A/N: Lookie, lookie... I've got another chapter for you! :D I'm so excited I had some extra time and the edits on this one came together so quickly! I didn't want to wait until Friday to put it up.
I hope I haven't lost you all with my slow updating, because I haven't been getting very many comments, which makes me nervous that everyone's lost interest. I'm going to keep posting anyway, because I must get this story out, but comments are so encouraging. (Sorry if I sound like I'm begging, but maybe I kinda am? 0_0 )
Anyway, I hope you enjoy, and as always, I own nothing (except Grammy Jo... she's all mine, lol).
Happy reading!

CHAPTER 41

Heading down the road back to Forks in my old beat-up truck, I nestled in close to Jake, his arm slung around my shoulders. His thumb rubbed small circles on my arm while I told him about everything I'd done to keep myself busy while he was on patrol. He was chuckling at the lengths I had gone to in order to keep myself occupied, but his smile dimmed and he tensed when I told him about my conversation with Edward. Annoyance flashed through our mental bond.

He squeezed my arm and sighed. "I hope he's not going to continue causing problems. You should have just told him about the imprinting, Bells. He's obviously not going to let you go completely, no matter what he said."

"I know… and I know he'll find out eventually, I just couldn't bring myself to do it while he was alone. Honestly, with the way he was at the school yesterday, I'm a little nervous about how he's going to react to the news. He was fine one second then angry the next… it was startling. He doesn't seem to be the same person he was before he left last year, so I just don't know what to expect anymore."

Jake pressed a kiss to my temple. "You may be right about that. Whenever we meet with the doc, we can tell him and let him break the news to Edward." I nodded as Jake parked the truck in the lot at the Thriftway. "Don't forget to put that back on," he added, pointing to my arm brace.

I sighed as I slid it onto my arm. "I need to ask Carlisle when I can quit wearing it. The sooner the better."

An hour or so later, with Jake loaded down with all the grocery bags, we walked into my house to calls of greeting from Charlie and Billy. They were parked in front of the TV in the living room where they were watching a ball game… one of many that were apparently on the agenda for the evening.

Jake helped me start dinner. Well, "helped" may be a bit of a stretch as he was doing more sampling of the food and distracting me with small touches and kisses than actually helping with anything. By the time we got dinner in the oven and headed into the living room, my heart was thrumming.

I plopped down in the recliner, my legs curled up into the chair, and Jake sat on the floor in front of me with his head resting on my knees. He was soon engrossed in the game, but it couldn't hold my interest and my mind soon started to wander over the events of the last couple of days and all of my old memories that had returned. My fingers found their way into his hair, making little braids only to unravel them again. A gentle smile crept across my face as I looked down at him, contemplating how special our relationship was… and had always been. Jake was completely relaxed and seemed to enjoy the contact and I found it extremely comforting. In fact, we had been far more touchy-feely with each other today. I liked it.

The oven timer brought me out of my reverie and beckoned me back to the kitchen. As I rose, I caught Charlie just as he turned away from looking at me and Jake, his lips turned up ever so slightly. Billy was much less clandestine as he gave me a knowing smile before turning his attention back to the television. I could feel the heat creeping into my face as I hurried from the room.

All throughout dinner at the dining room table I kept noticing both Charlie and Billy watching Jake and I and giving each other looks. I just internally rolled my eyes and tried not to dwell on their attention. Whatever they were seeing, it obviously pleased them both.

When we were done eating, Jake and I cleaned up the kitchen then, while the guys watched the next two games, flipping between two stations to do so, I sat at the table and got some of my homework done. I wanted to have it all finished and out of the way since we were going out with Embry and Angela on Sunday. There were only three weeks left until finals and I still had a few things to catch up on from while I was out of commission, not to mention study for the actual final exams. Hopefully the next four weeks would be calmer with no more surprises.

When Jake and Billy were leaving for the night, Charlie and I walked them out to my truck, which they were taking home since I wouldn't need it again until Jake came over tomorrow. Jake got Billy settled in the passenger seat and his wheelchair loaded in the back then Charlie chatted with Billy while I followed Jake around to the driver's side to say goodnight.

He leaned back against the truck and pulled me into his arms as I laid my head on his chest. My heart was already starting to get heavy at just the thought of him leaving again for the whole night.

I hate having to leave you. He spoke through our mental link so we could talk privately in front of our fathers. I thought about offering to come back over later, but that's probably not something we want to start making a regular thing. It's hard though… I should be with you now… always.

I looked up at him, my chin resting on his chest, and he brushed his fingers lightly against my cheek.

That sure does sound appealing, but you're probably right. Hopefully this feeling will ease soon… or we'll get adjusted to it.

He nodded in agreement and kissed my forehead. I have an early morning patrol tomorrow, so I won't be able to come over until mid-morning. If it gets too bad for you though, just tell me and I'll be here right away.

Alright. Love you, Jake.

Love you too Bella.

He took my face between his hands and bent down to press his lips to mine, keeping it brief as that same electric current pulsed between us again. Even though it was short, it still stole my breath away.

Jake waved goodnight to Charlie as he climbed in the cab, and I headed back to the other side. Standing with Charlie as the truck roared to life, we waved one last time before they drove away then turned to head back inside. Charlie put his arm around my shoulders and looked down at me.

"Why so glum kiddo?" he asked, noticing my mood. "Didn't you have a good time today?"

I did my best to smile at him. "Yeah, I just miss Jake when we're apart."

"Some separation is good Bells. Makes the heart grow fonder, and all of that," he said with a teasing grin.

"I guess," I replied and smiled at him again. "Doesn't stop me from missing him."

He sighed. "Ahh, young love."

That managed to draw a laugh out of me. If he only knew that it was so much more than that. I really wish I could tell him everything.

"You know, Bells, I was watching you and Jake interact tonight—"

"Yeah, I noticed. You're not as stealthy as you might think. You and Billy both."

He gave me a crooked smile. "Saw that, did ya? Well, I just wanted to say that I really like how much easier your relationship with Jake seems to be than it ever was with… that other one. You're relaxed and you smile far more. I just… well I like seeing you like that."

I tilted my head at him and gave him a more genuine smile. "That's because it is easier. Everything about being with Edward was hard, but it's not like that with Jake. He's the right one for me, so there's no struggle and no need to question it."

He paused just as he was closing the door and turned back to me, his look a little more wary.

"He's the right one for you, huh? I'm not saying I object, but you sound so sure."

My eyes widened a little, not sure exactly what to say. "I am sure. We both are." This would be so much easier if he knew about the way Jake and I were connected.

"You're really young Bells. Have you… you guys haven't talked about marriage yet, have you?" Charlie was shifting on his feet and rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, not exactly. I mean, it's been mentioned, but—" I had looked away, but my eyes snapped back when he cut me off, his voice strained.

"Are you two…" he huffed out a breath, red creeping into his cheeks and he couldn't look at me. "Are you being safe?"

My brow furrowed. "Safe? What do you…?" He couldn't know about the danger I had been in. Unless he'd figured something out? Surely Billy wouldn't—

"Are you using protection?" he blurted out, and after another moment of staring at him in confusion my eyes went wide, and I gasped.

"Oh my gosh, Dad! No, we're not… I mean, yes…" I let out an exasperated breath. "We haven't done… that, and we aren't going to. We agreed to wait." My face was flaming hot at having this conversation with Charlie. I can't say that I'm totally surprised he asked, but geesh…

He calmed back down and pointed at me.

"So, you're not…"

"No, we're not. Now, can we drop this please?"

Charlie relaxed and gave me a satisfied smile. "I really do like Jake… always have."

I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated breath. "I'm going to get ready for bed. Good night, Dad."

"Night sweetheart."

I was tired, but not enough to get to sleep yet, so I took a long shower then did some more studying in my room. When my brain was too weary to be able to concentrate on anything complicated, I climbed under the covers and grabbed the top book off the pile by my bed and started reading.

Jake talked to me one more time while I was reading. I was thankful that we could communicate that way… it helped ease the ache a little. About twenty minutes later, I was surprised and relieved when it disappeared completely. I was too sleepy to think about what might have caused it and without the ache, it didn't take long before I was having trouble keeping my eyes open. I didn't notice what time it was, but after dozing off and dropping my book on my face for the third time, I finally turned my light off and drifted into a peaceful, dreamless sleep almost immediately.

JACOB POV

On the drive home I was uneasy and edgy at having to leave Bella again. When my dad noticed and asked me what was wrong, I told him. The need to be with Bella and protect her was nearly all consuming.

"I'm not sure how long I can tolerate it, Dad. It's much worse at night, though even on patrol today it was strong. I'm dreading the weekdays while she's at school. And she feels it too.

"This started after you imprinted yesterday?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Have you talked with Emily about it?"

"No. Bella was with her all afternoon, so she might have, but she didn't mention it if she did."

"That might be a good place to start. See if she's had any dreams, or premonitions, or whatever it is she gets."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll stop by tomorrow when I get off of patrol before heading to see Bella."

"How's everything else going? So many things changed yesterday when the two of you imprinted."

We talked about how it was going so far with the separate packs and the situation with Leah. I also told him about how Bella had healed Emily's scars and thought she could help Leah. And how Bella was moving differently now.

"Jake, what's happening with you and Bella right now are some of the most incredible things to happen in our history since the first wolf transformation. I'm proud of you son. You're handling it all so well… taking it all in stride and accepting your new role."

"Thanks Dad. I'm trying."

"When I gave you your mother's rings, I knew something was coming, but I had no idea it would be like this. Have you considered that might be the answer for you and Bella?"

"Yes, it crossed my mind today. I never dreamed it would come to that so soon. The thing is, with the imprinting, there's nothing we can do to become more committed to each other than we are already." I was silent for a minute before quietly continuing. "I'm starting to doubt that my convictions about marriage and waiting to be with her still have value to us, given our new reality."

He sighed. "Son, I can't begin to understand everything you're feeling and going through. You and Bella are bonded to each other so powerfully, and it's unbreakable, that's true. But that bond was involuntary. The imprinting happened to you, you didn't decide it for yourself, despite the fact that it was what you wanted. It may feel pointless, but there is still something equally powerful in making the decision for yourselves and declaring that commitment to each other in front of those who love and care for you both. Don't let go of your convictions, the parts of you that you still have control over, just because it got harder."

I looked at my dad as he spoke all the things that were already in my heart, but I had started to doubt.

"Thanks Dad. I needed that reminder. Now I just need to figure out what Bella will say about the idea of getting married, because I'm not completely sure, even though she said she was ready. And Charlie. What do you think he's going to think about all of this?"

"I don't know Jake. I've been dropping small suggestions that you guys are heading in that direction, but I'm fairly certain that the thought hasn't entered his mind that it will be happening soon. So, I can't imagine he's going to jump for joy at the prospect. Without any knowledge of the magic between you, it will not be easy to convince him that this is the right thing for the two of you right now."

We were silent for a few minutes as I contemplated the situation.

"What if we told Charlie?" I asked.

"Told him what? That you want to get married? It's going to take more than just telling him."

"No, what if we told him everything? About the wolves, about me and Bella imprinting, and all the magic. Everything."

My dad's eyes widened at my suggestion. He opened his mouth, but then shut it again and looked out the window, thoughtful. Several silent minutes had gone by when we pulled up in front of the house and I shut off the truck. He was still silent. We didn't make a move to get out and I just watched him, trying to read his face.

"The suspense is killing me Dad," I said finally. "What're you thinking?"

"Well, my first response was absolutely not. Keeping the wolves' existence, a secret keeps you all safe. But there has never been a situation like this… well not one that is remembered in much detail anyway. It definitely would help him understand, and I would trust Charlie with this secret." He shook his head and sighed then studied my face for a long moment.

"Ultimately this is your decision, Jake. You're the Alpha, so no one can tell you what you can and can't do. I would recommend that you at least discuss it with Sam first, since he's your Second Alpha."

I nodded, wondering if this just might work. For the first time, I let myself seriously consider the thought of marrying Bella in the near future, and it filled me with so much joy and excitement. There were so many other things to consider as well, such as supporting ourselves and where we would live, but those things could all be worked out, I was sure of it.

"Don't get ahead of yourself Jake," Billy said, reading the look on my face. "You have some things to work through to make this happen."

"I know. Just letting myself enjoy the thought for a minute. I'm so ready to start my life with Bella, Dad. I hadn't let myself go there before, thinking it was still farther into the future than this!"

"I understand. Just keep it in check while we work some of these things out. Like I told you, I'm here for you in this and support you completely."

I gave him a grateful smile then we headed inside and continued to talk over details and how best to proceed to make this happen for us. It was very late when my dad finally headed to bed. I was tired, but not enough to get to sleep yet with the crazy need to watch over Bella pulsing through me. I talked to her for a few minutes; she was in bed reading, trying to wear her mind out the same as me. After we had said our final good-nights I decided to go out for a run to calm and clear my mind.

Thankfully, Sam's pack was on patrol and there was no one else from my pack out tonight in wolf form, so I was alone with my thoughts. I didn't really pay attention to where I was going, but after a short time I found myself in the trees beside Bella's house. Her light was still shining softly through her window. I closed my eyes and tuned out the sounds around me, focusing my attention toward Bella, I picked up her gentle breathing and the steady beat of her heart. Every so often I heard a soft rustling as she flipped the page of her book.

The aching need to protect Bella was gone now. I may not be with her, but I could watch over her from here, so perhaps this could be a temporary solution. I laid down on my belly and rested my head on my outstretched front legs. I wasn't sure if I would stay all night, but I was definitely going to stay for a while. After just a few minutes, Bella's light went out and it was no time before her breathing slowed and deepened into the steady rhythm of a peaceful sleep. She wasn't restless like she had been the night before… and I knew that I felt better being close by. I may not be able to do this every night, but I decided, at least for tonight, I would stay right here.

JAKE! HEY JAKE, wake up man. Where are you?

I slowly blinked my eyes opened to the soft gray light of early dawn. Looking up at Bella's window, I found the house quiet, both Bella and Charlie still asleep.

Oh! Embry thought in surprise as he saw the house through my eyes. What are you doing there? Everything okay with Bella?

Yeah, everything's fine. I quickly filled him in on the issue we were having as I got up and stretched. Being close took care of the ache and need to protect her, but I'm not sure it will be feasible to do this every night.

We met up a few minutes later and were quickly joined by Quil, Seth, and Leah. We split up so we could cover more ground. Me and Quil took the North/East path, and Embry, Seth, and Leah took South/West.

Everything was quiet, which had thankfully become the norm lately. That also meant my mind had more time to wander and it wasn't long before the conversation with my dad went through my head. It was only a brief little snippet of the conversation, but it was enough to get everyone's attention.

Embry, of course, already knew about the rings, but not that it might be happening so soon. No one else knew though… not even Quil.

Marriage!? Leah practically yelled at me. What the hell Jake? You're only eighteen!

What business is it of yours, Leah? Seth asked.

You're just jealous of what Jake and Bella have, Quil commented. You should really just butt out Leah.

I'm not going to waste my time justifying my plans to you Leah. This isn't something I'm doing on a whim. I've talked it over with my dad, and he's in agreement with me that this is the right path for me and Bella, no matter what anyone else may think about it.

I don't know why she seemed to care what Bella and I did, but she just couldn't keep it to herself.

Psssh, what a load of crap, Jake. You're barely old enough to do it without a permission slip from Daddy.

Leah… A warning edge crept into my voice.

How in the world are you going to even support yourselves?

That's doesn't concern you. I was losing my patience with her spouting off, especially after the conversation we had yesterday.

You're an idiot if you think you can make it work. You're a high school dropout who doesn't even have a paying job.

ENOUGH! I roared. Anger flashing through me I slipped into my Alpha timber without meaning to and I immediately rescinded the order. It shut her up though.

I have not come to this decision lightly and I am well aware of the situation and the challenges that we have to overcome. If you want to talk to me about it privately, fine, but wouldn't recommend it. And this will not be a topic of discussion during patrols.

I could feel Leah's own anger and disgust simmering under the surface, but she didn't say any more and I ignored it. This had nothing to do with her and she could stuff it. The rest of the morning went by with minimal conversation. When our patrol was over, I went home to shower and eat before heading over to Emily's, thankful to get out of Leah's head and get her out of mine. I hoped that somehow Leah was able to trust Bella enough to let her help Leah sometime soon because I was so done with her attitude. Even when she didn't say or think anything, her rotten feelings came through anytime I thought the slightest thing about Bella, which was impossible for me to avoid doing.

I stepped out of the house to find Embry and Quil both waiting for me on the front porch.

"Hey man," Embry said. "We just wanted to see how you were doing and to let you know that we don't agree with Leah."

"Yeah." Quil nodded. "Even if it seems nutso, we know what you guys have been through and how you feel about each other. Leah does too, if she'd just take her head out of her butt for a second. I mean, with the way your imprinting is so strong, you guys are practically married already."

"Thanks guys. I already knew that, but it's nice to hear."

"It pisses me off too," Quil continued with a smirk. "She's ruined any chances I had of giving you crap about getting attached to the old ball-n-chain."

I barked out a laugh and gave Quil a sharp punch on the shoulder, knocking him enough to force him to take a step back. "I'm sure you'll find your chance, jerk."

Quil lunged at me, going for my neck to put me in a head lock. I dodged and after a quick tussle, it ended with my arm around his neck and his arm twisted behind his back.

"Well," Embry said with a shake of his head as I pushed Quil away with a smile on both of our faces, "if there's anything we can help you with, just ask. We're here for you."

"Yeah, for sure," Quil said, rubbing his shoulder. "You know, I think my grandpa knows a guy with a house he might be selling cheap. Something that needs some work, but we can all help you out getting it fixed up. You want me to ask him about it?"

"Yeah, that would be great. He can talk to either me or my dad."

We talked for a few more minutes about the patrols for the week and then I took off for Emily's house. She and Sam were still finishing up breakfast when I got there. She knew what I was going to ask before I could even get my question out… apparently, she had talked to Bella yesterday, so she shared that conversation with me. The thought that it was just being us missing each other magnified by the imprinting was interesting. That didn't explain the strong need I had to be with Bella to protect her though, so it may be a combination of things happening.

I also decided to fill Emily in on my dad giving me my mom's rings, so I could talk with Sam about Charlie without leaving her in the dark. She was obviously good at keeping things to herself. Her enthusiasm at the prospect of Bella and I getting married made me excited for it all over again.

When I told Sam about my plan to tell Charlie everything, he was hesitant at first, but ultimately, he understood and agreed that the situation warranted him knowing what was going on in his daughter's life.

"Like I already told you Jake, I will support you and Bella. I appreciate your consideration in speaking with me about it, but your dad is right, in the end, it's your decision. And I trust your judgement. If you and your dad both trust Charlie with this, then I have no issue with it."

While Sam was talking, Bella had spoken to me.

"Hold on a second Sam, Bella needs me."

Yeah baby?

Just curious if you knew about what time you were going to get here.

I'm just about to leave Emily's and then I have an errand to run in Forks before I come over, so maybe another hour.

Okay. Miss you. See you soon.

When I got done speaking to Bella, Emily was smiling at me.

"What?" I asked her.

"Nothing. I just hadn't seen either of you speaking telepathically with the other when I knew it was happening. I realized I can see your telepathic connection sort of glow when you're communicating that way. You also got a very peaceful look on your face. I assume everything is okay."

"Yeah, everything's fine. She just wanted to know when I was getting to her house. Speaking of, I do need to get going. I've spent about as much time away from her as I can tolerate for the day. I want to thank you both for being such great friends to me and Bella. We appreciate the two of you so much."

"That goes both ways," Sam said.

Having the support of both my dad and Sam was such a relief. I was very aware of how foolish the path I was starting to head down would seem to many, but I was truly beginning to believe that it was the right path for us.

A/N:So, I know I kinda stole that conversation between Bella and Charlie from the movie (at the moment, I can't remember if that was in the books or not), but I loved that scene and it fit so well right there (I thought), so I decided to put in my own version of it.
Hope you enjoyed.