Disclaimer: All the Twilight stuff belongs to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing in her sandbox.

Chapter 51 Jacob

Carlisle POV

We watched as they pulled away and expelled a breath in spite of the fact that we didn't need to breath. Phil and Renee were gone, headed back to Florida and Charlie was gone for the day. We had all used the rest room and rid ourselves of the nasty distracting food in our stomachs, we needed to be able to think clearly.

So very much had happened this day. Edward swore that he could not only read little Masen's mind, but that Masen had communicated with him . . . that Masen had actually put thoughts into Edward's head. Fascinating. Edward wasn't one for exaggerating things like that. More amazing things had happened in my family in the last six months that Bella had been with us than in many decades preceding it . . . vampires sleeping, drinking blood from humans and not killing them, mating with humans and producing what seemed to be intelligent, hopefully viable offspring, nomad vampires stalking our family, Rosalie showing care and compassion for someone else and werewolves for friends. The changes in our household were endless, what with accommodating humans and even potential werewolves visiting us close up in our homes.

My family and Jacob gathered around the bikes.

"Absolutely no trace of her", Jasper reported, "I don't know what she did, but we never even got a glimpse of the car again. It's like she disappeared into thin air, therre was no scent at all to follow." Edward stood there, tensed as though to spring at the next thing that moved as Bella stroked the arm that was protectively curling in front of her and holding her to him. She was the only one that had any chance of calming him now.

"We need to go back to where we turned and go down each and every street on the way back up the mountain and find where she ditched the car. Maybe we can get a lead on whatever type of car she steals this time", Emmett suggested.

"Yes, good idea. She had to get out of the car somewhere", I agreed with them, everyone nodding their approval. I was trying to stay positive. Once she was out of the car, we would all be able to pick up her scent.

My attention turned to Alice as I saw her gaze haze over . . . a sure sign she was having a vision. "No, she drove out of town. Another resort community where people are only here a couple of times a year, cars in the garage and no one noticing if they are gone or not for months. Blue. The car she has this time is also an SUV, and it's blue. I don't know the make", she told us.

"Suburban. It's a blue suburban, late model", I said, seeing it in her mind as she thought of her vision, "Jasper, can you locate registration for blue suburbans within a hundred miles of here?"

"Soon as we get home to my computer, no problem", Jasper agreed.

"Good, then we can check out the houses they are registered to and see if she is hold up there", Edward said, seeming somewhat comforted by there at least being a path to follow..

"Sounds like a plan, my brother", Emmett agreed, "I call searching for the houses!"

"Emmett! We all will be doing that, we have to put a stop to this before the redhead gets what she wants", Rose added. I was happy to see that even Rosalie had become somewhat protective of Bella, especially now that she was pregnant.

Esme just held to me, her arm around my waist as i felt her tremble slightly. I knew how worried she was about Bella.

"Just a damned minute", Jacob chimed in, "this Victoria has been smart all along. What makes you think she will keep the blue suburban and how the hell do you know about it anyway?"

"Jake, Alice can see the future", Bella told him. Putting her hand on his arm as he stood beside she and Edward, she continued, "She has visions of what people do once they decide on a plan of action. Victoria made a mistake and decided. She could change cars, of course, but for now it would at least give us some clues about her whereabouts and what she is up to."

Jacob looked at her like she had again grown a third head, but he was becoming accustomed to weird and apparently starting to just accept our answers. "Well," Jake said as he slung his leg over his bike and grabbed his helmet, "Let's get this show on the road, get Jasper to his computer to get us some leads and track the bitch down before the human returns and you guys have to watch how fast you move and what's said."

All eyes turned to Jake.

"What?", he said as he stared back at them, fastening his helmet, "You guys rub off after awhile. Charlie is the only one in the dark, right?"

God I wished that were true, but I just didn't think Jacob had a grip on his ancestry. He now understood what we were and his friendship continued but I just wasn't convinced that he had any idea at all what he could phase into at any time now . . . and we had little idea how to help him. Knowledge of our mortal enemies was scarce and guarded from us to say the least, though I had no feelings of hatred towards them it was not mutual. I could only hope that Sue, being on the council now, would have information that she could share with him that would help him to understand his heritage and what was, almost certainly, about to occur.

~oooOooo~

Jacob POV

Damn stupid vampires. How hard could it be to find one red head and her side kick? I hadn't thought about it too much till recently. I knew that the bitch was trying to stalk Bella and there was a possibility that she was involved with tampering with the bike that Bella crashed on, but now this vampire thing. She and her sidekick were apparently vampires that did kill humans to feed from them. That was messed up.

Disgusting.

No wonder they were mortal enemies with my tribe, at least in the legends. If I had known . . . had any idea that the legends could possibly be true and that Victoria was one of the cold ones, I would have been much more intent on finding her and taking her out. I just had no idea.

Jasper had gone with Alice and Rosalie with Emmett, taking a side rode or two on the way home, but they would be here soon. They rode much faster than Edward was willing to ride with Bella on the back. Apparently crashing would not harm them, but Bella was another story and they were all fiercely protective of her. I was glad to see it, given what they were and all. Wouldn't want to have vampires as enemies, though I supposedly did just by my very nature.

I plopped my helmet down on the seat and headed towards the house. I had laid back a bit on the way home, looking for clues as well. Bella walked out from the steps of the house to meet me, Carlisle, Esme and Edward already deep in discussions in the living room.

"You okay, Jake?", she asked as though she was really concerned. I don't know, I must have looked like shit or something for her to be staring at me like she was.

"I'm good", I told her, "I just for the life of me don't understand how you let yourself get involved with . . ."

I gestured around me and towards the house, tipping my head to one side. She knew what I was trying to say as I raised my eyebrows and frowned.

". . . with vampires", Bella said.

"Yea", Jake said. "Vampires and werewolves. What the hell were you thinking, Chica?", he asked as he hugged me, "You knew I was a member of the tribe and you left town with me. You knew the vampire part of the story was true, so you must have assumed that I was or would become a werewolf and you left with me anyway?"

She laughed. Sort of snorted, really as a look flashed across her face, then to me. "I knew there was a chance you would become one, but we're friends, Jake. I didn't care. I love Edward and I didn't care that he was a vampire. It's not like either of you chose to be those things. Edward was dying of Spanish Influenza and Carlisle changed him to save him, he would have died otherwise. You were born into the tribe, you have the gene or you don't, but it isn't something you asked for . . . it isn't a club you joined willingly. You didn't ask to be next in line to be chief. Both of you are what you are, with no voluntary decision from either of you . . . or even choice. You can choose how you handle it, though, and I'm really proud of both of you", she said as she stood there looking into my eyes. She hugged me tight and held me for a long minute. My resistance was down and my mind was all over the place.

"I miss being with you, you know. I miss waking up in bed with you the most. I know we were only friends, but you had to know that I wanted more. I always wanted more, Bella", I told her as I held the tops of her shoulders, gently rubbing circles on her back with my fingers and looking at her softly.

"Jake, I love Edward. I have always loved him. I love you, too, you know that, just in a different way. Both of you are the most important men in my life, well, add Charlie in there just a little bit. It's crazy that you're both mythical creatures, isn't it", she laughed.

"It's not actually funny", I said as my temper started to boil. "I like Edward and all. I guess you could say he is my best friend, aside from you, but Chica . . . ", I looked down at her belly.

It was getting quite large and sometimes it seemed to move all on it's own. The thought of him being with her, being that close to her. His cold, hard, lifeless body in hers . . . it was just too much. She should have been mine, the baby should have been mine . . . not something inhuman. If the legends were true, he wasn't even alive for God's sake and she had been with him?

". . . how do you even know what this is?", I gestured to her belly, "How do you know it's not a monster of some sort .. . some hideous undead creature that might need to be killed?"

Bella turned a shade of furious I had never even seen from her and I had seen her seriously angry before, usually at me. "How dare you . .", she started, slapping my face.

I was holding on to her, shaking violently. I thought it was just because I was incensed at the idea of him being in her, in my girl, but I thought I had accepted that months ago. It was something more, something was going on that I had no control over.

I felt myself knocked backwards, thrown, really. The force that moved me was unclear, I had seen nothing till I focused on Edward standing protectively in front of Bella. She was on the front porch now, some 15 feet away from where we had been standing and Edward was crouched and growling.

Carlisle and Esme walked slowly towards me, but I backed up. Something wasn't right, something was happening to me. He was saying something, gesturing with his hand like he wanted things to calm down . . . like he wanted me to calm down. Huh. I felt . . . stretched, energized sort of. Everything pulled and hurt all at once and everything tingled. I lost it for a second, lost all memory and I thought I lost consciousness as well as all of a sudden I heard myself growl.

Growl? What the hell?

I looked around the yard to see what the danger was. There had to be danger, all three vampires in front of me were crouched, ready to protect and spring if need be . . . but I saw no danger. I saw . . . paws? PAWS?

The danger apparently was me! I had paws and . . . a tail? Run. All I could think to do was run . . . so I did. I took off into the woods at an amazing speed, rivaling that of Emmett when he was hunting the other day. I ran and ran and continued to run. I had to figure out what had just happened and there must be a way to undo it. My ancestors changed and changed back if the legends were true . . . and apparently they were.

~oooOooo~

Charlie POV

Well, that was nice . . . real nice. I like sitting at a table and having food all on the table in bowls and passing it to each other. Reminds me of how I was raised, family all around the table at supper. Nothing like most kids today, grabbing fast food, running to their rooms to eat and the parents, well they were just as bad. Texting and fooling around with their cell phones at the table, not paying attention to the kids or asking them what went on with their day, with their friends at school. I bet you over half of the parents in Forks couldn't even tell me the names of their kids friends, and Forks was a small town! Small town folks were much more prone to take an interest in the children. That was the problem today, as I saw it. Family just didn't stay close, parents were too busy to be involved in their childrens' lives, moms worked as well as dad's leaving no one at home to keep an eye on just what was going on under their roof.

The Cullen's were different. They kept up with each other, did things together. Carlisle and Esme struck me as the type of parents that could tell you almost each one of their kids friends names and probably where they lived as well. Camping, hiking, now this motorcycle riding. The motorcycles might be looked at as a little wild, but they all were riding together. Always as a family. They put a high value on education, too, doctors and all. Bella had picked a good family, that much I was sure of. The money, well, I can't say as I was comfortable about that. That Edward . . . who ever thought he was such a financial genius, managing the family money as well. Hell the boy invested and managed Carlisle's money and Carlisle must make quite a good living as a surgeon, so that would be lots of funds to invest. There was a lot of trust there, that was for sure. I don't know if I could ever trust a teenager enough to give him access and free rein with my income . . . but Carlisle did and Edward seemed to be up to the task. No lack of trust there, that ws certain.

Yes sir, Bells had chosen a good family. I guess I had been wrong about Edward. He must have had damned good reasons for leaving and he apparently just wanted her to get over him and be happy, move on he told her. Those two. I laughed to myself. There was no way either of them could ever let go of the other, even I could see that. Hell, a fool could see it. They wore their love for each other right out in view, plain for all to see and not the least ashamed or embarrassed by it.

They were just so young. Bella had told me she was a virgin and Carlisle had indicated that Edward was as well when they married. That was apparently rare these days . . . "old school" Bella had called it when I had tried to talk to her about being careful and taking precautions. She had told me not to worry about that because Edward was "old school". Ha. He must be a quick learner. Apparently he took good care of her in the bedroom as well, if her screaming his name on a nightly basis was any indication. It was their house, after all, I had no place saying anything. I never heard anything when they were at my house so that was at least something and he took care of her in every other way as well. Made sure she ate well, rested, had her jacket outside . . . hell he doted on her. I had never had anyone stand up to me the way he had. He didn't ever defend himself, never pushed with that at all but if he even thought someone upset her, even me, he was right there. The boy had stood toe to toe with me and told me he would not tolerate his wife being upset by me in her own home . . . and he was right. I could count on him to protect her, that much was for sure.

Atlanta was only a hundred miles or so from the Cullen cabin in Highlands and it was a pretty drive, traffic free for the most part. This car of Edward's handled real well on the curves in the mountains and I was enjoying driving it. It was full of gas and I would have to remember to fill it up before I returned it to him.

As I neared Atlanta the traffic increased and the little two lane highway merged into a three lane each way monstrosity with exits and entrances going every which way. I got inside the perimeter highway and just kept following the signs to the airport on the other side of town. The buildings towered overhead and there were tunnels in downtown to go around the buildings.

Sue had wanted me to pick her up on the curb outside baggage claim, but I was determined to arrive early enough to park and go inside and wait on her. It was just more polite to my way of thinking, and I always wanted to treat her well so she would know how I felt about her. She had a hard time of it since Harry died and I wanted to make things easier on her, at least that's what I told myself at first.

I liked her. I admit it. I was in love with her now, I just needed to make sure she knew that. She had been having such a difficult time with those kids of hers, I just didn't want to complicate her life. What with Bella being half zombie and then running off with Jacob, well, plenty had been going on for both of us. She seemed to take over a lot more responsibility with the tribe once Billy died as well, but she was always there, fixing me dinners and cleaning up after me. She even watched the ball games with me on the flat screen.

Renee used to do that stuff. I knew I still had feelings for her, that I had never really gotten over her. Guess I was just a one woman kind of guy that way. I had waited for her, waited for her to realize her mistake, to admit that she loved me and come home. I should have been more like Edward. Though he was the one who left, when he realized he made a mistake, like I did by not going after Renee, he moved heaven and hell to set it right. I should have done that. I should have gone to her, convinced her of how much I loved her, offered to move with her. If I just hadn't been so damned stubborn.

Huh. Well, this parking spot is as good as another. Looks like I am walking a half mile no matter what. I locked the car and headed in, realizing it was probably a good thing to park this far out, wouldn't want any door dings or scratches on my son in law's car, he would flip. He kept things nice, especially cars it seemed.

"Sue!", I called to her when I saw her come up the elevator. I wasn't one for public displays but I figured she needed to see it was me and just standing here quietly with my hands in my pockets would never do it.

"Charlie", she said with a smile and ran over to me and put her arms around my neck. I had to hug her back, right there in public, but it was an airport and people hug in airports. I snuck a small kiss on the lips as well before taking her hand and walking into the baggage claim area.

"How was the flight?", I asked her as we walked.

"Well, I never expected first class. Was that your doing, Charlie?", she asked.

"Not me. I can't take credit. I'm a coach kind of guy, but Bella made the reservations I think", I told her.

"That doesn't seem like Bella. You taught the girl to be thrifty with money, Charlie", Sue exclaimed.

"Well, yes I did and she is . . . normally. Sue, it seems that Edward is something of a financial genius and she now has all the money she will ever need. Ever. that son in law of mine is trying to teach her that it's alright to spend money", I laughed.

"That's new. I thought you still didn't like him", Sue stated questioningly.

"Well, let's get your bag and get to the car and I'll tell you about it on the way to their house, okay?"

~oooOooo~

EPOV

"Jake!", Bella screamed as she realized what had happened.

Jacob had phased into his wolf form, his front paws landing just where Bella had been standing and ran off into the forest, just as Alice and Jasper pulled up on their bikes.

"Is it safe to go after him?", I asked Carlisle.

"I don't know, but I think we need to at least track him and tell him that this is what we had been talking about and to hold on, not to get too far away. I'm sure Sue will have information about this when she arrives", Carlisle answered.

"Jasper, will you and Alice stay with Esme to protect Bella?", I asked, hugging my wife.

"Edward, I . . .", Bella started, but I cut her off.

"No. Jacob is not rational right nowand he has to be frightened by what just happened to him. He can't hurt us badly, but he could hurt you and you are not going near him right now", I told her and she didn't argue. It was clear from my tone that the matter was urgent and there would be no discussion. She knew me well.

Carlisle and I rook off after him without another word. His scent was easy to follow and had changed from just a slightly woodsy smell to the obnoxious stench that I remembered werewolves to have. He was moving fast and Carlisle and I both ran full out to try and catch up to him.

We were over two ridges and down into a valley with a stream in it before he had apparently decided to slow down. Stop, in fact. We came upon him sitting by a stream, having apparently just drank as his face and front legs were still wet. Apparently he wasn't very good at drinking as a wolf yet and that was to be expected. Newborn vampires had trouble with everything they did at first.

As we approached, I found that I could still read his mind and it was reeling. All sorts of new things and feelings were coming into play and I could only hope that we would be able to have the friendship that had flourished in the last few weeks to continue. He had no idea what had triggered the change for him and even less of an idea of whether he would ever be able to change back to human form or not.

"Jacob", I called to him. I walked out into a clearing with Carlisle about 20 yards away from where he sat with my palms up, trying to move slowly showing no intent to do anything other than talk with him.

"Jacob, we are only here to talk. It's Edward, your friend, Jacob. We're friends and I am not trying to harm you", I said. His thoughts replied instantly as he cocked his head to one side.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I know who you are . . . I know we're friends. Quit messing around and explain this shit to me", he said as he raised a paw, "What the hell is this? Paws?"

"I told you you had the gene, Jacob", Carlisle stated calmly, "This is what happens. Something triggered the change and you have taken on your wolf form. Sue will be here soon and I'm sure she knows how to tell you to change back. Edward and I have no idea, Jacob. I'm sorry. Wolves don't like us and there is no way they would have ever told us anything about the mechanics of phasing from one form to another."

"Jacob. I can read your thoughts. Yes, you have paws in your wolf form, but you will learn how to change forms back and forth when you want to. It doesn't just happen randomly after you gain control of it", I told him.

"Well great. How about calling Sam. I think he would know better than anyone what all of this is about, I doubt Sue changes into a wolf!", Jacob sneered.

"Okay, Jacob", I said.

"Carlisle, do you have Sam Uley's phone number?", I asked my father.

"Shit Edward, you weren't kidding. you can hear my thoughts, can't you?", Jacob asked.

I looked away from Carlisle and up at Jacob, "Yes, I can hear your thoughts."

I handed Carlisle my phone and he put Sam's number in it and hit dial as Jacob timidly moved closer to us.

"Uley", he answered, probably not recognizing the number as I had never phoned him before.

"Sam, this is Edward Cullen. I need your help", I said calmly.

"Well, you can fuck off and die if you think I would help you, bloodsucker", he answered venomously.

"Sam. It's about Jacob", I said.

"Jacob . . . is he hurt?", Sam asked, instantly concerned.

"No Sam. He phased. He phased just moments ago and Carlisle and I tracked him to make sure he was alright. We have no idea how to help him except to tell him that he will gain control and be able to phase back to his human form", I said as Jacob's mind literally screamed at me.

"Alright alright! Give me a minute?", I almost yelled. Unfortunately, I almost yelled into the phone as well.

"What the hell are you talking about leech?", Sam yelled angrily.

"Not you, Sam. I was talking to Jacob. He keeps yelling and I can't hear you", I explained.

"Cullen, how do you have any idea what the hell he is thinking and how can he be yelling at you? Didn't you say he phased and is in wolf form?", Sam almost snarled as though he thought the entire call was some sort of a trap of some kind.

"Alright, you're on speaker Sam. I can read minds. That's how I know what Jacob is thinking and what he wants to say to you", I told him.

"Right. And I'm Santa. Get off the phone and stop wasting my time, leech", Sam shrieked.

A howl came from Jacob. His mind screamed for Sam to listen to him and I could only hope that Sam spoke wolf. A minute passed, two minutes. Neither of us moved or spoke.

"Jacob. Fine, I'll listen to the bloodsucker", came the voice over the phone.