Preface

Did I really think I'd get away with it?

I was running. Again. I felt like I was flying. The feeling I had right now was like no other. Because it was time. Time for me to 'check' on Bella. At least that's what I told a very frustrated Alice. And Jasper. And Emmett. I sighed and let myself acknowledge that I was lying to myself and everyone in my family. They knew though. Sometimes I couldn't lie any better then Bella. I chuckled to myself as I recalled yet another lie Bella had attempted to tell. I shook my head. She really shouldn't try.

Out of nowhere, a scent hit me. A strong scent. I hissed. What was he doing here? I glanced around. I was very close to Bella's house and I could smell that dog. He shouldn't be with Bella. He's dangerous. I could see Bella's window now and her light was on. I could hear a muffled conversation. Bella sounded...hurt. Surprised even. I leaned in to listen.

"What do you mean he's been here?" She whispered between quiet sobs. "Does he not want to see me? Is he just coming around and leaving? It doesn't make sense." She was crying. I fought to stifle a roar of anger. Whoever hurt her like this deserves to die. Then it came to me. I hurt her. I was the reason she was crying and that mongrel was the one comforting her. I ran up to the house and barely kept myself from climbing up to her window to tell her I'm sorry; to kiss her and hold her. My arms ached, dying to wrap themselves around her precious little body. I needed to see her so badly. To feel that she was okay and see it with my own eyes. I was brought back to reality when I heard Jacob.

"I know Bella, baby," My hands curled into fists. "It's okay. You can get through this. He probably just wants to make sure you're still eating." His thoughts were screaming. 'Oh SHIT! How could I let that slip? She's gonna' go back now. Withdraw again. I could kill him for leaving as much as I love it that he did. He's making this really hard on me.' She whimpered and I could almost feel her arms through his thoughts. He rubbed circles on her back and whispered softly.

"Hush Bella. Just go back to sleep. I didn't want to wake you. I just needed to make sure-" He stopped, but his thoughts kept going. 'Make sure HE wasn't here.' I swallowed. Of course I can't go in. Of course I can't go up there and tell her what I want to tell her. That I was sorry. That I would make this better. I turned and ran. Jacob was opening the window. I wanted to hold my breath. I knew what her smell would do to me. Like drive me completely mad, but in the end; I couldn't resist. I stole closer to the house and her scent wafted down and hit me with such force that I nearly pulled a tree out of the ground. Then Jacob's scent got to me. I felt almost nauseous and then I heard Jacob's sudden intake of breath. He knew I was here. No doubt he smelt me the moment he lifted the window. He growled lowly, low enough that Bella couldn't hear, but I certainly could. 'Hell no. You are not gonna' screw her up bloodsucker.' Then I heard Bella.

"Bye Jake. Thanks." 'Yeah, right. Thanks for screwing up everything I already worked for. Bloodsucker.' He screamed the last part in his mind making me wince. Then he turned and put on a game face for her.

"Bye Bells. I'm really sorry about this. Just ignore it. Its definitely not something to...worry about." Again, his thoughts continued in his mind. 'You on the other hand EDWARD.' He thought my name sarcastically. 'You have something to worry about.'

I heard Jacob jump lithely to the ground and head straight for the woods. He wasn't headed for me though. 'Bella's still watching. Follow me and for God's sake, don't let her see you.' he growled through his mind. I took a deep breath and took off. 'Don't even think about taking off. I'll follow you.' I stopped and breathed deeply. It stung my nose. but I followed Jacob's scent and soon I was next to him. I walked by his side at a somewhat uncomfortable distance and we were silent as we walked deeper into the woods.

Soon, Jacob stopped and crossed his arms over his chest.

"What are you doing here?" he growled. I tilted my chin up indignantly.

"I'm checking on her. And don't you go off on me for it. From that conversation I think I have good reason to." I hissed back.

"I can take care of her just fine." He stated. It was highly edited from the statement I'd heard in his head, but I appreciated the effort.

I shook my head. "Withdrawal? How'd you take care of that?" I asked. I watched what had happened after I left and all the things that he'd done to try and 'save' Bella in his memories.

He sighed. "I guess you can't resist, but really you have to decide. NOW." His voice bacome demanding and strong. It took me by surprise. "If you want to be with Bella, you have to stay with her. You can't run off. It's pissed everybody off and Bella wouldn't be able to handle it again. If you don't think you can stay with her forever, then I want you to go the hell away and never come back. She doesn't need you to check on her." He spoke seriously. In his head he added, 'But Bella will be able to get over you. I'll see to it.' He spoke arrogantly and I didn't like it.

"Regardless of your decision, I expect you to let her visit me." He sneered.

"What right do you have to expect anything from me?" I fired off. I knew he had a lot of resons to expect things from me, but I didn't plan on sharing Bella. She was mine. There was no way I was going to be forced into anything by the dog.

"If you're not going to let her visit me then go the hell away. You're not going near her if she can't have a little independance. She deserves it and she should expect nothing less from the 'man' who deserted her.

With that, he stalked off. 'Make your decision quickly or I will make it for you.' he threatened as his skin exploded and he turned into a wolf.