First, I want to say thanks to my beta reader Daniella Adams. Enjoy!

**E+B**E+B**

Over the last week Edward has taught me more about the ranch. I found out that the reason why Bess kept kicking me was because I would approach from the wrong side. Apparently, animals have preferences of approach. Edward also told me more about Alice and Jasper.

"How often do you see Alice?" I asked as I washed the dishes from the meal we just finished.

"I saw Alice and Jasper the day before you joined me here. We had our regular Saturday meal together." He replied as he moved towards the fire.

"You must miss her since we've been stuck here for about two weeks with no visitors. I haven't seen Jasper before. How did they meet?" I continue.

Edward laughs as he takes his seat to read from the bible. "Jasper was working for me. There was an accident which resulted in a broken arm and Alice felt the need to care for him. He's been to town a few times but he prefers to keep his distance so he doesn't go to often. Actually, Jasper would prefer not to be around anyone but there was something about Alice that made Jasper open up. He became a better worker and even more friendly."

After finishing the last dish I took the seat next to Edward so I could listen to him read.

I was brought out of my memories when I heard loud crying and screaming. At the moment Edward was working on clearing the path from the house to the barn and chicken pen since it was snowing again. I quickly dropped the clothes I was washing and went outside. I saw Edward running towards the barn and at the same moment I noticed a trail of blood leading from the woods to the barn.

I went to follow Edward into the barn. As I was placing my hand on the door it swung open. "Bella, you can't go in there. Please go back to the house." Edward said as he quickly stepped around me and proceeded towards the house.

I ran to catch up with him. "What's going on? Who's blood is on the ground?" I asked between catching my breath.

We were back in the house and Edward was gathering old rags and the sewing kit that was by the fire. "Bella, please grab the largest bowl and pump some fresh water. I'll take that to the barn. Then I need you to warm a pot of water over the stove." Edward said in a hurry. I quickly filled the bowl and Edward took it out of my hands and ran out the door.

I did as he said and started a pot of water over the fire. While that was warming I decided to find out what was going on. I went outside and headed towards the barn. I opened the door and found Edward helping two Indians treat another. I gasped at the sight in front of me. Edward looked up from the young boy and said, "I told you to stay in the house. Please go back in. You don't need to see this."

I nodded unable to respond in any other way. I managed to tear my eyes from the sight of the boy and turn back towards the house. When I was back inside I checked on the water. It had warmed a bit but I knew from seeing the injuries of the boy it needed to be much hotter.

It was a few minutes later when Edward came through the door. "Is the water ready yet?" Edward asked as he gathered a piece of wood and lit one end of it.

"It's much warmer now. It should help. Is there anything else you need?" I replied as I watched him with the wood.

"I'm going to start a small fire in the barn to warm everyone up a little more. I'll be back in for the water in a couple minutes." He replied before he grabbed a few more pieces of wood in his left arm and carried the lit piece of wood in his right hand.

Unable to wait I decided to go out and help but I was stopped as Edward came back through the door. "What do you think your doing? You can't go out there please stay inside. If you must do something prepare some food. Our guests won't be going anywhere for a day or two. Edward lifted the pot from the stove and went towards the door. "Please stay here." He pleaded.

"I can be of help. Please tell me what's going on." I said as he went out the door.

"I know you want to help and preparing a meal will be more helpful than you going out there. I'll explain everything when I come back later. Everything will be okay, I promise." He said, as he rushed down the steps of the front porch.

I went back inside and prepared the meal as Edward said. I also, heated more water so I could finish the laundry. When I ran out of things to do I decided to sit by the fire and read some scripture. It was about an hour later before Edward returned covered in blood. He peered towards me and must have noticed my questioning glance. As he was heading towards his bedroom he said, "I'm going to go change and then I will explain everything."

It only took Edward a few minutes before he returned. I watched as he filled the washing bucket with fresh water and placed his soiled clothes inside. Once he was done he joined me by the fire. I closed the bible and gave him my undivided attention.

"You're probably aware that it is illegal to help Indians outside of their reservations. That is why I didn't want you helping. If someone finds out I don't want you charged. Since your father was a law abiding man I figure you wouldn't want to tarnish his reputation." He said as he turned his chair to face me. He lifted my hand and rubbed it between his fingers. "Running Wolf was injured when he was trying to steal food for the tribe. Unfortunately, a soldier noticed him and he was shot."

"I would have still helped. I agree with you that they are being treated wrongly and it might surprise you but my father also helped when he could. Will Running Wolf be okay?" I replied with sadness.

"I don't know if he'll be okay. I do know I hope it keeps snowing. He lost a lot of blood and I'm worried soldiers might show up looking for him." He let me hands go and stood. "I'm going to take our guests some of the food you prepared. Please, stay away from them just in case someone comes looking for them."

I nodded, silently praying for Running Wolf to recover and hoping we wouldn't be discovered.

**B+E**B+E**

Hope you liked this chapter. Did you figure out that Running Wolf is Jacob?