Hopeless Devotion ~ A Jasper Hale Story

Chapter Ten - Wolf Scan

Sunday, June 3rd

Sunlight streamed lazily through the Swan house windows. I was perched on the edge of the couch, absently straightening a throw pillow, when Bella's phone buzzed insistently on the counter.

"She's calling him," I murmured, watching Bella fumble with the phone.

"Who?" I asked, glancing up just as Edward and Jasper slipped out the door after breakfast.

"Jacob," Bella said, eyes bright with determination. "He needs to know, and Edward agreed it's fine for him to come over."

I raised an eyebrow. "Fine for him to come over, sure—but agreed? Edward actually agreeing?" I smirked. "Must be a new miracle."

Before Bella could argue, there was a sudden knock at the door, and the next thing I knew, Jacob was barging in like he owned the place.

"Seriously, Jake, why can't you wear a shirt?" Bella groaned, already flustered.

I leaned back on the couch, crossing my arms, amused. "Yeah, what's the deal, Wolfboy? Scared of fabric?"

Jacob glanced down at himself, expression sheepish. "It's easier."

"Easier?" I echoed, skeptical. "You mean easier to freak people out?"

"No," he said quickly, "it's a whole thing. Carrying clothes around when I shift is a pain enough. Shorts, sure, but a full outfit? What do I look like, a pack mule?"

I snorted, leaning forward. "A very furry pack mule, apparently."

Bella rolled her eyes, but curiosity got the better of her. "Why isn't the door locked, anyway?"

I shrugged casually. "Hasn't stopped you in the past."

Jacob's grin flickered. "Touché," he admitted, tipping his head as if conceding a point he'd rather not have made.

Finally, he focused on the business at hand. "Wouldn't want Edward thinking I'm slacking off."

I snorted quietly to myself. Oh yes, I thought, Edward is still salty with how he's treated me. "Right," I muttered under my breath, smirking at the memory.

Bella busied herself at the sink, rinsing dishes, while I wandered through the living room, tidying up. That's when Jacob startled Bella again—she yelped sharply.

"Yesh, Jake! Cut that out!" she demanded, waving her hands.

I covered my mouth to hide my laughter. Honestly, I couldn't get enough of it.

"Can I ask you something?" Jacob asked suddenly, tilting his head at us.

"Sure," Bella said, still flushed.

"What's it like... having vampire boyfriends?"

Bella's grin was immediate. "Amazing."

I shrugged lightly. "Honestly, it's like having any other boyfriend... just bulletproof."

Jacob's eyes widened slightly. "And... the fangs? Do you guys—"

"Fangs?" I interrupted, rolling my eyes. "They don't have fangs like that. Kissing's normal."

Bella chuckled, shaking her head. "Completely normal."

I let the conversation drift for a moment, wandering toward the back door, slipping out to the woods behind.

letting the sunlight warm my face as I wandered toward the edge of the woods. The tension from earlier still lingered in the air, but being outside, away from the buzz of Jacob and the Swan household, made it easier to breathe.