The late afternoon sun filtered through the thick canopy of trees as you made your way down the familiar path to Jacob’s house. The smell of the ocean hung in the air, a stark contrast to the mountain pines surrounding the small, rugged town. After spending so much time around the Cullens recently, La Push felt like a breath of fresh air, even though you couldn't put your finger on why. Maybe it was the way Jacob always made you feel so grounded—real, in a way that was different from the polished perfection of Bella’s other friends.

As you reached the house, you noticed Jacob on the porch, leaning casually against the railing. Or at least, trying to look casual. But something about his posture was tense, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, and his eyes—those usually warm brown eyes—were locked onto you with an intensity that made you pause.

“Hey, Jake,” you called out, trying to shake off the weird vibe that hit you the moment you stepped onto his turf.

He didn't respond right away. His gaze flicked to the side, jaw clenched slightly, before he finally muttered, “Hey.” His voice was lower than usual, rough, as if he were holding something back. You moved closer, and that’s when you caught it—he sniffed the air. A subtle, almost instinctual movement, like a wolf testing the wind. You’d seen him do it before but never thought much of it. Today, though, it felt... different.

“You okay?” you asked, walking up the steps toward him. He straightened up, arms dropping to his sides as if realizing he was being too obvious.

“Yeah. Fine,” he said quickly, though his eyes flicked away from yours, back toward the trees as if he couldn’t stand to look at you directly. “It’s just—” He hesitated, and you could almost see the gears turning in his head. Whatever he was about to say, he was clearly second-guessing himself.