I got COVID this week which really sucks, but gives me more time to write. I'm hoping to have this story done in the next couple of weeks! So please let me know what you think! Comments are gold!

After my conversation with Nessie, I called a pack meeting and gathered the elders to explain everything she told me.

"A half vampire? Are you sure of this, Jacob?" Billy's face was stern, hard as stone.

"Yes, I'm sure. She's a hybrid, but she's alive, she's not like the vampires or cold ones. She's warm." And soft, and gentle, and perfect.

"But still? How can we trust that she's not dangerous?" Sam demanded; his arms crossed over his chest. The faces in the room varied from shock to caution to anger.

"Because she's not." I snapped at him. It was hard to control myself regarding Nessie. I know that they had their reasons for being wary, but she is my imprint. I would defend her until the end of time. I know Nessie wasn't dangerous. What I saw inside her mind, her heart, and soul was pure. I know her. "You trusted the Cullens not to hurt anyone, why not Nessie?"

"But she's one of them. If she's even a fraction bloodsucker then she shouldn't be allowed on our lands, it breaks the treaty."

"You know what trumps the treaty?" I growled, stepping up to Sam, toe to toe. "Is the imprint. She's mine, which means she's just as much a part of this pack as the rest of us. It's everyone's job to protect her, just as we'd protect anyone else's imprints. And if you've got a problem with that, then you've got a problem with me."

His expression broke, now full of fear when he said, "How can you expect us to trust her around our families? Our children?"

"She's already been around our families, my nieces, and Billy." I gestured to my father who seemed contemplative. "You guys said you loved her when she came over for Thanksgiving. Well, she's still the same person."

Everyone remained quiet for a moment, seeming to turn this information over.

I sighed, "Look, I get why you're unsure about this but at the end of the day, she's my imprint. She's it. I am Ephraim Black's heir and the true Alpha of this pack, and I would never, ever put you or this tribe in danger. But she's the most important person to me, and if you guys can't accept that then I guess it's time for me to leave."

"No Jacob." Rachel stepped forward, placing her hand on my shoulder. "Of course, we understand. We would never turn on you or your imprint, no matter how different they are."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Paul stood by his wife, slapping me hard on the back. "I don't understand all this half vampire crap, but if you imprinted on her, then it must be right. I trust you, brother."

"I think Nessie is awesome!" Seth exclaimed, "I can't believe she's Bella and Edward's kid!"

"She was very nice. And Charlie has been staying with her, she doesn't seem dangerous." Sue agreed.

"Yeah, I really liked her." Claire chipped in. "She was pretty cool."

"If she hasn't already tried anything creepy, I doubt she would now." Leah shrugged.

"You know you got my full support, man." Embry smiled. "If Jacob trusts her then so do I."

"Me too. The imprint is never wrong." Quil said as he looked down at Claire. "She's one of us and we'll accept her with open arms."

Jared, Collin, and Brady all agreed to back me up. They weren't technically part of the pack anymore, but it was still appreciated. "Thanks guys…" It was hard to keep my composure with all these fuzzy, warm feelings in my chest. Damn, all this imprinting shit was turning me soft.

Emily and Sam's heads were bent together, and she was murmuring to him. I tried to give them their privacy, but it was too easy to hear their conversation. "Sam, Jacob has done nothing but protect us. He's sacrificed almost 20 years in service to the pack. You know he would do the same for you."

"Sam." I called his attention. "I give you my word; She is not dangerous. I know you don't trust her yet, but you know that you can trust me. Just give her a chance."

He sighed, "You're right. I do trust you." Sam held out his palm and I grabbed it in a firm shake. "You are a part of our family, and so is she. The imprint is absolute law, and I will not betray it."

"Thank you." We nodded our heads in agreement. It seemed like everyone had come around to the idea of my half-vampire imprint. Well, almost everyone.

"Dad?" I turned to Billy, who still hadn't said much since the beginning of our discussion. Before he knew about Nessie being a half vampire, he was ecstatic that I'd imprinted on her. Charlie's granddaughter with his son. "What do you say?"

He sighed, looking up from his lap. "It seems that everyone's mind is already made up." His smile was bittersweet, the edges of his eyes wrinkling. "I love you Jacob, and I know you will do what's best for us and this tribe. We will accept this new half-breed as the imprint of the True Alpha."

"Thank you. You won't be disappointed."

"I hope you're right son."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Of course! You're my imprint, which means you're a part of the pack and tribe bonfires."

"Yeah, but they won't like me when they find out I'm a hybrid. No one's going to want me there."

"Of course they are! I already explained it to them, and they understand. They'll protect you with their life if necessary. I promise, everything will be fine."

I led her down to the beach where most of the pack had already gathered around the bonfire. As we approached, Seth shot up from his seat, "Hey look! Jake and Nessie are here!" He came over and gave Nessie a big hug, catching her off guard. "I knew your parents! You look just like them! How are Bella and Edward?"

"They're doing well." She smiled, "It's nice to see you again."

The rest of the pack, current and former, and the elders came and introduced themselves to Nessie. I got us a couple spots in front of the fire, pulling her as close as possible. There was plenty of food, so I snagged us a couple of hot dogs and some drinks.

"Do you want one?" I asked, handing her a hot dog.

"No thank you, I'm ok." She said politely but couldn't help wrinkling her nose.

"Are you sure? There's plenty for everyone." We hadn't eaten anything since she made breakfast this morning, and she barely ate anything then.

Nessie leaned into me, her head close to mine so she could whisper. "Actually, I wanted to go hunting tomorrow and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me. I understand if it's too weird for you."

"No! Not weird at all! I'd love to go with you, see you in your natural habitat." I grinned, shoving her gently with my shoulder.

"Hey guys." Embry approached us. "What's up."

"Oh hey, Em." I greeted while Nessie squirmed awkwardly in her seat. "Good to see you."

"Hi Embry, sorry about everything." She said shyly.

He laughed loudly, the sound booming across the beach. "Nah, it's cool. You and Jake look good together, no hard feelings."

Quil and Claire sat by us, and she immediately started chatting with Nessie which gave the guys a chance to pull me aside for an interrogation.

"So, what did you guys do today? Did she lure you into the forest and suck your blood?" Quil teased.

"I never thought I'd see the day where Jake falls for a half-vamp." Brady jeered, him and Collin laughing.

"You didn't even know they existed until today, dumbass." Sam smacked him in the back of his head.

"But still, I guess Jake has a thing for pale-faces."

"Shut the hell up. She can hear you." I growled. "And no, she didn't suck my blood, she doesn't do that. She asked me to go hunting with her tomorrow."

"Oooh, your first date, how romantic."

"I think it's sweet, you both get to reveal your true selves around each other." Seth said cheerily. "It's like you have a shared understanding of being different."

"Yeah, I guess." I shrugged. "I never thought of it that way."

"Hey, have you told her about you and Bel-."

"Shut. Up." I commanded, my eyes quickly snapping to Nessie who was none the wiser. She was still sitting with Claire and some of the pack's kids. I don't want her to find out about me and Bella. Not like this. "No, I haven't, so don't say anything, alright."

"Sorry man." Collin laughed, taking a swig of beer. "Didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."

"So how is she? What's she like?" Rachel asked.

"She's amazing. She's so smart and cool, nothing like we thought the Cullens are."

"That's great Jake, I'm so happy for you. Emma and Olivia already love her. They kept asking us if she was coming to the bonfire tonight."

"Yeah," I turned to look at Nessie who was talking to my nieces. They were bombarding her with questions, touching her hair and comparing their nails. "I'm glad. I was afraid of what everyone would say. Not that it would make a difference if you, or Dad, or anyone else didn't accept her. But still, it's good to know you have my back."

"The two of you are forever connected, so we didn't really have much of a choice, Jacob. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's already so sweet and lovable." Rachel smiled. "She's one of us now."

"Thanks Rach." I hugged her.

We spent the rest of the evening playing with my nieces and Sam and Emily's kids. The rest of the pack got to know Nessie better, asking her all kinds of questions about hybrids and vampires. Billy even decided to share the Quileute legends with her.

"Are you sure you want to hear this? It doesn't exactly paint your family in a good light."

"That's ok." Nessie smiled. "It's your tribe's history. I want to hear it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly." She winked.

Everyone sat and listened to Billy tell the tribe's legends. He told the story of the first Spirit Warriors, the Third Wife's sacrifice, and Ephraim Black's treaty with the Cullens. Billy was a great storyteller, but the man could go on for hours. By the time he was done it was almost two in the morning and everyone was dropping like flies. All the kids and some of the adults were passed out and Nessie was nodding off against my side.

"Did you enjoy it?" I smiled, leaning down to see her face.

"Uh huh." She nodded; her eyelids heavy. "Very interesting."

"Come on, I'll take you home." I offered to carry her to the car, but she insisted on walking, though she was nestled under my arm the entire way. Once she was buckled in, Nessie passed out in the passenger seat, her long hair falling over her face. I loved that she felt comfortable enough with me already, it made me glow with happiness.

When I arrived at the Swan house, I could hear Charlie snoring downstairs on his Barcalounger. He probably knocked out down there waiting for Nessie to get home. I checked to see her still asleep, her cheek pressed against the window glass.

"Hey, Ness," I softly shook her, pulling her hair away from her face. "You should get inside before Charlie wakes up and kicks my ass."

"Nnngh-" Her eyebrows furrowed as she unconsciously pushed my hand away and curled in on herself. "Don' eat my cheese."

God, she was the cutest.

I laughed, getting out and gently lifting her from the car. She felt sturdy in my arms, but light as a feather. I could get used to the feeling.

It was hard juggling Nessie's sleeping body as I looked for her keys. I was scared I would accidentally wake her up, but she kept softly snoring against my chest. I slowly crept inside the house and up the stairs, trying not to wake either Nessie or Charlie. I'm sure if he found a 6-foot 7-inch man breaking and entering his home, carrying his unconscious granddaughter, I'd be shot on sight. Going into Bella's old bedroom was a bit strange, but all my attention was on the sleeping angel in my arms.

I gently set her down on the bed, making sure she was comfortable. I removed her shoes and coat. Not trying to be a creeper or anything but I don't think anyone would like to sleep in those. She was still knocked out though, man she's a deep sleeper.

I stayed there for a moment, admiring her beauty as she breathed in and out slowly. Her face was so peaceful, already gorgeous features softened by sleep.

How did I get so lucky? I knew that the circumstances of my imprint were complicated. She's 19 years old, a half vampire, and the daughter of my greatest rival and my greatest love. We still had so much to work out. She lived in Chicago, I lived in La Push. Me and her family don't exactly get along. And the hardest part: I hadn't told her about my past with Bella yet.

But none of that mattered. Not when I saw her. I saw what an amazing person she is, inside and out. I was the luckiest bastard alive, just being able to know her. And I would do anything to be with her, even beg for Edward's forgiveness if I had to.

I just hope when the time came it didn't blow up in my face.

"Goodnight, Ness." I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Sweet dreams."

"Help me catch th' monkeys." She murmured, rolling over and selling against the pillows again.

The next day Nessie and I hunted together, and I was in awe. The sight of her little body leaping through the air as she tackled an elk was interesting to say the least and honestly kind of a turn on. She was lithe and fast, not as quick as me or a vampire, but still amazing.

We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking up and down the coast of La Push, exploring the beaches, cliffs, and forests. Nessie carefully peered over the edge of a cliff, looking into the steely ocean below.

"You're telling me you guys jump off these for fun?"

I laughed at her expression. "Yeah, it's not so bad for us since were wolves. We're a lot tougher than we look." I winked at her, flexing my muscles.

"Oh yeah? What about half-vampires?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

"No way, Ness." I remembered Bella almost drowning in these very same waves and a stab of fear pierced my heart imagining Nessie in the same situation. My head screamed: DANGER! DANGER! "It's still dangerous, and I don't want to risk it. Not with you."

"Who says I was asking permission?" She put her hands on her hips as she tapped her foot. I would find it adorable if I wasn't so preoccupied with worry.

"Nessie." I raised my hands, "Many people have gotten hurt falling down these cliffs. It's not safe."

"I'm not exactly like many people though, Jacob."

"Yeah, but the waves might drag you down. I know that you need oxygen just like the rest of us, Ness. If you're pulled under the water for too long, it will be game over for both of us."

"Really? You wouldn't take me even if I begged?" She batted her long lashes, using her Bambi eyes on me.

"I- uh- I'm not- I can't- Um." My brain was short-circuiting again. How could I say no to that face? Damn, she is going to be the death of me.

Then something unexpected happened: Nessie laughed. Hard too, like she was laughing at me. "Don't worry, Jake. I'm not going to jump. I don't have a death wish like you guys. I was just curious what you would say."

"You little-" I quickly picked her up, throwing her over my shoulder before she could run away. "I'll show you cliff diving!" I pretended to throw her over the edge as she shrieked and laughed, pounding on my back. "Put me down you beast!"

We pretty much spent every waking moment together the rest of the weekend. Either just the two of us, with the pack, or with Charlie and Billy. Charlie was more than a little concerned that his 19-year-old granddaughter was spending all her time with his best friend's 35-year- old son. At one point he even pulled me aside and asked me what the deal was between me and Ness and threatened to get involved if it continued. We were able to calm him down, insisting that nothing had gone on between us.

And I wasn't lying. I was taking it slow with Nessie. I didn't want to rush into things and scare her. I was having fun getting to know her and I could tell that's all the was ready for now. Being friends. I was more than happy to oblige.

What I wasn't happy with was saying goodbye.

Our blissful time together was quickly coming to an end. Nessie had to fly back to Chicago Sunday night. After I had just found her, I felt like I was losing her.

Charlie wanted to drive her back to Seattle, but she insisted it would be easier, since she had the rental car, to go on her own. What he didn't know was that I was going up by myself to see her off. I didn't care if I was being a total wimp following her around like a lost puppy, I would squeeze every second of time with her that I could.

"It will be alright." Nessie reassured me as I pulled her into the hundredth hug before she leaves. "We can plan to visit each other soon, I promise."

"Sure, sure." I tried to keep my composure, it was getting harder and harder to let her go. "I just- I feel like we just got to know each other and now you're going to be so far away."

"I know, it's so strange, but I feel the same way." Her cheek was still pressed against my chest, her arms wound around my back. "I'm sorry, I wish we had more time together, but I have to go back. We have each other's numbers and addresses. I will call and text you every single day until I see you again. You're going to be so sick of me."

"Yeah, I don't think that's possible." I chuckled. "Don't be surprised when I start blowing up your phone, Ness. Just warning you now."

She giggled as I finally set her down on her feet again. "It's ok, I like the attention. It makes me feel special."

"You are special." I whispered, stroking her cheek. She was looking up at me with wonder, her eyes wide and mouth slightly open. I swiftly had the overwhelming urge to kiss her. Her lips were full and looked so soft. My heart was pounding so hard, staring into her eyes. I wanted to taste her so badly, and I just knew that she tasted amazing.

But I couldn't.

Not like this. As she's about to leave. It would be too hard to let her get on that plane if I kissed her now, and it was already near impossible.

"Call me when you land, alright?" I leaned down and kissed her forehead instead, my lips tingling from the contact. "Goodbye, Nessie."

"Mhm." She agreed, turning to get checked in, but not before smiling at me one more time. "Bye, Jake." She whispered.

I stayed until I couldn't see her anymore, then I waited until I couldn't hear her heartbeat anymore, and then lingered until I couldn't smell her anymore. Once I had spent an uncomfortable amount of time standing in the check-in area, I pulled out my phone and started googling ticket prices.

I've always wanted to visit Chicago anyways.

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