A Strange Imprint

Chapter 5
Words: 1 509

Jacob smiled at Bella as she climbed out of the silver Volvo the leech was driving. It was good to see her. He had missed her despite not realising it as he'd been so caught up in Harry. Though not actually in him, just... never mind. And now the Vampire was laughing at him, great.

Anyway she was still one of his best friends and he could see it more clearly now that his crush on her had disappeared. Perhaps it would be easier to be around her now, he hoped so. With their dads hanging out often it would be awkward if they couldn't get along now that the situation had changed. Additionally he might not have all that much longer to spend with her. Even if she didn't go through with becoming a vampire she would start college in the fall, he had to spend time with her while he could.

"Hey, Bells," he said cheerily, picking her up at the waist and swirling her around before putting her back on the ground. That she didn't protest was probably a sign that she had missed him too.

"Someone's happy," she said, smiling.

"Yes I am." He grinned.

"While that's great I still wonder what your excuse for ignoring my calls is."

"I've been busy."

"You'll tell me all about it." It wasn't a question, it was an adamant demand, but he didn't mind.

"Sure, if the statue over there didn't already give you a rundown commentary of my thoughts as soon as he got in range and spoiled everything, I'll be happy to fill you in."

"Don't worry, you got to keep your punch line," the vampire said and the modern lingo sounded very wrong coming from him. "It isn't my story to tell."

"We can agree on that at least."

"It's really annoying," Bella pouted. "I could tell when he first heard you, he actually lost control of the car for a moment and I've never seen anything like it, he's usually a good driver despite his problem with speeding, then he smiled and would only tell me that it had something to do with you."

"Thanks for not telling her," he said to Edward as cordially as he felt able, coming to the decision that he had no reason to hold a grudge anymore and he could use his name in his thoughts while the vampire heard him. Bella was his friend but nothing more and he had no right to dictate her life, even if he still thought that becoming a vampire was a terrible decision. Perhaps Harry would be able to come up with a few arguments to help convince her.

"I agree with you on that," Edward said, answering his thoughts, which was as irritating as always. It wasn't made better now that he had thoughts he were more keen to keep private, like that slip about being into… best not think any more about that. "I'll keep trying to talk her out of it and you are welcome to try too."

"You bet I will."

"For the record though, I'm glad for you, Jacob."

He snorted. "No, you're not. You're only happy that I've backed out of the competition."

He nodded in admittance. "Maybe so, but I am still glad that we both get a chance for a happy ending."

"What are you talking about?" Bella demanded in frustration at their partly silent conversation.

As he had planned to tell her all along and as he was proud of Harry and didn't desire to keep it a secret he told her. "I imprinted."

Her reaction was predictable. She looked absolutely surprised and only got out a weak: "What?"

"I know this must be devastating news for you," he joked. "You'll never get a piece of this now." He made a swooping motion indicating his bare torso, grinning all along. Oh how much easier everything was now that he didn't want her to pick him, it was a relief and he could forgive the whole imprinting business for brainwashing him.

"Jacob!" she screeched, having regained volume in her voice. "That's not funny!"

"I know, I know. It's a tragedy. I shouldn't smile. At least you'll always have that kiss to remember me by on long, cold nights." If Edward got the jab he didn't show it.

Bella however seemed to get it. "You have no idea how much I want to punch you again." She scowled, but it wasn't the least bit threatening, and it was made all the more fun because she didn't realise it, like an angry kitten thinking that it's claws could do lasting harm.

"Not worth the broken hand?"

"Not worth the broken hand," the vampire interjected in agreement. "Behave or I won't dare leave you here."

"I'll be fine," she bit out," and if I think he needs a good punch I'm willing to break my hand again to make sure it happens."

"Or you could just call me. I'd be happy to break his jaw for you."

Jacob felt the muscles of his lips pull as the unsaid challenge prompted him to snarl. "Bring it on," he said, "and we'll see who breaks who."

"No fighting!" Bella called.

"Wasn't it you who wanted to punch me?" he asked, the rage that had begun to stir at the thought of fighting a vampire dying down as quickly as it had risen.

"Fine, nobody will fight," she said. "Now you must tell me all about the girl you imprinted on. Who is she?"

Edward laughed softly. It must be hilarious for him, knowing that Bella's assumption on Jacob's imprint was wrong and anticipating the awkwardness that would follow now.

"Not a word, bloodsucker," Jacob hissed.

"What?" Bella prompted. "What's wrong with her?" She sounded genuinely concerned and that made Jacob smile. She was a good friend, always trying to think about others and help them if possible, at least when she didn't get too self absorbed which she had a tendency to become every now and then.

"Nothing's wrong," he said. "There was only one thing wrong about the way you asked the question. She is a he." He said it easily. He was proud of Harry and heteronormativity wouldn't stop him from saying it. If Bella couldn't deal with it she wasn't worth it, but he didn't think she would mind. If she could accept vampires and werewolves she should be able to accept this.

"Oh," the sound escaping Bella was soft. Jacob wouldn't have heard it if it wasn't for his enhanced senses. "Oh," she said louder, "I don't know you liked guys." There was surprise, but no judgment.

"Neither did I," Jacob confessed. "And I don't really feel anything for anyone but Harry."

"That's his name?"

"Yes."

"Are you happy?"

"I think I am, but more importantly I know I will be. It's a lot to take in, a lot has changed in very little time and we don't know each other very well yet, but it feels right. We're taking it one day at a time and the more I get to know about him, to surer I feel about it."

"That's good."

"I'll be back to pick up her at eight," Edward said.

"I'll have her here."

"If you don't-"

"You will not break the treaty.

"Maybe I will."

"Stop it already!" Bella interrupted them. "No treaties will be broken and I will be here on time. And I don't appreciate the two of you talking about me as if I'm not here. Now stop worrying for a moment."

"I always worry about you."

Jacob rolled his eyes. Had he ever been that sappy? Edward's short glare told him yes, and also, you're being it now too, just not regarding Bella. "We'll keep her safe," he said. "Besides the Red Head's not been around for days. Her scent has grown cold. Perhaps she's given up."

"We've not crossed her scent either," Edward said with a frown. It looked strange when he frowned, like a rock rippling when it should stay inanimate. "And I don't think she's given up. I've seen her mind. She won't stop until she's hurt me the way she feels I've hurt her."

"Well, we'll just keep vigil. She'll mess up sooner or later, and when she does… the problem will be solved."

"Don't get too confident, she's dangerous."

"We know. I won't be taking any unnecessary risks." He thought of Harry and what it would do to him if he got hurt. He might be free to return to the girl who'd been his fiancée but it would never be the same. Harry had a had a chance at true happiness together with him. He didn't want to rob his imprint of that.

Edward looked at him contemplatively. "I suppose you won't risk yourself needlessly. Things have changed." He turned his eyes to Bella and Jacob followed his gaze. He saw the same fragile girl he'd fallen in love with and only saw a friend.

"Yeah, things have changed."

End Chapter 5

AN 6th March 2015

I don't know if you guys care, but I changed the image for the story, it's now more fitting; a russet wolf instead of a scare made up by the name Harry Potter. If you want to see it larger it; please follow the links on my profile to either my Deviantart page or my Tumblr.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!