CHAPTER THIRTY
TOASTED MARSHMALLOWS

Montana may have been a tad wrong about the Victoria situation being sorted out any time soon. Emphasis on the may, because she was usually pretty spot on about everything, so she was trying her best to remain optimistic.

Whilst Bella was away, a vampire had snuck into her home, so the Cullen's had enlisted the pack's help to watch over the area and increase Bella's protection, which meant that Jacob was even busier than before. Annoying, but necessary, obviously, Montana wasn't heartless.

Nobody could seem to decide whether Victoria was behind the incident or not, as the scent the Cullen's had chased down was not a familiar one. Though, in Montana's opinion, that just meant Victoria was pulling strings elsewhere in the background. Why else would a vampire know to come looking for Bella?

Montana was worried about her friend, but had to admit that Bella was probably going to be the safest out of all of them, considering she had both vampires and shape-shifters watching her back at all hours.

Jacob had been on edge about letting Montana even set foot in Forks, which she thought was a little irrational since she wasn't actually in any notable danger. Eventually, Montana managed to sort of threaten Jake into letting her actually go to work. They reached a compromise, where one of the pack always had to drive her to the diner, and pick her up. Montana didn't mind, it meant she got a free lift there and back. Plus, Diane was absolutely loving having hot guys appear whenever Montana was timetabled (honestly, though, she was getting a little tired of Diane and Paul's relentless flirting.)

Jacob had spent brief amounts of time with Bella whenever he was on pack duty, managing to reconcile their friendship, almost destroy it again, and then get back to normal once more in the space of a few days. Very impressive.

By the time Sunday came, Edward was out hunting, which meant he had finally released Bella from his tight clutches, allowing her to come to La Push. Jacob decided to bring her along to the tribe bonfire taking place in the evening – that one didn't exactly go down well with everybody.

Montana was a little jealous about this, though she wasn't entirely sure why. Well, okay, she did know why, but it was kind of stupid. Bella was in love with Edward, and Montana was Jacob's imprint. It shouldn't have mattered. It sort of did, but it shouldn't have.

Plus, it wasn't as if Jacob had completely ditched them all for Bella again the way he did at the start of the year. He'd seen Montana the most, and as much as possible, even if it wasn't for long periods of time. They were supposed to have their first date yesterday, but it ended up being rescheduled because of the vampire's visit to Bella's house – Yeah, Montana really could not stress enough how much she despised vampires right now. They had ruined multiple of her best friends lives, and now they were ruining her love life too.

When the night finally dawned, and the campfire was crackling, Montana found herself surrounded by several raucous and ravenous teenage boys. Jacob and Bella hadn't even arrived yet and Paul had already scoffed four burgers, with no sign of stopping. If he carried on, there wouldn't be any food left, and Jacob would not be happy about it.

Montana realised the pack and their families hadn't actually been together, all of them at once, in weeks, which was quite a sad thought. But Montana was happy they had a chance to spend time together again, and she was excited to hear the tribe legends. She'd known about some of them through her grandmother (well, technically her Uncle's Chey's mother, a former member of the council). She passed away just over a year ago, and Montana missed the simplest things, like hearing her voice as she talked proudly about the Quileute tribe. Now that was down to Old Quil and Billy Black.

"They're here!" Seth announced excitedly, leaping up from where he was sat. Leah rolled her eyes as her younger brother dashed past everyone, and turned back to the conversation she was having with her parents.

Dakota got to her feet and walked slowly towards Montana, a slight scowl etching across her face. She stopped beside her, folding her arms across her chest. "Wow. Surprised Edward actually let her come."

"Play nice," Montana warned.

Dakota scoffed, her expression not changing one bit as Jacob and a sheepish looking Bella headed towards them. A smile curved on Montana's lips as she caught eyes with Jake, and his entire face brightened at the sight of her.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hey," Montana said. Her eyes shifted to the girl beside him, smile faltering a little. "Hi, Bella."

"Hey." Her eyes drifted between Montana and Dakota as she shifted a little uncomfortably on her feet. Though, that was probably because of the hard stare Dakota was giving her.

"Well, better get back," Dakota finally spoke. Montana gave her cousin a cautioning stare, prompting her to exhale heavily. "It's nice to see you Bella, or whatever," she added. Bit unnecessary, but that was the ever-stubborn Dakota.

Bella gave her a weak smile, which was not reciprocated.

They took their seats around the campfire, Montana squeezed between Dakota and Jacob. His hand brushed gently against hers as they sat down, and Montana didn't mind one bit.

"The Quileutes have been a small tribe from the beginning... But we've always had magic in our blood..." Billy began.

Montana leaned forwards slightly, listening intently.

"We were great spirit warriors," Billy said. "Shape shifters, that transform into the powerful wolf. This enabled us to scare off our enemies, and protect our tribe. One day our warriors came across a creature...It looked like a man, but it was hard like stone, and cold as ice..."

Montana couldn't help casting a look over at Bella, who seemed entirely absorbed in the story. She started to realise why Jacob was insistent on bringing her to the bonfire – so she could hear their side of the tale.

"Our warriors' sharp teeth, finally tore it apart... But only fire would completely destroy it. They lived in fear, the Cold Man was not alone. And they were right. She took her vengeance out on the village. Our elder chief, Taha Aki, was the only spirit warrior left to save the tribe, after his son was killed. Taha Aki's Third Wife could sees that he would lose..." Billy's eyes drifted over the the group, lingering a moment longer on Bella.

"The Third Wife was no magical being, no special powers, but one... Courage. She ran towards the Cold Woman, with her dagger raised high. But then, as she neared, plunged the knife into her own heart."

Gasps escaped a few people, including Montana, who couldn't help the involuntary reaction.

"The Third Wife's sacrifice distracted the Cold Woman, long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe," Billy finished, taking a moment of pause whilst his eyes swept over everybody once more. "Our magic awakens when they near. And we sense it now, we feel the threat in our blood. Something terrible is coming. And we must all be ready. All of us."

Montana swallowed thickly, feeling an involuntary shiver run along her spine. There was a general consensus in the air that they were preparing for something. What that was, Montana wasn't entirely sure, but she knew it would involve Bella and Victoria.

She cast another look over at Jacob, finding that he was already watching her. He squeezed her hand, and she squeezed back, neither of them saying a word as they waited for the next legend to begin.

—

Once the tribe's stories were told, everybody settled down to relax properly.

Montana was toasting marshmallows with Embry and Quil – actually, she was more like babysitting them both, after Quil tried to eat one whilst it was literally still on fucking fire.

From the corner of her eye, she could see Bella talking to Dakota, presumably to try and fix their rocky friendship. Dakota had been angry since Bella left for Italy, and Montana knew her cousin could hold a grudge against somebody forever if she wanted to. She hoped it wouldn't come to that though.

"Hey, when's your uncle back?" Quil asked Montana, chewing on a marshmallow.

She shifted her attention towards the boys again, who were standing a little too close to the fire for two people with limited functioning brain cells.

"Next week," Montana replied. "Apparently he's staying for good this time."

"That's cool," Embry said. "Missed having him around."

"Only because he's the only adult that will put up with you two and your misadventures," Montana fired back with a grin of amusement.

"Put up with us, join us..." Embry shrugged. "The guy's a legend."

Quil chuckled. "You won't be saying that when he's fucking your mom again." Montana and Embry threw their marshmallows at him. "Hey!"

"Dude, shut up." Embry glared harshly. "They went on one date."

"Yeah, that's what you think– Ow!" Quil rubbed the back of his head, where Embry had smacked him particularly hard. "Montana, did you see that?!"

"Yes."

"Are you going to yell at him?"

"No."

Embry smirked, moving to sit down beside her. "That, my friend, is justice served," he told Quil as he slung an arm over Montana's shoulder. Quil rolled his eyes. Embry leaned forwards to Montana slightly, his voice lowering. "Uh, hey, don't want to alarm you, but Bella Swan is walking over here."

Montana turned her head, locating the girl as she awkwardly approached them. Oh, no, now she was going to have to make conversation with Bella.

"Um, hey."

"Hey," Montana replied.

"Do you mind if we talk?" Bella's eyes drifted over the three of them uncomfortably. "Alone."

"Sure," Montana said. Embry removed his arm from her shoulder and she got to her feet. She could feel the boys' eyes on them as she led the way to a quieter spot, Bella trailing behind her. "So, is everything okay?" Montana asked.

"I wanted to apologise to you," Bella told her. "First, for the night I went to Italy. I appreciate that you, Dakota and Jake were there for me, and what I did was, um...reckless." No shit. "But I don't regret what I did. And I'm sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but..."

"Bella," Montana interrupted. "You've known me forever. I don't hold grudges."

"Right." Bella nodded. "Sometimes I forget how different you and Kota are."

"We both want the same things though," Montana reminded. "For you to be safe, and happy. But maybe our ideas of that are a little different to yours."

Bella glanced down at the ground, seeming to understand what Montana was hinting towards. "Graduation, it just– It seemed like the right time to..."

"To die," Montana finished bluntly.

Bella grimaced. "Um, yeah."

"Some of us dream of going to college, others dream of turning into a vampire," Montana joked weakly.

A faint smile crossed Bella's lips, but it faded as quick as it came. "I know that Kota and Jake hate the idea, and you probably do too."

Montana nodded along. She didn't just hate it, she thought it was the worst end of school plan she'd ever heard.

"You know, we might not like the idea," Montana started. "But, at the end of the day, it's your decision. It's your life, and if it's what you want, then...I mean, it's gonna suck, not seeing you. And, uh, Charlie will be devastated, and your other friends...well, I guess this is all stuff you know."

"You know, you're the first person who's said that to me," Bella said. "That it's my life, and my decision." She smiled softly. "Everyone is so focused on trying to talk me out of it, they forget I have a mind of my own."

"Bella, you and I may not be as close as we used to be, but I'm still your friend, and I'm obliged to support you through the decisions you make..." Montana paused for a moment. "Even if they're stupid."

Bella let out a quiet laugh. "Thanks Montana," she said genuinely. "Oh, and, uh, Jake told me he imprinted on you. That's great, I always knew you guys would be good for each other."

Montana felt a warmth in her chest at the mention of Jacob's name. "Thanks. We haven't like, defined anything yet. Time hasn't really been on our side... uh, with a vampire trying to kill you and everything, we've been a bit occupied."

Bella nodded. "Right." She looked a bit sheepish. "You know, the pack, they don't have to do all that. Like, I appreciate it, so much, but–"

"It's their job, Bella," Montana reminded. "Nothing you can do to change that."

"I wish it didn't have to be," she said quietly.

"Me too."

Bella's expression softened. "I'm sorry. For everything I've put you guys through."

"Well, you wouldn't be the Bella we all know if your life wasn't extraordinarily complicated," Montana teased. Bella smiled.

"Hey." Jake's voice prompted them both to look over. He came to Montana's side, addressing Bella. "I should get you home."

"Sure." Bella looked back at Montana. "It was really nice to see you."

Montana gave her a small smile. "You too, Bella."

Jacob glanced between them fondly, but didn't comment on their reconciliation. "I'll be back later," he told Montana. "I wanna take you somewhere." The corners of his mouth twitched. "It's a surprise, so don't bother asking the boys."

"Mysterious," Montana commented, furrowing her eyebrows suspiciously. Jacob only grinned at her.

Bella smiled at her once more as she walked past, the pair of them leaving Montana to her own devices as they headed back to the truck.

Montana was curious about what Jacob had planned, but couldn't do anything until he got back, so she wandered back to the others, and spent time with her friends to kill the time.

Embry, Quil and Jared immediately took to teasing her about Jacob, but Montana was far too absorbed in her own mind to pay them too much attention, wondering whether it was going to be their official first date, like he'd promised.

She also couldn't help but notice that Dakota, Emily and Leah disappeared somewhere for around twenty minutes, before reappearing again as if nothing had happened. That was very suspicious, and she wondered if they were in on the plan.

Thankfully, though, Montana's parents still seemed entirely oblivious to anything going on. She wasn't sure how she was going to break it to them that Jacob Black had imprinted on her. She didn't assume they would take it too horribly though, after all, they did like Jacob. But there were no guarantees, so she decided to be careful around them.

Billy, on the other hand, must have known. Montana was fully convinced. Either he'd figured it out or Jacob had told him – Montana wasn't sure which, but they way he had been watching them both knowingly all night seemed to indicate that he was aware something was going on. She hoped to god he wouldn't tell her parents. In fact, she hoped to god that nobody would tell her parents, accidentally or on purpose.

When Jacob did eventually come back, he, Montana, Quil and Embry set off towards the beach, under the fake, and hopefully believable, guise that they were all going for a walk. Quil and Embry disappeared soon into the journey, both smirking at the two of them, which finally left Montana and Jake alone.

He led the way into the forest, his hand brushing against hers a few times before he eventually seemed to pluck up the courage to intwine his fingers with hers the rest of the way there. Montana was a little surprised when he did that, and was glad that it was dark enough for him not be able to see her cheeks burning bright red. It felt nice though, natural.

"I hope this won't be too much," Jacob said, as he brought them into a clearing. "I asked the others for some help."

Montana's eyes landed on a picnic blanket, decorated with electric tea-light candles, which Montana was glad about because, you know, fire hazards in a forest.

"I thought you might still be full from the bonfire," Jacob explained, indicating to the picnic basket. "So I only brought snacks. But they're kind of mostly for me, because I'm starving. I got capri suns though, I know they're your favourite."

Montana laughed, sitting down on the blanket.

"CD player as well," she noted.

"Embry let me borrow it," Jacob said. "And his Alicia Keys CD."

Montana chuckled again, stretching her legs across the blanket. It was late in the evening, and she was wearing ripped jeans, so she was getting a little bit cold. Nothing that Jacob's abnormally warm body heat couldn't fix though. She could already feel it the moment he sat down next to her.

"Sky's clear tonight, so we can see the stars," Jacob told her, as if he'd actually be looking at anything but Montana the entire night.

"That's nice," she commented, sparing a glance over at him instead. Jacob was watching her, a softness in his gaze that always seemed to be present whenever she was around. Montana liked it, it made her feel seen.

"I wanted to talk about something," Jacob said.

"If this is about forgiving Bella, you don't have to worry," Montana told him. "I don't hold grudges."

Jacob chuckled. "It's not about Bella," he clarified. "Hey, why do you always think it's about Bella?"

"I don't know," Montana shrugged. "Stuff always seems to happen to her. Like, a vampire is literally hunting her down right now."

"I mean, true," Jacob replied, shifting on his side to face Montana properly. "That's not what I want to talk about though."

Montana met his eyes. "Okay."

"So, me and you, we're in this sort of...limbo thing right now," Jacob noted. Montana nodded her head in agreement.

It was strange, to say the least. They were in a sort of half way point, more than friends, but less than dating. Montana felt a bit awkward about the unsureness of the whole situation, and she presumed Jacob did too, which was obviously why he was bringing the subject up.

"I don't want to put pressure on you that we have to be anything," Jacob continued. "I wanted this to be a date because, well, eventually, I'd like us to be together. But if you're not comfortable with that–"

"Jake," she cut him off with a smile. "I wouldn't have agreed to this if I didn't want that too." Jacob nodded, his cheeks flushing. "Why do you never seem sure of my feelings for you?"

"You're hard to read," Jacob admitted. "And this whole situation is...weird. It's not exactly how I would have imagined things evolving between us. And I get that it must be confusing for you, so I want this to be at your pace."

"Well, I like how things are at the moment," Montana told him, laying down to look up at the sky. It really was beautiful out there. She had no idea what any of the constellations were, but it didn't matter, because they looked stunning.

Jacob lay down beside her, turning his head to face her. Montana tilted her head, locking eyes with him.

"Me too," Jacob smiled.

"And I want the same thing as you," she added. "Right now, I don't think we have to define it." A second of silence passed between them. "It feels like there's always something happening. We haven't had a moment like this for a while. Just to breathe. It's nice to just enjoy something how it is."

"I enjoy every moment with you," Jacob said, lips teasing into a grin.

Montana laughed. "Cheesy."

"You love it."

"I do," she said. "I do...love you."

Jacob's heart almost stopped then and there. Montana held her breath, wondering if she toed the line too early.

"I love you too," he replied, reaching a hand out to brush a strand of hair away from her eyes.

"Whatever the hell that means," Montana added, smiling softly.

Jacob looked at her gently. "Whatever the hell that means."

A/N

Soft.