*DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to the Twilight Saga and it's characters. This is purely artistic fiction drawn in inspiration from Stephanie Meyers words.
*This story features dark Edward.
* Jacob maintains his pre-wolf personality, but a little animosity with his transformations.
*Includes a stronger Bella arc.
*The timeline begins after the infamous cliff jump incident in New Moon and divulges from the original.
*Quileute wolves do not imprint on anyone unless both parties are at least 18. There are NO huge age gaps (ex. 4 and 16), and it happens between anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
*Quileute wolves also do not cut their hair out of respect for their personal and spiritual beliefs. It does not affect their transformations.
*There will be warnings for certain chapters that contain disturbing imagery that some may find triggering.
*This chapter features a POV change.
JACOB POV
The road to Emily's was especially long this time. Not because of the Chevy's turtle like pace, but because I expected colorful reactions from the others. I could hear some of the pack in excruciating detail, their voices reverberating around in the back of my mind. Paul and Jared had been the ones outside of Bella's house this morning. Apparently, because I decided on spending time with Bella today, that meant I was evading patrol and getting special attention. Sam reluctantly agreed, wanting to keep the peace between all of us. While he knew I'd keep my word and switch with Embry or Quil for this evening, he didn't want anyone to question his authority. The voices were even louder the closer we got to Emily's house.
You can't push your duties off on your brothers. We all share this burden equally. You're not exempt from my orders. Besides, you didn't imprint on her.
But Sam... I wasn't asking for anything big—just a few hours today. She's important to me.
My thoughts echoed in the collective. Embry's tenor voice chimed in, agreeing with my statement.
Yeah, Sam, he's not lying. I offered to patrol the northern and eastern border for him today. Jake always keeps his w—
—Just because you're second in command doesn't mean you get to pick and choose your shifts, Black.
Paul's voice cut through Embry's. Even though he had phased second in our grouping, his inferiority complex was working overtime. I was faster and stronger than him despite being younger in age. I can't take all the credit for my physical attributes. They were passed down by blood. Sam's voice growled in everyone's mind, dominating the conversation.
ENOUGH. What's done is done. My word is final. After breakfast, you will patrol borders with me like I originally planned, Jake.
Paul's amused 'hmph' sounded as I pulled into the dirt driveway. We had arrived at the quaint, tan colored, cottage-style house. Emily's house became my second home the moment I turned into a wolf. Bella reached out for me instinctively. I grasped her tiny hand and squeezed it softly.
"Are you ok, Jake? You haven't said a word since we left Charlie's."
Her voice sounded like wind chimes in my mind. A beautiful comparison to the cacophony of voices that until a few moments ago had been entirely too loud. Her skin was almost always cold to the touch but with her practically sitting in my lap the entire drive, she was warmer than usual. I hoped she wasn't getting sick from yesterday, that would be the last thing we needed.
"Yeah, I'm good, Bells," I lied, "Just can't believe last night happened."
It was true. The tantalizing images replayed in my mind again and a series of groans rung out in the choir of voices that connected to my mind.
Shut up, Jake.
Gross. She's the vampire chick!
She won't love you like you think she will. She's gonna break your heart, dumbass.
It was hard to decipher between them now with being so close to the pack, but I was pretty sure the last one was Paul. I didn't give a damn what any of them thought. It's my life... I wished they could be happy for me instead of being insufferably miserable about the news. Even Sam had implied that our love wasn't real because I hadn't imprinted. Bella would always be a prominent part of my life. Especially now, considering we admitted our feelings for each other.
"Yeah, me neither... Come on then, grandpa," Bella smirked.
She got out of the truck first and I followed obediently, managing to swallow a playful retort. My heart began to race when we started towards the house. With every footstep, I felt heavier and heavier. Emily had already opened the screen door and came to greet us. She wrapped her little arms around Bella in a warm, inviting hug. Bella hesitated with her affection at first, but then relaxed into her hold and hugged back. Emily would always be another older sister to me. I knew she approved of Bella, and maybe Sam would too with time. He was just happy she wasn't around the Cullen's anymore and I whole heartedly agreed. Seeing her crumpled on the forest floor through his eyes the day that leech left had been an experience I wished I could forget. It was bad enough I had actually been there when he brought her out through the curtain of pines. She was passed out but there was dirt stuck to her face in certain spots where she had cried herself to sleep...
"Bella, it's so good to see you. How're you?"
Emily's smile widely spread across her mousy features. It ended abruptly on the right side of her face due to excessive scar tissue. It pulled her jovial expression into a lopsided smirk. I averted my gaze out of respect. I noticed the upturned soil along the side of the house. Emily had gotten a head start on her garden this year. A strange, unwarranted thought crept into the back of my mind when I looked back at Bella. What if I accidentally hurt her like Sam had Emily? I ignored those intrusive thoughts, distracting myself with whether or not I should touch her with everyone else around.
"I'm alright, how're you?" Bella was slow with her reply, nervously wringing her hands together.
Her scent of strawberries and freesia filled my eager lungs. The culprit had been her long, beautiful hair flowing in the wind. My blood pumped harder through my veins as my pulse increased. It was difficult maintaining a distance. Bella was my literal kryptonite. Quil snuck up and commandeered me into a head lock, catching me when I least expected an ambush. I fought against his weak hold, breaking free right before Paul shoved into both of us at full force. We almost knocked into the girls. A displeased growl grew under my breath, anger starting to boil over in my chest. His voice was full of spite.
Why'd you bring her here? She's gonna spread vampire stink everywhere. Nasty.
Embry appeared from the other side of the porch and gave Paul a sharp chop in the ribs with the blunt side of his palm. He continued his pseudo rescue, dragging Quil off and finished with a 'gentle' haymaker to his shoulder. Gentle for our standards, anyway. I shot a thankful look at Embry and a cold scowl towards the dastardly duo. Sam's voice thundered through the collective, his command separated all of us.
Shut it, Paul—knock it off Quil. Jake, come inside. I need to talk to you about some things you missed.
My voice interjected the quietness forced by Sam. I didn't know how I was able to speak still.
I'll deal with you two jackasses later. Thanks, Embry.
I gave a small pat to Bella's shoulder. I hoped she would be fine on her own. She'd be at the mercy of the wolves, but she also had Emily.
"Bells, I gotta go talk to Sam. Keep Emily away from the riffraff for me?" I stupidly pressed my luck and planted a brief kiss to Bella's forehead. Her face lit up with bright, rosy blush. "Hey Em'," I murmured, gifting her a quick bear hug while I passed. She playfully swatted at me before I entered the house.
I heard Bella stutter incoherently after I walked away. I couldn't decide if she was frustrated that I had left her alone or because I kissed her in front of everyone. Probably a little of both...
"Jake," Sam nodded in my direction and took a sip of some orange juice, he was leaning against the counter in the center of the sky lit kitchen. He was fixated on something, a stern look smothering his face.
"Sam," I replied frankly, "What's up?" I tried to make myself sound more casual.
I took a seat at the rounded table inside the day room that connected to the kitchen. It was covered in home-cooked goodness Emily lovingly prepared almost every day. A luxury in my world I'd grown to appreciate. I folded my arms over my chest, listening intently for what Sam would say next.
"I have some strange news about Harry. You're not gonna believe it," he explained, setting his drink down. His eyes locked with mine.
"Leah phased last night... that's why Harry had a heart attack. Shortly after, Seth phased too. All of the chaos happened right in front of Sue. I went over to Harry's to discuss everything once I realized what was going on," he paused deliberately, "We've never had a female wolf before according to the elders. Seth is also one of the youngest we've had phase. He's only sixteen."
My jaw dropped with learning this information, the shock enveloping me. I hadn't cared a lot about the changed dynamic a female wolf would bring, but more so about how adding Leah to the mix would really complicate things. Sam ended his long-time relationship with her after he imprinted on Emily. Emily was Leah's cousin... talk about awkward.
He continued, "Yeah, don't remind me." Sam responded to my direct thoughts, "Also—the red head changed directions this morning. She's been up in Seattle for weeks. I can't quite pinpoint where she'll head to next, she keeps evading us. The last time we came across her, I swore there were other scents on her. Other, distinct vampire scents." His voice was low, skittish. I could tell he was worried about the danger more vampires posed to the reservation. Especially ones like her.
I shook my head, "No, Bella said she was a loner. The Cullen's killed her mate, and we killed the other leech with dreads. She has no one else."
Sam was silent for a few seconds before posing another set of questions.
"Is it possible she's making more? We can't handle more than twenty vamps, Jake. Even with Leah and Seth joining our ranks. Seth is too young, and Leah is too rash. She wouldn't make the right decisions when fighting. It would jeopardize the whole operation."
He seemed reticent about mentioning Leah at all. It was evident he still cared for her, but his heart belonged to Emily now.
"I dunno. Maybe..." I shrugged and grabbed a blueberry muffin out of the wooden tray in the center of the table, taking a poised bite from the fluffy deliciousness. Images of Bella's moon shaped scar flooded my mind and a scenario where she was caught by the red head unwillingly played in my mind. I shut my eyes tight to reject it, biting into the muffin again with apprehension.
Jake, that's not gonna happen. Chill out, man.
Embry's voice soothed me, and his hand landed heavily on my shoulder. He patted the material of my shirt. The gesture was genuine in nature and helped quell my anxiety.
"He's right, Jake. I hate to say it, but this is Cullen's territory. She knows what happened to both of the vampires that tried hunting here. She may be fast, but she won't escape forever," Sam replied coolly.
A vision of her flaming mop of hair rolling on the ground appeared in the link all of us shared with Sam's mind. In his daydream, he had efficiently torn the vampire's head clean from her shoulders. Satisfaction bloomed inside everyone's mind. Paul, Quil, and Jared sat down at the table as Embry leaned against the kitchen counter with Sam. Bella and Emily had come into the house now and were discussing something I couldn't make out. I dialed in my enhanced hearing and discerned my name. My head perked up and I stood from the table.
I faced the rest of the pack and figured now would be the best time to let the 'wolf' out of the bag. I hadn't thought to ask Bella beforehand, but I hoped she would be okay with it. Her intoxicating scent filled my nose as I got closer, and my heart picked up in speed again. It was invigorating just with her being next to me. I settled for lacing my fingers with hers instead of pulling her into my arms. She recoiled slightly, the same blush from earlier returning. I wasn't afraid, I was proud of us.
"So, I'm sure you all have an idea... we're a thing now," I spoke with a bold but hesitant tone, looking down to her for reassurance.
The words were difficult—what were we? We hadn't discussed specifics, but our affection yesterday said otherwise. Embry stuffed a whole muffin into his mouth and Paul sunk his teeth into a big bite of scrambled eggs. They were unfazed. A normal response given the free show they had access to through our telepathic link.
I whispered into Bella's ear, "Does this mean we...are we dating, Bells?" I was curious to see what her response would be. She straightened upon feeling my breath on her skin. I felt her shudder and the blush deepened, she smacked my arm a little harder this time. A gesture I knew was from embarrassment.
"Jake. Not now... please."
It was too late. A new tirade from my pack began.
Nah, we already know everything. There's no hiding any of that slobbery smooching. "Ohhh Jacob, you animal youuuu. Kiss me more!"
Paul laughed mockingly, making a disgusting kissing face between full bites of bacon.
"Jake and Bella k-i-s-s-i-n-g..." Jared replied out loud, chewing on a large bite of pancake.
"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes puppies in a cradle!" Quil finished their demented fairytale. He slopped a pile of hashbrowns onto his plate, mulling on a mouthful of muffin.
You're never gonna live this down, Black.
His voice sounded and I glanced down at Bella again. The blush had deepened, and she was undeniably as red as a tomato. It would always be apparent, she was naturally super pale. She tugged on my arm until she was level with my ear.
"Hey, can I talk to you outside for a moment?" She seethed; her warm breath on my neck sent a bolt of electricity up my spine.
"Yeah, s-sure." I agreed and she led me quickly back towards the truck. The screen door unintentionally slammed shut with how fast we moved. Her eyes locked with mine, and she sighed deeply, undoubtably feeling the cool air outside. I reached for her, my hands forming to her small ones. She yanked them from mine, and I frowned inadvertently.
Uh oh, trouble in paradise, Jakey-wakey?
Jared snidely joked at my expense and Quil snickered. I worked to push the voices of my pack into the very back of my mind. I wouldn't listen to them right now. Bella was my main focus.
"What's up?" I felt remorseful for a second. She stiffened and dug the toe of her converse into the dirt.
"We haven't even had the chance to discuss 'us'...alone. That was rude of you to assume we're anything, not even including how you openly broadcasted it like that," she said coldly. I attempted to hold her hands again and she rebuffed my touch once more.
"Yeah, my bad, I didn't think any of it through. I'm just so happy—I couldn't control myself. I'm sorry for my inconsiderate actions, Bells." I searched her chestnut-colored eyes for what she might be thinking.
"I'm mad at you for that. But also, it's a new level of awkward because all of them can hear your thoughts and see what you've seen," she grimaced, "It's like...like they've all made out with me. I don't know how to feel. This is beyond uncomfortable for me. I am very much a private person."
She continued, "what's even worse is that even though I'm uncapable of werewolf telepathy, I have a pretty good idea what goes on in everyone's head. I'm still 'the vamp girl' to them."
She rung her hands together out of frustration and stared at the ground, using her shoe to actively push over a twig on the ground. I sighed reluctantly and pulled my hair down from its current messy bun, gathering it and fixing it into a low ponytail. I could see why she'd be embarrassed. She didn't exactly feel welcome in my world. The day I accidentally phased in front of her, when she came back to Emily's, they'd given her that not-so-subtle moniker. Clearly, to some of the lesser evolved members of the pack, she would always be seen that way.
"You're right. I'm so used to wolf mentality now—it's second nature for all of them to know what's going on. My mind is a little slow when it comes to being human anymore," I shook my head, scrubbing a hand down my face, "I really am sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to upset you. As for the last thing, it doesn't matter. I don't care what any of them think."
"Yeah, it's ok. I forgive you. It'll just take some time to get used to not having anything we do together be private... To answer your question—we're...dating? I think," she froze, raising her eyebrows. "Here's the part where you're supposed to ask me to be your girlfriend, Jake."
A tiny smile peaked over her lips, and she pushed my upper arm playfully. Hearing those words made my heart skip a beat. I swallowed hard. All of my thoughts evaporated, and I wanted nothing but to kiss her. I settled for a big embrace, tucking her head under my chin. I would wait patiently for permission since the pack was so close.
"You beat me to it," I chuckled, "Bella, would you want to go out with me?" I straightened up, hiding a smirk.
My arms relaxed their hold on her, I leaned back to gaze down at her insurmountably beautiful features. Memories of last night twirled around in my mind again. Her skin was like velvet and cream, so pale and decadent. I cupped her tiny face with my hands, becoming overtly aware of our endearing size difference. I wanted to cover her rosy, wind-bitten cheeks with dozens of kisses. Her coffee-hued irises locked with mine and the electricity was there again, rocketing up my spine into the base of my skull.
A vivid daydream of Bella in an ethereal, floor-length, flowy, ivory colored dress overrode my subconscious thoughts. Water-worn oak and pine driftwood pieces were carefully posed on either side of an off-white silk runner laid before me. I was standing a few yards in front of the ocean, the warm waves lapping at my bare feet. I think we were on La Push beach. Perhaps at the end of summer with how mild the temperature was. My dad stood beside me, leaning on crutches and me for support. Bella walked uneasily down the partially sandy aisle, clutching Charlie's arm desperately with every step despite also being barefoot. He placed her hand in mine and we faced each other before an elder of my tribe.
Her hair was half up and half down, curled to a messy perfection. Hundreds of dimly lit candles were scattered everywhere around us, it reminded me of starlight. Most of them were decorating the large, circular arch of greenery, pine and carved wood behind us. The sun was setting in the distance, painting a beautiful wash of gold, red and orange across the sky. I placed a silver band adorned with delicate filigree and one singular, oval shaped diamond in the center on her ring finger. Her eyes glowed in the ambiance and bore into mine, the smile she had was timid but bright. Was this...did I just envision our wedding? I blinked rapidly, breaking free from the mini, enthralling vision. I wished I had stayed for a few seconds longer. I intimately wanted to know that kiss...
"I accept, but on one condition. Only if I can kiss you."
She stood up on her tip toes, but it didn't really decrease the drastic height difference between us. She was a lot shorter than me, and I loved that about her. Bella's eyes closed in anticipation, and I gave a hearty laugh. She was so unbelievably cute when she was determined. I readily closed the gap between us, shutting my own eyes a few seconds later. A sweeping, needy desperation built inside me. My lips formed to hers, meshing together with familiar and long-awaited bliss. I slowly coerced her mouth open, my tongue seeking hers in a short, fervent search.
The kiss was slow and indescribably passionate. I separated from her to cease my own growing, heady desire. If I had my druthers, I would have thrown her over my shoulder and took off in the Chevy to find a nice place along the cliffs to kiss her under the sunshine. I gave into less romantic urges and lifted her off the ground. My arms held her safely to me as I twirled her. She let out a small yelp of surprise that was followed by pure laughter. It was magical, her laugh. I could listen to it every day for the rest of my life and then some—and I would. Carefully setting her back down, I caressed the soft skin of her cheek. I decorated her face with shorter, pensive kisses.
"Can I say we're dating now?" I laughed, carefree.
I glanced back towards Emily's house. The others remained quiet mostly, I had tuned out all of the sounds of Quil, Paul and Jared's jokes. Sam had pulled Emily in and given her just as much affection. I did hear quiet huffs of approval from him, Seth and Embry. A new voice I didn't recognize cut through the lighthearted atmosphere. It was shrill in pitch and very angry.
Why in the hell am I seeing some melodrama in my head right now? This is so stupid. Can everyone keep their touchy-feelies to themselves? For five minutes!? I hate this.
I hadn't recognized that voice at first but the closer it got—it made perfect sense. Leah had arrived at Emily's and was as ornery as ever. Albeit, I wouldn't judge her for her emotions. The missing puzzle pieces she desperately craved were put into place. She finally understood why Sam left her. It wasn't irony—it was blatant torture. I empathized with her plight, comparing her pain to mine when Bella was influenced by Cullen. Another voice sounded afterwards, it was quiet and gentle. Seth, her little brother, came into view just behind Leah.
It's not that b-bad Leah. From what I've seen, it makes them happy.
I don't care. I want it to stop. All of it. Can't I just go back to my life before this nightmare? I didn't ask for any of this...
Then nothing... They were on the porch already. Emily had come out to greet them and the empty silence that ensued was palpable. Emily still loved her cousin, but the situation was even more difficult now. She hadn't seen or talked to Leah since Sam and her started dating. Out of respect for her family, she did try to ignore Sam's advances at first. However, Sam couldn't deny his imprint. It was physically and emotionally painful. An involuntary memory of Sam holding Leah and then pushing her away as he ran into the forest played in the forefront of my mind. I forcefully expelled it from my thoughts. The memory had to have been from Leah, the vision showed Sam disappearing into the woods from a first-person point of view.
Leah had actively shrugged away from Emily's touch and sat down on the edge of the porch. Tears spilled over her copper cheeks. On top of everything else, Leah would have a constant reminder that Sam imprinted on Emily now. Seth had attempted to put his arm around her to try to console her. She bitterly shoved it away and wiped the moisture that poured down her face with her sleeve. Sheer rage took control of her emotions and she hastily stood. Her lanky figure ran full speed towards the tree line. Leah instantly shifted, leaving only a blur of light grey fur that delved into the foliage. A long, sad howl rung out after she had disappeared moments later.
I had nearly forgotten Bella was in my arms during all of this and we simply stared. I was unsure of what to do in this situation. I explained everything to her before we headed back inside, as she didn't have a link to all of what happened. It must have been somewhat confusing to her. We headed back inside, and I tried my hardest to tune out the collective.
Emily was in Sam's arms; a painful look of regret crumpled her plain but gentle features. Quil, Jared and Paul were not-so-quietly still devouring food until Sam scowled at them. Embry leaned against the entryway, pondering why Leah had to be brought into this mess. I locked eyes with him and nodded in accord. This was something I wished hadn't come to pass. Bella leaned into my arms; her presence brought comfort to me. Seth had finally come inside from the now evident blanket of spring rain.
"Hey Seth, glad you could make it." Sam patted his shoulder gruffly. Emily pulled him into a gentle hug.
"Well, I don't think I could've missed it even if I tried. I'm sorry about Leah. She's still upset about last night, and now this..." He nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes were full of a deep sadness.
"It's alright. She'll come around, eventually," Sam flippantly admitted, and squeezed Emily in assurance. He peppered her face with kisses. A smile surfaced once more on her features.
"Welcome to the pack, Seth—oh, and technically, Bella too!" She beamed, pulling away from Sam to grab a fresh sheet of muffins from the oven and set them one by one on the now empty plate from earlier.
"Muffin?" Emily quipped, slapping at Paul's hand. He tried and failed to grab another muffin, which would have been his third. He already emptied his second plate. "Ladies first—and save some for your brothers," she admonished.
Sam glared at him, and he swallowed dryly, gulping some orange juice down and turning his attention back to me. I couldn't care less what garbage he'd spew. Bella had begun drawing little circles with her index finger on the exposed skin of my forearm. Her touch was heaven.