Hi, guys! I know a lot of you don't read this story, but it is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy!

"And then, you know what I told 'im?" asked Mancini loudly. It was noisy in the club that night. The sounds of happy people laughing and dancing bounced off the walls. The smell of sweat and bootleg gin wafted through the room. I frowned.

Jacob had insisted on taking me with him to his uncle's club. I tried to protest, but Charlie urged me to go with him. I had been there a few times now, and I hated it. It was noisy, it was illegal, and it was most certainly not the place I wanted to spend my time while Edward was away. My heart ached at the thought of him. He could try to reassure me all he wanted, I knew he was in danger.

"What'd you tell him?" asked Jacob eagerly from beside me. We were sitting in his uncle's private booth. I was assured that it was a great honor, but I didn't tend to agree with that opinion.

Mancini laughed. "I told him that I had a pair of cement loafers in just his size!"

The men around the table shouted with laugher. I was so out of place. I couldn't believe that Charlie kept forcing me to accompany Jacob on these outings. It was inappropriate! I elbowed Jacob in the ribs. He scooted out of the booth, and I climbed out behind him. I whispered that it was time to go.

"Bella, Bella, Bella!" exclaimed Mancini. He gestured towards me with the cigar that hung between his fat fingers. "I do hope that you are not leaving! It is so nice to have your company!"

I looked at Jacob. "I have to get her home!" he piped up.

"Aww, such a shame. Do not be a stranger, Bella." Mancini raised his eyebrows suggestively at me.

I mustered a smile and then quickly turned towards the exit. I pushed past the crowds of dancers. There were too many people. A man bumped into me and spilled his drink all over my dress. "Dammit, sorry, doll," he slurred.

I sighed angrily kept walking. When I finally made it outside, I leaned against the wall. The music from inside spilled onto the street. People stumbled out onto the sidewalk, laughing and singing. I scowled. I also forgot my coat inside, and the late October air was bitterly cold against my skin. It was almost Halloween. Jacob came out a minute later, my coat in his hand.

"You sure walk fast, Bella!" He looked at my dress. "Aww, who did that to you?"

I couldn't hold my temper in any longer. "Jacob, you buffoon!" I blurted. I turned and started marching towards my house. It was only a mile. I could walk that by myself.

"Hey, wait!" he called, and started after me.

The noise of the club faded into the background. My footsteps echoed. The streets were relatively empty on this night. "Don't take me to that place anymore, Jacob. I am a lady. I am engaged! Edward will be heartbroken, you know!"

Jacob didn't even have to strain to keep up with me. He had grown much taller even since Edward had left. He towered over me. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted you to meet my family!"

I spun towards him. "Your uncle sent someone to kill my fiancé, Jacob! I will not be going with you there again, do you hear me!"

Jacob began to shake. He looked so angry. "You don't know anything," he muttered. He shoved my coat into my arms, and I put it on in a hurry.

My face reddened. "I will not stand here and be insulted, Jacob. If you are planning to be a gentleman, you can call on me. But I will not see you again if you act this way."

"Fine, Bella! We don't need you anyway!" He shouted. He turned and sprinted down the street.

The walk home was quick. I didn't like being out after dark. Snow began to fall, and it whipped through the air on the wind. I could not believe how rude Jacob had been. Something had happened to him lately. Whenever I saw him, he had to be around his uncle and his cronies. He missed the flour delivery half of the time. He was quick to anger. It wasn't like him.

When I got home, I noticed a letter sitting on the sideboard in the entryway. My heart thumped in my chest. It had been over two months since Edward had left. Letters took ages to travel between us. I took it and rushed up the stairs into my room. With the sound of Charlie's snoring in the background, I opened the letter.

My Dearest Bella,

We've arrived in Saint Nazaire. I would have written you sooner, but your letter to me was lost. We had to wait until we reached shore before they'd be able to send them in the mail. I miss you so much, Bella. I have already been here for too long. They're sending us to the trenches soon. I do not want to tell you what awaits us there. Just know not to worry. I am safe.

The men here are good people. It is hard to feel bad for yourself when your bunkmate has a newborn daughter. He was shipped out the day after she was born, Bella. How terrible. At least you are not with child, my love. They would have to take me from you by force.

I know you did not want to tell me about Jacob's uncle. I am glad you did. However, I truly wish that you would not interact with those men. They are not to be trusted. You know that. It makes me so angry to think of that Jacob, of how he feels about you. I cannot bear it. He has no respect. I imagine your father is goading him on, however. Just do not forget about me, love!

Bella, I've made a friend here. His name is Carlisle Cullen. He is a doctor. He's a good man. I am proud to call him my friend. He had a promising career in Chicago, but he gave it up to help our cause. A true patriot! It is nice to have somebody to talk to when you feel so alone. In some ways, you are a part of this movement. You are part of a brotherhood of men, all fighting for the same thing. It's strange to think that you can be a piece of something so big and still feel isolated.

I hope that mother has been bearable with her wedding planning. I know she can be overbearing, but she is very excitable.

I smiled. It was the truth! I was over at Edward's home at least twice a week. Last time I was there, his mother insisted that I smell every flower in the garden. I didn't want a bouquet that didn't appeal to my senses, did I? She wanted the best for me. I admired her.

I will be home soon. I love you. I miss you. Do not forget about me! And remember, Bella. Please do not trust Jacob and his family. I have a bad feeling about them. I will not have you hurt, do you understand?

Adieu, Mon Coeur

Edward

I sighed and put his letter in my lap. I looked out my bedroom window onto the street below. The tree outside was dripping with new snow. My heart ached. After a night like this one, all I wanted was to be in Edward's arms. He had already been gone too long. Winter was coming soon. Winter was the loneliest season, especially without your fiancé and best friend.

I jumped when Jacob's face appeared at the window. He was hanging from the tree. "Let me in!" he shouted.

I scrambled to my feet and flung the window open. Snow swirled into my room, and the wind chilled me. I stood back, and Jacob jumped through the open window.

"Jacob, what in God's name are you doing here? How did you get up here?" I whispered frantically.

Despite the cold, Jacob wasn't even wearing a sweater. I pulled the blanket off of my bed and tried to drape it around him. My hand brushed his arm. He was burning up. "Jacob, your skin!"

Jacob pushed the blanket away. "Bella, you need to sit down. I'm going to tell you something right now. I need to preface this by telling you that I am not crazy." He was shaking again. He paced from the window to the door. He was so huge, it only took him two steps.

I sat and waited patiently. Jacob was going to tell me some serious news. He had never talked to me this way before. He looked infuriated.

He stopped and looked at me. His eyes softened. "Bella," he whispered. "I've been acting differently."

I nodded. "I've noticed."

"There is a reason. I went through a… a change recently. I just can't get a handle on these emotions," he growled. His eyes hardened again, and he punched my mattress.

"If you need help, Jacob, I will help you!"

"There is nothing to help." He sank next to me on the bed. "There is nothing you can do, Bella."

"What is the problem? I can try to help!" I offered. I just wanted my old friend back.

Jacob took a deep breath and took my face in his hands. His eyes searched mine. My heart quickened in my chest, and the inappropriateness of his visit came crashing down on me. What if Charlie walked in? What would Edward do when I told him?

"Jake-" I protested.

Jake shook his head, silencing me. There was a pause before he finally spoke.

"Bella, I am a werewolf."

GET OUT OF HERE, JAKE! YOU'RE OBVIOUSLY CRAZY! :)

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