Hey everyone. I'm sorry this chapter is so late. I'm not so sure about it, but I'm hoping you all like it. Please let me know what you think and thank you all so much for reading and reviewing.

Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Twilight.

Chapter Six

"Jacob, that's her," Aurora said quietly to her husband after spotting JJ and Sarah talking to a girl with ivory skin and long dark hair flowing down her back. Like Sarah had told them, she was heavy set but she carried the extra weight well and despite the distance Aurora could tell that the girl had a pretty face. Aurora took a step to head over to her children and JJ's imprint when a warm hand wrapped around her upper left arm.

"Wait a second, Rory," Jacob said with a light chuckle and Aurora sighed as she looked up at him, her lips pursed. For a moment Jacob just looked at her and smiled. Time had been good to his wife and while she had a few wrinkles and a bit of gray in her hair that she refused to color, she was still just as beautiful to him as she ever was. "JJ and Sarah will bring her over to meet us soon, so, relax," he said and she sighed quietly once more before she looked back over at the trio only to see them headed their way. "See," he said lightly, his fingers skimming down her arm and creating goose bumps across her skin before he laced their fingers together. "Told you," he whispered in her ear and she repressed a shiver before she turned to fully face him.

"Don't get cute, mister, or I'll change the plans I have for you later tonight when Sarah's spending the night with Meredith," she said with a small grin and Jacob quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing while Aurora's grin turned into a smile. Jacob laughed under his breath and kissed her forehead before he brought his lips to hear once again.

"I'll behave," he said quietly before he pulled back and Aurora laughed softly as they looked at each other for a few beats.

"You better because I really don't want to change those plans," she said back just as quietly and Jacob smiled at his wife who easily returned his smile with one of her own.

Sarah had lowered her arm from around Johanna's shoulders as they walked up the deck steps but JJ had kept his firm hold on her hand and Johanna was thankful for that and gripped his hand tightly. JJ glanced down at Johanna when he felt her hold on his hand tighten slightly and he sighed softly as he returned his gaze ahead and towards his parents who were both standing near the grill smiling stupidly at each other like they often did. However, his thoughts were on the girl holding tightly to his hand.

Johanna still looked troubled, whatever had happened before she'd gotten there had really shook her up but she was doing her best to act as normal as possible. Part of him was proud of her for that, but a much larger part was concerned and wanted to know what had happened so he could do something to help her in some way. She would tell him, he knew she would from her words earlier, but that protectiveness that he felt towards her was hard to keep in check and he wanted to know sooner rather than later. However, his respect for her held him back and he'd be patient and wait until she was ready.

"Mom, Dad," Sarah said drawing the couple's attention to the trio and Johanna plastered on her best smile as she looked at her friends' parents. "Johanna made it," Sarah finished as the three came to a stop a few feet from the couple and JJ's hand still held on to Johanna's tightly

It should have been obvious given Sarah and JJ's looks that their parents would be good looking, but it still was a bit of a surprise for Johanna, especially when she saw their father. JJ looked almost identical to the older man, who was just as broad and nearly as muscular as JJ despite his age. They even shared the same smile only JJ's was slightly different, warmer almost even though his father's was far from cold, and as Johanna looked between the couple Johanna felt all her nerves melt away. Their smiles were genuine and they truly looked extremely happy to see her there, which meant more to her in that moment than any of them would ever understand.

"Johanna, it's so nice to finally meet you," their mother said before she pulled away from her husband and bent down to wrap Johanna in a warm embrace. JJ reluctantly let go of her hand so she could return his mother's embrace and Johanna smiled as she hugged her back. "JJ and Sarah have told us so much about you, we feel like we know you already," she said as she pulled back and Johanna smiled up at her, cheeks red as she nervously tucked her hair behind her ears. Okay, so maybe all of the nervousness hadn't left her completely.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Black," Johanna said.

"Please call me Aurora, sweetheart, and this is my husband, Jacob," Aurora said as Jacob moved to stand beside her, an arm instantly wrapping around his wife's waist as he smiled down at her.

"Welcome Johanna," he said kindly, his voice was deep like JJ's but lacking the slight huskiness that JJ's had. "We're glad you could make it today."

"Thank you for having me," she said before JJ once again took hold of her hand and she leaned towards him without really thinking about it. They chatted idly for a few minutes more before JJ nearly dragged Johanna away using the excuse of wanting to introduce her to his friends. Sarah remained behind as JJ walked across the large deck and down the stairs before he moved them off to the side in a little alcove, making Johanna confused for a beat because she thought he was going to introduce her to more people.

"Are we hiding for a reason in particular?" Johanna asked, her voice quiet and small nervous grin on her lips that made JJ laughed softly. They weren't completely hidden from prying eyes, it was impossible really unless he brought her inside, but he wanted a little more time alone with her before he was obligated to share her attention with everyone else.

"I just wanted a few more minutes alone with you," he told her honestly, his dark eyes holding her soft green gaze. As he had anticipated, she blushed beautifully, the red filling her cheeks and going down her neck as she looked up at him.

"Oh," she said simply and he smiled. Her smaller hand was still encased in his and he was thankful that she made no move to pull away from him, but he knew that that was probably because she was a little overwhelmed by everything (including his words) and she sought a bit of comfort from him to ease it, which was something he was more than happy to provide. She looked away from him, clearing her throat softly as she looked out at the small crowd that filled his parents' backyard.

"There are a lot of people here," Johanna said as her light eyes scanned around them and JJ chuckled.

"Yeah, my parents have a lot of friends," he said, drawing Johanna's eyes up to his once again.

"You're parents are really nice, and you look a lot like you're dad," Johanna said, which made JJ smile as he looked down at her.

"Everybody always tells me that, but I don't see it. I think I am much better looking," he said jokingly with a wink and Johanna laughed quietly under her breath before her eyes returned to the slightly crowded backyard.

"I really didn't think there would be so many people here," she said after a beat. "Sarah made it sound like it was going to be a family thing."

"Around here, our friends are our family," JJ said and Johanna looked back up at him. "Plus, there are a few that are related to us in some way."

"Are your parents friends with former police chief Swan or something?" she asked curiously and JJ laughed, his hold on her hand tightening a bit.

"Technically he's my mom's cousin," he said and Johanna's eyebrows rose in surprise. "It's a long story, but Mom moved up to Forks when she was sixteen to live with Grandpa Charlie and he's been the dad she never had growing up ever since."

"Oh, I didn't know," she said and JJ just gave her a small smile. "So, it was Chief Swan's house you were going to for dinner that night you dropped me off at home then," she said and his smile grew.

"Yep," he said and Johanna laughed softly before she once again looked over the crowd and nervously bit her lower lip. "Hey," he said quietly and she looked back up at him. "You've got no reason to be nervous," he said as he squeezed her hand slightly.

"I'm not very good in large groups, especially when it's people I don't know," she said honestly, her green eyes locked with his and fully portraying just how nervous she really was.

"You're going to fit in just fine," he assured her. "We're about as easy going as you can get around here, I can guarantee you that; but if you're still uncomfortable, stick with me. I'll make sure you have fun." She smiled up at him and gave him a grateful smile as she raised her free hand to her hair and tucked the strands behind her ear yet again.

"Thanks," she whispered and he winked at her once more, making pink tint at her cheeks.

"Plus, you're in for a treat tonight, so, you can't go anywhere," he said and she quirked an eyebrow.

"How so?" she asked.

"We're going to have a bonfire," he said, eyes moving to a large pile of wood stacked in a large stone circle that was being attended to by two men that looked around JJ's father's age, "and in lieu of fireworks given the tree coverage around here, my father is going to tell a few Quileute legends. My Grandpa Billy usually relays the legends, but he's said that it's time that Dad takes his place; so, you'll get to be witness to my dad's first run at it."

"I'm looking forward to it," she found herself saying with a small smile and JJ smiled in return. He wasn't sure exactly what stories his father was going to share that night, but he hoped he would tell the tale of Taha Aki so that (even though she wouldn't know it) Johanna would have a foundation to build from when he gathered the courage to tell her about what his mother called his genetic gift.

"I see JJ's monopolizing your time, Johanna," came a voice that Johanna knew well from behind her and she turned around, a small smile on her face as she looked at Harry who was flanked by two boys that Johanna didn't know. However, she didn't care because she was just happy to see her 'rescuer' once again.

"Hi Harry," she said and the young man in question smiled at her before he glanced at JJ who was glaring at his best friend/roommate, which only made Harry's smile grow as well as the smiles of the other boys with him. However, the shared humor filled look between the other two went unnoticed by Johanna who was looking up at Harry.

"It's good to see you again, Johanna" he said easily. "How've you been?"

"Well, thanks," she said with a slight pause, "how about you?"

"Good, staying busy," he said and she continued to smile as she nodded her head.

"Jo, you know Harry obviously," JJ said as he stepped forward a bit so he was standing beside her, her hand still entwined with his. "And this is our friend/roommate, Camden, and our friend, Max. Guys, this is Johanna."

"Nice to meet you both," she said, her cheeks pink, and the two boys smiled at her.

"Nice to meet you too, Johanna," Camden said.

"The two of you want to join the rest of the party or are you going to hideaway over here the whole time?" Max asked with a grin and JJ glared at him while Johanna's blushed deepened. However, before he could tell his friend to lay off Johanna cut in surprising him as she did so.

"I'm not really good at meeting new people and JJ was just giving me a little pep talk," she said easily.

"We don't bite that hard, Johanna, I promise," Max said before he threw a wink her way that was so obvious in jest that Johanna wouldn't help but laugh softly as she looked at him.

"Come and join the party," Harry said with a smile. "You want a drink, Johanna? My grandma made plenty of her strawberry lemonade if you'd like a glass."

"I'd love one, thanks," she said before she looked at JJ who smiled at her and mouthed 'told you' before the five of them made their way over to the table laden with drinks. The whole way JJ was on cloud nine because even though he was sure she didn't consciously know she was doing it, Johanna had brought her free hand in front of her and clasped it around his arm, at the inside of his elbow, and leaned into him as they walked.

The afternoon turned into evening and the sun was slowly setting in the now cloud laden horizon. A large number of people, mainly those with younger children who were tuckered out from a day of games and various activities, had left for the night while the others that were still gathered in the Black family's backyard had settled around the roaring fire that was welcome as a chill filled the early July night air. Johanna hadn't strayed far from JJ's side throughout the evening outside of when Sarah, Meredith, and Lacy had stolen her away for nearly two hours despite JJ's protests that had left the girls giggling and Johanna blushing. Now, Johanna was settled on one of the many stone benches that surrounded the fire pit with JJ sitting on her right. After they had settled into their seats, JJ had once again laced the fingers of his left hand through the fingers of her right and Johanna didn't really mind at all.

Her stomach rumbled quietly, but thankfully JJ didn't seem to notice thanks to the gentle snapping of the burning wood and Harry, who was talking to him about something that Johanna couldn't quite hear since they were talking quietly. Johanna hadn't eaten much that night despite Aurora encouraging her to take more than she had when she had fixed her plate. JJ had even tried to add more to her plate, but she convinced him that she wasn't all that hungry so he had let her go. Truthfully, however, she had been too nervous to really eat thanks to the fact that she was all too well aware that a lot of people had been watching her all night. Now, the number of people had decreased by at least half and a smaller number remained behind.

Sadly, even though she had been introduced to most of those that were still gathered around the fire pit, she couldn't remember most of their names and she was rather embarrassed by that fact. JJ's father, Jacob, was sitting at the head of the large circle with Aurora on his right and a much older man in a wheelchair on his left whom Johanna remembered was JJ's grandfather, Billy. The old man had pulled her into a tight embrace when they had been introduced and catching her eyes across the flames he smiled at her and winked, which made her laugh under her breath. Johanna had taken to Billy instantly and couldn't wait to talk to him more in the hopefully not so distant future.

"What's so funny?" JJ asked her quietly and she turned her eyes up to his, her smile still in place as she shook her head subtly.

"Nothing, just thinking," she said lightly and JJ grinned. Before JJ could say anything else the sound of Jacob awkwardly clearing his throat brought all eyes to him as everyone quieted.

"I know all of you are used to my dad telling the legends on nights like these, but he's decided that it's time I start to share them," Jacob said with a tight lipped smile that made quiet laughter flutter through the group. "So, with a new guest amongst us tonight," he said as his eyes easily found Johanna, who blushed when everyone looked at her but she kept her eyes on Jacob, "I think it might be nice to tell one we haven't heard for a while," he finished with a smile before he looked away from her and around the group.

"You'll like this one," JJ whispered into her ear and goose bumps raced down her back as his breath washed down her neck through her hair. She looked at him and he gave her a breathtaking smile as he pulled back slightly, which made Johanna grin before she returned her eyes to Jacob.

"The Quileutes have been a small tribe from the beginning, but we have always had magic in our blood," Jacob said, echoing the very words his father had said so many times over the years that he had them memorized since he was a kid. "We were great spirit warriors; shape-shifters that transformed to the powerful wolf. This enabled us to scare off our enemies and protect our tribe. One day, our warriors came across a creature. It looked like a man, but it was hard like stone and cold as ice. The lifeless bodies of or people laid at the creature's feet, springing the warriors into action." Johanna sat riveted next to JJ as Jacob detailed the battle between the Quileute warriors and the cold man. The way he painted the event with his words made her feel like she could actually see it unfold before her, and it was rather obvious to her that Quileutes were amazing storytellers.

"Our warriors' sharp teeth finally tore it apart, but only way to completely destroy it was with fire," Jacob said heavily. Johanna swore a look crossed his face that spoke of a not so distant memory, but Johanna brushed it off as nothing more than a trick of the firelight. "They lived in fear that the cold man was not alone, and they were right. The cold one's mate descended upon the village, and she took her vengeance out on the villagers within it. Our elder chief, Taha Aki, was the only spirit warrior left to save the tribe after his son was killed.

"He was older, not as strong as he once had been, and Taha Aki's third wife could see that he would lose the battle against the cold woman. The third wife was no magical being, she had no special powers but one . . . courage," Jacob paused and looked to his right, his eyes settling on his wife. Aurora gave him a small smile before she reached out with her left hand and took hold of his right hand in hers. Jacob took a deep breath then and looked away from Aurora and to the group once more. "She took the knife from her fallen son's hand and sank it into her abdomen. The third wife's sacrifice distracted the cold woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe, but her sacrifice was a great loss to Taha Aki for third wife was his spirit warrior's match, his soul mate.

"Upon third wife's death Taha Aki remained in his spirit warrior form, guarding her body from the other members of his tribe for one full day, before he disappeared into the forest, never to be seen or heard from again," he said, his voice going quiet. Johanna wasn't sure when it had happened, but at some point JJ had let go of her hand and had wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close to his side. She blushed once again but made no move to pull away from him as Jacob closed out the tale. "Over time, our enemies have disappeared; but one remains: the cold ones. We sense them when they are near but we have had peace for many years with every intention and hope for it to remain that way."

"Good job, son," Billy said. "Well told."

"I learned from the best, Dad," Jacob said and Billy chuckled. Johanna smiled at the pair before JJ drew her attention away from them and to him.

"So, what'd you think?" he asked her quietly.

"You're dad's a very good storyteller," she said, voicing her earlier thoughts, "and it was interesting. It was terribly sad at the end. I couldn't imagine what Taha Aki must have felt watching his soul mate die like that. It must have been heart breaking."

"Undoubtedly," he said heavily.

"I liked it though," she said after a quiet beat. He smiled at her then, dark eyes dancing across her face. She imagined that since she could only clearly see the right side of his face, which was illumined by the fire, he could only see her left and she once again easily returned his smile.

"I'm glad," he said quietly and her smile grew slightly. However, it was then that her long day had caught up with her and she yawned. She quickly moved to cover her mouth as she turned her face away from JJ, who continued to smile as he watched her. "Tired?" he asked and she nodded.

"A bit," she said.

"What time do you have to be home?"

"Not until midnight," she said as she looked at him, "but I should probably head home soon given how tired I am." Everyone was mingling and chatting yet again, which left the pair to their own devices and JJ lowered his arm from around her waist before he took hold of her hand.

"Come on. I'll walk you to your car," he said quietly before he tugged on her hand and stood, pulling her up with him. She stood with him and after saying her goodbyes to everyone she fell in line beside him as they walked around the house. Everyone watched them walk away and as soon as they disappeared JJ and how sweet his imprint was soon became the topic of conversation.

The Blacks had flood lights on the front of their house that turned on as JJ and Johanna headed towards her mother's car, providing enough light for both of them to see clearly. They got to her car all too soon, but JJ didn't let go of her hand as they stood beside of it and as Johanna looked up at him a random thought struck her.

"May I ask a random question?" she asked and he nodded his head as he smiled slightly. "What does JJ stand for?" she asked with a slight tilt of her head and a curious expression on her face that for some reason made his heart stutter, which was becoming a rather frightening occurrence whenever they were together.

"I'm named after my dad," he said. "Jacob Ephraim Black, Jr. They've called me JJ since I was born to eliminate any sort of confusion."

"I love your full name," she said without thinking and with a small smile that made his heart stutter yet again and he watched as a blush filled her cheeks once more.

"What's yours?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Johanna Marie Brooks."

"Beautiful, just like you," he said softly. Her blush was even darker now and she averted her eyes from his, but she made no move to pull her hand away from his just yet.

Despite the nice things that JJ continued to say to her and how nice everyone had been to her over the last week and the day as a whole, Jon's words still lingered in the back of Johanna's mind. Were Sarah and the others toying with her and pretending to be her friends? Was JJ just playing with her and waiting to pull the rug out from under her when she gave in to the way she felt when he said things like that to her and hurt her? After all, Ian had done that masterfully when they were fifteen. What if Jon really was right and JJ and the others were no different? What if she really was a joke and they were all making fun of her behind her back? Feeling her heart sink at the thought she started to pull her hand away, but JJ's grip tightened on her hand before he shuffled his feet closer to her so they were standing so close his body brushed against hers.

"We had such a great time today, Jo. Don't pull away," he said quietly before he raised his free hand to her chin and turned her head up so she was looking at him once more. "I really don't think calling you beautiful warrants you shutting me out," he said and she swallowed hard as his fingers lingered under her chin and his dark eyes held her light ones under the bright light of the flood lights shining down on them from the house. "Especially since it's the truth."

"Do you honestly mean that?" she asked her voice shaking slightly from the litany of emotions rolling through her. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe him with every ounce of her being, but it was hard. He was so far out of her league that it should be improbable that he found her beautiful in the smallest of ways.

"I swear to you that I never say anything I don't mean, Jo," he said as his eyes held hers and his fingers moved along her jaw to rest on the side of her neck, just under her ear while his thumb ran along her cheek. "I think you're beautiful and you're also smart, kind, and very sweet, which makes you even more beautiful in my eyes," he added. He hadn't expected to tell her that that day, but for some reason he knew, he just knew, that whatever had happened before she'd gotten there had something to do with why she started to pull away after he complimented her. She hadn't believed him, she'd thought he was lying, and he needed to make sure she knew he wasn't.

"Why?" she asked and he furrowed his brow.

"Why what?" he asked.

"Why do you think all those things?" she asked and he let go of her hand only to move so she was pretty much pinned between him and the side of her car. He heard her soft surprise intake of breath as she stiffened and looked up at him, but he move away from her. He rested his left hand on her upper waist while their eyes locked.

"Because they're true," he said simply and a lone tear rolled down her cheek, which he wiped away with his thumb. "Jo, I want to kiss you," he said as his eyes fluttered down to her lips for a brief moment before they returned to her surprise filled gaze.

"You do?" she whispered.

"Badly," he said in return and watched as her red rimmed eyes moved to his lips and then back to his eyes. She nodded ever so subtly and JJ didn't need to be told twice. He closed the distance between them and firmly pressed his lips to hers.