"Where's Jacob?" I asked Sam, scrambling to my feet. The chair teetered on its back legs from the force and I quickly grasped the back, making sure it didn't fall to the floor.

"He's on his way back," Sam said grimly. "He had to go check on Billy."

That's at least five minutes from here.

"I think I know where Bella is. Tell Jacob to meet me at the cliff!" I called over my shoulder as I ran toward the road. "And make sure he hurries!"

Trying to remember which trail would take me to the cliff, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, grateful for being on the track team back in Michigan. As I passed a familiar clearing, I recognized the cliff where Sam and the guys go cliff diving. My eyes frantically searched the upper ledge, and my heart stopped when I saw Bella prepare herself to jump.

"Bella, don't!" I screamed. The wind drowned out my scream and I watched as Bella launched herself into the water. Terrified that Bella had gotten hurt, I burst through the woods and bolted to the shoreline.

Waves were crashing against the cliffs violently, the wind howling as a storm brewed on the horizon. I searched the water for a sign, any sign, of my best friend. From behind me, I heard Jacob calling my name.

"Autumn, where's Bella?" He panted as he came to a stop.

"She jumped... from the cliff. The upper ledge. I don't see her!" My voice cracked, the panic settling in.

"We'll find her." Jacob wrapped an arm around my shoulder as he scanned the angry water. "I think I see her! I'll be right back, stay here."

Before I could protest, Jacob took off for the water, gracefully diving underneath the waves. I wrapped my jacket tighter around me as I shivered, the wind turning icy as it blew across the back of my neck. A few seconds later, Jacob's head popped above the water, Bella next to him. As he swam back to shore, a flash of red about twenty feet away appeared, almost floating in the ocean. In a blink of an eye, it was gone and I brushed it away as my eyes playing tricks on me. Jacob made it to shore, laying Bella down in the sand.

"Come on, Bella. Breathe," he urged as he performed CPR. A few moments passed before Bella sputtered, coughing up water. She slowly opened her eyes to see us hovering over her.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" I yelled at her. "Are you crazy?"

"Jacob! Take them back to your house!" Sam called out, causing all of us to turn toward him. "I'm going to the hospital."

"What's wrong?" Bella asked worriedly.

"Harry had a heart attack. He's dead." Jacob said quietly as he helped her to her feet.

"Oh no." Bella's eyes widened. "Poor Charlie."

"I'll go grab the car." Jacob jogged ahead of us, disappearing in seconds. I turned toward Bella, who was biting her lower lip.

"I had to do it," she spoke softly. "I had to see him."

"I know," I slung my arm around her. "You just picked a crappy day to do it."

"What else did I miss today?"

"Not much. I found out I have a Quileute ancestor. And Jacob imprinted on me."

"What!" Bella gasped as she gawked at me. "That's awesome, I'm happy for you!"

"Really?"

"Yes," she admitted honestly. "I love Jacob, but as a brother. Maybe in another life, but... my heart is already taken. No matter what... he... says."

"He may come back one day, and that's what you're hoping for."

"I know it sounds silly, but yes. A part of me does."

A wave of comfortable silence washed over us as we thought about what Bella confessed. I wanted her to be happy, and I was still mad that the one person who could make that happen, disappeared without a trace.

We didn't bring the subject up again when we reached the top of the hill where Jacob was waiting for us. He was surprised when Bella threw her arms around him, his body freezing at the contact.

"It's okay, she knows." I reassured him, giggling at his expression.

"And I'm okay that you chose her." Bella added. "I want both of you to be happy."

"That was definitely not the reaction I was expecting." Jacob chuckled as we piled into his car. "So, now what?"

"We go to your place and watch a movie?" I suggested. "Or do some homework, because I know we have some studying to do."

Jacob and Bella both grimaced, earning a chuckle from me. Reluctantly, Jacob put the car in drive and headed for his house. Billy was in the kitchen when we walked inside, the atmosphere somber as an eerie silence lingered. It was the presence of death, affecting everyone who cared for Harry Clearwater, almost as if we were attending his funeral at that very moment.

Billy gave a sad smile and motioned for Jacob to come to him, wrapping his arms around his only son as tears fell down his face. He murmured something into Jacob's shoulder too low for us to hear. Under the circumstances, I knew it must've been along the lines of "I love you." Nudging Bella softly, I gestured toward the living room and she nodded, leaving Jacob and his dad alone.

"I need a break," Bella groaned an hour later, shoving her History book away from her. "I can't study knowing that Harry had a heart attack while hunting you guys, while you were hunting Victoria."

"I have to agree," I said, closing my book as well. "Something could've happened to any of you today."

"You're cute when you worry," Jacob teased, rolling his eyes before growing serious. "We all knew the risk of being out in the woods. But I've already told both of you, the pack won't rest until we get Victoria. Until then, neither of you are safe."

"Speaking of being safe, we," I pointed between Jacob and I, "need to talk to my mom. I'm assuming dinner is canceled for tonight?"

"If that's okay with you?" Jacob asked sheepishly. "Dad will probably want to go to the Clearwaters' in a little bit, check on Sue and her kids."

"That's perfectly fine with me," I leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I know how hard this is for everyone."

"I should get home." Bella stared at the clock. "Or else Charlie is going to burn dinner again."

"Come on, I'll drive you home."

Jacob got up from the couch, holding out his hands to help us both up. We said goodbye to Billy, who absentmindedly waved back as he sat in the kitchen by the phone.

"You okay, Autumn?" Bella asked as Jacob parked her truck in front of her house ten minutes later.

"Huh?"

"If your grip was tighter, it'd break." She nodded to the phone in my hand.

"Oh. Right." I relaxed my grip. "I guess I'm just waiting for an anonymous text. Every time something major happens, there's always one, ya know?"

"Maybe you won't get one. It's been a few weeks since the last one, right?" Bella smiled when I nodded. "I'm sure you won't get one tonight."

"I hope you're right. If you need me to come over and stay the night, just call." I reminded her as she opened the door. Before she could get out, Jacob reached over both of us and slammed the door shut.

"There's a vampire out there," he said angrily, his eyes darting to the shadows on high alert. Bella and I both turned around to look, and Bella gasped.

"It's Carlisle's car," she squeaked.

"You don't know if it's them," Jacob scowled as she reached for the door again.

"I'm sure of it." She told him, throwing the door open and sliding out of the seat. Shrugging at Jacob, I quickly followed her, only to be stopped by Jacob blocking our path to the house.

"And what if it's a different vampire? Someone working with Victoria? Please just get back in the truck." He pleaded with us. Bella shook her head.

"I have to know, Jake. You can't stop me."

She brushed past him and bounded up the stairs. Jacob turned toward me, his eyes pleading with me to stay.

"She's my best friend, Jacob. I have to make sure she's okay. Please don't be mad at me." I whispered, my voice cracking. Jacob didn't respond; he just turned and jogged down the street into the night.

I sighed in defeat and followed Bella into the house. Her voice squealed from the living room as I opened the door.

"Alice!"

As I rounded the corner, Bella excitedly threw her arms around Alice, who stiffened at the contact. I noticed her eyes were dark as they darted to me, the surprise and confusion written all over Alice's face.

"Um, Bella, that's probably not a good idea right now," I reached for her arms and slowly untangled them from Alice. Bella glanced at me in confusion until it dawned on her; she took a step back and apologized.

"You want to tell me how you're still alive?" Alice glared at Bella, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I saw you jump off a cliff!"

"It was for recreational purposes," Bella said softly, her eyes cast downward. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it seem like I was... suicidal."

"Wait, you had a vision about Bella?" I asked Alice directly. "Is this the first one?"

"No." She admitted, sighing as she plopped onto the couch. "I've seen a couple of other ones, right after... we left. But this was the first in months."

"Did you tell anyone else about the cliff?" I pressed, the gears in my head turning. Were the rest of the Cullens coming back?

"Just Rosalie. She was with me when the vision came. I accidentally broke her favorite vase."

"Are the others coming back?" Bella asked hesitantly, beating me to my next question.

"No, it's just me," Alice replied sadly, her eyes softening as she gazed at Bella. A few seconds later, her nose wrinkled in disgust. "What is that awful wet dog smell?"

"That would be Jacob," Bella said. "He's... um, sort of a werewolf."

"Geez, Bella! Don't you know werewolves are dangerous?!?"

"Speak for yourself."

All three of us jumped at the sound of Jacob's voice behind us. He glared icily at Alice before turning toward Bella and I.

"I had to make sure you both were okay," he said before we could ask the question forming on our lips. "Especially Autumn."

"What does he mean by that?" Alice leaned toward Bella and whispered loudly as I walked over to Jacob.

"I'm okay," I reassured him, pressing my hand to his cheek. "Are you okay?"

"I am now." He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he leaned into my touch.

"Um, I'm going to step out for a minute." Alice rose from the couch and looked at Bella. "Give you a chance to talk."

"You're coming back, right?" Bella asked her, panic in her tone.

"As soon as you put the dog out." Alice winked and glided out the back door, disappearing from sight.

"How long is she staying? And are there others?" Jacob directed to Bella a little harshly, his eyes hardened at the "dog" comment.

"Alice," Bella empathized her name, "is more than welcome to stay as long as she likes. And no... it's just her."

"There isn't any way I can convince you to come back to La Push?"

"No, Jacob. I'm fine to stay with Alice. She isn't going to hurt me."

Jacob sighed and turned to me.

"And you're staying here with Bella?"

"Yes." My voice sounded meek, cracking as I stared at him. Before he could say anything else, the phone rang and he reached for it, the closest to it.

"Swan residence..." he paused, his voice turning bitter, "he's not here right now. He's planning a funeral."

"Who was that?" Bella asked, her eyes flashing as Jacob slammed the phone back onto the wall. Jacob took a step back, his body shaking. "Jacob, who was it?"

"Stay away, Bella." He warned.

"Who was on the phone?" She asked again, taking another step toward him.

"It was... Dr... Cullen..." he hissed.

"And you didn't let me talk to him?" Bella shrieked. "Why didn't you hand me the phone?"

"He didn't ask for you!" Jacob snapped back. Just then, Alice appeared in the doorway, her expression alarmed.

"Bella," she said sharply. "It's Edward. He's going to the Volturi."

"No." Bella shook her head. "We have to go. We have to stop him."

Bella bolted from the kitchen to the front door, grabbing her jacket from the hook. Alice was already outside and in her car, the engine purring as she waited for Bella to get in. Jacob ran outside after Bella, with me trailing behind him.

"Bella, please. Stay here. Don't go after him." Jacob begged her as she climbed into the passenger seat.

"That's not fair for you to ask me to stay, Jacob." She said darkly. "You imprinted on Autumn. You can't have me too. Besides, you're like a brother to me. Edward... he's the love of my life. And if I can save him, then that's what I'm going to do."

Her words hit Jacob like a slap to the face and he stepped away from the car, his eyes unfocused. Bella turned her attention to me, a sad smile tugging at her lips.

"Autumn..." she said weakly, trying not to break down. "Please keep an eye on Charlie. If he asks, just... tell him I went with Alice to talk Edward out of abandoning his family. I'll be back in a couple of days, I promise."

"Please be careful," I whimpered as I reached into the car and hugged her. "That goes for you too, Alice. I expect both of you to come back in one piece."

"We will. I'll have my phone if you need to call us." Alice flashed a smile at me. As reassuring as it was meant to be, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain in my chest as they drove away, the taillights disappearing down the road.

Sighing, I turned toward Jacob who was watching the car disappear. His eyes shifted to me, guilt written in his gaze. I didn't know if it was because of what Bella said or because she left. Emotionally drained, I turned away from him and began walking to my house, ignoring his protests behind me. Mom wasn't home when I walked through the front door, so I made sure the door was locked and made my way upstairs. A few minutes after I collapsed onto my bed face first, I heard pebbles being tossed against my window.

"Autumn, please. I know you can hear me," I heard Jacob call out in the backyard. "Talk to me, please."

Groaning, I rolled out of bed and stormed over to the window seat, throwing the window open to glare at him.

"I have nothing to say to you right now."

"Please, Autumn. Don't shut me out."

"Answer me this, Jacob. Was Bella right? Even though you imprinted on me, you're still in love with her?"

"It's not the same," he pleaded. "Yes I love her, but it's not like she's the love of my life. It's more like she's my sister."

"Then why were you so against her going after Edward?"

"It's in my blood to not like vampires," he explained. "Mortal enemies and all that. Because of the treaty, I'm sworn to protect human lives."

I guess that makes sense, the voice in my head stated. I brushed it away, not entirely convinced he was telling me the truth.

"I'm exhausted. Can we just talk tomorrow?" I asked, rubbing my eyes as I stifled a yawn.

"I'm not going anywhere. It's my night to patrol," Jacob said defeatedly. "But yes, we can talk tomorrow. Sleep well, Autumn. If you have any problems, just call for me."

"Or I'll just whistle," I said sarcastically, earning a chuckle from Jacob.

"If that's what you want to do."

I just shook my head and shut the window before closing the curtains. Slipping into my favorite pair of pajamas, I crawled into bed and fell asleep in minutes, comforted by the fact that Jacob was watching over me.

Warm sunlight washed over my body, slowly waking me up. Stretching, the events from the past few days came to mind and despite the fear surrounding Bella's trip to Italy, a smile spread across my face. Jacob had imprinted on me...

As the thought of Jacob crossed my mind, I quickly got out of bed and ran over to the window, secretly hoping he was outside. My heart dropped slightly when I realized he was nowhere to be seen; sighing to myself, I got dressed for the day in black yoga pants and a loosely fitted green sweater. Pulling my hair into a high ponytail, I headed downstairs to find Mom in the kitchen making breakfast. She beamed when I walked into the room.

"There she is! I thought you were going to stay in bed again today," Mom teased. "You must've been exhausted to sleep for an entire day."

"I guess so," I stifled a yawn. "I really slept all day yesterday?"

"I tried waking you up but you kept falling back asleep, so I figured I'd let you sleep." Mom shrugged, flipping a pancake. Before I could say anything, the sound of the toilet flushing along with the sink being turned on and off interrupted us and I glanced at Mom, confused.

"Good morning, beautiful." Jacob walked into the kitchen and sat down at the island counter, smiling playfully at me. I blushed and gave him a look before turning toward Mom.

"Jacob already told me the good news," Mom laughed. "I think it's wonderful. But I wish you had come to me about your dreams."

"I know, and I'm sorry," I told her. "With the bakery, and everything else going on, I just didn't want to add to your burdens."

"Oh, Leaf. You are never a burden to me." Mom hugged me. "How many times do I have to tell you that?"

"I was just telling your mom that the tribal elders wanted to talk to her this afternoon," Jacob changed the subject before I answered Mom's question. "And Emily wanted to see you."

"For what?" I asked curiously.

"She didn't tell me. I was only supposed to tell you that she wants to see you as soon as possible." Jacob shrugged. "I have to take Dad over to the Clearwaters' to help with funeral stuff, but I'll see you later?"

"Okay. Tell Sue we're so sorry and we'll come visit soon."

"Sure thing." Jacob kissed my cheek before saying goodbye to Mom. As the front door clicked shut, Mom turned to face me.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm... not sure, exactly. So much has been going on lately, I feel like my head is spinning."

"I have a couple of hours before I have to go to La Push. Do you want to talk about it?"

"It can wait," I bit my bottom lip nervously. "I'm not sure how much you're allowed to know."

"Oh, baby girl. I know everything, especially about the werewolves and the Cullens being vampires. Your ancestor comes from my side, remember?" Mom teased.

"Right." I slapped my hand to my forehead. "I'm sorry, my brain is all over the place. I'm really worried about Bella right now."

"What's wrong with Bella?"

"She went to Italy... with Alice... to save Edward from the Volturi. But Charlie can't know that, because clearly he doesn't know about the werewolves and vampires. And there's this vampire after Bella, because Edward killed her mate when Bella was in Phoenix, and I'm supposed to keep an eye on Charlie while figuring out what it means to be imprinted on. Along with Jacob's feelings for Bella because I'm scared that he still loves her. And I'm completely freaking out." I said in a rush, running out of breath.

"Whoa, slow down." Mom rubbed my back as I put my head down in my arms on the countertop. "It will be okay. Just take some deep breaths."

I relaxed as Mom continued to soothingly rub my back. Once I was calm, I lifted my head and rest my chin on top of my folded arms.