I had been in bed for hours and was still unable to fall asleep. Glancing over at the clock, it read three in the morning and Jacob still wasn't home. Picking up the phone, I tried calling him again for what felt like the tenth time and he still didn't answer. Deciding to call Leah and see if he left when she did, I was shocked when she didn't answer either. I was growing more and more worried as each minute ticked by without him walking through the door.

There was a lingering feeling in my gut I couldn't name, making me feel nauseous. I sat up and got out of the bed, my feet bringing me to his office. I turned on his computer and tried the password he had used all the years I have known him. It didn't work. I tried three more times with no more success than I had the first time.

He changed it.

I was even more uneasy, this time not just for his safety but the secrets he might be keeping. Why would he change his computer password and not tell me? What did he have on there that he didn't want me to see? I went into my own office and opened my laptop to log into our back account and check the recent transactions. There was a charge for a hotel room only twenty minutes away from our home three hours ago. Skimming through older posts I found even more hotels. All in different areas, at different times of the day and night. Some were even booked when I know he had been home that day and for every night he said he was working late. I felt my chest tighten as I fought back my tears. I knew yet denied it at the same time. Slamming my lap top closed I walked back into his office and poured myself a drink from the bar Jacob had set up for when he had meetings at home with clients or co-workers. Grabbing the bottle and my glass, I returned to the bedroom and sat in a chair to wait for my husbands return.

X

My drink long ago disappeared and I was on my forth when I heard Jacob coming into the house, now almost five in the morning. I heard him trying to be quiet, assuming he didn't want to wake me to slip into the bed beside me like nothing had happened.

He entered the dark room and I immediately caught the whiff of the freshly showered scent he held as he moved past me unknowingly. I watched him undressed silently and get into the bed reaching for me. When he couldn't find me he bolted up, throwing blankets and pillows aside.

"What are you looking for?" I asked quietly, watching him turn in my direction with shock.

He reached over and turned on the bedside lamp, squinting at me.

"Shit Bella, you scared me! Why aren't you in bed?"

"I could ask you the same thing." I slurred, giggling slightly over the sound.

"Are you drunk?" He roared, getting out of the bed and stalking toward me.

I yelped in surprise when he gripped my upper arms roughly to pull me up, shoving his face into mine.

"Possibly."

"Are you telling me that my wife allowed herself to go dancing and proceed to get drunk with Edward Cullen?" He sneered.

I didn't understand his anger. It was his fault that I went out with Edward in the first place and he knew where we were. He could have said no or come for me at any time.

"You would know what time I returned home if you had answered your phone." I spat back at him. "Where the hell were you? Why did you get a hotel room instead of coming home?" My voice quickly escalating into a yell.

"What?" He hissed, seeming stunned over my words.

"I looked at our bank account, Jacob! What is the purpose of all those hotel rooms?"

"You're checking up on me now? Asking how I spend my money? The money I earn!"

My eyes widened when he let go of me suddenly, causing me to fall to the floor. I had never seen this side of Jacob before.

"Jake-"

I watched in slow motion as he raised his arm and slapped me across the face with the back of his hand, throwing me to the floor at his feet.

For the first time in our lives, Jacob had raised his hands at me. I was shocked and hurt, but most of all I was scared.

"Isabella, you will learn to not question me. Now get your ass in bed." His voice was calm and full of menace.

I picked myself up and backed away, my eyes never leaving his cold ones. I fell onto the bed when the back of my knees touched the mattress. He stalked over, making me cower and get into the bed.

"Sleep Bella." He ordered, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me against him, not allowing me to roll away.

Hours later, I was in the kitchen preparing a small lunch for Jacob to have before he left for the day. He reminded me of his plans with Edward and requested a sandwich while he got himself ready. His eyes avoided the bruise that covered one side of my face, choosing to ignore what he had done. The doorbell rang and I waited for Jacob to answer it, assuming he wouldn't want me seen like this. After several minutes of Jacob not coming down the stairs I sighed heavily and walked to the door.

"Bella." Edward greeted with a warm smile.

I looked up at him and tried to return it, though the pain in doing so made it difficult not to wince. I watched his eyes darken and his smile slowly disappear into grimace.

"Bella, I did not leave you in this condition last night. Please tell me your husband didn't do this." He almost growled.

My eyes shifted away as I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

"I'll be back later." Jacob announced, causing me to startle which only made Edward look angrier.

Giving me a kiss on my uninjured cheek, he walked out the door and patted Edwards on the back as if they were old friends. Edward stared at me for a moment longer before turning to follow. His phone was at his ear and he was speaking urgently while walking toward the car.

"Jasper, be sure that Emmett is at the meeting." I heard him say before putting his phone back into his pocket.

He turned and looked at me once more before getting into his car and driving off.

I closed the door and called Leah. I needed my best friend.

An hour later Leah burst through the front door full of cheer.

"Bella!" She called out before finding me in my reading room.

I was seated before the fireplace reading a book, trying to keep my mind busy till she arrived.

"Oh Bella, what happened?" She cried out in shock, rushing to me.

My tears fell as she pulled me into a tight hug. She was exactly what I needed.

"J-J-Jake." I stuttered through my sobs.

I felt her stiffen, arms falling back to her side. I immediately missed the support she had given me only seconds ago.

"What?" She gasped.

"Jacob. H-He was angry with me for looking into our finances and confronting him with what I found. Leah, I think he's cheating on me!" I cried out, tears falling freely from my eyes.

She looked at me emotionless, with an almost bored expression. I was confused with her reaction, fully expecting her sympathetic anger. For her to tell me she would help me figure things out.

"You shouldn't have snooped, Bella." She said instead with a shake of her head.

"How is looking at my own bank account snooping?" I asked with disbelief.

"Jacob has never stopped you from buying anything you want. What need could you have possibly had to check your account if you weren't checking up on him? We both know he provides you with more than enough."

"Leah-" I barely whispered.

"Stop! When he gets home, apologize. I'm sure he's already sorry for how he reacted. You know just as well as I do that his job is stressful. The last thing he needs is a nagging wife to come home to."

"What?"

Before she could answer me it sounded as if the front door was kicked open and loud commotion of men talking over one another filling the house. We both raced to the entryway to see what all the noise was about. I stood in shock over what greeted us while Leah screamed and ran toward Jacob. Jasper and Emmett dragged him into the house, dropping him to the floor in a heap. Jacob groaned and rolled to his side, allowing me to see his battered face as he curled into a ball.

"What did you do?" Leah screamed at the two men who just stood over him without responding.

She was kneeling next to my husband, running her hand through his hair. I should be the one who was rushing to his side, demanding to know what happened. I felt like I was having an outer body experience, watching a scene from a movie instead of real life. I couldn't move or speak. My eyes lifted from Jacob and Leah to Edward as he entered the house with slow, sure steps.

"Touching." He sneered looking at my husband and best friend.

"You monster!" Leah spit out at him raising to her feet and charging toward him.

Before she could get more than a foot closer, Jasper stepped forward and grabbed her wrist to pull her away. She screamed and fought like a wild animal while he held her back effortlessly.

"Bella." Edward spoke softly, redirecting my attention from Leah and Jasper back to him. "This is his home, which is why he was brought back here. I must insist that you pack some belongings and come with me."

"What?"

His words snapped me out of my stunned stupor.

"He has been punished for placing his hands in any way but lovingly on his wife. I will not allow you to continue to stay here with him."

"Punished?" I couldn't seem to form a sentence, nor comprehend his words.

There was a fog surrounding me, I had the inappropriate urge to laugh.

He nodded slightly at Jacobs form and raised an eyebrow at me.

"You're telling me that you beat the shit out of my husband for slapping me and now I have to leave my home?" I giggled crazily. "He is my husband, where would I even go?" Extending my hands in question.

"You will come stay with me." He stated like it was the most obvious answer.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked quietly.

"Bella, I can't give you all the answers right now. Jacob had no right to mark you like he did. He has been dealt with and will no longer handle any of our cases. Most likely he will be fired and out of work. I refuse to leave you here with him, knowing he is capable of harming you. Not only that, but because in the near future you will be forced out of your home when bills are unpaid. Now please, go to your room and pack whatever you can't leave behind. I will replace your wardrobe and anything else you may desire, but please hurry."

Though he was polite, his tone left no room for argument.

"Emmett, escort her." He ordered when I made no move to follow his directions.

"Is this for real?" I asked to no one directly.

Emmett walked beside me and placed his hand softly to my back, leading me toward the stairs. I followed his lead, turning to see behind me, unable to look away from this new side of Edward. I had met him four times. I barely knew him, yet he was taking over my life and if I was being honest, I was allowing it.

I grabbed the box of childhood mementos I had saved and placed them into a suitcase Emmett had pulled from the hall closet. His eyes followed me as I grabbed my personal items from the bathroom and filled the rest of the suitcase with clothing.

"Is that everything, Bella?" He asked me softly.

"Emmett, what's happening?" I asked. "I don't understand."

"Your safety is being made sure of." He said simply.

"But why? I don't know you, I barely know Edward. Who are you to care for my well being?"

"Bella, we must return downstairs. Edward will answer what he deems necessary at a later time."

I followed after him silently while he carried my bag downstairs. I stood before Edward and Jasper while Emmett kept walking to put my suitcase into the car waiting. Jacob and Leah were no where to be seen.

"I don't know what's going on, why you are doing this, or why I am even allowing it." My voice sounded dull even to myself.

His eyes just stared into mine and stayed silent.

"May I speak with Leah before I leave with you?" I had no idea why I felt the need for his permission, yet it was there.

"Of course. Jasper, please stay close to her." He ordered, walking out to his car.

Jasper followed me to the living room where Jacob was laying on the couch, Leah crying into his chest.

"Leah?"

Her head snapped up and gave me a hate filled look.

"This is your fault." She hissed.

"Please, I'm begging you, tell me you aren't sleeping with my husband." I whispered, the pain in my chest replacing the confusion I had been feeling since all the men arrived.

She scoffed at me without answering, returning her attention to Jacob.

"Jacob?"

My heart was racing, my throat tight with emotion. All my suspicions were being confirmed, only I never suspected he was cheating on me with my best friend.

"Leave Bella, you have already caused enough trouble." He muttered without opening his eyes.

"After everything? All these years we've had together, this is it?" I asked, my voice wavering.

He, like Leah, simply ignored me. My vision blurred and I turned away, trying not to stumble as I walked out of the room. Jasper must have noticed my trouble because he quickly picked me up, cradling me to his chest as we left the house.

"Everything will be alright." He whispered, placing me into the back of the car beside Edward.

"What happened to her?" He asked harshly, looking ready to bolt from the car.

"I think she just realized what has been going on between Jacob and Leah." Jasper answered firmly.

I closed my eyes, listening as Edward sighed deeply. The car started forward and I opened my eyes once more to glance at Edward. His face was raised to the ceiling, head resting against the head rest. One hand pinching the bridge of his nose, the other arm laying casually behind me. I sniffled, causing him to look with a pitying expression.

"Come here." He spoke huskily, pulling me to his side and leading my head to his chest with a hand. The comfort he offered me only made my cry all the harder, the reality of the situation just barely sinking in. "I promise to take care of you." He whispered against the top of my head.

I allowed my eyes to close, exhausted with all the different emotions running through me. Confusion, pain, betrayal, but mostly, I felt protected and I couldn't figure out why.

Who was this man? Why was he appointing himself to be my protector, what did he want from me?

X

I couldn't remember the car stopping or being carried out of the car and placed into the soft bed I found myself in. A sudden rush of loud voices had me fully awake and sitting up in the the bed quickly with labored breathing.

This is real, it wasn't a dream!

I had not only left my husband, but allowed a man I barely knew take me to his home! I looked around the strange room, feeling panicked over not knowing where I was or who the voices in the next room belonged to. Moving the heavy blanket off of me, I swung my feet to the floor. Standing up I shook off the abrupt wave of dizziness that came and forced my wobbly legs to the door. After opening the door and sticking my head out, I could hear the voices much clearer.

"She's married Edward! What are you thinking?"

"Not for much longer. Black won't contest to a quick divorce."

"This situation is just ridiculous, send her to her father then!"

"Watch your tone!" Edward bellowed out, causing me to startle.

"Please." The voice scoffed. "That may work on your men, but not me dear brother in-law." The females snotty voice was beginning to hurt my ears.

I decided it was time to make myself known and stepped out of the room, making my way next door. In the doorway, I noticed it looked to be a home office.

"Your awake." Edward smiled at my appearance.

"Sorry for interrupt." I mumbled, looking down at my feet.

"Not at all, I will take every interruption you give gratefully."

"Really, Edward?" The female sneered.

I looked at him sharply. My head was spinning. In twenty four hours I had had an amazing evening spent with a stranger, my husband hit me, the now not so stranger beat the shit out of said husband, and last but not least I find out my husband and best friend were sleeping together. All of that added with Edward taking me away from my home and waking up in a strange place, I couldn't quite get a grip on reality. No matter how much I knew I should hate Jacob and Leah, it didn't stop the pain their betrayal caused. I was bombarded with memories of the three of us growing up together. The love that used to shine in Jake's eyes, our fathers proudly watching us as we said our vows. My whole life I had been Jacob Blacks girl. Who was I now?

"I don't want to sound ungrateful, I really do appreciate everything you have done for me. Honestly though, I don't know you and I want to go home." I stated quietly, doing my best to keep the tears from falling.

"You will not be returning to that man." The female voice spoke up again, full of authority.

It was the first time I looked at her since entering the room. She was beautiful with long blonde hair and big blue eyes. I immediately felt intimidated from the hardness I saw in her face. She was tall and back ridged with her arms crossed over her chest.

"I have no where else to go, no one to turn to. I need my husband." This time unable to stop the tears.

"You have me to turn to Bella." Edward quickly insisted. "Please, my sister in-law may be a pain in the ass but she speaks truthfully. I will not allow you to leave here just to return to that man."

"You don't know him like I do!" I screamed, anger quickly taking over my sadness.

This was all too much, too soon.

"Do you? The man you know and love would beat his wife? Would cheat on her with her best friend? Are you telling me that you knew he would do those things? If that is the case, then please, leave!" The female yelled back at me, her arms flailing dramatically in the air around her.

Edward put his hands on her shoulder, calming her instantly.

"Rosalie, enough. It's a lot to take in, I'm sure. You understand that better than any else could." He addressed her quietly.

She gave him a curt nod before returning her attention to me.

"You may not know Edward well, but you know nothing about Jacob Black. You can trust Edward completely and despite what he wishes, you should return to your father. You need to divorce that husband of yours, and do so quickly. I need to find my own husband, excuse me." She said rushing from the room without another glance or word.

"She's right. You need to divorce him as soon as you can. However, I don't believe you should return to your father. Am I correct in assuming that your father and Jacob are still close and that your father holds him in high regard?"

I looked at my feet, feeling defeated. As much as I knew my father loved me, I found it hard to believe that he would be able to see the truth of Jacob's deceit. He watched him grow from an infant to an adult and loved him as he would his own flesh and blood. It would be like making him choose and I was to terrified of which side he would take. I knew my fathers love for me was unbreakable, but it was the same love he had for Jacob. How could I do that to him? If I went home, not only would he be making a choice between us, but he would also lose his life long friendship with Billy. What could I give him except the burden of having to support me while I found my way? As Jacob had said, my painting was a hobby, it wouldn't give me financial stability.

"I will divorce him." I agreed, knowing I could never go back to him after the way he treated me. "Edward, I don't even know you, how can I possibly stay here? Why would you even want the burden of taking care of me?"

I saw his look of pride when I said I would divorce Jacob, quickly turning dark when I finished my little speech.

"I will help you. I have a lawyer, one who doesn't work at the same firm as your husband that will be more than willing to do the job. As for staying here with me, if you are uncomfortable, though I assure you your own bedroom, my mother has already offered you her home."

"Your mother?" I stuttered out. "How does she know of me?"

"I may have mentioned you to her."

I stood there in stunned silence as I stared at him. All my other emotions seemed to have taken a step back at the moment. What could he have told his mother of me? We barely knew each other!

"Bella, I have to admit that I spoke of you the first night I saw you at the restaurant."

"You didn't even know me then."

"I knew who you were immediately."

"What are you, a stalker?" I practically screamed.

My emotions were on overdrive.

"I have been in business with your husband for the last two years. Because of that relationship, I have seen you from afar, your picture sits on his desk. I have had to listen to him talk about you, knowing he didn't deserve you."

"Edward, shut up. You're scaring her." Rosalie snapped as she entered the room again. "Bella, want a drink?" She asked, holding up a bottle of wine.

"Please."

I left the room with her as quickly as she allowed. I needed to get away from Edward for a bit. I couldn't comprehend what he was saying.

Rosalie and I were sitting on a couch in the a living room. Emmett had entered long enough to start a fire for us and give Rosalie a kiss before leaving the room. The bottle of wine now long gone, our glasses empty.

"Should we yell for another?" She asked with a wide grin.

"Maybe. After all, I just found out my best friend was screwing my husband!" I said with a half giggle, half sorrow.

"Oh Bella, I know how you feel."

"Sure you do." I rolled my eyes. "Edward!" I screamed out causing Rosalie to jump.

"What the fuck was that?" She yelled at me.

"We need another bottle." I said innocently, holding up my empty glass which caused her to erupt into a fit of giggles.

"Should I even ask?" Edward grumbled from the door.

I looked over to see him placing a gun back into the waist of his slacks.

"Did you just come running into the room with a gun drawn?" I asked in disbelief.

"You screamed!" He exclaimed, sounding slightly exasperated.

"Is he for real?" I asked Rosalie, pointing a finger at him.

"Edward, we need another bottle of wine." Rosalie said with a shake of her head. "One thing you must remember about this family, never scream out or someone is bound to get shot." She stated when he left the room.

"I want to believe you are joking, but I have a feeling you aren't."

She winked at me as Edward returned to the room, walking over to fill our empty glasses with more wine.

"I'm assuming you're okay staying here tonight?" Edward asked once my glass was full.

"I have no where else to go. I suppose you are stuck with me for now." I shrugged, taking a large sip.

"I'm staying with her, go away Edward." Rose demanded.

He slightly growled at her before leaving the room yelling for Emmett.

"You need to control your wife!" We heard him yell before disappearing from sight.

"God, he is impossible." Rose scowled.

"He doesn't seem that bad."

"Bella, if you don't want to stay here or with his mother, you are more than welcome to stay with Emmett and I." She offered.

"Why would you offer your home to me? You know me even less than Edward does."

"Like I said, I know how you feel. Been there, done that."

"Are you saying that Emmett has cheated on you or hit you?" I asked, honestly surprised.

"Please, he knows the first time he raised a hand to me I'd shoot him in the knee, and if he ever cheated on me it would be aimed at his dick." She said causing me to snort into my glass.

"I wish I was more like you."

"You can be. Before Emmett I was engaged to a man my father thought was perfect. I worshiped my father and was more than willing to do his bidding. From the day I was born I was raised to believe marriage was made from mutual understanding rather than love. Royce worked with my father, made a lot of money, was respected in the community. The first time he hit me, my mother told me to do better. When I found out he was cheating, my father said to look the other way. The last straw was our engagement party. Royce was drunk, I caught him feeling up one of my bridesmaids. After yelling and causing a scene, he pulled me aside and started beating on me. He soon had a couple of his buddies by his side asking to help him teach me a lesson, that I needed to learn my place. I was horrified as he agreed and they started to undo their belts. The only thing that saved me was Emmett. He came charging into the room and let the three of them feel his rage before he picked me up in his arms and brought me home with him. After a few weeks of fighting him, I soon realized what he had given me and how much I needed and loved his big heart. The rest is history." She said with a slight shrug.

I then noticed Emmett standing in the door way, his gaze focused on Rosalie. A small smile played on his lips even though his eyes looked pained. He looked at me and nodded in acknowledgment before removing himself from sight once more.

"Jacob and I grew up together. Our father's were best friends. His mother passed away, mine ran away." I finally spoke in a small voice. "We have never been away from each other our whole life. We dated, making our fathers happy. Married right after high school, making them ecstatic. After college I did as he requested and stayed at home while he worked. Everything was fine, till it happened." I felt my throat close.

I couldn't stop the tears from falling. I looked at Rose with blurry vision as she reached out and grabbed my hand.

"My baby would be a few months old right now. He was so happy, happier than I had ever seen him when I told him we were going to have a baby. When I miscarried, I knew the moment he pulled away. He never said the words, but I knew I had failed him. My place was to make a home, have his babies, and I couldn't even do that..." I couldn't speak any longer.

The pain I had held in for so long was escaping in a mess of breathless tears. I just met Rosalie, but I felt more comfortable with her than anyone else I had in my life. Maybe it was because she opened herself up to me, but for the first time since it happened, I was able to talk about my baby. About the pain I felt everyday and had to hold inside to not make it worse for Jacob.

We held onto each other and both sobbed not just our selves, but for the other.

"You can always try again, Bella." She said in a soft voice.

"I haven't been on birth control since and it never happened. Now I no longer have my husband or my best friend. I feel like I lost my entire family. I have nothing, no one, my life is over."

"No sweet girl, your life is just starting." A soft voice said.

Raising my eyes, I saw Edward kneeling before us. He kissed Rosalie's forehead before getting to his feet with me in his arms.

"Goodnight Bella." I heard Rosalie call out as he walked from the room.

I felt my eyes drift shut. I was mentally exhausted and in the back of my mind, the feel of Edward's arms and his scent comforted me. I fought against it, but it was there.

"I don't know you." I mumbled into his chest.

"No one does." Was his quiet answer.

He laid me down on the bed I had previously left and started to leave the room after covering me with the thick blanket.

"Please don't leave." I cried out.

I assured myself it wasn't him that I wanted, but rather I just didn't want to be alone. He gave me a calculating look before returning to the bed and laying beside me. He didn't reach out to me, hold me, or touch me in anyway, but I felt comfort just the same and fell quickly asleep.