Chapter 16

They stepped out of campus during the rush of students making their way to class, and shuffled their way to Bella's truck.

As they arrived at the truck, Bella went into the driver's seat, and he sat in the passenger's. He hunched over as his large frame no longer fit comfortably into the cabin. The scent of leather and rust was familiar to him.

But once the door closed them in together, the air between them grew thick with an awkward silence. The tension was palpable, and neither of them knew how to break it. He fidgeted in his seat, feeling self-conscious and uneasy, while Bella stared out the windshield, lost in thought.

Finally, she turned to him and said, "I can't believe you're a werewolf, Jake. How long have you been one?"

He looked down at his knees, which were nearly pressed up against his chest. He was both physically and emotionally uncomfortable. "It hasn't been very long."

Her eyes were sharp and accusatory. "And you couldn't tell me? We're best friends!"

He noticed that she was visibly frustrated with him. He could sense her disappointment and anger, and he knew exactly why. "But it's not something we talk about with just anyone. It's a secret that only a few people know."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not just anyone, Jake."

"I know." He sighed. "It's a Quileute law, Bells. There's nothing I can do about it."

Bella thought about this for a moment. He watched the gears turning in her astute mind. He wondered what she was thinking, and after a minute of silence, the burning need to know surfaced.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked her warily.

"What's it like, being a werewolf? Do you transform every full moon like in the movies?" She mused.

He chuckled. "No, it's not like that at all. We can transform whenever we want and sometimes when we don't want. It can be exhilarating and freeing, but it's not always a fun experience, though. It can also be painful and exhausting."

"Why is that?" She asked, alarmed.

"Well... When we have it under control, it can feel like a release. It's like stepping into your true self. It's so freeing," Jacob struggled to find the right words. "But at other times, when you're too angry or hurt, the wolf tries to burst out, and you're trying to keep it in. It feels like losing yourself."

Bella nodded, taking it all in. "I don't know what to say, Jake. This is all so much."

Jacob put a hand on her shoulder. "I understand. It's a lot to take in. But I promise you, I'm still the same guy you've always known. Being a werewolf doesn't change who I am."

She smiled, grateful for his reassurance. "I know. And I'm glad we can talk about this. I have so many questions."

"As do I." He said.

"You do?" Surprised, she raised a brow at him. "What could you possibly want to know from me?"

"Which one is Rosalie?" His eyes narrowed, "The snotty blonde?"

Bella tried to remain composed as he insulted the vampire, but a grin threatened to escape. She nodded.

"Figures." He grinned. "What did she call me?"

Bella hesitated, and her grin faltered.

"C'mon, I know they hate me. It wont be a surprise." He encouraged.

She seemed to give way to his intense gaze. "She called you a... Mongrel." She admitted sheepishly.

"So unoriginal." He chuckled. "And that's what sparked your curiosity?"

"It wasn't the only piece, but it got me thinking." She conceded.

He sighed. "You're pretty observant."

"And you're an idiot," She said, but in an affectionate way that made it less insulting.

His grin widened. "I know."

She turned to him, "Will the Quiluetes be mad that I know, now?"

His smile turned into a grimace. "They wont be happy... But you figured it out on your own, well, for the most part. So theres nothing they can do about it."

"How many are there besides you Sam, and Embry?"

The fact that she had already deduced that Sam and Embry were also werewolves shook him. She was more observant than he gave her credit for. He tried not to look surprised by this. "Let's see... There's Jarod and Paul, too. So five of us in total."

"Wow." Her eyes were wide in awe.

"And Sam is your leader?"

"Yes, he's the oldest and most experienced."

"Are you happy, Jake?"

This question caught him off guard. He thought about it for a while. He felt a sense of relief that Bella knew about his true identity as a werewolf. He was happy that he could finally share this secret with someone he trusted. It felt liberating to have someone to talk to about his experiences.

However, he was still conflicted about having to lie to his other good friend. Thinking about Quil created a painful throbbing in his chest.

"Yeah, for the most part." He lamented. "Quil is upset with us. I can't imagine how he feels, with Embry and I distancing ourselves all of a sudden."

Bella sighed, too. "Poor Quil."

He shook his head, trying to clear it of the unpleasant feelings. "Now, it's my turn." He growled.

Bella looked perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"About the Cullens," He began...