Chapter 6: Steering Fate and a Brother’s Plan

### Chapter 6: Steering Fate and a Brother's Plan

The hospital's fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead as Caspian Swan stood by Bella's bedside, arms crossed, his golden eyes glinting with a mix of relief and simmering frustration. She was propped up on the stiff white pillows, a faint bruise blooming on her cheek from the jolt of the crash, but otherwise unharmed. Charlie had stepped out to handle paperwork and yell at Tyler some more, leaving the siblings alone in the sterile room. Caspian's mind churned, replaying the day's chaos—the van, Edward's impossible speed, the way Bella's gaze had lingered on the vampire with that flicker of awe. He didn't like it. Not one bit.

Bella shifted, wincing slightly as she adjusted her position. "I still can't believe Edward did that," she murmured, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity. "He was across the lot… how did he get there so fast?"

Caspian's jaw tightened, his hybrid senses prickling. The system hummed in his mind—*"Alert: Bella Swan Interest in Edward Cullen Detected. Risk of Canon Romance Trajectory: Moderate."* He suppressed a groan. *"Oh, hell no."* He'd read *Twilight*—knew the script, knew how Edward's brooding charm and mysterious savior act would worm its way into Bella's heart if he didn't intervene. And he wasn't about to let his sister fall for a century-old stalker with a glitter problem. Not on his watch.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his tone casual but edged with intent. "Yeah, about that guy… Look, Bells, I don't trust him. You shouldn't either."

Bella blinked, turning her head to meet his gaze. "What do you mean? He saved my life, Cas."

"Sure, he did," Caspian conceded, keeping his voice steady. "And I'm grateful he was quick. But there's something off about him. Think about it—how *did* he get there so fast? Guy's across the lot one second, denting a van with his bare hands the next? That's not normal. It's creepy."

She frowned, her brow furrowing the way it always did when she was puzzling something out. "Maybe he's just… strong? Athletic?"

Caspian snorted, leaning back in the chair. "Athletic doesn't bend steel, sis. And I saw the way he looked at you—like he's already got you figured out. That's not a hero move, that's a stalker vibe. You don't need some weirdo lurking around, watching your every move. Trust me, I've seen his type before." He didn't elaborate—didn't need to. His memories of fanfics and the *Twilight* saga itself were ammunition enough.

Bella's frown deepened, but she didn't argue. Caspian pressed his advantage, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "You know who's a better bet? Jacob Black. Our old buddy from La Push. Remember him? The kid who used to chase us around with mud pies?"

A faint smile tugged at her lips, softening her expression. "Yeah… Jacob. He was always sweet. Kinda goofy, but sweet."

"Exactly," Caspian said, snapping his fingers. "He's real, Bells. No mysterious vanishing acts, no creepy staring contests. Just a solid guy who's been your friend forever. He's got that easy laugh, those big hands that can fix anything—hell, he'd probably build you a new truck if this one croaks. Plus, he's local. Knows the area, knows us. You deserve someone who's not gonna play mind games or stalk you in your sleep."

Bella's cheeks flushed slightly, and she ducked her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're really selling him, Cas."

"Because he's worth it," he shot back, grinning. "Look, Edward's all shadows and secrets—Jacob's sunshine and straight-up honesty. Who'd you rather hang out with? Some pale guy who probably spends his nights brooding in a tree outside your window, or the dude who'd take you for a ride on his bike and actually talk to you like a person?"

She laughed—a small, genuine sound that eased the knot in Caspian's chest. "Okay, okay, I get it. Jacob's great. Edward's… weird. Point taken."

"Good," he said, standing up and stretching, his hybrid strength coiled beneath the casual move. "Because I'm not letting you fall for some sparkly nutjob. You're a Swan—we've got standards." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a quick, protective hug. "Come on, let's get out of here. Dad's probably done terrorizing the nurses. I've got an idea."

Bella glanced up at him, curious. "What kind of idea?"

"You'll see," he said with a wink, steering her toward the door as Charlie reappeared, keys jangling in his hand. The chief's face was still stormy, but he nodded at them, satisfied they were both upright.

"Docs say you're clear," Charlie grunted, leading the way to the cruiser. "Let's get home. I've had enough excitement for one day."

The drive back to the Swan house was quiet, the rain finally breaking loose in a steady patter against the windshield. Caspian's mind raced, plotting his next move. He wasn't just going to talk up Jacob—he'd make it happen. Bella needed a tether to normalcy, to someone who wouldn't drag her into a world of blood and danger. And Jacob Black, with his warm smile and unassuming loyalty, was perfect. Plus, it'd keep Edward's paws off her and derail the canon romance before it could take root. *"Two birds, one stone,"* he thought, smirking to himself.

The next day, Caspian didn't waste time. He waited until Charlie was at the station and Bella was moping around the kitchen, still rattled from the crash but restless. "Get your jacket," he said, grabbing the truck keys from the hook. "We're taking a trip."

"Where?" she asked, eyeing him warily as she shrugged on her coat.

"La Push," he said, tossing her a grin. "Gonna pay Jacob a visit. You need some air, and he's overdue for a Swan reunion."

Bella hesitated, then nodded, a spark of interest in her eyes. "Okay. It's been a while."

The drive to the reservation was a winding stretch of green and gray, the forest blurring past as the truck rumbled along. Caspian kept the conversation light—memories of childhood summers, Jacob's goofy antics, the time he'd accidentally dumped a bucket of fish guts on Billy's porch and blamed it on a seagull. Bella laughed more than she had in days, and Caspian felt the system ping approvingly: *"Objective Progress: Bella Swan Emotional Stability Increased. Edward Cullen Influence: Decreased."*

When they pulled up to the Black's small red house, Jacob was already outside, tinkering with a motorcycle in the patchy yard. His long hair was tied back, his hands smeared with grease, and he straightened up as the truck rolled in, a wide grin splitting his face. "Bella? Cas? No way!"

"Hey, Jake," Caspian called, hopping out and clapping the younger boy on the shoulder. Jacob was sixteen, all lanky limbs and easy energy, not yet the hulking werewolf he'd become. Perfect timing—pre-transformation, pre-rivalry, just a kid with a crush and a knack for engines.

Bella climbed out, offering a shy wave. "Hi, Jacob. Been a while."

"Too long," he said, wiping his hands on a rag and stepping closer. "You guys okay? Heard about the crash—Dad said Charlie was ready to arrest half the school."

"We're fine," Caspian said, slinging an arm around Bella's shoulders. "Bells here's tougher than she looks. Thought we'd swing by, catch up. You still fixing junk into gold?"

Jacob laughed, gesturing at the bike. "Trying to. This one's almost ready—wanna take it for a spin later?"

Bella's eyes lit up, and Caspian nudged her forward. "Go for it. I'll hang back, make sure Billy doesn't eat all the snacks."

The afternoon unfolded like a dream—Jacob showing Bella the bike, explaining the gears with animated gestures, his laughter filling the air as she fumbled with the throttle. Caspian watched from the porch, chatting with Billy about fishing while keeping an eye on the pair. Jacob was a natural—warm, open, effortlessly drawing Bella out of her shell. She smiled more in an hour than she had all week, and when Jacob offered to take her for a ride down the beach, she didn't hesitate.

"Be careful," Caspian called, his tone teasing but his hybrid senses tracking them as they roared off, Bella's arms wrapped around Jacob's waist. The system chimed: *"Event Update: Bella Swan Social Bond with Jacob Black Strengthened. Edward Cullen Romance Risk: Low."* He smirked, leaning back against the railing. *"Checkmate, Cullen."*

By the time they returned, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in streaks of orange and pink. Bella's hair was windblown, her cheeks flushed, and Jacob was beaming like he'd won the lottery. "That was awesome," she said, hopping off the bike. "Thanks, Jake."

"Anytime," he replied, his grin softening into something shy. "You should come back. I've got more projects—maybe we could fix something together."

"I'd like that," she said, and Caspian caught the spark between them—small, tentative, but real.

As they drove home, Bella leaned against the window, a quiet contentment settling over her. "You were right about Jacob," she said after a while. "He's… easy to be around."

"Told you," Caspian said, his voice smug but warm. "Stick with him, Bells. He's good people. No stalking required."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue, and Caspian felt a surge of triumph. The date—if you could call it that—had been perfect: no drama, no danger, just two kids reconnecting under his careful nudge. Edward might've saved her from a van, but Caspian was steering her away from a bigger crash—one that'd tie her to a vampire and a war she didn't need. Jacob was the better story, and he'd make damn sure it stuck.

Back at the Cullen house, Alice sat cross-legged on the couch, her eyes distant as a vision flickered and faded. "He's changing things," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "Bella's slipping away from Edward… and he's doing it on purpose."

Rosalie, polishing her nails nearby, didn't look up. "Good. Let him. I don't care who he is—he's not my problem."

Alice's smile widened. "Oh, he will be, Rose. Just wait." Caspian Swan was rewriting the script, and the Cullens didn't even know the half of it yet.