Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I’d never given much thought to how I'd die.

My breathing ragged, I struggled so hard to get out of the stupid leeches grasp.

But dying in the place of someone I love?

I had to somehow get to Carlie or get her out of here at least.

That seems like a good way to go.

I could feel my air running out so with my last breath i yell “RUN” to Carlie and then the darkness began to take over.

Chapter Text

I watched as the girl who had been such a big part of my life for the last couple of years seemed to fade away on the table that her bloody body was laying on. Blondie had taken the baby shaped monster away, still dripping Bella’s vibrant red blood on the floor from its mouth. Edward was still doing compressions, trying to pump venom into Bellas veins, frantically muttering under his breath ‘come on’. I looked up at her face, and saw her eyes open but not seeing. My hands were shaking and my breathing was heavy. I could feel the anger boiling under my skin, my wolf form waiting to be released.

“I told you this would kill her.” My voice broke on the word kill, my eyes had yet to leave her empty ones. How did we get here? How is this her end?

He stopped the compressions and kissed her forehead, then then closed her eyes. Abruptly he began flashing around the table and began making tiny bites on her arms and legs. Then he pulled a sheet over her legs and middle. Suddenly he froze, still as a statue, then blinked.

“Carlisle is almost here, he'll tell us what to do.” he paused and seemed to concentrate harder. “Sam and the pack are also on the way." I snared and clenched my fist at the lifeless tone in his voice. I was furious and all I could think of was ending this stupid blood sucker's life.

“They're on their way to kill that monster and you leeches. You let it kill her and now i'm going to rip you apart until you wish i had killed you instead” i gruffed

This asshole is going to suffer now, once and for all. I was deadly calm, my mind made up. With one fluid motion I grabbed the front of his shirt and slammed him into the book case. Books fell around us as his head hit one of the shelves and it cracked and split apart. I glanced into the eyes of the monster that helped kill my best friend and suddenly I froze.

It was like all at once I was floating, drifting farther in the universe and suddenly the only thing holding me down was a line connected to….HIM? It can't be him…he's a man? This changes everything. Flashes of us holding hands and walking la push, then swinging a small brown hair girl between us, then sitting snuggled up in a blanket on the diving clift, then swimming together in the chilled water under my waterfall, then kissing him as I lay down to sleep,then riding motorcycles together up the coast. Flash after flash in such a swift connection that took my breath away. He's my imprint!?

He glanced up at my sudden thought and looked confused as he tried to grab my arm, but then Carlisle and the others bursted into the study.

“Edward, I can still hear the faintest flutter of her heart. Jacob, you both need to get outside, I'll handle her from here.” Carlisle rushed straight for Bella pulling the sheet down to assess the wounds. We both turned to him, my fist still tangled in Edward's shirt, both a bit dazed from the revelation my mind had gone through. “GO. The pack is almost here” Edward ripped himself out of my grasp, his eyes wide and nodded. Wiping his mouth on his sleeve he turned to Esme and took the jacket to cover his blood stained shirt.

I turned and ran from the room, past blondie who was holding the…baby… in the living room, and straight outside. My heart was hammering and my mind still reeling from those flashes I had seen just minutes ago. Edward is my imprint? What the actual fuck is my life? I wanted to kill him ten minutes ago and now I…. No, not right now I need to focus. I jumped off the deck and shook my head to clear my thoughts. Then Emmett and Esme settled to my left and Jasper and Alice with Edward right behind them settled to my right as Seth and Leah suddenly popped out of the woods and settled behind me. They whined at the thoughts and images that flitted around in my head.

‘Yeah I know my heads a bit crazy right now but this,’ I pulled the image of the line attached to edward that held me to the earth now ‘this is what saves us all right now’. Seth nodded and Leah cringed, her hatred for all things imprints still lingered.
“They'll try to attack but don't engage. I have a reason to get them to stop.” I tell the others out loud, knowing Edward has already heard what I said to Seth and Leah.

A rustle in the underbrush was the only warning we got as the pack started slipping into the yard. Sam crouched,and stalked forward, snarling. And all the others fanned out behind him sizing all the vampires up. I looked at all the men I still considered my brothers and hoped that they would listen to me. After all, fellow wolves were forbidden from harming a wolf's imprint and their family.

“Listen Sam, you need to drop this and just go back to the reserve.” I wiped a hand over my face as he snarled again, shook his head and suddenly shifted into his human form. He yanked on his shorts and turned to gesture at Jared to flank him as he strode closer to me.

“You know I can't Jacob, they've violated the treaty whether she's dead or changed” he gruffed and clenched his fist. Jared snarled behind him, showing his agreement. I shook my head and willed myself to continue

“I understand that, but you…” I groaned, not wanting to say it “… you can't attack HIM.” My voice softened as I said the last few words, but emphasizing ‘him’ and swiftly glanced at Edward then back at sam. “Hes…they..I…” I fumbled through the words.

Sam drew back a few feet and jared snarled again. Suddenly Alice gasped and Edward and Jasper both turned to her as she clearly experienced a vision of her pale face scrunched up in concentration and confusion.

“It's okay Alice. Jacob, I'll help explain” he said and turned to the rest of the crowd. Many of the pack had shifted and pulled on shorts, then slowly made their way closer to sam. Everyone looked confused. “Jacob has imprinted, which means Sam's pack can no longer attack us.” glances at me and I nod. ‘Its okay, they'll all find out eventually’ I tell him in my mind.

Sam turned to me with a frown on his face, then gestured at Edward to continue, as he crossed his arms.

“He's imprinted on me.” the whole crowd gasps and the pack starts talking over each other, the ones not in human form yelping

“What!?”“

But he's a …”

“This has never happened before.”

“What are we going to do?”

“Really, a leach?”

“A man?”

“QUIET” Sam shouted to draw everybody's attention and silence the yells and yelps of the pack. He began pacing in a small line, obviously thinking over his decision, before turning to look at me.

“ We will be leaving now. Jacob, I expect you to come to the reserve for a meeting soon. Please call your father.” The others went to protest but Sam phased and barked at them, which caused them to phase themselves and follow him into the woods disappearing as fast as they had appeared. I hear the Cullens all take a deep breath and Leah and Seth walk closer to me.

“Jake, does this mean we can go home again?” Seth softly questioned as flashes of his mother and all the friends he has on the reserve flit through his mind. I could feel his yearning to go a hug his mom.

I dropped to sit on the edge of the deck and drug my hands down my face, and I struggled to keep my thoughts on Seth's words and the pack and my father and tried to keep them as far away from him as I could.

“Seth i've been telling you to go home for weeks, you've always been able to” i said. I glanced up at him and shook my head. ‘Go, both of you, your moms probably worried sick'

‘No, as long as you're here, I'm here, you need backup for the conversations to come. Besides, Seth can let mom know I'm okay and this way I don't have to deal with Jared or Sam.’ Leah huffed at me. I nodded and Seth took off after the others and Leah went back to patrolling the area just for something to do but I still felt her lingering presence in my mind.

During our exchange the Cullens had drifted inside. I could see them through the enormous windows that took up this whole side of the house, settling in the kitchen to coo over the baby drinking a bottle. I heard Edward shift in place just a few feet behind me so I steeled myself for the talk we were about to have, then stood to face him.

“Do you… want to come back inside? Up to my room? We can talk there while the others are going to go for a walk. They wanted to give us some…privacy.” he glanced up from his hands that he had been wringing,-a human gesture, one I hadn't seen from him before- and he met my eyes before glancing away.

Well this isn't going to go well, is it?

He shook his head and looked down again, then dropped his hands to his sides.

“ Please just come inside? I promise it's just a conversation, I just want to understand what's going on ” he gestures to the open door and shuffles in place again.
I struggle to sort through my thoughts to make a choice. Flashes of our future, flashes of the last few days, flashes of my whole life running through my mind so fast over and over.

‘I…I really don't…I don't know if I can handle this right now dude.’ I muttered in my head knowing he’d hear me.

“Will you at least come and rest in my room? You can lock the door. I'll respect your privacy, no one will bother you. Then we can have our conversation when you don't look like you want to puke and pass out at the same time” he whispered as he stepped back through the door.

I snorted, but nodded and followed him through the house and up the stairs past the large display of graduation caps to his very white, very large bedroom. This could really use some…color. I hear him scoff but he doesn't say anything until we’re both standing in on opposite sides of the massive bed.

“Alice changed the sheets yesterday, and there is a change of clothes in the bathroom for you” he pointed to a door behind me. I glanced around the room again wondering how I was going to get comfortable enough to fall asleep in such a large open room.

‘Ya’know, i could fit like 4 of my bedrooms in here and still have some room’ i direct the thought at him

“I didn't really pick the size of it, Jacob. If you haven’t noticed, Alice and Rosalie are the designers in the family." He smiled softly at me and my whole body warmed at it, which embarrassed me. I could feel my cheeks redden and I drug my hand down my face. His smile turned to a smirk and I rolled my eyes.

‘Go away so I can sleep, blood sucker.’ I huffed at him, not knowing how to react to his slight attention so I deflected by calling him a name.

“Okay, okay. I'll be going now. If you need anything just say something, one of us will hear you” he said and walked out of the room. Before he shut the door he turned and looked at me, staring for a few seconds with his head tilted. After a few moments he nodded.

“Good night Jacob.” he whispered then slowly shut the door.

“Good night.” I whispered after he was gone knowing he'd hear me wherever he had gone in the house.

As I turned from the door I glanced around the room again and looked at the wall of CDs he had and the stereo system set up all around the room. I spied one that looked familiar, one my mom would play often as she worked in the kitchen when me and my sisters were younger. I put it in and turned the sound up just enough that I could hear it knowing that everyone else would hear it just as well as I could. I closed my eyes and thought of the few memories I have of my mother. After a few moments I turned the music up slightly so I could hear it as I showered.

Going to the bathroom, paused in the doorway marveling at the black tile and the big ass shower that took up a good third of the huge room. Stripping out of my clothes, and leaving them where they fall, I walk to the wall that has a built-in dial and crank the water to 104 degrees. I stepped under the rain style shower head and sighed, then tipped my head forward to let the water drip down the back of my neck and relaxed my body. I could get used to this.

After standing still for a good 15 minutes, in what seemed to be never ending hot water, I forced myself to shampoo and condition my hair. My body was finally feeling the exhaustion of the last few days. I quickly scrubbed my body down then rinsed and turned the water off. I grabbed the warm towel from the bar to dry off and I turned to the pile of clothes that were left on the counter. I laughed at the fact that it was a literal matching pajama set, because this had Alice written all over it. I grabbed just the boxers and pulled them on.

I walked back into the room after I dried my hair and stared at the bed. I wonder if he's even… I shook the thought from my head and decided I would never think about that ever again. I switched the lights off and stalked over to yank the comforter down and fold the sheet back. I dropped into the softest bed I've ever been in and pulled a pillow to my chest. I pulled the sheet up as my eyes drooped and I dropped into a deep sleep.

Chapter Text

Warmth spread across my face and light was piercing through my eyelids. *Who opened my damn curtains?* I rolled over and buried myself farther into the cloud I was on and drifted off again. *Wait…my bed isn't this soft.* I quickly jerked up and opened my eyes to take in my very bright surroundings. The music was still playing softly. My legs were tangled in the sheet and my body was sweaty. My brain was swiftly catching up with my surroundings. *Oh…last night really happened then.*

I heard a knock from the door and jerked my head to stare at it. Quickly I stood to walk to the door but my leg was still caught in the sheet and I started to fall. Before I could get an ‘oh shit’ out or even hit the floor I was suddenly in a set of very cold arms staring into a set of dark eyes. The chill from his arms around my waist felt very nice on my warm skin.

The second that registered completely in my brain, my cheeks redden. He quickly sat me on the bed and blurred back to the doorway. He looked down to his feet avoiding my gaze and I slowly stood again avoiding the stupid sheet I had tripped on.

“I uh…I'm sorry. I brought you a change of clothes.” He turned and picked up a stack of clothes that were sitting on the table to the left of the door. “They should fit you, Alice and I had a bit of a tiff about what you would wear, so hopefully this is suitable.” I glance at the clothes on his hands

*‘They look fine.’* I grabbed them from his hands and my fingers brushed his. A flash of that pleasant cold to my scorching heat registered again, causing him to jerk back a bit. I scoffed out loud and jerked around to head to the bathroom. *Maybe I should just get Leah and go home, I’m sure I’ll get an update on Bella without having to deal with this absolute bullshit. Stupid leeches.* When I had slammed the bathroom door shut I dropped the clothes next to the pajamas that are still on the counter and I heard Edward speak from the other side of the door.

“I'm sorry, Jacob. I don't mean to upset you. There's just so much going on in everybody’s thoughts that it's hard to concentrate and control myself. I keep letting myself touch you without your permission and I really am trying not to.” He said softly and I heard him shuffle closer to the door. “I'll be waiting in the kitchen for you. Esme made you breakfast so I hope you'll stay and eat for her sake. She doesn't get to cook very often.” I heard the click of the bedroom door shut and I yanked my boxers off. As I turned the water to lukewarm to rinse the sweat off my body I thought about what he just said.

*First he gets weird about catching me, then he gets weird about my hand barely touching him. He hates me obviously. But why is he so worried about permission to touch me? And why is everyone else so stressed? Is Bella doing okay? And what about the baby?* I shook my head to clear my thoughts and stepped out of the shower to get dressed and suddenly my stomach growled. *Well I guess it's time for food.*

I shut the water off and ran a towel over my body. I pulled on the boxers from the top of the pile. At a glance the clothes in the pile looked normal but when I picked up the shirt it was the softest one I'd ever felt. *Jeez, I wonder how much they spent on this.* I pulled it on followed by the jeans which were very soft also. I pulled on my ratty sneakers that were a size too small. *I reeeeally need to scrounge up some money for new sneakers.* I drug my hand through my hair to tame it as much as possible. I walked back through to the bedroom and I switched the stereo off. *Time to face the music.*

As I descended the stairs I was hit with the strong scent of bacon and the sweet smell of muffins. When I entered the kitchen Edward was standing at the wall of windows staring out into the woods. Esme was placing a plate piled high with bacon and eggs next to a tray of muffins at the island where Seth and Leah were also eating. She smiled at me and turned to turn the oven off.

“That plate is for you sweetheart. Go ahead and sit down before it gets cold” she said as she began to tidy the kitchen back up to its unused look. I muttered a soft ‘thank you’ the take a seat next to Seth

“Wow, how'd they drag you in here” I snicker at Leah.

“Esme was nice enough to ask, shut up Jacob.” she stabbed a lump of eggs from her plate and shoved it into her mouth, ending the conversation. I knew she was slowly warming up to Esme, we all were, because she was just the sweetest person. It was hard to even think of her as a cold one.

“Try the muffins Jake, they're banana nut. I told Esme those are your favorite and she insisted on making them” Seth shoved a muffin in my hand and pushed it to my face. *‘They do smell amazing.'* I took a bite and groaned. I was instantly transported to a memory of my mom baking.

“Oh my god Esme, these are delicious. They taste almost exactly like my moms recipe." I said as I devoured the whole muffin in four bites.

“Oh thank you Jacob, I'm glad you enjoy them. If you guys get a craving for anything else don't hesitate to let me know. I very much enjoy cooking for you guys.” she squeezed my shoulder as she walked past me, and I smiled at her to show my appreciation again. “Edward dear, try to be civilized, won't you?” She left the room swiftly and I turned to look at Edward once more. He was already looking at me so our eyes met immediately and I had a rehash of all the flashes from last night, but I shook my head and started listing car parts to block it from him. As I continue eating he smirks at me.

“That's actually similar to what Carlisle does when he doesn't want me listening in. But his is medical equipment, or he likes to recite the bible." Edward said as he leaned on the island opposite of us. Leah's nose scrunches up *‘dude smells like sickly sweet cough syrup’* she mutters to us through the bond. I shake my head at her.

“Dude, he can read minds. You might as well say it out loud instead of through the link." I said, as I shoved a piece of bacon in my mouth. My plate was almost empty so I grabbed two more muffins. She scoffed and finished her own muffin. *‘I'm not going to waste energy actually talking if everybody in the room can hear what I'm thinking.’*

“Leah quit being rude, he and his whole family are the ones who kept us fed and safe the last couple of weeks. You could at least try to be nice.” Seth muttered disapprovingly as he got up to wash his plate.

“It's okay Seth, she hasn't offended me.” Edward pulled out a dish towel and took the clean dish from seth. As he dried it he turned his gaze back to me. “If you're done eating, will you take a walk with me? You don't look like you're going to puke nor do you look like you're going to pass out.” He smiled as I rolled my eyes at him. I nodded as I washed the last bite of muffin down with the glass of orange juice in front of my plate.

“Yeah I suppose it is time for that talk.” I muttered.

I gathered my dishes and washed them at the sink, avoiding the pull to press my arm to his as he dried my dishes also. When he finished putting the dishes away, he gestured for me to follow him through the house. We walked out of the kitchen, through the living room, and out the back door.

*‘Guys go ahead and go to the reserve. I'll be there later. You too leah, spend some time with your mom.’* I pulled up the block I had been working on to keep them out to block any protest and sigh.

We walked into the woods and after a good ten minutes of walking swiftly through the vibrant green trees he stopped suddenly and turned swiftly to look at me. His eyes seemed darker than they were this morning and I began to worry for him.

“Maybe you should go hunting before we hash this out dude, it'll help you mellow out some.” I said, causing him to squeeze his eyes shut tightly as if to hide them from me. “No really, you really need to feed. I get that it's been a difficult few weeks but you should really stay on top of that.” I was surprised with myself for being so casual when talking about his ‘eating’ habits.

“I don't want to put this talk off for much longer, Jacob.” He keeps his eyes tightly shut as he says this. He looked pained as if he would have rather been anywhere but here. The buildup of anger from all the crap I had experienced from the last 24 hours overwhelmed my concern and I exploded.

“Listen, Dude. I get it, you don't feel that way about dudes, you're with Bella. You'd rather be dealing with anyone else but me right now. And this whole imprint thing is just a thorn in your side but it doesn't really have to go any farther than it has. As a wolf my only duty is to be what you need. A friend, a guard, a babysitter, a protector, whatever the fuck you want me to be. It doesn't have to be a relationship. Those are all I'll ever be. There's no reason for me to be here anymore, so I'm going home. You can call me if you need anything." His eyes popped open during my rant and I looked away when I was done. *'Goodbye edward.'* I turned away and began to walk back to the house.

Suddenly he grabbed my wrist and I was yanked back to face him. The momentum caused my chest to collide with his and our faces were inches apart. My whole body stiffens. And I balled my fists up, prepared to fight if I had to. I look up at his face and again my memories of when I imprinted flash through my mind again.

“I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who can read minds in this situation so how do you know that that's what's going on in my mind? You also keep having those flashes and your reaction to them is pissing me off.” He snarled as he pushed me back, breaking our chests apart.

“That's obviously what's happening here, you have your happily ever after with your WIFE AND CHILD. There's no room for me other than to be a protector. Because I'll always be second place for you.” I yelled as I shoved him back. He pushed me again but this time he'd backed me into a tree and grabbed the front of my shirt, effectively caging me in. I growled at him, and tried to shove forward to escape his hold. He grabbed my shoulder to keep me in place.

“Let. Me. Go." I growled at him as I struggled harder.

“No Jacob, just stop and let me speak, damn it!” he hissed, gripping my shoulder tighter.

“What could you possibly have to say? I get it, Edward, I do. Just…let me go home.” I whispered the last part, and looked past him into the woods wanting to run away even though my heart wanted me to stay. I continued to struggle but suddenly he grabbed my face and turned it to look at him.

“Shut up. And listen. To what. I'm saying.” He gritted out slowly. I stopped struggling and met his eyes. They were still worrying, deep black color, and I frowned. *This really isn't going to go well*

“Jacob.” he sighed. “I just need some explanations. If you still want to leave when we've had this conversation I…will let you go home” he removed his hands from my shirt and my face and I sort of slump from losing his support. My face was tingly from the chill of his hands so I wiped my hand down my face trying to distract myself from it.

*‘Okay. Ask away.’* I muttered in my mind not trusting my voice I pulled my shirt down trying to unscrunch it. He took a few steps back, and leaned against another tree. Although I knew he didn't need to, he took a few deep breaths that seemed to help calm him.

“First I need you to promise you will be completely honest with me.” he said.

*‘Okay’*

“Promise me.”

*‘I promise’*

“Earlier you said that imprinting means you would be whatever I need, and it got me thinking.” he said “What exactly is an imprint for a wolf?” he questioned.

The flashbacks from the previous night began to flit through my memory yet again. I knew he'd see them, so I let it happen.

“Well…it's kind of like… when you meet them you're instantly grounded. Even if you didn't know you were floating, drifting in water without an anchor or anything to hold on to…suddenly you have an instant line connecting you to them, and they…”I paused, my emotions were becoming too noticeable in my voice and I needed a second to catch my breath. I took a deep breath, clenched my fists, and continued. “They become everything.'' I focus on the image of me tied to the earth. Connected to him. “Your reason for breathing, your reason for waking up. Yours to protect, yours to keep happy" I paused again and looked up at him. He was as still as a statue again, looking past me as. I continued after a few seconds of silence.

“Your whole being is tied to that one person. For the rest of your lives. You become whatever they need. A friend, a protector, a… a lover. That's the other side of it. The elders say that an imprint is a blessing from the spirits to ensure the lines continue. So that there will always be a wolf to protect the land from the cold ones. That doesn’t make much sense for us considering we're both, ya know, males. But the elders can't always be right I guess.” *it's not likely we'd ever have sex anyway.* The thought slipped out without my permission and his head swung back and he made eye contact with me. I cringed and looked away from him. *‘uh …just forget I uhm..thought that.’* he took a step away from the tree he was against and shook his head. Shit.

“So what exactly is my role in your life now?” he asked, as he took another step toward me. I took a step to the side and then a step back.

“Whatever you want it to be.” I said in a shaky voice. He took another step forward and I took another step back. I felt like a caged animal, waiting for the predator to snap and end my life.

“And if I said I wanted nothing to do with you, I wanted you to go back to the reserve and leave me and my family alone, forever?” he said, and took a few more steps toward me. It felt like my heart was being squeezed over and over again at the thought. I stumbled back only to hit another tree. He walked the last few feet to me, but kept a space between us still.

*‘I..I don't…I…'* My heart was hammering in my chest, still aching and my head was foggy. I could feel my breath stagger in my chest. *‘I would… i..’ *My vision was getting blurry. *‘I…’* suddenly I crumpled and my vision went black.

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I felt that pleasant chill through the darkness and I struggled to open my eyes, but it felt like I was stuck in jello. When I finally got them open its to see I’m cradled in Edwards arms and he's talking to me

“...cob…Jacob, can you hear me?” He was asking, his voice was low and it sounded slightly panicked.

I groaned and tried to shift away from him but he tightened his hold on me and my body yearned to have this feeling always. He sighs and I try again to pull away.

“I'm not letting go, so you can quit pulling away” he whispered.

“But you..i.. You said…" I sputtered and continued to try to escape.

“Jacob, I need you to calm down and take a deep breath before you send yourself into another panic attack.” He placed his hand on my cheek, cool against my sweaty skin and I leaned into it. I closed my eyes and took deep breath savoring this moment, knowing I would never get it again.

“Jacob, I am so sorry.” I pulled away from his hand and tried to get up but yet again, I was stopped. “Let me say this please. I'm sorry I said that to you, I expected you to agree, I thought you didn't want this.” he squeezed his eyes shut. “I have another question. I heard Jared thinking yesterday, and he said something to Sam about how seeing a bloodsucking leech in love with his brother was going to be the grossest thing ever.” he paused and opened his eyes, seeming like he was making sure i was looking and paying attention. “The imprint goes both ways doesn't it? So why are you assuming I don't want you as much as I now know you want me?”

My mouth dropped open and my eyes went wide. *Is he really saying what I think he's saying?*

“Yes Jacob, I am. How could I not? You said it was a gift from your spirits, and that I'm supposed to be your whole world. Why would they give you something you couldn't have?” he questioned. “How could I not feel the pull to you too?” He leaned forward and pressed our foreheads together. My breath stuttered in my lungs and I closed my eyes savoring the closeness of him.

“Jacob.” My eyes opened and met his. “I'm going to kiss you now.”

His cold lips met mine and it was euphoria. My eyes shuttered closed again and fireworks burst behind them. I leaned into the kiss and parted my lips asking for more. His tongue brushed mine slightly as if asking permission and I shifted closer and wrapped my arms around his neck. I pressed harder against his tongue with mine and he took the hint kissing me back like we would never get the chance again. After a few minutes I'm reminded I need to breathe from the aching in my lungs and I pull back.

"Wow…that was…wow" I said, not being able to form a complete sentence. He chuckles and runs the back of his hand down my cheek.

"I've reduced you to speechless in a good way finally." He said and reached up to grab my wrists which are still around his neck. "Okay, we need to head back to the house so everyone can update us on Bella and the baby." He pulled my arms from his neck. As he stood he set me down on my feet, and grabbed my hand, dragging me along as he walked home.

"You don't know what's going on with your wife and child?" I asked, concerned.

"Well, of the last 12 hours I spent most of them sitting outside my own bedroom wondering if you were going to take off out a window in the middle of the night, and also experiencing emotions I've never felt for a man before, on top of having all of my family yelling their thoughts all night so loudly I couldn't understand eighty percent of them. So no, I have no clue what's going on with Bella and Carlie." He said this so fast I almost didn't hear it all. I pulled him to a stop and looked him in the eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, I just…Its hard to believe your here with me willingly when you have an actual wife, who happens to be my best friend, and a baby." I said, and he shook his head.

"I'm going to have to have a big conversation with Bella when she wakes up, but just know that we're it now, Jacob. You're it. You're my reason for existing now too." I melted at his words and leaned forward slowly to kiss him, amazed that I was able to do this. He pulled back and gripped my hand tighter and continued walking home, pulling us closer to the rest of the world.

Chapter Text

Walking back to the house took less time than I expected. When we got there Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Jasper were outside on the deck and everyone was huddled around Esme. She was holding the baby and cooing at her. As we got closer I went to drop Edwards hand, thinking he wouldn't want to cause a scene, but he just squeezed my hand and pulled me closer as we walked up on the deck. *’Are you sure?’* he grinned in response.

“Ahh Edward, I'm glad you two are back. Your talk seems to have gone well.” Carlisle crossed to us and hugged Edward whispering too low in his ear for even my enhanced hearing to catch. He pulled back and reached a hand out for me to shake. “Jacob, welcome.” He squeezed my hand slightly and smiled, and I muttered a quiet thanks.

Alice wandered over to us in that floaty stride of hers, with Jasper not far behind, and wrapped her arms around my middle. I jolted slightly at the chill of her arms and she giggled. Jasper smirked but didn't say anything.

“You know, I've been practicing my gift, and you're helping me quite a bit. I'm quite blind when it comes to your kind.” she shifted back but kept her hands on my waist. “But the longer I'm around you the more your future is becoming clearer. You're going to be so happy.” She whispered, and her eyes were getting that glazed look again. Edward squeezed my hand and smiled, and I could tell he was seeing what she was seeing. *‘She’s really something else dude’*

“Okay my love, let him go.” Jasper muttered, so I turned and looked at him. “Welcome to the family.” He didn't offer his hand and I was glad, because all of the touching was getting a bit overwhelming. I assumed he could feel that knowing what his gift was, and a slight peace washed over me. I dipped my head at him. Esme also walked closer with Carlie and Edward squeezed my hand and let go to grab her from Esme's arms.

“Jacob. I’m so glad you’re back.” Esme hugs me and it feels like hugs I would get from my mom. I hugged back, squeezing her slightly. She pulled abc and smiles softly and we both turn our attention to Edward as he starts speaking to Carlie

“Hello little one.” Edward held her close to his face and her little hand touched his cheek. “Yes, this is the person you heard around me and mommy.” he chuckled a bit then said “ Yes i agree he is quite pretty like auntie Rose. Would you like him to hold you?” He shifted her in his arms and turned to completely face me. I grumbled at the pretty comment but didn't say anything. “I should let you know that she has a very unique way of communicating. She was blessed with a gift like many of us.” he smoothies a hand across her head to straighten the rully waves that are way too long to belong to a newborn.

*‘I don't know if I should, I haven't held many babies dude’* I thought. He chuckles and holds her out for me. I reached out reluctantly and held her with a hand supporting her head and holding her bottom against my chest.

“You're a natural.” he says, settling his hand on my lower back. I grinned at him then turned to look at the baby in my arms, who had my best friends eyes. Her little hand reaches out and lands on my cheek.

Suddenly i saw flashes of bronze swirls wrapped around green swirls, in the present of lavender in a dark space, then a bright light and suddenly I saw Edward and then bella and her pale cheeks surrounded in lavender looking down at me and I heard voices but not words, then I saw myself with a swirl of russet bronze behind me and edward with swirls of green behind him standing over Bella. Then rosalie with swirls of red and being fed a bottle of blood. Flashes of being held by every member of the family all with their own color. I could feel the longing to see Bella and the lavender color again. Then suddenly I saw through my own eyes that were locked on hers as she pulled her tiny fist down and smiled at me.

“Holy shit” she giggled at that and Edward huffed. I looked at him and stared wide eyed. “Shit, how the hell can she do that? Why do we all have a color?” I ask.

“We're not sure. How am I able to read minds and how is Jasper able to control emotions? How can Alice see the future? We're just rolling with it at this point.” He smiled at her and rubbed her head again. “ Yes, my little darling, Jacob is very surprised at your gift.” He chucked her.

“She's very..uh…advanced? For a newborn.” I said as I turned her so I could hold her closer to my chest, my instincts were already telling me to hold her close and protect her. She wrapped her tiny hand around my finger and I smiled down at her.

“She's growing at a surprisingly rapid rate. She's the size of a three or four month old right now and when Bella wakes in a day or two, she should be close to the size of a six or seven month old if my calculations are correct.” Carlisle spoke up from the semicircle they had created around us. “ And her mind is extraordinary. She knew who we all were by our voices because she sees a color for each of us. I believe her ability to show us what she's thinking is a direct correlation to Edward's gift of knowing others' thoughts. It's quite amazing from a scientific view.”

Nobody says anything else but I could tell we were all wondering it. How long would she continue aging at this rate?

“Speaking of Bella, she's progressing quite well, the venom has already healed most of her outward wounds and I believe it's working on her spine right now. And it's remarkable that she isn't showing any pain. I suppose the morphine is helping quite a bit.” He continued and gestured for us all to follow him into the house. Rosalie was in the kitchen putting bottles away and Emmett was shaking a bottle full of what I could only assume was blood if the color was any indication. He walked to us and grinned.

“How's it hangin’ wolf boy. I hear we get to welcome you to the family.” he says and thumps me on the back. I grin back, Emmett was the only one I'd really gotten along with other than Esme because he was just so carefree. Plus he didn’t treat me like a disease, unlike blondie.

“So you said a couple of days? Does it really happen that quickly?” I asked as I handed Carlie over to Emmett, who gave her the bottle and sat in the rocker they'd placed next to the fireplace. Her little hand went to his cheek and he grinned at whatever she was showing him. Rosalie finished in the kitchen and came to settle next to Emmett and watch Carlie with him, pointedly ignoring my presence.

“Yes, it varies from 3 to 4 days, depending on the level of damage before yo n u get bit. Despite being extremely malnourished and her spine broken she seems to be changing at a very rapid rate.” Edward explains. “I have a theory that it's because of the amount of venom in her bloodstream.”

*Yeah that would make sense.* I thought as flashes from last night surfaced. Edwards' face looked slightly pained so I started sorting the car parts again hoping that helped. He smiled slightly and grabbed my hand, but he immediately frowned again. After telling everyone we were going up to his room, we quickly headed up the stairs. The sheet was still hanging off his bed and the bathroom door was still open, and my clothes were still lying on the floor. He dragged me over to the couch in the corner, sat on it and pulled me down with him, ignoring the mess.

“I need to figure out how we're going to explain everything to her when she wakes up. She's going to be so confused.” he whispered. I could feel that he was upset though our bond so I squeezed his hand and pulled him closer so I could wrap my arm around his waist. I was already so comfortable being close to him, and it seemed like he was also just as comfortable.

*’It’ll be okay, I promise. She seemed pretty understanding of the whole imprint thing when i explained it before’* He dropped his head to my shoulder which sent butterflies through my chest.

“She could react in any way imaginable. I’m about to tell her that I’m falling in love with someone who isn't her, who also happens to be her best friend. A man. And that it all happened right after she almost died giving birth to our baby.” The butterflies multiplied at the ‘in love’ part but I didn't say anything. He sighed and shook his head that was still on my shoulder. I raked a hand through his hair and he seems to relax a bit more.

*’I really think It’ll be fine. She knows how imprinting works. She’ll know neither of us really made this choice, and it was intentionally to hurt her. It was fate.’* he relaxed some more at that thought.

“You’ll be here with me when she wakes up, right?” he asked as he nuzzled further into my shoulder rubbing his cold nose on my neck.

“Yeah I’ll be here. But I do need to call my dad and go to the reserve soon. Do you have a guess as to when she’ll wake up? I can make it there and back pretty quickly” I said, still brushing my fingers through his hair. He relaxed father into me and I was amazed that he was so comfortable around me now. *i can't believe I get to have this finally* I felt him chuckle slightly and he pulled back so he could look at my face.

“From Carlisle's calculations she should be awake Monday morning. If you want to use my phone to talk to your father you can. I think that perhaps you should wait until tomorrow to go to the reserve. I'd enjoyed a little more time with you before…” He paused and I didn't need to be a mind reader to know he was thinking of what would happen when Bella woke up. “I’d just like some more time with you before the real world drags us back in.” he said as he hid his face back in my shoulder pressing his cold nose to my neck again. I shivered at the touch as he nuzzled in again.

“Yeah I'll call him soon, what do you want to do until then?” I questioned, as he continued to nuzzle and breathe in my scent. He seemed to be doing that a lot. He pulled back after a few seconds and I realized his eyes had gone darker than they were before.

“You know… I know this great place on the outskirts of forks, through the woods. If you want to follow me there you could get some hunting in and I can show you my favorite place to hang out around here. What do you think?” I asked and I let some of my memories of the waterfall surface so he could see what I was talking about. He smiled at that and reached out to put his hand on my cheek and pulled me in for a kiss. I melted into it for a moment but pulled back to keep it from getting heated. *’you really need to feed’*. He chuckled at the thought I directed at him and he nodded, so we both stood.

“I'm going to grab my phone from the kitchen and meet you outside.” he said and as soon as I nod he flitted off.

I made my way down the stairs and through the living room, where Emmett had Carlie napping on his chest, and I walked outside. After stepping behind one of the many mossy trees, I stripped down and tied my clothes to my leg and shifted into my wolf form. Edward comes out of the house and stops moving toward me when he realizes I've shifted. I sat on my haunches to make myself smaller, then dipped my head down and chuffed at him. He stalked forward and reached out as if to pet me and I pushed my head into his hand. After raking his hands through my fur a few times I nudged him farther into the woods.

“I can't believe how comfortable I am now with you. It's like this pull in my chest to always be near you, like how you were explaining the whole gravity thing. It's crazy you thought I would reject this.” I huffed at him as we walked through the woods and nudged my nose against the side of his face as a sign of affection.

*’Yeah yeah yeah, whatever you say. Soooooo…wanna race?’* I asked and he chuckled at me.

“Darling, I don't even know where we're going.” he laughs. I jolt slightly at the term of endearment, and if I didn't have fur on my face I would have been blushing. Choosing not to acknowledge it i ran over the directions to get to my waterfall in my head and then dropped down in a playful pose and yipped

*’See ya there’* and then I ran.

I knew he was fast but I wasn't expecting him to be this fast. He was matching my pace and I could tell he was holding back so I amped up my speed. I blew past him and he sped up himself trying to catch up. After a few hundred feet he blows past me and laughs. I huffed at him and gave it my all and I was pleasantly surprised to find we were actually evenly matched for speed.

The greenery and trees were getting thicker as we neared the waterfall and I slowed down to take it all in, enjoying it every bit as much as the first time I stumbled upon it. The giant looming pines and all the smaller pines on their way to being giants. This time of year the non-evergreen trees were changing color, throwing reds, yellows, and oranges in the mix. Jumping over small streams and through the mossy ground, and my paws dug through the squishy mud. The sky was peeking through the treetops. It was just the perfect recipe for the best place to escape from reality.

*’We’re close’* We both slowed to a walk and I watched as Edward stepped through the last of the trees and stopped. I saw a look of awe come over his face, and I moved closer to nudge him further into the clearing.

The clift the water fell off of was about 15 feet tall and the water cascaded down in multiple spots along it. There was a pool of crystal clear water below it that was as shallow as a few feet in some spots and as deep at 20 feet in others. A smaller stream ran from the pool in the opposite direction we came from. There was a rock wall covered in a thick layer of moss jetting out next to the waterfall that had a concave ledge

*‘So what do you think?’* I asked, sitting on my haunches. He was staring in awe but as he heard my question he turned to me and grinned.

“It's beautiful Jacob. I wonder how it escaped my notice. I thought I had explored all there is to explore in this area. How long have you been coming here?” he began removing his sweater and shirt as he spoke. The sun was peeking through the clouds, which caused his skin to shine and glimmer.

*‘I found it when I was in elementary school a year or two after my mom passed away. Dad had yelled at me and grounded me for throwing Rebecca's bear outside during a storm after she took my book and wouldn't give it back.’* He folded the shirt and sweater and sat them on a relatively dry rock as I explained and I couldn't keep my eyes off his chest. After a moment i shook my head and continued *‘After the storm passed I told my sisters that I was running away. I packed some granola bars, a blanket and my stuffed wolf. I know, it's ironic. I was walking along that stream for about 2 hours before I found it. I stayed here overnight before Harry Clearwater found me curled up on that ledge over there. My dad was frantic when Harry brought me home because he was already unable to go into the forest at that point so he couldn't help look for me. I've been coming here ever since’*

“It's such a peaceful space. I think perhaps I'll hunt then when I'm finished we can swim some, what do you think?” he had wandered closer as i finished my story and was leaning into my side. He nuzzled into my neck, so I huffed at him and pulled back.
*‘Yeah go ahead, i'm going to jump in now.’* I bit and pulled the cord holding my clothes to my leg and let them fall then jump into the water then changed back while I was still under. I popped back up and grinned at him. I had splashed him with water when I hit the surface so he was dripping. He rolled his eyes at me and grinned back.

“I'll be back as soon as possible” he said and as soon as I nodded he flitted off, leaving me to soak in the chill of the water.

After about 20 minutes of just floating I could hear him returning. He had a bit of blood dripped down the corner of his mouth and his hair had twigs and leaves in it. His eyes were a shade of yellow that reminded me of the ripe honey suckles my sisters and I would pick off the vines the elders would use to teach us to make baskets when we were younger. I grinned at him and he pulled his shoes off and stepped out of his jeans. Then jumped into the water with me causing me to bob under the water. I heard him chuckle as I straightened in the water. I scoffed at him then dived deep into the water and quickly swam at him from below. I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him under with me. He twisted around in my grip and pushed his lips against mine

He dragged me to the surface when he realized I needed to breathe and nuzzled into my neck as I gasped in oxygen. When my breathing returned to normal I glanced at the top of his head. Chuckling, I raked my hand through it to pull the twigs and leaves out.

“Are you full enough now?” I asked as he placed small kisses up and down my neck.

“Yes love, I'm full for now.” I grin at the pet name, hoping he doesn't see the blush on my cheeks. “I'm sure you'll get used to the names darling.”

I scoff and shove him slightly which kickstarts a water fight that lasts a while, and after about an hour my stomach begins to growl and we head back to the house.

On the way I called my father and let him know I'm okay and that I'll come by tomorrow to see him. He grumbles and harumps but tells me he loves me and wishes me a goodnight. Arriving back at the house Esme offers me dinner. After 3 servings of the best pasta I've ever had and watching two baseball games with Emmet, I rock Carlie to sleep. We headed up to his room after passing her to Esme and took turns showering. When we were both finished I walked to the bed where he was waiting and crawled to the far side and patted it to get him to lay with me. After some shifting and turning I was cuddled up to him with my head pillowed on his chest and my leg thrown over his. As my eyes began to droop he tucked the blanket over us and wrapped his arms around me.

“Good night darling” was the last thing I heard before I drifted off.

Chapter Text

The next morning, I woke up feeling more rested than I had felt in months. I was laying mostly on my front with Edward plastered to my back. I had a death grip on his right arm, cradling it to my chest and I was using his other arm as a pillow. His hard but surprisingly soft skin felt warmer than usual, but I guess that was expected considering he had been wrapped up with a furnace all night. His scent had permeated the air, no longer the sickly-sweet smell I hated, more of a fruity smell with a hint of cinnamon. It kind of made me hungry. I heard him chuckle slowly; he was probably listening to my thoughts.

“From the rumbling I've heard coming from your stomach, you are definitely hungry” he says as he pulls his arm from my grasp, and he slides back to let me flop back on my back. I stretched my arms above my head and flexed my muscles to get rid of the sluggish sleepy feeling then I stretched my legs. I felt his gaze on me as I stretched, trailing up my arms and then sweeping down my bare chest. I had yet to open my eyes, content to just let him look in my drowsy state. 

After what could have been one minute or ten, I could feel his fingers stroke down my cheek and his thumb brush my lips. I smiled and finally pried my eyes open to meet his honeysuckle-colored ones. He grinned down at me as his hand settled on my chest right over my heart and he bent down to brush his lips over mine. My sleepy smile turned to a grin also and I gripped his hand. I quickly flipped our positions, so he was laying on his back and I was straddling him.

Humming, I settled on my forearms on either side of his shoulders and leaned down to nuzzle his neck. Mm…you smell like me. His hands settled on my hips and squeezed gently as he chuckled quietly. 

“Being wrapped around you all night does have that effect darling.” 

I paused briefly at him calling me darling once again. I kind of liked it but I would never admit it to anyone else. I pulled back, choosing to ignore the name, and kissed him lightly on the tip of his nose then rubbed mine back and forth across it. He grinned at me and squeezed my hips lightly.

“Are you ready to start the day?” He whispered softly, as he ran his fingers up and down my sides. I settled down on his chest and tucked my face into his neck. 

“Mmm, not really, but I did promise my dad I'd be over early.” I took a deep breath, taking in his scent again and hummed again. 

His hands paused as we both heard Esme say that breakfast was ready from the kitchen. I sniffed the air and grinned. It was heavy with the scent of cinnamon. That had to be cinnamon rolls and they were definitely going to be good. 

Edward leaned up and pecked my lips while wrapping his arms around my waist, momentarily distracting me. I settled farther into his embrace and nipped his bottom lip, kissing him deeply. His hands settled back on my hips and squeezed lightly when I pulled back to rub my nose on his again. 

“Alright I need to get up or we're going to spend the whole day right on this bed.” I whispered against his lips and grinned.

“Alice is getting pretty impatient to give you the clothes she picked out for you today.” he grinned back at me when I groaned and shook my head. *More posh rich people clothes, why does she do this to me*

He chuckled and gently pushed me to the side so he could stand and open his own closet. I watched as he gripped the back of the T-shirt, pulling it straight over his head, and dropped it in the hamper inside the closet. He scanned his selection of button ups and selected one that was a rich chocolate brown. Then he grabbed a pair of loafers to match, and a pair of black jeans then left the closet. He stopped in front of me where I was still on the bed and held a hand up and out to me.

“I'll be right out; I'm just going to take a quick shower. You can go ahead and meet Alice in the next room down to get your clothes and shower yourself.” He said as he pulled me up to stand. He ran his hand up my arm to cradle my cheek and placed a small kiss on my forehead. I nuzzled his neck then pecked his cheek and pulled back.

“Okay I'll go meet small stuff, see you soon.” He grinned at the comment and blurred to the bathroom. In one blink the door was shut, and the water was already on. I rolled my eyes at his antics and headed to the door.

Once I'm in the “hallway” I take in the view of the forest as I walk to the room on the other side of the “hallway” *Can a catwalk bordered by a wall of windows with a straight plunge to the first floor really be considered a hallway?* I questioned, knowing he'd be listening in, and heard him chuckle.

When I arrived at the door it swung open just as I raised my hand to knock. Alice grinned up at me, grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the room. Glancing around all I saw were several gigantic double stacked clothing racks to the left of the door. They were packed with enough clothes to dress an army. 

*Albeit a very feminine and fashion forward army, but an army nevertheless.* I muttered to Edward. The wall straight ahead had a large vanity that was flanked by bookshelves on both sides. The vanity was neatly organized with a plethora of makeup and beauty supplies. The bookshelves were packed with books and knick knacks galore. Alice had glided over to the corner of the room where a recliner sat with a round side table that had a pile of clothes and a shoe box next to it. The room had a similar view of the forest as Edwards but only one wall of glass as opposed to two. To the right of the door was a large plush looking king size bed covered in throw pillows.

“I noticed your sneakers looked a bit worn so I popped out to Port Angeles this morning and got you these.” Alice tapped the shoe box labeled converse. I looked at her surprised as I moved closer to look at the items on the table “I already know you're going to say, ‘Those are too expensive, I can't afford to pay you back for them.’ and I'm going to say ‘I don't expect you to pay me back. I used the family money and you are family now.’” My jaw dropped in shock at her sudden claim of my status in this family and she giggled. “There's no point in arguing. You can use our bathroom to shower.” she gestured to a door I didn't notice due to it being on the other side of the racks of clothing. 

Suddenly she was right in front of me and had wrapped her arms around my middle and was squeezing me lightly. It reminded me of the hugs my sisters used to give me, and I hesitantly hugged her back. She pulled back after a few seconds and smiled up at me. 

“Have fun with Billy.” she said cryptically and winked at me. After patting my cheek, she was suddenly gone. *If you guys don't stop disappearing on me* I shook my head and picked up yet another bundle of soft clothes and headed to the hidden bathroom to shower

After I was dressed in a black T-shirt and a pair of jeans that probably cost more than the shoes, I pulled on the brand-new converse. *Where to put the dirty clothes* I thought to myself. The door to the room opened and Edward leaned against the frame, smiling softly. 

“You can go drop them in the hamper in my room.”

I nodded and gathered them up and followed him out of the room and back to his room. I dropped the clothes in the hamper and then followed him down to the kitchen. As we rounded the corner, I could see Esme topping a tray of perfectly golden-brown, gooey cinnamon rolls with icing.

“Mmm, those smell delicious Mrs. Cullen.” She smiled and sat the spatula down then wiped her hands on a dish towel. She steps forward and hugs me just like Alice did previously. 

“Please, you know you can call me Esme, sweetie. You're family. I hope they taste as good as they smell. Also, I packed up a second tray for you to take to your father.” She gestures to a basket filled with Tupperware containers that were sitting on the island. A bit flustered at the sudden acceptance from her and Alice previously, it takes me a second to reply.

“I'm sure they'll be great, and I know Dad will appreciate them, thank you very much.” I finally said as Edward ran his hand up and down my back. She just smiled and pulled a plate from the shelf and loaded it up with the steaming cinnamon rolls. Edward grabbed the plate and my hand and pulled me out to the deck where Carlisle had Carlie who had her hand on his cheek. He chuckled and turned to me. 

“She's been asking for you all morning.” He said, holding her out to me. She leaned towards me with grabby hands, and I could visibly tell she had grown again. Carlisle walks back into the house to join Esme in the kitchen. Once Carlie was settled in my arms, she put her hand on my cheek and suddenly she showed me a flash of the forest and Emmett and Rosalie walking into it. Then she was showing me the view she had of me and her father walking out hand in hand, then Edward smiling at her, then him grinning at me.

 She pulled her hand away and giggled. I smiled back at her and pulled her closer to my chest to nuzzle the top of her head. She smelled like an even combination of nectar sweet from Edward, floral from Bella and weirdly a hint of the same spice that my scent carried. She pulled back and reached for Edward next. He sat my plate down on the outdoor table and pulled her from my arms. He nodded, acknowledging my train of thought.

“Carlisle was the first to realize she smelled a bit like you also. We're not sure why but he has some theories.” He spoke softly as he stroked a finger down Carlie's face.  

I sat down and started wolfing cinnamon rolls and watched them as they communicated in their own weird way. A few minutes later Carlisle returns and sits across from me at the table. 

“To be frank, my top theory at the moment is that her scent just matches the people she believes to be her parents”

That made me choke on the bite I was swallowing. I beat on my chest to help it down and Esme appears with a glass of water. I nod in thanks at her and down half of it in one go. 

I exhaled then muttered “Parent? How can she view me as a parent? I've only held her twice? And I was fully convinced I was going to kill her like less than 48 hours ago.” I questioned

“She knows that you and Edward share a unique bond somehow. She knew as soon as she was born. I also believe that she felt you near when Bella was still pregnant and just adapted to the thought of you as a third co-parent. Perhaps there's something in her DNA that causes her DNA to match the three of you just like how Bella and Chief Swan smell so similar. It must be a genetic trait in the Swan family.” Carlisle slipped back in his seat so Esme could sit on his lap. 

My mind raced at the thought of that tiny little girl thinking of me as anything close to a father figure. I also felt the happiness and pride my wolf was feeling at it. It was a bit unnerving. Esme reached across the table and patted the top of my hand.

“She loves you sweetie, as do the rest of us.” She said “It shouldn’t be such a big surprise that she views you as a father figure, considering you were the one who was willing to protect her with your life just two days ago. You also stayed by her mother's side the whole time you knew about her pregnancy. It's very well known that babies can identify their parents out of the womb by their voice alone, this is exactly like that.” 

I turned my hand over to squeeze hers in thanks for trying to soothe my nerves. She smiled warmly at me and squeezed back. Edward rubs a hand down my back once again and I lean into it, my wolf practically purring at the attention from its imprint. I took a few minutes to finish my breakfast and bask in the sound of the woods surrounding us. 

Once my plate was empty, I leaned against Edward and took a few steadying breaths to prepare myself to go see Dad. It suddenly hit me that I'm about to tell my father I imprinted on a man, who is also a vampire, who one of he believed was his main enemies. My “few steadying breaths” turned into me slightly hyperventilating.

“Hey, it'll be fine darling, your father loves you.” He pressed his lips to my temple and squeezed my side lightly. I let out a shaky breath and breathed in his scent to try and steady myself.

“Yeah, he loves me he knows currently, it's not guaranteed he's going to love me after hearing the 'big news’.” I scoffed and pushed back from the table. After standing up I walked to the edge of the deck and leaned against the raiding. Crossing my arms I stared into the forest and waited for someone to say something. Suddenly I hear shuffling then soft footsteps. Esme lays a hand on my arm, and I look over to her. 

“Jacob, I want you to know that Carlisle and I will welcome you with open arms when you come back. Alice is delighted to have to have a new person to dress. Emmet loves having you around and Carlie and Edward love you very much. Even though Rosalie and Jasper still have some catching up to do this family will always be here for you, and for Seth and Leah as well.” She squeezes my arm then pulls me into a hug. She pulls back after a few seconds and pats my shoulders. “From what I've heard of your father, he's a good man. I'm very certain it will go well, but either way know that you will always have us.” 

 Worried my voice would break from all the emotions swirling in my head, I nodded instead of saying anything. She pulls back and Carlisle pats me on the back, then they both walk back into the house. Edward appeared at my side and grabbed my hand and squeezed gently. *Why have they accepted me so quickly? I don't understand.*

“They tend to see the good in people rather than the bad, but they've actually seen the good in you. The support you gave Bella despite being pissed, the way you protected us against the pack after Carlie was born. You’re always so nice to Esme, you respect Carlisle. How could they not be so accepting of the man their son is falling in love with.” he raised our joined hands and kissed the back of mine. “You’re one of us now, love, and you’ll just have to get used to it.” 

I flushed at the new term of endearment, wanting to say something but I didn't. I squeezed his hand and leaned forward to scent his neck, using the sweet smell to ground myself. Edward brought his other hand and drug his fingers through the short hair on the back of my head, further soothing my anxiety, but sending a shiver through my body. Pulling back, I squeezed his hand as he leaned forward to peck my forehead, which makes me flush again.

“Okay, I guess I should get going.” I took a step back to detangle myself from him. 

“Are you going to phase and run there? Or do you want to borrow a car?” He asked as he pulled me through the house and stopped at the door that leads to their massive underground garage.  I thought about it for a second but shook my head no.

“I think I'll just run. It'll give me a chance to think and catch up with Leah and Seth if they’re phased too. I'm going to take these clothes off so I don't offend shortstack.” 

“I heard that,” Alice chimed from above our heads. We both look up at her only for her to jump over the railing and land gracefully in front of us.

“And I also believe I have a solution for your clothes. I've been brainstorming something that you and your pack can use to store your clothes and carry in your wolf form. Take this to the bathroom and put the clothes in it and bring it back. I'll show you how it works.”

“Okaaaaay…?” I muttered and grabbed the bag. She huffs and hands it over rolling her eyes. “Should I put it over my shoulder or something before I phase?” 

“No, just bring it out when you are done.” she nods to the bathroom down the hall. “Hurry, Billy is expecting you.” she whispers with that glazed look in her eyes she gets when she's “seeing”. 

Edward grinned and I looked at him questioningly, but he just shook his head and shooed me to the bathroom. I chose not to acknowledge either of them, I didn't want to have another freak out and continued down the hall to the bathroom.  Looking at the bag I discovered it has two compartments, one for clothes and one for shoes most likely. I stripped and shoved the clothes and shoes into their respective compartments. Phasing was easy considering the size of the bathroom, and in a few short moments I’m a wolf. I shake my coat out and pick the bag up off the counter with my teeth. 

*Okay sparkles open the door for me* I thought at Edward. I heard him chuckle as he opened the door. I trot out and handed the bag over to Alice. 

“The straps are made out of a highly stretchy material. The bag part holding the clothes goes over your chest and the strap goes over your shoulder and hooks with this pin.” She positioned the strap behind my back from the side and pulled it over my right shoulder. Showing me the pin, she pulled the strap through a circle with a bar in the middle and pulled it slightly, so it's lined up with a small slit and she put the pin in perpendicular to the bar. “The strap on the end of the pin is for you to bite and pull. It should fall off with no problem. Go ahead and try.” She ruffled the fur on my chest and stepped back giggling as I nipped at her. I huffed at her and turned my muzzle to bite at the strap. I yank and just as she predicted it fell to the ground with no problem.

“Perfect now the real test is if it will stay put on your run to the preserve.” she whipped a phone out of nowhere and shoved it into the pocket with the clothes then reattached the bag to me. “This has all of our numbers already programmed into it, it's yours now. Text me and let me know how it works out, I haven't seen the results yet” She ruffles my fur again and flits off before I could stop her.

*Edward seriously you guys have to stop buying me all this stuff* I growled softly at him to show him I'm serious. He stepped forward and scratched the fur on my neck then kissed my nose.

“It technically wasn't bought for you, love. It's a spare, we keep several on hand. Emmet breaks at least three a year.” I huffed then shoved my snout into his chest to push him back slightly

*Fine, but no more buying me stuff. * I licked a strip up his cheek and bolt for the open deck door before he could protest. 

“I can't control what Alice does darling. Be safe, let Seth and Leah know that Carlisle and Esme wouldn't mind if they wanted to visit.” He shouted after me as I darted into the trees. I barked at him instead of answering and kept heading toward the preserve. 

I flew through the forest and inhaled the crisp fall air, loving every second of it. The animals and birds darted out of my way as I made my way. After a few miles I felt Seth and Leah's presence in my mind. 

*JAKE! IMISSED YOU SO MUCH DUDE.” Seth yelled and Leah and I both wince in unison.

*Seth, dude, there's no reason to yell. You know I can hear you perfectly fine*

*Yeah twerp, tone it down before you give me a headache and I kick your ass for it.* Leah snarled at him. 

*Sorry, sorry. I'm just excited, I want to hear everything dude. Is Bella awake yet? Is Carlie doing okay? Has she grown more? How's Emmet and jasper? Are you and Eddie dating now? Have you kissed? Have you guys...ya know…done the deed yet?* Seth asked excitedly without pausing. I stumbled, almost tripping over my paws at his insane question. 

*WHAT THE HELL SETH?* Leah yelled at him *STOP ASKING HIM WEIRD ASS QUESTIONS. I DO NOT WANT TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT!* I heard her sharp bark echo through the trees.

*Seth that's enough. Edward has been my imprint for less than 48 hours and before that he was our enemy. I'm not having this conversation with you right now. I've barely had this conversation with him.* He whimpered at my tone of voice, and I rolled my eyes, hoping the disappointment overpowers the embarrassment in my scent. I stopped in the next clearing I came across.

*Sorry Jake.* He whimpered *I'm just so excited for you guys. I really like him. He's cool, and you're cool, and you're both into cars and… and you're like PERFECT for each other, y’know?* 

* Listen Seth, I get that you’re excited about this, for us, but I need some time before I can talk about it okay?* 

*Yeah, okay, I understand, I'm sorry!*

*Okay moving on. I'm on my way to Dads and I want some updates. Leah?* I could hear they were near me in the words and I waited until I saw them darting into the clearing and racing to stop in front of me. Seth reached me first and after stopping he darted forward to rub his cheek to mine in an apology and then darted back to where he stopped. Leah chuffed at her brother and rolled her eyes. They both glance at the bag on my chest and look at me questioningly.

*Alice came up with this so we had an easier way of carrying clothes around. This is the test run apparently. * I said and they both nodded. Leah sneezes, scenting the vampiric smell, and starts talking finally.

*Well, we obviously went home to Mom, caught up with her and all that. She said you should come by soon; she misses you.* Seth yipped at that in agreement. *Then last night Sam invited himself over to see if he could get information out of us.* That made me snarl. My wolf didn't like another alpha coming into my packs home, into MY territory. I should have been protecting them and the land, but my instincts were causing me to also want to protect Edward and Carlie.

*Don't worry Alpha ,* she rolled her eyes as she said “alpha” but continued. *We put him in his place. I told him we didn't know anything and if we did, I wouldn't tell him shit. I also said if he wanted information he'd have to wait ‘til you were willing to give it to him. Then mom saw how aggressive he was being and sent him packing. It was great.* Seth let out a chuff that sounded slightly like a chuckle.

*Alright…okay that's…great that you guys handled it so well. I'll have to meet up with him once we've gotten everything settled and somewhat figured out.* I stared at them for a few moments debating what I should say or do next. Finally, I just gave in to my instincts. *Come here, both of you. You've been gone for too long; my wolf is practically vibrating out of my skin to scent mark you both* 

Seth immediately sprung forward and buried his muzzle in my chest and rumbled softly. Leah took her time making her way over to us and it's obvious that she doesn't want to scent mark with me, but I could tell her wolf wanted it. I huffed then yipped at her to hurry her along. She ends up stopped right behind Seth and I huff again and nudge Seth back so i can step forward and brush my chin over the top of her head. I know she's not used to scenting, Sam avoided us both like the plague when scenting the pack. And obviously the others thought she was too annoying to scent mark her. Another thing that he failed at that I insisted on making right. She whined at the slight touch and then growled, trying to pull back but I let out a sharp bark, causing her to pause.

*Jeez Leah, just relax. Let him scent us. You know you missed the pack scent; I could tell.* Seth has maneuvered himself to be lying next to me but with his head tucked between my paws facing Leah. She growls at him again but finally she also shoves her muzzle into my neck.

*You better not say anything to anyone about this.*

I roll my eyes but choose to continue nosing the top of her head instead of saying anything. We stayed like that for a good five minutes, Leah finally relaxing into us after just a few seconds. Seth was surprisingly the first to pull away and shake his coat out. Leah stepped back and rolled her eyes immediately deflecting the situation. 

*You guys can go see the Cullens if you want, I'm heading to Dads. Be safe.* They both nod and turn the way I came from and took off. 

I stood finally and began running home. My mind was slightly soothed from the short puppy pile as I had taken to calling the scenting sessions, despite my hatred of being called a dog; Seth could only be described as a puppy. I took a deep breath, taking in the scent of my home, and finally broke through the tree line of the clearing my house was in. I can smell that my dad is home like he said he would be. I skid to a stop and suddenly it was like I was that little boy who was upset and ran away so long ago. 

I pushed the urge to turn and bolt down and run to the garage to change. The bag slips off onto the workbench when I pull the strap, and I let myself melt back into my human form. After I had my clothes and shoes back on, I pulled the phone out and pulled up Alice's message thread. 

To Alice:

Got to dads with no mishaps, the bag worked great short stack. Tell sparkles I made it.

.

I slipped the phone in my pocket and grabbed the bag. Heading to the front door I let myself in as silently as possible. I could hear dad's wheels sliding across our tiny kitchen, so I headed in that direction. As soon as I stepped into the room my dad began speaking from where he was chopping vegetables. 

“So, my son has finally returned.” he said then set the knife down and turned to face me. He had dark circles under his eyes, and he looked more exhausted than I'd ever seen him since mom passed. “Would you like to tell me what has been happening? Sam has been decidedly quiet about it all.”  

“I…uhm…” I started but my brain wouldn't form a sentence, and I stopped to take a few deep breaths. This is going to go so bad. “I'm sorry I was gone so long Dad,” I suck in another deep breath and sit at the table because my legs start feeling like jelly. Dad wheeled over to my side and reached out to me. “No dad, please wait…I just…I need to get this out.” he froze and pulled back. I steeled myself one last time then continued.

“Bella, she...the baby went into distress and accidently broke Bella's spine, and they had to do an emergency… I guess you can call it a c-section. It uh…it was bad… really touch and go, the whole situation. Edward had to basically bite her stomach open to get Carlie out. That's the baby's name, Carlie. And Bella's heart it uh…it basically stopped but he…Edward I mean, he injected a syringe full of venom into it and basically CPRed the venom into her system. I thought she was dead, and I pulled him away and I was going to kill him. I swear, I was. But then we made eye contact and …" I ran out of steam, afraid to continue. I was breathing too quickly and dad tried to reach out to me again. 

 “Jacob, son, what is it? Has Bella been changed? Wha…” 

“I imprinted on him.” I pushed up from the table and stared out the window and leaned the sink. I couldn't look him in the eyes. “Edward Cullen is my imprint.” I squeezed my eyes shut waiting for the yell I was sure was coming.  

“You imprinted on the Cullen boy?” he asked softly. I heard him wheeling himself closer and I tensed more than I already was. He stopped just behind me, and I felt him grab my arm. I turned to face him but kept my eyes closed. 

“Jacob, look at me.” I opened my eyes and looked at him. “Has Bella changed or is she…?” He looked slightly relieved but also upset, which confused me.

“Yeah, Carlisle said she should be awake by tomorrow. She was so still. All the stories say they writhe in pain when they change but i couldn't even hear her heartbeat. That's why I… I thought she was dead and I…" I paused and shook my head. I decided to not finish that sentence. If he wanted to bring it up he could. “They think the morphine they used is what's keeping her still.”

“But she's changing, and I won't have to comfort my best friend over the death of his daughter. I was dreading that.” He slides his hand down my arm and grabs my wrist. “So…the Cullen boy huh?” 

And there it was. This was not going to go well. I tense and try to pull away, but he keeps his grip on me tight. 

“Jacob, it's okay.” My jaw dropped and he chuckled lightly. “If the spirits deem your imprint to be a cold one, male or female, they have a reason. Having an imprint is an honor and I will respect that. How could I ever make you feel bad for being in love? You are my son, and I will love you no matter what.” He squeezed my wrist and let go. Tears filled my eyes, and I dropped to my knees and hugged him around his waist like I used to when I was a kid. He ran his fingers through my hair, and I cried silently for a few minutes.

When I finally pulled back, I rubbed the back of my hand across my eyes to clear the tears. Dad smiled at me as I got up to sit in the chair again. He rolled to the sink and filled a glass with water and handed it to me. After downing the whole glass, I finally met his eyes again. 

“So, you're not…mad at me?” he shook his head, and I took a deep breath trying to wrap my head around it all. Then I remembered I failed to fully explain about Carlie. “I uh…I forgot to tell you one thing though. The baby, she uh… she thinks I'm, like, her dad. In addition to Edward. She even smells a bit like me.” he stares at me for a second looking confused, so I continued. “Carlisle thinks it's partly a genetics thing that runs in Bella's family. Her and Charlie have similar scents. Apparently, all the time I spent with her during the uh pregnancy made her, for lack of a better term, imprint on me.” 

He sat in silence for a few moments, finally stunned by something I told him. I figure he needed to wrap his head around it all, so I sighed and reached out to fiddle with the zipper on the bag and stayed silent. I got a whiff of cinnamon and remembered the cinnamon rolls Esme packed for him, so I pulled the containers out.  

“Ah, trying to ply me with baked goods now, are they?” he finally said, and I huff and shook my head. Then he continues “So the girl I think of as my niece had a baby, almost died, then changed into a Cold One, and my son imprinted on a Cold One, who is the father of my niece's baby, and my niece's baby now thinks my son is her father too. Did I get that right?”

I stared at the table as he spoke and wished I could disappear like the Cullens do. I didn't even know how to respond to that. I sighed, clasped my hand tightly on the table and just nodded.

“Well, I suppose we will be having a potlatch soon." He clapped his hands together and reached for a container and pulled out a roll and took a big bite. “When are you bringing her by to receive her name?”

He has to be joking. I highly doubt the Cullens would be comfortable stepping foot on the reserve. I thought to myself. This is insane.

“Dad, there's still so much that needs to be worked out. Bella doesn't even know about any of this yet. I also don't know if any of them would even be comfortable with attending a potlatch or a naming ceremony." I shook my head and stood. “As soon as we figure it all out, get everything straightened out, I'll let you know.” He finished off the roll and dusted off his hands before coming over and reached out for a hug. 

“Everything will work out Jacob. Everything happens for a reason, my son.” I squeezed him lightly, then pulled back and grabbed the bag from the counter. As I headed to my room to change, he said my name again and I turned back to him. “I expect you to bring the boy and his parents to meet me properly, just so you know” I flushed and just continued on to change. 

After shoving everything in the bag and strapping it to my body I shifted and trotted out. I barked at him to get him to open the door for me and he sighs and rolls over and pulls the door open. I drop my head low enough to drag my tongue up his face then take off into the wood with echoes of him complaining about slobber ringing through my head.