~A/N Altercation time. This chapter might not be exactly what you all were expecting. Hope to keep you guessing, always. Fitting, this is Ch. 13, it might be Jacob's most unlucky one yet.

Chapter 13: Anything

Jacob winced as he cleaned his cut. It was deep, full of muck and grime. Who they hell knew what might be in there. He was beat down, the worst he'd been since the newborn battle, but there was no Dr. Fang to tend to him this time. He spit out another mouthful of blood in the sink. That was the worst part by far. He finally could see how bad it was. He jammed the molar back in where it dangled from the roots. Raw, exposed nerves meant excruciating pain. He'd prefer broken bones over tooth pain anyday.

"Shit," he cursed again. He rinsed and spit a few more times. The blood slowed. He tapped the injured tooth and it held firm, barely loose at all. Dentist. Top that. Wolf healing worked wonders, but he could've used a bit of Novocain. Once he was cleaned up, almost all the wounds knitted themselves back together quickly.

It had been one helluva night, that was for certain. He would be lucky if he got an hour of sleep. Of course, he was kicked out. He was expecting that. Some of the other things that occurred were a complete shock, of course. Perils that occurred when one went out, looking for trouble. Jacob felt like fighting someone when he'd left home, but he found a major battle, unexpectedly.

He knew now, he was right. She'd been followed. They might not have been on the same plane, but the smell from LA was exactly what he thought it was. He was pretty sure, she'd been followed all these years off and on and it was almost too much for him to even imagine. Bella constantly being stalked and in danger from vamps even in Los Angeles, riled the wolf like nothing else.

Not only did he have a very angry wife to contend with, a demanding job, but he needed to protect Bells and Ace 24/7 and that wasn't possible unless he surrendered something. Moving them in this place was only a start. Unexpectedly, by some miracle, Kaleigh had just about agreed to his proposal. Once he cleaned up the bathroom, he fell back on the couch in the living room that would soon belong to Bella. He closed his eyes and thought back to how quickly his happy wife's attitude changed when she heard what he had to say.

Kaleigh looked worried when he asked her to sit down. Jacob didn't even want to take the time to enjoy the dinner she'd prepared for him.

"Is this about your friend?"

Jacob took her hands in his. He had to start at the beginning. "Remember, my friend, Charlie's daughter?"

"Yes, Bella."

"Well, we've never really talked about that in great detail."

She said she understood, since it must have been so painful to lose someone so young, that was such a good friend. She knew how scarred he already was from losing his mother as a boy and then to suffer another tragedy was almost too much. Kaleigh was being extremely sympathetic and tender which made it that much harder to spit out the rest.

Jacob blew out breath and rolled his shoulders a few times. "Kay, Bells was always a bit more than a friend. I never elaborated."

"Oh, well, I suspected. I guess. I grilled Emily, but she didn't say much other than you were pretty heartbroken she married someone you didn't like. No one forgets their first crush, Jake and yours seemed like an especially sad story. Why does California make you think of her?"

Kaleigh called Bella a crush, she really was in for the shock of her life. "Because, Bella faked her death and lives there or she did because I brought her back here. It's not safe for her to be alone."

"Wh... what's that even mean? Faked her death. Who the hell is this woman and why are you mixed up in it?"

Kaleigh pulled back her hands and held them against her thighs. She was already anticipating more bad news. Jacob tried to paint a picture similar to the one he told Charlie. The Cullens made it so Bella met the wrong people and they were dangerous.

"Okay, that sounds rather police drama-ish, so I trust her police chief father will come for her and put her under some sort of protection. She left all of you and now she just expects everyone to stop what they're doing and help her. I can't believe how much grief you experienced and it was all a lie. Unbelievable. I'm beginning to think this Bella person can't be trusted. How do we know anything she told you is true? Sounds like a whack-job to me."

"She's not."

"So after all these years, she seeks you out and tells you a sob story and that's it, you just believe her? That doesn't sound like you at all. You're way more guarded than that, Jake."

"Kaleigh, I called her to hear her voice... a lot, actually. Her cell never was shut off and she never answered. That is, until last year, she picked up."

Her hand covered her mouth as she shook her head. "All this time we were together, you were still hung up on her? How did I miss that?"

He wanted to say that wasn't the case, but it would be an obvious lie. He'd just admitted he called her to hear her voice.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you."

"So you want to reconnect with her, that's what this is really about. You're breaking up with me," her voice cracked.

"No, of course not." He closed his eyes. "It's just. There's more. I was a wreck after hearing everything that happened once Bella confessed it all to me. I never elaborated on our history, but it was rather intense and my emotions got the best of me. I wasn't myself, so... "

She finished his sentence. "You slept with her." He was actually relieved she said it, so he didn't have to. Fucking coward.

Perhaps, she was hoping he'd say, of course not like he did to her breaking up question, but Jacob had to tell the truth. "Yes."

She bounded off the sofa and screamed at the top of her lungs. "I can't believe you. How could you do that to us? Right before the wedding. That's why you were so strange." She walked around shouting various other frustrations and unflattering names for him. "And you disappeared again from the conference just days ago. So that's it, you were off fucking her again while you are married to me." Jacob followed her and tried to hold her still, but she pounded against his chest with her fists. She didn't hit him too many times, he knew it had to hurt. "Get out, you filthy, lying piece of shit! I can't even be in the same room with you. Go to your precious Bella, you already said you brought her back with you. You both sound perfect for each other. Hope you have a miserable life together."

"Kaleigh. That's not what happened. Let me explain. What I did was a one time thing. I'm not screwing around, and I don't want to leave. I want to find a way to work things out with you. You're my wife. I love you."

"Great. I can tell how much marriage means to you, Jake. You only liked the idea of marriage because you wanted to have security and to make up for your painful childhood." She paused and he didn't know if what she said was right, so he kept quiet. "Fine, explain the rest, make me understand. What the hell are you leaving out?"

Jacob told her he never planned to see Bella again after what happened between them. He made his decision, he was going to home to marry her. He meant it when he made his commitment to her. "But she called as soon as I got to town."

"Anxious for round two?"

"No, more like ready to let me know the consequences of our rash decision."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Kaleigh, Bella gave birth to a son three months ago... my son."

He watched her eyes roll back in her head and she wobbled. He was sure she was about to pass out. Jacob grabbed her which sparked another round of her trying to violently lash out at him.

Lots of time went by, many more angry outbursts. Jacob made many apologies and begged for understanding and forgiveness which he didn't expect right away. "It's not his fault. He deserves a stable home with both his parents around. I'd like for them to live in the garage apartment for now, so I can be an integral part of my son's life."

She started laughing hysterically. "Sure, that sounds like a perfect solution. I'll be out busting my ass to build my business, come in exhausted but still take care of our home: cooking, cleaning and meeting your physical needs. Your mistress will be a few feet away and you can have the best of both worlds: hang out with your kid and then get a piece of ass when your emotions get the best of you." She held up her fingers in quotation marks. "It will be one giant happy family!" Her voice got louder and more strained with each declaration. "Are you out of your fucking mind?"

"I realize there are flaws to my solution, but you need to understand, Bella and I are not going to be together like that... ever again. This is all about Ace."

"She named him Ace, that's such a stupid name."

Jacob felt irritation at Kaleigh, for taking a barb at his son. He deserved all she was giving him and more, but not the baby. If she was resentful or treated his son poorly, then this was over before it even started. He told her his son's full name and that Ace was his nickname for him. "I'm sorry. Maybe everyone's right and I am completely crazy. All I know is I need to be near my son. I intend to take care of his mother until she is able to take care of herself. I was careless, I got her pregnant. It's my responsibility. I'm not lying when I say how much I love you and want to still make this marriage work, but I realize it's a lot to ask and I understand if you can't do it. No one will blame you for leaving. I mean, ask me to leave. I shoulder all the blame."

She stopped talking and started staring out their large picture window. She picked up a stone vase. For a second he thought she was going to hurl it at him, but then she raised it to the window. That would be a fucking mess and so expensive if she smashed it. Jacob grabbed her wrist and took the vase out of her hand. He felt her body shake with sobs. He didn't expect her to allow him to hold her, but she did. Kaleigh cried unlike any other time, he'd ever seen her lose it. She was usually in control of her emotions.

She finally turned around to face him. "I think I understand."

"You do?" He wasn't expecting that so soon.

"Yes, you want me to be the one to leave. You don't like to fail. You don't give up, so you drop these bombs on me one by one and wait for the explosion. Of course, you knew I'd say no and then it would all be over with. You'll be able to say, you did all you could, but I ended the marriage."

"No, that's not it at all."

"Well, I'm calling your bluff. Fine, move them in."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm not sure about a damn thing for the first time ever, but I know this. You said you picked me, not her and I don't roll over and give up on my dreams without a fight. If you mean our marriage is top priority, then prove it. Prove you still believe in us."

"I... I will. I do, I swear."

"Then where is she?"

Jacob told her a few more particulars and some of his tentative plans. Kaleigh said she really needed some time to herself to think and she might have a different answer for him tomorrow, but the sooner he was out of her face, the better.

Jacob was almost afraid to ask, but he really needed to check on them. "Um, I'm going to run over to tell Ace good night. I'll be back soon."

She rolled her eyes and bit her lips between her teeth, like she had to hold onto the words or she might explode again. "Fine, at least you're being honest instead of sneaking off, but don't you dare come to our bed tonight." Jacob knew better than that. Kaleigh had a gun collection she inherited from her grandfather. He was tempted to retrieve the key just in case. He knew it was going to be a rough night, but he didn't realize it was just the beginning.

Jacob was going to be brief, check on Bells, kiss the baby goodnight and hightail it back home, so Kaleigh would not be anymore suspicious than she already was. Bella didn't ask many questions. He told her he didn't think she'd need to stay at the hotel too many nights.

"I can't believe she's going for this."

"It's complicated."

"You don't have to tell me. I'm smack dab in the middle of it."

"I'll be back tomorrow."

Bella told him Charlie was coming in the afternoon. He already expected that.

Jacob was almost to his car when the scent hit him again. It had been a long time, but he still memorized each and everyone of them. Same fucking scent. Not a coincidence, but Bella's stalker from the airport. He pursued on foot until the demon fled to a nearby park. He phased to be formable opponent. He wasn't expecting a second one to join in, but that's what happened. The rage filled him. His imprint and child were at risk and it fueled his power and strength. They got in a few good blows, but Jacob made mincemeat of both of them eventually. He used a metal trash can to burn the parts. He just hoped a cop didn't show up and catch him naked and illegally burning trash at a park where children played in the light of day.

He managed to remain undetected all the way back to his car. Lucky for him, he carried spare clothes and towels in the trunk, since he phased again. He covered his seat with towels after slipping on some shorts. Jacob's keys and phone were behind his tire where he left them.

The phone was ringing loudly

"Jacob. They're following her."

"Why hello, Madame Tardy. Information, I could've used an hour ago. I already dealt with them. There were two. Is that what you saw?" Jacob never put much stock in Alice's visions, but he was reminded she might be an asset since he was stretched far too thin.

She said it was. She told Jacob she thought it was only for spying, but since this was the first time Bella had moved in years, she couldn't be certain. "I don't think he has her under constant surveillance, but perhaps after the baby, I can't be sure. I've been trying to see more frequently."

Jacob looked back at the hotel. How could he go home now? He was still spitting out mouthfuls of blood. He needed to clean up to hasten the healing. He really didn't want to walk back to her room and let her see him this way.

Alice was full of surprises. "We're almost there. Jazz and I."

"In Washington?"

"The hotel."

"Oh."

"You need us. We'll help." He hated to admit it, but damn, he did need the Cullens and he needed one other thing desperately. Jacob needed a pack.

He tried to sleep, but he was only tossing and turning. When he returned home, he saw Mack's car in the driveway. At least Kaleigh had some comfort and wasn't alone. He didn't know when or what she'd tell the rest of the family. They were all sure to push for a separation or a divorce. Jacob concluded they never liked him too much.

There was one person in his life that would never care what time of the day or night he called and he desperately needed some sound advice. His voice was gruff and full of sleep. "You okay?"

"Not really. I've made a mess of my life. I should've listened to you."

"Tell me something I don't know, son, but go ahead. Get it off your chest. How can I help? Remember this, we can't go backwards. The past is over and done with. You can't change it, but you can do what's best in the here and now."

"Vampires tonight, just outside Bella's room."

"Dammit."

Jacob filled his father in about Kaleigh, the vamps and Alice. "I need the guys."

"Call 'em back. They'll come."

"I hate disrupting all their lives again."

"You don't have a choice and it's in their blood. When the threat lingers, the gene is awakened. Order them, they won't even fight you. Jacob, it was always meant to be your pack."

Jacob thought he could start small. He and his father talked about who made the most sense or might be the easiest. "Seth's closest and he always had a soft spot for Bells."

"Then invite him over."

"Collin's angry after his breakup."

"That will be to your advantage."

"Quil always liked the wolf."

"And he's family, but don't forget your brother."

"I know, Emb's already offered dozens of times." His father just reminded him that some respected men had skeletons in their closet. Embry's parentage was old news, but he might have recently done some soul searching about things he said to his father years ago. He probably owed him an apology considering he rained down some harsh judgment for his indiscretion.

Billy stopped him after Jacob got quiet. "Son, we're past it. There's no need. What's your solution?"

"Son of a bitch. It's inevitable, isn't it?"

"Yep, I told you. You can't fight the imprint, Jake. He'll do whatever he has to do to protect her."

Jacob could admit it to his father. He barely uttered the words, but that didn't make them any less true, "So will I."

~Thanks for reading.

Did I mention before, this is angst filled drama? Fuel the muse, you know what I like.