Ghost Road - Chapter sixteen

[herumtreiber]

Title: Ghost Road
Chapter sixteen: The Alpha
Author: herumtreiber
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Rough sex, rimming
Characters: Jacob/Edward, Sam, Paul, Leah, Seth, Rosalie
Chapter length: -6,592
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, not me. This is for fun, not profit
Summary: Jake's recovery is almost complete.


Table of contents








Chapter fifteen: The Ghost Road

The leaves crunched under my sneakers as I ran through the forest; now and then I'd jump over fallen logs and rocks.  I took deep, short breaths as the rich scent of the woods in the morning filled me with energy. Gazing fleetingly towards the thick canopy overhead, I saw sunbeams dappling the trees like patterned tablecloths.

Running was part of my training. Hated feeling weak and I wanted my full strength.  

I felt the need to shift but I didn't dare to try. Doc Cullen's words gave me pause: my brain had been somewhat damaged and that messed up with the imprint which was cool with me. But what would I do if it also destroyed my ability to shift?

Nevertheless, I sensed the wolf inside me huffing and biding his time. I swept my palm across my sweaty forehead as I shook my head, recalling how I'd fought tooth and nails against being a werewolf. Hated to be controlled by the wolf's urges and wanted to remain human, but now I yearned for him.

The wolf and I were two aspects of the same being, intertwined like the cord hemp and leather lace of the dreamcatcher I wove for Bella. The last days had thought me that these sides didn't clash but meshed into something far better. Pity it took a bullet and nearly dying to come to this conclusion, but I had always been stubborn.

Now I was horny as hell; the other reason I wanted to be strong was to pound Edward into the ground. The other day, it had felt great rubbing our cocks but I needed more. I yearned to be one with him. The presence of the wolf, lurking beneath the surface of my thoughts, agreed with this. I didn't fight him this time because we were of one mind.  

I rubbed the sole of the sneaker against the ground to get rid of a stuck leaf while I brushed my fingers against the peach fuzz on the side of my head. It had grown but not fast enough. I wanted to look my best, to make Edward forget about the shooting so he wouldn't be haunted by memories.

My nostrils flared, catching his faint scent well before Edward reached my side. The breeze felt cool against my neck as I turned to the side and saw his blurry movement, like a compact train coming towards me.

He slowed down, taking long strides as he ran by my side.

"Hi, Edward." I grinned at him and drank the sight of the lean muscles of his arm flexing as he jogged, the pale skin contrasting with the bunched-up sleeves. The top buttons of his black shirt were undone, revealing the pale collarbone I yearned to nibble on. I stepped over a small bush and, as our paths neared, I reached my hand towards him, brushing my fingers against his hair. It was soft and tousled, the color of molten bronze in the morning light.  

 I could stare at his bright green eyes all day long; my arousal twitched at the beautiful sight while Edward smiled at me. "You left without me, wolf."

"Yeah." I wiped my face with my palm but Edward's hand reached for me. He held my wrist and leaned down. I shivered when I felt him licking the sweat off my hand. The sight of his red tongue and the scratchy sensation on my skin made me falter. I reached my arm towards him, grabbing his shoulder for purchase so I wouldn't fall on my face.

We had been flirting ever since I returned to the Cullens. Obviously he wanted to make love as much as I did, but there was doubt in his eyes when he tilted up his chin to look at me.  I damned this wound that prevented him from reading my mind because that would have come in pretty handy right now.  

I had to shake my head at the irony of it all. I hated at first the ease with which Edward pried into my innermost thoughts, but now I wanted him to do just that. It had made me angry that he knew all my secrets, but a part of me craved that vulnerability. I could be naughty with him without speaking at all.

Edward's arm brushed against my hip. "Jake, we need to talk."

I grimaced and wondered if he had read my thoughts. I slowed down and stopped in front of a cranberry. Wheezing a little, I bent my torso and splayed my hands on my knees, taking deep breaths.

I stretched my legs and then my arms, trying to strike sexy poses to spark desire in my vamp. Wrapping my hands behind my neck, I twisted my upper body to soothe the used muscles, wiggling my behind just so.

I eyed him sideways, choking back a whimper at his smoldering stare; my cock twitched against the rough fabric of the cutoffs.

After stretching and cooling down for a few minutes, I led Edward towards a wide oak and we sat on the tall grass. I shivered at the ghostly touch of his fingers against my forearm.  "Jake, you've been troubled for days. Since I can't read your thoughts any more…"  

"I'm afraid that I won't be able to phase," I said in a rush, tilting down my chin to stare at the grass while I said in a soft voice, "And I feel different, man. My wolf is near the surface." 

"Is that all; you're afraid you'll lose control?" The kind words and Edward touching my bare shoulder made me warm inside and I leaned on him, raising my thigh to hide my arousal. It wasn't time yet because we needed to talk.

"I'm sure I won't. The Doc said that the wolf has been with me always; it's the reason his memories fit mine like a puzzle and I remember everything, though the emotions I felt for Bella faded."  

Edward traced my cheek with his cold fingertips. "So…?"

I looked up at him through my eyelashes. His beautiful face was limned by the scant sunlight that poured through the thick canopy and I just couldn't help myself; I lifted my thigh to rub his slim torso. Edward shuddered, and I blushed when I remembered the stern words of Q'wati about duty.

"Remember the vision I told you about?"  

Edward smiled softly. "You mentioned a wolf?"

"My spirit guide, Q'wati, warned me about this danger we face. He said I would have to make a choice." I lowered my voice to a whisper, "And he called me Alpha."

"You told me you declined being the Alpha?"

"Felt I wasn't ready." I shrugged, my shoulder rubbing against his silk shirt. "I was mad at the wolf and tried to contain him. I guess that's one of the roots of my problems."

"What do you mean, Jake?" Edward carded his fingers through my hair and I snuggled closer to his coldness, rubbing my cheek against the smooth fabric of his shirt. "I made the wolf angry because I denied him my attention and deprived him of what he yearned for."

Recalling the silver wolf's words, I sighed and looked up at Edward. "He said you're my mate."

He nodded. "I figured as much, and I'm very, very glad."

His nearness made me horny; it was hard to contain myself. I snaked my leg around his and rolled us so I leaned on him. We were so close, I swore not even the breeze could have passed through us. I wished we had it easy like before the shooting. I could've thought about everything I wanted him to know and Edward would know instantly. Now I had to tell him.

I had to lay myself bare through my words, and the vulnerability was scary but also seductive.  

I scooted away from him, breaking our contact as I sought space to frame my words.  "Being close to the wolf, I've come to realize he had ideas about Bella." I reached my hand to touch his shoulder. "I have to tell you that I would have never have acted on them. They're pretty graphic."

"Don't worry about me, Jake. I can take it."

Recalling how he had reacted when I bad-mouthed Bella to get a rise out of him, I doubted that. Yet I had to be honest with him.

I leaned on the oak, the rough bark against my back grounding me as I looked at the sky. "The wolf dreamed of mating with Bella, being rough with her and marking her." I glanced at him and frowned. "He wanted to make her his own."

Edward's breath hitched and I hastened to say, "I would've never allowed this, of course. Yet these feelings haunted me, so I kept myself in check with Bella whenever I touched her." I lowered my chin, saying softly, "You were right to distrust me with her; I'm a monster, too."

Edward cupped my cheek and lifted my head. "Jake, you are not a monster. You fought against your wolf. The distrust you mention? It was before I got to know how beautiful you are inside. I know Bella would have been safe with you."

I lifted my gaze to the canopy of the forest and shrugged in defeat."Frankly, I don't think so, man. Bella should have been with a normal guy, not you or me."

Squaring my shoulders, I looked at him and the words just rushed out of my mouth. "The wolf sees you as my mate; do you see? It's you I yearn to… mark. I wanna mount you, take you from behind and pound you until you scream and come on my cock."

I felt heat blooming on my cheeks and hid my face between my hands.

"So what? Are you afraid you will hurt me?" Edward said hoarsely, "Rest assured you couldn't if you tried, pup."

"I'm torn because I also want to make love to you, slowly and lovingly. I've been randy since I woke up from the operation." I spread my arms to indicate the path through the woods. "I run to get in shape, but also to blow off steam and calm down. When you're by my side, it's all I can do not to pounce on you."  

"Silly pup, you should've told me because I want the same. There will be times for rough loving and times for softness."  

Looking at his sculpted cheeks and his bright eyes, the same color as the leaves which surrounded us, made me lose control. I leapt on him and we tumbled through the tall grass. The tip of my tongue licked the seam of his lips until he opened his mouth and then I plunged inside. My tongue rubbed his teeth and trapped our moans while my hands held down his shoulders, caressing them through the smooth fabric. I felt him shuddering violently when I licked his palate.

My tongue roamed his mouth, wanting to memorize it. My fingers ruffled his silky hair and then the wolf took over, pulling on the coppery strands until I turned his head and we laid side by side.

I broke the kiss, panting while my heart beat madly against my ribcage. I would never get enough of this man.

I growled at him, "I so want to fuck you and see your bright eyes when I come inside you."

I kissed his eyelids reverently, noticing his grimace of disappointment. My vamp obviously thought about the moment when his golden eyes would come back.

I knotted my fingers around his hair and yanked his head. "I also want to fuck you and see your warm honey eyes, Edward. Wanna see you writhe under me with your eyes black as night. I just… love you."

"I love you too, Jacob."

I fumbled with the buttons on his shirt with trembling fingers until Edward swatted away my hands. He undid the first buttons and then slid it off his torso in a fluid motion. I bent my head and traced his nipple with my lips, biting it gently.  I looked up at him to see if he was in pain. Edward smiled reassuringly so I bit harder, my tongue teasing the nub while my hand reached to tweak his other nipple.

I munched on the erect nub like it was a pacifier, enjoying the taste of Edward against my tongue. It was like the smooth, weathered stones I lay upon on the faraway beach up north.

I lightly nipped a trail down his chest, laving the ridges of his abs with my tongue. My bites became harder, spurred by Edward writhing and moaning under me. My wolf howled with delight at the chance to mark his mate. This rough play was something I would have never tried with Bella, even if she became a vampire. Bella was so fragile I was always afraid of hurting either her feelings or her body, never realizing that her fragility had become a powerful weapon she knowingly used against me.

Edward was another matter entirely. He was tough and could handle whatever I threw at him. Truly, we were two of a kind and made for each other.

"You're mine to play with, mine to love." My voice sounded so rough I could hardly recognize it. I unlooped his belt and pulled it completely off. I rubbed the button of his pants before unclasping it; pulling down the zipper while Edward spread his thighs.

"You want it." I smirked with all the wickedness I had been saving for this moment. "You want my cock inside, splitting you open, owning you."

"Yes!" Edward nodded and I hooked my thumbs around the waistband of his pants and boxers and yanked them down, my eyes widening in satisfaction at his wet cockhead. Edward lifted his hips and I pulled down his pants to his ankles before taking off his loafers and throwing them on the ground. With a last tug, Edward's legs were free. I palmed my cock at the sight of those pale limbs spread just for me.

Crouching over my prey, my tongue traced the perfect V of his hips before mouthing the cold skin, nibbling at it like Edward was my meal.

Edward hooked his thumbs around my cutoffs and pulled them down. I winced and batted away his hand because my pubic hair was caught in the zipper.  I stood up and carefully shimmied out of them; palming my wet shaft, I smiled at the way Edward's eyes had become dark emerald with desire. I remembered Rose's phone and bent down to fish it out of my cutoffs.

"I'm gonna take your photo."

"Why?" Edward mumbled while I nudged the phone to catch his eyes and mouth.

"To remember how you looked when you hungered for my cock." I threw the thing to the ground and grabbed his ankles. "Should take a photo of you spread like this..." I lifted his legs until his thighs pressed against his chest. I pushed them down, meaning he should hold himself open. Edward grabbed his knees and I lowered my chin to swallow his cockhead, twirling my tongue around his slit and lapping up his precome. Edward moaned and spread his thighs wider.

I swallowed him down to the root, my cheeks hollowing around his shaft and my throat massaging the cold flesh until he squirmed on the ground. I bobbed my head up and down, finally sliding off his cock until it left my swollen lips with an obscene popping sound while Edward whined in disappointment.  

I lowered my head further and mouthed his balls, lapping at the wrinkled sacs while Edward thrust up his hips, fucking the air in search of relief.

My thumbs slid down the meat of his ass until they met in the middle, lightly touching his hole. I spread his buttocks and speared my middle finger inside, rubbing the cold walls as I looked up to watch his face, framed by his leaking cock and open legs.

Edward's eyes were closed and his mouth hung slack; his face had a blissful expression, and I wanted to make it linger.  

"Close your mouth, Edward." I growled, rubbing his rim with my thumb. "Or I might stick my cock inside."

He moaned and my tongue licked a path down his balls to his entrance, my lips rubbing against his rim. I speared my thumbs inside him, massaging the walls as I nuzzled my chin against the cold skin, flattening my tongue and thrusting it inside his stretched entrance. He clenched around me as I rubbed my tongue around his hole, my thumbs massaging his rim.  He arched his ass as he bucked up, riding my tongue as he moaned and writhed under me.  

I splayed my hands against the v of his hips, staying his motions while I teased out the puffy lips of his entrance, saliva slobbering down my chin and his crack until it reached the ground. When I lightly bit on his swollen rim, Edward screamed.  

I tilted up my chin and smirked at his utterly blissful expression. "You like this pup's tongue up your ass?"

Edward's cock twitched and his hands left his thighs to spread his ass, exposing himself to me. I kneaded the meat of his buttocks, shuddering at the cold contrast against my flesh. His pink, slicked rim looked ready.  

"You're my prey, open and wanting." I stuck my finger inside, nodding at how wet he was. Since we didn't have lube, this would have to do.

I scooted forward on my knees and hooked my forearm under his knees, pushing them towards his chest. Grabbing my slippery prick with my right hand, I guided it towards his loosened entrance while I bit his ankle.

I paused for a second to let him get used to the stretch and, after Edward sighed, I jerked my hips until my cockhead was sheathed inside. The wolf took over momentarily and I thrust inside him in a gliding motion until I bottomed out. Looking at him, I stopped when I saw his grimace of pain.

"You okay?" It was hard to walk this fine edge of passion between my wolf and human parts. It allowed me to do things instinctively, but I wouldn't ever do anything that hurt Edward.

He closed his eyes and wiggled his hips, and then he growled, "Move."

I leaned forward, his bottom lifting slightly off the ground. He put his ankles on my shoulder as I fucked him roughly, my balls slapping against his buttocks when I bottomed out. I got a rhythm going, dragging slowly my prick out of him in a teasing motion, making him clench around me to keep me inside until the cockhead was all his greedy hole got. Then I thrust into him hard and fast, the squelching sound of our coupling loud in the forest.

Edward grunted and stared at me with dazed eyes, his pupils so blown he looked like a hungry vampire. I looped my arm around his neck and pulled him up, lowering my ass to the ground so we ended up with him sitting on my lap. He rolled his hips, his prick bobbing around as he pressed his palms against my thighs to ride me with slow, lazy movements.

I thrust my hips into him harsh and fast. My mouth traced a path up his collarbone, biting his shoulder while my nails scratched his back. I wanted the world to know he was mine. Nibbling gently on his neck, I bit him hard and then laved the wound with my tongue. My cock jabbed his prostate and he squeezed me hard. I grunted and repeated the motion.

I looked down at his lap. His throbbing cock looked in need of care. Closing my fist around it, I squeezed it hard and moved my hand up and down the slippery shaft.  

I fucked him hard while I raked my nails over his perfect chest. "You like this, Ed?" I rolled my hips when I was deep inside him. "You like it, huh?" I had to wrap my arms around him because Edward was bucking up like a deer that wants to escape the wolf's jaws.  

It was useless because he was trapped between my arms and my cock. There was no way I could ever let Edward go. He was my prey, mate and beloved.

 I pushed out until only the flange of my cock pried apart his hole and then thrust inside him to the hilt, the motion was so harsh that his head hit the tree's bark. I had been so caught up I didn't notice we'd moved that far.

I pumped his cock, wanting to see him come undone

With eyes closed and features slackened in passion, Edward's face was beautiful. He arched his back and sat hard on me as his orgasm hit. Thick ropes of come landed on his chest and I wiped them with my fingers, licking them as my thrusts sped up. The meaty slaps of our bodies clashing together were music to my ears; the moment Edward opened his eyes and looked at me with eyes dazed with lust, I came with a shout.  

The scratches on his pale skin were even now closing, but I treasured the memory and feel of them because it meant Edward was finally mine.  

After I slid out of him, I leaned down to cuddle against his chest. My fingers snaked down his hips to follow the curve of his ass, finally rubbing against his gaping hole. He growled, "You're insatiable."

"Only when it comes to you," I whispered.  

I looked at Edward's handsome face which I had seen wracked with pain; now I had enjoyed the privilege of watching pleasure overwhelm it.

The wolf huffed in contentment because he had found his mate; I was happy because I had found the other part of my soul.

"Kwo pat, my love," I said against his chest. "I wish you'd be mine forever."

"I will, Jake." Edward sighed and his hand closed around my wrist, his thumb massaging my palm.

Our fingers intertwined and I frowned in puzzlement. "I feel... weird."

"Don't tell me you imprinted." Edward nestled his chin against the top of my head, rubbing his chin against my hair.

"No, it's the opposite." I pressed my thumb against his palm. "They say that when you imprint it feels like gravity fails; you float and nothing holds you to this earth except your imprint. What I feel is… grounded."

I frowned while I struggled with the words to get my meaning across, finally choosing the ones that made sense to me. "It's like… when I drive my car it feels normal, light."

"And?"

"But when I drove Rose's BMW in Portland, I could tell how heavy the car was. I could sense all the bulk under my feet, protecting me." I rubbed my cheek against his chest. "It's the same now. I don't float in space, free of everything. I feel more… involved." I kissed his chest. "You are the connection that keeps me safe, that makes me feel."  

I propped myself on my elbows, and then framed his head between my hands. I rubbed his forehead, wanting to clear all his troubles away. This intimate moment was perfect; Edward was open and willing to give and receive pleasure which made him my perfect lover. I could be as rough as my wolf demanded, but my human part wanted more: tenderness, love and the intimacy we shared. I wanted to open my soul to him just like he had bared his body.

"My wolf really loved this, but I'll tell you that my human side wants…" I shuddered and bit my lip; blushing hotly, I buried my face on his neck. "I want to feel you inside me; I want you to make love to me."

It was so much easier when Edward could read my mind! Baring my soul was hard, but it was making me so excited I could feel my arousal twitching again.  

Edward didn't say anything, and he was frowning when I looked up at him.

I sensed that he wasn't ready to top yet. Edward still suffered from the pain in his past. I would make sure he grew strong enough to make love to me like I sometimes wanted.

"I'll wait, Edward." I said softly, "Someday, you'll want to know what it feels like to be inside me."

oOoOo

On the way back to the house, Edward brushed my hair with an easy grin. "We don't want the others to know what went on."

I had to snort at that. "They will; if nothing else, the smell will tell them."

My arm lightly brushed against his while we strolled, our fingers touching now and then.

"So what are we going to do about the fuckers who shot me?" I said, shooting Edward a grin.

"They're dead and gone. Carlisle has put feelers among his friends in Italy. If the Volturi are up to something he's bound to find out."

"Q'wati said all life was in danger."

"Do you really believe you met that mythical figure?"

"It felt like he was my spirit guide and my wolf recognized him."

I heard my phone ringing and fished it from my pocket, frowning at Edward. "It's funny, last thing I recall from the night I was shot was turning my head to look for this thing; I heard it ring."

I gazed at the screen; Quil texted that they needed me. I sent a reply and put it back. From the corner of my eyes I saw Edward stumbling, so I grabbed onto his arm. "What's the matter, man?"

"Before the shooting, you answered the phone?"

"I was turning my muzzle, and then pain struck in my head."

He said wonderingly, "So we really saved you."

I shrugged. "Course you did, you took me to the hospital and…"

"No, I mean… I told you Alice had a vision, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Rosalie called your number. It must have been her call you heard. Carlisle said you survived because the bullet struck a glancing blow at your forehead… and you turned towards the phone just as they shot you." Edward wrapped his arms around himself. "If Rosalie hadn't called, I would've lost you!"

I grimaced and gave him a quick hug. "But you didn't. The pixie's power proved true, and you won't ever get rid of me."

oOoOo

I parked my bike in front of my dad's house; fingering the helmet, I set it on the handle bars. Dad would be expecting my daily visit. I'd come every day since I recovered from the wound.

Sticking my hands in my pockets, I sauntered towards the house and entered.

"Hi, Jake!" Seth beamed at me; he was slouching on the chair next to Dad. "We've been waiting for you."

"Wassup?" I hit his shoulder playfully and Seth jerked. "What's the matter, Seth? Wasn't too rough, was I?"

He shook his head. "It felt weird is all; you've changed."

"Well," I said, rubbing my head. "I was shot and almost killed, Seth. That's bound to change something."

Paul leered at me from his chair next to Leah. "Naw, Seth. Bet Jake just got laid."

Leah blushed and hit his arm. "Don't be crude!"

Paul looped his arm around Leah's shoulder and whispered, "That would be the pot calling the kettle black."

"Whatever." I smiled at Dad and patted his shoulder. "Did you finish the casserole Esme sent?"

"I still have a bit left, if you want some." Dad waved at the stove.

"No, thanks." I hooked my foot around the leg of the chair next to him, swung it towards me and sat backwards. I glanced at the room. "Where are Quil and Embry?"

Leah exchanged a frown with Paul. "They're dealing with Sam. I think we have a situation…."

She couldn't finish because the door opened violently. Quil huffed as he stomped across the room, followed by Embry.  

I said loudly, "Can anyone tell me what the hell's going on?"

"Sam wants to…" Embry glared at the door but he didn't have time to finish. Sam stormed into the room, glaring at him. "I told you I made up my mind!"

"Hey, guys!" I waved my arms, trying to break the fight. My wolf was snarling at Sam because he recognized him as a threat. "What the hell happened?"

"Sam wants to give the cold shoulder to the Quinault," Quil said.

"We don't think it's wise." Leah crossed her arms, her bronze skin contrasting with her white blouse. "We have to have their cooperation for…"

"We don't have to." Sam barked angrily. "Those people are afraid of us, always have been. Why seek their help now?"

Sam's gaze swept around the room, weighing our body language. It was obvious he was gauging the mood of the pack members. They chafed under his command and that must have shaken his Alpha position. I narrowed my eyes at Sam, my wolf raising his hackles at the chance to challenge him.

After a few seconds, Quil said, "Because we need them?"

Sam growled, "The killers are dead, we didn't sense anyone else."

"They might have buddies that could come back…"  Paul trailed off, and I understood why he didn't want to contradict Sam openly. His duty as Beta was to advice, not dictate.  

Following that train of thought, it became clear to me where my duty lay. Some sort of confrontation was coming up and Sam was behaving erratically; thus he was a threat to the pack and the tribe. The time had come for me to claim my birthright.

My wolf huffed in agreement and his approval made me stronger. The time and energy I had spent trying to fob him off were now directed towards making us stronger.    

I had to be careful, though. With all these threats looming around us, I didn't want to split the pack. Sam had his support base. Certainly not those of us present at the house but the newer members of the pack and Jared.

The wolf demanded a direct approach, and I recognized it was the correct way. I had to convince Sam to give up the Alpha position willingly, I had to play to his weakness and get his agreement or I would have a fight on my hands. Because I wasn't sure I could phase and fight him as a wolf, I had to convince Sam for I intended to wrest control of the pack from him by any means. I knew in my bones – and the wolf agreed with me – that our survival depended on it.

I took a deep breath, fighting to stay cool and sound calm. "Sam, do you recall when you asked me if I wanted to be Alpha?"

Sam narrowed his eyes at me and bristled. "I do remember." He sat down on the kitchen counter, his voice booming around the room. "You said you weren't ready; I take it you feel ready now?"

Sam's body language spoke of violence barely contained. I glanced guiltily at Paul, hoping he would understand what I was about to do. I had to win Sam over.

"I was too young and felt you had more experience." I coughed in my hand and glanced at Dad, who was watching us through lidded eyes.  "I believe that's true even now. But after I was shot I had a vision."

Sam said morosely, "Your father told me."

"The vision was about danger coming to the land, and this wolf I met? He said the time had come to take my place."

Sam looked sharply at me. "So you want to be Alpha because of the vision?"

"Only if you're my Beta. I need… the pack still needs your experience." I gulped and decided to speak from the heart. It was something that Sam and I had in common. Despite his treatment of Leah, I knew he had loved her, perhaps even more than he loved Emily.

Sam was acquainted with hard choices as much as I was. Looking into his dark eyes, I said firmly, "Hated it when you forbade me to tell Bella about us, but I've come to realize you were right. If I had kept my mouth shut, she wouldn't have fallen for Cullen so hard and she'd be alive today."

I felt guilty of pulling this card, but the pack's unity was very important. In order for the pack to remain whole and use our strength effectively, I had to lead with Sam by my side. As wolves, we would fight until one of us gave up; if I were able to shift, I knew I had the strength to beat Sam. But survival demanded everything, and leaders led not only through strength but also using their cunning. Sam's Alpha instincts told him he would have a hard time controlling the pack; if I offered him a face-saving alternative, he might grab the chance. My wolf was aware of the undercurrents and shared this insight with me.

Sam nodded wearily; I felt he was vacillating and just needed a little push.

"Your words about Bella? That's the kind of advice I'd want from you." I made a fist and pulled at my hair. "Think about it Sam, the heirs of Black and Uley leading the Quileute pack! Think of the strength we'd have if we united!"

Sam said hoarsely, "Would you follow my advice?"

"Not always," I said. "I would do it if I thought it was for the best interests of the pack."

That was the plain truth because I wouldn't easily dismiss good advice. I hadn't rejected Rosalie because of her sarcasm or Leah due to her complaints.

Sam hunched his shoulders and walked to the door. Quil started to say something but I raised my hand to hush him. It was better not to pressure Sam; besides, the set of his shoulders told me Sam had already made the decision I wanted.

At the threshold, Sam turned and nodded in defeat. "You've got a deal, Jacob. Hope you find the job less stressful than I did."

Sam walked out the door, his broad silhouette limned in the twilight.

oOoOo

Edward scowled at me. "So they made you the Alpha?"

"I persuaded Sam it was best for the pack if I became the Alpha. He'll be my Beta, though I would have preferred Paul or Leah."

I balanced my body on the balls of my feet, hating what I was about to do.  So this was what Q'wati meant when he said I would have to choose.

I took a step towards him and then stopped, lowering my eyes to the floor. "Edward, being the Alpha is a full-time job, I'll have to…"

"Leave me?" The despair in Edward's voice tore at my heart.

I walked up to him and hugged him fiercely. "I have to move back home but I'll never leave you." I leaned my head on his chest. "I can't leave you because I love you."  I tilted up my chin and leaned closer to whisper in his ear, "Come home with me! I know Dad wouldn't mind."

"But the tribe?"

"I'll try to convince them," I said, blessing the fact that he couldn't read my mind because it would be nearly impossible to convince the others. The negativity we felt towards bloodsuckers was strong, but for Edward I would try my damn hardest! I muttered against Edward's ear, "Kwo pat, I would give you the moon if I could."

He smiled wryly. "But you can't, Jacob, just like you won't change the prejudices that have lasted for decades. I won't cause you that kind of grief."

"Will you be okay?" I said, rubbing my cheek against his chin.

He said wearily, "Wolf, I was okay before you were born, I've lived for so long that…"

I put my fingers on his lips to silence him. "Don't say that. I don't know what I would've done if you'd found someone and I'd never met you."

Edward smirked. "Glad to see my past unhappiness serves to make you happy."

I lay my head on his shoulder, turning my chin to mouth the nape of his neck. Edward shivered and then I said, "I'm happy we're together, and I know you'll do fine. I'll just miss you like crazy."

I was startled by Rosalie's cough. She was at the threshold with a heavy bag on the floor in front of her. "Wolf, Alice had one of her visions and she knew you would leave us so…"

She picked up the bag, hefting it on her slim hand. "These are your clothes, books for your studies – which I earnestly hope you'll pick up - and other stuff, wolf." The corners of her perfect lips turned up in her signature smirk while she said, "I left out your stuffed mutt because Edward needs something to cry on."

I had to smile at that, picturing Edward holding onto Kwolie. I went to her and hugged her, lifting her in the air. Rosalie seemed smaller somehow.

She beat her fists against my chest though, making me cough. "Put me down this instant, mutt!"

I put her down, wheezing a bit. "Hey, no need to get so defensive, Blondie."

She pouted. "The Porsche will have to wait." Then she grinned wickedly. "I bet you've forgotten how to fix it since all you care about is my brother."

"Hell, no!" I reached back to touch Edward's arm. "I mean, I do care about him but I haven't forgotten how to fix a car!"

"You won't have time," Rosalie said, glancing down at her high-heeled shoes.

"We'll make time and get it fixed." I wiggled my eyebrows at Edward. "You'll lend it to me so I can drive Edward on our next date."

"Promises, promises."

I picked up the bag and made my way out the door, stealing a kiss from the grouchy blonde on the way out. Edward walked silently by my side. I wanted to say goodbye to Esme, the Doc and the others but they were out hunting.  

We stayed quiet as we walked in the forest; the crescent moon was the silent witness as owls hooted above us.  

"Another reason I persuaded Sam?" I finally mumbled, "I didn't want to fight because I'm not sure I can phase."

"Carlisle assured me you would eventually shift." Edward's hand on my shoulder felt light as a feather. "I know you will phase because you're too stubborn for your own good, wolf."

"Whatever you say, kwo pat."

We kissed briefly at the border and I walked towards the Quilayute with a heavy heart. After several yards, I turned my head. I thought Edward had returned to the house, but he was still there. His beautiful face looked pensive, bathed in the moonlight which limned his tousled hair so nicely. I regretted being unable to see those bright eyes with my wolf sight; that would have been a treat. Nevertheless, I knew I would treasure this image of my lover in the moonlight.

"Nayeli!" I waved at him, shouting the words of affection in that ancient tongue, and then I let the night breeze carry my whisper to Edward, "I love you."

Chapter seventeen: The Two Spirit

Comments

[vanashta.livejournal.com]

Wow,what an amazing chapter!!!Poor guys ,seperated again!

And my god,that awesomely hot outdoor scene,that was....well Wow,just Wow!!!!

Jake's getting kinky,taking picture's!I wonder if......;DDDD

[wirrrn.livejournal.com]

Awesome. Shame you don't write for the movies- your take on Native American mythology and Lycanthropy is very cool.

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much! They are separated again :/ but Jake had to take up his position as Alpha and needs to live in the Rez.

Glad you enjoyed it!! Told you there were some surprises coming!

Jake's getting to be the big bad wolf we love! I wonder, what is it that you wonder? :DDDDDD

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much, man! I like to imagine how Lycanthropy and Native American mythology weave together; how they affect them.

[vanashta.livejournal.com]

I wonder if he really just took one picture of Ed:)
Somehow I have trouble believing that ,and think he might have taken the pic(s) he mentioned as well! I mean come on,if you like to take picture's of your love in the heat of passion ,you don't stop there!!!;DDD

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

It would be embarrassing if someone found the pictures :)

But wolves are playful... so it is unclear :DDDD

If the Volturi hack the phone, they might be in for a surprise :DDDDD

[vanashta.livejournal.com]

And yet so many make that mistake!

If you say so,it's your story!:DDD

I'd love to see the look on their faces!!!!That might just be the first time Vamp's feel hot!!! :DDDD

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Compromising photos are no fun!

Soon they will engaged in interesting things :))

If they were smart, the Volturi would forget about vamp domination and be inspired by the pics :DDDDD

[wirrrn.livejournal.com]

Also you dispose of Bella mostly effectively :)

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

That is always a pleasure :)

[wirrrn.livejournal.com]

Even though you let her off easy this time. I expect ravenous piranha or rabid jackals next go :)

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Or something more subtle, like a piano falls next to her. She is unscathed but stumbles into the piano which is full of ravenous piranhas, unsettled by the fall. End of Bella :)

[wirrrn.livejournal.com]

And then a pack of rabid jackals comes along and plays the piano whilst everyone dances

I dare you to actually work this in to a serious fic somehow :)

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

pack of rabid jackals comes along and plays the piano whilst everyone dances

That's a tough dare and in a serious fic?.The rabid jackals I mean, unless they were werejackals.

Still... I'll see what the plot jackals say :))

Please continue

[mizuki8d.livejournal.com]

OMG Jake's leaving , really wanted Edward to go with and man than sex scene was so hot, it made me wet! LOL

Re: Please continue

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Jake has to leave to take care of Alpha business but there's a big twist coming up; that's all I'll say for now :)

I'm glad you liked the scene; it was time they had sexy fun after all their troubles!

Thank you very much!