Noelle had been out many times before but as she aged out of the clubbing scene at 25. her days out were getting less and less common. But the moment Zane and Matt had asked for a night out it was like clockwork. Get ready, drink half the bottle before leaving home and flirt her way through the college boys to get free drinks for her and her friends. Aileen and Embry were busy setting up a new nursey, but Noelle did promise to head over for breakfast.

The three made their way into Patsy's and Zane immediately made friends with the bartender. Shots after shots and all three of them were giggling in a corner booth. The bar was packed with college students coming into town for the holiday weekend and it just added chaos. But it worked because Noelle was able to have several rounds of drinks sent over to her. She didn't mind the mindless flirting and the batting of the eyelashes and neither did the boys who felt they could have a chance to take the tipsy girl home. But she knew she was no stranger to staying safe, the drinks were for Zane and matt who could drink like old English men.

"We should do another round." Zane suggested. Eyes already cloudy with judgment and an obnoxious laugh to go with it.

"No, no no… we need time to let the other ones hit first." Matt was the most conscious and aware of the three. Noelle was slowly feeling the alcohol but not too much that it removed her ability to be functional.

"mhmmm. This one is going to hit better!" Zane waved over the bartender who, like clockwork, arrived with another set of shots.

Zane didn't hesitate and downed one before dropping the other two in front of Noelle and Matt. Matt pushed his towards Zane while Noelle clanked her glass with Zane's and shot it back. All three singing along to the karaoke song being sung in the other room.

Jacob hadn't seen Noelle in over a week, after fixing her car she had left for some family trip. It left him hurting and missing her like crazy. He had the need to see her and know she was okay and the occasional messages sometimes went through and others were left unsent. He knew it was her being in and out of the country that caused the messages to not send. But she did reply back to his "hope you're enjoying the sun. " she sent pictures of a random dog , her on a tractor and lots of pictures of food that she was eating. He thoroughly enjoyed the one of her holding a baby goat with that cute, closed mouth smile and dimple. She again wore all black clothing with big platform boots. He had stared at that picture for so long that he fell asleep with it on the screen. Now it was a running joke in the pack once Paul walked in on a sleeping Jacob and his phone screen pressed beside him.

Noelle didn't know what to say nor keep her nosey family off her phone. The moment Jacob's name popped up it caused her sister to ask too many questions. And when she didn't receive an answer, she went and told her mom and when that didn't work it became a moment where even her great aunts and uncles were asking where the boyfriend was. And Noelle had to say there was no boyfriend though late at night when she hugged a pillow, her mind would create the image of Jacob Black and his strong biceps. He was kind and asked how her day was, simple messages about her car and if Crusty was allowed upstairs in her home. He replied with pictures too, his car in the shop, her car nice and clean, the view of his window outside. She even got a video of crusty attacking him and she couldn't help but laugh at Jacobs yelp when the cat launched itself off it's tower to his face.

Jacob had entered the bar with a determined Collin and Brady. Seth had tagged along too, he wanted to witness the boys and whatever endeavors they would get to it. Jacob walked in and watched every eye advert to them. Collin and brady began the man hunt and made their way to the group of girls at the bar.

"So, what now jake? "Seth asked happily. Both leaning against the busy bar wondering what they could do to pass the time. Their metabolism was too fast to allow any sort of alcohol to take effect and drinking was a waste of money. Though Collin and brady were able to realize doing an entire bottle of vodka on their own could give them a good effect but only for a good half hour. Jacob had tried it once and realized it did work but it wasn't the same wild night other boys had.

Jacob only shrugged before he felt a hand grab his.

"Jacob…" The hiccup came out of Noelle before she could ask what he was doing there. And his eyes met hers almost immediately. Giant smiles on both their faces once they realized that they came together once again. Noelle had seen him the moment he walked in, and she quickly scooted herself out. Practically running towards him while her heartbeat got louder in her chest.

"Noelle. "Jacob said reaching for her and crushing her into a hug. Noelle felt how hard his body was and how bone crushing it seemed to be in his arms. But the smell on him was like heaven and relaxed her. He smelled like Freshly mowed grass and a beautiful smell of smoke that she could only think was from a bonfire.

"What are you doing here?" He let her go and took her in. Smokey eyes with long lashes behind the black frames. Tight black dress that pushed her tits up that made him salivate out the mouth and he thanked God he was as tall as he was to look down at such a view. She wore see-through tights and high platform boots to be a bit taller. Luscious red lips slightly fading away but made her look extremely euphoric.

"Came out with Zane and Matt. What about you? "She asked. Her eyes just enjoyed how Jacob looked. She was never into muscular, she liked skinny and pale boys who were shit to her. But Jacob ran through her mind like breathing and episodes of Degrassi. A constant loop of storylines and what ifs. They didn't let her rest one bit.

"Watching Collin and brady and hoping the two don't get some nasty disease." He joked brushing her green hair off her face. Noelle's eyes were glossed over, cheeks and chest slightly blushed over and he knew from the sight of her, she was drinking.

"you guys want to join us?" she asked, looking at Seth who waved hello.

Jacob didn't need to nod before Noelle grabbed his hand and pulled him through the crowded bar. Watching as the guys who tried to stop her, backed away when they noticed Jacob's 6 ft 7 behind her. A sense of pride came over him when she slowed down and let herself get closer to him.

Her backside skimming against him, it had him nearly howling at the idea of pulling her onto him.

"Look who It is! "Zane yelled.

"Seth!" Matt screamed happily pulling Seth down for a hug. The boys had loved Seth since the day they all bonded over some pie eating contest at Aileens baby shower. Seth liked how fun and laid back the two boys were and found them to be hilarious.

"And of course, Jacob, but Noelles in charge of being his own personal welcoming committee." Zane teased knowing about Noelle's little budding crush. She merely glared at them before she scooted in and sat next to Zane who was busy trying to get Seth to take a picture with Matt. Both boys stupidly drunk while jacob made sure to keep Noelle close by him. He could a masculine scent off of her, it was nice but part of him was envious at what type of guy was near her.

"Do I smell?" She hiccuped playing with the sugar rim on her cocktail. Her pink tongue lapping up the rim only sending him into another world of perverted thoughts. Noelle knew what she was doing and made sure to add as much as she could. Her eyes gazing up at him sheepishly making sure she played her moves right. Despite the hazing feeling in her mind her body wanted him, and she couldn't help the advances she was throwing at him.

"What?" He looked adorable when he was in shock, and she swore those high planed cheeks bones had a sense of blush to them. Sober Noelle didn't flirt but drunk Noelle was bolder. All walls were torn down for any type of shyness. Especially when she reminded herself that it had been a good while since she had slept with anyone. And she could feel herself just wanting Jacob more than anyone.

"You did this?" she said as he watched as she softly squinted her nose in a sniff and grinned up at him once she heard that chuckle. It was the best laugh she ever heard, and it was one that practically made her pant.

"You wearing cologne? "He asked composing himself and removing the drink from her hand to set it down as far from her as possible. He cleared his throat hoping the slight tent in his pants wasn't noticeable. But she didn't budge and reached for it again and pressed it to her lips. Dark red lipstick he knew he'd smudge one day.

"Yeah… "

Jacob could sense how playful she was being. Very different than how she handled herself before. While Noelle enjoyed drinking because she felt free and unaware that she'd make a fool out of herself. She wasn't overthinking or judging too much and allowing fate to happen. Even if it was drunken fate that was being directed by pure horn dog.

"Do you not like it?" she asked curiously. Though the new insecurity set in, and she had hoped he didn't think she smelled. She would die out of dramatics and immediately look for a shower.

Jacob licked his lips and shook his head making Noelle suddenly tense up. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. His lips near her neck, whispering in her ear, and the hot breath on her made her skin crawl. Jacob noticed how her posture changed, she tensed but he watched how her thighs clamped together tightly.

"Depends." He liked his lips while she felt the heat in her skin crawl. Everyone in the bar seemed to become in a slow-motion simulation. Her eyes were staring down at her bottle and drink, hearing Zane, seth, and Matt joke about Mario cart. But all she could feel was the heat radiating next to her. Feeling Jacob's lips severely close to her neck and his hot minty breath just cascading around her keeping her in a mental chokehold. Tingles all over her body and between her thighs.

"On?" she asked Noelle leaned back slightly to bring Jacob away from her neck despite her wanting him to latch his lips to her., batting her eyelashes up at him. Jacob cleared his throat and met her eyes. Beautiful brown eyes that twinkled up at him.

"Whose is it?"

She was confused before reality set in and she laughed. Her hand hitting his chest and staying there. Her fingers scrunched his shirt into a fist as she clutched onto him and pulled him forward.

"It's Matt's. I liked it because I ran out of mine. You jealous or what?"

Jacob couldn't understand what exactly his life was like before this, and it sounded like a dream to rethink how the others talked about their imprint. But while he held her in his arm this very moment, he understood why they spent every chance they got with their imprint. Seeing her smile fulfilled something in him, he felt accomplished and a sense of pride within him. Every fiber in him just was captivated by her and needed her. Seeing her smile was enough for him to live every day and her way of keeping things playful was a wonder.

The table shook a bit and Noelle watched Zane stand up along with Seth and Matt.

"We gonna go smoke a cog, babygirl. You coming?"

Zanes flirtation with Noelle did bug Jacob. He noticed the pet names and the cuddles early on. Even the slight check kisses had him on edge. And Noelle not knowing this was beyond frustrating. He knew better than to bring it up to her. She was merely a friend if he could even consider that. And he knew that Noelle and Zane were friends for much longer than he would want. He felt possessive of her in every way imaginable but didn't know how to confront that before he scared her away.

"you want to go?" she asked nudging him away from his thoughts.

He didn't know what to say and merely nodded. He stood while Seth followed the two boys. Noelle was still closely near him while he reached out for her to escort her out the booth. He watched as the small crowd of frat boys eyed her as she covered herself as she scooted out. He could hear them easily, even Seth did a quick turn to check up on Jacob.

The idea of them making comments on what they would do to her, how'd they throw her around and pass her around to each one if it wasn't for him. He growled and noticed Noelle grip his hand.

"you okay there?"

Jacob's jaw was clenched, and Noelle could see the way the veins on his neck bulged out. Eyes were dark and fists were clenched so tightly she swore she could see them turn white from the cutting of circulation.

"jake?" Seth walked over and put himself between Noelle Jacob. Praying Jacob didn't wolf out from hearing the frat boys' comments. Jacob had great control but even when it came to something of that nature he knew it was severe.

"I'm good… let's get out of here." Jacob shook his head when he heard the group of men call him a freak. He finally noticed the whole bar took in the tall native who had gotten into a freakout. Seth in front of him waiting for some sort of sign to push Jacob out. Noelle just watched as his nostrils flared and looked down at her. Tight lipped smile that she knew was forced on her. He held his hand out and beckoned her to stay in front of him. He was trying to not be so forceful, but his grip and intention only made her think he wasn't happy with the group of white guys who had followed her throughout the night.

Jacob held her waist as he escorted her from behind. Jacob took deep breaths as they walked out into the cold air.

It was winter and everyone was in town from college and the holidays. People were also wearing jackets and he noticed his imprint was without one.

"You just don't wear jackets? "He teased breaking the silence. Noelle turned and smiled at him as he reached for her hand now that they were away from the others. Zane and Matt stood against the black bronco with Seth. All three boys lighting a cigarette and discussing whatever it was that made Zane cackle and slip on the ice.

Noelle liked it that Jacob reached for her hand. Rough and warm clasped around clammy and cold.

"I didn't think I needed one." she explained.

Jacob shook his head and pulled her towards him.

"You're going to get sick. "

"I actually have immunity to sickness, you know." She turned to him and looked quite proud of herself as they walked to the bronco.

"oh really?"

Noelle nodded before turning around and hugged the car happily. Jacob laughed as she nearly tripped but he was able to grip her elbow and prevent any type of injury.

"Is she better?" Noelle asked peeking inside the car.

"yes, and thank you for letting me drive her."

The new truck he had bought had a busted radiator that would need replacing.

"No, thank you for fixing her. "

Jacob noticed Noelles nose was starting to redden.

"its pretty fucking stupid to be out here in the cold without a jacket you know? Especially dressed like the way you are?" he asked pulling her close to him. Noelle leaned into him and nodded while wrapping her arms around him. She nuzzled her face into the sweet warmth of him. Feeling herself slowly get tired from the alcohol and now the sweet heat.

"I know, but it got me lots of free drinks. " she explained

Jacob rolled his eyes and hated the fact that she was right. He wasn't surprised but also hated the idea of other guys looking at her, overhearing it was painful and made him sick.

"doesn't matter, you'll also get a damn cold." He walked past her and opened the car to pull out his jacket and opened it wide for her. Noelle gave him a pout and looked up at him. He chuckled at the sudden brat before him.

Noelle was freezing and put it on after a stern glare from Jacob. Feeling the warmth of the sherpa on her skin as she snuggled into it and sleepily looked at Jacob. His heart was full at the image of her in his jacket. Drowning in the denim jacket but snuggled into the sherpa insides.

"What about you?" she asked, opening her arms so that he didn't hesitate to walk in. Noelle wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled her cold face into his side. She was freezing and feeling the effects of the alcohol slowly take over. Like every drop was defeating all sober ideas of who she is and just wanting to fall into a deep slumber.

"If you haven't noticed, I run hot."

Noelle looked up at him and nodded.

"Yeah, I can tell." She gave him a wide grin; one he hadn't seen before because he knew she meant more than his body heat.

"Oh yeah?" Noelle found herself leaning against the car with a Jacob hovering over her. A cocky grin on his face as he eyed her chest and legs before meeting her eyes.

Noelles' hand made its way to his chest and slowly worked its way down his chest to feel his chiseled abs. Hard body that she wanted to touch and explore. Knowing if she went further down, she get to the one spot she was more that into indulging with.

Jacob could convulse with the way her hand pressed down against his chest and down his torso. Stopping right above his belly button before he leaned down and brushed her hair away from her neck, he loved how underneath the cologne he could smell the coconut and cinnamon. He could feel her heart pace going up and he swore he heard a small moan when his hand gripped her hip. She licked her lips and was breathing heavily when she locked eyes on him. Noelle closed her eyes and felt Jacob get closer until the sudden bang made both jump up and look over to a fallen Zane.

"Oww! " he clenched his head while Seth and Matt laughed

"we should probably go, that's his third time falling. " Noelle said

Jacob only felt it was right to take them home. They had taken a ride share app and Jacob couldn't have them take one back with how drunk Zane was, how tipsy Noelle was and Matt seemed incredibly tired. Jacob also didn't want to leave Noelle so early on.

"Man, we should get Seth to come over one day and play the switch. "

Matt was barely breathing from laughing while Seth held his head from hitting it on the bumper.

"Were grown men planning sleep overs…"

Noelle was laughing along as well but slowly falling asleep in Jacob side. She refused to leave it enjoying the heat he was radiating. It felt like home, where every summer day reached above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. She was basking in the heat and shoving her legs as much as she can over his.

Jacob had gotten the message from Seth that both Collin and Brady were walking the girls home and would find a ride home.

"Who is it?"

"aren't you nosy?" Jacob joked.

Noelle hated to admit that she was. But she also didn't want to start an issue with a married man or boyfriend. Plus whom else messages at 3 a.m.

Jacob took her quietness as concern. And the way she began to chew her nails, he knew she was nervous.

"it's Seth, he's letting me know brady and Collin found some girls to hang out with. "

Noelle nodded and wondered if that was the reason why Jacob went out as well. Was he also looking for someone to go home with? Was she technically taking him home?

"Meanwhile were in the backseat drunk. " Matt said

"You could've gone home with the red head?' she explained looking back at Matt who shook his head.

"I would've wet myself if that happened. "

Once at Noelles, Jacob helped Noelle off first. He realized she had removed her boots and was now standing barefoot on the icy floor. She hopped off one and then the other to keep the burning ice from affecting her feet. Jacob took one look and hoisted her up in his arms like a toddler while helping Matt with a drunken Zane.

"My vaginas out!" she giggled trying to cover herself. Jacob laughed as she wiggled around until he managed to grab her keys and open the door.

Once inside, Jacob set Noelle down and asked for directions to rooms.

"Zane stays downstairs cause last time he fell down the stairs." She explained ushering the boys to the one bedroom on the main floor.

Matt helped them usher Zane into the room. Throwing him on the bed before he flopped down like a dead fish.

Noelle was laughing while Matt grabbed a sharpie and began writing on his face. Fake glasses were drawn while Matt couldn't help but hysterically cry while Zane snored and swatted him away.

"Make sure he doesn't go overboard." She explained to Jacob before running off into the hall.

This was his first time in a bedroom and the house was large for one person. Embry had slept here before and knew that Noelle had boughten a house with a lot of rooms. She loved hosting and chose to make sure her friends were comfortable.

"You need help? "Jake asked Matt.

"Nah, I'm sobering up a lot. Its usually these two buffoons who take it overboard." Matt explained finishing the unibrow.

Noelle walked in slamming herself into the door and eyes going wide when she saw Jacob. A one-sided smile before she shrugged and plopped on the bed with the two bottles of water and the giant ibuprofen bottle.

"Here, set 2 aside for when he wakes up. " she handed Jacob the bottle before climbing into the queen sized bed.

He watched Noelle reach for Zanes pants and start unbuckling. A slight growl emitted from Jacobs chest that didn't go unnoticed by Noelle who eyed him.

"He needs to sleep comfy. " she explained

Noelle helped removed Zanes pants easily and threw them on the floor before grabbing the blanket and setting it over Zayn. She kissed Zanes cheek and reached over to do the same to Matt.

"You want the upstairs bedroom or? "she asked slurring and gripping Jacobs arms as she stood up.

"ill stay here just in case. He hasn't gotten this drunk in a while."

Noelle nodded and looked at Jacob.

"Can you help me to my room, please. I don't think I can anymore. "

He understood immediately that she was losing all focus. Her eyes were nearly closing.

When she made her way out and past the kitchen, Jacob reached for a water bottle and handed it to her.

"Here, you need some too. "

The trip up the stairs wasn't going to happen the moment Noelle tripped over the first step. Jacob took it upon himself to hoist her up and walk her up. This time making sure she wasn't exposed.

"Which door? "He hadn't been upstairs but did notice the various doors.

"that one. " she rested her head back onto his shoulder as he swiftly opening it.

Her room was big but you wouldn't think that with the large bed. Black sheets with various pillows and shades of green. A cold chandelier over it and black bed frame

He set her on her bed and looked around. Clothes littered the floor probably from this night. Reddish brown fur rug and fake plants lined around her room. Golden accents of mirrors and picture frames along with a black vanity.

"You think you can unzip me? "she asked burping and turning her back to him '

Jacob unzipped it and watched her sigh before she held the front of her dress of dropping and walked into her bathroom.

"Stay."

He listened and sat on the bed, hearing the thunder go on from outside.

In an instant Noelle walked out of the bathroom and dimmed her bedroom light. He could see that she wore a long t-shirt now and was removing her lashes to drop them on her vanity.

"I'm so drunk…" she whined climbing into her bed

Jacob enjoyed looking at her and how dramatic she seemed to be. Pouting as she brushed out her hair and threw a little tantrum when she got a knot stuck onto her fingers.

"You want me to braid it?" he asked, reaching for her. He brushed her hair with the mermaid brush she kept by her bed. Slowly brushing out the tangles to not hurt her.

"You know how to braid hair?" Noelle sat in front of him half asleep. Eyes closing as he ran the brush through her green hair.

Jacob nodded before swiftly braiding her hair and tying it with the hair tie nice and tight swinging it over her shoulder.

She clutched his hand tightly and began to settle down beside him. Jacob helped her under the covers.

"Can you stay?"

Jacob was in shock and didn't move. He didn't know how to take her request.

"I'm so stupid… I'm sorry." She felt embarrassed to ask him to stay.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable." He explained.

"I'm not asking you to fuck me. I just don't want to be alone." Jacob and Noelle stared at each other awkwardly. Unsure of how to process what the other was thinking.

Jacob nodded and removed his wallet from his back pocket. S

"Take your shoes off." she demanded, reaching over to open her window.

Jacob turned away when he noticed she was only wearing underwear underneath the T-shirt. Bare legs and thighs for him to see. He had to calm himself as he removed his shoes and got on the bed. Feeling the sinking of his weight as he settled down next to her.

"Why do you have such a big bed?"

Noelle noticed that Jacob could extend his legs over her bed comfortably. She also noticed how well he looked laying back against her pillows.

"I like big beds. I move around a lot and just like to know I have all the space I need. And I was planning on getting a dog as well. "

Jacob scoffed at the joke. It had written itself if she only knew she did have a giant dog on her bed at this very moment. A very comfy dog who hadn't slept well in the last few months. Jacob found her bed to be comfy and felt his eyes get heavy.

"Thank you for doing what you've done for me. That's nice of you." She was slurring and snuggling into him.

"Thought u were a cat person?" he asked suddenly. Reaching over to remove the glasses off her face that she didn't seem to remember to remove.

Noelle turned herself around and looked up at Jacob. The breeze from the window was the perfect mixture of cold to Jacob's heat.

"My social life requires me to have cats. Dogs need to much attention to."

"Oh yea?" he asked.

"Mhmmm. So, cuddle me tighter." J

Jacob loved how needy she was and despite it being a shock at her demand he obliged the moment she signed and cuddled him back. From lifting herself high into the bed to snuggle her face into his armpits and legs wrapping around him. He was in heaven the moment the shirt hiked up and he was able to see full thigh and butt.

"Do you like the rain?" She whispered.

"I mean… yeah." He grew up with rain , every day with sporadic rain. Thunderstorms were never scary and the sun was a wonderful change. It was the weather.

"I love the rain. We never got rain back at home." She explained.

"Back in California?" he asked.

"Yeah, and Arizona."

Thunder was loud and sounded nearby. The rattling of the rood only made him think something was different from this weather.

"What brought you here?" he asked.

Noelle sighed and looked up at Jacob. A soft smile on her face as she reached to touch his cheek before they gripped the back of his neck. She softly scratched with her nails at the nape of his neck, watching as he signed and leaned into her touch. Soft breaths as his shoulders relaxed.

"I got my heart broken and realized that no matter what I did to better myself. The town I lived in was just an entire memory of what my life use to be. I dated someone for 5 years and one day he woke up and decided that I wasn't the one anymore. "

"Oh yeah?" Jacob was wide awake now. Hearing her whisper into his chest.

"The night before he broke my heart, he was telling me how much he loved me and touching me. The wound that created was, something I still kind of struggle with."

Noelle couldn't explain the wound she had besides saying that it hurt a small part of her. Deep in the middle of her soul was a broken part that constantly twitched at the idea of loving someone enough to give them power over you. She cried for months and days and even years after. But she had begged for him, she had allowed herself to beg and plead for him to just hear him say they were never a match. He never saw her as anything more. Noelle had found herself in disbelief and it affected her in ways she still didn't understand. How does someone make love to you, and the next day take it all away and say there was never any chemistry between you. How does someone say they don't see a life without you but proceed to live a life without you. How does someone say that they love you and just decide over night that they don't.

Jacob watched as she silently spoke. Tears streaming down her face but not one sound. His hand making it's way to her cheek enough to make her flinch.

"I won't hurt you. "

The words caught her attention as she felt the heat of his palm cusp her cheek. Thumb running over it to wipe away the tears she now noticed.

"I'm okay now. I cry more for that girl." That poor young girl who had never fallen in love, who thought she had found the one. That poor girl who spent nights hating herself because he used her. Because she was lied to.

"he's an idiot."

She nodded and cusped his hand that was on her face.

"The rain is beautiful. My great grandpa said it's gods way of cleansing the earth. " she explained

"God?"

"I'm not religious but I'm spiritual to a sense. Or maybe I just want to believe that something bigger is out there ."

Jacob nodded and watched as she sat up and watched the rain hit harder against her roof. Thunder striking enough to push her back against him.

"The rain is healing from the sound of it, the smell of it, even the way it feels. It would rain in Arizona for a little bit and you'd see the asphalt suck in the rain. The canals and rivers needed it because of the droughts. And the sky's were always so beautiful during that id call out of work and school to just sit outside and read."

He could listen to her talk.

"Rain gives us fresh starts and I liked this town where everyday feels like a fresh start."

She looked back at him and saw that maybe this was a sign that there may be a new fresh start she didn't plan to take place.