"Jacob?" I ask quietly, he looks at me, "Please just hear her out before you leave."

"What does that mean?" He asks her. She explains to him about the strike of lightning and tells him everything she's told me. "I've never even heard of this."

"Surely you have?"

"Stories, just really old stories."

"Can you give us a minute?" I ask her.

"Of course." She smiles and leaves us.

He turns to me, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"How was I just supposed to bring that up?"

"Better from you than her!"

"Because you told me the truth about you?"

"That was different."

"In what way!? You turn into a huge, hairy beast. At most I just send down some lightning! Yours is worse."

"Mine is worse?"

"Poor choice of words. Not worse just more of a big deal."

"I'd have to say the opposite, Atahensic."

"Ha. Ha. I am not Atahensic."

He's silent for a few seconds, "I still have so many questions."

"You and me both." I look towards the door, You can come back in. Dr. Hawkins comes in smiling.

"I have to say it was a little strange to hear you in my head." She laughs as she sits.

"Sorry." I shrug. "We have a lot of questions."

"I hope I can answer them all."

"I'd like to start." Jacob speaks up.

"Okay." She nods and opens her notebook.

"There have been times when I've blocked everyone from inside of my head, yet she still gets in. Is that…normal?"

"It is." She nods, "No matter who it is, she can invade your thoughts."

"In more ways than one I guess." He says quietly looking down.

"Wait, back to the imprinting thing." I scrunch up my face, "If he didn't imprint on me, what is this?"

"It's love!" Jacob puts a hand on my knee.

"Jake." I squeeze his hand, "I mean, can someone love me? Someone like him?"

"Oh, yes. It's rare, but if true it's beautiful. Stronger than imprinting."

"Stronger than imprinting?" Jacob sits forward a little.

"The bond between them never breaks. You'll feel each other's pain, be more in sync with each other and it's always unconditional love. Imprinting is one way-from the shifter-this is from both of you."

"So that's what we have? That bond?"

"No."

"But-"

"It's not as easy as imprinting. There is no one thing to make the bond. You have to earn each other's love and trust."

"She has mine."

"So this is my fault." I rub my face. "I want to love him, I do love him."

"You question his love for you."

"I know he loves me, but-"

"Why do you keep saying this isn't real? You keep rejecting me and my feelings and I don't know how much longer I can take it. Am I still not good enough for you? Have I not proven myself yet? I don't understand."

"That's why I'm here!" I groan, frustrated. "Do you see what I mean? He's amazing and I keep doing this to him, yet he's still here. I don't deserve him. He deserves someone so much better than me, someone who can love and be with him without a shadow of a doubt."

"You can. When did this first start?"

"When he brought Bella over for the party. She got mad at something the guys said and stormed off and he got mad at me and went after her. But then that kind of faded away and we moved forward with our relationship. It was hard with David though."

"Who's David?"

"My ex." I go through the whole back story about him and what he put Jacob and I through. "Before the trial Jacob and I made things official. Then David wound up dead, or so we think. I honestly don't know anymore. Bella and I had spent a day together at Seth's house and we did not get along. I told Jacob I didn't want her to come to my graduation party and I thought we were on the same page, but he was hours late and showed up with her."

"I explained that to you already."

"I know." I sigh, "And I'm sorry, but I need to explain it to her now." He runs a hand through his hair. "This will be the last time I bring it up." I pause and wait for him to nod before I continue, "It meant so much to me because when I woke up that morning I knew that something was going to happen to my father."

"I felt her worry and pain."

"I made him promise me that he would look after my dad and make sure they were all there on time and un-harmed. That didn't happen though. I didn't want to hear his excuses." I sniff a little, "He gave me his word and I know that means everything to him." A few tears fall, "That was when he had a heart attack. That's why he wasn't there." I wipe my face and shake my head. "You know, it wasn't even about the party. Fuck the party." I'm getting mad now, I turn to him, "The whole argument between us could have been avoided if you just called me, Jacob. If anyone would have just called me it would have been fine!" Theres a loud boom of thunder, "Thinking back I'm getting angrier than I was that day, I didn't think that was possible. It just dawned on me though, why didn't you call me?"

"I-"

"You chose to drive an hour to tell me and then have me drive and hour out to see him. If you would have called me you could have saved me an hour. Given me an extra hour to be with him. You wouldn't have had to show up with her and we'd probably be fine right now." He looks around, almost scared, "I can't help, but to keep thinking that. I so fucking sick of having this argument and I know you're tired of hearing me bitch about it too, but that has to mean something. Doesn't it?" I turn to Dr. Hawkins. "Please tell me I'm not just grasping at straws, please." Neither of them say anything. I sigh and sit back rubbing my face. "Just forget it." I sigh.

"No. You need to get this out of your system." Jacob says.

"Why not just call though?" She asks him.

"I didn't think it was something to tell her over the phone. I wanted to be there for her. I didn't think about the extra time. I needed to apologize to her and didn't want to do that over the phone either."

"I can accept that." I say slowly. I shift in my seat and get back to it, "We were all at the hospital for the rest of the night and then I went back the next day, Bella was there again. If was a day filled with tension and stress, but I agreed to go out to dinner with him that night. I remember I was actually excited when I heard him pull up-he came to pick me up from my house." I smile. "We went out to eat and had finally started talking a little and then his phone started going off. First it was a phone call, then a text and then another phone call. When he picked it up a range of emotions flashed across his face. He was pissed-beyond pissed, confused, he was shaking I thought he was going to shift right there at the table. He was scared too. He didn't say much into the phone, but when he hung up he threw his debit card down, said he had to go and sped out of the parking lot. It looked like he was going to go up on the sidewalk and crash into this other car, but he made it."

"Where did you think he was going?"

"I had no idea. One thing he said to the person on the phone was that he was an hour away so I assume it was someone near his house. I couldn't even understand what was happening. He was gone so fast and I didn't have a way to get home."

"How did you get home?"

"I contemplated walking, but figured out it'd be like an hour so I called my-at the time-friend and she took me home."

"What happened to you?" She asks him.

"I don't know if I can get into that right now."

"Because you don't trust me?"

"It's not you. If I go into this it's going to kill her. I doubt she'll even believe me."

"Why would it kill her?"

"Because it has to do with someone she loves and something that happened to that person."

"Why wouldn't she believe you?"

He sighs, "Because she'll find out I've lied to her this whole time."

"You're so not getting out of telling me now!" I turn to him.

"I can't yet. Not until I can figure out how to fix it."

"You can't tell me anything?"

"Not right now." I turn back to Dr. Hawkins and cross my arms over my chest. "You're just going to have to trust me."

"You're giving me nothing to work with." I say looking straight ahead.

"Because I'm trying to protect you from it. I've always tried to protect you from it."

"It?" She asks.

"I don't want to use gender. I know her, she'll be stressing out all night until she figures out who I'm talking about."

"I feel like we're not going to get anywhere today." I sigh.

"We can change the subject if you'd like." She glances at the clock, "It's actually getting kind of late. I have another appointment."

"So you think you can fix us?"

She smiles, "There's no fixing you, you're not broken. I can help you though, yes."

I nod, "Oh one last quick question, do people...like me...have unusual colored eyes?"

"Not that I know of. Why?"

"So like I'll never have like purple or red eyes?"

"Red eyes? No you'd never have red eyes." She shakes her head.

"What do red eyes mean?"

"Vampire's have red eyes."

"All of them?" What about the Cullen's? I look at Jake.

They don't because they don't drink human blood.

"What?" She asks looking between the two of us.

"There's a group we know who don't have red eyes, but It's been explained to me that it's because they don't drink human blood."

"That's fascinating. Why the interest in vampires?" She asks me.

"No there isn't one." I answer a little too quickly, "I was just wondering if my eyes would change." I shrug.

"Oh, no." She shakes her head. "So let's put a pin in this for today and we can pick up next time."

"Okay." We stand. We say our goodbyes and Jacob and I stand by our cars.

"So now what?" I ask with my arms crossed.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"You obviously don't know me that well if you just asked me that."

He chuckles then gets a little more serious. He clenches his jaw, "When did you see a newborn?"

"I didn't."

"You're lying. Who ever it was you need to stay away from them."

"There isn't anyone."

"Vampires are dangerous, don't you understand that?"

"Yes." He sighs, we stand there for a little longer.

"How was your date the other night?"

My eyes narrow, "You really want to talk about that?"

"I do." He doesn't look away from me.

"I had a great time. We're going out again Friday night."

"So soon?" He shoves his hands deep into his front pockets.

"I don't want to be unhappy and lonely anymore." I don't even think about what I say until it's already out. "I didn't mean to say that-"

"No I get it." He looks down. He's thinking about something else, I can tell.

"What?"

"I'm trying to figure out how long you've kept the newborn from me."

"And we're back." I sigh.

"The pack needs to take care of this!"

"There's nothing to take care of." I try to reassure him. I don't even know why I'm lying.

"This is serious! This thing is a danger to everyone, Sveta. Don't you get that?"

I hesitate. "Of course."

His eyebrows pull together and he cocks his head to the side. "You know..." It sounds like an accusation, but I don't think it's finished.

I raise my eyebrows, "I know what?"

He looks around then finally back to me, "David's still alive."

"What?" I muster up as much shock as I can.

"Oh please you already knew this."

I shake my head, "How long have you known?"

"Since the night your dad was murdered."

"There you go again! That's the second time you've said murdered. What are you keeping from me? And that long?"

"I just meant that his body kind of betrayed him." He makes a few gestures.

"No, you're lying."

"Stop changing the subject."

"We're still in the same subject! Why didn't you tell me he's alive?"

"Technically he's not actually...alive."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I throw my arms to my sides. He crosses his arms over his chest and glares at me. "Fine okay, you know what? I know he's alive. And I know you've been lying to me about it this whole time. Why Jacob?"

"The night you got your stitches and were all doped up, you told me you knew he wasn't dead and that I lied to you. The next day you completely forgot you told me. I knew it wasn't just the meds talking!"

"Why haven't you told me!?" I scream.

"To protect you!" He shouts back in my face. "And why haven't you told me? How long have you known?"

"When you chased after him at his own funeral! And I didn't tell you because I knew that you already knew! I wanted to figure out why you weren't telling me before I let you know I knew." He leans back a little. "Are you going to answer my questions now?" I raise my eyebrows. He lets out a deep breath. "Why did the topic of newborns make you think of him and why did you think not telling me would protect me?"

"He's a newborn Svetlana."

"A newborn vampire?" He nods. "That's why you thought it would protect me to think he's still dead?"

"Are you protecting him?"

"Excuse. Me?"

"That's the only thing I can think of."

"That's the only thing you can think of." I nod a few times. "Why the fuck would I be protecting him?"

"Maybe he's threatened you. Seduced you, I don't know. If he were here would you still talk to him?"

"I honestly don't even know what to say to you right now."

"I know you've seen a vampire recently."

"I didn't know David was a newborn."

"Just stop lying!"

"Why are you so damn sure I've been around a vampire?"

"Because they leave a scent and you reek of it. It's a familiar scent. I have 100% encountered this one before. Now, when and where?"

I shake my head, "I don't know who it could have been." I shrug, "I'm around people all the time, how am I supposed to know?"

"Wrong answer." He laughs once and paces a little. "I agree, we do need some time apart."

"What?"

"You needed your space before, but now I need mine."

"Jake...-"

"When you're ready to stop lying you know how to reach me." He taps his right temple with his index and middle fingers.

"Let me know when you're ready to talk about that other thing."

"When you talk about this, I'll talk about that." He turns and starts to walk away.

Later that night I send him a text: I don't need you to respond, but I need you to know that I didn't know about David. And if I did, I would not protect him. Ever.

"So I was thinking instead of going out tonight, I'd like to cook for you." Tyler says over the phone.

"Oh really?" I smile. I'm going through my stuff looking for something to wear.

"I'm a bit rusty, but I'd like to try."

"What time should I be there?"

"Six?"

"I need your address." I write it down as he speaks. "Should I bring something?"

"Just you."

"Okay, if you change your mind call me."

"I will, bye." I settle on some black skinny jeans and a deep green chiffon blouse. On my way to my car I see Riley, I follow quietly making sure to keep my distance. He turns left and walks down a few steps in a sort of alley-way. I hear a door close up ahead and walk a little quicker. There's no handle or doorknob at all. No window either. Just a sunken in doorway with a black iron door. I look around, there's nothing that says what this place is. I walk back up the stairs and turn right to get back onto the side walk.

"Looking for me?" Riley asks in front of me, I jump back.

"What, are you stalking me?"

"Seems like you're the one stalking me."

"I saw you outside my building again and was curious."

"So you followed me."

"You were going the direction I needed to go. I was headed to my car." He looks down the stairs.

"Oh your car's down there?" He raises his eyebrows and smiles.

"Riley." A woman says coming out of the front of the building. He wraps his arm around her shoulders. "Can we go?" Her hair's almost as red as her eyes, she almost looks familiar.

"See ya later Alex." He tips his chin towards me.

"Alex?" She asks to him quietly, I walk in the opposite direction of them, "I don't want you around her anymore." I can still hear her say, "We need some distance until he's ready." I turn around and they're headed back down the stairs.

"You made it." Tyler smiles opening his door for me.

"Yeah finally!" We hug, "Traffic was surprisingly bad tonight." I let go and take off my coat. "It smells amazing, what are you making?"

"Cajun chicken fettuccine." He hangs my coat in a side closet. "It's just about done." He pulls out a chair at the dining room table for me and I sit. He puts a bowl of garlic bread in the middle of the table and then puts a bowl in front of me and one in front of his chair filled with the main course. "I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will." I smile. "I don't normally like spicy food, but this is good." I say after my first bite. "Is this a signature recipe of yours?"

"It is." He smiles, "I've never made it for anyone else though."

"What made you pick this for tonight?"

"A special night calls for a special recipe."

"I see." I can't help smiling.

I help him clean up after we're finished and we move over to the couch. He puts in some movie that we were talking about last time. Out of the corner of my eye I can see him looking at me, "What?" I smile turning to look at him.

"C'mere." He puts his arm on the back of the couch and I scoot closer right up against him. "That's better." He puts a hand on each side of my face and kisses me. His hands move down to my hips and lift me so I'm straddling his lap. I unbutton his shirt all the way and rub my hands up and down his chest, he moans against my lips. Our lips momentarily part so he can lift my shirt up and over my head. His mouth goes to my neck and slowly down my chest. I pull him closer with a moan. "You are so beautiful." He mumbles against my skin. His phone rings on the table next to us. "Ugh." He groans and leans back reaching for it. "Hello? Okay, I'll be there." He hangs up and kisses me hard one last time. "That was the hospital, I have to go."

"Okay."

"I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry about it." I give him a gentle kiss on the lips before I stand up and put my shirt back on. I watch him as he stands and fixes his pants and shirt. I've never see his chest and abs before. I don't want to look away.

"See something you like?" He asks seductively taking a step closer.

"Mmhm." I stare at his lips. He pulls my hips flush against his, I can feel his erection. "Obviously you do too." I rub my hand over his zipper.

"Damn it's so hard to leave right now." he breathes.

"Right you have to go." I push his hips back and grab my coat and purse. "Go on, we can finish this later."

"Perfect." he smiles and locks the door behind us.

When I get in I notice a missed call from Jacob, I call back, but no answer. The next day at work Jacob doesn't show up.

"Shouldn't Jake be here?" I ask.

"Actually..." Emily looks at the schedule, "Yes, he should be here. He's never been late. Have anyone of you talked to him?" We all shake our heads no.

"Come to think of it, I haven't heard from him or seen him since Wednesday." Qual says rubbing his face.

"Don't you guys usually see each other everyday? How are you just now realizing it's been three day since you've talked to him?" I ask crossing my arms.

"Have you talked to him?"

"Just Wednesday morning at-" I look around. Now is not the time to bring up the counseling, "at breakfast. The last thing he said to me was that he needed space." I look down and shake my head.

"Space from what?"

"Me." I look up. "I had a missed call from him last night, but didn't see it until I got home. I tried to call back, but no answer."

"Paul, shift and see if you can hear him." Sam orders. Paul nods once and walks out.

"There's no reason to freak out yet, right?"

"Sweetie, of course not." Emily squeezes my shoulders.

"Nothing." Paul shakes his head coming back in.

"That just means he's in human form right now." Leah shrugs.

"Where would he go? Why would he just leave?" I pull out my phone and call him, no answer again.

I call him one more time when I get home already knowing there wouldn't be an answer. I sit down at the table with a notebook and go over everything we've talked about recently. I think I need to find David. If he really is a newborn like Jacob says maybe Jacob went after him. If I find David I'll find Jacob. Hopefully.

The next day at work no one really talks. Every time the door opens everyone's heads snap towards it hoping it's Jacob. That night I sleep with my phone on my chest with the volume all the way up so I won't miss him if he calls.

It's been a total of six days since anyone's heard from Jacob. I've had this thought in my head of a way to possibly find him, but I didn't want it to come to this.

"Can you tell me how to get to Bella's house?" I ask to no one in particular when we close Tuesday night.

"Why?" Paul asks me.

"She grew up with Jacob, right? She's knows more about him than I do. They're close, maybe she can help me find him."

"You're going to go to her for help?" Leah stops what she's doing and turns to look at me.

"Yes. This isn't about me and her it's about getting Jake back. If she can help then great, if not I'll think of something else."

"Here." Seth hands me a piece of paper with two sets of directions. "To her house and the Cullen's. She's most likely going to be at the Cullen's."

"Thank you." I give his arm a squeeze. We all help clean up and head home after.

I skip Dr. Hawkins appointment today and drive to Bella's.

"Can I help you?" Charlie answers the door.

"You might not remember me, I'm Harry's daughter Svetlana."

"Oh right, right! How are you?"

"I'm hanging in there." I shrug, "Is Bella here?"

"No actually. She's at Edward's."

"Oh okay, thank you." The drive over is a little nerve racking. Edward better not give me any shit today, I am not in the mood. I hop up the steps and knock on the door.

"What a nice surprise." Alice answers the door hugging me. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Bella. Is she here?"

She hesitates, "She is."

"Can you ask her to come out here. I need to talk to her."

"Hey." Bella says walking up behind Alice with Edward right next to her.

"Hey, can we talk?"

"Sure." She walks towards the door and Edward follows her.

"Uh just us." I look at her.

"I'm coming too." Edward says to me.

"This doesn't concern you."

"For her protection."

"Really? If I wanted to do something to her it'd be done already Edward. You on the other hand," I point to him, "If you give me any more shit I will not hesitate." We stare each other down.

"Come on. We'll just be right outside the door. I'll be fine." He hugs her and she follows me outside closing the door behind her. She follows me down the steps and over to the edge of the trees.

"You don't need to be on edge right now." I tell her.

"I know." I think she's trying to convince herself.

"I'm here because of Jacob."

"What about him?"

"Have you talk to him lately?"

"No why?"

"Jacob's been missing for a week. I was the last one to talk to him last week on Wednesday."

"Oh my god." She rubs her face and paces a little.

"I was hoping you might be able to help me find him."

"I can try, but how?"

"Do you know of any place he might go? Maybe somewhere from his childhood?"

"I'm sorry I don't."

"Damnit." I crouch to the ground and sniff holding back tears. "Where the hell could he be? He didn't tell anyone he was leaving, he won't answer his fucking phone!" I yell standing up. I hear the door open and close and Edward's instantly between Bella and I.

"You okay?" He asks her.

"I'm fine." She's a little irritated.

"Okay I think this is over now." He turns to me and takes a step.

"Back OFF Edward!" I yell and shove him backwards. He goes back and actually falls to the ground. He scrambles back up and stares at me.

"Edward go back inside." Bella rushes over to him. "She's asking me for help and you're ruining it. You're going to make her leave." He brushes himself off and in a flash he's back in the house. "Please don't let him upset you." She rushes back over to me. "I want to help. Anything I can do just let me know."

"I will. Thank you Bella."

"Of course." We hug briefly and she gives me a sympathetic smile before I drive away.

Around two a.m my phone finally rings.

"Hello? Jake?" I answer quickly without looking at the screen.

"No Sveta, it's Billy. I'm sorry to be calling you at this time."

"Is everything okay? What's wrong?"

"Have you heard from Jacob?"

"No, I'm sorry I haven't."

"I know he can take care of himself, but I'm starting to worry. This isn't like him."

"I know Billy I'm trying to find him."

"Please, if you hear from him let me know."

"You will be the first person I tell if I talk to him."

"Thank you." I call Jacob after I hang up with Billy and it goes straight to voicemail.

"Damnit!" I throw my phone to the end of the bed and cry.

Jacob, dammit answer me! I yell in my head.

Sveta don't cry.

Jake? I open my eyes. Where the hell are you?!

I can't tell you that.

Why did you leave without telling anyone?

Because they'd talk me out of it.

Are you ever coming back?

Of course I'm coming back.

I probably shouldn't yell at you right now, but you know, that was shitty of you not to answer your phone.

I know, I'm sorry.

Your dad just called me asking if I've heard from you. You need to call him, he's falling apart.

I threw my phone against a wall and it broke.

So that's why it went straight to voicemail. What are you afraid we'd talk you out of? ... Are you still there?

I am.

Talk to me.

I left after I got your message Wednesday night.

Are you going after David? ... Jacob you can't go after him alone!

I'm not letting him hurt my family anymore! He's tearing us apart and he's not getting away with it.

I need you to promise me something right now.

Anything.

Don't keep me in the dark and keep communication open.

I promise. I smile. And I promise to keep you safe, no matter what happens between us I'll always protect you.

Just please be smart about this. Don't do anything stupid. I just need you back here and I need you alive.

I hear you.

I sigh, What do I tell your dad?

I don't know I'll have to buy a new phone tomorrow and then I'll call him.

I need to tell him something tonight and you need to talk to the pack. If you can shift right now I can get them to.

Okay it'll have to be quick.

Okay. I break away and grab my phone and call Seth.

"It is two thirty in the freaking morning." He grumbles on the other line.

"Shut up! I just talked to Jake."

"What?" He's more awake now.

"He's going to go shift right now so he can talk to you guys. I'll call some of the guys but get everyone to shift."

"Got it." The phone dies and I call Sam. After I make sure the word has spread I call Billy back.

"I just talked to Jacob."

"Is he okay?" He rushes.

"Yes he's perfectly fine. He would't tell me where he is, but he was out and caught a scent and just went after it." He sighs, "I told Jacob to shift and told the pack and they're talking now. He would have called you, but he threw his phone and it's broken now."

"How did you talk to him?"

"We have a mind connection like he does with the pack."

He's silent. "He sounded okay?"

"He did. He said he's going to buy a phone tomorrow and call you first."

"Thank you for calling me."

"Of course Billy." After we hang up it's hard for me to fall back asleep.

The next morning I call Seth. "So you guys talked?" I ask him.

"Yeah everyone's pissed."

"What did he tell you guys?"

"Not much. He's going after a scent he caught."

"Just a random scent?"

"Yeah."

"I know about David Seth." He's silent.

"What about him?"

"That he's a fucking vampire!"

He sighs into the phone, "How long have you known?"

"A week. I've known longer that he wasn't dead though. He's alone Seth."

"I know. We're taking turns trying to pick up his scent, but it's almost impossible."

"I need you to teach me."

"Teach you what?"

"How to hunt, how to fight."

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because if something were to happen to you I wouldn't be able to live with myself. And when Jake finally does come back he'd kill me!"

"But what about Leah, She hunts with you guys."

"She's also a wolf! She can smell, see and hear things that you can't."

"Not necessarily! Let me try, let me prove myself."

"When can you be here?"

"As soon as possible."

"Fine I'll see you when you get here." We hang up and I put on sweatpants and a t-shirt and head over. Seth meets me in the yard and waves me to follow him to the back.