Enchanted | Jacob Black

eighteen

After school, I was sprawled across the living room floor with Embry and Quil, both shamelessly copying my study guide for finals.

"Wait, was this actually covered in class?" Quil muttered, squinting like the paper was written in another language

"I don't remember learning about any of this." Embry chimed in.

"You're lucky I even let you borrow this," I warned, eyeing them over my shoulder.

"You're a lifesaver, Harp," Quil smiled toothily.

The front door creaked open behind us.

"Hey."

I turned; Jake was already leaning down, his hand curling around the back of my neck as he pressed a soft, quick kiss to my lips.

It was casual. Natural.

Then I froze, remembering he was kissing me in front of Embry and Quil. And that's something he hadn't done before.

But then I heard a loud, theatrical gasp.

"Oh my God," Quil announced dramatically, dropping his pencil like he'd just witnessed a crime. "Did you guys really just do that?"

Embry looked horrified next to him, "That's disgusting."

Jake rolled his eyes, only half-annoyed, as he sat down beside me on the carpet. "Get used to it." He shot back at them.

"That's gonna take a while," Quil responded. "But it's about time, I'm tired of listening to your ass cry over Harper." He turned to me, "Do you have any idea how many times this dude thinks about you while on patrol?"

I felt my face flush.

"I wonder what Harper's doing," Embry began to mock Jake, "God, I wish I could see Harper right now."

"She looks pretty today."

"Do you think she really likes Nate? Is he better-looking than me? Be honest, guys." Quil joined in.

Jake threw a pillow at his head as I laughed.

"Anyway," Embry said, moving the conversation along, "Are we going to Bellas' graduation party or not?"

I turned to Jake, confused. "Bella's party?"

Jake's body tensed slightly beside me. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Oh, come on," Embry groaned. "She invited all of us, and it gives us an excuse to scope out the vampire house. And Bella's still your friend."

Jake rubbed a hand over his face. "I don't know, man."

Embry leaned forward, grinning. "What if Harper goes?"

Both boys immediately turned to me with matching hopeful expressions.

"Please," Quil added, "He will do whatever you say, you're his imprint."

"Exactly," Embry laughed. "Just say 'jump,' and Jake's already midair asking, 'Is this high enough?'"

"Shut up," Jake huffed, reaching over and punching Embry in the arm.

"Oh, relax, man. Now you finally have that dog you always wanted, Harper," Quil said with a grin. "He's loyal, protective, and obedient."

Both boys cracked up.

Jake scowled. "Alright, that's enough."

I leaned over and bumped his shoulder with mine, fighting back a laugh. "For the record, I always wanted one of those cute wiener dogs. Not a giant wolf."