Twilight Fan Fiction ❯ So Long As You're With Me ❯ Drowning in the Flood ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: (See 1st chapter)

Maybe, I think to myself as I drift off once more, maybe he was right…this isn't so bad after all…

 

 

A/N: OMG, anyone out there that is still reading this I am SO sorry it has taken me so long to post the next chapter! Ugh, there is no way that I could ever get you all to forgive me, for not updating after 3 months is simply unforgivable! *sigh* Well…I guess I'll just have to post this last chapter and the epilogue all in one day. That ought to make you all feel a little better ^-^

 

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In my dream I am floating.

 

Actually, it's less like floating and more like just barely hovering above the ground. Either way, what I'm doing doesn't really matter as the mist I'm surrounded in parts and a scenes slowly begins to take shape. I squint my eyes and try to move forward to get a clearer view when I suddenly get my wish and the way becomes as crystal clear as an HD television station.

 

There's a man standing alone on a beach and while I can't see his face he seems as familiar to me as any of my family. He's facing the ocean, long dark hair blowing freely about him, thrashing as wildly as the sea at his feet. For a moment I can only watch him in fascination. His stature, his entire demeanor, radiates a calm that I long to feel, and even from the distance that I stand away from him his supreme confidence is almost enough to bowl me over.

 

I narrow my eyes at him and open my mouth to call out when another figure to my left goes sprinting by. I miss her face by inches and only catch sight of the long ponytail that waves out behind her like a flag, occasionally catching in the collar of the summery dress she wears.

 

She slows as she approaches the man on the beach but I can see her devilish smirk from where I'm…well, hovering. She appears to sneak up behind him, biting her bottom lip as her giggle reaches me. The man shifts his body slightly so that I catch sight of his answering smirk and nearly laugh at what I know is going to happen next.

 

Sure enough, the young woman throws herself at the man, only to be taken completely by surprise as he turns and meets her embrace. He gathers her into his arms as though she is nothing but a rag doll and twirls the two of them around in circles and I watch with misty eyes as she buries her face in the crook of his neck and he laughs before finally stopping.

 

He sets her lightly back on her feet though her arms remain around his neck and says something that I can't hear from where I am. The woman hears it though and laughs before replying with what looks like a smart comment.

 

The man laughs and starts to murmur something while leaning his head down closer to hers and she smiles happily just before their lips touch. The kiss they share has me blushing and wanting to look away. And yet, like a strange kind of romantic train wreck, I can't seem to look away.

 

He holds her more tightly to his body, buries a hand in her dark hair so that her captured ponytail falls down her back in loose ringlets, only to allow it to batter them both violently in the wind. Neither of them seems to notice and by the time they pull away I should think they were more interested in breathing.

 

The girl pulls away but continues to embrace the young man, turning her face to the side so that his dark hair shields her from my gaze. I shift, trying my best to get a glimpse at her when suddenly the man looks up at me and I freeze.

 

Sparkling dark eyes capture mine and I find that the breath I was about to take in is hitched in my throat. He smirks, his classic smile of mischief and gently runs a hand down the young woman's cheek, and I nearly jump back in shock when I feel the same touch on my face feet away. Only now do I understand.

 

That girl is me. And the one who's embracing her…

 

I sit up straight in bed, making myself completely dizzy with the speed of which I've done it. I hiss softly and clutch my forehead as I will the room to stop spinning, at least at such a fast pace.

 

Ugh…this is not going to be a good day is it…? I groan softly to myself. The aftereffects of my dream are, thankfully, beginning to wear off, but I can still feel a gentle caress that won't go away no matter how many times I try to tell myself it didn't really happen.

 

I glance around the room and the first (and pretty much only) thing I notice is the bright sunlight filtering through the blinds at the end of the room. Sun? Hadn't it just been storming the night before…?

 

Of course, this comes in complete second to the fact that I am absolutely sweltering beneath the light sheet and blanket I'm lying under.

 

I groan and shift so I can throw the blanket off of me…

 

…which is what leads me to my ultimate and most horrifying discovery yet.

 

There, lying completely innocently on his side with his wild hair thrown about him, is Jacob. Before my mind can completely comprehend the fact that we're both fully clothed three things immediately spring to mind.

 

One: Oh my God I can't believe my first time was with JACOB BLACK!

 

Two: Charlie is going to have an absolute field day when he finds out…

 

And three: Gah! My babies are going to come out fuzzy aren't they?!?

 

My breathing staggers as I push his arm away from my body and will myself to relax.

 

Alright Bella, stay calm, there's no need to freak out. Yet. Just wake Jake up and ask him nicely what the hell he is doing in the same bed with you…

 

I nod once and swallow, breathing deeply so as to calm the raging desire I have to throttle the nearest werewolf in sight. Instead, I reach down towards Jacob's shoulder, set on waking him calmly, when I notice his choice of clothing.

 

Or lack thereof.

 

“AHHHHHH!”

 

How's that for staying calm?

 

My earsplitting shriek has my own ears ringing and I almost feel bad as Jacob rolls over the side of the bed, hitting the floor with a muffled curse before his head reappears on the other side to stare at me.

 

“Bella?! Bella what's wrong, what happened?” He stands to his feet, tossing the blanket to the side, which only makes me yell again. Only this time I make sure everyone south of La Push can hear me.

 

Jacob is making his way toward me, probably to shut me up, sp I close my mouth instantly in favor of backing as far away from the half naked boy as I can. He doesn't seem to notice but glowers at me instead as he exclaims, “What the hell is your problem?”

 

Up until this point I can safely say the plan was to remain silent until he gets so frustrated he left, but as usual I just can't do what common sense is screaming at me to accomplish.

 

“My problem? My problem is waking up to a horny teenage boy who decided to wear NOTHING TO BED!”

 

He rolls his eyes while simultaneously running a hand through his chin length hair as he replies, “I'm not naked Bella…”

 

I snort incredulously and gesture to his body, trying my best to keep my watching above the waist…

 

“Not naked? The only part of you I don't see is the thing you pee with! I hardly count that as fully clothed!” I yell back and then immediately turn so he won't catch the enormous blush I can feel taking over my face.

 

God this is so embarrassing! Just leave already so I can deal with this indignity on my own!

 

Unfortunately it's as though Jacob can read my mind and he starts laughing at my turned back. Of course, I do not find this situation funny in the slightest. In fact, I'm fairly certain that if I don't die of a heart attack in the next few minutes I'll burn to death from the sheer nature of my blush.

 

As his laughter swells I turn back to him and glower as hard as I can while hissing, “It's not funny Jacob! You have 30 seconds to get out of my room or so help me I will scream so loud you'll lose that perfect doggy hearing of yours to a burst ear drum.”

 

He slowly starts to calm down, putting up two hands in a placating gesture of surrender and finally just settles for grinning like an idiot at me.

 

“I'm sorry, you're right. It's not funny. God but your face! You act like we did it in your sleep!” He exclaims and my receding blush shoots quickly to the fore again.

 

I shuffle uncomfortably and mumble, “But…we didn't, right?”

 

At this Jacob becomes entirely serious and stares at me with an incredulous expression. “Wha-? You thought you-and me?-We-? No! NO! Bella what the hell kind of a guy do you think I am?” His face turns a bright red as he stammers and rakes a hand through his hair again in agitation.

 

It would be really funny right now…if I wasn't completely dying of humiliation in front of his eyes.

 

I take a deep breath and try to placate the worked up werewolf across the room from me, slowly making my way towards him again.

 

“Jake...Jacob!”

 

He finally looks up at me and his tousled hair combined with the wild look in his eyes reminds me of an animal being hunted. Then I think of Edward and his irritable grizzly bears and there goes the laugh that was developing somewhere deep in my gut.

 

“Look, I'm sorry. But waking up with you in my bed is a little…disconcerting,” I try to explain in the best way I can without making my blush any worse.

 

I leave out the tiny details such as the fact that I have just woken up from a dream about him only to have him lying beside me, the fact that I wasn't panicking so much from the fact that I thought we had, in Jacob's terms, done it, but more the shock that it had happened so quickly. The fact that had it been any other time I would have reveled in having Jacob next to me when I awoke.

 

Yup, I'm hiding a whole other side from him apparently.

 

I sit back down on the opposite side of the bed from Jake, still facing him while managing to stare at the bed sheets. If I look hard enough I can see the thread count… “I'm sorry I…um, screamed so loud,” I finish lamely and for a moment silence reigns in the room.

 

I almost consider getting up and walking away when Jacob gives a loud sigh. Naturally I look up to see what he's sighing about when I'm the one in mortal peril. What could possibly be worse than asking whether or not you've had sex with someone when you definitely couldn't remember it if it had happened?

 

“What?”

 

He runs a hand through his hair (again) in true Jacob fashion and murmurs, “So…disconcerting, huh? Well, I'd rather `disconcerting' than `uncomfortable'.”

 

He gives me a true Jacob grin and I giggle in response like a giddy school girl eager to please. Then I roll my eyes and blurt out, “I was hardly uncomfortable Jake.”

 

It takes my mind a minute to process my mistake, but by the time it does my dormant blush shoots to my face (*sigh*, again), and for some strange reason (maybe my lingering mortification) I can't hold Jacob's amused gaze for longer than 30 seconds without wanting to punch something.

 

“Okay!” I exclaim rather loudly, “I think it's time you got going so I can get dressed-,”

 

…and die of blurting out random things alone, thank you very much…

 

“-because I think there's more than enough half naked people in this room for one morning.”

 

I stand to my feet and start to shove him in the right direction, but then I realize I'm pushing on bare chest and I start trying to push him without using my hands. The effect is more entertaining for Jacob who is only moving because I'm willing him too and not because he can't stop me at any moment in time.

 

Laughing he continues to move but exclaims over his shoulder to me, “You know Bella, I've got the strangest feeling that you want me to leave.”

 

I roll my eyes back and shove him hard one last time so that he's standing in the doorway. “Well look at that: he's psychic and stupid! Let's tell him what he won Bob!” I roll my eyes one last time in case he missed the action from earlier and go to slam the door shut when he stops it with his fist.

 

I grit my teeth and articulate carefully through them, “Yeeeesssss?”

 

Jacob's grin broadens as he shrugs and replies, “Nothing, just wanted to say that I took the liberty of putting the rest of Becca's clothes in the closet so you don't have to bother me for them when you're ready.”

 

I glance at the closet before turning back to the grinning werewolf in the doorway. “Aren't you the perfect gentleman? Feel free to go away now, bye bye!”

 

“Hold on a sec,” Jacob exclaims and puts a hand up to stop the door once more, nearly knocking me backwards with the force of his push.

 

This time I take a deep breath and count to ten before hissing, “What…is it…Jacob…?”

 

He smiles and pushes the door open the whole way and I take a single step back to avoid getting smacked with the wooden panel when he moves with that supernatural prowess I detest, grasping me tightly around the waist. Now that he's directly in my face it's a little harder to be mad at him, but I manage somehow, glaring up at him as he grins gently down at me with half lidded eyes.

 

“I just wanted to tell you,” he breathes, and now I without a doubt can't ignore the butterflies in my stomach as his breath ghosts over my own mouth and his hand tightens at my hip, “that when we are together for the night you will definitely remember every-”, he punctuates the moment with a kiss on top of my head, “single-”, a kiss to my left cheek, “-moment…”

 

This time I take a sharp intake of breath in preparation for the inevitable kiss to my mouth. Imagine my surprise when he takes a deep breath, grins at me, and then disappears out the door in a matter of seconds.

 

It takes me a minute to regain my senses and when they do my mind goes into complete overdrive. What the hell just happened? is, as always, the number one question.

 

However this is followed closely by, I almost kissed Jacob!

 

And eerily enough, What would you have done, Bella, had he done just that?

 

I start to hyperventilate and drop Becca's plain black t-shirt on the floor as I clutch at my chest in desperation as I answer my mind's own question.

 

I would have kissed him back…

 

8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8: 8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8

I take my time getting dressed and find myself ducking around the corners of the house, carefully avoiding Jacob while insisting to myself that I'm not doing just that. Still, insisting or not, I dip into the bathroom and take as much time as my already relatively clean body will allow.

 

Brushing my teeth, of course, is the easiest task to prolong, but after brushing them three times in a row I can't get the taste of Colgate out of my mouth and I declare my mouth fresh. Naturally as a young woman I can find anything to take up an inordinate amount of time and promptly take my time flossing, washing my face with a brand new bar of soap and pulling my hair into a tight ponytail over and over and over again.

 

Finally, after smoothing down the top of my head so that it looks like I've applied more than enough gel to it, I take a deep breath and pep talk my reflection, “You can do this Bella. Why be awkward around Jake when he's already kissed you before?”

 

I never wanted to kiss him back when he kissed me before…

 

I shake my head at the wayward thought and tell the mirror a little more sternly, “You can do this.”

 

Somehow even my reflection looks as though it doubts me.

 

I sigh and duck out the bathroom door again, glancing down both ends of the hallway before taking a dashing leap towards the stairs. I'm right at the top of the stairs when, as luck would have it, I trip.

 

It seems to happen in slow motion: one moment I'm poised above the top step, head first and steeling myself for the tumble; and the next I'm tucked comfortably against something incredibly solid, something with a rather tight grip…

 

Only when I feel myself go still do I dare open my eyes and stare up into Jacob's concerned dark ones. I can hardly speak, even though I should be used to the whole saving my life thing, and before I realize what I'm doing I smile and shrug, “Stairs, what are you gonna do?”

 

Jake rolls his eyes but grins crookedly back at me. “You could stand to stay away from them for a while. Geez Bella, I can't turn around for a second without you tripping all over yourself! Literally!”

 

I roll my eyes and prepare to say something smart when the phone rings and completely interrupts the moment. Jake sighs and starts to set me down when he suddenly stares down at me and grins.

 

Immediately my hair bristles in apprehension and I exclaim, “Jake…Uh, feel free to put me down now…”

 

His grin only widens as he replies, “Hm...I could. But that would mean putting you down to answer the phone, and I just don't trust you to stay out of trouble for that long.”

 

At this I immediately start to struggle in his arms, but I quickly realize it will probably be easier to pound my head continuously against a rock. “Oh no you don't-Ack-!”

 

My protest is cut off as Jacob throws me like a rag doll over his shoulder so that I am suddenly given a rather provocative view of his many…assets. Trying to staunch the flow of blood that gathers in my cheeks I toss my ponytail futilely out of my face and sputter rather pitifully, “Jacob Black you have 3 seconds before I-!”

 

“Before you what? `Scream so loud I'll lose that perfect doggy hearing of mine to a burst ear drum'? Sorry Bells, you already used that threat today…”

 

“Well then how's pulling all your hair out sound? Let's see how long your fur is if you're bald as a human…”

 

I push myself up so that I'm looking over Jacob's shoulder in time to see him roll his eyes while continuing to grin. “You're getting less and less creative the longer you stay around here. Does my mere presence muddle your brain?”

 

Now it's my turn to roll my eyes as I murmur, “That's it alright. Who knew that your IQ could drop just from being stuck with idiots for two days…?”

 

He doesn't answer as he finally reaches his destination and picks up the phone. “Jacob Black speaking. Oh, hey dad.”

 

At the mention of Billy I begin yelling in earnest for Jacob to relieve me from my prison. Somehow he can talk his son out of trapping me for sure. The eldest Black has always been more sensible…

 

“Billy? Billy! Jacob put me down!”

 

Jake shifts me so that he gains a firmer grip around my legs to keep me from slipping and I momentarily lose my breath as I'm smashed back against his beefy shoulder. Alright that's it, no more Nice Bella…

 

“Nothing dad it's just Bella…yeah, she's making a big deal out of nothing…We're fine…OUCH! Hold on dad-!”

 

I spit dramatically and stick my tongue out to relieve my poor mouth of the taste of Jacob Black's shorts. But at least now I'm getting some attention. Jacob pulls me back over his shoulder so that we can stare at each other, one furious face to another. His face is almost hilariously incredulous and he gapes at me for a moment like a fish out of water.

 

“What the hell do you think you're doing?” He exclaims and I take a moment to massage my aching torso. Ever been slung over a shoulder Shrek style? It's not a fun experience.

 

“I think it's pretty much obvious what I did…” I explain unrepentantly while I twist to pop my back.

 

“You bit me!” He yells and I shrug.

 

“Uh…yeah.”

 

He continues to stare at me while I straighten the shirt I threw on this morning and exclaim, “Billy's still on the line you know. It's not nice to ignore your dad.”

 

I gesture at the phone, smiling what I hope is as smug a grin as he always wears, before turning on my heel to go to the kitchen for breakfast. I feel his stare on my back even when I turn the corner where I promptly sink into the chair closest to the table. I place both elbows on the table, cradle my head in my hands and groan as loud as I can without Jacob hearing.

 

Which, considering it isn't very loud, isn't very satisfying.

I allow myself one more moment of complete abandon before my stomach decides it's more important than my emotions, and at this point I am more than willing to agree. I sigh and raid Jake's pantry for the box of Frosted Flakes I know is hidden on the top shelf and five minutes later have a rather satisfying bowl in front of me. It's no gourmet breakfast, but hey…

I chew thoughtfully while trying my best to get the taste of Jacob's butt out of my mouth. I can't believe I bit him…But what other choice did I have at the time? I shake my head.

You didn't have to bite him in the butt, Bella…

Well, I huff to myself, it wasn't like he was listening to anything else. Anything short of a cinder block on top of his head feels like a fly and I am not breaking my hand trying to get down from Jacob Black's shoulder.

Admit it Bells, there's only one reason why you wanted to get down from Jake's shoulder and you know it…

I hesitate momentarily with the spoon halfway to my mouth before I jam it in before even thinking of how to respond to my suddenly cheeky mind. Of course I wanted to get down! What normal teenage girl wants to get hauled around on a werewolf's shoulder? It's not like I was…enjoying it or anything…

Uh-oh, the blush is back. Never a good sign.

But I suppose if I don't admit it to myself I'll never get ahead in life. Still, admitting that I more than enjoyed the view is much less embarrassing than the fact that I more than enjoyed the attention. The fact is that I absolutely enjoyed it, to the point where if I didn't get down we were both going to have some problems…

God, what is going on with me? First this morning with the dream, then waking up to a hunk of a werewolf in my bed and only freaking out because I wanted to kiss him. Maybe I'm coming down with something. A fever; yeah that sounds plausible.

Cabin fever…

I groan again and throw my head back down on the table in a moment of spite for myself, “I am going to the nuthouse after this…”

“If you want I can give you a ride.”

I lift my head to glower at Jacob but he's not even turned my way as he digs around in his cabinets for a bowl and spoon. He sits across from me a moment later, bats my hand away from the box and begins shoveling as much cereal as possible into his mouth while I grimace in amazement.

He notices my disgusted stare and sprays through a mouthful of food, “What?”

I shake my head and ask, “Is it Frosted Flakes or Captain Crunch that cuts your mouth open?”

He rolls his eyes and continues to swallow flakes whole while I continue to try to ignore him. Instead I get up and rinse my own bowl out at the sink before sitting back across from him. Well, there's my day. Guess it's time to have conversation now…I've been meaning to ask him something anyway.

“So what's up with Billy?” I start conversationally and Jacob shrugs without looking up from his bowl.

“Great, says he'll be back later tomorrow. The storm blew through pretty hard up the beach and his friend's house is a wreck. He's staying to help him fix it up before he comes back home.”

I nod and try to stamp down the absolute relief that floods my body. More awkward emotions, of course. Geez this is getting annoying! I can't even look at Jake without wanting to either yell or maul him! Jake misinterprets my anxious look for concern and rolls his eyes, “They're fine Bella. You worry too much.”

I turn to glare at him as my frustrating emotions boil over into just anger. At this point the only thing I can do is stand up as I exclaim, “Who said I was worried? The only thing I'm worried about is staying here with you for another day by myself!”

I turn on my heel and ignore Jake calling my name until he yells, “Where are you going?”

I don't say anything considering I have absolutely no idea myself, but at the moment I just need to get out, away from Jacob so I can think clearly. Seriously, it's only eleven `o clock and I've been through enough emotional roller coasters for a lifetime. A quick glance out the window tells me that it isn't raining cats and dogs anymore which is all I really need to know. I head straight for the door, Jacob not far behind me despite my rather rapid pace.

 

“Bella…”

 

“Just leave me alone for a minute Jacob!”

 

“But Bella-,”

 

“Just give me a second-Gah!”

 

To say I am surprised as I open the door is pretty much the understatement of the century. It's like saying the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a slight architectural plight. You get the point. As soon as I open the door both me and the three boys on the other side freeze, the leader with his hand poised above the doorknob.

 

Sam is the first to break the spell, smiling comfortably at me before he exclaims good-naturedly, “Hey Bella, how's it going?”

 

It takes my mind a minute to come to it's senses, but by then Jacob has yelled over my shoulder, “Hey guys, come on in!”

 

As he passes Sam shoots me an apologetic type of smile before patting me on the back and yelling something back at Jacob as they head back towards the kitchen.

 

I stare after him for a moment and open my mouth to yell not to touch my cereal when a rather loud voice exclaims, “Hey, Vampire Girl!”

 

Just after this I'm tugged around the waist into what is supposed to be a simulation of a hug but merely turns out to be a cracking of every bone in my body simultaneously. I can't help but smile as I grimace and choke out, “Nice…to see you…too…Embry!”

 

With greater care than what I was swooped up with Embry places me mercifully back on the floor and smiles down at me. The smile takes up his entire face and for a moment he reminds me so much of Jacob I can hardly stand it.

 

“Guess I can't call you `vampire girl' anymore though can I? What with you and Jacob and all…” He explains with a shrug. Before I can ask just what the hell that means he follows after Sam and Jacob.

 

I turn to the last werewolf walking through the door and try to smile graciously despite my jumbled thoughts. “Hey, Quil,” I greet in what I hope looks like a happy face. Somehow it feels like my skin is stretching unnaturally across my face. But it must pass the test as Quil smiles back and replies, “Congratulations Bella, getting stuck in a house with Jacob for 3 days. He driving you crazy yet?”

 

I nod once and sigh in relief. Finally, somebody understands. “You have no idea.”

 

He chuckles understandingly and looks like he wants to say something when one of the guys (what sounds like Embry, of course) calls after him from the kitchen.

 

“Quil, man get in here!”

 

He turns back to me ruefully but I shake my head and wave my hand in their direction. “Go on then. God forbid I separate you two for longer than 3 seconds,” I half-heartedly joke.

 

He shrugs but grins toothily and stomps off in their direction yelling, “Way to start the party without me!”

 

I stare after him for a second and resist the urge to run along and join the party. Somehow their arrival has snapped me back to reality and I feel a little better than I did a few minutes ago. I turn back to the still open door and stare through it for a moment.

 

Though the storm is over from last night everywhere else is a mess, debris from the dangerous winds scattered over the front yard and, further down, the beach. The sky is an unattractive gray color, the hint of sun I saw earlier this morning all but non-existent. For a second I consider going out to get my truck from where it crashed yesterday afternoon, but as soon as the thought forms my mind rejects it.

 

There's no way I can even judge how far away it is, and even if I did what would I do with it? Charlie and Jake said the roads are blocked so it's not like I can go home. Damn it, there's that plan ruined.

 

I sigh once, more in frustration with myself and my rather annoying emotions than anything, and close the door. I feel a body move up behind me but don't even bother to turn around as I can tell from sheer feel alone that it's Jacob.

 

“You okay?” He murmurs and I turn to face him after a minute of some serious breathing.

 

“Just…give me a second okay?” I tell him and he nods seriously while I close my eyes momentarily and lower my head. A second later I lift it again and growl at him, “The next time you get the urge to play Tarzan, tell me so I can get you a doll out of Rachel's closet?”

 

This time Jake grins back and throws an arm over my shoulder before shuffling me towards the kitchen. “Got it: no more playing Tarzan with Bella. Anything else I should know about?”

 

I place a finger on my chin in playful thought before replying, “Well, you already know about the sleeping in the same bed as me thing…Yup, I think that's all.”

 

As we enter the kitchen Sam looks up and nods toward the chair I had occupied a few minutes previously. I take his silent offer and ask, “So, what's going on with you guys?”

 

As usual I get bombarded with the usual conversation when dealing with teenage werewolves and everyone from Paul (another member of the pack) to Claire (Quil's imprinted significant other) is mentioned at least once in passing.

 

“We're all pretty bored now that the bloodsuckers are gone though,” Embry comments and I try not to visibly wince. “If we go any longer than this Paul's gonna tear something up just `cause he's bored.”

 

I shake my head at the chatter, preferring to sit back and listen to the conversation dwindle while lounging comfortably against Jacob's shoulder from where he's sitting in the seat next to me.

 

I glance at the clock and back to him before I ask, “Are you guys hungry?”

 

All three of them pin me with looks of complete horror, as though I've questioned their werewolf bloodline. I laugh a little and shake my head, “You know, forget it. I don't even know why I asked. Burgers coming right up! You guys are worst than a pack of animals…”

 

This seems to give the boys a lift and they all show their appreciation by shouting different versions of thanks at me while making sure that I know that they're still hungry. I roll my eyes (I've been doing that a lot today…), still grinning, before digging through the freezer for the hamburger Jacob pointed out to me.

 

“Oh Sam, could you tell Emily I said thanks for the-um-clothing advice yesterday?” I shoot over my shoulder when there is a lull in the conversation and I'm balling the hamburger up into patties.

 

I can almost hear him nod as he replies, “No problem. Since Jacob here seems to lack the sense needed to fix the problem she figured it was the least we could do.”

 

I giggle a little as Jacob sputters, “It was less about sense and more the fact that she would have flipped out if I'd undressed her. God you should have seen her when she woke up Sam. Damn near took my head off…”

 

I blush before turning to glare at him. “Somehow the fact that I was half naked with you in the house made me a little uncomfortable. Sorry that I was trying to save my dignity.”

 

Nice comeback Bella…

 

I nearly growl at myself just to drown out the boys' laughter behind me when Quil chuckles, “Looks like you two were definitely meant to be together. Anyone who can yell at you like that on a whim is okay in my book.”

 

I turn my head to laugh with them as I reply, “Don't get me wrong Quil I love yelling at him, but I'd hardly say we were meant to be together.”

 

Even as I say it my stomach quivers unpleasantly and I try my best to ignore the well of emotion climbing up my throat. I can't tell if I'm going to cry or throw up or blush incredibly hard. Or do all 3 at the same time.

 

I don't get a chance to do any of that, however, as the room goes hushed and Embry murmurs incredulously in Jacob's direction, “You didn't tell her?”

 

Uh-oh. This doesn't sound promising in the slightest. I groan out loud before I turn to face all of them from the stove and exclaim, “Tell me what?”

 

I study their faces one by one as Jacob turns to glower furiously at both Quil and Embry, whereas Sam just looks down at the tabletop and shakes his head. “Tell me what?” I repeat, hoping that this time I won't be completely ignored. I can feel my anxiety rising with the intensity of the atmosphere in the room. No one makes a move to say anything or come to Jacob's rescue so I settle for glowering at him to make him tell.

 

Jake finally turns and looks up at me, his eyes and entire facial expression claiming that he is lost for words while searching for pity. “Bella I…” He begins, but then he sighs and breaks off, looking at Sam for help.

 

Sam sighs and stands to his feet, Quil and Embry following suit as he murmurs quietly, “Bella, you and Jacob should talk. Alone.”

 

The last word is directed at the two boys following after him and they mumble, “See ya Bella…” as they make their way towards the front door.

 

I try my best to remain calm as I tell them bye as well but when Sam waits to lay a comforting hand on my shoulder I get really worried. He gives me a small half smile and murmurs, “Don't kill him just yet Bella. Just…keep in mind that it's often not our choice. I'll see you around.”

 

And with that, he and the guys are gone.

 

I turn back to look at Jacob who hasn't moved from the table since the entire incident started, and allow my growing suspicion to light up my face. He cradles his head in his hands for a minute before standing up to look me in the eye, his classic grin a ghost on his face.

 

“Jacob, what's going on?” I nearly shout.

 

His entire demeanor is telling me that this is not going to be good news to me, though he doesn't really see it as such. There's only one thing that can be good for him and bad for me and I really am not in the mood to hear it.

 

His answer is a shrug and a contrite grimace before he starts, “Geez Bella I…I don't know where to start.”

 

Oh God please don't tell me…

 

I tried my best to stay calm, really I did. But this simple sentence sets me over the edge. Gritting my teeth together painfully I growl, “How about you start with telling me what the hell is going on?”

 

It can't be…no, it hasn't happened…

 

Again he gives a small shrug before he takes a step towards me but flinches when I take a corresponding step back. He sighs, heavily, never a good sign for Jacob, and finally speae.

 

“Bella, I don't know how to tell you this…”

 

Please no, it can't be what I think it is…

 

“…but I-I imprinted.”

 

In just a moment I freeze. Literally. My blood runs cold as ice and I give a muffled whimper that I quickly cover with one hand. I can practically feel my lungs shrivel up in my rib cage and fall to the pit of my stomach, which as of right now is churning rather loudly.

 

Jacob…imprinted…?

 

No, it's not possible. There's no way that…but I was the one he…

 

My mind is spinning in my head, along with the room that is tilting around me and I vaguely recognize Jacob's voice over the buzz in my ears. “Bella? Bella are you okay? Bella talk to me, please…” His pleading seems to be getting louder though he's still standing the same distance away from me as before.

 

“No!” I can't help the harsh scream that pretty much tears itself from my throat and Jacob goes completely still as I yell at him. “How long have you known that you've been…imprinted?” I try not to spit the word so venomously but at this point I hardly care.

 

He winces and murmurs, “A few days now…”

 

I let out an incredulous noise that, even in my suddenly precarious mental state, I recognize as a bark. It's kind of funny…but not right now. I'm still angry.

 

“A few days? Geez I think that would have been nice to bring up in conversation when you decided to sleep in the same bed as me in the middle of the night!” I screech and I watch Jacob's face go flush.

 

Good, now he's angry too. “Well what the hell was I supposed to say then? `There's the biggest storm of the century outside but I'm really glad you're okay. Oh yeah, and by the way, I've discovered I've imprinted'!” He counters back and I make a move to hit him but don't.

 

Just because I'm angry doesn't mean I don't remember the fact that he is built of stronger stuff. I open my mouth to yell again but feel angry tears coursing down my cheeks and I wipe them away in impatience.

 

Jake seems to soften as he whispers, “Hey…Bella, don't cry…”

 

“I'm sorry Jacob!” I suddenly blurt and my unexpected outburst stills us both for a moment. But then I explode like a dam and murmur, “I'm sorry…I'm sorry about, well, everything.”

 

Jake comes to his senses, shakes his head and replies, “What are you talking about?”

 

Suddenly the dam opens wider and I crumple in the nearest kitchen chair and let out every ounce of self-pity in me. I figure it's about time to let it all out anyway. “I said I'm sorry! God Jacob! I waited…forever, to tell you that I love you and then I finally realize it and some-some-hussy, is going to get you by default!”

 

I hardly even notice Jacob walking toward me and I ignore him completely when he murmurs, “Bella?”

 

“I'm stupid, so stupid! I just had to keep pushing you away and pushing you away and now look! All this time and you…you've moved on without me…”

 

“Bella?”

 

But no. I'm definitely angry and nothing is going to stop me from completing my rant of anger towards this unseen girl that magically snatched my werewolf from right under my nose. “This isn't fair Jake, not by a long shot. If that girl thinks she can just take you away from me like this she's got another thing-!”

 

“Bella!”

 

I finally stop and stare up into Jacob's dark eyes which are, incredibly, amused. Chuckling slightly he grins and takes both my hands in his, pulling me out of my chair so that we're standing eye to eye. Or, rather, eyes to chest, but you get the picture.

 

“You think this is funny Jacob? That's it isn't it life is just one big freakin joke to you isn't it? Well fine then,” I yell and try futilely to pull out of his grasp without really noticing what I'm doing, “Let go of me! Keep your little joke going and I hope you and your new-!”

 

Oh hell…

 

I am silenced by a hard mouth descending on mine and nearly buckle underneath the weight of Jacob's body suddenly thrown on me. In a brief second I think about a million things: Edward, of course, is at the top of the list. What would he think if he saw me now, being held in a lip-lock by one of the only boys he had ever hated? Beside this, why don't I care anymore? It's not that I don't care it just…doesn't hurt like it used to. Even as I think Edward's name the pain in my chest all but disappears. It surprises me more than anything that's going on around me, and that's saying something. So I try another experiment and conjure his face in my mind's eye. Again, a slight pang, but that will always be there, I realize. That first love pang.

 

The face is immediately replaced by a Quielete's, one that has grinned at me for the past year with love and care every time we were together. Which brings up my second thought and the moment at hand: Jacob. Kissing him now would mean I can never go back, that I'm confessing my love (again) and everything else to him.

 

But to keep him with me…

 

And so, with absolutely every consequence screaming for attention in the back of my mind, I kissed Jacob Black back for the first time.

 

His response was exquisite.

 

Never had Edward's kisses burned me like this; Jacob's hands scorch the back of my neck where he holds me closer, sets my soul on fire as I moan into his mouth. He groans in response, easily pushing me backwards so that I'm against a wall, one hand traveling to the small of my back where I arch into him in response.

 

By the time we break away for air I'm gasping for it, taking in the huge lungfuls I'd always taken for granted before. Jacob and I just stare at each other, and I must say his smug grin is very nearly contagious. He continues to smile down at me as he mumbles, “I told you you'd admit you were in love with me didn't I?”

 

I roll my eyes and make a face before I kiss him teasingly on the nose. “Yeah, too bad it's too little too late,” I reply and his grin quickly dissolves to be replaced by a thoughtful frown.

 

“What are you talking about?” He asks with a hint of concern. He must not think my rage is over just yet.

 

I sigh at my own reminder and pull away from him slightly to whisper, “I don't think you're `imprinted intended' will appreciate me kissing all over her `imprinted intended'.”

 

His frown is replaced by a confused/amused look that looks absolutely adorable on him, I must say. Eh-hem, focus Bella…

 

“Bella you're such an idiot,” he replies and I try to pull away completely at the jibe.

 

“Idiot am I? Must mean I'm too stupid to kiss you again then…” I counter, but Jacob's good mood is not to be deterred.

 

“Don't you get it?” he exclaims while making sure our eyes stay locked, “It's you!”

 

I take in a slightly shocked gasp while thoroughly processing that information. “Me?” I finally choke out and then, “Wait a minute, I thought imprinting was like love at first sight? You've known me for a while.”

 

Jacob shrugs and gestured for me to follow him to the living room to sit on the couch. “Sam and I talked about it and he says it could just be a delayed reaction,” he explains and I nod for him to continue.

 

“Think about it: you were there when I first transformed and I was already in love with you for most of the time anyway. Dad says I could have imprinted earlier on and just mistook it for already being in love with you. Face it Bells, we're doomed to never have a normal relationship,” he concludes with a grin and I shake my head.

 

I open my mouth to ask another pointlessly obvious question when he kisses me once more and I, almost literally, melt into him. When we pulled away again I murmur, “That's not fair, you can't keep doing that.”

 

He chuckles and holds me tighter against his body while twisting my hair around in long tendrils around his fingers. Sighing in contentment he kisses the top of my head and whispers, “I don't know why it happened Bells…” He gives a wide yawn that punctuates the moment before he mumbles sleepily, “Just glad it was with you…”

 

I roll my eyes where he can see but can't help but think, as I settle back to watch him sleep for who knows how long, that for the first time I have to agree with Jacob Black.

 

I think it's the imprinting gone to my head. Or his kisses.

 

I'm gonna go with the second one.

 

 

 

8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8: 8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8

A/N: So…does this KIND OF make up for my prolonged absence…? Thanks to everyone, your support means a great deal to me : )

 

Until next time,

Stay Beautiful!