Enjoy!

When You Love Someone

Chapter 12: Rivers and Roads

As I took a deep breath, I exited the jet with trepidation; Alec and Jane in front of me chatting lightly and I knew they were trying to give me space. I took out my phone and I sent a quick text to Jake telling him we landed in Seattle and to expect us later tonight for the bonfire. I knew he was worried, and I had no doubt he would question me once we arrived.

Finding the car easily, Alec took our bags while Jane slid into the driver's seat, as I made my way to the back, keeping the books close to me. All too soon the white house in the distance appeared much too quickly. Carlisle and Esme were waiting for us on the porch steps and I bristled seeing their faces again. It was going to be a long afternoon.

"Bella" Esme gushed as she quickly walked to meet us and gave me a quick hug as I stood stiffly in her arms.

"Hi Esme, Carlisle" I answered stepping out her embrace to stand behind Alec. Her smiled fell a bit before she said hello to Alec and Jane with Carlisle joining her, smoothly talking over the awkward moment.

"It's lovely to see you all again, how was your journey?" He asked, as he took quick glance at me.

"Uneventful and quick. Nothing to be said of. I hear congratulations are in order, for your son." Alec said coolly.

"Yes, he found Astrid some time ago. There were some difficulties in the months that followed, which I know your all aware of." Carlisle's eyes searched for mine "Bella, I can't begin to apologize for how we treated you during that time. We know we didn't treat you with any proper respect and the situation was delicate for everyone involved. We are so sorry for our behavior"

Stunned for a moment, I cleared my throat needlessly and without any emotion I simply nodded my head. Putting up my mental wall from any emotion. "Yeah, well, I'm here to do what's right. Nothing more." I expressed stoically

"Of course, and thank you Bella, for doing this. I know it must have been a difficult choice considering the circumstances." Carlisle said awkwardly, choosing to ignore my attitude.

"Actually, it wasn't that difficult. Astrid did nothing wrong." I empathized, as Carlisle looked even more awkward.

"Regardless, thank you Bella" Esme insisted while leading us into the once familiar house, putting an end to the most uncomfortable conversation.

Everything looked the same as it did before the big blow up. Everything was clean, the tv was on as Emmett and Jasper were sitting on the couch. At my arrival they both stood, Jasper giving me a warm smile but keeping his distance, something I appreciated; however Emmett smiled joyfully and gave me a quick hug.

"It's good to see you again Bella" he said warmly and tried as I might, I couldn't hold back the tiny smile at his infectious warmth. Although I was still angry with him, I couldn't find it in me to be rude. Alice however was another story.

She approached me lightly from the stairs, her delicate footfalls easily recognized as Edward and Astrid stood behind her. Each having varying degrees of uncomfortably on their faces.

"Hey Bella" Alice said, the first to speak as Edward pushed Astrid to the couch to stand beside Emmett.

"Hi"

"I'm glad you came. We missed you" She said softly as I nodded curtly as I shifted my eyes to the ground as the awkward silence grew.

Astrid, for her part kept quiet from her corner before she spoke up "I just wanted to say thank you again Bella. It's a really nice thing you're doing"

That raised my hackles and before I could stop myself, I hissed out "I'm not doing this to be nice, but simply being the right thing to do. There's a difference." She shrank to hide behind Emmett immediately as Edward growled out "Don't talk to her that way"

"Don't have her talk to me and we won't have a problem" I glared as he stepped towards me and glowered. I met him toe to toe with my own impudent expression.

"She's trying to be nice Bella, and you seem to have forgotten basic manners" He snarled at me

"Well, if I forgot basic manners you seemed to have forgotten what landed us in this position to begin with" I retorted as he started to lower himself. Fine, if he wanted to fight then he'll get one.

"Edward!" Carlisle said sharply as Edward straightened immediately at the sound of his father's voice. Growling low, he stepped to the side of his bride as I continued to glare, choosing to stand beside Alec, who was barely concealing a grin.

"May I suggest that we all meet in the yard? Bella, I understand you wanted to practice some before attempting your shield work?" Carlisle asked, subtly putting himself between myself and Edward.

"Yeah, which, I make no promises that it will work. May I remind some in the room" Looking at Edward who continued to glower at me "that this isn't guaranteed. I'm still new to my gift. I barely have control over blocking myself much less something as invasive as going into someone's mind."

"I may be able to help with that" Jasper quietly said from his spot in the room. "My time in the southern wars didn't grant me many happy memories but it did offer me some experience in training."

"Yes, I seem to remember, you had quite a reputation for handing newborns… Major" Alec offered, lifting his eyebrow as Jasper's expression changed.

"Yes, well, you have quite the career yourself, lieutenant" Jasper quipped as I shifted my eyes back to Alec.

At my questioning gaze, he chuckled darkly "During the southern wars, I believe one of the lieutenant commanders became quite ambitious in her quest for territory. She came to Verona on the mission of recruiting talent from the Volturi and met me instead. At the time Aro created a small army of the guard so to speak and assigned me to lead" His eyes darted to Jasper and there was a code being shared that I didn't quite know how to decipher.

"Yes, I remember. I was a part of the recruiting squad. It was a fierce battle, and although we lost Nettie, I can't say I was particularly upset with the turn of events."

"I do remember your strategy well, smart of you to use the area to your advantage, especially for enemy territory." Alec complimented as Jasper smirked

"Same to you, your battle tactics were most impressive"

"Well, I say that if we're done discussing war stories, we should focus on building Bella's talent" Jane quipped, rolling her eyes and walking towards the yard, as she casted a nasty look towards Edward.

"Of course," Jasper said coolly "After you Bella" He said as he led me into the yard, everyone not bothering to hide their obvious stares.

"Alright Bella, you stand on the opposite side and well test distance first okay? Carlisle you stand there and for each successful block he'll move back ten feet. You got it?" He asked

"Miss Jane if you would?" Carlisle asked pleasantly and with a smile Jane unleashed her gift, Carlisle to his credit barely bristled as I concentrated, trying to picture a film over his body.

"Good! Move back Carlisle" Jasper instructed

I managed easily enough with the first few hundred feet or so hitting the first wall barely under a mile. "Ahh!" I heard him scream and in an instant, I felt the shield snap back with a force.

"Are you alright?" I asked, concerned

"Yes, I'm alright, Jasper I say she's well enough adjusted-on distance don't you agree" He said softly, getting up from the grass.

"For right now, for what's required she doesn't need too much distance, but it never hurts to start with the basics." Thinking, Jasper, turned to Alec and with a gleam in his eye, Alec to my surprise started to tear up as his face contorted into an expression of misery before I put my shield over him, his expression returning to normal, if a bit miffed.

"Although I understand your tactics Major, mind picking another target?" Alec asked annoyed as I looked on confused.

"What?" I asked

Before I could answer I heard Edward growl in pain before I reluctantly turned my shield onto him and turned in time to see Jane's smirk. "What? I think I have an idea on what's happening, and I couldn't resist" She smiled as Edward growled at her.

"Bella, were going to test your control over your shield. Your reaction time and see how much control you have." Jasper instructed before Jasper grew quiet, his eyes cloudy and his lips moving but no sound coming out. I casted a look at Alec as he stood straight, his hands behind his back. Realization came to me and quickly, I casted my shield onto Jasper who breathed a sigh of relief. "Haven't felt that in years" Jasper mumbled as he quickly squared his shoulders and stood straight, mirroring Alec's stance.

I heard Alice's giggle inside the house, followed soon by loud laughter. Blocking her she gave a quick thank you followed by choice words for her mate.

We did these exercises for a few hours, mastering my control and distance until I was comfortable blocking individuals and to my shock, I was able to protect someone and protect myself at the same time, although I was still shaky on that development. I could tell Alec was impressed with my progress and Jasper was pleased with the amount discovered.

When the sun began to set, Jasper's smile was huge. "Bella, I'm impressed. I think you might actually be able to pull it off" He said as I smiled softly. "If you continue at this pace, I think you can do it. That would be amazing, not only for Astrid but for you as well. You would be a great defensive weapon" He mummer

"Uh, thanks?" I walked back and tied up my hair and noticing the time I called "Well, hey, we need to get to go, Jake is having a bonfire and we can't be late to that."

"Indeed, I believe the Chief and us have business to discuss moving forward" Alec intervened standing beside me.

"Of course, we don't want to keep you from your plans." Carlisle said placing a hand on my shoulder. "You've done really good today Bella. You've become so strong since I've seen you last" His eyes held a certain sadness to them that I couldn't place, and it was all it took for me to be reminded why I was here to begin with. All those hurt feelings and betrayals came rushing back to the surface and I took a step back, shaking off his hand of friendship. "Yeah, well, I didn't really have a choice." I said bitterly before turning quickly and grabbing my bag from the entryway. I couldn't lose this; it was all I had, and this was my main focus. I had to get to Jacob.

"We can meet back here; tomorrow morning and I'll see what I can do before the wedding. Jasper if your confident I can, I'll try but until then respect my wishes and don't contact me until we return." I said and turning to the others before I could see their hurt reactions. I whispered "Let's go" before I ran out the door with Alec and Jane on my heels. This time, I didn't look back.

Coming to a stop a few miles from the treaty line I heard rather than saw the wolves approaching, and I yelled gleefully once I saw Jake step out of the trees in his familiar jean shorts, being flanked by Embry and Quil.

"Jake!" I ran over and he swiftly caught me in his arms, swinging me around laughing before he gave me a swift kiss on the forehead.

Suddenly I heard a loud growl coming from behind me and turned only to see Jane swiftly elbow Alec who looked murderous. Confused, I signaled Jake to put me down as he gave me one more hug, smirking.

"Nice to see you again Vampire girl" Embry said smiling as he gave me a quick hug followed by Quil.

"It's so good to see you all. Really, I've missed all of you so much" I said earnestly

"We missed you too, Bella, more than you know" Jacob replied, tears springing to his eyes before he cleared his throat. He gave me one more firm hug before gesturing to Alec and Jane behind me. "So, you must be Alec and Jane. Bella has told me about you both. I'm Chief Jacob Black." He said with a smile reaching out to shake both of their hands.

"Thank you for having us, I know that this will bring a new era of peace between our two species" Jane declared, smiling politely

"It's good to meet you both, welcome to our land. We do ask that any vampires in the Forks territory be mindful that it is under our protection. No humans may be harmed here, and no drinking of human blood is allowed." Jacob said seriously before giving a tight smile.

"We are aware of your rules and the current treaty you have with the Cullen's. We recognize we are guests here and we will act as such. We will not harm anyone and if we must feed, we will do it outside city limits." Jane replied with a glint in her eye, stepping forward. Her head barely reaching Jacob's chest.

Relaxing Jacob smiled and gave a laugh, his usual self-returning. "I figured as much but it's my responsibility to keep watch over our people. Plus, Bella has spoken highly of both of you, friends of Bella's means friends to me. We have a bonfire being held soon, to fully welcome this new era and to celebrate my second in command, his wedding is held tomorrow night. If you will, try and keep up" He quirked his eyebrow at me before transforming into his russet form and took off on a run Embry laughing heartily.

"You know he's trying to race you right?"

"I know" I said smirking before taking off, catching up to Jake easily as he growled playfully, picking up his pace while I felt Alec and Jane running behind me, my backpack bouncing on my back.

It felt so good to run again, feeling the fresh air and smelling the pine. Knowing the pack is just ahead; and I would be with friends again. I would never admit it but maybe Alice was right coming back after all. I mean I had to have come back to keep the books safe but so far it hadn't been so terrible.

I saw Jake start to slow suddenly and I came to a stop just outside the familiar house and Jake to his credit went into the trees to phase and came back with a huge smile. "Welcome to Bella's place!" He announced, smiling from ear to ear as he opened the door, the inside spacious and warm. Just like how I left it.

"Bella's place?" Alec questioned looking at me.

"Well technically it's a guest house for any vampires visiting but Bella has been the only one who's used it, up until recently" Jacob explained as I ran my hands against the stained wood and eyeing the familiar purple comforter on the bed near the window, I smiled at the memories.

"You guys kept everything perfectly; thank you for taking care of my dad's stuff" I said quietly looking, as Jake's smile dimmed a bit.

"Of course, Bells, he was one of us, we take care of our own." He simply said before clapping his hands and his smile returning.

"Well please, settle in and Bella when you get the chance could I borrow you for a few moments?" He asked and nodding my head I excused myself as I followed him out of hearing range. Once we were alone, Jacob's smile disappeared as his whole face fell, his shoulders slumping.

"Oh, jeez Bells, two? They wanted to bring two guards with you. Why did they want two?" He asked, bringing his hand up to his hair. I knew he wasn't happy with both of them and prepared for his reaction.

"Aro wanted to set a good example. Technically their diplomats representing the Volturi, I'm still a guest with them but once the year is up, I might be invited to stay. Look Jacob, they aren't a threat, if anything Aro is trying to show you that he wants to be allies." I explained as Jacob started to pace.

"It's only them, right? Just those two?" He asked

"As far as I know"

"Good. That leaves us with the advantage." He murmured as I scrunched my eyebrows together.

"Jacob they aren't looking for a fight. It's a diplomatic mission, for Edward and Astrid's marriage and hopefully Sam and Emily's which by the way, how come no one told me they were getting married?" I huffed out, giving Jacob the stink eye.

"I wanted to tell you during our conversation, but I was sidetracked when you told me you were in trouble. Then I get a call from that Alice Cullen claiming I can't go or else I would cause you to be in even greater danger. So here I am on the sidelines worried like crazy and then I find out you are coming here with two leeches from that place. Bella you have to understand, as chief and as your friend, I'm a little concerned." He scowled at me as bit my lip and shifted from foot to foot before I processed what he told me.

"Alice called you, when?"

"I got a call from her two days before I was going to fly out." He answered, his face becoming somber as he lowered his voice "She told me she couldn't fully see what happened, something about me being there but because I was there, she saw those vampires burning you Bells. You were dead and gone in seconds. So, When I decided not to go, she saw you alive and coming back here. She saw you alive, with those two who work for the leeches that would burn you. The Volturi." He spit out that last word with a sneer and turned his glare onto me, concern lacing his features. "Now, Bella, you can imagine after hearing that news, true or not, your death doesn't sound good. So I'm going to ask this once" He said gravely crossing his arms "How valid was her claim?"

"Valid" I whispered thinking back to the leaders and guard of the Volturi, each induvial face coming in clarity.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he slowly let it out through his nose before opening his eyes and standing in front of me he said seriously "Okay Bella, that's it, you need to tell me everything you know, starting with that phone call"

"Jacob it's all really delicate right now. No one else knows what I found, and I don't think anyone else knows what's going on either. Jacob, I can't go into detail about that. This knowledge is dangerous" I warned, listening for any prying eyes or ears. As much I liked Jane and Alec, I can't be too cautious.

"Bella, what is going on with you? You disappear on us for months and the first phone call I get from you is your telling me you're in some life-threatening situation and that I can't help. Then the next thing I know you're coming here with these two and you look ready to run" He said frustrated before putting his hands on my shoulders and looking me in the eyes.

"Bella, please, just talk to me. There was a time you used to confide in me, you told me things I never breathed a word of to anyone. This doesn't have to be different. You say you can't because someone can read minds and it may be dangerous, but we can get around that, I promise, just please share this with me. Let me help you." He said earnestly and I sighed taking a step into his embrace and letting his familiar heat comfort me. Shaking my head, I looked up and pursed my lips together.

"Jacob I can't. You don't understand this is different. I know I sounded hectic on the phone but please, trust me. I can do this, and I promise if there's even a hint of things going wrong, I'll tell you." I said, smiling lightly, trying to reassure him.

"What if when you tell me, it's too late for me to help?" He asked gravely

"It won't come to that, Jacob I promise, it won't come to that" I said feircwly as he shook his head.

"Bella you know I can't go on that. We lost Charlie, we're not losing you too" He said, his voice catching.

"Bella even if you can't tell me everything, at least let me help you, in some way." At his pleading I immediately thought of the books and sighing, I took the opportunity.

I dropped my backpack and taking out Didyme's journal and recipe book wrapped in butcher paper, I handed them to a concerned and confused looking Jacob.

"Jacob, what I'm giving you needs to stay hidden. Okay, you can't tell anyone about this, no one, not even Leah. Anyone that you tell will be in danger too. I don't even want to drag you into this, but I trust you above anyone and I know you can keep these safe. Even from me." I said gravely stepping back.

"Bella" He breathed

"No one can know where you hide them Jake. No one." I reiterated

"Bella, what did you get yourself into?" He whispered, caressing the spine and aged leather.

"Something dangerous, but also important. Can you hide them? Without anyone knowing?" I asked desperately,

"Yeah. I know what to do." He said as I nodded my head and stepping back, I forced a smile as he cleared his throat awkwardly. "So, alright, enough of this, why not tell me what this business is with Edward? What's up with that?" he said tiredly

"Now that I can explain" I said slightly relieved, crossing my arms.

"Please do" He said mirroring me

"So, in Italy. Edward came to visit me with his new mate. I assume you know about his plans to change her?" I asked raising my eyebrow and with a growl he shook his head yes.

"unfortunately, she's not a native of Forks or Seattle, shit she isn't even from Washinton. She's from Connecticut or some shit. So, the treaty still stands if they don't do it in Forks. They informed us it would happen shortly after the wedding."

"Yeah, he told the kings the same thing. He also asked me for a favor, well she did actually." I admitted to Jacob's surprised expression.

"What? What could she possibly want? Especially from you" He said upset

"She wants my shield" I answered plainly

"Come again?" He asked

"I know, it caught me off guard at first too, but her mom has dementia and pancreatic cancer. She's dying, Jacob and she wants her mom there, to see her get married. I may hate him but I'm not heartless."

Giving a low whistle all, I heard was "Shit"

"Yeah, we were over this morning and all day, training on my shield, making me stronger" I supplied as he let out a curt chuckle shaking his head.

"I can't believe them, dragging you our here for them" He sneered

"But also, for me too. It was the perfect excuse to come back and do what needed to be done. Of course, if someone had told me about Sam and Emily that would, also, provide another excuse" I said lightly as Jacob rolled his eyes.

"Jeez Bella, I'm sorry okay, I know it's a huge milestone but, in my defense, I had bigger things on my mind" He stared at me as I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, point taken, I just…I know things are messed up right now, but I hope I'm still pack." I whispered quietly.

"Bella of course you are. You're always going to be pack, your one of us whether you like it or not. We look out for one another, support each other, even in situations we wished they weren't in" Jacob said softly, his grip on the books tightening. "I love you Bella Swan, nothing will change that." He gave me a tight embrace as I looked over his shoulder, the familiar pathway to the house clear even with an uncertain future.

Been talking about the way things change

And my family lives in a different state

And if I don't know what to make of this

Then we will not relate

So if you don't know what to make of this

Then we will not relate

The Head and the heart: Rivers and Roads