A Twilight fanfiction novel - SheeWolf85

“Aren’t they supposed to be old and wrinkled?” She asked the question before she realized that her
words might have been offensive. “I’m sorry, Jake, that was—”
“No, it’s okay.” Even though a part of him wanted to be upset, her eyes wouldn’t let him. He kissed
her forehead. “I suppose, going by basic traditions, I shouldn’t be chief until my father passes away.
It didn’t work that way, though.” He hesitated; he was already in way over his head. “It’s
complicated.”
Although Renesmee wanted to ask him to explain everything, she could tell he didn’t want to.
Instead of prodding, she leaned her head on his arm as they walked. “What’s it like being the
chief?”
Jacob was relieved that she didn’t ask anymore tough questions. “It’s interesting. A lot of important
decisions to be a part of. Some of it can be a little boring, but mostly it’s . . . challenging.”
“Does anyone not like having you as chief since you’re so young? How long have you been chief
anyway?”
He stifled a groan and took a deep breath instead. So much for no tough questions. “Everybody’s
very supportive. They know it was decided by our heritage. I’ve been chief since I was sixteen.”
“Wow, sixteen. That’s incredible. Was it scary for you?”
“Terrifying.” That, at least, was the truth.
They were silent as she thought about a younger Jacob trying to take on all his new responsibilities.
“Did your dad help you? Is he still a part of it?”
“He did help, and he’s still on the council.”
Even when she told herself to leave it alone, her curiosity won out. “Why did you take over as chief
so young?” She looked up at him and furrowed her brow.
Jacob grunted and rubbed his free palm over his face. He could only hop around the truth so much
before he let too much slip. Renesmee licked her lips. “I’m sorry, Jake. You can tell me to mind my
own business.”
“No, Ness, don’t say that. I just wish there was an easy way to explain it, that’s all.” He took his
hand from hers and wrapped it around her shoulders. “The way my tribe works, each person on the
council, including the chief, should have certain . . . they should be able to do certain things. Not
every generation is capable, so when it was discovered that I could . . . do these things, I became
chief in place of my dad. It wasn’t even a choice, but I don’t regret one moment of it.” Anymore,
anyway.
She nodded again and wished she could understand better. “What do you have to do?”
He knew she was going to ask that. He stared straight ahead for a minute, trying to think of
something to say instead of the truth.
“Nothing illegal, though, right?” she asked. It was obvious he didn’t want to explain.
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