Rating: M for language, sexual situations, blood, rape, and just to be safe.

Pairing(s): JacobXMaleOC; EdwardXBella; JasperXAlice

Summary: After a year of being together, things for Jacob and Jade are going great. Too great. Deep down, Jade has a feeling that something bad is going to happen. And he's right. Avery's Covent wants revenge. After taking care of Jade's mother, they come after him. For safety, Jacob convinces Jade to go to New York with his father. Unfortunately, Jade never makes it to New York. The worst thing possible happens to him instead. He's turned vampiric. He disappears and Jacob's left to wonder what will happen. He's left to wait. A year later, vampiric Jade returns to Forks. But can Jacob handle the love of his life being a blood sucker? And can Jade even stand to be near a werewolf? Their love is tested in the worst possible way and no one knows if they'll make it.

Warning: Yaoi! BoyXBoy. Twilight story line is adjusted to fit story. Like Nessie's age/age she looks. I was unsure as to what it would be... So I just made it up. Sorry if it's not accurate. Blood and rape. Angst. I also made up my own stuff about vampires too while changing a bit about how Stephanie Meyer made her vampires. I've read it somewhere before but I can't exactly remember what book. So don't get all upset. I wrote this exactly how I wanted it so deal with it.

Disclaimer: Twilight and its Characters do not belong to me. They belong to Stephanie Meyer. But Jade belongs to me as well as this story. Song credits at the end.

Little Extra Info: This story takes place after Eclipse and more or less during and after Breaking Dawn. I do change a lot of things from Breaking Dawn but I do it for a reason. Obviously Jacob can't imprint on Nessie when he's already imprinted on Jade. This story is a year after Art of Imprinting. Jade's graduated and Jacob's a junior. Jacob's 16 and Jade's 18.

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Make sure you've read The Art of Imprinting before reading this.

Thoughts

Other people's thoughts

(Point of View changes a lot so pay close attention to that.)

---

Its been 18 days since I'd look at myself. I don't wanna have to change. If I don't, no one will. Is it my state of mind? Or is it just everything else? I don't wanna have to be here. I don't understand now.

Cause it's been 18 days since I first held you. But to me it feels just like. It feels like a lifetime. I'm trying hard to re-arrange. Some say it's the hardest thing to do. But that's another 18 days without you...

Time after time I've been through this. You show me what it means to live. You give me hope when I was hopeless. As my days fade to night I remember that state of mind. I'm soaring straight into your heart and I'll fly high.

Cause it's been 18 days since I first held you. But to me it feels just like. It feels like a lifetime. I'm trying hard to re-arrange. Some say it's the hardest thing to do. But that's just too many days without you...

And I know what they say, about all good things. Will they come to an end? But I'll fight this time. So that we might have a chance at this.

Cause it's been 18 days since I'd look at myself. I don't wanna have to change. If I don't then no one will.

Cause it's been too many days since I first held you. But to me it feels just like. It feels like a lifetime. I'm trying hard to re-arrange. Some say it's the hardest thing to do. But that's too many days without you.

And I know what they say about all good things. Will they come to an end? But I'll fight this time, so that we might have a chance at this...

---

If and when people really consider life, they start to think about their purpose or why they exist. It's normal for someone to feel lost at some point in their life. I get that way sometimes. But what about when everything is going so perfect? It's human nature to expect something bad to ruin that. I hate to think that everything I went through was for nothing in the end. I have a purpose. Everyone does. But is my only purpose to be Jacob's mate? Not that I'm complaining... But I feel like I have such a bigger purpose. I can't explain it really. And I will never mention it to Jacob. He'll think I'm unhappy with him which I'm not. Far from unhappy. In fact, I'm too happy. So happy that I get that stupid nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that something bad is going to happen because of it. But to keep Jacob from thinking I'm unhappy, I push that stupid feeling away and ignore it. Problem is... Sometimes... People should listen to that nagging feeling...

---

I, personally, was never much for social occasions. In fact, I more or less hated them. But when you're in love with a wolf, you're stuck with the whole pack. So I became used to always being around a lot of people. What I really didn't like was when Jacob was in an affectionate mood with others around. Don't get me wrong. I love my wolf to death but my god... The boy can't keep his hands to himself. Especially in public. PDA and I are not good friends.

But again, I became used to it. Atleast in front of the pack. Jacob opened me up to a lot of new things I wouldn't normally do. That was another thing I loved about him. Like working on cars. I loved to watch him and I still had yet to figure out why I did. I just did. He was so sexy when he was all sweaty and dirty... Um, right, it was just interesting to listen to him ramble on about cars.

One year ago, I didn't know this beautiful creature even existed. But he did. And he was all mine. I would do anything for him without hesitation. Well... almost anything...

"Please, please, please?" Jacob whined softly at me, those big brown eyes of his pleading with mine.

"No." Firm.

"Please?" His slightly chapped lips started to form a pout.

"No." A little more weak than before.

"I promise I'll make it up to you." He grabbed my pale hand that was crossed over my chest and began to kiss my knuckles.

My glare softened as I watched him sitting on his knees in front of me. "Jacob..."

He crawled a little closer to me, the bed creaking under his weight. "It won't kill you."

I rolled my eyes and huffed. "It might."

Jacob leaned down and nuzzled his nose into my neck while squeezing my hand with his warm one. "Please Jade." He begged into my ear.

My resolve was cracking. He had never begged like this before. Not in that voice... "I... don't want to..."

Jacob pressed his warm lips to my neck sending chills up my spine. "For me?"

"I-I..."

He knew he was winning. He ran his wet slick tongue up my neck and to my ear. "Please do this for me?"

I shivered and tried to control my self. "W-Why do you want to?"

"Because." His breath tickled my skin. "It's the mature thing to do." I grumbled causing him to chuckle. He easily pushed my back into the bed with one hand and crawled over me. He situated himself between my legs and let go of my hand. I let my hands rest at my sides while one of his hands rested against my hip and the other trailed up my bare side. I turned my head to face the other side of the room, his shaggy black hair tickling my face as he nuzzled my neck. "Please Jade?"

I was determined to hold my ground. "Why me?"

"Because you're my lover." He nipped at my ear.

I felt myself blush at his words. Lover was so... serious. Then again... we were very serious. "I just... I don't know..."

"Please?" He whined softly while his thumb brushed across the skin of my hip. His other hand was now holding him slightly above me so all his weight wasn't on me.

"It's... not my kinda thing Jake..." Oh man was I running out of excuses.

"Neither was Homecoming. But you went. Twice. Prom too."

I bit my bottom lip as he gently rocked his hips into mine. I gasped at the friction and closed my eyes tightly. "If... I say yes..." I felt him lift his head. "Will you stop teasing me?" I opened one eye to peak at him.

A smirk flashed across his lips. "I said I'd make it up to you."

I sighed and searched his big brown gorgeous eyes that I had grown to adore. After a moment of mental debating I growled and grabbed his hand on my hip. "Fine. I'll go to the stupid wedding with you."

Jacob grinned, causing his eyes to sparkle in the moonlight shining in from my open window. "Thank you, love." He leaned his head down to kiss me.

"You owe me. Big time." I said, placing my hands against his tan, toned, and bare chest.

"I know." His lips ghosted over mine.

"Why did they even invite us anyway?"

Jacob rolled his eyes and leaned up a bit. "Because Bella and I are still good friends."

I narrowed my eyes slightly and shifted them to the small white invitation sitting on my desk. "She hates me."

"She doesn't hate you. She just.... I don't know really." Jacob shrugged lightly.

"She thinks I don't deserve you. Like, I'm not good enough for you. Jasper told me that."

Jacob sighed and nuzzled his nose against mine. "Well, she's wrong. Don't let it bother you, baby."

I shifted my eyes to my hands against his chest. The contrast of skin still surprised me sometimes. My red painted fingernails stood out against the mesh of pale and tan. "Why'd she invite me, anyway?"

"Because Edward likes you. Plus, you're best friends with Jasper. It just seemed natural to invite you." Jacob leaned down and started to lick and kiss my neck.

"I hate weddings..."

"You'll survive." Jacob mumbled against my throat. "I like seeing you dressed up anyway."

"I hate dressing up..." But I loved seeing Jacob dressed up.

"It's only for one day." He nibbled at my collar bone while his free hand toyed with the hem of my boxers. "You've done it before."

"Do I have to be nice?"

"Yes." I could tell Jacob was starting to grow impatient with me but I was going to draw this out as long as I could.

"Have you ever wondered why Jasper and Alice never married? I mean, Rosalie and Emmett did."

"I don't know..."

"Hm... Marriage. It's a big commitment. Doesn't always work either." Jacob's fingernails started to dig into my hip. "Would you ever marry me?" He paused in what he was doing. "You know if it was legal."

"I'd marry you whether it was legal or not." He mumbled against my shoulder.

A surge of pride and warmth ran through my body. "Good." I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer. I was ready to give in.

Jacob let out a growl before sinking his teeth into my neck. I gasped, closing my eyes tightly, and squeezed his shoulders. I shifted so my hips were more even with his as he started to suck at the wound he made. Biting was something I just happened to enjoy.

I dug my fingernails into his broad shoulders and turned my head to the side to give him better access. Warmth flowed through my body as his hand tugged at the waist band of my boxers. I grabbed hold of his neck and forced him to kiss me. His tongue slipped through my lips and began to play with mine. I released a soft moan at the tingling feeling taking over my body.

Jacob pressed his body closer to mine at the sound causing his hips to collide with mine. Another moan slipped through my lips since I could feel his hard member pressed against mine. The only thing keeping us apart was two flimsy pieces of fabric. I trailed my hands down his sides to his boxers and tugged at them. Jacob received my message.

The heat began to pool in my lower area as I watched Jacob remove his one piece of clothing. He easily removed my boxers next, eliminating the last thing keeping us apart. Jacob paused a moment, kneeling between my legs, both of us completely bare, and let his eyes roam my body.

Even though we had done this before, I still blushed at the way Jacob looked at me. His brown eyes were full of a hunger that apparently only I could satisfy. A soft smiled made its way to his lips before he lowered himself onto me once again.

Our lips connected once against as he began to carefully rock his hips into mine. The heat and friction of our members together was enough to send me over the edge alone but I forced myself to hold out. The heat in my groin was growing and I just wanted to feel Jacob inside of me. Jacob licked at the bolt through my tongue and I whimpered causing him to pull back just a little bit.

"I can't..." I panted lightly. "Please..."

Jacob smiled softly and cupped my cheek, kissing me once again. "Of course, love."

He moved to put his weight on his knees while I tried to calm down. He lifted my hips with one hand before leaning down and licking the shiny silver bolt through my belly button. I shivered at the feeling and lifted my hips a little higher, practically begging him to take me. I felt him smirk against my stomach before sitting back up.

He placed two fingers to my lips and I eagerly took them into my mouth, sitting up on my elbows. My eyes locked with Jacob's as I began to suck on them. Jacob flinched at the feeling while I grabbed his hand and swirled my tongue around his fingers, coating them in saliva. Jacob swallowed hard, his eyes locked on my mouth. I felt his hard member twitch against my inner thigh. Once I was fully satisfied that they were completely coated, I pulled his fingers out of my mouth. I smirked at him since he sat there dazed for a moment.

He shook his head, snapping out of it and lowered his wet fingers to my entrance. Carefully, he slipped the two fingers inside of me. I tensed for a moment at the sharp pain but quickly relaxed. Jacob leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine as he moved the fingers in and out slowly.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and passionately returned the kiss. Our tongues clashed as he stretched me. After a few moments, he added one more finger just to be safe. He continued to stretch me but suddenly he hit that small ball of nerves and my vision went white for a split second. Jacob could tell by the moan I let out that he hit that certain spot. By then, he knew I was ready for the real thing.

Jacob carefully situated himself at my entrance. One hand was beside my head while the other was lifting my hips a little higher. I felt the tip of his member at my entrance before Jacob completely froze. For a second, I thought he heard my mom coming down the hall but he didn't move.

I blinked at him, my judgment clouded by pleasure and need. "Jacob?" I whispered softly, watching him.

He held out a finger to me, his eyes glancing around the room before they landed on the open window. His eyes narrowed slightly and, without saying a word, he crawled off of me and walked over to the window. I sat up, completely confused and watched him.

Jacob leaned out the window slightly, his eyes searching the woods. He took a deep breath and his brow wrinkled. He was glaring at something in the woods. He stood there a moment longer before standing up straight and closing the window. He locked it too before pulling the blind down over it and moving the dark blue curtains to cover it. The moonlight was gone and my room went pitch black.

The light on my desk was suddenly flicked on and I saw Jacob walking back over to me. I blinked, still lost, and watched him settle back down in front of me.

"Uh... You mind explaining what the hell you just did?"

Jacob blinked at me, the frown gone from his face. "I closed the window."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Obviously. Why did you close it?"

"We were about to make love with the window open. Someone could have seen or heard."

"Jacob... Only trees would hear or see anything. Besides, we do it with the window open all the time." I titled my head at him. "Tell me the truth."

"That is the truth."

I looked him over a moment before grabbing the blanket and pulling it over myself as I lay down. "Fine. Don't tell me."

"Jade. Don't be like that." He tugged at the blanket weakly. I curled into a ball on my side, facing away from him. "Jade." He easily slipped under the blanket and grabbed my waist, pulling me back into his chest. "I'm sorry." He began to kiss my neck. "But I know you're still hard."

I mentally cursed my hard member and tried to ignore Jacob's warm hand on my hip. "Tell me the truth."

"I don't want to worry you." He ran his fingers through my hair while kissing my shoulder.

"Tell me or no love for the wolf." I rubbed my bum back against his hard member causing a hiss to escape his lips.

"Damnit." His grip tightened on me. "I sensed a vampire."

I blinked at the wall. "Edward?"

"No." He shook his head against my neck. "I didn't recognize it."

"Why would that worry me?" I carefully flipped over so I was facing him.

He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear as his eyes searched mine. "Well... The whole Avery thing..." He glanced at the pale crescent moon shaped scar on my neck.

"Oh..." I raised my hand and brushed my fingers over the slightly cooler scar. "I have you here to protect me though." I smiled up at my wolf.

Jacob returned the smile. "Yes, you do." He kissed the tip of my nose.

"I'm fine. Really."

He nodded. "I know. I just can't help but worry sometimes."

"I know." I gently kissed him.

"So... Does the wolf get some loving now?" He pouted softly.

I giggled at him. "Of course you do." Jacob grinned and practically tackled me back into the mattress.

---

I fidgeted with the sleeves of my white button up shirt as I watched Jacob out of the corner of my eyes. I hated dressing up. I hated weddings. But there I was, sitting in the Cullens home watching Bella and Edward take their vows. It felt stuffy in the spacious room. There were a good amount of people there. Kids that we graduated with and other people.

I glanced at my knee when a warm hand squeezed it. Jacob smiled at me softly and I tried to return it. He was the only good thing about this whole thing. He looked so sexy dressed up with that loose shirt and red tie. I bit my lip and forced my eyes away from him. Jacob removed his hand, knowing I wasn't in a mood to be touched.

My mother beside me was smiling happily, her hand in mine. She already figured out me and Jacob's relationship. She didn't know he snuck through my window every night though. My father, who lived in New York, had no clue about the two of us. I preferred to keep it that way.

My mom asked me not long ago about marriage. Actually, it was the day we received Bella and Edward's wedding invitation. "They're so young." She had said to me. "But it's wonderful! Ah, young love."

I had just rolled my eyes at her but then she asked me if Jacob and I would get married. I mentioned how it wasn't legal and she went off on a rant about how her son should have the same rights as everyone else. It was kinda funny actually. I'd never seen her feel so strongly about something like that before.

I loved my mother. Jacob really liked her too. She was always so accepting. I told Jacob about my mom wanting us to marry eventually and he mentioned a certain Quileute ceremony that was like marriage. At that point we both decided we were still too young to marry. He was still in high school for goodness sakes.

I often forgot how young Jacob actually was. I had graduated last year. Jacob was still only a junior. It was hardly October though. I just started taking classes at Fork's Community Collage. Just a few classes here and there, majoring in Photo Imagining. I was working part time at Freedman's Diner in the meantime. My life seemed to be going really well actually.

I blinked when everyone stood up, clapping. I quickly got to my feet, clapping as well, since the ceremony was over. Jacob nudged my arm, causing me to look at him. He winked at me, a grin on his lips. I gave him a smile in return.

"That was so beautiful!" My mom said beside me as people started to move toward the sliding glass doors for the reception.

"Yea. It was." I had to admit.

We all moved toward the door and outside along with everyone else. The sun was setting and it was absolutely beautiful. Twinkling lights were set up everywhere and flowers covered every spare space. My mother ran off to talk to Officer Swan while Jacob took my hand and dragged me over to Bella and Edward who were accepting people's congratulations. I had to admit that Bella did look pretty. Her face lit up when she saw Jacob.

"Congrats!" Jacob grinned at her.

She smiled at him. "Thank you." She reached out to hug him. Jacob released my hand to hug her.

I pouted lightly and focused on Edward. He was smiling softly at me. "Congratulations. You two fit really well together."

"Thank you. So do you two." He glanced at Jacob who was releasing Bella.

"Save me a dance, Kay?" Jacob grinned at her.

Bella giggled softly. "Of course."

Jacob grabbed my hand noticing people waiting behind us. He nodded at Edward before leading me away. I didn't want to be jealous. But I was. After all, according to Embry, Jacob used to be obsessed with Bella. I couldn't help it. I knew he was mine but still. I had to force the bubbling feeling away.

Jacob found Seth with Jasper and led me over to them. We talked a while and watched the people move about the spacious back yard. We watched Bella and Edward have their first dance. Eventually, others started to dance after that. At one point, Bella came over to steal Jacob away.

He kissed my cheek before going off to dance with her. I grumbled lightly and leaned back against the stone hedge beside Jasper. He noticed my mood and adjusted it to calm me down. I smiled softly at him. It was only one dance. I could live. But that one dance turned to two since Bella and Jacob were still talking. I sighed, annoyed. Seth was suddenly in front of me, holding his hand out to me.

"Want to dance?" He asked kindly.

I stared at his olive skinned hand for a moment. "Jacob wouldn't like it."

"He's dancing with someone else." Seth titled his head. "Please?"

I bit my bottom lip and pushed off the hedge. "Okay."

Seth grinned and reached for my hand but he was quickly pulled away. "Sorry Jade. I'm stealing Seth." Alice winked at Jasper before dragging the poor wolf away.

I blinked in surprise and tilted my head at Jasper in question. He only shrugged lightly and held out his hand to me. I blinked at his pale hand before slipping my equally pale hand into his. The spark of cold sent shivers over my body. Jasper led me to the dance floor during a slow song and pulled me to him. He held my hand and had me place a hand on his shoulder while he wrapped an arm around my waist. Why was I always the girl? I was shorter than him though.

"I'm not the best dancer." I warned him.

"That's fine." He began to move, making me move with him. We danced simply and I actually enjoyed it. We moved along with the soft music. I always felt so comfortable when I was around Jasper. I could feel the chill of his skin against mine. It was a different contrast than I was used to. "You seem to be even more jealous of Bella than before."

I shifted my eyes from our feet to his golden eyes. "I don't know..." I shrugged. "I know I shouldn't be... but I am."

Jasper's eyes focused on something behind me. "You're not the only one. Jacob is glaring at me."

I couldn't help but giggle softly making Jasper meet my eyes. "Good. Now he knows how it feels."

Jasper raised an eyebrow but brought me a little closer. "He doesn't seem angry."

"Well, I don't want to make him angry."

"I see." Jasper smiled softly at me. "I'm not sure I'll ever understand you."

I grinned at him. "As long as you don't get bored with me."

"Never."

I blushed lightly just as we did a small turn. I released his hand and slipped both arms around his cool neck. Jasper paused before wrapping his arms around my waist. I felt him link his fingers together behind my lower back.

"Why did Alice steal Seth from me? I figured she'd dance with you." I saw Alice playfully dancing with Seth out of the corner of my eye.

"She always dances with me. I wanted to dance with you atleast once."

I blinked at him. "You did?"

"It is not everyday you dress up and are willing to dace. Let alone, away from Jacob."

"You little sneak." I poked his cold, stone cheek. I was getting used to the temperature difference.

Jasper's smile grew a small fraction, making his golden orbs twinkle a bit. "I apologize."

"Don't. You could have just asked instead of putting Seth through that." I giggled as Alice made the poor wolf twirl.

"He asked first. Jacob will only leave you alone for so long."

"True." The song ended and Jasper went to release me but I didn't move. "They got two songs, so do we."

Jasper blinked before tightening his grip on me. "As you wish."

---

Jacob's POV

After dancing with Bella, we separated. She went to find Edward and I went to find Jade. I was surprised to find him still dancing with Jasper. I growled slightly but just leaned against the stone hedge, waiting. Bella and I danced through two songs. So could they. Didn't mean I liked it though.

I didn't like how close they were. Or how tightly Jasper was holding onto Jade. Nor the way Jade kept blushing at whatever Jasper was saying. I knew they were best friends but that didn't mean I liked it. Now I completely understood how Jade felt when I was with Bella.

"Jeez, Jake. You look like you're going to rip his head off."

I blinked and shifted my eyes to my side. Seth was watching Jasper and Jade. "What?"

Seth met my eyes. "They're just good friends, you know?"

"I know that. I can't help it though."

"I know." He shrugged. "I was going to dance with him but Alice stole me away."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "She did?"

"Yea." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I think she did that cause she knew Jasper wanted to dance with Jade."

"Hm..." I shifted my eyes back to them. The song ended so I pushed myself off the hedge. I froze when Jade leaned up and kissed Jasper's cheek. I saw red for a split second before I became really calm. I mentally cursed Jasper's ability. Then again, if he didn't calm me, who knew what I would have done. The two parted and I waited for Jade to make his way over to me.

---

Jade's POV

I noticed the way Jacob was watching me as I made my way to him. I pushed back the urge to smirk as I walked up in front of him. I grabbed his warm hand and loved the warmth that over took me. "Do we get to dance now?"

Jacob blinked at me before grinning. "Of course." He squeezed my hand and led me back onto the dance floor.

---

Advanced Painting was my favorite course at collage. It was the class I did the best in. I loved my teacher as well. Painting and photography had become my career choice. Something along the lines of Graphic Design. It was just my passion. It didn't hurt that I had a talent for it.

"Hey Jade."

I blinked at the deep voice and turned away from my half painted canvas. A classmate of mine, Demetri, was standing there with his hands in the pockets of his tight black jeans. "Hey Dem." I smiled at him before turning back to observing my painting.

"What are you doing?" He asked, pulling up a stool beside me to sit on.

"I'm trying to give it... Spark." I tilted my head at the red-brown wolf.

"Reflection?"

I blinked at his suggestion. "Oh my god!" I grinned at him. "That's perfect." I put my paint brush down and shifted on my stool to face Dem. "What's up?"

"I finished already." He jabbed his thumb at his finished painting of a tiger.

"Oh..." I giggled softly. "I tend to take my time."

"I know." He smiled, his blue eyes twinkling. We went to Fork's High School together but we didn't know each other then. We met in this class and learned we had so much in common. "You took forever on that project we did together two weeks ago."

I grinned sheepishly. "But we did get an A+."

"That we did." He reached up and pushed his ear length dark brown hair out of his eyes. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." I shifted to give him my full attention. I folded my hands in my lap while my feet rested on the bar.

Demetri looked me over for a moment and I suddenly felt self conscious. I was wearing black jeans and a simple black t-shirt. Normal attire. Eyeliner included. Demetri was dressed like me. When we met the first thing we noticed was how much we dressed alike. He was wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt and eyeliner. Our shoes were even black.

"I've noticed," Our eyes met, "That you seem to paint the same wolf a lot. Usually with some twist." He glanced at my canvas. "Why is that?"

"I just like it. He inspires me. I think he's beautiful."

"He is. Is he real?"

I shook my head. "I had a dream a long time ago with him in it. I still have dreams of him."

"Cool. Well, I love your work. It's so... unique. And descriptive."

I felt myself blush at his words. "T-Thank you."

Dem's smile grew creating those cute little dimples in his cheeks. "I was kinda hoping you could show me how to create that real life fur look you do."

I blinked. "You want me... to teach you?"

"Yea. Somehow when you paint fur, it's like... I can see practically every strand of fur. Do you have some trick?"

"I-I do."

"Could you teach it to me? Please?" He clasped his hands together in a begging motion.

I'd never felt so flattered in my life. "Um... Sure. It's a secret though."

"Ok!" He was almost bouncing on his stool. "I'll keep it to myself."

"Good." I held out my hand to him. "Pinky swear?"

Dem chuckled softly and hooked his pinky with mine. "Pinky swear."

I smiled at him and we released each other. "Um. I can teach you at my house. Whenever you're available is cool."

"How about after class today?"

"Oh. That's fine. You can follow me home. You already know where I live anyway."

He nodded. "Yea. Well, I'll let you return to your painting." He stood up and then went back over to his station.

I watched him a moment longer before shifting my eyes back to my painting. Dem gave me the idea to paint a river with the wolf looking into it. The reflection would be human. But I wasn't sure if I should paint Jacob or someone else.

Class ended before I could decide so I covered the canvas to finish next class. I washed some of the paint off my hands before throwing my hoodie on. When I popped my head out of the hoodie, Dem was standing in front of me.

Dem smiled at me and reached out to fix my hair. I blinked, blushing slightly, and mumbled a thank you. "Ready?" He asked.

"Yea. Let's go."

We left the building and found we weren't parked too far away from each other. We got in our separate cars and he followed behind me to my house. It was only two in the afternoon so we had about an hour and a half before Jacob would show up. My mom wasn't home when we pulled into the driveway. Dem parked behind me and got out when I did.

I threw my bag over my shoulder and he followed me into my house. We made our way upstairs and to my studio. I dropped my bag by the door and went over to the window to open it.

"I still can't believe you have your own studio." Dem placed his bag beside mine as he looked around.

"Yea. I love it." The window slid open letting in cool air. I pushed back the curtains for some natural light.

"Oh, this is new."

I blinked and turned to Demetri. He was looking over a painting hanging on the wall. It was of wolf Seth stalking a deer. "Oh yea. I just finished that two days ago."

Dem titled his head at it. "This is a different wolf than usual."

"Yea."

"He's smaller. A sandy color too. Elegant yet fierce. A true predator." He turned to me. "I love it."

I could feel my face turn red. "Thank you."

"You know what else I want you to teach me?"

"Hm?"

Dem walked closer to me. "I love how... life like you paint eyes. Like this one." He pointed to a painting of wolf Jacob. Just his head though. "This wolf's eyes hold so much emotion and it's just a painting. You give your subjects life on paper." He shifted his eyes back to me. "Is there a trick to that too?"

Yea, it's easy when your model actually shows emotion like that... "Yes actually." I placed my hands on my hips. "Are you trying to get all my tricks?"

Dem blinked in surprise. "What?" His eyes widened. "No! Um... I just... want to be as great an artist as you."

I eyed him a moment. "You're trying to get into my pants, aren't you?" GAH! That was supposed to be a thought!

Dem froze and I was slightly stunned to find I was actually right. I was kinda flattered too. "Not exactly..." He blushed lightly and ran a hand through his dark brown hair. "I just wanna get to know you better."

I smiled softly at him. "You could have just said so."

I saw him relax and return my smile. "Sorry. I was just... I didn't lie. I do want to learn."

"Okay." I walked to the easel in the middle of the room and motioned for him to come over. Dem walked over to me and watched me flip to a blank page of the book sitting on the easel. "Then I'll teach you."

---

Getting attention from another guy other than Jacob was like some weird addiction of mine. I didn't understand it. Usually I was content with Jasper's attention when Jacob wasn't around. But now... Before I met Jacob, rarely did people pay attention to me. I was used to being invisible. But now, I was the center of Jacob's world. He lavished me with attention and love. And when he wasn't around, I felt so deprived. I was sure that wasn't normal.

So when Dem would casually touch me, I didn't stop him. Was I flirting with him? I didn't flirt. But was enjoying Dem's company. That wasn't bad... Right? Having a friend outside of this whole crazy vampire/werewolf mess would be nice.

"I would have never thought about a tooth pick." Dem said as he scratched at the black paint on the paper.

I just shrugged as I stood behind him. "It was a random idea really." I leaned forward to get a better look, resting my chin on his shoulder since he was taller than me. "Do it a little farther apart."

Dem nodded and did as told. "Jade?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks. For dealing with me."

"It's okay." I reached forward and grabbed his hand, showing him how far to scratch. "You're not that annoying."

He chuckled softly. "Well thanks."

I giggled softly. "It's nice to have a friend who's into the same stuff as me."

"You're friends don't like art?"

"No. They do. They're just not as passionate about it as I am."

"Well, now you have me." He glanced at me from the corner of his eye.

"That I do." I smiled at him. "Now try it closer." I showed him how to do it, still having my hand over his.

"Oh~. That makes a cool pattern."

"It's my special trick."

"It's so cool."

I opened my mouth to thank him but someone knocked. I blinked, stood up while letting go of Dem's hand and turned to the door. Jacob was standing there, eyeing Dem.

"Am I... interrupting?" He asked, watching Dem get to his feet.

"Not really." I walked up to Jacob. "I was just teaching Dem a few of my tricks."

"Tricks?" Jacob raised an eyebrow at me.

"Uh, hi." Dem said, stepping up beside me and gaining Jacob's attention. "I'm Demetri. Jade and I have a few classes together. He was just teaching me a few painting tricks of his."

Jacob looked the boy up and down. Dem was atleast three inches taller than me but Jacob still towered over him. "I'm Jacob."

Dem blinked. "Oh, you're the guy Jade keeps painting."

Now Jacob blinked and looked at me surprised. "You paint me?"

"Ah..."

"Every other project that's graded he turns in something with you or that wolf."

"I've never seen any of me."

I bit my bottom lip. "I sketch you enough as it is..."

Jacob's slight frown became a grin. "Aw, you're blushing." He grabbed hold of my hand and pulled me into a hug. "You're embarrassed." He teased.

I pouted and pushed against his chest lightly. "Jacob."

He just kissed my forehead and didn't release me. "You're so fun to tease."

I stuck out my tongue at him before turning to Dem. "Please excuse my over affectionate boyfriend. He can never keep his hands to himself."

Dem just smiled at me. "It's cool. I should get going anyway." He pulled back the sleeve of his hoodie to check his watch. "I have to get to work soon."

"Oh. Okay. Um... Then, I'll see you in class?"

"Yup." Dem picked up his bag by the door. "Nice meeting you." He said politely to Jacob.

"You too."

"I'll show myself out. Later." Dem gave me one last smile before disappearing down the hallway.

I groaned and pushed away from Jacob. "Must you always stake your claim in front of everyone?" I shuffled over to the easel to clean up.

"You were holding his hand." His voice was even.

"I was showing him what to do." I started to put the paint away.

"I saw the way he was looking at you."

"He's my friend." I grumbled while flipping the book closed on the easel.

"Are you unhappy?"

I froze in my movements at the tone in Jacob's voice. It was so hurt. I stopped what I was doing and turned to face him. "What?"

His deep brown eyes were locked on the floor. "Does my possessiveness make you unhappy?"

"Oh... Jacob..." I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my head in his broad chest. "I'm not unhappy."

He sighed softly and wrapped his arms around me. "I'm sorry..."

"Shh." I leaned up on my tip toes and kissed him softly. "Sure, you annoy me sometimes but I love you. No matter what."

Jacob smiled softly and nuzzled his nose against mine. "I love you too."

My heart skipped a beat. "Good." I kissed him again.

He smiled and licked his lips. "Are you going to change before we go? You have paint on your clothes."

I just blinked at him. "Go where?"

Jacob raised an eyebrow at me. "Quil's birthday party."

"Ah! Oh my god!" I pushed away from him and ran to my room. "That's tonight? Shit!" I ran into my closet to find something descent to wear.

"You forgot?" I heard Jacob say as he walked into my room.

"I didn't forget. I just didn't realize what day it was." I changed out of my paint covered clothes into clean clothes. Still basically the some black outfit though.

"Oh. So you told your friend about me?"

"Who? Dem? Kinda." I stumbled out of my closet, tripping over a shoe. I straightened myself up and faced Jacob who was standing right there. "Well, what do you think?"

"Sexy." Jacob grabbed my waist and pulled me to him. "Like always." He kissed me gently.

I hummed lightly, pressing my palms against his chest. "Did you get Quil something?"

"Of course. Now tell me something." He hooked his fingers together behind my back, holding me against him.

"Sure, what?" I leaned back against his arms.

"Does that guy want to get into your pants?" He asked, completely serious.

I blinked. "Dem?" He nodded. "Uh..." I crossed my arms over my chest. "What if he does?"

A soft growl escaped Jacob's throat. "Does he?"

I rolled my eyes. "Seriously?"

"Yes."

I just stared at him. Is he earnestly asking me this? "Maybe he does. Maybe he doesn't. I don't know. Not that it matters."

"Like hell it doesn't." He narrowed his eyes slightly.

"We are not doing this right now. You need to chill." I tried to get out of his arms but he wouldn't let me go.

"Jade-"

"Don't Jacob. I swear. You've never seen me angry and believe me, you don't want to. I may be small but I have one hell of a groin kick. Now let go of me."

Jacob quickly released me. "Why are you upset?"

"Are you serious?" I stared at him like he was crazy. "Oh my god." I shook my head and left the room, heading back to my studio.

"Wait! Jade!" I heard him chase after me.

"You're acting like a jealous puppy." I walked over to a blue and green wrapped rectangle in the corner. It was Quil's present. "I get the possessive thing but really. It annoys me sometimes." I picked up the present and turned back to Jacob who was standing in the doorway, looking like a kicked puppy.

"I... annoy you?"

I sighed, aggravated. I hated making him look like that. "No. Just your possessiveness. I love you."

"But..."

"Just let me be mad, okay?" I approached him. "I'm not mad at you, alright? Just the situation. Dem and I are friends. And even if he wanted to get into my pants, I wouldn't let him." I patted Jacob's warm tan cheek. "I love you, Jacob. I'm not a cheater."

"I know that." He grabbed my hand. "I love you too." He gently kissed the back of my hand.

"Then can we drop this whole Dem thing?"

"Agreed."

"Good. Shall we go now?"

"Yea. Your mom knows where you're going right?" Jacob kept hold of my hand and led me out of the room, grabbing my bag from the floor on the way out.

"Mmmhmm." I took my bag from him and slung it over my shoulder. "She's going to get home late from work anyway."

"Are you staying with me then?"

"No. I have class in the morning."

"Oh. So no late night partying?" He teased, leading me out the house.

I locked the door behind me and followed Jacob to my car. "Right." I used the button on my key ring to unlock my car. "I don't want to be there too late."

"Okay." Jacob smiled at me as he opened the car door for me.

---

When we pulled up to Sam and Emily's house, I was surprised to see a few other cars that I'd never seen before. I parked beside a blue Sedan and turned the car off. Jacob got out and grabbed my present for Quil from the back seat. I checked myself in the rear view before getting out myself. This party was supposed to be just for the pack and mates. Poor Quil hadn't imprinted yet. A few others hadn't either but it was Quil's birthday.

Jacob grabbed my hand and led me up the porch to the door. We walked right in and were greeted with familiar faces. Jacob let go of my hand and went to put the present down.

"Jade!" Two warm, strong arms wrapped around me from behind and lifted me into the air.

I squeaked in surprise. "Ah! Embry!"

He laughed and put me back down on my feet. "Shouldn't you expect that by now?" He let go of me.

I sighed and turned around to face him. "I should but I don't." Embry would always do that when I'd seen him.

He just grinned at me. "You look great."

"Yes he does." A warm arm dropped around my shoulders. I blinked and looked up at Jacob.

"Aw, the cute couple." Embry teased.

Jacob rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

"Quil!" I slipped out from under Jacob's arm when I saw Quil walk into the room. I ran over to him and glomped him.

"Jade!" Quil chuckled, wrapping his arms around me to return my hug.

"Happy Birthday!" I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you." We pulled apart. "I'm really glad you came."

I blinked. "You didn't think I would?"

"Parties aren't your thing."

I rolled my eyes at him. "I went to Bella's wedding. I'd rather be here with the pack any day."

Quil smiled at me. "Good. We're your family after all."

"Oh. So you're Jade."

I blinked at the unfamiliar female voice. I turned my head to the side and looked the woman who spoke over. Her long dark hair was pulled back into a half pony tail and her dark brown eyes seemed familiar. She was Indian but I had never seen her before. "Um... Yea. That's me."

"It's nice to finally meet you and put a face to the name that Jacob won't stop saying."

I just stared at her. "You... know Jacob?" Is she his Ex or something?

Now she stared at me. "Of course I do. I'm... He didn't tell you about me?"

I suddenly felt worried. "S-Should he have?" She's so pretty! I bet she is his Ex! Gah... I feel light headed...

"Jacob!" Quil called. "Get over here before your boyfriend has a heart attack!"

"What?!" Jacob was suddenly in front of me, blocking the woman from my view. "Jade?" He grabbed my shoulders. "What's wrong?"

I removed his hands from my shoulders and turned him to face the woman. "Who is she?"

Jacob blinked at her in surprise. "Rachel? What are you doing here?"

"I'm with Paul, so I was invited." She answered, placing her hands on her hips.

"Oh Yea..."

"So are you going to introduce me or not?" She motioned toward me.

"Oh! Right." Jacob grinned and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. "Rachel, this is Jade. Jade, this is my sister Rachel.

Oh thank god... his sister...

Rachel smiled at me, holding her hand out for me to shake. "Nice to finally meet you."

"Uh..." I placed my hand in hers to shake. "Y-You too..."

She glanced at Jacob. "He didn't tell you about me, did he?"

I shook my head, releasing her hand. "No... Not at all."

"Not even Rebecca?"

I looked up at Jacob, confused. "You have two sisters and you didn't tell me?"

Jacob blinked. "It never came up."

"Of course it didn't. I don't have siblings and you never mentioned that you did."

"I'm sorry..." Jacob pouted lightly. "I didn't find it important."

Jacob was suddenly hit over the back of the head by Rachel. "Hey! I'm your sister, Damnit! I am important!"

"Ow!" He rubbed the back of his head. "That didn't hurt but still, ow."

Rachel huffed and shifted her attention to me. "Sorry about him."

"I'm used to it."

"Hey!" Jacob pouted.

I rolled my eyes at him and kissed away his pout. "Go talk to Quil. I wanna talk to your sister."

"Why?"

"Cause he does. Now do." Rachel glared at him.

"Okay, okay." He released me. "Just don't hit me again." He went off to find Quil who disappeared earlier.

I giggled softly. "I can't believe he has two sisters."

Rachel smiled at me. "Someone had to keep him in line when we were little. Rebecca's my twin."

"Twin? That's so cool! Where is she?"

"Hawaii. Happily married."

"Aw. That's great. So you're with Paul?"

"Yes." She motioned for me to follow her to a couch. "I came home over the summer from collage and he imprinted." She sat down, careful of her pretty blue dress.

I sat down beside her. "Where do you go?"

"Washington State."

"Oh. I go to community collage."

Rachel just smiled at me. "Believe me sweetie. I know practically everything about you. You're all Jacob talks about."

I felt myself blush. "Well... He does love me."

"Yes, he does. Do you love him?"

"More than anything."

She smiled softly. "You bring out the best in him. I know Rebecca is dying to meet you. You're so much cuter than I thought."

I blinked at her. "Were you expecting me to be ugly?"

She laughed softly. "No. Not with how Jacob talks about you. I was just surprised how cute you actually are."

"Well thank you." I shifted to face her more. "Tell me the truth. What did you think when Jacob told you about me and him?"

"Honestly? I assumed you were a girl." I just blinked at her. "He didn't mention that you were a guy. It doesn't seem to matter to him. Our father was the one to tell me you were male. Still didn't matter though. I've never seen Jacob so happy."

I smiled at her. "Good. I want you and I to be friends, you know?"

"Of course. You're my little brother's boyfriend. You are only about a year younger than me anyway."

"Sometimes I forget that Jacob's two years younger than me."

"You can't tell by looking at him that he's the younger one."

"I know! I'm so tiny beside him!"

Rachel laughed at me. "But you two are adorable together."

"Yea... We are." I grinned at her. "Did he tell you how we met?"

"No actually." She shifted to face me more. "Tell me."

And so I did. The entire story. She couldn't believe my run in with Avery. She even wanted to see the scar. Rachel and I spent the rest of the night talking. She was like another big sister; like Emily.

"Jade! Get over here!" I stopped mid-sentence and turned to Embry on the other side of the room. "Quil's about to open your present."

"Ah!" I jumped up and hopped over to the group of wolves gathered around Quil. I slipped passed Jacob and Paul then sat on my knees in front of Quil who was sitting on the floor.

Quil smiled at me, the blue and green wrapped present in his lap. "You know, you didn't have to get me anything Jade."

"Course I did." I hopped on my knees. "Now open it!"

Quil chuckled softly. "Okay." He carefully started to unwrap the present while I bounced excitedly. He finally pulled out the framed painting from the wrapping. "Oh wow." He smiled as he looked it over.

"Do you like it? Do you?"

Quil nodded. "It's amazing. You must have spent a lot of time on this."

"Let me see!" Embry plopped down beside me.

Quil smiled and turned the painting around to show everyone else. It was of Wolf Quil (who I'd only seen a few times) walking along the shore of First Beach with the full moon shining brightly behind him.

"It was really hard because I don't see you in your wolf form that much."

"I love it." Quil smiled and placed the painting beside him before holding out his arms to me.

"Yay!" I lunged forward and hugged him tightly. He chuckled and returned my tight hug.

Without warning, I had a sudden sinking feeling. It completely threw me off guard. I didn't like the feeling I had in the pit of my stomach. I tried to shake it off as Quil and I pulled apart. I smiled at him before getting to my feet and walking over to Jacob. I felt my pockets for my phone but it wasn't there. I grabbed Jacob's wrist and looked at his watch.

"I forgot my cell at home." I told him.

Jacob glanced at his watch which read 10:19. "Ready to go?"

"It's getting late. And I do want to atleast be home before my mom."

"Okay baby. I'll walk you to your car."

I nodded and walked over to Rachel who was speaking to Paul. "Hey, I'm going to get going."

Rachel pouted lightly. "Aw, but it's still early."

"Yea, but I have an early class tomorrow."

"Aw okay." She hugged me gently. "It was great meeting you."

"You too. We'll talk more later."

She smiled at me. "Okay. Bye."

"Bye." I smiled at her before going back over to Quil. I said my good-byes to the rest of the pack before having Jacob walk me to my car.

"What time should I come over?" Jacob asked me while opening the car door for me.

"Um, she should get home about eleven. Then I'm sure she'll go to bed. So about eleven thirty. I'll probably already be asleep though."

"That's okay." He leaned down and kissed me softly. "I love just sleeping beside you."

I smiled up at him. "Okay. I'll see you in the morning then?"

"If I don't wake you." He kissed me again.

"Love you."

"Love you too."

I got in my car and he shut my door for me. I started up my car and waved bye to him as I pulled out of the driveway. I hummed lightly to myself as I drove home. The night was pretty clear and the moon was almost full. It was such a pretty night. I left the radio off and just listened to the passing noises.

I didn't realize how tired I actually was until I pulled into the driveway. But when I got out of my car I noticed my mother's car parked beside mine. I blinked in surprise. She must have gotten off early. I locked my car and walked up the porch. The light was on and the door was unlocked so I walked right in.

"Mom?" I called but received no answer. The kitchen light was on so I went to it. Her purse was on the table along with her keys. "Mom?" I called again. Nothing. I noticed my phone sitting on the kitchen counter so I picked it up. Four missed calls all from my mother and two voicemails. I dialed my voicemail box and listened to the first message.

Hey sweetie. It's just me. I'm calling to let you know I'm going to be home early. Carol needed more hours so I gave her the end of my shift. I'll be home about nine. Don't hurry home or anything. You have fun at Quil's birthday party. I love you sweetie. Bye. End of Message.

I deleted that message from my mother. It atleast explained why her car was here. The next message was from her as well.

Jade. Please answer your phone.

Her voice was very soft and I could hear a hint of fear in it. I really don't like being here alone. I keep hearing things. I'm not sure if I am actually alone... Please come-End of Message.

I blinked at my phone. I quickly closed it, suddenly nervous. That sinking feeling was back and worse than before. My phone was on the counter so she must have been upstairs when she called. My body suddenly went cold.

"Mom..." I ran to the staircase. "Mom!" I yelled upstairs but still no response. Fear flowed through my body as I stumbled up the stairs. "Mom! Where are you?!" I ran down the hallway to her open bedroom door.

I ran into her bedroom but it was too dark to see. I flicked on the light and froze at what I saw. My mother was laid, strewn out across the bed. Dried blood covered her neck around a familiar looking wound. She was deathly pale and I couldn't tell if she was breathing. Her eyes were wide open in terror.

My heart dropped along with my body. I collapsed to my knees and leaned against the doorframe for support. I wasn't sure how long I stayed there, watching her, praying that she'd move. But she didn't. Numb, I crawled over to her bedside and carefully grabbed her hand. It was ice cold. Like touching Jasper. I felt the tears start to well when I saw her cell phone in her other hand. I lifted my own phone, pressed speed dial 2 and then send. After two rings, Jacob picked up.

"Jade? What's up?"

"She's dead..." I whispered into the phone, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"What? Who's dead? Jade? What's going on?"

"Someone killed her..." My tear filled eyes stayed locked with her lifeless eyes.

"Stay where you are. I'll be there soon."

Jacob hung up and I let the phone slip from my fingers. It fell to the floor with a clink. I grasped my mother's cold dead hand tightly and lost myself in the pain that over took my entire being.

---

Jacob's POV

The door to Jade's house was wide open and the scent of a vampire overwhelmed me. Quil, Embry and Seth all stopped at the opened door at the scent. They followed after me though when I took off.

"This is not good..." Embry stated.

I recognized the scent as the same vampire from a few days ago. It had been around recently but I didn't think anything of it. Without thinking, I ran into the house and followed Jade's scent to his mother's bedroom. I could hear the other three behind me.

"Oh Shit..." Embry gasped at the sight.

I felt the urge to vomit but forced it away and ran over to Jade. He was shaking uncontrollably as tears streamed down his pale cheeks. He was kneeling beside the bed, his hand grasping his mother's tightly. "Jade." I fell on my knees beside him. "Look at me." I grabbed his face and forced him to look at me. The pain in his eyes made me flinch.

"Seth, Embry. Go get officer Swan." Quil said. I heard them leave and Quil walk over to me. "We need to get Jade away from her. To everyone else this is a crime scene."

"One they'll never solve." I said softly, releasing Jade's face. I wrapped my arms around Jade's thin waist and lifted him to his feet. His hand was still clamped over this mother's though. "Jade, you have to let go."

Jade only stared at his mother, all life in his eyes gone. He was still crying, still shaking and if I didn't hold him up, he'd fall to the ground. So that's how Officer Swan found us.

"Oh no..." I heard him gasp. "Boys, go wait downstairs." I heard the others leave and Officer Sawn walk up to me. "He won't let go?"

"No."

Officer Swan was obviously having a hard time with it all. He leaned down and carefully pried Jade's hand off his mother's. Immediately, Jade lunged for his mother but I held him back tightly. He fought against me weakly before clinging to me and sobbing. I couldn't stand seeing him like this.

I carefully picked him up and carried him out of the room as Officer Swan called for backup. I carried my sobbing and shaking boyfriend downstairs where the other three were waiting. I passed them and took Jade outside. The cool night air always seemed to calm him before.

I plopped down in the cold grass and held Jade tightly in my lap. He buried his head in my neck and continued to cry. My heart was tight as I listened to him. The only thing of comfort I could do was hold him and rub his back gently. Quil, Embry, and Seth all sat down with me. I could see it in their faces. They were just as upset as I was. We all loved Jade's mother. I couldn't help but wonder why a vampire would go through the trouble of stalking its prey and risk getting caught by wolves just to kill its prey.

"Jacob." I glanced at Seth. "We found this stuck to Jade's door." He handed me a white piece of folded paper. "We took it because it's not something for the police to find."

I carefully opened the paper and found a note written in elegant writing.

Dear Wolf loving human,

I've taken someone of yours that you love more than anything just like you took someone of mine who I loved very much. Your wolf will pay for what he did to my Avery. He'll pay with your life. So beware little human. You will be mine.

Nathanial

I crumbled the paper in my fist in anger. Avery. This was all over that horrible vampire. Why did I not expect this? We thought Avery was a lone vampire. Seems we were wrong... Now Jade's mother was dead and Jade was next. No way in hell was I letting him out of my sight. Never.

I heard sirens and a few cop cars pulled up into Jade's driveway along with an ambulance. Like that was going to do any good. Jade's mother was long gone. I held Jade tightly as the police and paramedics ran into his home.

---

Jade's POV

Sometimes when life is going so well, you tend to forget that no matter what, life is a living hell. Expecting everything to always work out will only come back to bite you in the ass. HARD! I had to learn that the grim way.

I should have never expected my life to be normal. Especially after moving to Forks, Washington. Moving there changed everything. Some for the better but in the end, the worst. My mother's death. No. Murder. It never would have happened if we didn't move to Forks. If I never met Jacob. If I never got involved with werewolves. If I never met Avery. If they never killed Avery. If only I didn't forget my fucking phone!

But dwelling on the past would never help. I knew what happened with Avery had something to do with my mother's murder. But I had no clue how or why. I just knew. Officer Swan told me that they were doing everything they could to find out who did it. There was nothing to find. You can't catch a vampire. My mother was drained dry. How the fuck do you explain that?

She was killed two days ago. Edward and Bella came back early from their honeymoon yesterday. I hadn't seen either of them. My bet was that she had become one of those disgusting evil little blood suckers...

"Jade." Jacob's voice was soft against my ranting brain. "People are arriving."

I took a deep breath and raised my eyes from the concrete stairs of the funeral home. The rain had started early this morning and had yet to let up. Jacob and I stood outside of the funeral home under the roof of the porch to greet people.

One by one the townsfolk of Forks started to fill the small funeral home while giving me their condolences. I really didn't want to do this but my mother deserved a proper funeral and burial. My mood lifted a tiny bit when I saw my group of werewolves walk up the stairs.

Embry was the first to hug me followed by the rest. Quil, Seth, Sam, Paul, Jared and their parents. Even Billy came. Rachel as well. Having them there made me feel a little bit better. I still had a family. I could tell Jacob was itching to touch me but wouldn't because he knew how I was with PDA. I didn't care at the moment so I carefully slipped my hand into his. He squeezed my hand tightly as the wolf pack and their families made their way into the funeral home to pay their respects to my mother in her closed casket.

I couldn't have an open casket funeral. I just couldn't. It wasn't like my mother was mangled or anything. She was just pale, cold, and dead... I didn't want people to remember her that way. She was always so bright and full of life. I couldn't even handle to see her lifeless body. Maybe the closed casket was more for myself than anything else...

"Jade." I was suddenly hugged by a frigid cold body. I was momentarily stunned before I realized it was just Alice. She came? She pulled back when I didn't return the hug. "I'm so sorry I didn't see this coming." Her dark eyes showed how truly sorry she was.

"It's not you fault, Alice." My voice was soft and even.

"Jade." I shifted my eyes to Jasper who was standing beside Alice. "I..." I'd never seen him look so uncomfortable before. He reached to touch me but I flinched backwards into a pillar.

"Don't touch me." I hissed at him. I saw the pain in his eyes for a split second before he hid it. I didn't regret it.

"We're not like them." He said softly.

A surge of fury engulfed my body. I stood up straight, my fists clenched tightly at my sides and glared harshly at him. "You're all the same. Don't you have a new one to take care of?"

Alice glanced at Jasper in question. I could feel Jacob's presence beside me though we weren't touching anymore. I supposed my being angry made him upset.

"To me... You're more important."

My fingernails dug deep into my skin at Jasper's words. "Fuck you."

Jacob gently touched my arm but I flinched away. "Jade-"

"Don't. Don't say a fucking word." I hissed at him before turning on my heel and walking inside the funeral home.

---

Jacob's POV

I watched Jade stalk into the funeral home with a heavy heart. I turned back to Jasper and Alice. Alice had her eyes locked on the ground while Jasper looked ready to kill someone.

"He's just upset." Jasper's glare turned to me. "Hey, his mother was killed." I glanced around. "By a vampire. He's going to be resentful at first."

"We're not like them."

"He knows that. But for right now... He needs someone to be mad at and unfortunately... That's you." Jasper's glare softened. "Jade loves you Jasper. He always will. Just give him time to cool down. Until then, you guys have a newborn to take care of."

"It's not born yet." Alice spoke.

I blinked at her, confused. "I'm sorry... What?"

"The baby."

"What baby?"

"Bella's baby."

I think my world just paused. "Bella's pregnant?"

"She's fine."

There was so much I wanted to ask but I didn't have time. "Uh... okay. Fill me in later. It's about to start."

"We are really sorry." Alice told me.

"I know." I nodded to them before going to find Jade. I never knew I'd actually feel sorry for one of them. I understood Jade's anger but it was totally misdirected. He'd feel guilty about it once he calmed down.

---

Jade's POV

The pouring rain was not a good setting to bury someone in. Once that casket was lowered into the ground people disbursed to go back to our house for the reception. I didn't move though. Jacob stayed by my side, holding the black umbrella above our heads. I watched diligently as they poured the dirt into the deep hole, covering my mother. I wanted to cry but I felt I had no tears left.

"Jade!"

I turned at the shout of my name. A familiar dark haired figure came running toward me in the rain. His clothes were starting to get soaked from his lack of a rain jacket or umbrella. Without hesitation, I ran out from under the umbrella and met the man halfway. He caught me in a tight hug and I clung to him like he was my last life line.

"Oh Jade..." He whispered softly, burying his head in my neck. "I'm so sorry."

"You came..." I mumbled against his chest. "I didn't think you would come."

"My plane was delayed at a layover in Boston so I missed the funeral. But I'm here now. I loved your mother, Jade." He rubbed my back gently, the rain water seeping through my clothing. "But I love you more. You need me right now."

"I love you too, Dad." I clung to him as tightly as possible.

After a few moments, Jacob politely told us to get in the car before we both became sick. So my father went back to his car and Jacob pulled me to mine. Jacob drove us home and my father pulled in behind us. People were already there for the reception that I really didn't want to deal with.

"Go upstairs, change and rest." My father told me. "I'll take care of these people. And Jake here will help me."

I only nodded and did as told. I went to my room and changed out of my black suit. I replaced it with equally black attire; a long sleeve black shirt and black pants. I stumbled over to my bed and plopped down onto my stomach. I crossed my arms and used them as a pillow as I stared at the wall.

I wasn't sure how long I stared at the wall before there was a knock at my door. "Come in." I called, without looking at the door. It opened and someone entered the room. The door clicked shut and footsteps came over to me. The bed dipped as someone sat down on it beside me and a warm hand slowly began to rub my back.

"I know there's nothing I can say to comfort you right now. I can't say I understand what you're going through because I don't. I was young when my mom died. This is completely different. But what I can tell you is that I love you. And I'm here for you. Always. So please Jade... Don't hide from me when you need me the most."

I closed my eyes tightly, a few stray tears escaping. "I'm sorry..." I chocked out.

Immediately, I was gathered up into strong warm arms and clutched to an equally strong warm chest. I clung to Jacob, terrified of losing him too. The tears refused to stop and the pain was too much to bear. I hated it. All of it.

Jacob carefully shifted and moved so he was lying on his back with me on top of him. He held me tightly against him while gently rubbing my back in a soothing motion. I calmed down a bit and buried my head in his tan neck. My cheeks were wet from tears and my heart was still pounding. So many emotions were running through my small body.

"I love you." Jacob whispered against my forehead while kissing it.

"I love you too." I shifted so I was slightly lifted above him and our eyes met. "I don't know what I'd do without you right now." My lips ghosted over his.

"You'd survive." He wrapped a hand around the back of my neck.

"I doubt it."

He pulled my head closer causing our lips to meet. It was a sweet gentle kiss. The kind of kiss I loved to receive from Jacob. It was all I needed from him right now. It made me feel comfortable and safe. But then the door to my room opened.

"Ah, Shit."

We pulled apart quickly and sat up. I couldn't look my father in the eyes but I could tell he was not expecting what he just saw. I sat on my knees between Jacob's legs, keeping my eyes on the floor.

My father coughed. "Um. Sorry." He ran a hand through his dark hair. "There's a guy downstairs that wants to see you Jade."

I got to my feet slowly and finally met my father's dark eyes. I didn't find anything displeasing. "Do you know who it was?"

"He said his name was Demetri."

I blinked. "Oh. Okay. Thanks." I smiled softly and left the room, leaving Jacob alone with my father.

---

Jacob's POV

I rubbed the back of my hand over my mouth, feeling Jade's father's eyes on me. I really wished Jade didn't leave me alone with his father. I carefully got to my feet and fixed my slightly rumbled clothing.

"I didn't know..." Anthony averted his eyes. "He never mentioned..."

"I'm sorry you... had to find out this way. Especially today." So awkward...

He shook his head and met my eyes. "I had a hunch. You two seemed too close to be just friends. I have something to ask you anyway."

"Okay. What?" I bit my bottom lip, a little nervous.

"I was thinking... Jade really needs a parent right now but I can't stay here in Forks. I was going to ask him to come stay with me for a while. Just until the grieving period is over. This house... It's his mother's. Everything here is going to remind him of her."

My blood went cold in my veins. "Move to... New York?"

"Temporarily."

"What are you asking of me?"

"To convince him to come. I know he's going to decline."

"I..." With Jade in New York, I wouldn't be able to protect him. But maybe... He'd be safer farther away. But could I handle that? "I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

---

Jade's POV

Stepping downstairs was like entering a new world. A world that I really didn't want to enter. A dark, gloomy, sad and stuffy world. I made my way through the crowd of people, most stopping me to give me their condolences. I then remembered that my father didn't tell me where Dem was.

Shit. It was too damn crowded. I slipped out the back door into the misting rain for some fresh cold air. I stumbled onto the grass and took a deep breath. The cold crisp air filled my lungs and caused a coughing fit. I bent over before feeling someone pat my back. Once my coughing fit was over with I was able to stand up straight and see who was outside with me. I wasn't all that surprised to see Dem.

"You okay? It's cold out here." He started to remove his blue jacket. "I asked your dad where you were."

"Yea. He came and got me but then I couldn't find you."

He slipped his jacket over my shoulders. "I saw you escape."

I smiled softly at him and pulled his jacket closer around me. "Yea. It's stuffy in there."

"Don't give me a fake smile." Dem grabbed my chin gently, a frown on his lips. "Don't pretend to be okay when you're not."

My throat began to swell, like I was going to start crying again. Apparently, Dem noticed because he stepped toward me and wrapped his arms around me. I rested my head against his shoulder and just leaned into him.

"I know how hard it is to lose a parent." He spoke softly, holding me tight. "I won't give you shit like, 'She's in a better place.' Or 'everything happens for a reason' cause I'm damn sure that's not what you need or want to hear." And he was right. I was sick of hearing those words from people. "But what I will tell you is that it's something you'll never forget or get over." He started to run his fingers through my hair, soothingly. "You will eventually move on. Until then, Don't seclude yourself. You'll need your father now more than ever. Jacob too."

"Okay..."

Dem placed a finger under my chin and lifted my head so our eyes could meet. "And you have me too."

I lifted my hand and brushed my thumb over his flushed cheek. "Thank you."

He leaned forward a bit and ever so lightly pressed his lips to my forehead. "Just make sure you remember to take good care of yourself."

I felt the heat come to my cheeks. "I won't forget."

Dem smiled softly at me. "Good."

"Jade." We both looked to the door at my father's voice. "We need to talk."

"Ah, okay."

My father glanced at Dem who didn't let go of me. "I'll wait for you in your studio."

I nodded at him and he left. "Shit."

"What?" Dem looked at me, concerned.

"He saw me and Jacob together... I know that's what he wants to talk about."

"Ah, I see." Dem kissed my cheek. "Well, good luck with that." He removed his arms from around me. "Call me, okay?"

"I will."

"See ya."

"Bye." I waved at him as he went back into the house. I sighed and clutched the jacket closer around me. Then I realized it was Dem's jacket. I went back inside to catch him but I was too late. He was gone. So I just made my way upstairs to my studio.

My dad was staring at a painting of Jacob when I walked into the room. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Coming to stay with me in New York." He said, turning to look at me.

I only stared at him. "What?"

"After everything that's happened... I think it would be best for you to get away from here for a while. Not permanently unless that's what you wanted."

"Is this... about Jacob and me?"

"No. I planned to ask you this before I knew about you two."

I tilted my head to the side. "Why?"

"Because you need family right now."

"Jacob is family." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"He may be. But Jade, everything here will remind you of your mother. That won't help your grieving." He took a few steps toward me. "Just for a few months Jade."

"Thank you for offering but no. I... have school and... I can't leave Jacob like that."

"Just... think about it, alright? I leave in two days. Give me your answer then."

"Okay. But it'll still be no."

"Consider it."

"Fine."

---

I couldn't sleep at my house. I just couldn't. So, for the third time since my mother died, I was staying the night at Jacob's. His dad seemed just fine with us staying together. Rachel just made fun of us good heartedly. Jacob's room was small and so was his bed. It was obviously made for only one person and Jacob was too tall for it anyway.

"Jacob... I can't let you sleep on the floor in your own home."

Jacob just shook his head as he set up a few blankets on the floor. "You need to rest comfortably. You haven't sleep in the last two days. I'm a wolf, Jade. I'm used to sleeping outside. I can handle the floor."

I pouted slightly while bouncing lightly on his bed. "I can't sleep without you."

Jacob plopped down on the floor right beside his bed. "I'm right here."

I laid on my side, watching him. "It's not the same."

Jacob got up on his knees and crawled closer to me. He pulled the blanket over me and kissed me gently. "Rest baby." He turned the lamp by the bed off so the only light was the moon light. "I love you." He said softly as he laid down.

"I love you too." I pulled the blanket close around me and curled into a ball. "Night."

"Night.

---

A fluid feeling. Soft, warm, like water. But that feeling quickly changed. Burning sensation. Fire flowing through my veins. A painful engulfing feeling. Familiar... Then the pain was gone and replaced with an aching. A hunger so fierce that I could feel it in my bones.

My eyes snapped open only to be greeted by darkness. I blinked a few times, confused as to where I was. It took a moment to remember as the light from the moon lit the small room. I rolled over onto my side to the edge of the bed to see Jacob.

I smiled softly at him. He was laying on his back, spread out and snoring softly. The moon light created shadows against his beautiful face. I reached down and brushed my fingertips over his warm soft cheek. He grumbled and turned his head toward me in his sleep. I tickled his nose causing him to crinkle it.

"Jade..." His husky voice send chills down my spine. He opened his eyes slowly and let a yawn escape his lips. "What's wrong?"

"Come up here."

Jacob groaned softly and slowly sat up, taking my hand. "I won't fit."

"Just get your ass up here."

He smiled at me, his pearly white teeth flashing in the moon light. I moved so he could slip under the covers beside me. He laid down on his back and I crawled on top of him. I settled between his legs and rested my head against his shoulder. Jacob wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head atop mine. I was so warm and finally felt safe.

"You okay baby?" He asked softly while running his fingers through my hair.

"My dad asked me to come stay with him for a little while."

He didn't react the way I expected. "What was your answer?"

"I told him no."

"Why?"

"Because I'd be away from you."

Jacob was silent for a moment. "I know baby... but... I think you should go."

"What?" I stared at the wall in surprise.

"Jade... Your dad talked to me about it. He makes sense in his reasoning."

"You want me to leave you?"

"No." His arms tightened around me. "But this isn't about me. It's about you. Jade, you couldn't even bare to sleep in your house since she died. Don't get me wrong, I love having you stay with me. But... You should be with your father right now."

I bit my bottom lip and buried my head in his neck. "I don't think I could handle being that far away from you for such a long period of time."

"I know." He kissed my hair. "For your safety Jade. This vampire that killed your mother... He might come back for you. I don't want a repeat of last year."

"I..."

"Just for a few months Jade. Until we know it's safe for you to come home. Three months tops. As long as I can talk to you, I think I can handle a few months."

I adjusted my body so I was lifted a little above him and our eyes could meet. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I want you to be safe."

I searched his eyes before leaning down and kissing him. "But am I not safe with you?"

"Of course you are. But you're not speaking to Jasper and you know I can't always be with you. This vampire is obviously willing to risk anything to get its prey." Jacob cupped my face gently, his eyes begging me.

"I... I'll go..."

Jacob smiled softly and pulled me down for a much more intimate and passionate kiss.

---

It was peculiar really. I'd moved all over the U.S. my whole life but not once did we ever take a plane. So this was the first time I was going to fly. I only packed my essentials. Clothing and my sketch books. I only had one suit case and my carry on which consisted of my messenger bag with my normal sketch book and my ipod.

Standing at the terminal with my father was when it finally hit me. I wasn't going to see Jacob for atleast three months. Jacob wasn't even there. He couldn't see me off. He had a logical reason of course. Had to do with the vampire but I still wished he was there.

Instead, Seth and Dem were there to see me off. Both looked as upset as I felt. I sure hope I'm making the right decision. My father was atleast happy that I was coming with him. The past week had been so hectic...

"Class won't be the same without you." Dem said as he hugged me tightly.

"I'm gonna miss you." I told him, returning the hug.

"I'll miss you too." He pulled back with a small smile on his lips. "You better call me."

"I will."

Dem stepped away so Seth could say his goodbye. "Jacob wanted me to give you this." He handed me a folded piece of paper. "Read it after you land, okay?"

"Okay." I took the note and slipped it into the pocket of my bag.

"Everyone wishes they could see you off." He pulled me into a warm hug. He was a nice substitute for Jacob. "We'll all miss you. Remember, we are your family too."

I hugged Seth tightly. "I know. I'll miss you guys too. Tell Quil and Embry that I love them."

"I will."

Jacob and I already had our goodbye so there was nothing to say to him. "I love you too, Seth."

"Love you too." He squeezed me before letting go. "Take care okay? And be safe."

"I will."

"Jade, it's time to go." My father said softly.

"Okay." I waved to Dem and Seth. "Bye."

"Bye" They both said, waving as I followed my father away from them.

---

Being on a plane wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was pleasant actually. We would be in the air for three or four hours before we landed in Duluth, Minnesota for a layover. We'd wait two hours there and then get on a plane for another four hours to New York.

I sat by the window with my father beside me. I had my earphones in and was listening to Hollywood Undead as I boredly sketched the profile of my father's face. He was reading some novel and I finally noticed how much I actually looked like him.

Naturally, I was blonde like my mother but with my dyed black hair I was sure I looked more like him than ever. We shared the same nose, mouth, eyes and cheeks. Our ears too. Smaller than typical. I liked the way his face curved. Is mine like that?

He then noticed me staring at him. He titled his head at me, a soft smile on his lips. "What?"

I pulled the earphone from my right ear. "Nothing really. I just never realized how much we look alike."

My father placed his book mark in his spot and closed his book. "Really? As you've gotten older I've noticed it. You are more like your mother inside and you are closer to her height. But physically, you're me." He shifted to face me more.

I blinked at him as my heart sunk a bit at the mention of my mother. "I know... this isn't the best time to ask you this but..." I bit my lower lip not sure if I really wanted to ask.

"Why did I leave your mother?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Y-Yea."

He sighed softly. "I knew you'd ask eventually." His fingertips tapped the cover of his book as he stared at it. "We had problems long before I left her. The easiest way to explain it is... I fell out of love with her. I'm not sure how or why I did. I just did. I couldn't handle it so I ran. That wasn't that best way to handle it. I know that now..." He met my eyes. "But I love you, Jade. I had to come back sometimes. When you had that accident around this time last year... It was my opportunity. I was afraid you'd hate me."

"We.... never were that close, Dad."

"I know. I want that to change."

I smiled at him. "Me too."

His smile grew a bit. "Then tell me about you and this Jacob. You'd mentioned him before and your mother told me you were close."

"Ah, Jacob..." I smiled softly. "It just kinda happened. We fell in love."

His eyes widened a bit. "You're in love?"

I nodded. "Surprised me too." I chuckled softly. "I never thought about my sexuality before and with Jacob it just came naturally."

"He's... two years younger than you, correct?"

"Yea. He doesn't look or act it though."

"So he's mature for his age?"

I thought it over for a moment. "He can be. Just like me, he's a kid at heart."

"I see..."

"Do you... disapprove?"

My father searched my eyes before sighing softly. "He makes you happy. You're yourself because of him. You have so many more friends than you've ever had. Good, close friends all because he got you to break out of your shell. As long as you're happy... I can deal with it."

"R-Really?"

"Yes. I can tell he really loves you. He treats you right, doesn't he?"

"Yes. He takes very good care of me."

"Good." He nodded, satisfied. "He's Indian, right?"

"Yup. Quileute. Seth is too. Actually, pretty much all my friends are. Expect Dem of course."

"There were a lot of them at the funeral."

"Yea. They all knew mom."

My father smiled at me. "She was very popular."

"Yea. She was."

He lifted his arm and wrapped it around my shoulder in comfort. "Your mother mentioned Jasper. Was he there?"

"He... We're not exactly friends anymore..."

"Why not? Ashley told me that when you were away from Jacob, you and Jasper were inseparable."

"It's... complicated."

"Alright." He removed his arm as I stuffed the earphone back into my ear. He went back to reading while I returned to my sketch.

But I just stared at it in thought. I missed Jasper already. I shouldn't have been so mean to him. It wasn't his fault. He wasn't like the vampire who killed mom. Nothing like that. I... love Jasper. Maybe I'll call him when we land in Duluth. Jasper deserves an apology.

---

Once we landed in Duluth, Minnesota, my father and I ate. After that we sat down outside the terminal for our next flight. We had two hours to burn. I stuffed my earphone in and pulled out my sketch book to draw the cute old couple sitting on the other side of the walkway across from us.

But when I pulled my sketch book out of my messenger bag, a folded piece of paper fell out. I picked it up confused before I remembered what it was. The note Seth gave me. Curious, I unfolded the note to find two separate hand writings. One at the bottom I recognized as Jacob's messy writing. I read that before reading the much more elegant script , I'm sorry I kept this from you. I didn't want to worry you more than you already were. But this Nathanial has been following you for a while now. Even before your mother's murder. This is why I had Seth see you off. I couldn't come with you because Nathanial knows my scent mixed with yours. I couldn't have him follow you. Please forgive me for keeping this from you. Please be safe and take care. I love you and call me when you get there.

father shifted beside me and I looked up. He was busy reading his book and people were strolling by. I narrowed my eyes slightly at the rain outside. I was beyond confused at the moment. So, I lowered my eyes to the elegant script on the note.

Dear Wolf loving human,

I've taken someone of yours that you love more than anything just like you took someone of mine who I loved very much. Your wolf will pay for what he did to my Avery. He'll pay with your life. SO beware little human. You will be mine.

Nathanial

My throat tightened and the paper began to shake in my hands. Fear. I never should have expected that killing Avery wouldn't have an effect. Avery's lover killed my mother. Now he's after me. Why didn't Jacob tell me? So this was why he wanted me to leave. It all made sense now.

It took me a moment to realize I was no longer staring at the note. The note was gone and I was staring at the white tiled floor of the airport. I blinked and sat up straight, glancing around. My breathing stopped when I saw my father reading the note over.

I swallowed hard, watching his face closely while pulling out my earphones. His eyes began to narrow as he continued to read the note. I could feel my body shaking. I didn't know what to do.

When he finished, he lowered the note and immediately look at me. "Explain."

"It's... n-not that s-simple..."

His eyes narrowed more. "Now Jade."

"I..." My heart was pounding so hard I could barely hear myself think. "Y-You won't b-believe me."

"Try me."

And so I spilled everything.

---

I decided to put this into parts because it's so long~~~. so don't freak, just go to the next chapter!

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