Jacob's Point of View

The trip back to La Push was extremely long and tiring. I wasn't looking forward to letting the pack know my decision. I'm sure they wouldn't take the news well. What I was about to do, was highly frowned upon. I would be banished from ever returning to the pack. Once I give up my position as alpha and leave the reservation, I wouldn't be allowed to return. I'd be considered a rogue, exiled from the pack and all communication with them.

It would be worth it. Bella and Mia are worth it. I was doing the right thing. Nothing would change my mind.

Since returning home, I've spent most of my time getting things in order and convincing my father to not overact. He wasn't thrilled with my choice. Mostly because I would be moving so far away. We wouldn't get the chance to see each other often.

"Are you sure about this Jake?" My father asked, for probably the tenth time. There was a look of concern on his wrinkled face.

Before answering, I glanced out the window, taking note of Mia, playing in the yard with Rachel and her little girl Sadie. It was nice having Rachel back in La Push, after she finished college, it wasn't long before she came back. The others would like to believe it was the pull of her imprint with Paul that brought her home. My father believes she just missed her family and couldn't stand being away.

I wasn't sure. But she seemed happy enough. Her and Paul married about two years ago, and their daughter Sadie was born soon after. Since Mia and Sadie were so close in age, they tended to play together often, when Mia was on the reservation. But I could see it in Rachel's eyes. She didn't want to stay here. The ghost of our mother still haunts the inner corners of her heart. It's true, when my mind was linked with the pack, I knew Paul's thoughts and motivations. He planned on leaving the pack one day as well, so he and Rachel could leave this place together.

At first, I was completely annoyed by the idea of him abandoning us, but after finding love in Bella and having a child of my own, I realized that having someone else in your life, that matters more than anything else, makes the notion of leaving, understandable.

"I'm sure," I commented with a stern nod. "This is for the sake of my daughter and her mother."

"It feels like, as soon as one of my kids come back home, another one leaves," He sighed, running his hand down over the arms of his wheelchair. "The three of you haven't been all under my roof together, since you were children. It would be nice to see."

"I'm sure this won't be a long-term thing. Just until Bella finishes school and moves out of that area."

"What if she doesn't have any plans of moving?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'll stay as long as there are bloodsuckers in the neighborhood.

A throaty yawn sounded from behind the two of us, before a sleepy looking Paul appeared, only in a pair of pajama pants. He wiped at his eyes as he walked past us and straight to the fridge.

Tension filled the room instantly. My father was annoyed by Paul's constant presence in his house, but he would never say anything about it, since it was thanks to Paul that Rachel stuck around.

Due to my father's advancing age, it was required for him to have someone living here with him. When I wasn't here, Rachel would take over. Dragging Paul and their daughter with her. She wouldn't be pleased to hear I was leaving. This would mean she would have to take over his care, until I returned.

"And what about your imprint, surely this is going to upset her." He continued, ignoring Paul entirely.

"I couldn't care less how she feels about it. I don't want to be around her. It would be better if she just stays here." I muttered, moving to take a seat at the kitchen table. Talking about Amelia always felt like a huge burden was placed on my shoulders. It zapped my energy.

Paul snickered as he pulled the carton of milk from the fridge, taking a few big gulps. "Whatever you have going on with Amelia, isn't an imprint. I don't care what the elders think. It's not possible."

"If it isn't an imprint, what is it?" I grumbled.

"Don't know," Paul shrugged his shoulders, continuing to dig through the fridge. "But it's not the traditional imprint. Not in the slightest."

"Maybe you should talk with Sam, he has a lot of knowledge of our legends. Or even speak with the council." My father said as a sad look came to his face. "You needed to talk with Sam today anyway."

Sam would be the one taking over the pack. He was my first in command and he had been the alpha of this pack before me. I could trust he would do whatever it takes to keep them safe. And other of everyone else, he would probably be the only one that would accept the position without putting up much of a fight.

Paul snorted, plopping down at the table with a look of annoyance. "I can't believe you are leaving. It's going to be weird without you here. Don't get me wrong, Sam was a good alpha in the past, but he was really strict. About everything. It almost felt like we couldn't have a normal life."

"You all will manage."

There was a brief pause of silence between the three of us. We drank some coffee, remaining in comfortable silence, until Rachel brought the girls inside. She began to make lunch, which consisted of the only thing Rachel knew how to make well, BLTs. Rachel was never much of a cook, but at the very least, she could fry bacon and cut up vegetables. Either way, Paul and my dad were appreciative. The girls settled for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I watched Mia quietly, taking in the glum look on her face. She glanced around the house, appearing uncomfortable. Mia didn't spend much time on the reservation, she wasn't used to being in unfamiliar places. And I was willing to bet she missed her mother. I felt bad for the separation. But she would be reunited with Bella soon. I just needed to take care of a few more things.

Ruining the peaceful atmosphere, Amelia came barging in, not bothering to knock on the front door. She just let herself in. A disturbingly happy smile on her face.

No one paid any attention to her, but I noticed Rachel throwing an annoyed glance in her direction. "Amelia, I'm making BLTs, you wouldn't happen to want one, would you?"

Even though Rachel hated her, she still attempted to be kind.

"I don't eat things like that. I'm only here to announce the good news." She moved to where I was sitting at the table. Her smile twisted into something darker.

"What do you want?" I glowered at her.

It felt like there was something off. My body wasn't reacting to her as it usually did. There was a shift. It always felt like there was some kind of invisible string inside my chest, connecting her to me. Any time she was close, I could feel the tension on the string. Constantly clinging on, no matter how hard I fought against it. I always assumed that was the imprint. That was proof of our forced bond.

At the moment, it felt like there was an immense pressure on that string, more than ever before. My body went completely still as I attempted to sever that connection. As I have done many times in the past.

Amelia lightly placed a pregnancy test on the center of the table, right in view of everyone. There was a smugness to this action. My eyes shifted down to it and in the very second, I saw the two lines, I felt the string finally snap.

I jerked up to my feet at the sudden feeling. The weight that I had been carrying was taken off my shoulders. I felt light. Nothing was tying me down anymore. Amelia's eyes went wide as she watched me. She must have felt it too. Tears started down her cheeks as she looked away from all of us. Good. She understood what this meant as well.

Slowly, I reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. Just to test my theory. When I came into contact with her, in any way, I would be overwhelmed with the emotions that would lead to a sexual encounter with her. But the moment I touched her, there was nothing. As if I had simply touched a rock. No emotions. Nothing.

I couldn't hold back my giddiness. I was free. I could return to the woman I truly love. We can start over, fresh and new.

"Jake, it's going to be okay." Rachel spoke up, watching me with worried eyes.

"Yes, it is going to be okay, now." I smiled brightly.

Paul snickered, folding his arms across his chest. "Dang, 'knocked-up' two different women. Impressive."

Rachel elbowed Paul with a frown. "Leave him alone Paul."

Amelia ducked her head, turning completely around to ignore everyone's chattering. She hasn't said anything yet, but I had the feeling that she knew it was over. I was no longer bound. As much as I was enjoying this moment, I wouldn't embarrass her in front of the others. For now, I would play it cool and speak with her in private later.

"This is really… good news Amelia. Congratulations. Mia has started mentioning having siblings." I said as nicely as possible.

Amelia flinched. "Honestly, this is all too much for me. I never… really wanted kids. I'm not sure I want to…keep it. But I thought you should at least be aware of this… situation."

The color drained from my father's face. "You can't possibly mean that? You would abort my son's child."

"Dad, this doesn't concern us. This is between Jacob and Amelia." Rachel spoke up, but I could see that Amelia's statement had unsettled her as well.

"Actually, this doesn't concern Jacob either. This is my body. He has no right to it anymore." She paused, looking into the other room, where Mia and Sadie were eating their lunches. "Besides, I never said anything about an abortion. You are jumping to conclusions."

So, she had no feelings for me either. That was good to know. It made everything much easier. I wouldn't have to worry about fighting with her to leave me alone. I don't have to deal with her tagging along for my move.

"I'll take full responsibility for this child's care. Don't worry about that. If you don't want to be in the baby's life, you don't have to be. But I want to be the father. I'll raise this child. Alone if I have to." I said with a serious look.

Amelia appeared relieved as she retrieved the test from the table. "Thanks… well… I'm heading back home… maybe we can talk later, before you head back to Bella."

"Fine," I replied simply.

Amelia took her leave rather quickly. I'm sure she was incredibly uncomfortable at this moment. She had walked in with the intention of proving a point. She thought I would fall in love with her, because she was pregnant with my child. But instead, the opposite happened. Whatever connection we had between us had broken completely. We were free now. I could finally be happy with Bella.

"Hey, do you guys' mind watching Mia for a little bit, I need to talk with Sam." I said looking mostly at Rachel. My father wasn't in any condition to actually tend to a young kid and Paul… well… it's Paul.

"Sure, no problem." Rachel said, waving her hand. "But don't you want to talk about this Jake. I mean… Amelia's pregnant now. Isn't this going to complicate things even more?"

I wasn't ready to fill them in on the break of my bond. I wanted to discuss this with Sam first, before making any statement on it.

"Actually, I don't think this is going to change much. I'll need to come up with a plan. But it's nothing I can't handle. And when the time comes for her to have the baby, I'll be ready to provide the best life possible." I said with a confident smile.

Paul only chuckled, as Rachel and my father exchanged worried looks. I knew they would be concerned; it couldn't be helped. But I wasn't some little kid anymore. I already was a father, having one more wouldn't be a big deal. It just gave me another opportunity to start over.

I just hoped that Bella would forgive me and give me another shot at this. I messed up pretty bad this time.

After finishing my lunch, I said a quick farewell to Mia, before heading out the door to meet us with Sam. We agreed to meet down at the beach. He already knew that I would be passing my position to him soon. Which thankfully, he would gladly accept. But I wanted to talk with him about what just happened. If anyone had information on this, it would be Sam. He was the first of us to actually imprint on someone. So, he put forth a lot of effort in learning everything he could about the legends surrounding imprints.

Of course, the weather on the reservation was rotten, high force winds and rain. It didn't bother me. In fact, it felt nice against my blistering skin. It was a harsh reminder that I wasn't normal, but over the years I've learned to accept myself. I'd never be the person I wanted to be. So, I would make the best out of the shitty cards I've been dealt in life. I only hoped that I didn't pass along the gene to Mia and the baby Amelia was now carrying.

Sam was waiting for me at the very edge of the ocean. He walked slowly through the stony sands, appearing somber and brooding as he normally did. Sam was older than me and always had an air about him. Mature and calm. A strong leader. I couldn't ask for someone better to take control of the pack.

As I approached him, he offered a kind smile. "It's nice to see you, Jake." He held his hand out to me.

I shook his hand without hesitation. "Good to see you, old friend. How are things?"

He shrugged his shoulders, before letting his eyes wander out towards the ocean. Waves crashed against the shoreline, reaching our feet. The sound was deafening for a moment, before the waves receded back. The waters were turbulent today. Possibly a storm approaching.

"The same as usual I suppose. What about you? I heard you ran into some trouble in Hanover."

"Vampires," The word in itself filled me with anger and contempt. I could feel a slight trembling start in my shoulders. But I willed myself to calm down. "Bella is at risk, so I have to be close by for her. And for Mia as well."

Sam nodded but didn't comment. I had a feeling that he didn't completely agree with my decision.

"I know that I'm asking a lot of you and feel free to refuse, but I do have one more favor to ask."

"I'll do anything you'll ask. We're friends Jake. Alpha or not."

"Amelia is pregnant, so I was hoping you could keep an eye on her for me, while I'm gone."

Sam's eyes widened, a hint of surprise reached his expression, but otherwise remained stoic. "Congratulations," He patted my shoulder. "I'd be honored. But… I thought Amelia planned on moving with you."

I shook my head. "That was the plan, but something happened."

"What do you mean?"

"Our bond was broken. We are no longer tied together. The second she announced that she was pregnant, everything changed. I could feel it inside of me. I felt it break. She doesn't feel the need to be around me, or the feelings that she once had. And I don't feel any desire to have her either. It's like we are strangers. She has no effect on me."

Sam raised a brow, listening intently to my explanation, before his eyes widened slightly. "Of course, I don't know why I didn't realize this before. It never made sense. Your imprint with Amelia was strange. Different. Nothing like the imprint of the others there is no way it could be real."

"Are you saying she wasn't actually my imprint?"

"There is a brief mention in the legends of something that can happen to an alpha, but it's very rare, only happening one other time since the existence of our kind." Sam said, pausing to gauge my expression. "There was a time in the past, where an alpha of this pack had many wives. He claimed that he was bound physically to all of them. But none held his romantic affection, their only purpose was to provide him with powerful offspring. The elders of that time considered that this phenomenon happened to preserve a strong lineage of alphas for the future."

I recalled hearing about this as well, but I had just assumed that guy was just… a scumbag. Obsessed with sex, possibly. I didn't know that it was something any deeper than that. He didn't have a choice, he was forced to breed with these women. His mind and body were corrupted.

Slowly, I allowed myself to digest his words. That sounds like just my luck. My relationship with Bella was ruined, because of some rare occurrence. Completely outside of my control. There were several times that I had fought against my lust, but the harder I strained against it, the deeper and more intense those feelings got.

"I wouldn't have thought something like that could happen… I've already had one child. I've passed down the wolf gene, I can sense it in her."

Sam shrugged his shoulders. "Mia is half human, but Amelia is a direct descendant to the Quileute. Which would essentially create a stronger offspring. A future alpha." He shook his head slightly. "There really has never been a point in time where an alpha didn't produce a full blooded Quileute child. Maybe that's why this transpired."

I sighed deeply, running a hand through my hair. "So, when I step down from my position and you take place as alpha, this won't happen again, with someone else?"

"I don't know about that. Like I said, this is extremely rare, so I don't know any further details." Sam concluded.

"Well, I appreciate what you're doing. And for not trying to talk me out of it. You're probably the only one who hasn't."

"I already know it's pointless, when you have made up your mind, there is no changing it. I hope that everything works out with you and Bella. I know you care for her deeply. Imprint or not."

The two of us continued talking, mostly of the details of him taking control over the pack. I wanted to make it clear that I would not be returning. Not in the sense of belonging to the pack. Some day, I may find myself coming home, but it would be under the conditions of being an outsider. I didn't want my title back. I wanted to be viewed as a rogue. But still be permitted to live on the reservation if I so choose. If my unborn child decides they may want to take their rightful place as alpha someday, we would need to be allowed on the land. I wanted to make sure that option will still be available. So, we created our own agreement, similar to the treaty we have with the Cullens.

The laws were usually strict in regards to those who desert the pack. I didn't want any trouble if I decided to return.

There were so many things to think about. Leaving, the baby, the broken bond between me and Amelia. And most of all, getting back to Bella quickly. My head was aching from it all. But I was more motivated than ever. It finally felt like I could truly begin pursuing the life I wanted. I'm free, in every sense imaginable. And it was all for her. Bella and Mia. I just needed to reconcile, beg for forgiveness and give this another shot.

Thanks for reading! I know some might not have wanted an entire chapter dedicated to Jacob. Understandable. He isn't my favorite character. But essentially, this story is meant to be a love triangle. So, with that in mind, I hope you all enjoyed this.