herumtreiber

Title: Chapter seven
Author:

herumtreiber
Rating: R
Characters: Edward/Jacob
Word count: 4,464
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does. Nor do I make any money from this writing.
Notes: This occurs just after Eclipse. Edward mulls over his upcoming marriage.

Table of contents

Chapter six

JPOV

I glared at my new cell phone as I was cutting the vegetables. I'd spend money we didn't have to get that thing, just so Bella could talk to me over the phone.

And what did I get? Bella moaning that I'd stolen Edward from her! And that sly dig of hers, suggesting that all I had to do was wiggle my ass to lure her leech away from her.

Was that the way to treat her best friend?

I stabbed furiously the last of the potatoes for the chicken broth. I hadn't slept well last night. I spent it with my leech, under the stars.

I was so angry I cut my index finger. I might have yelped, because dad called out from the other room. "Something the matter, Jacob?"

"No, dad. I'm fine. Just cut my finger." I lifted my finger and sucked the blood. Didn't want to wipe my hand on the white towel near the counter because blood stains were difficult to get out.

The coppery taste was awful. I wondered how Edward and all leeches endured the flavor of blood. What was so enticing about it anyway? I shrugged, thinking it wasn't the blood they craved but the life force or whatever that went along with it.

Being a shapeshifter did have its merits because the blood stopped flowing after a few seconds. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was getting late. I hurried along the preparations, wanting to work on the carburetor of my car while there was still light.

I picked up the thin potato slices and threw them on the pan, grabbing a wooden spoon to stir the broth. I'd already added the chicken and the other veggies.

Yawning, I opened the fridge to get some celery stalks. At that moment I wished I had Edward's powers. Being able to stay up all night would surely help with my workload.

The fucking stalks were frozen stiff! I needed to get the refrigerator fixed, but there was no money. And my friend who knew about these things had moved to Oregon.

I glanced at my dad. He was still watching the basketball game, his hair shining in the reflected light of the old TV. I could see his profile; he was frowning.

What was I going to tell dad? That I'd suddenly fallen out of love with Bella and was falling for Edward, a bloodsucker?

He might've approved of the Bella part, but I doubted he would be a cheerleader for Edward. What if dad did forbid me to see him? If he made me choose between him and Edward, what would I do?

I just couldn't leave Billy alone; his life was tough enough as it was. With my sisters away pursuing their careers, living their lives, it was my responsibility to take care of dad. I intended to do just that.

When I heard the beer commercial, I realized I'd been standing there for a while. I had to finish dinner. Hopefully it would be enough for two days. Why the hell did I have to be a shifter? My hunger was too much for our tight budget.

My thoughts were all over the place. Life was more conflicting every day. It had been easier when I followed Bella around, trying to win her love. At least then I wouldn't have risked my father's anger, or banishment from the tribe. What would Sam do?

I opened the fridge, taking out several carrots. They'd be the last thing for the chicken. As I cut off the ends, I wondered what Edward was doing right now.

Probably brooding about something; my leech looked pretty lost sometimes. I wanted to bring a smile to that perfect face, to erase his frown with a swipe of my thumb. Edward was too hard on himself!

I bit my lip as I reflected on that last thought. Why had I become so tolerant of the leech that used to drive me nuts?

Those questions were making me edgy.

I glanced at the simmering pan, hurrying with the cutting.

The carrots were cold, coming from the fridge. Cold as Edward's cock. I hefted a thick one, frowning at it. It was about half as long as his prick, and really very thin compared to his cock. What would it feel sliding inside me?

Not that Edward would get the chance, of course. I wouldn't bottom for him; he'd have to do it for me. I was conflicted enough without walking with a limp for days. Lifting the carrot to my mouth, I licked its blunt tip, my tongue playing with the rough surface just like I'd played with Ed's cock.

"Jacob, something wrong with that?" I was so startled when I heard dad's voice, the carrot slipped through my fingers and fell to the floor. I'd been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't heard the wheelchair.

Dad leaned towards the veggie, his arm inching downward to grab the carrot. Before he could, I crouched next to his chair and picked up the orange thing.

"Dad, I've told you before -" I pointed the carrot at him. "Please, don't do anything dangerous!"

"I was only trying to help you, son."

"But what if you fell? What if you broke something?"

I scowled at the tattered leather of the chair. I'd have to ask him later if it chafed his back. Perhaps Quil's cousin could provide some leather to make a strap?

Dad sighed, reclining on the chair. "I can take care of myself, son. Been doing that since way before you were born, in fact." He smiled to take the edge off his words, but I knew I had to tread carefully. Dad didn't like to be pampered.

I returned to the kitchen counter, dicing the carrot while I tried to talk sense into him. "I just worry about you, dad. When I'm on patrol or going to school and you're all alone…"

"Sue Clearwater visits when you're away, Jacob."

I finished the carrots and put them on the pan. Squinting at the gas flame, I turned it down a bit. No sense in wasting fuel.

I waved my arms towards him. "She doesn't stay all the time, dad. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself?" I hated the petulant tone of my voice, but I couldn't help it. Ever since my sisters left the Rez to seek their fortune, it had been dad and me all alone. He'd taken care of me and I wanted to return the favor.

oOoOo

I wiped the bowl with my bread, grunting contentedly. It had been a fine meal I'd prepared, if I said so myself.

"Do you want something else, dad?" I pushed the apple I bought in the store towards him.

Dad frowned as he took the knife and cut the fruit in precise, evenly-sized slices. He knew how to wield knifes. I'd watched him as a kid, carving smoking pipes to trade with the elders of other tribes. I got whatever skill I possessed carving wood from him.

"No, Jacob. It was a fine meal; I thought we still had the fishes Sue brought the other day?"

After I shook my head, he went on, looking at me intently, "Why are you so nervous, son?"

He took a slice of apple, sighing. "Bella told you something?"

I gulped, realizing this was the perfect moment to tell him the truth of what I felt for Edward. Now that the pack was thankfully absent for the moment.

How would I ease into telling him? Dad, do you remember the time you caught me peeking at Paul's nude body?

No, it wouldn't do. I had to think of a subtle way. Surely Edward would have been able to charm his pants off as he confessed he was gay. Probably all the Cullens were cheering for him.

"I'm waiting, son." Startled, I looked up into my father's seamed face. His dark eyes glinted, and his brow was furrowed in concern. I decided to just cut to the chase.

"Dad, I won't be bothering with Bella anymore."

"Thank God, Jake! Don't get me wrong, I like the girl." Dad took a knife and speared an apple slice, mumbling, "Just hated the way she treated you."

"The reason I won't be after her, dad, is…"

I couldn't tell him face to face, but I had to tell him. I felt my cheeks blushing as I grabbed the dishes and cutlery. Amid the tinkling noises, I muttered, "I'm interested in someone else."

I made my way to the kitchen and put the dishes on the sink. Billy called out to me, "Who's the other girl?"

"Not a girl, dad!" I hunched my shoulders and busied myself rinsing the dishes. I expected my father to yell, to call me ugly names like many Rez boys did when this topic came up.

"So, it is a boy then." Dad said softly from the doorway. I turned to look at him, expecting to see a grimace of distaste on his face. Instead, he was frowning at me with deep attention.

I nodded, scrubbing the pan. "A man, actually. He's older than me." I nearly snickered, realizing Edward was way, way older than me.

"Have a care, Jacob! I don't want someone to hurt you."

I finished with the pan and put it on the dish rack. Drying my hands on the towel, I feigned indifference as I delivered the final news. "It's a vampire, dad."

I could hear his wheelchair colliding with the table.

I felt like crying as I choked up, barely able to continue. Finally I whispered, "I'll understand if you don't wanna have anything more to do with me."

"What are you talking about, Jake? Been hanging around the Swan girl for too long, you're getting to be just as mopey as she." Dad pulled my arm, and when I looked at his weather-beaten face, I didn't notice disapproval, just concern.

"Are you finished?" He motioned to the couch.

After I nodded, he easily swerved his chair around the counter, rolling out of the kitchen. "Let's discuss this sitting down like civilized adults, shall we?"

While my dad turned off the TV, I plopped down on the couch, toying with the frayed edge of a cushion.

"So you are in love with a male vampire?"

I shook my head. "I've been going out with him, so to speak. Not sure if I love him yet."

Dad nodded, his fingers tapping a strange rhythm against the metal edge of his chair. "I take it, it is Edward Cullen?"

I gasped incredulously. "How did you know?"

"Son, you've always been passionate about that lee…" Dad stopped himself, coughing in embarrassment. "Vampire, sorry. I guess now that you are," he made quotation marks in the air, "going out with him, I'll have to refer to them more politely."

I looked at the TV, averting my gaze from his. "You're not mad?"

"No, Jacob. One can't help the person one is attracted to, you know." He steepled his fingers under his chin, saying somberly, "For your sake, I do hope he doesn't treat you like the Swan girl did."

Feeling very relieved by his words, I looked at his dark eyes. As always, they were caring, kind. They reflected wisdom.

"Do you think the elders will throw me out?" I fidgeted on the couch, putting the cushion on my lap and rubbing it as if it was Edward's tousled head.

"You underestimate them, Jacob. As long as your relationship with the vampire doesn't threaten our welfare, they'll just wait and see." Dad rolled his chair towards the shelf near the TV, where we kept our few books. He stared intently at a framed photo of mother and me when I was five years old, taken at First Beach.

"They'll accept it just that easy, huh?" I snorted in disbelief; when it came to my love life or lack of it, nothing was easy!

"I'm not saying they will be thrilled at the news. Certainly some members are homophobes, not to mention vampirophobes." He smiled wryly, and I realized he was trying to lift my mood.

He had that knack. When I was lost or baffled by things spiraling out of control in my life - like becoming a shifter or Bella almost loving me and then breaking my heart - dad would lift an eyebrow, tell me a legend, or crack a bad joke and part of the tension I felt would seep out of my body.

"I don't know how the pack will react, Jacob. You have to realize how much power you hold, though. You're the descendant of Ephraim Black, and thus of the first Alpha Shifter."

I laid down on the couch, hearing the comforting sound of the chair as it passed over the wooden slat that always creaked. My father's voice, rumbling and deep, lulled me to sleep as he told me a story.

"Being a Shifter is more than becoming a wolf, Jacob. We are charged with protecting the land, guarding our people against the Cold Ones. Until the Cullens, we thought they were all killers."

"They are cold-blooded killers." I pointed out, covering my mouth when I yawned. "Remember Victoria and her newborn army?"

"How could I forget them, Jacob? They threatened to take away from me the person I love the most." His hand touched softly my shoulder as he whispered, "When Leah told me, I thought I'd lost you."

"You won't. I promise you."

"Don't make promises you might not keep, Jacob. Are you sure Cullen will treat you all right? You two have fought like dogs and cats."

"Edward is cool, now that he's not taken with Bella."

My father quipped, "You mean, now that the two of you aren't obsessed with the girl?"

I nodded. Putting my arm over my forehead, I stared at the cracked painting on the ceiling.

"What if I imprint on someone other than Edward, dad? I don't know what I would do." I groaned. "I hate imprinting!"

"You won't until the time is right, Jacob. Remember what I told you last year?"

I didn't answer him because I wanted to know his take on the pack leader. "What if Sam forbids me to see Edward?" I yawned again, covering my mouth with my forearm.

"You're worried about the Alpha order?"

"Yeah. I don't think he would, but… looking at him through Leah's thoughts makes me wonder."

"If he does, you follow your instincts, Jacob. I can't… I won't tell you what to do. Every man has to choose his own path. The world is as it is."

I burrowed into the couch. Dad's soothing voice, the smell of the spices in the kitchen, his cologne - the sweet smell of home was lulling me to sleep.

"Won't you sing me my song?"

He patted my forehead. "The time's not right for that, Jacob."

He hummed a lullaby, the same one I recalled mom used to sing when I was sick. Perhaps she taught him, or was it a song all parents knew?

I may have dreamed the part where he kissed my forehead, but I'd like to think I didn't.

oOoOo

"Guys, cut it off!" I shook my head. It had been a bad idea to have Quil riding shotgun. Embry would have been the better choice.

And Embry? He was usually the shy one, but he'd had too much coffee that morning. He kept punching Quil's arm. My burly cousin didn't like that. When Quil would inevitably turn back to hit Embry, it was distracting to my driving to say the least.

"Quit calling me a vampire-girl lover!" growled Quil.

"You are, man! You keep defending Bella!" Embry jostled Quil's seat, which made him angrier.

I shifted gears and turned the wheel, looking at the rearview mirror. I tried to tell myself I wasn't looking for a certain silver car.

I shouldn't have told them about breaking Bella's heart. Embry had been secretly delighted while Quil was worried about her. Hadn't told them the biggest news yet. I hoped they'd understand, but they were very thickheaded sometimes.

Calawam Way was busy and I had to wait impatiently behind a Ford SUV until the driver saw fit to accelerate.

"Where did you say this record store was?" I scowled at Embry on the rearview mirror. The guy just waved his hand to the right. "Two blocks that way, I guess."

"You guess?" I pointed to the dashboard. "You'd better be right, man. I don't like to waste gas just so you can ogle the girl at the counter."

Embry shrugged. "What can I say? I didn't imprint on a baby like him." He jostled the seat once more as Quil squawked indignantly.

"You know perfectly well it is fate." Quil said angrily, "The protection of our genes demands…"

I tuned out their voices as I mentally prepared the words to tell them I was going out with a vampire, and a male at that. How would they react? They'd been my friends ever since I remembered but I was afraid of their reaction. Would they reject me if they knew I took it up the ass?

I chewed my lip with determination. I wasn't going to be the bottom! Edward's cock looked a bit intimidating. The vampire had better be ready to be the catcher or I'd ride him hard.

Wrong mental image. I felt a discomfort on my shorts as my cock stood to attention.

"Thinking about Edward?" Quil leered at me.

I nodded dumbly before his words had registered completely. Then I gripped the steering wheel and turned to look at him. "Wait, how did you know?"

Embry piped up from the back seat. "Seth told us, he said you two were pawing each other. Must have been a sight."

"I'm going to kill that kid!" I clenched my teeth, imagining the talking to I was going to give Seth for spilling my secrets.

"Don't, Jake! Kid was only trying to help you. Said he was worried you would go mental. Knowing you, I'd say he was right." Quil tapped his hand against the dashboard. "I don't mind, actually."

"Neither do I." Embry's earnest eyes looked at me from the rearview mirror.

"You don't really mind, guys?"

"Nope," said Quil, playing with the buckle of the safety belt. "But you'd better watch out for Jared. Didn't take it too well."

I sighed exasperatedly. "Who else knows?"

"Just us, Jared and Leah," said Embry. "Leah is weird, man. She said she saw it coming."

Quil smirked, nudging my elbow. "Tell me, who bottoms?"

I felt heat on my cheeks as I grunted. "I won't. I mean... who knows?"

"You are taking it slow, I see. Do you have a guardian that goes with you two everywhere… what do they call it?" Embry sounded smug, the bastard.

"Chaperone, you idiot. They're called chaperones. Bet Jake and his leech never leave home without one." Quil's leer was pissing me off something fierce.

"I bet they take Bella as chaperone." Embry added, laughing like a coyote.

I firmly pushed the pedal and the car accelerated, jerking forward my two annoying friends.

"Does Bella know?" It figured that Quil would be worried about Bella, she of the snide remarks.

I nodded. "Edward told her yesterday. Did you know she called me on the phone?" I had to share her reaction with my friends.

I glanced sideways at Quil, who for once was taking things seriously. "Bella had the nerve to tell me I shook my ass at Edward and stole him from her!"

"And you didn't?" Quil piped up.

Embry immediately laughed. God, sometimes I wanted to strangle these guys!

I sighed in relief when I saw Edward's silver Volvo behind us. The music store was just ahead. I turned the wheel to enter the parking lot but Quil stopped me.

"You don't have to go with us, Jake. We understand." After I stopped the car, Quil took off his seat belt as he turned his head and winked at Embry.

"We'll find our way back to the Rez." Embry said confidently, opening the door and getting out.

"You're sure, guys?" I knew the trouble it was going places without a car.

Embry leaned on the door, ruffling my hair. "Sure, Casanova. You could use the chance to lose your cherry, now that you have no chaperone."

Quil and Embry made their way to the store, turning to wave at me one last time.

I growled in frustration. Granted, I was relieved that my best friends accepted the new situation, but did they have to rile me up so much?

"Are you truly going to lose your virginity, Jake?" Edward's smooth voice made me shiver, and my traitorous cock stood to attention once more.

He leaned towards me, his flawless face like smooth wood waiting for me to mould it into a thing of beauty. I sighed wearily. Who was I kidding? He was already perfect, who could compare to my leech?

Edward whispered huskily, "You're beautiful too, Jake." Damn, I hated that ability of his to read my thoughts!

My eyes drank up the sight of his pale collarbone, jutting from a black silk shirt. I wanted to bite that spot and see if it tasted as sweet as I remembered.

I smirked when I noticed Edward shivering. Obviously I could turn this talent of his to read thoughts to my advantage. Touching the gear shift, I felt the smooth surface, as unyielding as Edward's cock. I wondered…

"I know you want to feel me in you, Jacob. But not here, please."

I grunted a reply. "I won't be the bottom, leech."

"That's what you say now. But I'll make you change your mind."

I rolled my eyes, feeling like wiping that infuriating smirk off his face with a lick of my tongue, just before I thrust my thick cock into him. He'd feel so tight and cold around me, it would be heaven.

When I saw his hand on the car door slightly tremble, I sneered. "Sure, sure."

My stomach growled, and I remembered I had to buy more groceries. "Have to go. I'll meet you tonight at the boundary, Edward. It's my turn to patrol."

Edward pouted so cutely. I reached my hand towards his face, caressing his strong chin. "Until tonight, Ed."

oOoOo

I laid my head against Edward's chest, looking upward at the velvet sky. The night full of stars made me feel free. The fact that we didn't have to sneak behind Bella or my father also helped.

Having the support of Seth, Embry, Quill and Leah felt wonderful. If Sam wanted to kick me out of the pack, at least I wouldn't be alone. Though if he gave them an Alpha order not to see me, I wondered how they would react. I didn't want them to be hurt. I'd have to talk to them and make them understand this.

But tonight belonged only to Edward and me. Gazing up, I felt as if I could only extend my arm long enough, I'd be able to grab a handful of stars from the Great Shifting River. I made the mental note to tell Edward our legend about the Milky Way. Couldn't concentrate though, with Edward's hand playing with my nipples.

I didn't need the stars now, for I had my leech.

"My, you are so romantic, Jacob."

"And you are a snoop." I reached my arm around my head; my fingers lingering over his cheeks. Edward groaned.

"Didn't your mother tell you not to sneak in other people's heads?"

"She's dead, Jake. I haven't seen her for decades, and I miss her."

Hearing his mournful voice made me cringe. "I'm sorry, man. I know what it feels to lose a mother, you never get over it."

"I know, Jacob." His cold hand kept toying with my nipples. I tried not to think about what I wanted him to do to me, in case he read my thoughts. I had no need to, for it seemed Edward wasn't horny tonight.

"I'm glad that your father accepted our relationship." Did I sense a deep melancholic tone in Edward's voice? If he read my thoughts about the whole conversation, he should have been happy instead of sad.

I replied cautiously, "Dad is great like that."

"Tell me, Jake; is it hard to care for him all alone? Don't you resent your sisters for leaving you alone to care for him?"

I shrugged, my hand straying down, searching for his. When I found it I wrapped my fingers around his palm.

"Not really. I wanted them to take the chance to break out of here. To study and make a life for themselves. Rebecca always wanted to live near the ocean, and Rachel's really smart, way more than I am."

"Jake, you're smart. Don't--" I pressed my fingers against his mouth to shut him up.

"Don't wanna see them get old and bitter. They would've felt trapped on the Rez." I sighed, remembering the look on Sue Clearwater's face when she encouraged Leah to study harder. "Dad and I, we take care of each other."

Edward loomed over me; his hair was tousled by the wind, and his cheeks were as pale as the moon. Tracing my eyebrows with his fingertips, he whispered, "You're so special, Jacob Black. Beautiful inside and out, I'm glad I ran through the woods that night and broke up with Bella. I'm glad I chose you."

I rolled my eyes. Edward was really weird. I didn't understand why he got so romantic all of a sudden when all we were doing was talking about my sisters.

Those thoughts were brushed aside when he leaned down and kissed me, murmuring against my lips, "I love you, Jake."

I felt warmth in my chest, a liquid feeling that ran deep inside. The words that never escaped Bella's lips were offered freely by my leech, my Edward.

But there was sadness in his voice I wanted so much to get rid of. I'd rather have a sarcastic vamp that pried into my thoughts than a moody Edward.

"Ed, I feel--"

I escaped his embrace and sat on his lap, comfortably wrapping my arms around his waist. "I'm falling in love with you."

We kissed while the winds rustled the trees. Recalling dad's words, I smiled against the cold lips of my Ed.

The world is as it is.

Tonight, I was happy to be with Edward.

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