A/N: When I first started this story, I never thought it would go this way but we've got a few Jacob chapters in a row coming up. It just made the most sense to me to tell this story. Don't worry, Renesmee (and maybe others (; ) POVs coming back soon!
Jacob's POV
The only people I wanted to talk to after the craziness of this night were Seth and Sam. Thankfully they were both on patrol tonight. After the initial shock of filling them both in, we discussed some of the details of this new situation. Speaking in terms of the treaty, our truce could now be stronger than ever; pack law forbade hurting a wolf's imprint. There was, of course, the need to disclose the imprinting situation to the Cullens, and hope they took the news well. I wasn't so confident that Bella or Edward would take anything involving me well.
One step at a time though, I still had to tell Renesmee. From tonight, we all assumed that she had no idea who I was. Although she knew Seth and about the existence of the wolf pack, she knew very little details. My mind was already in a tangle trying to find a path for how to explain it all to her in a way that wouldn't scare her off. Sam and Seth could feel my stress rising in my thoughts.
Jake, go home man. Get some sleep. We can't solve all of this in one night. I'll see you at work tomorrow and we can talk more. Seth's thoughts did calm me, marginally.
Jacob, I know it's not what you imagined. But, trust the imprinting process. All things will workout as they are meant to. Sam's mind was calm and wise, as always.
With those parting thoughts, I ran back to my house. My thoughts of trying to relax were short-lived. I exited the trees, back in human form, to find two large figures waiting for me on my front porch.
"Du-uuu-ude!" Quil and Embry exclaimed in unison, drawing the word into multiple syllables. I walked up to them slowly, with my hands raised, hoping to keep them both under control. I should have known better. I was soon embraced from both sides with their tackling hugs.
"You Son of a Bitch, you imprinted didn't you?" Quil shoved me, nearly bouncing with excitement. I couldn't help but smile, easing some of my anxieties.
"I did." I laughed, pushing each of them back in return. Suddenly, they froze, looking at each other with tense expressions. I could tell they both wanted to say something, but were unsure how. Guessing what was on their mind, I put them out of their misery.
"I know who she is…now." I admitted. I averted my eyes, embarrassed. Their sighs of relief were so dramatic they belonged in a corny sitcom.
"Oh thank God." Quil sat back down on the porch step in relief.
"I was so worried I would have to be the one to tell you." Embry was smiling wide again. They both were so thankful to not have to break the news to me, neither was realizing the weight of the situation. I heaved a sigh and went to join Quil on the porch, looking seriously between them both.
"So you both knew who she was? How early did you figure it out?"
"Well," Quil looked rightfully tense. "She looked vaguely familiar from the moment she walked in. You know we've never seen her in person, but we've seen more of Seth's memories about her, the ones you didn't want to see." He spoke carefully, worried about upsetting me.
"And then her name," Embry chimed in. "It's one of a kind, for sure. Once she said that, it all clicked."
I thought that over. I'm sure I was told her name once or twice before, years ago, but I'm not surprised that I blocked it out. If only I hadn't blocked it out! I could've met her years ago! But I couldn't dwell on the what ifs.
Talking with Quil and Embry had me replaying through my entire conversation with Renesmee at the restaurant. Realizing who she is, and that they already knew, while I was in the dark, added a whole new meaning to their reactions.
"Wait a second," I jumped to my feet, annoyed. "No wonder you all were being so weird when I asked about her family!" I couldn't help but shudder when I realized what I had said. They sound like my kind of people. I wasn't lying that the stories she told about her family sounded like a good time. But me playing ball or fixing cars with the bloodsuckers? Not quite something I see in my future.
"Yeah, dude, that was rough to listen to." Quil admitted, holding back a laugh. I simply rolled my eyes.
"So, Cullen's daughter. That's got to be awkward. How are you holding up?" Embry asked, kindly trying to be serious. I took a deep breath, scrubbing my hands down my face.
"It's…a lot to process. I mean, the imprinting feeling is so powerful, I haven't felt an underlying peace like this since before we ever started phasing. Even though I had somewhat grown from it, I know I still had a lot of anger and bitterness inside. It's like that has all disappeared. Now there's still frustration and hurt in there, from all I went through with Bella and Edward. My overall feeling about vampires is still not chummy. But I already feel a softening. I mean, if she's half vampire, how can I fully hate them? Without them," I hesitated. "Without Bella and Edward, she wouldn't be here."
They both were silent, seriously processing what I said. I saw both of them slowly nod their heads.
"Man, you know I understand complicated imprinting." I knew Quil, of anyone, could empathize with me in a non traditional imprint. "I'm sure Sam already said something similar to you. But the best advice is truly to give it time and trust in the process. Trust that there is a reason behind why she is the one for you." I nodded back, trying to take that in and feel confident.
"And I know it may seem really hard for you to change some of your opinions on vampires, but I think it's totally understandable." Embry worked to reassure me. "I think a lot of the pack is on a spectrum about their feelings. Obviously you have Seth who is all buddy buddy with the whole family. But plenty of other members of the pack, myself included, I think are way less bothered by the Cullens than we were a decade ago. And Renesmee is basically a part of the pack now, so I have to agree with you on your last point too. You're my best friend, she is your imprint, so I have to at least give some credit to the family behind her being alive."
I had to admit, when my friends wanted to be serious, they truly knocked it out of the park. This conversation was exactly what I needed. I told them as much and we parted ways for the night. When my head finally hit the pillow, I drifted off thinking of deep brown eyes and curly auburn hair.
