Mimic | Jacob Black

27. Discussions

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Bella nudged River after he pulled his hand away in slight embarrassment, happy he was making progress with Jacob. River flicked her arm playfully before she turned back to Jacob. "It's been so long since we last came here. What have we missed? How are Sam and Emily? And Embry? Did Quil–"

She stopped mid-sentence, remembering that Quil was a sensitive topic.

"Yeah, Quil joined the pack." Jacob snorted when he saw their apologetic faces. "Don't worry. Quil's not looking for pity. He's totally thrilled."

"Really?" River asked. He supposed that was a good thing, since the poor guy probably already felt bad enough since his best friends just stopped talking to him, only being around Sam instead. River wasn't the closest of friends with him and Embry, but he did still like them. He was glad at least Quil was happy with this outcome that the others seemed to dislike so much.

Jacob smiled. "He thinks it's the coolest thing that's ever happened to him. Partly because he finally knows what's going on, but mostly because he's happy to have his friends back."

"Wow, so he actually likes it?" Bella said.

"Honestly, most of them do," Jacob said. "There are definitely good sides to this–the speed, the strength, the sense of family... Sam and I are the only ones who ever felt really bitter. And Sam got past that a long time ago. So I'm the crybaby now." Jacob laughed at himself.

"Is there a specific reason you guys feel differently?" River asked.

Jacob sighed. "It's a long story."

"We've got time," Bella said.

He raised an eyebrow. "He won't be mad at you for being here?"

Bella shook her head. "He very strongly wishes I'd stay away, but no more than that. He just hates when I do things he considers risky."

"LIke hanging out with werewolves," Jacob said in amusement.

"Yeah."

Jacob seemed to think for a moment, and a cocky expression made its way onto his face. "Do you think he'd come looking for you if he thought you got hurt? Past the treaty line?"

Bella gave him a disapproving look. "Stop that, it annoys me."

"What does?"

"That you two are so ready to kill each other!" Bella complained. "Can't you both just be civilized?"

"Is he ready to kill me?" Jacob asked, clearly not phased by her anger.

"Not like you seem to be!" Bella said. "At least he can be a grown-up about this. He knows that hurting you would hurt us–so he never would. You don't seem to care about that at all!"

Jacob frowned, not liking the accusation that Edward cared about them more than he did. "Yeah, I'm sure he's quite the pacifist."

"Let's go," Bella said to River, standing up. He quickly followed. One minute, he was trying to make Jacob feel better, then the next, Jacob was back to insulting the Cullens. It was very annoying.

"Don't have to tell me twice."

Jacob stopped them. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry. I'll try to behave myself." River stared at him for a moment. "Do you still want to hear about Sam?"

"Well, yes," River said. He looked at Bella, who shrugged, but moved back to the log. They sat back down. "Go on."

Jacob took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. "There are so many strange things about this new life. I haven't had time to tell you guys the half of it.