Authors Note: This is my first attempt at Jacob and Bella pairing…And Twilight in general. Reading and Reviewing is much appreciated!

Chapter One : Party Time

I made my way through the crowded front room of Sam's house. It had been nearly three years since I'd left La Push. I never intended on coming back, but after two months of constant calls from Emily, I finally gave in and accepted the invitation to my father's birthday party. She wanted it to be her gift to him…apparently fifty was a pretty big deal to the pack.

I hadn't seen my dad since I ran off after suffering the most burning sting of rejection imaginable. After finally admitting that she loved me too, and after I fought to the death - quite literally - for her and the ones that we loved, she chose HIM. I was left alone and broken, both emotionally and physically. To top it all off I received a wedding invitation just weeks later.

Knowing that the threat against my family and friends was over, and that in just a few weeks time I would forever lose the girl I loved, I ran. I ran as far and fast as I had to, to feel like I could escape the immense pain that was strangling my insides. I made it all the way to Canada, then back down into the southern U.S., trying to find a place to halfway comfortably survive…a place where I could stand to be human again.

After 6 months or so of constant drifting, I settled down in a small town in Utah. I did odd jobs, mostly mechanical until I found a shop that hired me. A co-worker rented out a room to me for a while, and I saved up enough money to buy a truck and get my own small apartment.

Over time I made a small circle of friends, and even went out on a few dates. But nobody could hold my interest for long, and I still thought of her.

I spoke with my dad and pack brothers over the phone every couple of months, just to make sure things were okay back at home. It wasn't until about six months ago when Emily found my number by Sam's phone that I found out about Bella.

Emily told me that just a week before the wedding, Bella decided she wasn't ready for the "change" she so desperately desired. She wasn't ready to leave Charlie, Renee, and her friends behind forever. Over time, she and Edward had grown apart, mostly due to the fact that Bella wanted to stay in Washington and go to the small college in Port Angeles, while Edward and the rest of the Cullens were itching to travel again. Although she and the Cullens were still in touch and spent time together whenever they were in town, she and Edward were no longer romantically involved.

After that phone conversation, a part of me wanted to race back home as fast as I could, and see if there was anything left between the two of us. I wanted to run all the way to her house, break down the door, and pull her into the deepest, most sensual kiss…and make her realize we were meant to be together. But that part was quickly silenced by the part of me that still felt the pain I suffered over her. I'd learned the hard way not to act on impulse when my mind screamed that it was a bad idea.

For four months, I'd pushed the thought of Bella out of my mind. Then I got the first phone call from Emily about my father's party. I thought briefly of Bella, and what life was like in La Push, and decided it probably wasn't a good idea. But Emily wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. She called twice a week until I finally agreed two weeks ago. Besides, Bella wouldn't be there, so I could stay for the night, and head back home in the morning.

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I headed for the kitchen, knowing that's where all of my former pack brothers would be. I'd barely stepped my foot in the room when I was nearly knocked over by a couple of familiar faces.

"Jake!" Quil yelled when I regained my footing.
"Where the hell did you come from?!"

"We were sure you weren't coming…" Embry grinned, putting his arm around my shoulders. "Have you seen Billy yet?"

"No, not yet…" I looked around, seeing the familiar faces of the people I grew up with.

I walked around, filling everyone in on what my last few years had consisted of. Sam handed me a drink and told me that Billy would be over in about an hour…he was running late after running some errands. The party was a surprise, so we couldn't very well expect him to hurry home.

It was great sitting around with my oldest friends. It was as if only three days had gone by, not three years. Sam kept passing around drinks, knowing how high the tolerance of werewolves was.

After six strong drinks and even MORE great stories, Emily rushed around the room, hushing us and flicking off lights. We piled into the front room and waited for Billy. After three quick knocks she swung the door open.

As my dad walked in, Emily flicked the light on. Everyone yelled and whooped, rushing toward him for shoulder pats and birthday wishes. I made my way toward him, and the hugest grin I'd ever seen on the old man flashed across his face when he spotted me. He pulled me into a big hug as soon as I was in arm's reach.

"It's good to see you, son!" he patted my shoulder. As I stood back upright I noticed who'd walked in behind him.

Chief Swan, uniform and all, stood behind his chair, beaming at me as well.

Any chance I had of not thinking about Bella flew out the window. I politely held out my hand to shake his, but he pulled me toward him for a hug. I stiffened.

He SMELLED like her.

After the they sat down with some beers, we made conversation about my new home, future plans, the drop in crime rates in Forks, and the happenings of La Push. Anything to avoid the conversation of Bella. I found out that Charlie and Sue Clearwater had been involved for a while…I elbowed Charlie with a wag of my eyebrows, and I was pretty sure I saw a hint of pink in his cheeks.

"Yeah, well what about you, son?" Charlie asked me, mimicking my actions. "I bet the girls are all over you back at home! You have some lucky girl tied down?"

I shook my head. "Nah… I don't really date a whole lot…" I looked down at my feet. "I haven't found anyone that keeps my interest for long."

They shared a knowing glance, realizing just why I couldn't find a girl I could get close to, and quickly changed the subject to sports and cars. I excused myself and headed to pour another drink. After downing one and pouring another, I was becoming aware of how buzzed I was getting. I'd have to slow down if I was going to drive early in the morning.

I turned around just as Charlie was headed toward the front door. Not wanting him to take off before I could say goodbye, I moved back toward the front room.

Her scent hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart stopped, along with my breathing. I quickly backed back into the kitchen, sitting in a chair in the corner.

"Bella…." I whispered quietly, willing myself to breathe.