on man, you know I can't help it. I love her.

His words only served to infuriate me further. I dug my paws deeper into the soil and increased my speed. I was gaining on him. Love? You perverted diseased dog. If you think I'm gonna let you come anywhere near my sister, you're out of your mind.

I could hear Sam and the other's thoughts screaming at me to stop.

Jacob, you know this is not his fault. He didn't choose this. None of us did. Sam finished sadly and I felt my rage ebb away as I slowed down. Sam and the other were able to catch up with me.

I knew Sam was right but that didn't mean I had to like it. Now I'd have to deal with seeing my sister starring in his disgusting fantasies. Everything about this sucked.

As I slowed to a stop, Paul stopped a small distance away from me. Don't worry, Sam. We all know what this is about. He's just jealous he didn't imprint on that leech loving whore. His eyes narrowed and his lips curled above his teeth.

The moment those words echoed in his mind, I felt my anger blaze again with a vengeance. My own lips curled in a snarl. What did you just say? If Paul had any sense he would have known he just pushed the wrong button. I stalked toward him slowly but Paul stood his ground.

Shut up, Paul! Sam's voice boomed as he tried to intervene.

I heard Paul's vicious laughter in my head as he continued to taunt me. You heard me. Everyone saw what happened between you two. Hmm… I wonder how she said goodbye to the leech. What do you think she gave him as a going away present? Maybe she sucked his-.

I didn't give him time to finish. I saw red as my paws pounded across the forest floor. He could say whatever he wanted to about me but I wouldn't let him talk about my Bella like she was nothing but a cheap slut. This would be the last time he ever talked about her like that. I would make sure of it.

Sam took a few steps trying to get in between us but something in me stopped him. Stay where you are, Sam! I heard shock resister in both Sam's and the pack's mind when he was unable to move.

I saw Paul's eyes widened for a second and then I was on him, snapping and biting. My strength was limitless as I grabbed him by the scruff of his neck with my jaws and threw him across the forest like a rag doll. He landed in a heap on the ground and I jumped on him again. He yelped in pain and tried to fight back when I ripped out a piece of fur from his side. I wasn't myself anymore. All I felt was rage as the word submit, submit, submit pounded in my mind over and over again.

I sunk my teeth into the fur on his neck as he lay motionless on the floor. It would only take one snap of my jaw to end his life. If I ever hear you talking that way about Bella again, I promise you I will finish the job. He had the good sense to stay silent.

Sam was freed from whatever it was that held his body immobile. Then Sam and Jared were able to drag me off of Paul before I had the chance to change my mind.

Jake, calm the hell down now! Sam commanded in his alpha voice and I felt the rage leave my body.

Paul sat up and shook the dizziness from his head. You're a real asshole, Jake. You know that? Paul spat. Embry and Quil snickered while Leah and Seth walked over to assess his injuries.

That's what you get for talking shit about Bella. Serves you right. Leah quipped and everyone went silent.

What the hell? Everyone was shocked to hear Leah defending Bella. When she realized that we were paying attention to her, she suddenly turned her thoughts to her period.

There wasn't a wolf there that didn't cringe and mentally pull away. We couldn't help it. We were all guys and that stuff was well… gross.

Stay out of my fucking mind. Leah snarled at us. She phased back, threw on her cotton dress and angrily stalked off leaving us confused.

Dude, what's wrong with your sister? Quil asked Seth.

What do you mean 'what's wrong with her'? She's like that everyday, man. I don't even notice anymore. Seth said. The ensuing laughter served to relieve the tension.

Sam directed the attention back to me. Jake, I know you don't like this but you have to accept Paul and your sister. Paul doesn't have a choice but Rachel does. If she wants to be with him, you can't get in the way. It's the rules, man.

I hated to admit it but Sam was right. My life couldn't suck any worst than it already did at that point. I nodded.

Good. Now let's get back to the party. Your sister will have to be told about us and what we are. Sam said to us and we ran in the direction of the party with Paul keeping a safe distance from me.

I heard Sam asking me in a hushed tone. How did you do it, Jake? When you told me to stay where I was, I wasn't able to move for a while. What happened? Everyone else was wondering the same thing as they replayed the memory of the fight.

I don't know either, Sam. And I really didn't understand either. I shouldn't have been able to do what I did. Only the alpha has that power and Sam was still the alpha. I could feel it. So what the hell happened?

Rachel freaked out as expected when she was told about our existence as werewolves. It got even better when she was told about Paul's imprinting on her and what it meant. She refused to give him the time of day, much to my amusement. She'd heard about his Casanova treatment of women, which included some of her friends. Paul would have to jump through a million hoops to prove his love for her and I looked forward to watching him do it.

I knew my dad was still worried about me. I barely slept and I knew I looked like hell. Quil and Embry were constantly on my case about 'getting back on the horse' as they put it. No one could get through to me until Charlie came by the house one day to speak with me. I was in the garage working on an engine I'd been hired to fix when I heard his cruiser pull up.

I assumed he was there to see my Dad so you can imagine my surprise when I looked up from the engine to see him standing in front the garage opening.

He cleared his throat, "Hello, Jacob. I was wondering if I can have a few words with you."

I paused for a beat and mumbled an okay. What could Charlie want to talk to me about? He walked to the old sofa and took a seat.

I grabbed a cloth, leaned against the car and cleaned my hands. Charlie looked slightly uncomfortable and we were both silent for a while until he spoke. "Listen, son, I've known you since the day you were born. I've watched you grow up. Hell, I've even changed your diapers."

I grimaced. Why would he even want to bring that up? He chuckled when he saw my expression but his smiled faded as he looked at me hard. "Billy's been worried about you, son, and so have I."

"I don't understand what you mean, Charlie. I do what I'm told and I'm not getting into trouble. I haven't done anything wrong." Jeez, I did not want to have this conversation about my feelings with Charlie or anyone else for that matter.

Charlie slammed his fist down on the arm of the sofa in frustration. "Don't you play dumb with me, Jacob Black! You know exactly what I'm talking about." He shouted.

I stared at him dumbstruck. Never in all my years of knowing Charlie had he ever yelled at me. I knew he always thought of me as the son he never had.

His voice and expression softened. "Look I know you miss Bella but what you've been doing… You're doing the exact same thing Bella did when that Cullen boy broke up with her. She did everything she was supposed to and stayed out of trouble but she was just a functioning corpse, Jake. I might not have been able to help her but I'll be damned if I'm going to stand by and let you do the same thing to yourself." His face hardened again with the look of determination in his eyes.

I hung my head in shame. I couldn't deny horrible the truth in Charlie's words. I was doing the exact same thing Bella did. I was a zombie. I might not have been clutching my sides and I didn't wake up screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night but I was no better than she was. I'd neglected my friends and my pack. I knew I hadn't been very good company for Billy. I was being a world class ass. I had to admit even when I patrolled I didn't have my head in the game. Being a werewolf was a dangerous job and any hesitation or distraction on my part could result in my death or the death of one of my brothers. My behavior was inexcusable.

I shook my head. "I'm sorry, Charlie. It's just that I miss her a lot."

"I know you do, son, but you can't keep carrying on like this. Bella didn't die, she went away to school. She might come back someday but then again she might not. What will you do if that happens? I know a thing or two about letting a Swan woman go. I don't want you to end up like me. You have to pull yourself out of this hole. You know Bella would want you to be happy." He eyed me sympathetically. I knew it was hard for him to talk about his failed marriage to Bella's mom.

I knew Bella would want me to be happy. Despite everything I knew she always hated when I was in any kind of pain. I couldn't keep doing this to myself. I didn't have the all time in the world to grieve over Bella leaving me. There were too many people depending on me.

I stood up straight, pulled myself up to my full height and looked Charlie straight in the eye. "Thanks for coming to talk to me, Charlie. I really appreciate it." I offered him a smile to let him know that I'd taken his words to heart.

Charlie stood up and walked over to me. He awkwardly gave me a pat on my shoulder. "Anytime, son." He seemed relieved to get that off his chest. He walked out of the garage leaving me alone with my thoughts.

It meant a lot to me that Charlie was honest with me and told me exactly what I'd been doing. It was time for me to stop being a child. I didn't know how to exist in a world without Bella but I did before and I would learn how to again. It was time to grow up and be a man.

One of the first things I did was apologize to my father personally.

I went into the house and found him in front of the TV. He looked up me and studied my face. I guess he wanted to see of if I was planning to ignore him again like I'd been doing lately.

I walked in and sat on the couch. "Dad, can I talk to you?"

He turned off the TV and gave me his full attention. "What is it, son?"

I took a deep breath and continued. "I just wanted to apologize for the way I've been acting these past few months. I know I've been neglecting my duties and I want you to know that it's going to stop now."

He cleared his throat looking pleased. "Well, I'm real glad to hear that. I was beginning to get really concerned about you. I'm glad you've finally decided to snap out of it." I was glad he didn't mention Bella. I wasn't ready to talk about her just yet.

I steeled myself. This next part would be difficult. "Dad, there's something else. I need you to do something for me."

His own expression turned pensive. "This sounds serious. What is, son?"

I looked him straight in the eyes. "I need you to arrange a meeting with the Council of Elders for me. There are some important things that I need to discuss with them."

He looked surprised. "All right. I'll contact everyone now and arrange the meeting for tonight." He looked as if he wanted to ask what the meeting would be about but as an Elder, he knew the proper protocol would be to wait for everyone to meet later.

I rose to my feet. "I have to go see Sam and discuss some… things with him." I could only hope he would take the news well but I wanted to warn him before I spoke with the council. It was only fair.

Later that night we gathered in the council's meeting lodge. I stood in front while the pack sat in the chairs behind me.

My father cleared his throat to get everyone's attention then he addressed the other council members. "My son, Jacob, called this meeting tonight to make an announcement." He turned to me. "Jacob, you have the floor."

All of the Elders were looking at me expectantly. I took a deep breath, "The reason I called you all here together tonight is because I have an announcement to make." I steeled myself. It was now or never. "I, Jacob Black am here to formally issue a challenge to Samuel Uley for the position of pack Alpha."

A collective gasp echoed around the room and I wasn't a bit surprised. I'd all but convinced everyone that I hated being a werewolf but that wasn't completely true. I disliked feeling like my choices had been taken away from me. Being a werewolf meant that I would never be able to leave the reservation, that I'd never go away to college and I'd never have a normal life. But being a werewolf gave me the ability to protect the people I loved like Bella, my pack and my people. It also gave me a sense of community and belonging. La Push was my home and it was time I stepped up to the position I was meant to have.

My father's eyes twinkled with pride. I knew he'd been waiting a long time for this day to come. "Are you certain you want to do this, Jacob?"

I held my head up. "Yes, I am."

Old Quil turned his attention to someone behind me. "And what of you, Sam? Do you accept this challenge from your Beta?"

Sam rose from his seat and came to stand at my side. "Yes, I accept his challenge. We've already seen the signs. The strength of Jacob's bloodline indicates that he is meant to lead not follow." I knew he was referring to the fight I had with Paul.

The council happy about this new development but a shadow loomed over their enthusiasm. If I were to become Alpha the strength of the pack would be unmatched giving us a vitality that would terrify our enemies. The pack wasn't at full strength with Sam as our leader.

I heard the pack behind me howl softly. We all knew what this challenge meant. Sam could not just hand me the position of Alpha. We would have to fight each other for the right to lead. Even though Sam never wanted to be the Alpha, the wolf in him would resent being told what to do. This challenge would be about teaching him to submit to my rule and I could end up killing him in the process. There have been instances in our legends where a wolf died in a challenge. Sam would be viewed as a threat to my authority by my inner wolf. There was a chance things would end badly.

"Do you accept the consequences of this challenge, whatever they may be?" This was from Trevor. In addition to his duties as Elder he was also in charge of our legends and history research.

"Yes." Sam and I answered simultaneously.

"Then in a few weeks, on the night of the full moon the challenge will be held. Meeting adjourned." Sue announced.

As the Elders filed out of the lodge, the pack approached Sam and me. There was excitement, questions and solemn looks. My eyes met Sam's from across the room and I knew he was telling me without words that he would not go down easily. He would fight to the death if need be, to secure his position in the pack's hierarchy. I fixed him with a steely stare of my own, telling him that I would also fight to the death to claim my rightful position. But deep in the recesses of my heart I hoped I would not have to kill my brother to do it.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Coming up next Bella starts her vacation with the gang and an old high school you guess who?

Now as I have said in the past. This is Bella's journey not Jake's. To emphasize this point I've moved my story to the Bella only section.I might move it back to J/B later on but it'll stay here for now.

If you want your update before Friday, you know what to do. Review!