This weekend is very important to Jake. Bella will hear about Quileute legends... and going to know the reasons why Jake was so worried. Enjoy this chapter.

SM owns all. This is the way that I wanted things to go. Thanks to Goldengirl62 and Ladyofspain, I do appreciate you so much, my wolf friends.

Chapter Twenty: The Bonfire.

(Jacob's POV)

Saturday morning, Charlie showed up very early to pick my dad up to go fishing, and with the scent of Bella flowing through my home and my senses, I decided to get up, dress and make breakfast for her and I. When I was making breakfast, I felt her wake up and listened to her every move as she made her way to the kitchen to join me. When she entered, she walked over to me and I noticed she had on the same shirt she slept in, but had traded the pajama shorts for pants. Uf! Thanks to the spirits, because it was getting harder to keep my wolf in check; he wanted to howl, dying to claim what he knew was his. But, I could not resist pulling her into my arms, and kissing her cheek, as she began to whisper softly.

"Jake about last night—" she began, but I put my finger to her lips to stop her.

While still holding her, I tried to explain. "Bella, I know we are best friends, but you know how I feel about you, honey. I can't lie; it's hard for me to be around you and not be able to kiss and caress you like I want to." I pulled her closer. "I'm sorry, Bells—sorry, I couldn't control myself better. Sometimes it takes a lot to keep my promise not to rush things between us."

I walked over to the sofa with my arms around her waist, then sat and putting her onto my lap, continued. "You and I also said we would always tell each other everything … That's why I want you to know that today is a very important day for me because it's decisive."

She looked intently into my eyes and held my face with her little hands. "Jake, please tell me what it is. You're scaring me with the way you're talking. It's like you think we will be separated and I don't know why you think so. I don't want that to happen. Is it something so serious, that something like that could happen?"

I saw the worry and fear on her face and didn't want my girl to ever feel that way. "Beautiful, I'll never leave you, but that depends on you. I can't say anything yet. This afternoon when the sun begins to set, I'll tell you everything you want to know about me."

She laid her head on my chest and I put my arms completely around her. She blushed at our closeness. "I suppose you'll tell me you're a single dad and have a child in another tribe. Is that it?" She asked cheekily. We both laughed at her train of thought.

"No, not that," I replied when our laughter died down. "I'm not a daddy yet, but I'm seriously thinking of being a young dad. I'm almost 19yrs old and don't want to wait beyond 22 and 23; but if it was before, I wouldn't have a problem with that. I love kids."

She raised her head and smiled at me. "I think you'll be a good father… now, let's have breakfast."

After we had breakfast, cleaned up the kitchen and changed clothes, we met back in the den. "Come with me, I want to show you the toys I told you about." I took her hand and we walked to the garage where I had a red Volkswagen Rabbit and two motorcycles. "Although the car we use to go to school in is beautiful and fast, I love my rabbit because I've been rebuilding it from scratch."

She looked at me in surprise. "You did this by yourself?; It's wonderful. You must be an excellent mechanic; you did a great job on my truck. And these bikes?".

"I rescued them from the junkyard a while ago," I replied. "I have one already repaired and just started the other one… for you, so we can ride together sometimes."

She smiled happily. "Really Jake?, That's perfect. Though I don't know how to ride a bike, I'm sure you can teach me." Then she looked at me, concerned. "Jake… when do you get time to work on these? I'm asking, because it seems you do a lot to help your dad… I hope I'm not being indiscreet."

I smiled. "No, Bells, you can ask me anything you want. The truth is, I work for my people as a protector and I also do some mechanical tasks. I actually get paid for both. Yes… and help my dad in any way I can." I thought about what I had just said. "I know you're curious about what I mean by protector, but that'll be explained later with everything else." She raised her eyebrows but just nodded. I took her hand again. "Let's go to Leah's house. I want to go over the details with the boys about the bonfire for tonight."

"I love Angela and Embry together; they're good friends of ours. I don't know how it will end, but I'm happy for Angela," she told me as we walked.

"I'm happy for Embry too," I replied. "He found a very good girl in Angela, and I know what will end all that, but it will depend on Angela. I know exactly how Embry feels but I don't know how she does." I looked down at her to see if she would comment but she didn't. "Loyalty to your friend speaks very highly of you, beautiful; it's the same loyalty she has for you. By the way, the boys are planning to play ball on the beach this afternoon and you girls could join us. Or would you rather do something else?"

"Oh, that's fine with me. I'll spend time with the girls; they've become good friends—but mostly I want to spend some time with you." I smiled at her response. She continued. "In any case there'll be time to be with them. But first, I want to have time for us… walking on the beach with you." I felt my heart accelerate at the response of the girl by my side.

Sam, Leah, Seth, Embry and Ang were there with Sue when we arrived. After the greetings, the girls went with Sue to fix the food and the men were deciding what we needed to do to prepare for this afternoon and tonight.

I told my brothers how stressed out I was about tonight. I knew that Embry was like me, troubled about what would happen at the bonfire. This was the first time a Quileute wolf imprinted on a girl that was not of our tribe, and especially an Alpha wolf not imprinting on a Quileute girl.

"Calm down," Sam told me. "Everything will go fine tonight; I have every confidence that it will. Your wolves chose these girls because they're right for you. Although you're Alpha and future head of our tribe, you don't have to worry about Bella, she is an amazing girl and will accept her place as Luna of our people. We know the man always loved her, and now your wolf side is just proving you right, she is the best for you."

Feeling more relaxed; we went to meet the girls for lunch.

(Bella's POV)

I was happy spending time with my friends preparing lunch, talking about some of the things I should expect to happen later tonight.

Leah grinned mischievously at me and asked, "All good with Jake…?, I mean… between you and him."

"Leah, I don't know what you're trying to ask," I replied. "But by the look on your face… whatever—forget it, bad idea." The women began laughing and I heard the men laugh as well.

"I keep insisting there are microphones in this house," Angela commented. "Or the men have highly developed hearing."

"What happens is, there are no secrets in the pack," Sue replied.

"In the pack?". I asked. "Are you talking about a bunch of animals or something?"

Leah answered instead. "Sure, the boys are laughing about something else, coincidentally at the same time, but the pack, is a good way to call the guys."

"Okay," Angela replied. "And I suppose to call them to have a pack ear, or overdeveloped has to do with being Quileute? And what will happen tonight? Because the truth is, Embry is disturbing me."

"Angela, I understand you," I told her. "I also note the concern of Jake. But the truth is, I want to lessen the anxiety he's feeling, because I feel his concern, especially about this night. The way he looks at me, when he speaks, or takes my hand… I'm showing all my trust in him to lessen his uncertainty."

"That's very nice dear." Sue said. "He now needs the certainty that only you can give him... And now, how about if we serve lunch?, They must be like hungry wolves waiting for their food." We laughed at her witty comments, and worked to serve lunch soon.

After lunch, Jake and I went for a walk on the beach. He told me the other boys would join us later for their game; but for now, he wanted us to go back to the spot he took me to before. When we reached the spot, we sat facing each other.

"I realize how well our parents are," I said to him. "Charlie's the best friend of Billy, and I'm glad that you've replaced his family during this time that he's been alone. I'm so glad I came, because now I won't let him feel alone any more, without his family close."

"That's good for Charlie," he replied. "But we've never left him alone, he and Billy can go for weeks fishing, as well, or gather to watch games in your house or mine. We even went on holiday to the house that my mother left me at the beach. But I always wanted you to be present also at the time, and now finally those wishes are fulfilled."

I told him I always wanted to return, but it was hard to leave my mother alone. I had to learn to be self-sufficient—cook, care for my mother. The mother-daughter roles were reversed. But now that my mother had Phil, I would no longer be responsible for her. Jake told me of his life on the reservation, the importance of the tribal council and that one day he would take over as head of the tribe, because of his bloodline.

"Now I see how you were able to send Quil to help Embry to watch out for Angela the other day. Leah never told me the reason they obeyed you, but now I realize… You're the chief."

Jake smiled at my statement, but he said that was one reason and that there were others. Then he suddenly said, "The guys are coming, we'll be a while with them, but then I want to enjoy some time alone with you."

I was surprised that he would know the guys were coming because I could neither see nor hear them. While I was thinking about that, all the guys showed up, the girls with them. Jake joined the boys in playing ball, while I sat and talked with the girls. At least they talked and I tried to listen, but it was hard to concentrate on the conversation, especially with Jake playing shirtless.

Leah smiled at me. "You'll get used to seeing him like that, I assure you."

Jake caught me watching him, and grinned. I turned, with my back to the boys. "This way I can concentrate better."

Angela said smiling: "I guess you're used to it, but not me. It's amazing, but these guys don't seem young—more like men. How are they fed, by God?, Their muscle growth is amazing, and a feast for the eyes."

I didn't say anything. I just glanced at Jake and looked down, not wanting him to see the surprise on my face. Even so, I suspected that if he didn't realize it, everyone else would, especially because the flush was installed on my face and I couldn't help it. I preferred to sit in another position, with my back to the beach.

"I think I'm finding it hard to concentrate on something else other than him, but at least this way I feel better, that he didn't notice..."

I looked at the girls and wiped my mouth as if I was drooling and had to clean my face. The girls roared heartily at my reaction. Kim said, laughing, "Don't worry Bella, we all went through it at first, but now we're accustomed to it."

Angela said smiling, "You can't deny that it's easy to hyperventilate over them and, well... for myself, over one in particular." Then Claire said to her, "May I ask to which of them?"

I was trying desperately not to turn around and look at Jake, but I couldn't help it, and occasionally turned around to see him playing with his friends. I felt it was apparent that Jake was making an effort not to peer at me, not embarrassing me, at times when I stared at him. But it was obvious that he wasn't willing to stop looking at me either, because sometimes I gazed at him and he stood looking back at me. The blush on my face was unforgettable.

"Will you go shopping with me next week?". Leah asked. "I've wanted to talk with you."

I nodded in reply, then asked, "May I ask what it's about?"

"Not now," she answered. "But it has to do with girl stuff, that only you and I understand and share."

We talked for a while longer and the boys continued to play, until some of girls brought out some food. It seemed that Quileute women are always prepared, knowing very well the voracious appetites of these boys. Jake sat next to me as we ate, and when we were done, he told everyone we would see them later. He wanted to spend some more time alone with me.

We went to those places where we used to play when we were children. He told me he often went to those places alone and was happy to go there with me again. I was amazed at all Jake did when he was alone and how he remembered the games we used to play, even though I was far from these places. It was incredible that he had such vivid memories and images of the things we did during our childhood years, but he was fortunate to be in those places all the time.

Although we were enjoying our walk, it was getting later, so we went back to the house. Jake hugged me and I asked him something I was very curious about.

"I've noticed that your body temperature is higher than normal, even when you take my hand. Why is that?"

"It's a Quileute thing that you will soon learn about. Let's go home, precious, our parents must have returned."

We reached the house, and my dad was already there. He waved to me, but it was getting late, and he knew that the reservation was preparing some kind of meeting to which I was invited. He said goodbye to everyone, gave me a kiss and a hug, then left. After Billy had something to eat, all three of us went down to the bonfire. I had already met all the boys and members of the tribal council; Old Quil and Sue were there too. They greeted us very warmly, which made me feel welcome among that group of people. I had only met them recently, but they gave me a great reception. Though I couldn't understand the reason for the warmth, I was grateful to these people because I felt very comfortable, as if I was at home.

(Jacob's POV)

I sat next to my girl. All the boys sat around the bonfire, with their imprints at their sides. I was happy that after so much time I could finally be here with my mate; so often I wanted her here, because I felt in my heart that this girl would be my Bells. I always dreamed that Bella would be my imprint and my wolf agreed with me. Now I had her sitting next to me, my arm around her waist. We sat near my father and members of the tribal council.

My dad started talking about the legends and stories of our people. My eyes must have reflected everything I felt for her, because her skin sometimes blushed when she caught me watching her and would bow her head. She tried by all means to keep her eyes away from me for as long as possible, but that was not what I wanted. I wanted her to look at me and to understand through my eyes, all I was feeling at that moment, just waiting for her to accept me in her life after she learned all my secrets. I told her that this was the first time Seth was going to hear the stories of our people—the stories we've always considered legends—chronicles of how we became who we are.

While my dad spoke, she listened attentively. His voice was deep and strong as he spoke, telling the story of the warrior spirits. "The Quileutes have been few since the beginning. We have not disappeared despite the smallness of our number because magic has always run through our veins. But it was not always the magic of transformation, it came to pass later, but at first was that of the Spirit Warriors." Billy talked about the first Spirit Leader; he used the magic to defend our land in that trance. My dad continued.

"The other neighboring tribes, the tribes of Hoh and Makah, signed a peace treaty with the Quileute, because they did not know how to defend them from our magic. We lived in peace with them. When an enemy attacked us, the spirit warriors would destroy them. Many generations passed until the arrival of the last Spirit Leader, Taha Aki, known for his wisdom and for being a man of peace. The people lived happy, happy and care. But there was an unhappy man… Utlapa."

Bella was concentrating on listening to stories of my people. Now and then, I looked at her, to see her reaction; I realized the trouble she had to listen about Utlapa, and her interest in the Spirit Chief. Billy continued his story:

"The Warriors shared their thoughts when they were spirits, so that Taha Aki had knowledge of Utlapa's ambition. He became angry with him, banished him and ordered him not to change to spirit form again."

My dad spoke of the betrayal of Utlapa, who had usurped the body of Taha Aki, and the suffering of Taha Aki. My Bella seemed to sympathize with the suffering of our Spirit Leader. Billy continued talking about the tragedy that Taha Aki was living as a spirit because he couldn't take his body up, since it had been usurped by Utlapa. My father told us how a wolf came to the Spirit Leader. The great wolf followed the spirit of the Leader through the Woods, while writhing in pain. The wolf was a very large and beautiful animal among his kind, even the chief was jealous of the wolf; at least he had a body and a life.

"And then, Taha Aki had the idea that made us all change. Taha Aki begged to the great wolf to make a place for him in his body, to share it with him… and it was granted. Taha Aki entered the creature's body with relief and gratitude. It was not his body, but it was better than the disembodiment of the spirit world. The man and the wolf returned to the town forming a single being." My father continued telling us what Taha Aki had to do in his wolf form to expose Utlapa, and how he had succeeded in his mission, after a great effort for them to understand what the wolf was trying to show them, the Quileute warriors.

Billy continued telling us how the Spirit Leader and the wolf were a single being. "Yut, the most trusted warrior of Taha Aki, achieved understanding of what the wolf tried to show, but he was discovered by Utlapa, and was killed by him. At that time a great event befell: Taha Aki's anger was that of a man, who professed love for his people, and hatred for their oppressors. These were too human emotions, too big for the animal's body, so Taha Aki shook and became a man in front of the eyes of the astonished warriors. Utlapa tried to flee, but the new Taha Aki had the strength of a wolf, so he captured and destroyed him. Taha Aki was more than a wolf or a man. They called Taha Aki the Great Wolf or Taha Aki the Spirit Man. He led the tribe for many, many years because he did not age. When danger threatened, he returned to take his wolf form to fight or frighten the enemy, and so the tribe lived in peace. Taha Aki had a prolific offspring and many of their children, upon reaching the age of becoming men, also became wolves. All the wolves were different, because they were spirit wolves and reflected the man who resided inside. Over the years, the tribe found that werewolves could be elderly as anyone if they left their spirit wolves. Taha Aki lived the same life span as three men. He married a third time, and in her found the true partner of his spirit, but also loved the other two. He experienced stronger feelings, for his third wife, so he decided to abandon his wolf spirit to die with her. And that's how the magic came to us, but this is not the end of the story..."

I knew that this part of the history, that now began to be told, was that reflected the reality of the facts that had been repeating since the time of Taha Aki. Billy looked at Old Quil and he started the other part of the story: "That was the story of the warrior spirits, and this is a story that reflects the reality of today: Many years after Taha Aki left his spirit wolf, problems erupted in the north of the Makah tribe because of the disappearance of several young women of that tribe. Taha Aki entrusted his son Wolf Taha Wi, the task of discovering the real culprit. Taha Wi launched a search in the mountains with five wolves of his pack, in search of any evidence of disappearances. They found something entirely new—a strange sweet smell in the forest that burned their nose to the point of hurting them."

I could not help but cringe to hear about the smell, and clasped my arms around Bella's waist, pulling her closer to me. She looked puzzled, and Old Quil gave me a smile of approval for giving comfort to my girl.

Old Quil continued: "Taha Wi and his men found traces of human blood and torn clothes, but found no bodies. Then Taha Wi sent half the pack back to the tribe to meet with Taha Aki to report what had been discovered, as he and his two brothers continued the search. Taha Wi and his brothers never returned... Taha Aki mourned for his children. Taha Aki's son and his third wife went hunting for the creature that killed his brothers. With him came the pack, but only one returned, Yaha Uta, son of Taha Aki; he brought something they hade never seen before, a strange cold and mangled body. Yaha Uta said he had met a creature like a man, but cold and hard as granite, with glowing red eyes, which was sucking blood from the body of a girl from the Makah tribe. This creature was very strong and fast and killed one by one, the wolves of the pack, which underestimated the strength of that creature. But Yaha Uta was able to bury his teeth in the throat of the creature and dismember it, but that did not stop the creature from killing the whole pack of wolves. That creature was called The Cold One, Blood Drinker, and the tribe lived with the fear that the Cold One was not alone, because the tribe only had one wolf protector, young Yaha Uta. And their fears were real because then came the mate of the Cold One.

She began to kill all Quileutes that crossed her path; Yaha Uta transformed into a wolf when he heard the news and went alone to destroy the blood drinker. Taha Aki, his third wife, their children and the elderly followed him. It was a struggle even. The Cold One was not a warrior as her mate, but Yaha Uta was alone and nobody could distract her from her anger. When Yaha Uta was defeated, Taha Aki screamed defiantly. He ran toward his son and turned into an elderly wolf, white-nosed. He was old, but it was Taha Aki the Spirit Man and anger made him strong. The fight began again. The old Taha Aki could not beat the woman, she going to kill him. Seeing this, the third wife took a knife from the belt of one of the children who were at her side. She did not have any magic as her husband and children, but had something very precious: Courage. The third wife did the unexpected; she stopped in front of the blood drinker and stuck the knife into her own heart. Blood flowed in torrents and distracted the creature, and then Taha Aki buried his teeth into its neck, killed and destroyed the body".

Every time, I clung closer to Bella's waist and tried to cling to her as if it was the last time I felt her warm little body next to me.

Old Quil continued: "Time passed and the descendants of Taha Aki did not return to become wolves when they reached manhood. Wolves returned only at sporadic moments, when a cold one appeared nearby. They came one by one or in pairs and the pack remained small. Then came a great coven and our own grandparents were prepared to fight them. However, the leader spoke to Ephraim Black as if he was a man and promised not to harm the Quileute and other people. His strange yellow eyes were proof that they were different from other blood drinkers. They outnumbered the wolves, so there was no need to offer a treaty, when they could have won the fight. Ephraim accepted, and the coven remained faithful to the treaty, although their presence served to attract others to the area".

"The return of that coven, forced more young men to phase and the pack became the largest that the tribe had ever seen; so, the children of the tribe, again, carry the responsibility and share the sacrifice that their parents endured before them. That's why a few days ago, to wolves were joined by another, and now there are seven wolves in the pack of our tribe."

I was quiet, and felt as Bella's heart began beating a mile a minute. I looked at her but she was looking down and shaking in my arms.

(Bella's POV)

I listened carefully to everything that Billy and Old Quil said, telling the legend of the Quileute people; this really was a magical moment. It was as if the magic of his stories were latent at that time around the bonfire, looking around me all the descendants of Taha Aki. It was unbelievable, as if all those guys carry in their blood, the blood of the wolf and the strength of the warriors of old. They were all so big and strong, especially Jake, who protected me with his arms around my waist, I felt so comfortable and warm, and his eyes seemed to reach my soul. Occasionally I felt his arms tense around me, as if I was about to leave his side. I don't know why I was getting anxious.

When Billy finished and Old Quil began to tell the story of the cold ones, listening to the horror that these creatures were, really scared me. Hearing about wolves, was magical, but hearing about the cold ones, I panicked. Old Quil started talking about Ephraim Black, leader of the Quileutes, and I realized that was the ancestor of Jake; I looked at him and smiled, but Jake looked very worried. Old Quil then started talking about the children of the tribe who are now charged with the responsibility and the sacrifices of their parents, and recently one had joined them the youngest of the pack, and now made them seven. In that moment I froze, my heart pounded in my chest, I began to tremble and felt Jake's penetrating gaze on me. I looked up and around me, and saw that the guys stared at me as if they knew what I was thinking or feeling. I stood abruptly and walked away a few steps from Jake. I looked him straight in the eye and said: "Show me."

He looked at me with anguish in his face that pierced my soul. "Jake… listen, don't panic". I said as softly as I could. "But I need to know... please... Show me."

"Bella, please don't be scared... my love... please don't run from me," he pleaded.

"I won't—I swear, Jake. I will not run... I want you to show me what you want me to know about you."

He took off his shirt, showing his desirable muscles and I could not help blushing, but it was too soon; the anxiety at that time, went beyond any feeling or thought.

Then he took off his shoes and said, "Honey, don't be scared by what you see. I'm just me, I always..."

He stepped away from the bonfire, his back to me, then suddenly turned towards me, looking straight into my eyes. He jumped towards me; pieces of material flew from his body. And there, standing before me, was a huge beautiful russet wolf, looking at me with eyes full of longing and suffering.

My eyes filled with tears; I couldn't move. I just stood there looking at him in shock and just managed to choke out the words:

"Oh my God... Jake?"