A/N: Thank you my lovely loyal reviewers luv yah. To those who have put on alerts and fav I am honored you picked my story. I have my own page where I have my favorites and squealed like a fan boy when one of my favorite authors favored this story. So I want to blow them a kiss.

I want to thank for her little bit of help on this chapter. I have loved my journey with these guys and they have been fun to work with.

Back to school on Monday for me after a few weeks off. I will post my new story "Screwed" as well.

This is a m/m story please remember that I know nothing about the modeling or world of photography. Also I am a high school student and I am not going to get everything right. Hell English is my worse subject! Go figure :P

Chapter 23

After the new year holidays, Leah found a job for Jacob. Edward would be the photographer having accepted Jacob's instance that he go back to work. He was going to see the shrink by the name of Maggie. At first, the young native was reluctant to talk about the events leading up to the shooting and the effects it was having on him afterwards. He still couldn't be alone on the streets but, felt comfortable going out with anyone, just not Edward.

That wasn't the only thing that had changed either. Jacob became more assertive in the relationship not allowing his lover to tell him what to do. Everyday, Embry saw the old Jacob coming back, the one that carried himself like the chief he was. Paul came home from Australia a week earlier than he intended to, and no one had heard hide nor hair from either man.

Emmett was also going to be on the shoot as well and since Edward had to take care of his own equipment he offered to drive Jacob to the shoot a few hours later. Edward would need to get himself an assistant soon. Emmett already got an ad in the newspaper and also online. Whoever got the chance to work with the famous Edward Cullen had to be sharp. He would not accept a rookie anymore.

"Good morning Jacob," Carlisle said as the lift opened and the young model walked out.

"Morning Carlisle," he leaned against the counter as he waited for Emmett to come collect him. "How is Nessie?" he asked. Even though they hadn't worked out, it didn't mean that Jacob and she couldn't be friends.

"She is well," he smiled. "How are you feeling?" he held nothing against Jacob and unlike his wife, didn't blame him at all for what happened the night of the dance. After all, his daughter took after her mother. She went out and fought for what she wanted. "I will miss this you know," he sighed as one of the other tenants came down wishing Carlisle a good day and a curt nod to the young native.

"When do you start back, doc?" he asked. Carlisle had decided that he was ready to practice medicine again. He had been studying to get his license back. "Who am I going to get to feed me some decent food when Liz goes home?" he chuckled.

"Can't get rid of us that easily," Carlisle chuckled. "End of the month," he smiled as he saw Emmett pull up to the front. Going around the front of the counter he took Jacob's arm and led him through the door pausing to check for the sake of Jacob that everything was clear first. Opening the car door for him, he tilted his hat and bid both men a great day. Once he had waved them off he sighed. The young model still had a long way to go but knew he would make it. With the strong circle of friends he had and the help of Maggie, the shrink he had recommended to Edward, he would be fine.

The photo shoot was for an up and coming designer who pulled out all their favors to get top models and the best photographer he could afford. He would be at the shoot of course, making sure things went how he wanted them to. Although he would leave the actual shoot to Edward but, his clothes needed to be right. The shoot was going to be held in an abandoned car park. There were a total of seven models both male and female. Edward smiled when he saw his lover come in. Letting go of Emmett's arm, he raced to his lover and allowed Edward to pull him into a big hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek. Edward was so proud of his lover wanting to get back into working.

"I missed you," Jacob sighed pressing closer to his lover.

"You okay though?" Edward asked as tears welled up in his young lover's eyes.

"I just missed you," his lover gave a small smile. "I better go," he kissed his lover and went to join the other models getting their makeup and clothes done. Emmett introduced Jacob to the other models and Jacob gave his beautiful smile.

"He's going to be fine you know?" Leah said walking up behind the photographer handing him a cup of coffee. "How's it really going?" she asked her eyes going to Jacob.

"He's getting there slowly. Thanks for doing this Leah. I think you were right throwing him into the deep end," he smiled at the woman. He could see why Emmett loved the woman now that he stood so close and had a real good look at her. He stood back and frowned. He couldn't help but see a strong resemblance between her and Harry Clearwater. He swallowed hard. "Leah would you mind standing on set? I just need to check the lighting," he smiled taking her cup from her and placing it on the table.

"Edward, you have all these beautiful models at your disposal," she giggled as he pulled her to where he wanted her to stand. She struck a pose making Edward chuckle as he quickly got behind the camera. "Looking good there, Leah. Turn to the right," he said grabbing his camera. Her eyes were the soft warm brown as those of his own lover. It was almost like looking into his. He knew without a doubt that Leah was related to Harry Clearwater. If they were not related by blood he would...

"Should I be jealous?" Jacob whispered into his lover's ear.

"Go stand beside Leah for me, Jake," he ordered not taking his eye from the camera. Shrugging, Jacob went to his agent and wrapped his arm around her. "Nice, now put your cheeks close together. That's it, perfect," he said smiling to himself. Once happy he had enough photos, he thanked them both. Jacob excused himself having to now get his makeup touched up. Leah went to see if her client was happy leaving Edward to go through the photos.

"You see it too, huh?" Emmett whispered behind him.

"See what?" Edward asked. He wanted to know what Emmett saw.

"Leah and Jacob looking so alike. Its in the eyes. The moment I saw the kid I thought of my Lee Lee," he smiled.

"Have you ever seen a photo of Seth's father?" of course if he hadn't seen it then neither would Emmett. He shook his head.

"I believe that Jacob and Leah are cousins," Edward admitted.

"What so, Leah and Seth don't have a connection?" he asked confused.

"I believe they are half-brother and sister," Edward said.

Emmett whistled. "Why do they not know this? Why would anyone want to keep family apart?" he asked.

"Maybe he cheated on his wife. But I doubt that. They seemed truly happy. Leah has a few years on Seth so, maybe Harry has a daughter he knows nothing about," The conversation came to an abrupt halt when Leah clapped her hands to get the shoot underway. Giving Edward a wink, Emmett went to listen to instructions from the designer.

"I'm so fucking tired," Jacob moaned as they finally pulled into the underground car park later that evening. Jacob was given a ride to Leah's apartment which was only a few blocks away and was told to rest before the next shoot he would be in. Leah had some calls to make so was happy to stay with him in case he needed anything but, he had slept like a baby. He was suppose to see Maggie that evening but, he called to cancel knowing he needed to sleep.

"It was a long day ba, Jake," Edward patted his lover's hand.

"Eddy, you can call me baby. I don't mind," Jacob said yawning leaning on his lover as they made their way to the elevator.

However, the moment Edward unlocked the door his lover's energy came back as the sound of Seth's laughter echoed through the apartment. He tore his jacket off and went to find his cousin sitting in the kitchen chatting with Elizabeth. Edward couldn't help but laugh as both men hugged each other the young model even managing to lift his cousins feet off the floor. "Jake, put him down," the photographer said after greeting Jasper. "We weren't expecting you so early,"

"We were desperate to get home. We have sent tickets to Harry and Sue so they could come to New York," Jasper explained. "We arrived home late last night," he admitted.

"I was just saying we should have our Christmas dinner when Sue and Harry come," Elizabeth said smiling as she watched the two cousins talking over each other telling each other their news.

"Perhaps we should have Embry and Paul as well as Leah and Emmett over. Make it a real gathering," Edward suggested.

"Elizabeth, it really isn't necessary. I could get caters in," Jasper said. However, Edward's mother wouldn't hear of it. However, it was agreed it would be held at Jasper and Seth's place allowing for the extra guests.

They had a quiet dinner before the young model pleaded tiredness and left the others talking. He had no more jobs for the rest of the week however, Edward again had a full schedule but promised his mother he wouldn't be away for long periods and when he could he would take Jacob.

"I'm going to be fine, Eddy. I promise," Jacob said as they washed each other after their farewell love-making session. It was Edward who was fretting about his young lover being on his own.

"Paul and Embry are staying so you will be safe and of course," Jacob kissed his lover interrupting him. .

"Eddy, I will be fine," he said running his hand through the photographer's hair kissing his eyelids gently. His lover smiled softly. He knew in his head he would be fine, it was his heart that didn't want to leave him.

"I know, baby. I just worry," he admitted. "But you have my number and I will have..." Jacob just laughed and stepped out of the shower grabbing a towel and holding it up for his lover.

Even though he promised he would be fine, he was miserable without Edward near. He never felt completely safe even with Embry and Paul in the apartment. He knew he was being stupid. Jared was safely locked up awaiting trial and his father six feet under. It was Elizabeth that decided to take matters into her own hands and made Jacob get back into his forgotten school work. It was there where Edward found his lover sleeping over his school work. The hour late. He himself had been held up on the shoot due to a model who threw one of her renowned tantrums. Frowning, he went and shook his lover awake and helped him to bed. Jacob had been so tired he hadn't remembered his lover's return. Only when he woke in his lover's arms did he know he was back having the best sleep in a week.

Edward had of course returned with gifts for his young lover who thanked him with a spectacular blowjob and promises of more that evening. That day, Jacob had a shoot and would leave his lover at home. This time he was with Paul while Edward was off to be in the final interviewing of potential assistants. Seth was quickly making a name for himself and he and Brady were away on a shoot until the following day. The same day his parents arrived in New York.

"Jesus Jasper, where the hell did you find this lot?" Edward moaned as the last of the interviewees left. Not one of them were suitable for the job and Edward regretted letting Seth slip from his fingers.

"There just isn't anyone wanting to be an assistant, they want to come and walk straight into a top paying job. Just like someone else I know," he sighed. It wasn't the lack of trying that Jasper hadn't found him a suitable candidate. The men called it a day and headed to the restaurant just down the road. "What do you want to do about an assistant?"

Edward picked up his wine and took a sip with a smirk on his face. "Go find someone in La-Push," he chuckled as he put his glass down running his hand through his hair. He had no idea what to do. He had a huge job coming up and he knew he couldn't do it without an assistant.

"Funny you should say that," Jasper said. Edward raised his eyebrow. "Not really but, I seriously did ask Seth," he chuckled. "I will re-advertise tomorrow. Maybe Seth could loan you Brady? He is going to be showing his parents the sights of New York," Jasper shrugged, at least solving the problem of his next big shoot. Seth had nothing but praise for the young man and Edward knew he liked the guy.

They had a pleasant afternoon with Edward leaving late to go pick up Jacob from the shoot. When he got to the shoot no one was around. He called Jacob's phone getting no response. Worried, he called Paul and it went straight to voicemail. "Fuck," he slammed his hand on the steering wheel. He decided to drive straight to the apartment and see if he was there after again receiving no call from the home line. He felt sick and hoped like hell Paul hadn't left his lover alone to find his way home.

"Mr Cullen," Leroy said stepping from behind his desk. "I have a message for you from Master Jacob," he handed him an envelope. Thanking Leroy, Edward ripped open the envelope and chuckled. He turned and headed out the door back into his car.

"Bout time you showed, asshole," Paul said as he walked from the ally. he handed Edward a pair of bowling shoes. "These two are ganging up on me," he said as Jacob and Embry came back from the bar with beers for themselves and juice for Paul. "You better be able to play," he grumbled.

"Bet you ten bucks he can't," Embry chuckled. Paul refused to take the bet agreeing with his lover. Jacob however, was keen and threw the money at Paul and told him to hold onto it.

"Let the games begin," Edward said rolling up his sleeves and going to find the right ball.

Embry groaned. "I feel I'm missing something here."

"What gave it away?" Paul hugged his pouting lover to him. "Could it be the perfect score?"

"Nooooooooooooooo," Embry slapped his lover's arm. "Who the fuck gets a perfect score?"

"Maybe I should've told you I was USA's high school champion," Edward winked at him.

"Aye what? You're shitting me right?" Jacob and Edward shook their heads as Paul handed over Embry's money laughing. "Well I'm broke now and I'm starving," he pouted.

"Come on, let's go order a pizza," Jacob said taking his shoes off giving his lover a perfect view of his ass. "Winner shouts," he turned and poked his tongue out at Edward. They ended up eating at a pizzeria. Where the sound of laughter came from the table. Paul and Jacob had become closer much to Edward's surprise. They would tease each other but, it was kept light. Embry loved how Jacob had accepted Paul as his friend because he had become quite attached to Paul and hoped they would soon move in together. If he wasn't at Paul's house, Paul was at his and Brady's. Embry loved working for Leah and decided to stay from in front of the camera liking the business side of it very much.

"Looking forward to more of your mom's cooking," Paul said as they finished their dessert. Everyone agreed that it would be a fun evening Jacob wanting to see his auntie and uncle again. Harry had kept in touch and things were strained between the elders. Most still didn't like Jacob holding so much power. However, it also meant that Elizabeth would be leaving meaning he would be spending many lonely nights alone.

"Jake, come on, let's go," Edward said his young lover looking tired. Nodding, Jacob stood and promised to see them tomorrow at the big dinner. When they got home, there were applications for colleges that Elizabeth had sent away for. "Why do you need these?"

"Because I want to go to college and follow my dream, Ed. Remember, I want to be chemical engineer," Jacob said picking up the one he was most interested in. Edward took it from his hand and put it on the table. 'Ed,"

"Let's go to bed baby," Edward leaned forward and kissed his lover. Jacob pulled Edward forward and kissed him deeply. In less than a week he was going to turn eighteen and he knew exactly what he wanted. Better yet, it didn't include money but something more valuable to Edward. Jacob only hoped that Edward was willing to give him such a gift.

"Elizabeth, this is incredible," Jasper said walking into the kitchen with the staff he had hired to serve. He didn't want Elizabeth stuck in the kitchen when the guest arrived. She had been there since dawn preparing for the big event. She had some help from Sue but, she insisted that she go and spend time with her son. She could see where Seth got his kind heart from. She didn't judge Sue for having to let her son leave home because of the elders. She quickly explained the dinner and how she wished it to be served and which wine went with which course. In the end, it was Jacob who came and made her go upstairs to get ready for the other guests to arrive. He and Harry had been locked in Jasper's office going over tribal matters. Seth took his family for a walk in the park giving Harry and Jacob a much needed break.

Finding his lover in the lounge, Jacob curled up against him while he watched a game on television. The first guests would be arriving soon however, Jacob had spreadsheets in his hands and was scanning those, his focus not on the game or his lover at all. "I need to go to La-Push," he sighed placing the sheets on the table.

"Well when I have a few days off, we could go then," Edward said pulling his lover back into his arms and kissing his head.

Jacob pulled out of his arms and faced his lover. "Edward, its not for pleasure, I will be working. I have a responsibility to the tribe. My father has incurred debts that we will never be able to repay. I will be going alone and I don't know how long I will be," he admitted. The doorbell rang leaving Edward no chance to get to ask questions but, he had many and couldn't understand why Jacob felt the need to go back to La-Push.

In his socked feet, Jacob jumped up and raced to the door sliding to a halt as he gently hit the door with his body. Sue and Harry brought presents for everyone and Jacob was excited that again he would experience gift giving. They all decided to each buy one person a gift. He had been given Paul and had spent days trying to figure out what to get him. He had to be mindful that the gift would be opened in front of not only his friends but, his family and Elizabeth. No one knew who had bought for who though and that would be part of the fun, guessing who had given the gift.

"Hey," he said opening the door wide to allow Embry and Paul in. Paul was carrying wine while Embry was carrying gifts for under the tree. Each gift was in the same size box and only a special symbol was placed on them which only Elizabeth knew for whom the gift was for so there could be no cheating. Taking the guests coats, he placed the on the rack before leading them into the lounge. A waiter came out to take their drink orders and taking the wine from Paul.

"Sorry we're early, Brady said he will come over later. He had some things to deal with," Embry said as they walked into the lounge. Elizabeth came down in her best dress and was gushed over by the men.

Getting comfortable, Jacob picked up the spreadsheets and excused himself. Jacob closed the door and placed the spreadsheets in the briefcase along with the other documents that Harry brought with him. Taking a seat behind the desk he let out a deep breath while running his hands down his face. About to close the case he saw an old book in the top sleeve. Taking it out, he saw it was in Quileute and carefully opened it. In faded handwriting he began to read the book. It was hard at first to remember the old written language but, it was coming back.

It was a book of their old legends, ones he hadn't heard since he was a mere child when his mother told him how their people had descended from wolves and they too could become what was known as shape-shifters who protected the people from the cold ones. As a child, he and Seth as well as Embry would go into the forest and pretend they were wolves protecting their lands from the cold ones. He would always be the alpha wolf of course being the next in line to chief. No one argued with Jacob about it. Seth would be his beta and Embry always number three. They would run for hours even making a treaty line. Jacob let out a quiet chuckle at the times he and the others had. Of course, all that came to a halt when Sarah had died. The once perfect loving family he had was torn apart never to be again. It wasn't until he saw the page with a smudge mark on it did he realized he was crying. Carefully drying the spot where his tear landed, Jacob closed the book and placed it back in the case. He would read it when he had time. There was a quiet knock on the door and Sue walked in. Taking one look at her nephew, she raced behind the desk and took him in her arms to let him cry.

"I miss mom," he sobbed. Sue's heart bled for her nephew. She too missed Sarah deeply. If she hadn't of died so tragically none of this would have happened. She was what kept Billy happy knowing when he was down. They only had one fight and it nearly caused them to divorce. It had destroyed many families and in a way, she wished it had destroyed hers. She would never forgive the tribe elders for what they had made her and so many other young men and women had to give up. But being brought up to believe the elders knew best, she and Harry did the unimaginable. The doorbell interrupted them and Jacob pulled back wiping his tears giving a sad smile.

"Thanks Sue," he said. "Come on, that must be Leah and Emmett. You're going to love them," he closed the briefcase and took his aunt's hand.