Jacob stretched slightly and rolled to his side but Bella wasn't resting beside him, their night of passion drained him, It was great. He got himself ready after showering and went outside to see Bella. The sky was cloudy, La push was foggy but seeing the mountains poke out of it makes him want to remain at home.
He doesn't want to leave for college, Chances are less likely he'll imprint on the reservation. Soon he'll have to leave Bella, their relationship will be put on hold until he returns after 5 days but he can just refuse wait for a bit and just reunite with Bella.
His father just won't accept that.
Jacob went to the beach but there was no sight of her, She never goes to her house alone unless she has class or work so he'll look around here before he'll make a trip to her house.
When Jacob went to his Motorcycle other people from the Quileute tribe helped Billy out of his car, they returned from grocery shopping but Bella wasn't there with them.
"Father have you seen Bella?" Jacob asked looking a bit troubled.
" Don't worry she's fine, I've seen her around La push hours before you woke up" Billy said.
"Right" I'll look for her" Jacob said.
" No wait,"
"what?" Jacob said with his back slightly turned.
" Sam said you won't be joining them to find a mate" Billy said.
" I already have a mate" Jacob said stubborn.
"There is no need for me to join"
"Jacob you know that soon you will have to leave to imprint" Billy said.
" I don't need that, Bella is the only person I want to be with" Jacob said.
" Jacob we need more werewolves to protect our people, the Vampires out number us and we could never win If they decide to attack us" Billy said.
" I'm just worried about leaving Bella by herself" Jacob said.
" Have you told her about the imprinting ritual?" Billy asks.
" Of course, I tell her everything" Jacob said.
"Maybe Bella will be the one I'll imprint in the future" Jacob said. " So there is no need to go anywhere"
" Do you feel a strong pull towards her?" Billy asks.
" Pull?" Jacob wonders.
"Yes It feels like a magnetic field and It pulls you towards her direction you can find her without knowing where she is" Billy said.
"That's what Sam felt before he Imprinted," Billy said.
Jacob breathed out he thought about Bella, her face, her gentle features, the many dates but there was no pull
"If that pull is not there then you need to let her go" Billy said.
" Never" Jacob said aggravated.
"She's mine, and I'm hers, And no wolf gene is more important than her" Jacob said.
" I'm not going anywhere" Jacob said.
"Jacob! think about our tribe, think about the people you love how are going to survive with only 8 of us left?" Billy said.
"You need to imprint to secure our survival.. against them.. I will not be around for thousands of years but you will" Billy said.
"The vampires are spawning like rats, and only a few of the werewolves are born" Billy said.
" I don't want to leave her!" Don't you understand?" Jacob said.
" You don't have to.." Billy said.
" You can still have her as a member of the Quileute tribe" Billy said,
" I think I've heard enough" Jacob said becoming upset. He feels so awful for Bella, what If he has to tell the news that he needs to go?
She has been so good to him, He can't do this to her..
"Where is Bella?" I need to talk to her" Jacob said as his eyes begins to tear up, Billy reached out wanting to comfort.
Jacob stepped back when Billy touched his shoulder,
"I'm fine" Jacob said dismissive,
"Where is she?" Jacob asks.
" I don't know where exactly" Billy said,
Jacob walked passed Billy without another word, He's furious for having Billy suggest he should just call it quits to find some random woman to imprint on.
His Father knows how happy Bella makes him, And he doesn't want Bella as a second wife, He wants her as his only wife.
Jacob will talk to her about this, She might not like it but she deserves to know what's going on. The mating season of the werewolves will start soon.
Hopefully Jacob will skip another season, maybe he has imprinted on her in his own way, Jacob fell in love with Bella before he paced.
And maybe imprinting is no longer needed, He carries the wolf gene and even If his will children will have not have the wolf gene another wolf can imprint on them to secure the bloodline of the Werewolves that way. With imprinting the wolf gene gets passed on as soon as the woman becomes pregnant and that's pretty much it.
But his fathers words did kept him thinking, What if anything happens to him? The Wolves are loyal to the Alpha If anything happens he can asks them to look after Bella and her children when he's gone.
Gosh It's a huge Dilemma, Part of him wants to make sure there will be more of his kind but a much larger part is nudging at his heart not do this to her.
Talking about his struggles with Bella always helps. Maybe they can face this obstacle together.
Jacob went to Bella's cottage at the reservation, Her truck was gone.
" The cemetery!" Jacob slapped his forehead, " I forgot"
At least he has one worry less.
He'll wait for her and will pick her up before the cemetery closes.
-/-
Edward sat in front of Charlie's tombstone, Bella's frame flinches as a sob came through, Edward held her around the shoulder waiting for her to speak.
Edward reached towards her hand that holding a wet handkerchief and gave her a dry one, she wiped her eyes right away.
"Charlie didn't suffer very long" Bella said through the tears that keeps flowing, she dried her eyes again before speaking.
"I wished he kept fighting but he wanted to go" Bella said, "they stopped his treatment and all I could do is make him comfortable" Bella added.
"How long did you know about his illness?" Edward asked.
"A week or two after you left" Bella said, "He kept quiet about it until the results came in,
"He had Colon cancer, It went to stage 4" Bella said.
" I miss him so much"
Edward looked away, If he gave into his desire to turn back he could have saved Charlie by turning him.
"Forgive me" Edward said shivering. "If I had known.."
"But you have a sister, who can look into the future how could you not have known? Bella asks.
"I wasn't with my family, I told Alice she could only look into your future if you're safe.. nothing more" Edward said.
"I'm so sorry for leaving...On the first day I wanted to come back, but everyone already left and started their lives over in Denali,"
"It felt wrong to drop everything, now that all of them did what I told them, I thought I did the right thing for us.. for you"
" I also got in an argument with my father, he was strongly against leaving abruptly and wanted to stay for his patients"
" If I would abandon my idea to grant you a human life then It might cause more harm than good"
" I couldn't come back even though my heart wants it so dearly" But your happiness is more important than what I want"
"But I should have gave in, maybe your father could have been with you"
"I don't deserve your forgives Bella, But I hope you can" Edward said deeply distraught.
"Listen, " Bella said.
"That Charlie got ill is not your fault so I can't hate you for not saving him.."
"You just caught me in the wrong time.. I've been rage-full for weeks after his death.. I'm like why can't I be happy for once?" "Why Does life always has to hurt?" Bella said as a tear falls down.
It's clear to Edward that no matter how many distance he puts between them, none of their lives would be better.
"Bad things are only temporary it might seem very dire right now but things will be better, Charlie is resting in the eternal heavens and you'll see him again" Edward said assuming that she lost the desire to become eternal.
In the meantime I'll stay with you hopefully together we can...
"Edward.." Bella interrupted. "You don't need to stay"
"Mourning is something I'd like to do alone, Even though I'm saddened I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, a future beyond the heartbreak" Bella said.
"I rather focus on that and the ones who have been there for me than have you around" Bella said.
" I understand, I will not force myself into your life again if I'm too late, if you have moved on like I intended for you I won't come between that" Edward said.
"I just want you to know I won't leave without you again, I'll be at my house I'll stay there in case you need time away from my presence" Edward said.
Bella eyed him her mind was burning with more questions. How could he just appear again after all the things he said to her?.
" And your distractions?" Bella asks. " What were you doing?"
" Tracking,.. well It wasn't really a distraction since you've been on my mind every second,
but It was the only thing that could occupy me long enough to avoid begging for you to take me back" Edward said.
" I suppose I could beg right now if that makes you happy" Edward said light hearted.
" Don't mock me" Bella said becoming annoyed.
" I'm not" Edward said becoming serious again, " I would gladly spend a decade on my knees just to be at your presence Bella"
" What I allowed to happen is inexcusable, and you don't deserve anything less than have me grovel at your feet " Edward said.
Bella said nothing and eyed her fathers grave that was in a short distance, she wished she could join him in the afterlife, She didn't believe Edward.
If there is a new reason to leave then nothing will make Edward stay. the least she could do for herself is to guard her heart and not accept him in.
Bella heard a soft thud and looked down, Edward was on his knees and rested his head on her lap,
" Can I be forgiven?" Edward asks. " Can you love me still? even after serving you the worst type of disrespect?"
"Say something" Edward said after a long pause from Bella.
Automatically Bella rested a hand on his bronze hair as he still remained buried in her lap. She wants to let him have it, but being at her feet in horrible pain from the inside is already punishing enough.
" It takes time. to forgive I mean.. I can't do it yet," But I will" Bella said.
"Can you also love me again, maybe one day?" Edward wonders, and held on to one of her hands like he's holding onto a rare ruby he doesn't want to lose.
" I think I can" Bella said quiet,
" That's all I needed to hear.. I'll earn your trust back somehow" Edward said.
" I hope a part of you still want me, even if there is a faint spark left" Edward said.
" No, Because there is no point wanting someone If I'm not loved back, It was also easier to move on letting go of that love" Bella admits.
" I don't want to offend you for letting go" Bella said,
" Shh It's okay Bella.. Don't cry" Edward said, " I Pushed you into making that decision."
"You are not in the wrong for wanting to forget me, I'm glad you are alive and safe while I was gone" Edward said, Bella has hold herself together better than he did.
Edward curled into a ball being consumed with nothing but torture,
Bella eyed him her face became wet again but through the blur she could see that he's thirsty and she felt uneasiness stir.
"You're thirsty, maybe you should hunt" Bella said.
"I rather not leave your side" Edward said, she doesn't seem to believe him that he's here to stay and could tell that she would let him go forever.
"I won't be going anywhere, for now" Bella said.
"Head home then, the cemetery will close soon" Edward said rising to his feet, he held onto Bella's hands.
"In 1 hour ill return, will I find you at home?" Edward asks. Terrified that she'll use this moment to escape and never look back.
" I'm not ready to talk to you about.. everything that went wrong between us" Bella said.
"I can visit you tonight or tomorrow, whenever you are ready. You're always welcome to visit my home if you're willing to talk" Edward said.
Bella didn't feel like heading over to his house, all of them abandoned her and something hostile might slip. She doesn't want to be angry, but on the other half she wants to get things over with so that they can move on.
Edward waited for a response when she went quiet for a moment. Her forehead wrinkled like she's in deep thoughts wondering what to do or say, if only he knew.
"Tonight is fine, I'll be outside" Bella said.
Edward rises and leaned down to kiss her forehead, " I'll come back for you " Edward vows and walked from the grave.
Bella didn't watch him leave, she focused on her fathers tombstone, she wants to leave to the reservation and let the Wolves leave Edward a message that he's forgiven but he should leave her alone, but he seems so hurt by his own actions and should at least part ways with him on good terms.
Humans walked passed him feeling numb to their musings about their daily lives and how great looking he is,
Edward walked towards the exit, how is he going to explain his actions? Bella has been so careful very hesitant, didn't return his affections. He hopes coming back hasn't been a worthless effort. he walked faster when he reached the forest,
He looked up when he picked up a scent, his teeth bared into a growl at the hostile thoughts, in the distance an agitated figure retreated into the forest.
he then used his vampire speed to catch up with the human, but there was no trail. Something wasn't right, the smell was familiar but now there is a stench floating around.
Whoever it was must have a strong hatred for his family. It could have been one of the Quileute's.
Instead of following the scent Edward went towards the wildlife, whoever the lurker was, It had no ill will towards Bella so he doesn't have to race back to the cemetery.
-/-
Edward couldn't focus on hunting and let several prey escape. Bella's keening causes him so much distraught. Edward winced when he could still feel her tremble and wrecking with sobs as she laid spread on his lap.
An hour has already passed and still is unable to catch anything, His family is too far away and they'll join him in Forks soon but it's still days away.
He could just get blood samples from the local hospital but would his dark red eyes frighten her?
Maybe she won't if he explains that it's just from a blood pack. Bella has always been very understanding.
It's better than just run around in circles.
Edward inhaled, When he's fully forgiven he wants to take her to the Meadows. Recreating the moment he'll never forget.
Maybe he should wear the same outfit he wore that day, or a sweat shirt with a zipper for a quick reveal. He really inherited overthinking from his Mother.
"Cullen, I know you are here"
Edwards eyes bulged perking his ears when he heard a voice shout at him. It was a voice he never heard before but knew it was the same stranger who watched him.
Jacob was clenching his fists trying not to turn as he felt rage electrifying from his skin.
That filthy creature has returned, he's with Bella so that means he's out of the picture. He wants nothing more than rip his skeleton out.
"Come out!" Jacob said irate.
His nose moved picking up the scent approaching he eyed the forest and golden eyes appeared in the dark.
Edward has read his mind, despite furiously wondering why the bastards are back Edward sensed no danger.
"Yes Jacob?" Edward acknowledged him cold he walked with a human pace.
" Drop the act Cullen, I know what you are" Jacob said.
" Cold one" Jacob said staring him in the eye.
Edward did the same, he wondered how he knows about them.. and it hit him.
Edward then used his speed to appear an inch away from Jacob,
"You better leave while you still can, It's been a while since I've consumed human blood" Edward said.
"I'm not afraid Cullen," Jacob said. " We werewolves has killed many of your kind and we can do it again"
Edward entered his thoughts and viewed how Jacob turned into a wolf in front of Bella and that she stayed with more werewolves for her protection.
So her new mate is a werewolf..?
Bella promised me she wouldn't do anything dumb.. she had to be around beasts who could rip her apart, all this because I failed as a man..
Edwards featured hardened again and Jacob wondered what Edward saw.
Jacob smiled lightly assuming Edward knows now that Bella is in love with him.
The loathe returned in Jacob and took a step forward.
" I not wish to fight you If you don't give me a good reason, but Bella happy with us, and you are no longer needed" Jacob said.
"So whatever you are planning to do in Forks you better stay away from her" Jacob said.
"That's not in my power" Edward said.
" What's that supposed to mean?" Jacob said becoming angry.
" I won't go anywhere until Bella orders me away, I can't leave on my own" Edward said.
" You left Forks while she wanted you to stay, so That's Bullshit" Jacob snarled.
" For so long you didn't give a crap about her, and now all of the sudden you want to be loyal to her?" Jacob said.
" Go to hell Cullen, You know I'm better for her, so why not just keep that scummy promise you made and never return?" Jacob said.
Edward remained silent, not letting Jacob get a rise out of him.
"Jacob, I understand you're furious for what I've done to her but I did it to save her. She deserves a good life. " Edward said.
"Yes, and if you stayed away you would have got what you wanted for Bella. A safe life with us" Jacob said.
" I will make her happy, so you can still leave and let her live her life like you never existed" Jacob said.
Edward remembers those words all too well, It was painful hearing that from Jacob, Bella probably told him what was said to her.
" Deep inside Bella knows I love her, But she's afraid I'll hurt her again but she'll never be in good hands with you." Edward said.
"Werewolves are unpredictable violent and impulsive one day you could lash out against your wishes," Edward said.
Jacob arched an eyebrow,
"Yes Vampires are like that too I'm not being hypocritical" Edward said.
"Neither of us are good for her" Edward said.
"We'll see about that" Jacob said.
"I doubt she would want you back after all the things you've done to her" Jacob said.
" And I'm not talking about the break up, But you left her behind in the forest, I was the one who had to make sure she arrived home safe.
" For months she was in a depression I had to be there to show her there is a future beyond a heart break, " Jacob said.
Edward held his peace, he was thankful for what Jacob did, but he will still not waver from winning her back.
"But if she does..
" Are you going to turn her in one of you?" Jacob asks.
" If she wants that then yes I will," Edward said.
" You bastards aren't even alive, do you really want to do that to her?" Jacob said.
" Keeping her from her true family?" Jacob wonders.
" I know you love her Jacob and I thank you for keeping her safe, But I love her too" Edward said.
" I will fight for her, even harder than you ever will" Edward said believing that Bella loves him more.
" I won't allow her, she will not turn into a Vampire.. " Jacob said.
"That's not for you to decide" Edward said angry.
"If she wants immortality she'll get it, I will do everything to earn her love back" Edward said.
"No! You manipulated her, you forced her into a symbiotic relationship that benefits you only" Jacob snaps.
"If you really wanted her to be happy you wouldn't allow her to come near a bloodsucker" Jacob said.
"You would have let humanity believe you're nothing but a legend" That's what you should have done!" Jacob said spiteful.
"That's indeed true, But Bella is the first human I fell in love with, I will always love her and you can't make me leave" Edward said.
"If you refuse to back off then I won't leave her out of my sight" Jacob said.
"I'll protect her from your kind and I'm warning you Cullen you better not turn her behind my back" Jacob said becoming reddish.
" If you bite a human then the treaty is broken, you and your family should prepare for war" Jacob said.
Edward knows his family will prevail but not without a dire cost, he will lose family members and Jacob will lose his. He can't let that happen.
Edward heard his thoughts,
"Maybe you should go.." Edward said.
"Make me" Jacob said ready to pace.
" To imprint I mean" Edward said.
"You're terrified of leaving Bella but I assure you I'm not going to bite her only if she chooses for me"
"It's safer for Bella as a vampire.." Edward said.
"Then let's fight, Consider the treaty broken" Jacob snarled.
" In Port Angeles There are people disappearing Jacob, now it's happening to hikers in the rainforests the police in Forks assume it's gang activities but we both know better than that!" Edward argues back.
He would gladly fight Jacob but his whole family could be in danger, He doesn't want anyone to be harmed for this.
"It's vampires, I can't keep Bella safe by myself, It might take a whole Army from keeping her out of danger" Edward said.
Jacob eyed him spiteful but Edward knew he manipulated him successfully, Edward will fight for Bella but never said he'll do it fair.
"My Family will look after Bella, you leave her alone Cullen.. do not keep her from us or I swear I'll come for her and I'll rip you and your whole family to pieces"
" There will be nothing left of you to regenerate back" Jacob said.
"May the best man win Jacob" Edward said not feeling intimidated by the threat.
"Filthy blood sucker" Jacob snarled, He wanted nothing more than attack but so far Edward hasn't done anything to Bella or any human,
He wants to stay close to Bella but he won't be able to do anything with only 8 werewolves if there is indeed an army of vampires coming after the humans or maybe Quileute tribe. More of the werewolves is better.
But what will Bella think?.. she knows he loves her and that will never stop.. but what If she doesn't want to be a second wife?
No.. her protection is more important than what he wants, He'll meet her at the reservation.
At least there she's safe from the Cullens.
Edward got out of the forest and he arrived home, Alice was the only one at home, she walked towards him watching him leave his coat hanging.
" You disappeared out of my visions again" Alice said.
" I ran into Black," Edward said.
"What did he want?" Alice said.
"The usual, If we bite a Human the treaty is broken" Edward said walking towards a news paper.
" How did it go with Bella?" Alice asked.
"She was angry, but not as bad as I thought, " Edward said.
"We talked briefly after she calmed down and I was supposed to meet up with her after hunting until that Mutt interfered" Edward said.
"She hasn't taken me back. which is understandable, I left her during her darkest hour,"
" But there could still be a part of her that needs me, she let me hold her while she cried for her father.." Edward said.
" So I hope you can help me one last time.. to earn her back.. I won't bother you again after this" Edward said.
" I will, I want you to be happy, If I see something in the near future I'll tell you what to do" Alice said.
Edward felt worse, he expected Alice to lecture him that she was right all along that he should have stayed but still she remains faithful to her family.
"Thank you," Edward said. " Do you see anything now?"
" No, Bella's future is very unclear now that she's with that werewolf" Alice said.
"He'll leave to imprint very soon, and I'll be waiting in the wings when that happens." Edward said.