Author: Urban Rose

Pairing: Bella/Edward and Bella/Jacob

Genre: Drama, Friendship, Romance

Rating: M (eventually)

Beta/Pre-Readers: BABS81410

In Progress

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

What are the odds?

Synopsis

Set during the first half of Eclipse, prior to Graduation and the Newborn battle.

Bella attends a pack bonfire with Jacob. When tensions begin to become a little frayed, and a fight looks set to break out. Quil and Embry decide to cause some mischief while trying to ease the hostile atmosphere. Always up for the chance to gamble they ask Bella, if she fancies placing a wager on who will win, if Paul and Jacob were to fight. However the pack decides to up the ante and Bella is suddenly faced with a dilemma. Does she bet on her best friend, and annoy Edward, or hurt Jake even more by betting against him. But what is really at stake and what could it end up costing Bella?

Preface

I was standing in the middle of a forest, surrounded by green; it was literally suffocating me. it was below me, all around me and even above me. I couldn't see anything for the trees.

I blinked as my eyes grew accustomed to the greenery and the shadows. As they do I see a path in front of me, which splits into two. The path to my left is pristine, immaculately cut, and symmetrical. The trees and plants have a thin sheen covering, almost like frost. The path is quiet, almost dead, the ground is so smooth, almost like granite or a frozen lake, and it looks so perfect almost like a magazine spread. I gasp at its beauty; it is majestic and almost magical. I feel like the snow queen. I step towards the entrance with my hand reached out. Spellbound and drawn down this mystical path. From nowhere an electric blue butterfly flutters past my eyes, capturing my attention, before flying off towards the other path. I gasp, as my eyes fall upon this other path. It is undoubtedly the opposite to the magical frosted one, but just as striking. The sun beams through the trees, as a fawn and doe walk across the path literally just mere steps in front of me, the trees, undergrowth and flowers are all wild, and untamed, the ground is a well worn mud one, natural. Birds, bees and butterflies are shimmer around the flowers and the trees and the noise is blissful, I sigh. This path looks chaotic and wild, but as I look in, I feel an overwhelming sense of calm, wash over me. It is just as beautiful as the mystical path, but seems more natural, more welcoming.

A soft chuckle from behind me makes me jump, I looked around and standing behind me is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

"Bella, it is lovely to see you again." The voice is charming and soft, I stare blindly at her. Her skin is a deep copper, her eyes a warm chocolate, enclosed with a rim of cinnamon, and a splash of gold in the centre, framed with jet black lashes, her exquisite face is framed with long ebony hair, with flows gentle in the wind, her full lips are pulled into an infectious sunny smile, which I feel my own face returning, even though I am too awed to respond. I feel I know her but I can't remember how.

She chuckles again, a light soft laugh that sounds like the birds around us singing.

"Bella, honey, I need you to listen. Listen carefully Bella. It's time. It's time for you have to choose. It is vitally important you make this decision for you and you alone, no one else but you! You can't change your decision once it is made. There will be no second chances. This time it is final. Do you understand?" She waves her hands towards to the two paths behind me, as I glance behind me, I look back and she's gone.

Only a whisper is left, of her presence; "choose carefully Bella".

Chapter One

As the cool summer evening begins to blend into the night, a small group of Quileute people, begun to gather at the far end of First beach. The group arrange themselves around an array of driftwood logs, fold out chairs and blankets encircling an oversized bonfire, while tables are set up to the side, laden with food.

The group seem at first glance, to be that of a typical family gathering for a beach picnic; three old men, one of whom was in a wheel chair, and an older woman, are settled at the north end of the fire, a few young women who looked to be in their late teens, arrange the plates, talking quietly amongst themselves. However it is the large rowdy group of men outside the circle of logs that would capture the attention of any onlookers left on the beach.

Each and every one of them looks almost identical with their tall, burly, muscular shaped copper bodies, short ebony hair and piecing coffee eyes. Not to mention the matching tattoos adorned on each of their huge right biceps. They appeared to be in their early to mid twenties, and despite the laughter, jovial ambiance and smiling faces, an intimidating air of menace surrounded them.

A young couple strolled leisurely along the sandy beach their feet being caressed by the tranquil waves. The man looks almost identical to the other males in the group, although he appeared taller, more muscular, and broader than all but one of the men in attendance. He steers her gentle away from the sea's edge and begins to slowly make their way towards the group, his arm slung casually over the shoulders of the petite girl at his side, her hand wrapped around his. Turning his head to say something into the girl's ear he laughs deeply as she playfully swats him, across his broad chest.

The girl's face goes from relaxed to anxious, as she looks up to see where they are. Her eyebrows, furrow in deep concentration as she was makes her way towards their chosen log, her eyes flicker up briefly, but simultaneously she stumbles over something, and begins to fall forward, she is immediately caught by the man beside her and pulled back into his side. She buries her head in her hair, as she scans the group in front of her for any witnesses. The man smiles broadly as he slips his arm around her waist, squeezing reassuringly. He whispers into her hair, with a smile bouncing on his lips. She glowers up at him, as she attempts to push him into the sand, a smile ghost her soft pink lips and a deep blush spread over her cheeks, as he throws his head back and lets out a roar of laughter after a second the girl's own peal of laughter joins his.

She stands out in the group noticeable, as the only non-Quileute. Her pale white skin, which glows in the moonlight, while her long, wavy brunette hair flutters lightly in the sea breeze making her appear almost ethereal compared to the sun-kissed golden-hue tan of those around her.

As the couple reach one of the logs, the young man drops his arm from the girl's slender waist, only to take her hand as she steps away from him to sit down. She shivers as the cool breeze whips between them. He stares down affectionately at her, smiling amused by the way she is wiggling on the log, trying to get comfortable, he subconsciously gently gives her hand several squeezes.

He leans down, tenderly pushing a lock of hair behind her ear as he speaks softly to her she looks up at him, through her lashes with large chocolate brown eyes, smiling shyly and nods, in response. The young man smiles broadly and bounds across the circle, to where the majority of the group have now congregated. The young girl shifts on the log, and begins to dry wash her hands, she looks uncomfortable and out of place, as she peeks timidly around her. Her eyes flutter back to follow the guy before she admits a low giggle at the boy and his friends' antics, before her gaze is drawn to the flames of the fire. Her features, illuminated by the flames, relax, as she becomes mesmerized by the untamed flames, entrancing her under its spell, as they flicker and dance in front of her, in the light sea breeze.

Having only just left her side, to go and fetch them both a soda, Bella watched Jacob clear the circle of logs surrounding the bonfire in just a few large strides, before his two best male friends, tackled him to the ground. Bella laughed softly at the play fight which ensued, before the hypnotizing flickers of the fire's wild flames, spellbound her. Bella's mind drifts off and her warm chocolate eyes become unfocused as she sank deeper into thought. Her eyes emulating the fire's flame; orange specks shimmered and danced, stared faraway, into the fire's abyss. The sound of the waves and the heat from the fire made Bella feel like she was back in Phoenix, sunbathing on the beach, once again, and an attack of home sickness rolled over her, breaking her thoughts, enable Bella to break the spell and magnetism of the fire.

The hum of animated chatter and laughing which filled the air, reached Bella, as she came out of her trance. As she caught his eye, Jacob flashed her, one of his trademark sunny smiles, Bella felt her own face break into a smile as Jacob rolled his eyes playfully at her. Bella chuckles softly and raised an eyebrow in reply. It looked like he and Embry were currently being told Quil's latest escapade, as the younger boy talked excitedly and gestured wildly. Bella guessed whatever it was it seemed to be entertaining the two other boys. Suddenly Jake's loud, deep rumbling laugh, followed by Embry's deafening laughter, resonated through the peaceful ambience, startling Bella, making her jump in surprise. Jake's body shook, under the force of his laughter, as he doubled over holding his stomach, and wiping his other hand across his cheek. Embry was in the same position, but with one hand resting on Jake's shoulder, the other clinging to his stomach, as if he needed Jake's support not to collapse to the floor under the weight of his laughter. Quil stared intently at his two childhood friends who were now both crying with laughter in front of him, with a straight serious expression before he too couldn't keep the laughter in, any longer. Bella smiled at her best friend with pure adoration as he and his, and now her friends, laughed so happily and tranquil.

This was when Jake looked like her Jacob, smiling, carefree and happy, the weight of the world gone from his shoulders. He looked free, and so serene, just like the young man she had gone to all those months ago, with a couple of unwanted motorcycles, right before everything had changed, changing him, her and their friendship forever; Jake had phased, Harry had died, she had run off to Italy and Edward along with all the other Cullens had returned home.

In that moment she saw the real Jake, free of restraints, burdens, loyalties, responsibilities, and free of unrequited feelings, and her heart gave a heavy thud, he really was sort of beautiful, in fact he was more than just sort of, he truly was beautiful inside and out, as she took in the twinkle of his eyes, the sound of his laughter, which made her heart fly, the way his fringe flopped into his eyes, and the way he swept it back with his hand, even the way his muscles moved, in his arms and chest as he laughed. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She argued with herself it was purely because he looked so happy, that she had thought he was beautiful. She figured that since he was her best friend, and their emotions had always been so entwined, his pain was hers, hers his, and the same went for joy. This is all she wanted for him all she wished for was that he could always be like this, feel like this, look the way he did, in this moment. She wished she could take a picture of him, to keep this Jacob, forever.

Maybe once she and the Cullens had left, Jake and the pack could get some normality back in their lives, maybe even go back to normal, she wondered. Maybe once she was gone, this is how Jake would be. He could be happy again without her around.

"He looks happy, doesn't he?" A deep, husky voice broke through her thoughts, making her jump, again. Why am I so jumpy tonight? Bella turned her head to look into the weathered face of her father's best friend, and Jacob's dad, Billy Black.

"Yeah, he does. He really does," She nodded, smiling at the much older man, who had somehow wheeled himself beside her, without her even noticing. "He looks like he doesn't have a care in the world, right now. I wish he was always like this." She replied truthfully.

"It's because of you Bella. You have a lot to do with how he looks right now"

"Me?" Her scepticism was apparent to both of them, as she shook her head.

"He is happy because of you, because you are here." Billy added, as Bella looked at him, questioningly. "We both know that isn't true Billy. I was actually just thinking the opposite. I have caused Jake more pain and trouble than anyone should have to deal with, in the short time I have been a part of his life, again. You and I both know it Billy. If I wasn't around he would be like this all the time. You know how much I care for you both Billy, and I have never tried to cause…"

"Oh hush, child. You stop right now." Billy chided her. Bella shook her head again. "Quil and Embry are good for him. They are the real cause for this side of Jake. He has always been this happy, sunny person, he is so like Sarah, isn't he?", she smiled, the clear love and adoration for Jake's late mother, evident in her voice, as Billy looked at her, surprised she remembered his late wife, so clearly, he thought she had forgotten a lot from her past here in Forks, and La Push.

Bella continued when Billy didn't answer her, "It is only since I came back, he seems to have lost his sparkle. Those two" she nodded to Embry and Quil, "really are good for him, although those three are somewhat rather troublesome together," She laughed remember the times she had hung out with them all in Jacob's garage before everything had changed. "I'm glad he has them" he will need them soon, she silently added.

"I wish that… I wish… Sometimes I think… Just that… You know I…" She stopped herself, from finishing the sentence, afraid to say it out loud, let alone admit it to herself, let alone anyone else especially Jacob's own father. Instead the unsaid sentiment hung in the air around them, whispering, and chanting all that was left unsaid. All the regrets, the 'what ifs', the 'could have beens', the 'wishes', the 'unrequited hopes' and 'feelings'.

Bella knew she had caused Jacob, a great deal of pain, she wasn't completely sure the reasons behind it, bar the fact that before he phased he had hinted at liking her more than just her best friend and also the whole best friend dating his mortal enemies and yet he was still willing to be her best friend, risking his life and those of his brothers to keep her safe even now, with Cullens back. Although to get to where they were now, had been a difficult and slow process, to get Jacob to talk to her, let alone forgive her. Her betrayal and her sudden abandonment to run off and save the boy who had discarded her in the woods, like a dead carcass that day, the same boy who had broke her heart and left her in a near catatonic state for months on end, had been a bitter and painful experience for Jake to come to terms with however, after Paul and Emmett close call while she had been hidden in Jacksonville, unknowingly, had been the turning point. Slowly Jake had reached out and offered her the small olive branch she had been praying for; only for Edward to deny her the chance to re-build her friendship with his mortal enemy and her very best friend.

However Bella wasn't the same pushover she had been all those months ago, before he had left. Well she was, but just not when it came to Jake. She owed him her life, he had been the one to painfully try and piece her back together bit by bit. After what had seemed like many heated and difficult arguments as well as a few insane plans to visit La Push; some successful, some not so much, Edward had eventually decided he wouldn't keep pushing her to such perilous limits so she could see Jacob. He had reluctantly given her his blessing to attend such events like tonight's Bonfire on first beach. Bella had only been allowed to one other, so far, where the Quileute Legends were shared, this time told by from Billy, the tribe's chief and Old Quil. It was very sobering to hear the legends, told in Billy's deep majestic and magical voice, knowing that this time she heard them they were all true.

Billy Black was an extremely astute man. He may have been chief of his tribe by blood and heritage, but he was well respected in his tribe, for the man he was. He was very wise, perceptive, and was a natural leader. Billy saw things that many other people would never notice. It was this skill, which made him well aware of how his son felt about Bella Swan, he had known for some time, he had a good idea just how strongly these feelings went. Billy was aware of how the rest of the pack felt about Bella; Quil, Seth and Embry, had all taken instantaneously to Bella before they had phased, and now they had, they all accepted her as pack and as a sister, as had Sam and Jared, although they were more reserved and cautious of her, Sam especially. The Alpha was the oldest and most serious of the pack, but Billy knew, this wasn't the man himself, but what the responsibilities and life had made him. He was extremely reserved and guarded where Bella was concerned, although this was due to her relations with the Cullens, together with her complete acceptance and forgiveness of the Leech's treatment of her; it had been Sam who had found her that evening, and Sam had felt incredibly protective of her since. Bella had no idea how the pack felt towards her, she felt extremely self conscience around them, especially Paul and Leah, who were openly hostile to her. They were very outspoken in their aversion and condemnation of the tiny girl, sat beside him.

In fact the only ones, she was seemed comfortable around were the three youngest, besides Jake. Bella knew Jake's two 'sidekicks' liked her, from the friendships she had formed with them before phasing but Billy knew even without that, they would have happily accepted her, simply because Jake thought so highly of her, would have been enough for both Quil and Embry, to welcome her into their world, and their close circle of trust. But Billy knew, even without this Bella would have won them over, as she had and quickly established herself within the group, on her own credits.

They had grown incredibly fond of her, and the strong bond the trio had, quickly flowed outwards to embrace Bella. Billy had never seen any of the three boys try to establish anyone else within their friendship. Even now, with all three members of the pack, Billy had seen them all embrace the pack dynamic, and the other wolves as their brothers, Billy knew the bond between these three, went deeper then even that. It was deeper than blood, and bones, and even spirit warriors, they were brothers now because of the pack, but they had already considered each other brothers, since the day their mothers had put them together. Billy was glad Jake had these two boys, because it was them, that had been Jacob's support as he lost his mother, dealt with Billy's illness and then disability and as his own flesh and blood siblings left him the first chance they got to escape the rez. They had been there for Jake the same way Jake had been there for them. Billy stared at the three towering boys and remembered Sarah laughing and fondly referring to them as her 'three musketeers', and that's how they had stayed until now. Their motto has always been 'one for all, and all for one'. Billy knew that they felt just as protect of Bella, as they did each other. However it seemed to Billy, Bella was completely unaware of the bonds and the impact she had had, on Jake, his two sidekicks, as she called them, as well as the rest of the pack and the two imprints.

Bella was older than the trio, by roughly two years, Seth by a few more, but they all towered above her, and they all loved and adored her like a sister. It was hard when she stopped visiting, but Billy was aware that it had had nothing to do with Bella herself. Yes he was well aware that Jacob had refused her futile attempts to mend the bridges she had broke, dashing to her Leech's rescue, but hell he knew Bella, just as well as her father. She would never have forgiven herself had something happened to the Leech, and it was this knowledge, which had allowed Billy to forgive her the minute he knew she had left, as much as he hated the pain it had caused is only son. However he hadn't stopped worrying about the child, he loved like a third daughter, until he knew she was home safe, well and alive. Jacob had taken a lot longer to come around, and he had grown more and more depressed each and every day he was apart from her. Billy also knew that had Jacob reached out to her, Bella wouldn't have been allowed to visit or have certain visitors. The leech had more control over Bella, than even Charlie or Bella realised, and Billy was sure had Jacob and Bella not conducted such wild and dangerous plans to see each other, and Billy, himself, reaching out to the head of the Vampire coven, to have a private chat, then Billy was sure Edward would have kept the restraining order going. No one but Carlisle and himself knew of the conversation they had had, and he was pretty sure Carlisle had told Edward that he wasn't going to win any points by refusing Bella, the opportunity to see her friends. Edward quickly realised he would gain more by allowing it, and he had. Bella was now so grateful she would happily let Edward tell her when and how long she could come down to the reservation for. Although this greatly annoyed Billy that the Bloodsucker was still, as he saw it, controlling Bella, he was glad a small step had been made. The look on his son's face was enough for Billy to know it was good enough for now. He just had to try and think up more ways to get Bella down here. Billy knew Jacob was in love with Bella, and he like Charlie believed Bella, loved Jacob, to some degree, in some way, shape or form. She just needed time to see it for herself. Jacob was right for Bella, he was her natural path her life should and would have travelled had she not met the Bloodsucker. When Billy had heard from Jacob's shouting and raving one night that to Bella planned to be changed into one of them, he had nearly passed out with shock, before almost ringing Charlie to tell him everything, it was only the realisation that this would only push Bella further towards the Leeches, or worse speed up the vampirisim of Bella. Billy knew he needed time, and so did Jacob, as well as Bella herself, the longer she was human, the better so with a heavy heart he had put the phone down, and not told a soul what he knew. But he vowed that same night it would be over his dead body Bella became one of them. Hell that would be like Rebecca or Rachel, his own flesh and blood daughters becoming one; nope, no way. Now all he had to do was come up with a plan, he thought as he watched Bella, watching the boys laughing.

"That you hadn't come to Jacob all those months ago? That he didn't care about you? That none of them were wolves? Or that they didn't feel they have to protect you and will all do whatever it takes while risking getting hurt or even dying trying to protect you?" He summarised.

Bella dropped her eyes to her hands in her lap, merely nodding to all that he had declared.

"Bella, this is their duty. It is their calling. It's a gift from the spirits", as he spoke his eyes focused on his only son, who was now playfully wrestling Quil in the sand. His handsome face radiated like the sun, his smile stretching across his whole face, and showing his pearly white teeth, which glowed against his deep bronze coloured skin; this was his mother's smile, Billy's very own Sarah's smile. This smile, was only present when Bella was around, it was like she brought out his happy, sunny side that had disappeared the day his mother had passed away, it had taken years before even a glimmer of this side of his son had appeared again. Then Bella had announced she was coming home, and Billy begun to see this side of Jacob coming out more and more, until that day Bella had appeared all those months ago. Suddenly Jacob was back, and Billy had never been so happy, but it had been too good to be true. The night Jacob phased, everything changed. Jacob was angry, and distressed at war with himself, and everyone around him. He hated himself, and his wolf, and everything it stood for. It was Sam's alpha order to avoid Bella, and not speak to her, that was the last straw for Jacob, and which caused him the most distress of all. It was this ardent need to keep Bella in his life that he found a way around the gag order, and thankfully brought Bella back into their lives and they saw glimpses of the old Jacob, begun to show again, even if only for it to snap back off again, when she left for Italy, and then not being able to visit. It was only on these small visits she made to the rez that this side of Jacob came out, and Billy wanted more than anything for his Sarah's Jacob to come home for good again and Billy knew Bella was the key, to unlocking Jacob.

"Even though some of them believe it to be more of a curse, this is what they were born to do, and while you are human, they will protect you. But if you think for one second, that is the only reason, Jacob or the other boys feel compelled to protect you then you are blind, child. You are family, to me, to them, to us, and we look after for our family, Bella. You carry too much guilt, it isn't your fault that cold ones are threatening you, and in doing so they are also threatening the tribe. Even if you weren't here, the cold ones would still come, and the pack would still be here." He turned and looked at her, patting her hands, until she looked at him, her eyes showing so many different emotions. This child held some power that even she knew nothing about. Of that he was sure. She draw people to her, she was old beyond her years but so naïve and innocent in a lot of other ways. The fact she had been pulled into the supernatural world, was out of her control, even though he knew she felt she had chosen to immerse herself within it. He had always believed she was to be a part of the supernatural world, although not in the way she had been. His Sarah had always told him and Charlie, that one day we would be one, one family. Charlie had laughed believing it to be a foolish hope, of a woman, who loved his daughter as her own, and wished nothing more than to have her one day as a daughter in law. However Billy secretly agreed with his wife. He had spent many hours watching the two toddlers, as they grew into children. He had seen the pull between them, and he believed something bigger than all of them, was working its magic. Until Bella stopped coming at 12, not long after Sarah passed away. Suddenly everything had begun to unravel. Billy shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

"The difference is that Jacob was thrilled when he learnt you were coming home again. He may care for you more than you do for him, but don't ever think he would be better off without you around, you complete that boy. I see a ray of happiness in him now that I haven't seen in years Bella." Bella knew Billy was referring to Jake's mother's untimely death, then Billy becoming wheel chair bound, and his older twin sisters leaving. "Don't get me wrong Bella Jake has always been happy, it's in his nature, but only now, can I see the real light in him. It flickers, but only when you are here does it blaze like it does now". Bella had looked down at her hands again. He raised his hand, and lifted her chin her round large chocolate brown eyes swam with unfallen tears. "Look at him Bella, and tell me you don't see it?"

"This would have been and it still is a burden to Jake to some degree, but your complete acceptance of him, the boy and the wolf, has helped him come to terms with who and what he is. Just the fact he can help protect you has given him a true purpose for being a spirit warrior, and he is slowly embracing himself at last. That is because of you Bella". Billy squeezed the hand he was still holding and wiped her tears tenderly, with his other. Bella's heart squeezed, she loved Billy as a second father, and this one simple act of kindness made her realise, the bonds she had made with him as a child, still run just as deep for him as they did for her. She had merely blocked them out, all those years ago, for self preservation.

"Don't ever doubt that you are ever anything but a blessing to my son. He needs you as much as you need him. You have a bond that goes as far back as diapers, hell maybe even further, even if neither of you remember." He laughed as he patted her shoulder, as she smiled. Billy leaned in and whispered "You used to talk to my Sarah's belly, and make him wiggle" Bella pealed a soft laugh as she blushed at this new information.

She looked up towards the boy she had talked to, even before he was born, to see he was now watching his father and best friend with a serious expression on his face. Bella blushed, and looked down, as she thought to herself; I wonder if he can hear everything that's being said? I hope not. But her eyes had a mind of their own, as they sought out his face blush deepened as she caught Jake's eye again as he smiled his massive toothy grin at her, just as Seth bounded over, blocking Jake from her sight. Seth leapt through the air, bounced twice and fell besides her, spraying her with sand in the process.

"Hey Bella, how you doing? Did I do something?" he asked as Billy begun pushing his chair over to Sue Clearwater, Seth's mum, and the other elders.

"No boy I need a drink! And since no one is getting me one, I'll get it myself!" the husky deep voice of Billy called over his shoulder. Seth and Bella laughed. Seth leaned in to whisper "How are we meant to know if he don't ask? He must think we have magical powers" Bella laughed as Billy called out "I heard that! I may be old and in this chair but my ears work fine!" his deep chuckle following after him. Bella leaned over and whispered "exactly, anyone would think you could turn yourself into a massive horse sized shaggy dog or something!" Seth laughed loudly before replying "Now that would be some kind of awesome party drink!"

"Well it sure would beat my party trick, that's for sure" Bella giggled in response.

Seth was only fourteen, and had only recently phased along with his older sister and Quil, taking the pack to a very large eight. Seth had reminded Bella of Jacob the first time she had met him, and now he had shot up in height and suddenly become more muscular due to the accelerated wolf gene, being activated he looked very much like Jake's younger brother. However whereas the others all looked like they were in their early to mid twenties, Seth looked like he was about her age, maybe twenty, which was rather unnerving, especially when he was nearly four years younger than her. She had asked Jake, how come the others all looked much older than Seth, Jake had laughed and said something about finishing puberty, at which point Bella had squealed and put her hands over her ears and clamped her eyes tightly shut. Jacob had wrestled her hands away and laughed at her, "well you did ask but I'll get Seth to explain it to you!" Bella's eyes had flown open, and as she tried to pull her hands free to slap him as she squealed "don't you dare!" The horror, she had no idea who would be more embarrassed Seth or herself if that conversation was broached but she also knew they would both be teased mercilessly about it for months to come, and that was something neither of them wanted. She also knew it would only cause to rile Seth's volatile sister further, something Bella desperately didn't want to do, at any cost.

However her threat to never come back to La Push, was enough to make Jacob to pledge silence, on the matter. Bella blushed as she thought of this again, as she sat next to Seth. She looked up to see Jake smiling at her, knowingly. He winked, and smirked. Bella glowered at him. She suddenly realised Seth was still waiting for a response.

"Sorry Seth, in a world of my own. I'm good, all things considering", she smiled.

"Ah, Bella no vamps are going to get through us! Jake's right you worry too much" he laughed good naturedly at her, but all it did was remind her, how kind and young he was, and how much he was risking for her, and she felt awful again.

"I worry with good reason, Seth! I feel awful that any of you would risk your lives for me. It's not up to guys to keep me safe" she sighed.

"Damn right it isn't! But it isn't like we get a choice is it? Leech lover!"

Bella gasped at the venom directed at her, she hadn't realised anyone was so close by, but then she saw someone had appeared in front of them. She looked at the large copper skin feet, men's as was the voice, so it wasn't Leah, thankfully! Bella carried on dragging her eyes upwards, slowly. She didn't want to see who the face of the venom filled voice belonged too. She was far too scared to see what other emotions would be in their face. Paul, the most volatile wolf, towering above them, his face a mask of hatred, distrust, dislike, disgust, repulsion, revulsion, anger the list was endless.

"Go away Paul, no one was talking to you and no one definitely wasn't asking for your two bobs of crap" Seth snapped. Bella was surprised that lovely calm, bouncy happy Seth, had spoken with so much anger at the much older, and larger wolf. Once again Bella was causing problems within the pack. Bella stammered, "P-P-Paul" but after that she was at a loss, as to what to say.

She didn't understand why any of the wolves, besides Jacob, felt compelled to protect, except out of duty. She knew Jacob would protect her even if it was him alone, against an army of vampires.

Suddenly out of no way Jacob had flown at Paul, knocking him to the ground, "SHUT YOUR MOUTH LAHOTE BEFORE I SHUT IT FOR YOU!"

Paul, bounced back on to his feet simultaneously, hissing "and what are you gonna do Black? Did I hurt the bloodsucker's pet's feelings? Poor little pale face boohoo! Go cry to your leech" Paul was speaking to her, but never took his eyes of Jacob's. Both men were waiting, for the other to throw the first punch that would end in one of them being badly injured.

Bella who had already begun trying to scurry to her feet once she had seen Jacob fly at Paul, watched as his face contorted in rage at each of Paul's comments. Trying to get up off the sand, for Bella was a feat in itself, trying to do it and swiftly combined with the fear of a potential fight breaking out, was making her even more clumsy than normal. The two men were particularly nose to nose, their bodies shaking violently and their fist clenched so tightly they looked translucent, all the while trading insults.

"STOP IT!" Bella squealed as she tried to get in between them. She had just managed to place a palm on Jacob's burning naked chest when suddenly hot arms clamped around her, lifting her off her feet, and carrying her away from the two men. As their bodies blurred in front of her and were abruptly replaced by two massive horse sized wolves, snarling at each other. Bella struggled in the arms that held her prisoner. "Put me down! Now! Stop them!" She bawled, before whimpering a sobbing "please". She felt her body vibrating, before she realised it was her own sobs that were making her shake. She collapsed into the warm body behind her, slumping into the searing embrace, as the two wolves, drove at each other snapping and biting, and growling at each other furiously.

"Bella, how could be so bloody stupid?" came the husky deep voice of Embry from behind her, he pulled her into his chest, trying to get her to stand. Sam bounded over to check on her, secure she wasn't hurt, he picked her up and spun her into Embry's arms again so he could hold her properly as she sobbed, before he whirled around to the now fighting wolves.

"STOP! NOW!" Sam bellowed, everyone in the group felt the power of his command, as the two wolves stopped mid fight and slumped to the ground whimpering. Bella wriggled in Embry's arm so he turned his body slightly so she could see Jacob's wolf. She looked up to see Jared come running over the beach from Sam's house, before flinging something at the two wolves. Ah sweats! Of course! Bella wiped her eyes, as Embry squeezed her, trying to reassure her, Jake was ok, he let her reposition herself, so she was facing forwards once again.

The two wolves, slowly pulled themselves up, and gingerly both picked up the item of clothing in their mouths, before running for the trees.

Sam turned round and looked at Bella, like a headmaster looking at someone caught skipping school. Bella dropped her gaze, and begun digging the sand with her toes.

"Bella what the hell were you thinking? You know better than to get in the middle of two wolves fighting! You could have been badly hurt or worse killed! Then what the hell would we told Charlie let alone the Cullens! War would have ensued!" He cursed loudly, as Bella felt a lump raise in her throat. She had thought of nothing but trying to protect Jacob. Rather stupidly. What could she really do besides distract him enough to get him hurt.

"Sorry" Bella mumbled. Emily came over and gave her a squeeze. "Sam is just freaking out Bella. That was just too close a call Bella. None of us want to see you get hurt." She chastised while all the time cuddling me, and rubbing my back, trying to calm my sobs. "It wasn't the wisest thing you have done" she chuckled, trying to ease some of the tension.

"Wise? Me? Nope!" Bella pointed at her chest, shaking her head as she smiled at her friend, "You know me Ems, I don't exactly make very good decisions!"

As Emily laughed at her, Bella was glad Emily was so lovely, she always had been, right from the first day, but even now Bella was back with Edward, the pack and Emily and Kim still seemed to accept her, and like Bella. The only two who were openly hostile was Paul, no surprises there and Leah. The rest always treated her like she belonged. Sam normally kept a serious guarded approach to Bella, so he had unnerved her with his yelling. Emily must have given him a look because suddenly Sam was crushing Bella to him, and apologising into her hair for scaring her, and stated he was just sacred, at how close she had gotten before the boys had phased. After all he and Emily had an extremely good idea of what could have happened, had Embry not grabbed Bella and moved her out of the way. Bella knew Jacob would never have phased that close to her, but Paul was a different story.

Suddenly she was taken from Sam's crushing embrace to an even fiercer hold.

"C-c-ca-can't Bre-ath-e" Bella gasped, as she was crushed into a warm chest, she knew it belonged to Jake. She could smell the glorious musky woody smell that was his. She took a large inhale of his scent, masking it as she needed the air, but she truthfully she was just glad to be surrounded by the reassuring smell as much as the arms wrapped around her torso. Knowing Jake as she did she knew he would be wrecked with guilt at how close she had been to getting hurt because of him, especially if she had scared Sam. She knew without a doubt that she had positively freaked Jake out.

She hugged him back with all her strength, not that he would have even felt the pressure of it. She was just as scared as he was but not about her safety but his. She felt him kiss her hair, over and over.

"Bells!" He exclaimed her name, like someone gasping air after being under water too long.

"I didn't want you fighting over me. Paul is right." Bella spoke into his chest, her lips almost touching his skin as she spoke. "I knew if I could get you to look at me I could calm you down!" She argued, as she felt him shake his head above hers.

"Well darn, I was just about to see who wanted to place a bet!" Someone said. Bella pulled her head up so she could see, to look for the idiot the voice belonged too. The voice had managed to dispel some of the left over tension in the air as the other wolves and elders laughed. Quil stood grinning back at her.

"QUIL ATEARA! Bella scolded "How can you be so… so… so… flippant! Jake could have been hurt!" All the wolves including Jacob, except Paul were now roaring with laughter.

"Damn right Leech lover!" muttered Paul, from behind Quil. Embry and Seth patted Jake on the shoulder as they passed and went to stand alongside Quil, and in front of Paul almost like they were making a barrier, between him and me and Jake.

"Whatever Lahote! Whenever you're ready to go again, just say! I'll happily save the women; sorry the girls of La Push the job of castrating you!" Jacob guffawed.

"Right now! Let's go Black!" He snarled, trying to barge through Quil and Embry, who were ready and waiting to grab him. "Come on little boy! If you can put the bloodsucker's pale face pet down, that is! Oh wait isn't it time for her to run back to the bloodsucker?" Jake growled. Bella flinched at the terminology. Is that really how they see me? Hang on…

"Oi! Who the hell are you calling a pet? How dare you! You don't know a damn thing about…" as she spoke she streamed over to where Paul was being held back and began poking him in his chest with all her force, which felt like a butterfly fluttering against his chest to Paul, before she was once again picked up by burning strong arms and swung around, so she was now facing in the opposite direction finger still pointed mid air.

"For God's sake Bella will you stop trying to get yourself hurt or worse" Jake seethed "Lahote I suggest you begin speaking to Bella with more respect, before I teach you some!" Jacob snarled at the angry man in front of him, violently shaking again.

Paul just growled at him, in return "Whatever pup!"

Quil looked between the two men both and turned to look at Bella. He chuckled at the sight of this tiny girl, who was still clearly fuming at Paul's remarks and being told off by Jacob. Sometimes she had no idea just how much danger she seemed to not only attract but welcome. She glared at the sound of his laugh.

"WHAT. ARE. YOU. LAUGHING. AT?" She growled.

" You!" he chuckled. "You have got balls Bella! I'll give you that." She blushed fiercely, at his compliment, and the cheers from Embry, Seth and Jared, in agreement. Jake shook his head at him. "Quil, don't give her ideas!" Sam snapped. Jake took her in his arms, and whispered into her ear, "Honey, I love your feisty side but please don't ever give me a heart attack by doing that again ok?" Someone called out "here, here!" it sounded very much like Sam. She looked up at him shyly, as Emily, was rubbing his arms, and smiled kindly at her, "He cares" she mouthed to the younger girl.

Paul muttered something she couldn't hear, but it certainly made the wolves around him to snap their heads at him, some growled, but Bella's attention was solely on the wolf, who had dropped his arms from her waist and was now stood in front of her violently shaking and growling. Bella lifted a hand in front of her and stepped closer, she heard faintly someone call her name in warning as she pressed her tiny pale hand on the deep bronzed skin, of her best friend. Instantly he calmed at her touch as she knew he would, the shaking stopped, but he was still staring murderously at the other man.

"Since it looks like round two is about to go down in about ninety seconds who wants to place a wager?" Quil quipped.

"Bella?" Embry laughing asked.

She gave an empty half smile knowing they were trying to lighten the mood, but not finding it remotely funny. She continued to caress Jake's back trying to calm him.

"Come on Bells!" Quil cajoled using Jake's nick name for her. "You gotta have faith in our boy here!" he added, nodding at Jake.

Her hand pressed firmly into his back as she saw him tense his back. She glanced up at the back of the tower of golden muscles in front of her, knowing as his muscles twitched under her hand he was waiting for her to knock him down in front of his whole pack. What have I done to this boy? Damn Quil making Jake question her faith in him.

...

So what do you think? Shall I continue?