Chapter 9, Amber Bauer
I was instantly accepted by Jacob's friends, and it was amazing. I felt like a part of a huge dysfunctional family. Paul was my favorite of Jake's brothers. He was the loudest, and the quickest to get angry, but he was the most honest, and didn't beat around the bush with anything, which I respected. Jacob seemed a bit peeved with my decision, though.
Two hours or so into the evening, everyone say down around the fire, like there was some signal that I had missed. Jacob's dad, Sue and another older guy that Quil pointed out as his grandfather, Old Quil, were sitting on one side. Jacob pulled me close next to him, and everyone fell silent, watching Billy. He began speaking in a low, gravely voice.
''The Quileuetes have always been a small tribe, but our people have always had magic in our blood...''
I listened as Billy told the story of Taha Aki and the Cold Ones, and couldn't help but think of Edward and Alice Cullen, and many other of Matt's old business partners. Jacob pulled me closer when I shuddered, and I laid my head on his shoulder. His warmth and the tingling electric pricks I got from his touch made me forget about Matt instantly.
When Billy finished, everyone was silent. Paul's friend Cassie sniffled like she had been crying. No one spoke for a moment until Claire yelled out. ''More cookies now, Quil. You promised!'' I let out a breath I hasn't realized I was holding, and Jacob laughed. He stood and helped me to my feet, his warm hand bringing a smile to my face. He led me back down the beach.
''So...'' he said softly, looking in my direction.
''I wasn't expecting it, but it was very interesting. I wish I knew cultural things like that about my people, but I'm Irish, and you can't trust a drunk Irishman's story about his people.'' Jacob laughed and shook his head.
''Every time you speak its a surprise. I never can guess what you are going to say next, but somehow you always know what I'm thinking.'' He looked at me for a moment before speaking again. ''There is another old Quileute legend that my dad didn't talk about that is kinda interesting, if you wanna hear it.'' I looked at his face in the moonlight of the surprisingly clear night. He looked worried, but he smiled at me. I nodded and he continued. ''It is said that a Quileute shape shifter has one mate that is perfect for him in every way. She would make him into a stronger, better wolf, and he would be tied to her for life. It is called imprinting. When he sees her, everything changes. Gravity shifts, and the only thing tying him to this planet is her. Its like a million steel bands twist together, tying his life, his soul to her. He would do anything, be anything for her. His sole reason got existing is to make sure she is happy.'' Jacob sighed, and I tilted my head. He seemed almost relieved to have finished, and I watched him.
''That's all fine and good in theory, but no man is capable of that much commitment. I would kill to find a man that would be that dedicated to me. I tried being that dedicated to a man that I thought at first felt the same way, and what did that get me? Two broken teeth, about a dozen scars and thousands in debt. Men aren't capable of committing that hard to anything more complex or long standing than a sandwich.'' I huffed in frustration, then sighed. ''Sorry, Jake. I didn't mean to...go off on you like that.'' I took his hand in mine again and ran my thumb over it slowly. He sighed too and shook his head.
''I hope one day I can convince you how amazing you are.'' he said, barely above a whisper. He sat down on a piece of driftwood and pulled me onto his lap. I didn't argue, despite my worry of crushing him. I leaned back against his chest and looked at the sky. The clouds were finally gone, and the night was clear. I could actually see the stars. I shivered slightly, and Jacob wrapped both his huge hot arms around me.
''This night is beautiful. A perfect end to probably one of the most amazing days I've had in a long time. Thank you, Jacob Black.'' He chuckled from behind me and rested his chin on my shoulder. His breath on my neck gave me goosebumps.
''Hopefully I can give you a lot more amazing days, Amber. If you will let me stick around for a while.'' He planted a soft kiss on my neck, and I sighed.
''I think I can handle that.'' I giggled. Jacob pulled me tighter to him and I yawned.
''You wanna call it a night?'' he asked, and I sighed.
''The logical side of me says I should, because its getting late and I hardly slept last night. The illogical side, though, doesn't want this night to be over yet and is way too comfortable right here.'' I turned to face him, putting my legs on either side of him in a way that came across more erotic than I meant it, but I just rolled with it. Jacob's eyes widened slightly st the gesture, and I hoped he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks in the dim light. I put my arms around his neck and kissed his forehead.
''S-so...what do you want me to do? Take you home o-or s-s-stay here?'' Jacob stammered out. I couldn't stifle the laugh that bubbled up, and I laid my head down against his chest.
''Jacob Black, what kind of girl do you think I am?'' I said through giggles. I stood then, my hand still in his. Jacob smiled and shook his head before standing up and pulling me close to his side. We started back toward the car, and we didn't speak for a while, just walked in a comfortable silence. Jacob finally spoke about halfway down the beach.
''So you think the whole imprint legend is a load?'' he asked me, almost timidly.
''I love the idea behind it, sweetness, but I don't think I could see a guy being that committed. Don't get me wrong, the idea of a guy being whatever I wanted is great, but it is also kind of a scary thought. A guy having that much power over me like that.''
''But you would have the upper hand. He would do wherever it took for you to be happy. You would so be in control of him. He would be your little love puppet.'' Jacob wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, and I laughed.
''Well when you put it that way, it does sound kind of appealing.'' A strong breeze blew then, and I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself to try and block out the cold. Without a word, Jacob took off his jacket and wrapped it around me, then pulled me close to his side.
''I don't want you to be cold, honey. Keep your jacket.'' I tried to protest, but Jacob kept me close to him. I yawned again as we reached the car, and everyone had already packed up and gone. Jacob drove me home. I laid my head on his shoulder and fell asleep before we were even halfway there. When I awoke, Jacob was ever so gently taking off my boots and laying me into my bed, which was really just a mattress and box spring on the floor, the bed frame still in pieces on the floor. He pulled the blanket over me and kissed the top of my head.
''We still have a long way to go baby, but I think we'll be all right. I'll see you first thing in the morning, I promise.'' I reached my hand up and cupped his cheek.
''I hope your friend Bella is okay. Be careful at the Cullens. I think they might be vampires.'' I muttered without thinking. Jacob chuckled and kissed my hand.
''You are way too observant. Go to sleep, beautiful. I'll see you in the morning.'' I was asleep before he even closed the door.
