SM owns all. This is the way that I wanted things to go. Thanks to Goldengirl62, for your help, I do appreciate you, and thanks so much to my beta Ladyofspain.

Jacob's Twilight

Chapter Five: My Mate

(Bella's POV)

I was shocked to see Edward approach me after Alice and Angela left, saying he saw me leave and wanted to make sure I was all right. Since we also had the last class together, he offered to escort me. I saw no harm in it, so I accepted.

Now he was offering to escort me to the parking lot to await Alice and Angela—in fact he insisted on it. But when we got to the parking lot, all hell broke loose.

Jacob was already there with a few of his male friends, their backs turned to us in conversation. But it seemed he knew the minute I stepped onto that lot, because he turned and looked at me. He grinned, then his gaze turned towards who I was with. His demeanor completely changed, in fact all the guys' demeanor changed on seeing me with Edward.

Low angry growls erupted from their throats as they marched towards us just as Alice, with the rest of their family, came out to stand beside us. Behind them Angela came and took me by the arm, leading me to my truck. I was confused about what was going on, but by the heated exchange going on between the two families, there seemed to be some animosity there. No matter how Jacob acted when we ran into each other on the first day, I felt my loyalty was to him and his friends, even if he and I were never really friends; strange but that's the way I felt.

In the midst of their conversation, Alice broke away and approached us.

"I think we should just go to the park now; Edward can meet us there."

I examined her expression; she was hiding something. "What's going on Alice? Why are your family and Jacob's at each others' throat?"

She looked over her shoulder, then back at me. "It's nothing important; our families just never really got along."

I didn't believe her. "I think maybe we should do this another time. I'm not in the mood to go to the park anymore."

She looked at me calculating. "Oh, come on, Bella. You're not going to let that spoil it, are you." Then she grabbed my arm. "Let's just go—besides I thought you wanted to know why being around Jacob would be dangerous."

"I said I—"

"Let her go," Angela broke in. "She said she didn't want to go, now leave her alone." I was touched at her protectiveness.

Alice was about to say something else, but was stopped by the low growl behind her. We all looked; it was Jacob. "Get your hands off her, before I rip it off," he snarled through gritted teeth.

Before leaving, she turned back to me. "You know I meant nothing by it, Bella. I just thought waiting at the park would have been safer."

Another growl came from Jacob and without waiting for my reply, she said. "We'll be at the park for a little while, in case you change your mind." Then she made her way back over to her family.

"Hello, Bella," he greeted, grinning almost shyly.

"Jacob," I replied, trying not to smile and fighting the pull I felt towards him. I turned to Angela with a help me look on my face.

"Are you still planning on meeting the Cullens at the park?" By his tone I could tell he didn't think it was a good idea.

"Why do you ask?" I really didn't want to stand here talking to him, no matter how my heart felt. The tension was becoming unbearable between us again.

Angela must have felt it too. She stepped forward. "No, she is coming to my house; we need to study for our history class." Then she touched my arm. "Come on, I think we should get going."

He seemed disappointed. "I guess I'll see you later," he paused, "Bells." Then he grinned.

I nodded, but thought, not if I see you first, as I made my way to my truck. We agreed I would follow her.

(Jacob's POV)

I wanted to talk to, or just see Bella before I went home. So after school I waited with Quil and Embry in the parking lot, even if it was just to get a glimpse of her.

I felt it as soon as she stepped out into the school's parking lot by the tugging of my heart and tingling up my spine. I turned with a grin on my face. My breath caught; she was so beautiful and mine—well soon would be. Then I noticed who was with her and my good mood left. Edward Cullen... What the hell was he up to?

A growl ripped from me before I was able to stop it, my friends followed suit. I was standing in front of him, without realizing I moved, Quil and Embry behind me.

Before I could say a word, Alice and the rest of his family came out and stood behind him. Someone came and removed Bella from the scene; I was very thankful for that.

I stood there right in his face. "What are you up to Cullen?" I growled through gritted teeth.

Feigning ignorance, He replied, "I don't know what you mean."

"You know exactly what I mean!" I replied, angrily quiet. "Where do you think you were going with her?" I didn't have to say who.

"I don't think that's any of your business," he fired back.

"It is my business, and you know why, so stop playing dumb." I pushed in nearer. "Just stay away from her, you and your family, then we'll have no problems— at least not in that area."

"I don't see how you can prevent us, there is no rule that says we cannot be friends with a human," Alice interjected.

"It's not that simple," he replied, as if Alice hadn't spoken.

"Make it that simple. Stay away from her!" I said becoming angrier.

"I don't see what the big deal is. I wasn't hurting her, we were just talking." He was still feigning innocence.

"I'll tell you what the big deal is—it's your nature." I stepped a little closer. "You and your kind being around her is very dangerous. You sustain your so called life by sucking the life out of others. It doesn't matter that you feed off animals now; you once fed off humans. Who knows when you might snap and do so again. I won't take that chance with someone who means the world to me."

I took a deep breath. He made no move to reply. "You're a predator, and always will be, a leopard might loose its spot, but it's still a leopard."

"That is ridiculous and you know it," was his only reply, but something in his voice made me think I hit a nerve.

I looked around and realized everyone was watching us. "This is not the place for this conversation; I suggest you and your family meet us at the clearing tonight at nine. We need to set a few ground rules where Bella is concerned."

"We might not be able to make it," He replied smugly. "My family might have other plans."

"Then I suggest they break them. You wouldn't like it if we came looking for you. You know, we'd have to come calling at that big ice castle you call a home."

I knew he wanted to protest. "Fine, we'll be there." He knew what Bella meant to my people, and most importantly to me. He had no choice but to be there.

"Wise choice," I replied, wiping him from my mind, at least for now.

I turned towards Bella. I knew where she was at every moment, and saw Alice with her hands on her. I marched over there, wanting to rip her arms from Bella's body. She did exactly what I told her, got her hands off Bella or lose them. She quickly removed them and stepped away from her. But she was pushing it by saying they would be waiting for her at the park.

So that's where they were going. I don't think so!

I needed to calm down. Getting upset and risk phasing right here and now, wouldn't be a good thing. I turned to Bella, drew her scent into me, and immediately calmed. When I spoke, I knew she wanted to leave and not have anything to do with me, but she also felt that pull of the imprint and couldn't understand it. My Bella was so confused. I still couldn't help grinning.

After they left to go to her friend Angela's house, I stood there and watched until her truck was out of sight. Wanting so much to follow her, my friends and I made our way home instead. I needed to prepare myself for that meeting tonight.

(Bella's POV)

When we got to her house, we went straight up to her room and decided to actually do some homework together. I was working on some complicated problem for trig.

"Bella?" Angela called to me. "Do you wanna tell me what's up between you and Jacob? because when you two were standing there in the lot, I could feel the tension between you two."

I set aside my books, wondering how much I should tell. I just decided to tell her everything, so I took a deep breath and did just that.

"Wow," she exclaimed. "Jacob doesn't associate with any others than his friends from home, but he has never been rude to anyone—at least not that I've seen. He was always polite and speaks when he is spoken to."

"Really? I guess it was just me then." I shrugged my shoulders.

"I don't think so. He doesn't look at you as if he doesn't like you." Then she thought for a minute. "I still feel it's strange, the way two sets of people who have never spoken to anyone but each other, suddenly have this great interest in you. Jacob especially seems to be really involved emotionally when it comes to you."

"I'm starting to feel strange about it too," I replied honestly. "It's like they're competing for me to be with one group or the other. Each side wants to be my friend, but not wanting me to be with the other." I nodded my head slightly. "Yeah, that part seem truly strange to me."

"So how do you feel about it all, really."

"Frankly I want nothing to do with either group. As for Jacob, my emotions feel all over the place when it comes to him. I mean, one minute he wants me to stay away from him, the next he wants to be friends. It's driving me nuts! Besides, he seems to be very good friends with Lauren; he can stick with her and leave me alone."

She did not reply to my Lauren comment. "Anything I can do?" She asked with concern.

"Yeah, help to keep them away from me. I think there is more going on here than anyone understands, just until I can work everything out."

"I would be happy to." Then she smiled. "This should be fun, especially where the Cullens are concerned."

"Why do you say that?" not sure what she meant.

"Because Jacob and his group, though they never socialize with the rest of us, always seemed laid back in a friendly way. But the Cullens always seem more stuck up, like they're better than the rest of us."

"Yeah, I got that same feeling." We smiled at each other, then went back to our studies.

I stayed another hour, and then went home. I still needed to make dinner for my dad. When I got home, I went straight up to my room to put my things away and freshen up before starting dinner.

I placed my backpack on my bed and felt a cool breeze blow through the room. Looking up, I saw my window was open. Walking over to it I looked out, confused, because I knew it was closed when I left for school this morning.

Peering out into the yard, I saw no one. So I closed it again, making sure it was locked this time.

Maybe my dad came home early, and for some reason opened my window and forgot to close it back, I thought as I went through the house looking for him. But he was not in the house. I decided to brush the incident aside. I probably opened it myself and forgot.

Putting it out my mind, I went to the kitchen and began gathering things I needed to prepare dinner. I decided on making roast chicken, a mushroom gravy, with mashed potatoes and vegetable medley.

I had just put the chicken in the oven and salted the water for the potatoes, when my back started tingling as if I was being watched. I slowly turned and looked behind me. No one was there, but I still felt as if I was being watched. I grabbed a bat that was kept under the sink and went searching through the whole house, but found no one.

Maybe it was coming from outside.

I walked out the front door first—no one, then the back—still no one.

I decided I must be imagining things and went back in the house to continue what I was doing.

My mind drifted to the incident at school today, the animosity between the Cullens and Quileutes. It was like they hated each other and I wished I knew why. Even these feelings I was having towards Jacob were driving me up the wall—the pull I felt towards him, the slight ache I felt in my heart that found no release unless he was near.

It was all so confusing.

I felt the urge to go find him and stay with him forever, but I resisted and continued with preparing dinner. I tried my best to put the tugging I felt towards him out of my mind, for now.

(Edward's POV)

Cullen resident

Carlisle had called the family together, he knew of the meeting I agreed to with Jacob tonight and why.

"When you meet with them tonight Edward, you will have to do everything to make sure they believe we will respect whatever they say."

"That's not really fair," Alice interrupted. "They make all the rules and we have to just go along, especially when it comes to Bella. It should be her choice."

"If what I believe is true, I am afraid they can stop you from associating with her outside of school."

"Fine, whatever," was her reply.

"Just remember it's not what they think; it's what we make them believe."

I knew exactly what he was saying because I was thinking the same thing. As long as they thought we agreed to go along with whatever they said, whether we did or not was up to us. If Bella voluntarily hung out with us outside of school, there was nothing they could do about it anyway. We would just have to find a way to make her agreeable to us and more importantly, stay away from Jacob and his friends.

We all agreed then left to attend what I knew would be a tense meeting.

When we arrived, we found that they were already there—all of them, including Sam, the Alpha, who I felt wouldn't be for very much longer. Jacob seemed to be slowly collecting the power and energy of the Alpha and he didn't seem to be aware of it. Let's hope it stayed that way a while longer, forever actually. He was a formidable foe now, it would be worse when he did take his rightful position as Alpha.

(Jacob's POV)

I had planned on coming to this meeting on my own, since it was about my mate, but we had a meeting before and they talked sense into me. The Cullens would be presenting a united front and so should we, besides the pack would have followed me anyway. I really did love those guys; they were my brothers, my family, and always had my back no matter what.

Now here we were.

"Thanks for agreeing to this meeting Carlisle," Sam said in greeting.

"Edward conveyed to me the importance," Carlisle replied. "I am always willing to listen to anything that will make our existence here more peaceful."

"Yes, it is of utmost importance," Sam replied seriously.

"I heard there was almost an incident at school today because of the new student, Bella. My son tells me that's what this meeting is about." He said to Sam, "I would like to apologize on behalf of my children, although I heard that Jacob and his friends almost caused it."

Sam crossed his arm and looked deathly serious at Carlisle. "I don't condone how it was handled, but under the circumstances, I can understand his reaction."

"Why is that?" Carlisle asked.

"Because Bella is Jacob's mate, his imprint, not just that, but a girl he loved since childhood. Since Jacob will be taking the position of Alpha very soon, she will be our Luna and very important to the Quileute people."

"I see," was Carlisle's reply.

"I hope you do," Sam continued. "She is one of us now and under our protection. She will be our queen, being mated to the future Alpha. We would be very angry if anything happened to her."

"How is our being friends with her causing her harm?" Alice asked.

"They can't stop us," Edward broke in, "if she becomes friends with us willingly. It would not be breaking the treaty." He was looking right at me. "Besides, I have a great interest in her, especially the fact that I cannot read her mind, though that's not the only reason she attracts me. She is a very beautiful woman."

I was very happy to hear he couldn't read her mind, but as for his interest in her, in any way—that I didn't like. "I suggest you put that interest elsewhere," I said more calmly than I felt.

"Or what?, You cannot prevent us from being friends with her, particularly if she agrees to it."

I took a step towards him with an evil grin on my face. "That's where you're wrong. We might not be able to stop you talking to her while in school, but once she leaves, she is under our protection. That also includes her house and the property surrounding it. Passing by is fine, but no stopping by to have a chat." I stared straight in his cold, gold dead eyes.

"What if she stops us to have a… chat?" he asked smugly.

"Then you better make sure that doesn't happen. Just stay away from her and we will have no problems."

"That's not fair," Alice interjected. "You cannot ask him to do that, he is falling for her too." I turned quickly and looked at her, not believing what I had just heard. She covered her mouth as if she never meant for that to come out.

I became angry; a growl erupted from my throat and those of my brothers. I wanted to rip him apart, rip them all apart, but I refrained. I got right up into his face.

"She is mine; we belong to each other. I catch you anywhere near her I will rip you apart. Read my lips, leech. Stay. Away. From. Her."

"What's the matter, wolf, scared of a little competition? Besides, from her reaction to you, it seems she wants nothing to do with you."

I knew he was trying to hold onto his anger too. "Might have something to do with a little incident by the office her first day."

"Yeah, I messed up, but I will do whatever I have to and make amends. She is my imprint and you know it. She feels the imprint and you know that too. We love each other and always will. Nothing you do will change that."

"I felt she and I could become good friends, so I don't see why we can't," Alice whined stubbornly.

Did she ever say anything else?

I snickered at that. "Friends?, Your kind doesn't know the meaning of the word."

I had heard enough. I had to get out of there before I did something I would regret, not that I would really regret ridding the world of one less leech. Stepping away from him, I snarled, "Look, I said all I intend to; stay the hell away from my mate."

"Whatever you say does not change the fact that I am attracted to her too, she should be allowed to make up her own mind."

I stepped back up to him. "From what I've seen and heard, she is not exactly comfortable around you and yours either."

I grinned. "Yeah, my hearing is just as good as or even better than yours. She feels better around my people than she does you and yours." I grinned wider. "The way I hear it, she finds you down-right creepy."

"I promise they will not approach her outside of school, unless that's what she wants," Carlisle stated. "Right Edward?", He looked at him, with an unreadable expression.

"Sure," he replied, after a minute.

"If you're not anxious for your final death, you had better stick to that," I added in warning.

"Well, since we seem to have come to an agreement, we can bring this meeting to a close."

"Good," was all I said, and with one last look at them all, I left with my brothers' close behind me. We all went into the woods and phased, then started the run back to the rez.

Did you actually believe them Sam? - Jake.

No, but we have to take their word, at least for now and keep a close eye on their movements. – Sam.

Vampires are very deceptive. We can't take their word for anything. – Paul.

Yeah, it's obvious he's lying. – Embry.

That's true, but they haven't done anything yet, so there is nothing we can really do right now. – Sam.

It's killing me to think that a vampire has an attraction to my girl. – Jake.

Don't worry Jake, we all can tell that she is not taken with him, as he seems to be with her. – Quil.

I really messed up. Didn't I? – Jake.

Don't dwell on that now. You just have to do all you can to win back her heart. – Sam.

I know I have her heart Sam; I always had. Getting her to admit it and accept the connection between us is going to be hard, but I will do what I have to. – Jake.

That's the spirit, and you know we got your back. – Jared.

Everyone agreed, then left me to my own thoughts.

When I got to the woods in front of my house, I phased back and dressed.

Walking into my house, I found my dad sitting in the den, watching some nature program. I knew he was worried about the outcome of the meeting; things can always get out of hand in those situations.

"Hey, Dad," I greeted, walking over to him.

"Hey, Son, how did it go?"

I came straight out and said. "Edward Cullen is attracted to her, might even be in love with her."

"You're kidding me," he said, shocked.

"No, that's what he said," I replied, sitting heavily on the couch. "Who can blame him? she is beautiful." I smiled thinking about her. "As a little girl, I thought she was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Now she has grown into the most beautiful woman in the world to me."

My dad smiled. "Don't worry son, I believe you two were destined from birth to be together. You have always thought so, now fate has proved you right." He patted my shoulder. "Bella will come around, you'll see."

"I hope you're right. We can't be apart for much longer. The pain is too much to bear, for her too. I know she loves me, but is hurt because of my callous actions."

"You can't change what's happened, but you can do whatever you have to and make amends, to show her how much you love and care for her."

"That's exactly what I plan to do," I replied with meaning.

"Good, and you know everyone is behind you 100%. Now let's get some rest," he yawned as he began rolling his chair to his room.

"Do you need my help?"

"I can handle it tonight, you just get some rest."

"Okay, goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight, Son."

After he rolled himself into his room and locked his door, I went to the kitchen and had a snack, then took a shower and went to bed. I was so tired; I thought I would be asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, but no such luck. As soon as my eyes closed, a picture of Bella in the arms of Edward Cullen invaded my mind; pain shot through me at the picture. I knew if I ever had to see that in reality it would practically kill me, not just with him but with any man.

No, that would never happen, even if he was to use that special gift they had, vampire charm, to try and dazzle her, it would never work. She already felt there was something not right with him and his family. Besides, our imprint was strong and there was no way he would be able to break it. She felt it, though she tried to deny it.

If she would only give me the chance to prove I was not the kind of man she thought I was. But I wouldn't give up until she did; we belonged together—always did.

I closed my eyes, remembering her scent and imagined I was holding her and began to drift off to sleep knowing one day it would truly be this way. The vampire phony charms and seductive power would not work this time as it usually did on other women. This time I would be the victor, though it would be hard. It would indeed be a very pleasant journey, winning my Bella's heart.

(Bella's POV)

When I got to school today, Mike was there again waiting to walk me to class. His constant flirting and trying to get me to agree to go to the movies was becoming irritating. I didn't want to be rude, so I let him talk and was thankful when we reached our class.

The first class was with Edward Cullen.

I prepared myself for an uncomfortable hour of class sitting beside him—especially after what happened yesterday—just to enter and find that he wasn't even there. I had to admit I was relieved. Now I can relax, I thought as I sat and waited for class to begin.

I was on my way to my second class when Leah approached me.

"Hey, Bella," She greeted me. "How—" She stopped, looked behind me and smiled.

I knew someone was there and she didn't have to tell me who it was. By the sudden tension and electricity in the air, I knew: Jacob.

"I really need to get to class. I'll talk to you later." I left quickly without looking back or giving him a chance to speak. I know he and Leah are friends, so she would think he is a nice guy, but not to me. He wasn't gonna embarrass me again, especially in front of one of his friends.

I would not let my guard down around him, no matter how much my heart and body wanted me to. Although Leah was a nice girl, and I would love to be friends with her and I planned to, she was also friends with Jacob. And so my guard would remain up, even around her.

When lunchtime came around and I entered the cafeteria, I found Angela inside the door waiting for me.

"Hello, Bella, I thought I'd wait here for you." Then her voice went to a conspiratory whisper. "So we can start the keep the clans away from Bella project."

I smiled. "Thanks, Angela. Do you mind if we sat at a different table today, just us?" I grimaced. "I need to talk to you about something and I'd rather the others didn't hear."

She looked at me for a min, in thought. "Okay." Then she looked around. "I see a table over by the lunch counter, let's put our things there, and then go get our lunch."

We walked over to the table, put our things by it, and then went to the lunch counter. I stood there thinking about what I felt like eating today when someone came up behind me, then wrapped their arms around, without touching me. I didn't have to look, I never did, I knew by the change in the air, it was Jacob—the jerk.

He knew he had me trapped, while he stood there, nonchalantly, picking out his lunch. It wasn't like he could not have gone on the other side. No, he had to be difficult and I was getting nervous. If I moved back, I would meet his chest, if I moved to either side, I would be in his arms.

I knew he was doing this on purpose, but I refused to panic. I stood there calmly, while trying to slow my heart, which felt as though it was beating about a thousand miles a minute. Jacob seems to be determined to get his way, to seduce me at all cost. The thought actually pleased me, and as usual, my body betrayed me by turning red from my scalp to the tips of my toes. My traitorous heart soared, but what did it know anyway; it was just a stupid organ that overreacted whenever he was around.

It didn't matter, I refused to reveal the havoc his nearness was having on me, and it was definitely working on my system. He smelt of earth, spice and male, it surrounded and cocooned me; one word came to mind—Home.

Though he was not actually touching me, it felt like he was, and in the most gentle and sweetest way imaginable. The emptiness filled, the constant hollowed pain in my chest eased by his nearness. I had a sudden urge to turn around and bury my face into his chest, to burrow myself in him so deep it would be impossible to know where I began and he ended. I knew I was about to make a fool of myself and only Devine intervention could help me now.

I got it, in a way.

Lauren and Mike showed up, looking angry. Mike walked closer to us.

"What's going on here?" He asked him.

I didn't feel like dealing with a confrontation. "Mike just stay out of it." He seemed hurt, but did as I asked. Enough, was enough.

"Could you get out of my way?", I asked him quietly. Hoping he couldn't detect the panic in my voice.

He didn't reply, just slowly moved his arms then stepped back. I had to get out of this area, so I grabbed whatever my hands came into contact with and went back to the table, where Angela was already seated. I knew she wanted to say something but instead shook her head and began eating.

I was talking quietly with Angela when someone sat at our table: Lauren. We both just looked at her, knowing she had something to say, so we let her.

"I came to warn you," she said in a squeaky whisper.

I raised an eyebrow. "Warn me about what?" I asked calmly.

"Jacob—stay away from him. You're new, so you don't know the score. He is mine, don't go near him again."

I almost laughed in her face. Was she serious? "I am trying to have a peaceful lunch with my friend," I replied. "Whatever problem you're having with Jacob, is none of my business, so I suggest you take it up with him." I looked her dead in the eyes. "So don't come over here trying to mark your territory." She didn't reply just stared open mouthed at me. "Go away; I'd like to finish my lunch."

"Don't tell me what to do, I'll go when I'm good and ready, you—"

I cut her off. "If he stirs your hormones that much, go talk to him. Leave me out of it."

I watched as she spluttered, got up in a huff then marched back to her table full of anger and frustration. That girl was so melodramatic.

I shook my head in disbelief and looked over at Angela, who was staring at me with a grin of satisfaction on her face. "Why are you grinning like that?", I asked, but couldn't stop from grinning myself.

"I'm proud of you," she remarked. "You stopped her in her tracks and didn't allow her to intimidate you. Good for you."

"I take it she does that kind of thing often?"

"When it comes to Jacob, yes, she does, but you're the first girl she couldn't push around." Her smile became wider. "I have never seen her that exact shade of red, or so lost for words."

We both chuckled at that. "Yeah, I actually thought she would combust with anger right where she stood."

I glanced from under my lashes at Jacob's table and sobered. "I better have a talk with him about this. I refuse to deal with Lauren or girls like her, who can't keep their hormones in check when it comes to him or any boy."

"Yeah, I think you should," she commented as I got up and walked over to their table. Before I reached it, I gave a sign for him to follow me outside and he did. I spoke before he had a chance to.

"I don't know what's going on with you and Lauren, but I would appreciate it if you would tell your little girlfriend to stay away from me."

"She is not my girlfriend and I have no interest in her being my girlfriend. I am only interested in one woman."

I could not mistake his meaning, but I couldn't be bothered to set him straight; I was too pissed about Lauren's actions.

"Then you better tell her that, because if she comes back to my table trying to warn me off you again, I will not be responsible for my actions."

His eyes squinted and seem to glow, but I must have been mistaken. "Don't worry, I'll talk to her." By the sound of his voice, I was glad I wasn't her right now.

"Thank you," I said, leaving him there and went back in to enjoy what was left of the lunch period, or tried to.

(Jacob's POV)

I was sitting here grinning like an idiot, but I didn't care, that was the most amazing feeling ever, standing behind my Bella, having my arms wrapped around her, even though we didn't actually touch. The warmth of her body so close to mine, had my body reacting in ways that shouldn't be shown in public. I was becoming heated from it.

I felt and heard every beat of her heart, which sped up at my nearness. The sound washed over me like the sweetest melody, and her scent, it was the sweetest smell of lilac and honey, which suited her perfectly. I inhaled it deeply, pulled it into me with pleasure. I wanted to push my face in her neck and drown in it, to lay her down, roll around and bathe in it.

All sense of place and time was lost to me; my arms began to move closer, on the verge of just wrapping her in them, my face moving closer, wanting to do all that my mind was screaming at me to. The cables that seem to attach our hearts together were pulling me close… closer. I was lost, totally caught up in her, until….

"What's going on here?"

A growl of frustration was almost torn from me when I turned to see Mike and Lauren. Damn, the first time I got close to Bella and these two showed up. I wondered if they would be missed if they kind of disappeared one night, very, very soon.

Ah well, in a way I was relieved, it stopped me from making a fool of myself. The way they were looking at us, Mike… as if I was messing with something that belonged to him and wanted to strangle me. Yeah right, I wish he would try, I'm sick of his flirting with her anyway, and now would be the perfect time to make him stop.

Lauren was looking as though I was doing something to hurt her, that I belonged to her and shouldn't be standing so close to Bella. These two really needed to be set straight. I breathed in deeply of the scent of Bella that still clung to me. Her scent calmed me as nothing else ever could.

Now as I sat here watching Lauren approach Bella's table, the grin fell from my face. This did not bode well. I realized just how right I was when my friends and I heard the things she was saying. I made a promise then and there, to set her straight once and for all.

"You need to do something about her," Embry whispered to me. Everyone agreed.

Seeing Bella walk towards my table, looking really upset, I knew the situation would have to be handled sooner rather than later.

After hearing what was said at the table and now listening to Bella, with hurt and anger in her voice, I was seething. How dare Lauren try to warn my mate away from me? I had never shown the slightest interest in her. She was the one who kept chasing me. I had tried to be nice, but now she had gone too far; she could have messed things up worst than they already were.

I had to grin as I stepped back into the room; my Bells really let her have it. I was so proud I could bust; she was the first girl that didn't back down and just take the crap Lauren dished out. I knew she had warned others away from me, but I didn't care. I had no interest in them or her, but this was different. She was messing with a woman I had loved my whole life, and now the fates had blessed and shown me I was right all along. We were soul mates. I walked over to my table and sat for a minute, trying to figure out the best way to handle things. My friends were snickering in amusement at my predicament.

"What's so funny?" I asked in irritation.

"You have to admit, this whole situation is kind of funny," Quil replied.

"We told you a long time ago, to set Lauren straight, but no, you have to be a gentleman. Some girls you can't handle that way; some girls you have to tell it like it is for them to get the message—Lauren is one of them," Embry advised.

"Yeah, you're right," I grumbled as I stood.

"You know, I like Bella's character. She didn't let Lauren push her around and is not intimidated by anyone," Embry told me, then grinned. "Not even you, the rightful Alpha."

"Yeah, me too," I agreed, moving away from the table; I was so proud of her.

"She will make a great Luna," Quil complimented.

I silently agreed with that too.

"You go get em' tiger… Er… wolf," I heard Leah say, and everyone chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah," I said quietly as I walked away.

I walked right over to Lauren's table. It was time I told her what was what, a few home truths she wouldn't like one bit, but I didn't care, she messed up big this time.