I know it has been ages since I last updated, but I've had a very good reason. I've been working on my first original novel and have finally gotten it finished. It should be published in the next couple of months. So, while I'm awaiting the edits, I'm going to try to get my stories updated and hopefully some of them finished.

Thanks to everyone who has been so faithful in reading my stories.

Chapter Six

The Council Standoff

That night, as I left Bella's house, I knew in my heart that I was doing the right thing for myself and maybe making a change that was long since needed among my people, but only time would tell. That was also the beginning of Bella and me being inseparable. We spent as much time together as we could that summer and what we both felt, just grew stronger.

I had gotten the job at the garage and Bella got a job at an insurance agency in Forks working in the mornings, then she would drive to Seattle for afternoon and some evening classes at the college.

The guys and I all rode together to Seattle for our evening classes, having arranged our schedules to that we could car pool as much as possible and I would ride home with Bella on nights she had class. I was thankful for the time we spent together on the drives back home. Otherwise, it would have been scarce except on the weekends.

She only asked me once how I got home from her house, and I used a friends ride, which wasn't a complete untruth if you considered that friend my four legged alter ego, as my explanation. After that, she never questioned me again.

Bella never came to La Push, when we had time off together, I would always go to Forks. She said she didn't mind the arrangement, but I knew deep down she felt like she wasn't good enough to be on the rez.

When the fall rolled around, things were busy on the rez. Things were being readied for the fall council meeting and my induction into the council. I had thought long and hard about how I would handle letting my feelings for Bella be known and she said she wanted to come with me.

She thought that it might make a difference if she was there to support me. I told her she didn't have to and that she might get her feelings hurt, knowing all too well the harsh climate that would await her there, but she insisted and said if she was ever going to be able to help my people by teaching there someday that she needed to get to know them and let them get to know her.

So when the night finally arrived in late October for the council meeting, I drove to Forks and picked Bella up. On the drive back to La Push she asked me what I was going to say.

"I've got a few things in mind, but I'm just going to say what's in my heart," I told her, and she took my hand in hers and smiled at me. I knew that no matter the outcome, this was the right thing to do.

Bella and I arrived early and she took a seat near the back of the room where no one could see her. The others started arriving and I greeted them and they all took their places in the center of the council hall.

I was surprised, but felt very relieved, when the rest of the pack showed up to support me. Sam was there too, but he didn't know what I was planning to do, otherwise he would have tried to stop me. We had all been able to keep our thoughts closed on this subject and I guess it had worked.

Another twenty minutes lapsed and everyone was in place. My dad took the floor and called the meeting to order.

"Greetings everyone and welcome to the fall session of the Quileute Council. We have many changes to discuss tonight and I'm glad that everyone could be here. Before we get started, let me just say how proud I am of several young Quileutes who are perusing their college education. I know that this is not easy at times. They are having to work and take their classes in the evenings, but they will be benefitting us all when they bring their knowledge back to the reservation. Quil Ateara, Sr., would you like to offer our blessing?"

"Yes. Shall we stand?" he said and slowly everyone rose, bowing their heads, then he continued. "We stand united today as one people. We thank you, O Father, for blessing us thus far and request, humbly, that you continue to bless our people from generation to generation in health, wisdom, and purity of our Quileute blood. Amen. Thank you. You may be seated," he concluded and I watched as the faces of young and old were seated and all their attention was turned toward my father.

"Jacob, if you would please come forward. We know you would like to say something tonight before I hand over the lead position in the council to you," my dad said, and I knew this was it and my life would be changed forever in the next few minutes.

I felt Bella watching me from the back of the room and I knew I could make this stand, for her, for myself, and for our future together, and for all the younger generation—my generation, that felt as strongly as I did about making changes.

"Thank you all for coming. I know that plans have been made for this night for many years and I feel grateful for the opportunity to stand before you. I also feel honored that I have been asked to carry forth with the tradition of my family, those generations that have led you before me. But tonight I want to talk to you about what our ancestors would want for us today," I said, looking around the room making sure I had the attention of every soul there. "Many years ago, when the people of this land lived, worked, and raised their families on the reservation, I can understand and see why we were encouraged to mingle and marry among our own people. I can also see why we have never been dependent upon or in some cases trusted outsiders, those from the white man's world."

I heard someone clear their throat and a couple of people took a few deep breaths letting them out in exasperation of what I was about to say.

"Excuse me Jacob, what are you talking about?" my dad asked quietly.

"We have always wanted to be treated equally. That is a truth that goes back for generations. And you have taught us all to set a good example to the rest of the world as to who we are as Quileutes. But how can we do that without being hypocritical? We are all created equally and should treat others as we want to be treated. We also should be allowed to love who we choose, who our hearts have lead us to, and it should not be mandated that we have to marry a Quileute."

"Jacob. What are you saying?" my dad asked. This time concerned lacing his tone of voice.

"I am saying that we should be allowed to love a woman, or man, who is white or of any other ethnic background. It should be a matter of the heart, not of the color of someone's skin or where they are from. I have met a wonderful young woman and I love her. She and I have known each other for a long time. And she's a good person who is hard working, intelligent, beautiful, and who has longed to become a teacher so that she can teach the children here on the reservation because of something I said to her when I was a little boy. She wants to help our people, even though she is white," I said, and held out my hand to Bella.

She walked timidly toward me and took my hand. We focused on each other, even though there were gasps and whispers around the room.

"Settle down everyone. Settle down," my dad said, in firm voice.

"I know that this is not going to be something that can be discussed properly and decided upon immediately, therefore, I am not going to accept the council position yet. And, if you cannot come to terms with my choice for my life, then I will have no other option than to reject the offer for council position. You see, I have to listen to what my heart is telling me and I think Ephraim Black would agree. I think he would tell me to go with my instincts and my heart, rather than stale ideas and beliefs. That's not to say they are all bad. I would never turn my back on my people for any reason, and I don't want to be forced to over this. I hope you will consider what I have said here and hope to hear from you soon. Thank you," I said in conclusion and I saw the sadness in Bella's eyes, for she felt the weight of what I had just done for her—for us pressing down upon both of us.

"He's right you know," I heard someone say, and turned to see Embry standing up, followed by Quil, Jared, Seth, and Paul.

"Yeah. We are behind what Jake has said. We don't know if we will find someone whom we can't live without outside of the reservation, but if we do, we know that following our hearts would be the right thing," Quil concluded.

There was a long silence as everyone looked at us all. It was not pleasant standing there in the center of all the attention, but with Bella by my side, I knew I would be able to stand firm for what I believed in and that she and I would be together, no matter what happened.

Sam got up and took Leah by the hand. I watched as they walked silently through the small crowd and exited the back of the council hall. I cringed at the thought of how hard he was going to make it on me when I went on patrol the next time, but it had to be done. I had to stand up for what I believed in come what may.

There were small discussions going on all around us and I heard bits and pieces of the voices saying how disappointed they were in me, how could I do this to my father, how could I do this to my people, and so on and so on. But it was my father who spoke aloud finally, and I saw the hurt and uncertainty in his eyes.

"Well, this does pose a problem for us. Doesn't it, Jacob?" he asked glaring at me. "Let us dismiss this meeting and come back together in one week to discuss this matter when the shock has worn off. This meeting is concluded and will reconvene at seven o'clock p.m., on next Friday night. And that meeting will be a closed session," he said and his last two words penetrated Bella like the arrows and spears used by my people years ago for fishing. I felt her flinch as he glared at her with his black eyes.

I just pulled her closer to me and slid my arm around her waist. We made our way out of the back of the council hall, followed by the rest of the pack. At least with them behind us, I didn't feel like Bella and I were fighting this battle alone.

When we got outside, I led Bella to the car and leaned against the hood, pulling her into my arms with her back against my chest. The others gathered around us, waiting for me to say something. I pressed my lips to Bella's ear and kissed her silently. She patted my hands that encircled her and I heard her sniff.

"Thanks guys for supporting me—us. This was a tough stand to make, but one that was long overdue," I said, kissing Bella on the back of the head and breathing in the scent of her hair.

"You know things are going to be rough around here for a while, especially with Sam. He didn't look too happy when he left," Embry said, looking back toward the council hall.

"Yeah, I figure we've all got hell to pay when he gets a hold of us," Quil observed making a face.

"Why wouldn't he want change for you too?" Bella questioned sounding confused.

"He...he sees things like they were years ago. He is um, traditional," Jared said, laughing quietly. We knew what he meant, even though Bella was out of the loop, which made me feel even worse because I knew I had that mountain to climb someday if this one was leveled.

"Well, I better get you home. I don't want Charlie mad at me too," I said, pushing off of the car and taking Bella's hand as I led her to the side of the car and opened the door for her.

"Goodnight guys. Thanks for what you did tonight. I hope to see you again soon," she said, waving slightly to everyone as she climbed in.

"Bye Bella. Don't worry. What will be will be," Embry said, patting the roof of the car.

The others said goodbye too and then the all faded into the darkness. I climbed in beside Bella and started the car, turning it toward Forks, dreading the drive back alone.

We didn't talk for a long time. I knew Bella was worried about my future, so was I, but I was also worried about how this made my people look to Bella. I mean, what if she changed her mind about her lifelong dream of coming back here to teach the children. Worse yet, what if they wouldn't let her come back because of me?

When we got almost to Forks, she spoke up. Her voice was small and sounded strained, "I'm sorry it has to be this way...I," she said, but I stopped her, placing my hand on her knee.

"If it hadn't been me, it would have been someone else. It would have been one of the others eventually. It will be okay. Try not to worry," I reassured her, hoping I was listening to my own words and believing them.

We pulled up in front of her house and I got out, walking over to open the door for her. I blocked her path, putting my arm on the door frame and leaned down until I was just inches from her face. She traced the contour of my jaw and brushed her finger over my lips.

"I'm proud of you, but at the same time, I don't want you to have to go through this," she said, her eyes settling on my lips which was the only invitation I needed.

"You looked so beautiful sitting there in the council hall tonight. When I saw you and knew you were there for me, I wanted to..." I stopped there and pressed my lips to hers.

She tasted sweet and I wanted her and I hoped that this opened the way for us to be able to see each other more. I wanted her to know of my world, my life, and be a part of that.

Bella wrapped her arms around my neck and I stood up, molding her body to mine, letting my hands settle into the small of her back as I pulled her tightly against me. Her lips parted as she gasped for air and I took advantage of the moment, kissing her more deeply until she moaned against my own mouth.

I moved down her cheek and onto her neck where I teased her tender flesh, until she whimpered my name, "Jake..."

"I know. I better get you inside before I forget that I'm a Quileute gentleman," I said, laughing softly against her throat.

I took her by the hand and closed the car door. I took my time getting her to the porch, letting the blood settle back down in all the right places before I faced her father.

She pulled the screen door back and opened the door, "Dad, we're back," she called, as she pulled me into the house.

"Hey, I wasn't expecting you two for at least another hour," he said as he got up and turned on the light in the living room.

"Well, it's been a stressful evening," Bella said looking up at me.

"Oh. Is that so? Is there anything I need to know about?" he asked suspiciously, raising one eyebrow as he too looked at me.

"I guess you could say that we Quileute are not all we're cracked up to be," I told him, feeling a bit ashamed of my situation.

"Anyone care to explain what that means? I'm getting a little unnerved here," he said, crossing his arms over his chest and making his flannel shirt bunch up around his arms revealing his not so small biceps.

"It's okay Dad. We are fine. It's just..."

"No. No Bella, I think it's time I told your dad the truth. I'm tired of hiding behind something we are not," I said, and led her into the living room to sit down on the sofa. She held my hand beside her and I turned toward Charlie who came in and sat down in the chair opposite us.

"I'm listening," he said incredulously.

"My people, the Quileutes, have this thing about outsiders. Well, actually it goes like this. We are not supposed to mingle with outsiders, as in date, fall in love, marry, etc. We are supposed to stick to our own kind," I told him, trying to sum it up in a less painful way than it really was.

"Wait. You're telling me that you...your people are racist?" he asked looking shocked.

"Yeah, pretty much. I went to the council meeting tonight and told them that I had feelings for Bella and that we needed to change our archaic ways," I said with a shrug.

"So you have feelings for my daughter, even though she's not dark skinned like you?" he asked, his voice going deeper and sounding more menacing.

"I do. I happen to care a great deal for Bella and I don't care what her skin looks like or where she comes from. It just feels right when I'm with her," I said, looking over at her and squeezing her hand.

"You're not just trying to prove some point and using her to do it are you, Jake?"

"Dad!" Bella exclaimed.

"Look. I've known your dad for years Jake and I've never gotten the impression that we were, well outsiders," he told us shaking his head.

"My dad plays a pretty convincing game and we've all been brought up to do the same. But tonight I laid it all out on the table. Now I just have to wait and see what they do with it," I said, looking down at the floor.

"Are you going to be okay? Do you want to stay here tonight?" he asked and I looked up in disbelief. I had just told him that I had been reared to think we were somewhat superior to everyone else and here he was offering to let me stay in the same house with him and his daughter that I had just admitted that I cared for very much.

"Charlie thanks. But no, I'll be fine. It'll just be a long week," I told him.

"Well, I've known you for a long time too, Jake and I know you're a good young man. I respect you for standing up for what you believe in, especially considering that it is my daughter," he said firmly.

"I am too," Bella said leaning into my side.

"Do you want me to talk with Billy?" Charlie asked.

"No. This is something we will have to work out on our own. But I do appreciate how understanding you've both been."

"We can't help the circumstances we're born into Jake, but it's trying to make a change—make things better that counts," he said with a smile.

"Yeah, I know. I know."

Charlie talked with us, but directed the conversation mostly at me for the next thirty minutes or so, then I told him and Bella I better be getting back home. I knew I had to face the music sooner or later.

Bella walked with me out to my car and stood beside me looking up at the stars. I knew she had something on her mind, but I was caught up in just admiring her as she craned her neck to look heavenward.

"I have a feeling things are about to change and I'm afraid of how it will affect us," she finally admitted, turning her head to find me watching her.

"I feel it too, but if we are united, we will be stronger to weather the storm," I told her, leaning in for one last kiss.

We said goodbye and I left for home fully expecting a shit storm when I got back, but much to my surprise, my dad didn't say anything. He didn't seem to be mad or upset, and that worried me more than if he had been screaming his head off at me.

"Jake, I think I'm going on to bed now that you're home. I'll see you in the morning," he said, wheeling past me and down the narrow hall of our house.

"Okay. Well goodnight then," I told him and went to the bathroom for a quick shower.

I was worried that this might be an even longer week than I had originally feared, especially with my dad giving me what I considered the silent treatment. It was what he wasn't saying that made me unable to sleep that night.

The next morning I woke up to the sound of muffled voices. I couldn't tell who was talking with my dad but curiosity was getting the better of me so I drug myself up out of bed and slipped into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

By the time I got to the kitchen, whoever had been there was gone. But I caught the faint scent of Sam lingering amidst the savory aroma of bacon my dad was preparing for breakfast.

"Good morning," my dad said cooly, as I snatched a piece of hot bacon from the dish near the stove.

"Good morning. Who were you talking to?" I asked, folding the piece of warm meat and stuffing into my mouth.

"Oh. It was just Sam. He stopped by to, well to check in and see how we were," he said, putting two slices of bread into the toaster.

"Dad, about last night. About what I said. I'm sorry I didn't talk with you about it first, but I still feel as strongly about this as ever and I thought it was just best to tell everyone how I felt," I told him feeling the defensiveness building inside of me.

"Jake. I do wish that you had talked with me first, but that is water under the bridge now. I can see that you feel very strongly about this and I can understand why. Bella Swan and her father are good people. That is a fact that can't be argued, but..."

"Dad," I began but then he held up his hand signaling that he wasn't finished speaking.

"Jake, we are having a closed session council meeting tonight. We will take into consideration the points you've raised then we will address this quandary at the special meeting on Friday night. But in the meantime, I have a favor to ask of you," he said, wheeling over to the table with the dish of bacon.

I felt compelled to do what he was about to ask, even before he told me what it was. "Sure dad. What can I do to help?" I asked, sitting down at the table.

"My third cousin, Shyanna, and her husband are considering moving to the reservation. She called me today and told me that they want their children to grow up with appreciation for their heritage and have firsthand knowledge of the Quileute ways that can only come from being among their own people. They have been in Alaska for the past few years with her husband's job. But he is about to retire and they want to come back home," he said as he poured a glass of orange juice.

"Well...that's nice, but what does it have to do with me?" I questioned.

"They have sent one of their children down here to stay with Shyanna's mother, Mrs. Longshed, while they make the final preparations for their move. Danni is a senior this year and I thought it would be nice if you...well if you wouldn't mind hanging around and being a tour guide of sorts," he said finally.

"Sure, I guess. It shouldn't take long. I mean the rez isn't that big. Besides, once I've shown him the place, he can surely find his way around after that. I have to patrol later and I had some things I wanted to do today as well," I told him, filling my plate with toast and bacon.

"I was hoping you might escort Danni around and introduce her to the rest of the guys and then maybe the two of you could watch a movie later or something," he said, and I caught the slipped in word meaning Danni was not a he but rather a she.

"'Her'?" I asked, raising one eyebrow.

"Yes, Danni is a girl, a young woman really. Shyanna tells me that she is very mature for her age. Besides, you might have fun," he said, making eye contact for the first time all morning.

I had a strange feeling that this was more of a deliberate action than a coincidental one, but I guess I owed it to him. Besides, it would only be for one day. How hard could that be, I thought?

"Okay. I'll show her around. But I still have to patrol later," I reminded him.

"Well, about that. Sam said you didn't have to patrol today because you had family obligations," he concluded in a mater-of-fact manner, which sort of pissed me off. I had an entire day free that I could be spending in Forks with Bella and I was going to have to babysit for my dad.

The rest of our meal was taken in silence, but I was carrying on an inner monologue that was probably not repeatable. But I was stuck and had already obligated myself. I would just have to talk with Bella by phone later and explain things.

As soon as we finished breakfast, my dad suggested that I go on over to Mrs. Longshed's place and pick up Danni. He was eager, much too eager, for me to meet this girl and I was not at all pleased about his subtle little plan.

When I left, I drove the Rabbit much slower than I normally would have, trying to delay the inevitable. It took me at least ten minutes to reach the Longsheds' and I even fiddled with my radio for a few minutes before getting out.

I slammed the door closed and shoved my hands into my jean's pockets. I was not quite a million miles away, but at least ten, at least all the way back to Forks, before I realized I was knocking on the door.

It took a few minutes, but finally elderly Mrs. Longshed opened the door. "Yes, may I help you?" she said, peering at me through the screen door. But then it was like a light bulb went off and she blossomed into a full smile and said, "Jacob? Little Jacob, is that you?"

I smiled and chuckled. I guess it had been a while since she had seen me. "Yes ma'am. It's me. I'm here to maybe pick up Danni. My dad wanted me to show her around today," I told her but she was already opening the door and letting me in.

"Let me get her for you my dear. I'll be right back," she said, walking down the hall and disappearing.

I waited, looking around at the small place, until I heard the sound of footsteps, which drew my attention back to the hallway and I saw Mrs. Longshed returning being followed by someone.

"Jacob. This is my granddaughter, Danni Solomon," she said, gesturing behind her as Danni came into view.

Danni was not a girl by any means. She was a very developed young woman, and every inch of her was perfect. She had long black silky hair that draped over both shoulders and hung down over her breasts.

She was in a skin tight pair of jeans that hugged every curve and her high healed boots accentuated her long lean legs.

"Hello Jacob. It's nice to meet you," Danni said, leaning forward to offer me her hand and I couldn't help but notice how low cut her blouse was offering a peek of things I shouldn't be viewing or even thinking about.

"Hi. Um, nice to meet you, Danni. Oh, and you can call me Jake," I said, feeling a little off balance.

I heard Mrs. Longshed explaining to Danni who I was, and who my father was, and who my grandfather was, and so on, but I was reasoning with myself that I wasn't feeling attracted to this young woman and that she was just someone I needed to meet and spend the next couple of days with at the request of my father.

"Okay, Jake. So what are we going to do today?" she asked, offering me a smile that again caught me off guard.

"Well...I was wondering if you wanted to take a look around the rez...the reservation?" I stammered.

"Sure, let me get my jacket," she replied and stepped back down the hallway, disappearing for a moment.

When she came back, she was wearing a bolero type black leather jacket that matched her boots. This was going to be interesting to say the least. I wondered what the other guys would say and how they would act when I introduced her to them.

We left and I told Mrs. Longshed goodbye, then I opened the door of the Rabbit for Danni, and went around to climb inside myself. I wondered what Bella was doing and knew that she would be worried about how things were for me here if I didn't at least call her, so I made it a point to go to the small store on the rez first so I could use the phone.

We hadn't made any plans to see each other today, even though if this thing hadn't come up with my dad wanting me to show Danni around I would probably have ended up there later. I hoped she wouldn't be too disappointed when I told her I was tied up.

"There isn't a whole lot to see here. We are one of the smaller reservations along the Olympic Peninsula. This is our store. You know general merchandise. I suppose it's our version of the Seven Eleven," I said with a laugh as I pulled into the gravel parking lot.

"Oh my. You're not only tall, dark, and handsome; you've got a sense of humor too. I think I may really like it here," she said, offering me a mischievous smile as she twisted her hair around one finger.

The heater must be on high in my car, I thought, but when I looked down at the control, it was set on low. This wasn't a good sign. Danni was making me a little bit uncomfortable, but I was stuck.

I stopped the car and we got out. I knew Quil would let me use the phone. I felt a sudden need to call Bella.

I held the door open for Danni and the screen door slammed behind me as I stepped in. But it was the bell on the door that announced our entrance. Quil was stocking canned goods down one of the isles when he saw us walk in.

I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was not only confused by my being with another female, but he was wondering who the hell she was.

"Jake?" he called out in a tone of voice that demanded an explanation and an introduction.

"Quil, hey can I borrow the phone? The one in the back," I asked, already going in that direction.

"Sure..." he said, but I cut him off.

"Oh by the way, this is Danni Solomon. She is Mrs. Longshed's granddaughter. Danni, this is Quil Ateara," I said just as I cleared the door to the back of the store. I heard Quil clear his throat and smiled to myself as I thought about how hard he would probably hit on the poor girl.

I picked up the phone and dialed the all too familiar number that had kept me close to Bella over the last few months. And for some reason, I felt nervous waiting for her to pick up.