The characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, not me.

Imprinting & Soul mates

Our first night home in the apartment was bliss. Although the wedding ceremony was tiny and only included a few select family and friends, it was nice to be home. Since Renee and Phil were more mobile than Billy, we actually wed on First Beach at La Push. We honeymooned a couple of days in Seattle and then flew home.

I walked out onto the deck dressed in a gauzy robe. The sun was just setting in the west and lowering on the horizon. Jacob walked out on the deck. He gathered me in his arms and kissed my neck. Twilight was upon us, my favorite time of day. I noticed a glint of light reflecting from the neighbor's window. I jerked my head up and thought my hallucinations had returned. Was that Edward in the window?"

Jacob noticed my preoccupation. "What's wrong, Bells?"

"Did you see that?" I pointed to the neighbor's window.

"See what, baby?" He tried to distract me as he pulled me around and kissed my throat.

Although my husband was very distracting, I would not give up. "There, in the window, it was a strange glittering light." I continued almost hysterical. "There is something weird going on over there. For years, I see nothing but glimpses, but here lately the sightings have escalated and I could have sworn I saw Edward."

"Bella," Jacob gently shook her. "Don't get excited. It was probably the sun reflecting off the window. Please calm down." He pulled her to his arms and stroked her hair.

"Of course, you are right. I am sorry I overreacted. It's just I have been so on edge lately." I smiled up at him and reveled in the feeling of his strong body against mine, so protective and sweet.

I considered that I made a good decision when I consented to marry Jacob Black. He was hardworking, considerate and good, not to mention the fact that he was ruggedly handsome. He was a catch indeed. At the wedding, many Quileute girls were envious. Leah's disgust with love and weddings was never more apparent than that day. "What was up with Leah at the wedding?" I asked. "She nearly snarled at me three times."

"Give her a break Bella; she has lost love more than once?" Jacob's voice was husky with sorrow.

I looked at him quizzically. "More than once?"

"Yes. We talked about this before when I first returned." He looked at me in alarm. "What did you think I was talking about before when we were discussing Leah and her protectiveness?"

"I thought you had been commanded not to talk about something, you know that wolfy thing Sam does to you all." I stated still confused. "What were you talking about Jake?"

Jacob spun around and grabbed his head with his hands. "Bella. I thought you understood. If I had known you didn't, I would have made sure you knew before we got married."

I was beginning to get scared now. "What is it Jake? Tell me." I begged.

He turned to me and pulled me to the swing. He leaned close and kissed me. "I love you, Bells."

"I love you, too, Jake. Please tell me what is wrong. You are frightening me." I pleaded.

"Bells, Leah imprinted on me when she first became a wolf." He searched my face for what emotions he might find there.

"Leah imprinted on you? I don't understand Jake." I began to cry. "What have I done?" I had taken away Leah's last chance to become truly happy. Jacob was her soul mate and she was his.

"Bella, you have done nothing." He tried to comfort me. "I thought you had entered this marriage with your eyes open, knowing everything."

"But Jacob, that's not true, I have taken away her soul mate." I wailed in agony. My sunshine is Leah's soul mate. "I always thought about this happening, but I had never realized it had already happened. Have you imprinted on her? What are you feelings for her?"

"No, I did not imprint on Leah. It is hard to resist that level of commitment, but Bella I only have eyes for you. You are my only love." Jacob comforted me. "It's never been romantic between Leah and me, Bella. She was always trying to comfort me when I was hurting over you. However, her constant presence only made matters worse. I admit that there is a soft spot in my heart for her and I care about what happens to her, but I love you, Bells."

"How can you say you care about what happens to her when you know she is imprinted for life on you, my husband?" I began to cry even harder.

"I'm sorry, my sweet Bella, I never meant to hurt you and I don't want to hurt her either." Jacob's eyes pleaded. "Please don't let this stop you from loving me."

"I could never stop loving you, Jake. You are a part of my heart-inescapably." I promised him. "I just don't want Leah to be in the pain I am sure she is in."

"Hush my darling." Jacob cooed in my ear as he scooped me up in his arms. Walking through the French doors, he laid me gently on our bed. He began kissing my neck causing my breathing and heart rate to accelerate. His warm hands encircled my waist and pulled me on top of him. He continued his declaration of love to me as the sun sank into the sea.

Edward POV

"Edward, you don't look so good. Are you all right?" Alice eyed me suspiciously. "You have been here too long. I am glad you have come to your senses and you're going home with us."

I stood at the window facing Bella's apartment. I placed my hand on the window as if I could reach out and touch her. So many times, I have stood here and longed to reach and touch her. However, I have made sure she has been safe. I kept my promise and I have never left her side. I don't think she wants or needs me here any longer though. She now has Jacob.

"Edward, you know she would be with you right now. Why didn't you stop it? You could have at any time. She would have welcomed you with open arms at any time over the past four years." Alice chided.

"I know. But I want her to have a normal life." He choked out. "I have succeeded. It is all that matters to me. I love her too much to hurt her, to take away her soul. She loves him too and she is happy. He can protect her."

For the first time in my long life, I felt weak. I sank to the floor under the window, curled my legs up to my chest, and wrapped my arms around them. My body was racked with sobs from deep within so intense was my pain.

"Edward, I don't agree, but it is done now. Stop torturing yourself, I know you can hear everything they are saying, not to mention seeing it all in that dog's mind. Let's get your things together and get out of here." Alice turned to Jasper pleading with her eyes. Jasper moved forward and waves of calmness permeated the atmosphere.

"You are right, Alice. Thank you Jasper." Edward rose to his feet and turned to the bed. He put the last of his clothes in the suitcase and closed it.

He turned to have one more look out the window at Bella, who had walked out onto the deck dressed in a gauzy robe. "Be happy my only love." He whispered. The sun was beginning to lower and the rays were glancing off Edward's arm. Bella's head jerked up and she turned to face Edward. As always, I was just a few seconds faster than she was and I was gone.

I watched as Jacob walked out on the deck and began kissing Bella. "Just remember, Jacob, I will always be waiting in the wings." I whispered.

Jacob looked up at Edward and nodded. He resumed his conversation with Bella. Within a few minutes, he picked her up and carried her into the house.

Edward turned from the window. "Let's go home." He sounded weary as he picked up his bags and walked out the door. Alice and Jasper followed.

This chapter is pivotal in my storyline. I hope you all are enjoying. I have the story planned out and I think EVERYONE will enjoy it. So please review. The more feedback I get, the more I am able to write. So if you like it, let me know. If you don't tell me why. Please everyone review. Give me at least 10 reviews for this chapter. Okay. Thanks for the comments, I enjoy reading them.