*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 two POV changes.
JACOB POV
What's the verdict, Black? You gonna marry the little leech lover? Maybe she'll abandon you at the altar when her dreamy bloodsucker comes back into town.
I processed those sentences entirely too quickly, and I made a split-second decision to put Paul in his place. I snapped at him. A menacing snarl escaped my throat in heated response. Bella startled in my arms; I could barely feel her touch in that moment. Shallow exhales left my parted lips, and a consistent, vicious growl that was much lower in timbre vibrated from my center. I scarcely heard the other voices yelling—all directed at Paul's stupidity. Sam had asserted his alpha dominance over the collective, but I didn't care. Embry, Quil and Seth all whimpered in submission. My emotions were becoming strained, the anger giving way to animalistic nature. Steam poured off my frame, Bella's muted voice melted into the inner confides of my mind. Every single fiber of my being was shaking as my hands balled into fists. My nails embedded into my palms, drawing one or two small beads of blood before the cuts healed instantaneously. My humanity was waning.
Paul would pay; I wanted to teach him a serious lesson in manners and respect. He crossed a line and I vowed to make sure no-one would ever again. Bella was mine and no vampire would ever touch her. Paul returned my animosity and unintentionally fell backwards, knocking over his chair as he agilely tumbled. We stood there, each of our respective hackles up, at the ready to phase while we glared into the others' eyes. I wanted nothing more than to tear his throat out. Brother or not. My skin painfully tingled, the beginning of phasing forced my vision to blacken around the edges. I didn't even hear Sam until he was in front of me, blocking my view of Paul. His strong hands shoved hard against my chest. All at once, I knew it was too close. I became more aware of reality. I needed to stop. I had to control my anger before I hurt her. At some point, thankfully, I had shifted her behind me without thinking.
"Jake! That's enough. Walk it off. Don't make the same mistake I did!" Sam's rough voice was shaken, and thin. It sounded hollow, like I was trapped under water. I listened to him with difficulty but felt zero pressure to bow down and out like the others.
That was new... I think because I wanted to defend Bella's honor, and our relationship, my anger was far too strong this time. I glanced down at her, and her chocolate-hued eyes were wide. A panicked, confused expression contorted her small face. The simmering anger that lingered inside me dissolved completely. I had scared her. Like honest to God—scared her. My heart was heavy with that discovery. What have I done? Would she always be afraid of me now?
A wave of regret tore through me, my muscles finally relaxed, and the last wave of adrenaline wore off. Stars reflected into my vision, swallowing the black that had crept in along the outside. I sucked in a deep breath, straightening my fingers. A layer of goosebumps coated my hot skin. I stretched the tight muscles in my arms and legs. Paul had already shoved his way out the side door into the rain. Unlike me, he gave into his emotions, phasing and running off. My mind went blank as the blood slowly pumped back into my body. I attempted to even my breathing and unclenched my jaw. I remembered why I had gotten angry and then again why I stopped. Bella. I turned and knelt before her, wrapping my arms around her waist and burying my face into her chest. She probably thought I was a monster...
"I'm so sorry, Bells. I promised I would never put you in harm's way. I was so angry," I muttered. Her arms shakily wrapped around my neck. I felt the tip of her chin rest on top of the crown of my head.
"It's alright, Jake. You didn't hurt me. I was more worried you'd hurt yourself than me. Everything happened so fast." She massaged the tense muscles in my upper back and her words started to soothe my fears.
She whispered, "don't let him get to you. Nothing was said out loud, but it was pretty obvious he said something awful." I still worried she was afraid of me and wouldn't admit it. I had seen her face like that before—sheer terror—when that one vampire tried to hurt her. The one with dreads in the clearing.
"Are you sure I didn't hurt you, Bells? It's all a blur to me. What Paul said was... unforgivable. I still want to take a chunk out of—" I stopped myself, nuzzling my face deeper into the material of her flannel and soft, long hair. Her scent burned my nose, but in a good way. It was pure and sweet. Expelling all that energy made me temporarily exhausted. I sighed deeply. Again—Sam's voice began.
"Jake, it's like you can't even hear me..." He was genuinely concerned. Embry, Quil and Seth had moved closer out of curiosity. In the deafening silence, I realized I couldn't hear any of their voices in my head. What was going on?
"What do you mean?" I asked, standing again beside Bella. "I can hear you just fine," I shrugged and pulled her small frame into my side, nervously rubbing the space between her shoulder blades.
"No, Jake... it's like you can't hear my voice in the pack anymore." Silence again. Dead silence. What?
"Well, that's 'cuz you're not saying anything," I restlessly disagreed, my brow furrowing in question. Sam huffed angrily and crossed his arms.
"I told you to back down the moment it happened. I kept repeating it. Even now, you're not responding to my orders. I'll try again."
"Yeah, Jake, you can't hear us anymore?" Embry added. His voice wavered and he moved even closer.
I closed my eyes, stood completely still and concentrated. I could hear my heart steadily beating inside my chest, and Bella's heart, too. But nothing else. I couldn't hear their voices anymore. How was that even possible? I reopened my eyes and incredulously stared back at Sam. He shook his head in pointed defeat.
"Wow. You... really can't hear me? You can't hear any of us? What does that mean?" Sam murmured. He skulked to where Emily was leaning behind the kitchen counter and curled his arms around her.
"The elders might know. He needs to see old Quil." Emily responded, her sparrow like voice was tinged with sorrow but still hopeful.
"Yeah. You're right, Em." Sam nodded, unsure of how to proceed.
"I don't know how it happened or what even happened. I was just super angry, and I wanted nothing more than to rip into Paul. No different than the day before. He's always on my nerves. That's just how he is—he's an ass."
I retraced my steps, trying to remember how it felt and what had possibly changed. The anger inside me earlier was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before but it was overshadowed by my love for Bella. I would do anything—be anything for her. Like I wasn't myself but an extension of her. What he said disrespected our future together. That and there was no way I'd let another vampire take her away. Arguably, that was the worst part of the whole memory. I grasped at straws—I don't think I imprinted. It was described and visualized as something entirely different. I had seen Sam imprint on Emily, Paul imprint on my sister and Jared imprint on Kim. I highly doubted that's what happened. None of their imprints were angry?
"What he said was wrong. He insulted your mate. Paul always takes things way too far," Quil piped up.
"Do you think you imprinted on her?" Jared questioned, crossing his arms defiantly.
"I think I'd be the first one to know," I scoffed, "but I've seen everyone else imprint and I haven't felt the same way. I don't know what's happening. What I do know is that... Well, Bella is important to me. Yes, I'm in love with her. That's not something my blood tells me to do."
"I think it's best you talk to old Quil and the rest of the elders, Jake. How are we supposed to communicate now? There's still the looming uncertainty of the red head and her new vamps to contend with. We need to be able to talk to you." Sam puffed his chest in annoyance.
I still didn't care. Wait... There was something more to that sentiment. When I was angry at Paul, Sam had tried to force me into submission, and I didn't even bat an eyelash. As alpha of the pack, everyone always listens to him regardless of what they want to do. But this time was different. I had no choice in the matter every single time before then. That time was the exception. I purposefully decided against him. Kinda like... I made my own pack?
Hey. Why is it so quiet now?
Leah. I heard her biting voice in my mind and I shivered.
"Guys. There's... something else," I locked eyes with Sam and my shoulders hunched, "I can hear Leah still."
Sam shot a dark look back at me, his face was covered in fiery shock.
"But how!? Wait," he paused and the others winced, "you're right. I can't hear her anymore. How come you can? You're not an alpha."
"I don't know! What does this have to do with Leah?"
"She doesn't want to be a part of your pack..." Embry said quietly while facing Sam, nonchalantly shoving his hands into his shorts pockets. "It makes sense. It's possible Bella somehow activated the alpha in Jake, effectively splitting the pack into two. Who knows how all of this works, anyhow? It's all ancient magic, not a perfect science. This is stuff none of us can accurately comprehend."
"Leah doesn't really listen to anyone to begin with," Seth added.
It became too quiet.
"You should go now, Jake. Whatever this is, we need to figure it out before the red head returns. It leaves the pack—er, packs—wide open with the two of you not able to hear the rest of us," Sam urged, his voice was a pleading demand.
"While you're with the elders, maybe ask them about your relationship with Bella. They might be able to shed light on what's going on there, too." Emily stepped forward from the counter. She placed her small hands on my forearm, squeezing it gently.
I nodded in agreement, and we said our farewell quickly. Emily packed a goodie bag for both of us before we left. Bella and I made sure to give a hug goodbye to her, also gifting a lazy half hug to Embry. After we got in the truck, I didn't know how to proceed with the rest of the day. It was nice not having to do what Sam wanted. Being able to do as I please the rest of the day. I would see the elders to find out what happened, but then I could spend alone time with Bella. That also solved another problem. Privacy—at last. She would appreciate that.
"So, we're going to see the elders? I feel like I shouldn't be with you for this." Her eyes were full of worry. Was she concerned about me not being able to hear the others? It did leave us mildly vulnerable.
"Yeah, I think it would be best if I saw them. You're coming, too. You're a part of my life now, Bells," she nodded sluggishly, moving into her spot beside me. I realized I needed to let Leah know what's going on first though. It was still cold in the Chevy, the engine hadn't warmed up.
I paused, "lemme tell Leah what the plan is first."
Leah. Can you hear me?
Yeah, you big idiot. Do you know why I can't hear the rest of the bumbling stooges anymore?
I'm not sure. I can't hear them now either. But you can hear me and I can hear you. Long story short, I got into a fight with Paul and I think that I split the pack.
She was silent, processing the news of not having Sam as her pack leader. I wasn't sure if she could see anything in the collective the moment the altercation happened.
How would that split the pack? I doubt that was the reason. Whatever caused it... can't be too bad. I don't have to put up with Sam's stupid demands anymore. That's a win in my book. I really didn't want any part of that.
I honestly don't know how any of it works. Just that Paul made me snap... I got so angry I almost phased. It was bad.
I mean, he's sorta right. She is—was—a leech lover. I guess, if she's with you now then I don't have that big of a problem with it. As long as she doesn't hurt you, and stays out of my way, then we won't have a problem. Oh, and those Cullen's stay off our land.
She's still friends with one of them I think, but most of them are probably gone for good. At least for the next century. We'll be gone by then hopefully. Anyway, I'm going to see the elders and I'll let you know what I find out.
Ok, fluff-for-brains. Get going and shut your yap.
I chuckled and focused back onto the dashboard. I shifted the Chevy into drive, and it rumbled down the bumpy road. The newfound mental freedom was enlightening and relaxing. I could breathe.
"Hey, did you let her know?" Bella's voice pleasantly interrupted my musing and brought me back into the present.
"Yeah, I let her know. Leah's cool about everything. In fact—I think she was relieved not to have to be in Sam's pack."
"I can imagine. From what you told me earlier, I couldn't fathom being put into that situation. I would have gone insane," she said softly.
Bella sat in silence for a moment, before she continued.
"Sam seemed really confused about not being able to hear you. Has this happened before?"
"Not to my knowledge. I don't think there have been multiple packs at the same time in our history. I have more important things to worry about now. I want to be able to protect you—and the thought of having to leave you alone makes me nervous. He's right about figuring a way to communicate between us."
There was truth to my words. I have no idea where the red headed leech is or what she is up to.
"I kind of like the idea of having you all to myself... I know Charlie and I will be safe with you around. Speaking of, we have to let him know we're dating. Not that I think that would bother him. He was really pushing me towards you after—you know," she trailed off.
"Yeah, that's true. Unfortunately, while I will be with you most of the time, there will be a few times I won't. I can have Leah watch over the house while I'm busy. She seems to be warming up to you, Bells. I'll figure out how to communicate with Sam eventually, too."
"Sorry, I couldn't help being wishful. It would be nice to see you every day. I should be grateful for what I do have. I'm happy to be by your side, and I'll do my best to help where I can. However, I'm not sure what I can possibly do being human," she whispered.
"You don't have to worry about helping. We got the security detail part locked down. You get to relax now. I doubt you actually can until we tear her and her friends to bits... but I will do everything within my power to make sure you're safe."
I had lost track of time while talking. It wasn't an extensively long drive from Emily's to in town on the rez, just ten minutes or so.
I stuttered, "Ah, shoot. Here's the road. We're h-here."
A few hours elapsed while I discussed the information with the elders. Bella had taken up a conversation with one of the Quileute wives'. It warmed my heart to see her inquiring about our history and learning more about our lore. Old Quil had somewhat confirmed our suspicions. We did have a small understanding of what sparks the change in certain members of the tribe. He explained that with more vamps in the area, more of us would phase to combat the growing threat we faced. None of us had a choice. It was gene specific, and we had absolutely no control over when or who would phase. An ironic, paradoxical chain of events passed down through blood. It was sort of unfair to us now but our ancestors asked the Creator for protection then and their devotion was met with answers.
Quil had also said Leah phasing and two alphas were anomalies within our world. Because of my direct connection to a previous chief, it was only a matter of time until I became an alpha. He placed great emphasis on the near future where I would lead both packs into a great battle. We would need to pinpoint when and where the bloodsuckers would attack. I didn't have answers for that, but Sam and I would work together to forge a plan. I was terrified. I didn't know how Bella would be protected while I fought. He also concluded my connection to her was beyond strong. Quil mentioned that although we had not immediately imprinted, he fully believed it would come to pass and had been delayed due to the presence of vamps in the area. Particularly, how close she had been to the rotted one. The one who left her alone in the woods...
The sun had long gone down after we left the rez. It was a semi-long drive back to Forks. Bella would need to go to school tomorrow, and while she was there I'd work on figuring this mess out. Driving her to school and picking her up will help give me a sense of normality. I settled on the idea of getting my GED so I wouldn't need to bother with going back to school.
"Earth to Jake—whatcha thinking about?" Bella's voice floated into my mind, and the tension released from my back. I had to remind myself to unclench my jaw. Something old Quil had said didn't sit right with me.
"I was just thinking about what Quil said."
"What did Quil say about...us? And why the pack separated?" Curiosity lit up her face. My heart skipped a beat upon seeing the glow pool in her dark eyes. I wanted to hold her again, but for a lot longer this time. It would wait.
"He thinks we are meant to be imprints but interference from the bloodsu—I mean Cullen's—caused us not to. It might happen soon... He was very vague about it," I lied about the vague part.
"As for the pack, it's apparently because I'm the direct descendant of a chief that it separated. I was born to lead us into battle—to be an alpha. It seems Sam's hunch about vamps in Seattle was right. The red head is involved, has to be. She won't touch you, I promise." Bella was silent for a few minutes, musing over our future but she became pale after hearing about the vampires.
"That's a lot. I'm happy to know we were meant to be. That we're... imprints. I don't like the whole vampire army thing. Some vampires have special powers," she was pensive, "oh. Why didn't I think of it earlier? Alice can see the future. I need to see her. She could shed some light on what's going to happen. I know you won't like it but she's a part of my life. Not every vampire is a threat—Jake."
I gritted my teeth at the thought of any leech helping us. If it would give us an advantage in battle and make Bella happy, I guess I couldn't be too torn up about it. We pulled up the driveway, and I parked Bella's truck next to Charlie's cruiser. The lights were on in the living room. Something exponentially harder than a war was next—the task of telling her dad that we're dating. I'd keep the 'in love' part under wraps for now.
"Bells, I don't like that, and neither will Leah. But I'll trust her for your sake. It might help give us an edge against the other leeches. However many of them there are...but first, time to tell Chief Swan about us." My lips curled into a genuinely happy grin and I was undeniably giddy. I swallowed some of my eagerness, attempting to tone it down.
"I hope he takes it well." Her fingers laced with mine and we exited the rusted, red Chevy.
BELLA'S POV
I pulled my key from my pocket, almost dropping it onto the concrete of the stoop. After a brief moment, I steadied my hands and unlocked the front door with Jake at my heels. I was fairly certain Charlie wouldn't have a problem with him and I dating. It also gave him an excuse to see Billy more. A positive premise in the sea of the information I had learned on the drive back from the reservation. Burying any thoughts of Victoria, the coming war between vampires and werewolves, and imprinting—I swallowed dryly. I would call Alice after I told Charlie good night. Would Jake stay with me tonight?
We stepped into the kitchen, noticing the smell of fresh pizza. I had forgotten to make dinner in all of this madness. A pang of regret hit me, and sadness washed over my mind. The pizza was on the kitchen table. As we rounded the corner I found Charlie asleep in his chair. I knew he was tired and still dealing with the loss of Harry. I gently placed a hand on his shoulder. He roused awake quickly and rubbed his eyes, wheeling to look at the clock.
"Oh, hey Bells, I didn't hear you come in," he scrubbed a hand down his face and then blinked a few more times, realizing it wasn't just us.
He continued after a quick respite and straightening in his recliner, "Hey, Jacob."
"Evening, Chief Swan." That was surprisingly formal.
"Hi, dad. I see you got pizza, I'm sorry I wasn't home earlier to make dinner."
"Nah, it's ok, Bells. I didn't get home until a little while ago. I was helping Sue with the funeral arrangements and preparation."
"If you say so, you really oughta watch your cholesterol. How's Sue holding up?"
"She's hanging in there. Apparently Leah and Harry got into a nasty argument last night and she thinks that's what did Harry in. Poor thing, she blames herself."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she finds peace and realizes it's not her fault."
"Yeah, I do too. Bella, why is Jake standing behind you like your shadow? Come on in and sit down, son. You're practically family." Charlie sat up and waved towards the couch, "I know you guys had pizza last night, but you're welcome to help yourselves."
"Yeah, about that, dad... we have something we wanted to tell you." I reached for Jake, my growing nerves made me a wreck. I hoped he didn't notice how clammy my hand was.
"Yeah, sorry, I don't know the best way to say this. Last night Bella and I—we realized we have feelings for each other. I wish I had time to ask for permission before hand, but I can ask now," Charlie sat there, frozen and puzzled for a moment. Then a big grin swallowed his features.
"No, no, that's okay Jacob," Charlie shook his head side to side, "I'm glad she has you. You've been a big help to her since... Edwin. You don't need my permission, just as long as you treat her right." He stood upright from his chair and wrapped me in a big bear hug, "it's about damn time, Bells."
"Oh, err, yeah. Good to know, dad." I muffled back in Charlie's brief hug. He followed it by shaking Jake's hand and giving him a side hug as well.
"Thanks, Charlie. I promise to take care of her, and always will."
"Yup, I'm counting on you, son. Welp, I don't know about you two, but I'm beat. I'm gonna head upstairs and get some shuteye. I have duty tomorrow at 4 AM. Harry's service is at 5PM tomorrow, if you guys are interested. Make sure you lock the door on your way out, Jake." The best thing about Charlie is he doesn't hover.
"Good night, Bells," he called from the hallway. He shuffled sleepily up the stairs to the bathroom and then to his bedroom. Jake and I exchanged knowing glances. I could guess what he was thinking but wanted to confirm it.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Way ahead of you, girl." Jake pulled me into a tight embrace, I breathed his musky ocean scent in. It had been far too long since I hugged him today. The last time had been right before the spat with Paul. We stood in the living room for a few minutes, enjoying the relaxation of our company and the stillness after today's business. Jake was the first to break the silence.
"I wanted to ask, Bells. Do you want me to stay the night again? Until Charlie gets up?"
"Is that even a question? The answer is always going to be yes. As long as you're okay with it."
"I feel kinda bad sneaking around Charlie's back about it. Soon enough we'll have our own place and won't need to worry about that, though."
"Hmm...yeah, what he doesn't know won't hurt him. He was pretty relaxed about the whole dating thing anyway," I covered my smile with my sleeve.
"I thought he was gonna jump up and down for a second there," Jacob's soft laughter filled my ears, and his eyes lit up. It was infectious. I mirrored him and laughed as well. We ate some pizza to tide us over and as if on cue, the familiar sound of Charlie's expected snoring drifted down the stairs.
"That's the Bat signal. I'll meet you up there, Robin."
I locked the front door after Jake and turned out the lights after I brushed my teeth. I snuck back up to my room, taking a few human moments to wash my face and brush my hair. Jacob had already parkour'd his way up the tree adjacent to my window. He was laying on the length of my bed, arms behind his head in his unbothered state. He shot a toothy grin at me and raised one eyebrow. I shooed him, waving at him to avert his eyes so I could change into pajamas. He tucked his head into his arms and rolled onto his stomach. I would need a shower tomorrow morning before school. That was the least of my worries currently. I changed back into the same pajamas as last night. I was quite partial to their smell and wanted to make sure they still smelled like Jake before he left.
"I'm done, you can look now." I crinkled my nose, a silent laugh stifled by my hand.
"Come here, little one." Jake beckoned me, his hand outstretched from the bed.
I flipped the light switch off and snuggled into the inviting comforter and his warm hold. We talked for a little while about tomorrow and what it would hold. I was so comfortable in his arms that I drifted to sleep much sooner than I had anticipated. My dreams were mostly empty, save for one I rather enjoyed. I dreamt of Jacob and our future. We were driving along the coast—no wolves and no vampires. Just us being normal, enjoying our time together and visiting a few colleges in Washington. The wind blowing through our hair, sun shining down on our skin. The sound of my alarm pierced into my subconscious. I awoke to an empty bed and sighed. But I quickly realized Jacob hadn't gone far.
I got ready for school relatively slowly and forced myself into a cold shower. Sluggishly pulling a long-sleeved purple shirt over my damp hair and a black tank top, I paired it with faded jeans and my trusty converse. Jacob was downstairs using the phone, probably talking to Billy, I wasn't sure. Charlie's police cruiser was gone from the driveway. I wondered if Jake would take me to school. Descending the stairs, I swallowed a shaky yawn.
"Morning, sleepyhead. How'd you sleep?" He gathered me into a soft hug at the landing. My semi-wet hair clung to my face, and I sighed reluctantly. I grabbed a pop-tart from the cupboard for sustenance. My stomach was angry at me.
"I slept well, but I wanted to stay up later and talk to you. Did you sleep well?" I nestled further into the warmth of his touch.
"I got some sleep. Really, really deep sleep, too. I woke when Charlie's alarm went off. I, uhh... hid in your closet when he came to check on you. Then got up again just before your alarm," he yawned quietly, "Leah kept watch outside last night and so did Seth after two or three in the morning."
He kissed my forehead, smoothing down a loose curl, "I'm going back to Emily's for a bit after I drop you off for school. Leah's gonna watch you while I discuss things with Sam." I took a pensive bite of my pop tart as he spoke, not wanting to leave the solace of his arms.
"Okay, will I see you later?" I wondered about after school. I would have an essay to write for English and needed to study for my Calculus final. Jake smoothed another stray strand of my hair and stroked the skin along my cheek. I would also need to call Alice and fill her in—I forgot all about that last night.
"Yes, I'll pick you up after school. It won't be that long, Bells. You'll be back in my arms before you know it." I huffed impatiently, finishing my pop tart and washing its remnants down with some milk. The drive to school was quiet, my thoughts were focused on Victoria and what her next move would be. Jacob squeezed my hand gently and pulled me closer to him in the driver seat. We pulled into a parking spot at Forks' High and sat for a few seconds.
"Do you want me to pick you up on one of the motorcycles? That would liven things up." He gave a devilish smirk, his eyes narrowed with mischievous intent.
"What about my truck?" I stifled a laugh, pulling the strap of my school bag over my right shoulder.
"I can drive it back to your house. I have to go to Sam's after I drop you off here anyway. Oh—" Jake pulled me back in for a kiss to my cheek and forehead, "would you want to have dinner with my dad tomorrow tonight? He needs to know we're dating, too." There were already a few sets of eyes on us from across the parking lot. Jessica was practically shouting next to Mike. Angela, Ben and Eric all were staring at my truck and Jake. I would have to explain when I got out.
"Yeah, I would like that. Dinner with Billy sounds nice. It's been a minute," I pushed a little deeper into his grasp, "I have studying I have to do tonight. Would you want to study with me?" Jake's expression changed and he seemed pensive.
"I would happily fight a coven of vamps to study with you, Bells. That sounds absolutely dee-lightful. You have to go to school now—don't be late to your first hour." He pressed another kiss to my forehead and pulled away just as quickly. I frowned, securing my bag as I hopped out.
"Bye Jake. See you after school." I responded, slamming the door to the Chevy in order for it to properly latch. I began my too slow walk up to my school. Jessica and Mike had already sneakily caught up with me.
"Who was that!?" Jessica's voice screeched, "why didn't you tell me you were dating a Native supermodel? He was totally gorgeous, Bella! Who is he?" She gave a playful shove and Mike's face stretched into a quiet scowl. It was obvious he recognized Jacob from the movies and couldn't stand him. I ignored his moody response.
"Wasn't that guy—that Jacob kid? The one who went to the movies with us?" His voice was low and irritated. I wasn't sure why.
"Yeah, that was Jake." I was clear with my response, unsure of whether I wanted to disclose our relationship already.
"Bella, he kissed you. Are you two dating?" Jess's brows furrowed and she shoved her Romeo and Juliet book back into her messenger bag. Mike had already happily went to his first class to avoid that possible answer.
The bell had rung, and signaling the start of first hour. I sat down in Biology and the day began to drag on. Every hour was a pain. I couldn't wait to be done. Lunch was interesting; I didn't give too much more information to Jess about Jake and I. Angela had seen my change of demeanor and my wish to remain secretive. Her soft smile was comforting, and I missed sitting and talking with her during lunch. I wondered what Jake was up while I was dredging through school...