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 to Ladyofspain. You two are amazing.
Jacob's Twilight
Chapter Twelve: Getting Closer
(Jacob's POV)
After dropping Embry at his house, I went home. When I walked in, I was very happy to see my dad had already gone to bed because I still felt the affect of holding Bella—of just being near her. Walking in the bathroom, I stripped quickly and entered the shower, turning the cold water on full blast. Placing my hands against the shower stall, I let the water wash over my skin and cool my heated blood. Damn! This was stronger than I had seen in any of the wolves, but I guess being Alpha and the fact that I had loved her since we were kids, it would be.
Turning off the shower, I got out, dried off and went to my room, putting on a pair of boxers. I stretched out on my king size bed and closed my eyes, hoping sleep would claim me quickly, but it was not to be. My mind kept going back to the events of the evening; the completeness I felt of just being around her. Watching her, my soul felt at peace, but my body was hungered. It needed a closer connection, to take her in my arms and claim her. I know if I had pulled her into my arms and claimed her lips with mine, learning every crevice of her mouth, she would not be able to resist; the connection was too strong for her to. But I would wait for her to give herself to me freely and pray it wouldn't be too much longer; though no matter how long it took I would wait, she was worth it and so much more.
"I love you so much, Bells," I whispered in the dark. "Someday, we will share this bed together."
I turned over to lie on my stomach, knowing that one of my brothers was even now protecting my Bells. I wished I was, but I needed to build up my strength, to be able to hold myself in check while in her presence tomorrow.
I woke really early the next morning and rushed through my morning ritual; I couldn't wait to get to school and see Bella. Saying a quick goodbye to my dad, I raced out of the house and into my car. I wouldn't be driving in the van with the others today, I would need my car later on to take my Bella's home, and work on her truck. I couldn't wait to be close to her again.
When I got to school, all my friends were in the parking lot standing around the van, all watching me with grins on their faces. Yeah! Here we go. I knew they saw through Embry's mind, the events that took place at Bella's house yesterday. I stood with my arms across my chest and waited for them to walk over to me.
"So, enjoyed your time at Bella's?"; Jared asked, mischief plastered on his face.
"Yes, I did," I replied, fighting a smile.
"There is one thing I need to know," Quil commented, also grinning.
"What is that?"; I asked suspiciously.
"When she asked you to take her to bed, did you perhaps take her to your house?".
"Shut up, Quil," I replied in humor.
"No, really," he continued, acting as though searching my car. "Do you have her hidden in your car, waiting for us to leave to let her out?".
I reached out and smacked him in the head. "Idiot." But I couldn't help grinning.
(Bella's POV)
Driving to school with my dad, I felt nervous and on edge knowing that this afternoon I would be driving home with Jacob. How was I going to be in that small space with him and resist crawling onto his lap, planting myself against him?. Pulling into the parking lot, I noticed Jacob and all his friends standing by his car. When he noticed us, he walked over, opened my door, and helped me out.
We walked over to the driver side. "Bye, Dad, I'll see you later."
"Okay," he replied. "You two have a good day." Then he looked right at Jacob. "Remember what I said last night."
"No problem, Charlie," Jacob answered.
I looked from my dad to Jacob, confused about what they were talking about, but decided to save myself the headache of trying to figure it out. My dad then left and Jacob and I began walking to enter the school. When we reached my class, he stopped me before I entered.
"I have everything I need to fix your truck in my car, so we'll meet there after school."
I was very happy to hear that. To me, having my truck working again gave me back my independence. I smiled. "Thanks, Jacob."
Then our eyes connected, and his seemed to liquefy. Everything around us stilled; the air seemed to crackle and sizzle with electricity. The tension surrounding us was thick. I felt as though huge cables were pulling me towards him and I had to fight the urge to comply. Then his eyes changed and seemed to darken even more. I watched as they slowly moved over me, as they did last night—as if he wanted to devour me where I stood. When his eyes connected once again to mine, it was filled with so much love and need, it frightened me, because I knew my eyes were showing an answering need. Confusion hit me and I stepped back, knowing I had to leave his presence to think normally.
"Well, I'll see you later," I said. He just watched me with that same look and I quickly slipped into my classroom, thinking that this evening would be very interesting while he was there fixing my truck.
The rest of my classes went as usual and I met Angela in the hallway for lunch.
"I saw when you came to school this morning. I would've greeted you, but you were in good company and I didn't want to bother you." She was smiling from ear to ear.
I didn't reply to her, just grinned and kept walking to the lunchroom.
When we entered and prepared to get our lunch, I noticed none of the Quileutes had arrived yet.
"I've noticed Lauren doesn't ask Jacob to sit at her table," Angela commented.
I never really noticed that, but now that she mentioned it, I realized it was true. I didn't want to analyze the thrill of happiness I felt at that. I looked over to the table Lauren sat at and was floored by the look of hate she sent me. I swear if looks could kill I would be dead.
We collected our lunch and sat at our table and ate while we talked quietly.
"What happened when Embry took you home last night?"; I asked, enjoying the flush on her face at my mention of Embry.
"Nothing happened," she replied. "We didn't even talk when we got there. He just saw me safely to my door, said goodnight and left."
The smile on her face told me she was very happy that he cared enough to make sure she got home safely.
"How was your night with Jacob?" Did you watch the game with him and your dad?"; She was still smiling.
"When you left, I collected the dirty dishes and he helped me wash them."
I couldn't help but flush at the remembrance of how he offered to help, and I didn't like how she kept right on smiling. I stopped her before she could comment.
"Don't even say it. He and I just washed dishes."
"Okay, if you say so."
There was a commotion at the door, I looked over and saw the Quileutes—boys and girls, just coming in. Jacob went and sat in his seat with the boys, and the girls sat with us.
"So," Leah said as soon as she was seated. "I heard Embry and Jacob had burgers at your house yesterday, eh?"; She turned to Angela. "I heard Embry saw you home safely, while Jacob stayed at Bella's house with her and her dad." Then she smiled and turned back to me. "Bella, I'm glad you allowed Jacob to stay longer, it meant a great deal to him".
"We didn't talk about much. I read while the men watched a game on the television," I replied. "Then I fell asleep and my dad had to put me to bed. I didn't even know what was going on around me."
I noticed the girls' expressions when I said that. I didn't care to find out why they were looking like that, but for some reason my face became flushed with heat and I became confused. I glanced over at Jacob's table and he was smiling from ear to ear; in fact, all the boys had smug looks on their faces. Why?; I didn't know and wasn't going to ask.
I turned to Angela. "You know, I still have a feeling they're hearing everything we say." I whispered, "I know it seems impossible, but I can't get over that feeling."
(Jacob's POV)
I felt so happy and filled with hope as I sat here watching Bella. Remembering how she allowed me to walk her to class this morning, instead of finding an excuse to leave my presence, filled me with such joy, it was hard to describe. I had to fight the urge to pick her up and run back with her to my home. My body had become hard as I watched her, devoured her with my eyes, the way I longed to do with my hands, my mouth, but she looked so confused, the effects of the imprint was putting her in a tailspin. All I truly wanted to do at that point was hold and comfort her, washing away the confusion our connection had put her in.
Now as I sat and listened to the girls talk about what happened at her house, I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. She actually thought her dad had put her to bed. I wonder what she would do if she knew it was me, and how hard it was to leave her there alone.
"One day she will tell you to take her to bed and it will be different, because you will be living together then," Embry said. "But if she knew it was you who took her last night and how you had to struggle to leave her… I don't know…"; he didn't finish, just shook his head, snickering.
Embry was right; last night I had to fight my urge to stay with her. The struggle to win her heart was very enjoyable. My only regret was how I messed up that first day, but I was enjoying trying to win her over very much. She was worth it. I could see her reaction to me, the blushes, the way her heart beat a thousand miles an hour when we were near each other or I looked at her a certain way. She was definitely very affected by the imprint.
"So, Jacob, what exactly were your thoughts when you took her to her bed last night?"; Quil asked teasingly.
"He thought of taking her to the front door instead of her room," Embry said, cocking an eyebrow.
"I'm sure if he tried and she woke, she would have given him hell," came from Jared.
I didn't mind my brothers teasing me; I knew they were as happy as I was at the progress I was making with her.
"I confess that I just can't wait till the end of school to have her in my car," I said feeling happier than I had felt in a while at the thought of having her all to myself.
"Just don't deviate from the road and try to take her to your house, as I'm sure you wanted to do—even under the nose of Charlie," Embry joked. Everyone laughed at that, and then he turned to me. "I won't be going with you today, and I'll ask Angela to do the same so you can have time with Bella. I have a feeling she'll try and get Angela to go to her house with you both."
I leaned over to him, quietly asking, "What is happening between you and Angela?".
He shook his head as if confused. "I don't know, but she is such a beautiful girl. She's also so sweet and very nice; I can't help but be attracted to her. I'm not sure if I imprinted on her. I'm incredibly attracted to her, but I don't want to hurt her, so I'll wait and see how my feelings evolve."
"I agree with you there, man." Angela is a nice girl and a friend of my Bells, so I don't want her to get hurt either. "But I think she is right for you my friend; I really do."
(Bella's POV)
The girls and I were talking quietly when Mike, Ben and Tyler came over to our table. After greeting us, Mike came and knelt by my chair.
"I need to talk to you later, Bella; Ben needs help with something I know you and I can give him."
"I'll talk to you another time, I have plans this evening."
He insisted. "I have to ask for your help, just between us, to help Ben with Angela."
I didn't understand what he meant. "What are you talking about, Mike?".
"I'll explain it to you when we speak tomorrow; right now I have to go."
All the guys said goodbye and left.
Leah turned to me. "Mike seems to be very attracted to you. Everyday he has something he has to say to you as an excuse to get closer, I bet."
"Mike and I are just friends," I replied.
She grinned mischievously at me. "So, Bella tell me, what kind of man do you prefer, a blond or a handsome brunette man?". She pointed towards Mike, then Jacob.
I tried my best not to look at either table. My heart began to beat faster, because I knew what choice I would make. By the look on their faces, they also knew whom I would choose. I turned to Angela and she was smiling playfully. To get our minds off this subject and because I simply refused to answer, I blurted: "Oh well! ... I think I prefer... Asians".
The girls began laughing hard at my unexpected answer.
(Jacob's POV)
I had to laugh at the witty response given by my Bella to the question Leah threw her; we all knew what her choice would be. I heard her heart beat speed up.
"My Bells sure knows how to get out of a sticky situation." She turned and looked over at us and I couldn't help the look of tenderness that was on my face.
"No one can deny that," Embry commented. "She seems to have had a lot of practice getting out of embarrassing situations."
We finished our lunch and went back to class. At the end of the school day, I was waiting in the parking lot for Bella. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her approach with Angela walking with her.
I heard Angela say. "I had a feeling he would be here before you, waiting. You don't have to walk with me; you can go on ahead."
"Okay," Bella replied. "But I need to ask you something about Ben."
"Tomorrow, when we have more time, we'll talk about it," Angela answered.
Embry came over to us just as they reached me. I looked at my Bella. "Are you ready to go?"; I asked her, then turned to Embry and Angela.
"Maybe we should do something?"; Embry said to Angela.
Angela didn't reply, just stared at him in confusion, and then she finally agreed.
"Okay, but I can't stay out long, plus I have my car here."
"I came in the van with my friends, but how about we go for ice cream, maybe you could drop me home after."
"Sure," she replied. We said our goodbyes and they left. I took Bella's arm and led her to my car, which was parked by the van. I mentally felt the expression of satisfaction of my friends and joy for me, quietly supporting me. I heard a growl and looked over to the right of me. The whole Cullen clan was watching us; I couldn't help but throw a taunting smile at Edward.
Bella was saying goodbye to the girls, saying they would see her tomorrow, when I noticed her looking around. I helped her into the car, then went around and got in myself. She turned to me.
'Wow! Am I breaking some law of the school or something?".
I was perplexed at her question. "What do you mean?".
"Yesterday I came to school with Edward and today I am going home with you," she replied. "I don't think that ever happened before or will happen again."
That's what she thinks! "What will never happen again is your going anywhere with Edward; the only person you will be going or coming with, is me." I tried to show her that I just wanted to protect her, and show her all the devotion I felt for her.
She stared at me, stunned, and wanted to deny what I said, but she didn't, just blushed profusely and looked away.
She then turned back to me, smiling. "In any case, I'll have my truck again soon, when you're done fixing it. Besides, I like my independence. I don't feel comfortable having to depend on others as I did yesterday and today."
"Bells, you will not be dependent on me … you know what I want, I need not tell you."
I watched as she stiffened and her face became bright red before turning away, seeming to shrink back into her seat. The tension became unbearable, but I still couldn't help being happy with having my imprint with me, having her intoxicating scent surround me and giving me peace. Though being so close to my imprint made it difficult to control and monitor my wolf.
When we got to her house, I helped her out and collected the things I needed. I even brought a different shirt to work in. I went right over to the truck.
"I'll be in the house—call if you need anything," she said before entering her home.
(Bella's POV)
I went in, began doing some minor chores around the house, when my dad called and asked if Jacob was here. He said he would be here soon to see how he was progressing. After hanging up with my dad, I put my head out the front door.
"My dad says he will be here soon to check on your work."
While I worked around the house, I would look out at him from time to time. I felt safe with him around, the same way I felt when my dad was here. Then the realization hit me. I was depending on him more than what I wanted, but who could blame me. He had given many signs of being another person, and not the cruel one I met the first day.
I was about to start dinner when he called me. I went outside to see what he wanted.
He beamed at me. "I just wanted you to check my work now that I'm done."
"That's not necessary," I replied. "I trust your work."
I turned and went back into the house, with him right behind me.
"Where can I wash my hands?"; he asked once we were in the house.
"In the bathroom," I replied. "I'll show you where it is."
He smirked. "Don't bother, I know it's right by your bedroom."
I was confused as to how he knew where the bathroom was, but I didn't ask and just watched as he walked up the stairs. Just then, my dad arrived.
"Hey Bella. How was your day?"; he asked .
"It was good," I replied. "How was yours."
"The same."
Jacob came down from the bathroom at that point.
"Jacob," my dad said in greeting to him.
"Hey Charlie, you want to come and see what I did with the truck?".
"Sure, son," my dad answered.
They both went out, but it wasn't too long before they returned.
"I'm going to go upstairs and freshen up real quick. I'll be back down soon." Then he left.
I went back into the kitchen to finish dinner. As I moved about the kitchen, I felt him watching me. I glanced behind me and noticed he was standing in the same place he did yesterday—hands in his jean pockets, totally relaxed. I quickly turned back to what I was doing, but I could still feel his eyes on my back. My thighs felt as though he seared them with his gaze and touched them before his eyes burned into my hips setting them ablaze. I tried to control my body's reaction to him, and didn't want him to see the arousal in my eyes.
I couldn't resist pivoting, and peering at him again. I was floored by the look of tenderness and devotion in his eyes as he gazed at me. I tried to remain calm and relaxed as he appeared to be. But my traitorous body betrayed me, firing my heart so deeply. I couldn't keep eye contact with him in fear that he would see how my body was melting at the way he gazed at me. Blessedly, I heard a slight noise.
"I think your dad is coming down," Jacob told me.
As soon as he said that, my dad walked in. "How much are you going to charge for fixing the truck?".
"I'm not charging you anything," he replied, not looking at my dad, but at me. "The cord didn't cost much and I already had the things for the alarm."
"Jacob, you can't do all that work and not get paid," I said in alarm. "And I really don't want to be indebted to you."
He grinned at me. "In that case, and considering the truck really belongs to you, I'll ask something of you, with permission of Charlie of course."
"What do you want to ask?".
"Have dinner with me."
I was not expecting this and didn't know what to say. I glanced at my dad and he was grinning in amusement, and then swung my gaze back to Jacob. He had such a look of radiance on his face, that whatever words I would speak was lodged in my throat. Then something occurred to me; I could always just find something to answer.
"Yes, I'll have dinner with you… but now you can have dinner here with us. It's ready so, you two have a seat; I'll serve."
Jacob laughed out unexpectedly at my reply and my dad just stood there, looking at Jacob with satisfaction written on his face. With a grin, Jacob went about setting the table. When he was done, I placed the meal I cooked on it, and then we all sat and had a pleasant conversation while we ate. I was surprised how comfortable I felt around Jacob, it was as though we were friends. He was making so much progress in changing my opinion of him.
"Bella, that was delicious," Jacob said when we were done. "But, I knew it was meant to be, all of you are just delicious."
My face became red as a tomato, I just knew it did. All I could do was shrug my shoulders. He glanced at my dad, and I noticed the glare my dad gave him. A look came over Jacob's face that he didn't mean to say that.
He grinned subconsciously. "Sorry, what I meant was that everything was delicious." Then he laughed and my dad joined him.
We were just getting up from the table when Jacob's cell rang. We watched while he was talking, the expression on his face told us it must be some kind of emergency.
(Jacob's POV)
The call was from Sam, asking me to come to the reservation immediately. There was an emergency and it had something to do with Seth, Leah's brother. I didn't want to leave, but my brothers needed me. I suspected what it could be, but I didn't expect it so soon, he was just fifteen years old, after all.
I went in and told Bella and Charlie I had to go. My friends needed me to help with some emergency that came up.
"Is everything okay, Jacob; anything I can do?"; Charlie asked.
"Thanks, Charlie, but we can take care of it," I replied. "I'll talk to you later".
Bella walked me to the door and when I turned to say bye, I noticed how concerned she looked. "Don't worry, Bella," I assured her. "Whatever it is, will be okay." Then I kissed her quickly on the cheek. "I'll see you later." Then left.
When I reached La Push, I went straight to Sam's and realized immediately what was happening. I had noticed a few days ago while I was play wrestling with Seth how hotter than normal his temperature was, but I still didn't expect it to happen this soon.
"Jacob, I know you were with Bella and I am sorry I had to drag you away, but this is Seth. He phased; now he has run into woods, confused and terrified about what is happening to him," Sam explained.
"Where was he when it happened? Was anyone with him?"; I asked worriedly, hoping he didn't accidentally hurt anyone.
"He was at home when it happened," Sam replied. "He was scared and broke some things in his bedroom, but didn't hurt anyone. Leah and Sue hid. Quil and Jared are following him now, but I need you to go also. He will listen to you, because you are his Alpha. He is scared now, but he will really be frightened when he feels those minds connected to his, not knowing what is going on."
"Okay, lets go, I think we all need to phase and look into different areas." We walked out together and just phased.
I know Sam must also be worried about his mate, Leah. "How are Leah and Sue doing?"; I asked.
"I arrived just in time," he began to explain. "He was in his room, but he jumped out his window when he saw me."
I saw the scene in Sam's mind while he was explaining; I also saw how worried he was about Leah. The love he had for her was almost as strong as what I felt for Bella. I sensed the rest of the pack, Embry, Quil, Paul and Jared join our minds.
Though I was very worried about Seth, I was also worried about leaving the imprints unprotected, so I sent Paul to protect the reservation. Before he left, I stopped him.
"Tell Kim to talk to Bella tomorrow and let her know we won't be in school for the next few days…. And I really believe that everything about her is delicious."
Damn, I needed to get my mind off that. I shook myself out of those thoughts; I needed to concentrate on the problem at hand. Paul went and did as I ordered.
"With Seth phasing, it means our pack is growing for some reason, it is probably so we can face any approaching danger that we must defeat," I thought to Sam.
My brothers agreed with my assessment. I then gave instructions for us to divide and search for Seth. For some reason, I was not able to, as yet, connect with his mind.
(Bella's POV)
After Jacob left, I was very concerned and uneasy about what could be going on at the reservation. Though he tried to ease my mind, I knew by the look he had on his face while he spoke to Sam, that it was more than he told us. But I wouldn't worry about it now; I would wait and ask him about it tomorrow at school.
I cleaned up the kitchen, and then went upstairs to complete my nightly ritual before going to bed. When I got to my bedroom, the first thing I noticed was how cold it was in there. I looked over to my window and saw that it was wide open. That was strange because I knew it was closed when I was in there earlier. I shrugged it off; I could have been mistaken—and being around Jacob seems to mush my mind. I went over and closed it again, this time making sure it was locked.
I went about with my nightly ritual, then turned off the light and went to bed, but try as I might to fall asleep, I couldn't. Thoughts of what could be happening in La Push kept invading my mind. I pushed them aside and thought of other things and before I knew it, I was fast asleep.
I didn't know how long I was sleeping before I was awakened by the feeling of someone being in my room, watching me. It was strange, especially since I just had a dream of Edward being here, just standing in the corner, watching me. I still hadn't opened my eyes, because that dream was still heavy on my mind.
I lay there for a minute, very still, then slowly forced my eyes open. Then, slowly turning around, I looked at my window. I was shocked; my heartbeat sped up.
My window stood wide open—again.
(Edward's POV)
I couldn't resist. I had to see her again, so I took the chance, but had to quickly get out when I noticed her waking up. As soon as I leapt over the casement, Alice came running out of the woods.
"I knew I would find you here. We need to leave now; one of the wolves is on his way here."
I read her mind and realized Jacob was not the one coming, but one named Paul. I found that interesting; something important must be going on, for Jacob not to come, but I wouldn't think about it now; I would soon see into their minds the next time I saw them.
I turned and took one last look towards Bella's window, then left with Alice. Jacob will not win this fight for a woman that I also love, I thought to myself, while I ran home. If necessary, I would use all the power that being a vampire allowed me. If I had to break the treaty, I would, then run with my family… and take Bella with me, forcefully if I had to.