"Baby?" The soft voice called, a hand running over my hair in an attempt to wake me up. I internally groaned, I didn't want to wake up yet. I lowered my barrier and felt around for Jacob's hand to ask him what time it was. "Are you actually that lazy you can't be bothered to open your eyes and physically ask me?" He laughed before sliding his hands under my body to lift me. This time I groaned out loud and put my barrier back up.

"Whyyyyy?" I turned my face so it was hiding in Jake's bare chest.

"Because it's nearly half past nine and people want to eat." He was talking to me like I was a child. I pulled my head from his chest and turned so I was looking up at him, opening my eyes to glare at his face. "Don't look at me like that, Blue." He laughed again and I huffed.

Once we entered the kitchen I saw that everybody was already seated and waiting. Jake sat down on a chair at the table and moved me so I was sitting upright on his lap and could lean back against his chest. Dad placed two plates of bacon and eggs down in front of us, one massively bigger than the other. "Nice of you to join us Aria." He said mischievously.

I picked up my fork and pointed it at him. "Don't start." I warned and the whole family laughed at me. "Don't laugh! I'm the deadliest person in here so don't provoke me!" I warned and they laughed again.

"Babe, come on, calm down." Jake said soothingly rubbing my arm.

"Calm down? It's your fault I'm irritable." I shuffled off of his lap, grabbed my plate, and moved round to the other side of the table next to Tori.

"Why what did he do?" Jesse asked, his mouth full of scrambled eggs making me pull a face of disgust.

"Yeah what did I do? Is it because of the argument yesterday?" Jake asked, worry in his eyes and sadness on his face that I had moved away from him.

After our not so little lovers spat yesterday we had decided to put the little predicament behind us. But, if I did ever see Millie again, I was going to give her a piece of my mind because there would be no doubt she'd rub it in my face.

"You guys argued?" Tori spoke up and I just let my head fall into my hands.

"Yes we argued but we made up." I said to Tori. "And no, it's not because of the arguing, it's because of your snoring." I said turning to Jake, an offended expression taking over his face whilst Dad and Jesse burst out laughing.

Jake had driven me from my bedroom last night because of his ridiculously loud snoring. I had to seek refuge on the sofa and finish my sleep there. I would've kicked him out of bed but there would be no way he'd even fit on the sofa.

"I don't snore!" He attempted to defend himself but it was never going to work.

"Yes you do!" I argued back but he shook his head in protest. "Jacob! You do, you had me up at 5 am this morning!"

"You're lying." He shrugged before taking another mouthful of eggs.

"No I'm not. The amount of times I kicked you but you didn't wake up. Great help you would be if someone broke in!" I said before throwing a slice of toast at him.

"Aria don't throw food." Dad lightly scolded, the laughter in his voice telling me he wasn't being serious.

"Like you'd need protecting anyway." Jake scoffed and my mouth fell open in disbelief.

"That's not the point! That's your job as an imprint. Anyway, why else would I be sleeping downstairs on the couch?!" I finished slamming my hand down on the table.

Everyone looked like that were ready to burst out laughing which only irritated me more. "Babe, I was only joking."

Can today just be over already? Why do I get picked on? "Okay I've had enough." To avoid any further harassment or questions I decided to vampire speed myself back up to my bedroom.

I needed to get out of here, the Cullens would never do this to me. I mean sure, Emmett would tease me, but Esme would set him right. They knew I cherished my sleep, this family took it for granted... Damnit I missed them. A lot. Maybe I should go see them? But then again I didn't want to run into the bride to be.

And then there was Ryan, he'd been playing on my mind as well. He only said those things because he was hurt, I understood that. I felt like he needed a more in depth conversation, one that didn't involve Jacob's presence. I just wanted him to know how sorry I really was.

I needed some time to think. I needed to get away from everyone.

I changed quickly into some simple clothes and made myself look somewhat presentable in case I saw some regular people. From what I could hear everyone was still gathered in the kitchen so I could slip out easily without being noticed.

Light on my feet I was able to make it to the top of the staircase without one of the more capable people downstairs hearing me. I made it down the first couple of steps before the first landing and rounded the corner but jumped when I saw Jacob waiting there with his arms crossed. "Where are you going?"

"What the hell!" I choked out as I placed my hand over my chest feeling my wildly thumping heart under my palm. "I didn't even hear you move."

"Stealth mode." He bragged with a smirk, clearly impressed with himself. I rolled my eyes. "Again, where are you going?"

"For a walk." I said innocently, wondering if I should just leap over the bannister and make a run for it.

"Why?" He challenged, he could see right through me.

"To have a think, now if you could excuse me," I suggested trying to slide past him but he slammed his hand out and down onto the bannister blocking my way. "Jacob!" I whisper yelled.

"Think about what?" He prodded, holding his ground.

"Ryan, is that okay?" I quipped sharply, placing my own hand down onto the bannister and swiftly swooped myself over it landing silently on the hardwood floor below.

"No, it's not." He answered back as I walked towards the door. "Why are you even considering talking to him?" He seethed quietly in my ear having already caught up with me.

"He deserves a proper explanation." I muttered and he scoffed, folding his arms again. "Look, just let me be—" my complaining was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Jacob and I looked at each other cluelessly. "Are you expecting anyone?" Jake asked me as I reached for the handle.

"No." I swung the door open and there stood Embry. He looked drained. His eyes had bags, his hair was a mess, his tanned skin had lost its russet glow giving him a sickly complexion. "Hi Em, what are you doing here?" I asked him, opening the door wider for him to step in.

"I can't take it anymore Blue. I'm losing my mind." His voice was wary, his eyes brimming with tears of pain, the redness of bloodshot eyes surrounding his brown irises.

I pulled Embry in for a hug, my arms wrapping around him tightly. "Oh, Embry."

"It'll get better bro I swear." Jake reassured from behind me, placing a hand on his back.

"It's been so long though Jake. It's physically hurting me. I just want to hear her voice, to know that she's okay." He explained, pulling away from the hug.

I went to open mouth to reply but someone else got there before me.

"Who's at the— oh." We all turned our heads to see Tori halfway down the hallway, a nervous expression on her face before it turned to guilt once she looked over Embry. "Hi."

I stole a glance at him and you could already see the light returning to him. "Hey."

Jake gently nudged me so I would look up at him, he wiggled his eyebrows at me suggestively before nodding towards Embry and Catori. I smiled and rolled my eyes before turning my full attention back to the couple.

"How have you been?" She asked him, taking a few more steps to join our little group.

"Not good Tor," he laughed a little but there was still a sadness in his voice.

"Oh, I'm sorry—" she went to go on but turned her head to look at Jake and myself. She motioned her head towards the door, practically telling us to get out.

"Oh! Come on Jake, we're going for a walk." I quickly grabbed his hand and turned back towards the front door.

"We?" He asked a bit surprised as I dragged him.

Why does he have to embarrass me like this? Our argument could be forgotten for now. "Yes Jacob, we."

We left the house quickly, Jake still looking very confused as I pulled him towards the tree line and away from the house. I stopped just as soon as we were concealed by the darkness of the canopy, to a human they wouldn't be able to see us, but to someone like Jake or myself we would just about be seen.

"I thought you said—" I didn't even allow him to finish his sentence.

"Shh! Sit down and be quiet." I ordered him, he frowned but complied anyway, taking a seat against a tree trunk.

It was rude of me really, to listen in on my sister's conversation with Embry, but when you were gifted with superhuman hearing you just couldn't help yourself. And besides, I wanted to be close in case something went wrong,

I used that as my excuse...

"It's been a while." Tori's voice appeared in my head, I was so tempted to put my barrier down and watch from one of their minds but I thought that would be a bit too far.

"Yeah... I haven't seen you since — well since — I'm sorry I scared you." Embry's sincere apology made me aww out loud, causing Jake to stir up.

"What are you awwing about?" He stood up and made his way over to me. His arm dropping over my shoulder as he pulled my body towards him.

"It's fine, I didn't know what was going on, or how to deal with it." I heard her sigh before continuing. "Aria made it worse by intervening, its weird seeing her not act human..." she paused for a moment, as if she was going over images of me doing vampire things in her head. "Anyway, everything's okay, I forgive you." You could hear the smile in her voice and brought a hand up to cover my heart, it won't be long until they are in love.

Embry let out a loud sigh of relief, "thank god. I would've come sooner but I didn't know how you'd react to me. If you'd even want to seen me, you know, after hurting Seth." You could tell how painful it was for him to bring up Seth's name, I guess he didn't know how she still felt about him, or even if she did feel for him for that matter.

"I'm not going to lie to you Embry but I was so angry at you for doing that to him, I loved him and you attacked him!" I could hear Embry's heart rate increase in that moment and I prayed that whatever Tori said next wouldn't provoke him. I also felt Jake's arm tense around me, he obviously wasn't too keen on Tori's answer either. "But Seth is just a friend now, we've barely spoken since the incident. I just don't feel that way for him anymore, you know? It like my hearts meant for someone else."

I could've died in that moment. Cuteness overload. I literally felt like melting to the floor.

I turned to Jake and grabbed his shoulders and shook him with excitement "it's happening!" I chanted over and over again as I shook him.

"Yes, yes it's happening. You can stop that now." Jake laughed at me as he pulled my hands from his shoulders.

"I can't help it, I'm so excited!" I squealed. I danced around him happily and he just stood there laughing at my enthusiasm.

As I danced I obviously lost focus on the couple inside the house. "Err Ari?" Jake's voice brought me to a halt and I stopped in front of him.

"What?" He had the biggest smirk on his face as he stared over my head and towards the house. "What? What is it?" I asked again and as he slowly lifted his hand to point over my shoulder.

In that moment I knew I had been busted.

I slowly turned, shame covering my face as Embry and Tori stood on the porch with their arms folded, shaking their heads at us.

"You were eavesdropping?!" Tori yelled across the field and in that moment all I could think of was to run, yelling back a sorry over my shoulder.

* * *

The next few days went by blissfully. There were no arguments between anyone, even Jared had calmed down around me, though I hoped that was Kim's influence.

When I got home on the night of the eavesdropping incident — I had been hiding at Jake's all day — Tori was completely fine with me listening in to my surprise. We spent hours that night gushing over Embry and how she "never realised how good looking he was before".

I had forgotten about the idea of visiting the Cullens and even talking to Ryan. I just wanted to be happy for the moment with my family and friends. We were at peace and I wanted to enjoy it with them.

In the few days that had passed Catori became more involved with the group and had joined all of us at Emily and Sam's house for a BBQ last night. Seth was there, and though they spoke briefly, Tori knew not to stray so far away from Embry's side with Seth's presence.

They seemed to be moving quickly, Embry had been round every night the past few days but Dad refused to let him stay with Tori only being sixteen. She tried to argue the fact that Jake used to stay all the time when we were sixteen ourselves but Sad said it was different as we were best friends. She didn't like that one bit.

Tori had also told me that they had kissed already and she only forgave him five days ago. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at how easy it had been for them. Everything was moving so smoothly after she forgave him but it's taken Jake and I practically a year to finally be somewhat happy. I knew every relationship was different but I couldn't help myself, it just seemed so unfair.

Anyway, you could tell that summer was here with the amount of sunshine we were getting and what better way to spend it than at the beach. It was hottest day of the year so far which ultimately meant bikini weather, I was praying that I was still able to tan but I betted that was a slim chance.

Sam had allowed all the boys to take this afternoon off of patrolling so we could spend the day together and tonight we would be having another council bonfire which would allow Tori, Brady and Collin to hear about the tribe's legends.

Tori and I arrived with Jesse, Dad couldn't believe it when he saw the three of us about to leave together. He said he never thought that all three of his children would be a part of the secret he had to keep for nearly all of his life. I guessed he was just happy that he could finally share it with us.

Jake was coming a little later, apparently he had some sort of surprise for all of us at the BBQ. He made me swear not to read his mind and ruin it.

Tori, Leah, Kim, Emily and I were making the most of the sun whilst the boys played a game of soccer behind us with Sam preparing the food. I had my eyes closed listening to the sounds of the waves and feeling the heat on my skin, I was in complete and utter bliss.

"Hey Blue!" I opened my eyes and sat up and looked in the direction in which the voice came from. My eyes finally found Quil. He was carrying a small little girl in his arms which I only assumed to be Claire. "I want you to meet someone!" Jake had told me all about Quil and Claire and how all Quil wanted to do at the moment was act like an older brother to Claire and be her protector.

I stood up, brushing the sand off of my body before I jogged over to Quil and Claire. She was the sweetest little thing. "Claire, this is Aria. Wanna say hi?" She was shy at first, hiding behind her hair.

"Hi," she waved slightly before turning her head into Quil's neck causing Quil and I to chuckle at her.

"Awh someone's a little shy. Hi Claire." When I said her name she turned her head to look at me again studying my face.

Her eyes locked onto mine and she smiled before pointing at them. "Blue!" She said happily before clapping her hands together and we laughed at her excitement.

"Yeah, Blue!" Quil praised her as she beamed up at him, proud that she got something right.

She repeated the word "blue" over again, entertained by the fact that Quil and I cheered her on each time she said it. After a few moments her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she seems to be thinking, "My eyes brown. Quil's eyes brown. Why Aria's blue?" I smiled at her little confused face as she kept staring at my eyes.

"My eyes are blue because my mommy's eyes are blue." I explained to her but her confused face remained.

"I don't think she gets it." Quil said as he watched her, the smile not leaving his face.

I dropped my barrier momentarily to see if she understood what I just explained to her and I was surprised to find that she did.

"What a smart little girl!" I cooed at her and she giggled. "She gets it." I laughed as Claire reached her arms towards me.

"She gets it!" Quil cheered.

"I gets it!" Claire joined in making my heart melt. "I want to play in the sea with Aria." The way she said my name was so adorable, she was struggling with the "r" sound and replaced it with a "w".

"Do you mind?" Quil asked me, preparing to hand her over.

"No, not at all." Quil handed her over to me and she hugged me as soon as she was in my arms, wrapping her little arms around my neck. "Shall we go in the water?" I asked her a she cheered and squealed as I bounced her around.

"Alright, I'm going to go play with the boys. You'll be a good girl for Aria won't you Claire?" Quil asked her and she nodded her head quickly.

"Yep!" She smiled at him and then they said their goodbyes, allowing for me to carry Claire down to the water. "Is Quil your friend?" Claire asked me.

"He's my best friend." I told her. "We've been best friends for a very long time."

"Even before I was born?" She asked, her face full of surprise and I laughed.

"Yeah, way, way, way before you were born." I explained, placing her on the ground, close enough to the water so that whenever a wave rolled in the water would wash over her toes.

"Wow you're really old Aria!" She said so confidently I burst out into laughter.

"Who are you calling old?" I squinted my eyes at her playfully and she smiled at me cheekily. "Come here you!" I said moving for her and she had just enough time to squeal an "uh oh" before I picked her up in my arms and began to spin her around, her laughter filling the air and occasional squeals every time I lowered her feet into the water.

We played like that for a while until she told me she wanted to sit in the sand and make castles. As I was watching her dig into the sand I heard all the boys cheering and calling Jake's name. I looked over my shoulder and saw Jake greeting all his boys, he hadn't seen me yet.

"Hey Claire." She turned her head at my calling her name and I waved her over. She stood from the her spot on the ground, her tiny body covered in sand as she waddled over and plonked herself down on my lap. "Do you see Jacob over there?" I asked her in a whisper subtly pointing at Jake.

He looked amazing in the sunlight, his toned, tanned body was enough to make my mouth water. His eyes seemed to be searching for me but we were a little way down the beach so we weren't as easy to spot.

"Yeah I see him." Claire said just as Jake's eyes found us, a huge smile spreading over his face as he watched us.

"Do you know what I think we should do?" I asked her and a small mischievous smile spread across her face.

"We should get him!" She was so evil I loved it.

"Yeah! On the count of three we jump up and go jump on him!" I said to her lifting her off my lap and placing her on her feet. "Ready?" I asked her and she nodded, jumping up and down on the spot. "One, two... three!"

And then she was off, running as fast as her tiny little legs could carry her, screaming her battle cry as she charged for Jake. A few of the guys had stopped playing soccer to watch her pounce on him, he crouched to the floor ready to catch her as she jumped into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck as he pretended to fall backwards.

I jogged up the beach watching as Claire exploded into a fit of giggles as Jake began to tickle her. Watching him with a child made my heart swell, I wanted that. Seeing him like that with Claire made me want children with him that little bit more. If I'm not able to give him that it would kill me and despite what love and comfort he'd offer me I didn't know if I'd ever be able to get over it.

Claire eventually climbed off of him, gave me a wave and then wandered back over to Quil. Jake stood up from his spot on the sand, his eyes locking with mine before they slowly travelled down my body. A warmth spread over me as he continued to gaze at me, the intense, possessive look in his dark eyes was making me feel things I shouldn't be feeling on a beach surrounded by our friends, especially my siblings.

He then walked towards me, I was only a few feet away, and as a small but cheeky smirk spread over his face and I completely forgot about everyone around us. As he reached me, he didn't say a word. Our eyes never left each other's as I felt his big hands grasp my bare waist and pull me against his warm body.

One of his hands slid round my back and began to slip lower just as he dipped his head to whisper in my ear, "I want to rip this off you, you look so damn perfect." He finished, the hand that slipped round my back now grasping one of my ass cheeks. My breath caught in my throat and my stomach fluttered.

What had gotten into him?

He began to place kisses along my shoulder and neck making me hum in delight. "How can someone be so perfect? " He asked me as he pulled away to look into my eyes. The logical answer would be that I'm a vampire but I wasn't going to ruin the moment.

"Jake," I whined before wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling myself up onto my tiptoes.

"What? It's true." He smiled and I felt myself smile too. "I'm so lucky to have you." My heart swelled and I couldn't help but kiss him.

Our lips moved together slowly at first, our surroundings disappearing as we got lost in each other. When his tongue slipped into my mouth and I let out a moan he held me tighter, pulling me closer if that was possible. As his hands travelled south to grasp my ass again in an attempt to lift me I knew it was time to pull away.

"We can't do this here." I told him, a sadness spreading over his face. "Come on don't look at me like that, you know we can't."

"I know." He nodded sullenly before taking a look around over my head. As he looked his face grew slightly irritable.

"What's wrong? Hey, where's that surprise?" I asked him, having completely forgotten until now.

"Well it was running late..." He said and then paused for a moment before a smile spread across his face again. "It's here now though."

"What?" I was confused but then I realised he was listening to something.

I heard a car door slam and a girl muttering about how pathetic her car was. I looked back at Jake's face in confusion as his smile didn't let up so I dropped my barrier and focused on the voice... It was Rachel.

"Oh my god! Rachel's here?!" I asked Jake, quickly putting my barrier back up before I turned towards the top of the beach to see her standing there looking down at all of us. The excitement inside me fuelled me, and I found myself running up the beach squealing as I made my way to hug Jake's older sister.

We hadn't seen her in years. She was the older sister I never had and she was here! She was back home!

As soon as I reached her I pulled her in for a hug. "I can't believe you're here!" We rocked from side to side in our hug, her laughs filling the air.

"I can't believe I'm here either. How Jake kept this a secret for so long is beyond me!" She laughed as we broke out of our hug. "I also can't believe how old you look!"

"Hey!" I protested and she waved me off, as we both knew she wasn't insulting me. "Have you seen Jake, or any of the boys for that matter?" I asked her, if I looked old she was going to flip out when she saw them.

"No not since I left, I've only spoken to Jake on the— oh my god! What the fuck happened to you?" Her eyes widened and she almost choked on her words, Jake had obviously appeared behind me and Rachel was in no way expecting her little brother to look like Jake.

"Hi Rach," just by his voice you could tell how happy he was to have Rachel back in his life. It was a shame Rebecca wanted nothing to do with her life here, Jake and Billy really missed them.

"Again I'm asking, what the hell happened! Why didn't you tell me you now looked like this?!" She exclaimed as they pulled away from hugging each other. "You are literally a whole foot taller than me!"

"We all grew up Rach, you've been gone a while." Jake explained and Rachel nodded sadly and Jake acknowledged this. "Come on the guys will want to say hi." Jake wrapped an arm around her shoulders and then did the same to me and began to lead us back down the beach towards the small crowd that had gathered.

"Well, I'm glad to see that you two are finally together." Rachel sighed. "Like seriously Ari he would not shut up about you. I mean I love you and everything but he would not stop and you can only hear so much after a while." She finished with a laugh.

"Really?" I asked, genuinely intrigued. Just before Jake phased I began to notice he became more flirty and we kept coming close to kissing and then Bella came along and everything changed. I didn't realise he had felt something for me that long ago before he imprinted.

"Oh my god, yes!" She exclaimed. "He's been in love with you since he was five!"

"Can we stop embarrassing me now please?" Jake interrupted. I stole a glance at him and his cheeks were bright red.

"Aww that's so cute." I reached up onto my tiptoes to kiss Jake's cheek and he looked down to the ground in embarrassment.

"No, no no Aria, don't you try to act so innocent." She warned and I frowned.

"What?" I asked, honestly confused.

"Jake, do you know how long this girl has loved you for?" Rachel asked him and my eyes widened at the fact she was outing me too.

"Actually, he didn't." I answered for him and his smile sunk knowing all the issues he caused. "He was oblivious until a few months ago when I literally shouted it at him." I explained and he frowned.

"Tut tut tut Jacob, I thought you were smarter than that." She laughed with me joining her as Jake tried to think of an answer but he was interrupted by Tori yelling Rachel's name.

Jake removed his arm from Rachel so she could greet everyone properly and then turned to me. "You know I'm sorry about all that right? I love you so much." I felt my stomach drop looking at the sadness etched across his face.

"And I love you." I told him as I reached up to caress his cheek, his eyes closed at the contact as he leaned into my touch. "I know you're sorry Jake, but we're trying to move on from then, look at us now, we're on our way."

"I know, but I will always be sorry." I nodded at his response before I pecked his lips. Maybe in the future he'd be able to let it go.

"Oooo Jesse look who's here." Paul's voice boomed, bursting the bubble around Jake and myself.

"Shut the fuck up Paul!" Jesse and Paul were at the back of the group and hadn't gotten round to saying hi to Rachel yet. When Rachel still lived here, Jesse had the biggest crush on her, before he grew into himself he would always become so shy around her. I guess Paul was teasing him about Rachel's return.

"Hi boys!" Rachel's chirpy voice lulled the boys out their argument. "Hi Jesse, how are you?" She had a knowing smirk on her face obviously hearing their conversation.

Jesse was frozen for a few moments, his shyness around Rachel returning momentarily before he regained his composure. "Hi Rachel, we've missed you round here." Jesse said coolly but Paul's snickers from beside him weren't going unnoticed.

"I've missed you guys too. It's good to be home." She smiled warmly at him before turning to Paul whose attention had been taken by two girls in bikini's further down the beach. I rolled my eyes at his arrogance as I watched him ignore Rachel's presence. She coughed to gain his attention and as his eyes locked on to hers it was clear he had imprinted.

As soon as they got sucked into their moment, Jake swiftly left my side and began to stomp over to the couple. Here we go...

Jake moved in front of Jesse and grabbed Paul's shoulder, distracting him from gazing at Rachel. "Paul can I talk to you?" He said through gritted teeth, not even giving Paul a chance to reply, before he pulled him away from Rachel. Emily and Sam quickly made their way over to Rachel, diverting her attention away from Jake and Paul yelling at each other half way down the beach.

Why do our trips to the beach always end in drama?

As I was about to make my way over and intervene my eyes landed on Jesse. He hadn't moved from his spot and had an ugly, angry grimace on his face. I moved towards him slowly, unsure on how I should act around him. "Hey Jesse?" I said calmly placing a hand on his shoulder but he shrugged me off harshly.

"Don't touch me!" He spat as he began breathing heavily through his nose.

"Jesse what's wrong?" I asked him but he continued to get angrier, his body now shaking. He's going to end up phasing at this rate...

"Aria get back." He warned sternly, it was like you could see the heat radiating from his body.

"Jesse you can't do this here!" I whisper shouted at him and began to look around in panic. Everyone seemed to be oblivious to what was happening but then my eyes locked onto Embry who was looking at us in confusion. I waved him over quickly, not wanting to shout and draw more attention to Jesse. Once Embry surveyed the situation his eyes widened and he sprinted over.

"Jesse man calm down you can't be doing this here!" Embry grabbed Jesse's arm and shoved him in the direction of the forest.

"Get the fuck off me!" Jesse growled but Embry wasn't having it.

"No, fucking move!" Embry shoved him again, and this time Jesse actually moved. "Jesse! Go!" Jesse gave in, turning towards the forest and began to run towards it.

"What's wrong with him?" I asked Embry, something must have really got to him.

"I don't know but I'll find out, stay here." It was weird receiving instructions from Embry but I followed them anyway. Also, if Jesse had phased and I was close by and he hurt me Jake wouldn't let me hear the end of it and Jesse would never forgive himself.

When Embry and Jesse fully disappeared into the trees I turned my attention back to Jake and Paul who were still arguing. No doubt Jake was giving Paul the 'brother' talk. What is it with all the boys being so overprotective with the girls in their families?

I quickly looked over my shoulder to see Rachel watching her brother and Paul shout at each other, her eyebrows furrowed and concern and worry crossed her face. Maybe I should do something...

I jogged over, god I was jogging a lot today, trying to ignore the uncomfortable bouncing of my boobs in my unsupportive bikini. The closer I got to the boys the more you could hear the anger in their voices.

"She's come home after so long, you're not going to take her away from us!" Jake snarled, pointing in Paul's face as he leaned over him.

"She's my imprint you're gonna have to deal with it!" To be fair Paul was right. He can't help who he imprints on, its the same argument Jake had with Jesse over me. "She's mine!" Well that was the wrong thing to say there Paul. Paul the hot head living up to his name.

"You don't even know her!" Jake grabbed Paul by his arms and then shoved him back. "You can't just claim her!"

"Are you fucking stupid? She's my imprint you dumb fuck!"

"She's not a fucking toy!" I yelled at them both when I was finally a few feet away from them. They both stopped yelling at each other and turned their heads to look at me, their faces bright red from their anger. "You're both acting like children."

"He started it!" Paul cried and I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for more of their bickering.

"Seriously? You both need to calm the fuck down. Yes it's unfortunate that Paul imprinted on Rachel the day she got back to town, but Jake, it can't be helped. And you of all people know how hard it is and what it does to you when you're kept away from your imprint. You shouldn't be doing this to Paul." I explained and and held my hand up when Jake was about to protest. "And for fucks sake Paul stop smirking or I'll knock it off your face. Is it really so hard for you to be normal and not act like a prick when it comes to your friend and his sister? Honestly!" I finished with a huff and turned on my heel back towards the group, enjoying the stunned silence that was left behind.

The sun would be setting soon and as soon as darkness fell people would begin to make their way to our house for the council meeting. Dad had offered to hold this one so he's been at home cleaning all day, wanting us kids out the house. I decided now would be the best time to go home and get myself ready and away from all the drama.

I said a quick goodbye to everyone, pulling my t-shirt dress over my head, grabbing the rest of my stuff and heading towards the woods to run home.

As I ran I realised I hadn't even said goodbye to Jake, he was not going to be happy.

* * *

I stayed up in my room until everyone had arrived. I didn't mean to hide, I was going to go straight down stairs when I saw Jake in the backyard preparing the bonfire, but the grumpy look on his face made me think otherwise. It could have been because of Paul but as he hadn't come up here to see me I guessed it was me.

I watched from behind my curtain as the boys helped to set up, preparing the bonfire, positioning the logs for all of us to sit on. Tori sat on the grass chatting to Embry as he worked, it was quite cute actually but I couldn't help but feel sorry for Seth who kept watching her with a broken expression on his face.

Obviously I wasn't hiding myself when Jake and I made eye contact. He looked so pissed off I felt myself shrink back away from the window and into the middle of my room. To be fair he was acting like a child so I told him off, and not just him, Paul too!

I took a seat on my bed and grabbed my throw from the end of it and began to fiddle with the corners not really knowing what to do with myself. Why are boys such children?!

After going back and forward in my head for about two minutes I decided I would go downstairs anyway. I hadn't done anything, he was the one acting like a baby and being grumpy. I stood from my bed and made my way over to my door, when I pulled it open I was met with a bare chest belonging to none other than Jake.

I looked up at him, "yes?"

"Can I come in?" He asked, his voice even.

"I don't know, can you? Or are you going to throw another tantrum?" I asked him, one eyebrow raising quizzically as I looked at him. He huffed, and looked up at the ceiling refusing to meet my eyes. "Jacob?" The use of his full name finally got him to look at me.

"Yes fine! I acted like an idiot." He admitted but didn't finish. "You didn't even tell me you were leaving."

"I was too annoyed. You were being so harsh on him, I know he can be a dick but you know what it feels like! Remember when Jesse forbid you from seeing me? How that made you feel?" I asked him, finally moving aside so he could walk into my room.

He took a seat on my bed, his elbows resting on his knees as he let his head fall into his hands. "She's only just come home." He mumbled into his hands and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Awh Jake." He looked so sad, I just wanted to wrap him up in my arms and kiss his sadness away. "Listen," I began stepping towards him, grabbing his wrists so he'd move his head to look up at me. "I know it's going to be hard for you to share her as she's only just come back but you have to remember how it made you feel, you can't do that to Paul." I tried to get the message across and I think he was starting to let reality sink in.

He sighed heavily before moving his hands from my grip and bringing them around my body to hold my ass so he could pull me forward between his legs. "I know." He rested his forehead against my stomach and my hands found their way to his hair.

"There is a good outcome to this." I said sparking his attention as he lifted his head to look at me.

"Yeah? What's that?" He asked. The interest peaking in his voice.

"She'll be more involved in your life. She won't be kept in the dark. You'll be able to talk to each other properly about your problems. Say we have an argument about something and you need someone to talk to, she'll be there and she'll understand our situation and be there for you. Paul imprinting on Rachel may be the best thing to happen for you both." My hands continued to run through his hair as he thought about my words, his eyes closing at the contact before his forehead rested against my stomach again.

"I guess you're right." He breathed, his voice muffled against me.

"I know I'm right." I confirmed, a cheeky smirk spreading across my lips. Jake could obviously tell and he lifted his head to look at me, a small smile threatening to break across his face.

"Don't get cocky now." He warned, moving me a step backwards so he could stand, towering over me once again. My hands left his hair and fell to his shoulders and then down to his biceps which I gave a slight squeeze just for the fun of it.

"I'm allowed to be cocky. I'm right." I shrugged and he squeezed my ass which made me press my body against him. "I'm always right." I finished just as he began to lower his head towards mine.

His nose brushed against my own, his lips so close but too far for me to reach, taunting me. "I guess so." He was whispering now, his head dipping lower so his lips brushed against my neck as he spoke. My breath hitched when he placed an open mouth kiss against the base of my neck.

"You guess so?" I asked him, my voice just audible as I struggled to speak as he placed more kisses along my neck and up towards my lips.

He hummed in agreement before he pressed his lips against mine, moving them slowly as if savouring the moment. He bent down slightly, not breaking our kiss, and slipped his hands round the back of my thighs to lift me into his arms so I could wrap my legs around his waist. My hands found their way back to his hair, a moan leaving my throat as he slipped his tongue into my mouth.

He began to walk backwards, his legs hitting the bed before he sat down on the edge, me now straddling his lap. I readjusted myself on his lap so I was sitting right on his crotch, butterflies forming as he gripped my hips tightly and urged me to grind myself against him as our kisses became more urgent.

Our breathing became heavier as my hips moved over him, I could feel him growing hard against myself and that only excited me more. He held my waist tightly, lifting me off of him, breaking our kiss before he moved me across the bed so my head was now against the pillows.

He leaned over me, his lust filled eyes not leaving my face before he leaned down to press a sweet kiss against my forehead, my eyes closing at the gesture. "I love you." He whispered, my eyes reopening to see him smiling down at me.

"And I love you." As soon as the words left my mouth my room began to glow with orange light and loud cheers filled the air signalling the council meeting was beginning. "We should join them, they won't like being kept waiting." As much as I hated it, it was true.

Jake huffed before climbing off of me and stood beside the bed. "Yeah, you're right. Let's go." He sorted himself out before holding his hand out to me to help me up and I couldn't help the victorious smile that spread across my lips at his words.

"Ha!" I gloated as I took his hands and stood to my feet. "I win." I beamed at him being all happy with his choice of words.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He rolled his eyes before moving me towards the door. "Get moving." He ordered, still pushing me towards the door and just as I was about to protest against him telling me what to do he slapped my ass. Hard.

"Hey!" I screeched but he chuckled lightly to himself as he shut my bedroom door.

"Quiet baby, I'll kiss it better for you later." He finished with a wink before wandering past me down the stairs. Leaving me heated by his words.

* * *

It had to be one of the biggest bonfires we had ever had. The sparks seemed to be well above the treetops. Its dark smoke was lost in the night, grey melting into black, dulling the shine of the stars. Our bronze skin glowed with the red, orange and gold that the fire released; our eyes reflecting the flickering, each iris containing a small picture of the bonfire before us.

Billy had told the true story of the tribe, explained our legends, explained me. Tori held onto every word that Billy said, her eyes showing disbelief that this life was in fact real and we were all a part of it.

Jake hadn't taken his hands off of me all night. It was like our love had grown even more. The simplest touch would ignite my skin and give me butterflies, just looking at him made my heart swell with love. I still couldn't believe we were made to be together, it just didn't seem real and I was so thankful for the cards I had been dealt in my life recently, despite their consequences.

The elders had gone off on their own, a little way from the fire to talk amongst themselves, leaving us kids to make our own conversation. It didn't take long for Tori and Embry to sneak off into the woods. I was reluctant to intervene and let them go but I knew they wouldn't do anything too drastic, especially with Jesse being wound so tight today.

Imprints soon became the topic of conversation, the boys immersing themselves in obnoxious chat about girls, leaving, Leah, Kim, Emily and myself to make our own entertainment. Our conversation about Tori and Embry sneaking off didn't last long as we were suddenly interrupted by Jesse's loud booming voice, our heads whipping round to look at him. "Can you just shut the fuck up! All of you! Gushing about imprints as if they are your little pets." He stood from his seat on the logs, disgust all over his face as he looked at his pack mates who were silenced by his outburst. "So fucking pathetic!" He stressed before turning on his heel and running towards the trees.

We all sat there dumbfounded, not really knowing how to handle the situation. There was an awkward cough or two and when I realised that none of the boys were going to make an effort to find Jesse I decided to go myself. "And you call yourself a pack. What a strong bond you 'brothers' have." I sneered sarcastically before vampire speeding away to find Jesse.

He hadn't gotten very far when I found him. He hadn't phased like I expected he would, instead he was still human, just pacing the forest floor.

"You wanna tell me what that was all about?" I asked him, my hands on my hips staring at him expectantly. He shot round obviously not expecting me, too lost in his own thoughts to hear me.

He stayed silent for a moment, just staring at me, I guess trying to find the right words. "I wanted to imprint on Rachel." He was pained. The way his voice shook made my heart fall into my stomach. "You know how much I liked her before she left... It's so unfair. I know Paul is my best friend but it just pisses me off how he thinks it's okay to rub it in my face, you know? He knew exactly how I felt about her! He doesn't even know her! And he's out there..." he pointed towards the bonfire, breathing heavily as the tears brimmed his eyes. "...he's out there making out like he's known her his whole life whilst I have to sit there and let him get on with it because she's his imprint!"

I rushed towards him and pulled him into a hug, my arms wrapping around his waist tightly. "You will find someone Jesse, it will just take time. There's a girl out there that's made for you and you only. You will find her." I tried to reassure him but he pulled free from my hug and began pacing again.

"What if I missed my shot Aria?" He asked me, his hands coming up to pull his short hair.

"You haven't—"

"How do you know, you and Jake were one of the lucky one's. What if she's dead or too old?!" He stressed, working himself up more and more.

"Jesse—" I tried again but he was too upset to listen to me.

"No, Aria. Just let me be alone." And with that he turned towards the darkness, a harsh ripping sound whipped through the trees before the thudding of his thunderous paw prints echoed around the forest and the distant howl of a pained wolf filled the air.