Author's note: I don't own the characters, I just play with them. Please let me know what you think of the story. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Bella's Point of View

Bella just calmed down and started working on her homework again when the phone rang.

"Hello"

"Hi Dad"

"I'll keep some stir-fry for you on a plate in the refrigerator. Be safe."

"Dad is still looking for the hikers, Jasper. He's going to be late. Do you think the wolves are still protecting him?

"Some of the pack is probably with him as trackers Bella. It's not him that they want."

"But we know from James that they'll take someone to bring me to them. Would they try that again?"

"Not with the wolves nearby. Relax Bella, we'll have this situation all sorted out as soon as possible. With the missing hikers the wolves are there and at home, we're here to protect him. He's as safe as we can make him.

"I have to go to the reservation, make sure."

"Call one of the elders from here Bella. Let us protect you."

Bella dialed a familiar number. Unfortunately Jake answered. "Jake I need to speak to Billy."

"What can Billy do for you that your precious bloodsuckers can't."

"I need to speak to an elder Jacob. Do I need to call one of the others or are you going to let me speak to Billy"

"Fine, but don't think he's going to tell you anything I didn't."

"Billy here,"

"Billy it's Bella"

"Bella I assume Jacob already advised you we wouldn't be protecting you anymore."

"Yes, but what about Charlie? He's out there right now looking for the hikers we know are probably some vampire's dinner. Are you still going to protect him?"

"Yes Bella, the wolves are still with Charlie hoping for a chance at this bloodsucker."

"There are two Billy. Two trying to get to me. One has flame red hair and female. She's good at escaping we think. The other is a dark-skinned male with dreadlocks. Either would take Charlie and either kill him to hurt me or take him to make me come to them. They'd kill him even if I came Billy. Please don't pull the wolves off Charlie."

"I'll send out a few more wolves in case they run into both. I won't abandon my friend because of your choices."

"Thank you, Billy."

The phone clanged down in her ear.

Jasper hugged her, pulling her tight. Feel better now, Bella?

"Yes, some."

Jasper kissed her lips gently.

"How about now?"

"Bella smiled. Thanks, Jasper. I think we're going to have a busy weekend, I should probably get back to my homework."

Jasper's point of view

An hour and a half later the homework was done and the last book tucked away in Bella's backpack. "Finished." Bella sighed. "Can we go up to my room Jasper? I'm so tired."

"Of course, you've had a rough day. You get ready for bed and I'll meet you in there."

"Will you stay with me, Jasper? Hold me tonight?"

"Gladly."

Jasper's Point of View

Did she really want him to join her in her bed? Was he this lucky to get to hold his girl through the night? He thanked whatever divine presence watched over vampires as he slid into the bed. Bella settled in beside him pulling him close to her and putting her head on his chest wrapping him in a close embrace.

With no help from him at all, she fell asleep. He watched her through the night to sooth any nightmares, but instead of nightmares, she said his name, wrapping herself more tightly around him each time.

Peter had been running constant perimeter checks through the evening. Jasper had stayed with in sight of Bella to protect her just in case something got through. So far all was quiet. He hoped it stayed that way to give Bella a solid night of rest.

In all his years as a vampire, he'd never had such a restful evening. He was grateful for every moment with Bella but this was even more special. He could let down his guard and bask in Bella's sleeping emotions. There was love there, even though she wouldn't consciously admit it to herself. Happiness and peace. He couldn't remember even with his perfect recall a night as peaceful as this. He knew their peace wouldn't last but he would enjoy every second of it while he could.

As the morning dawned he wished for just a few more hours of darkness. It was only nine o'clock when Bella started to wake. Her emotions became more focused and alert. It still startled him when she moaned and squeezed him harder, trying, it seemed to bury herself in his shoulder instead of facing the day.

"Come on Beautiful he whispered, it's time to wake up and see what today has in store for us."

Bella groaned but opened her eyes. "I need a human minute Jasper"

"I'll be right here when you get back," he said.

He heard the shower start and tried not to imagine a wet naked Bella under the stream of the shower. He failed entirely, but enjoyably. A large grin spread across his face.

Bella's Point of View

At breakfast, Jasper made another omelet, onion green pepper and sausage this time.

"Jasper have you ever thought about opening one of those all day breakfast restaurants? You'd make a killing."

As the door opened, Bella thought her dad was back but in stepped Peter and a petite blonde vampire with the red eyes she'd been expecting. Bella hopped off her chair and embraced Charlotte.

"You must be Charlotte. I'm Bella. Your mate has been such a help. Thank you for coming."

Charlotte looked shocked at the greeting, "Hello Bella, I'm glad you could keep him in line. Thank you for trusting us to take care of things for you. It can't be easy with our diet.

Bella went quiet for a moment, "I don't really think about it Charlotte. You do what you have to to survive the same as I do."

"Friends call me Char sugar and I think we're gonna be good friends."

Both men seemed to sigh in relief.

"What were you two expecting, World War 3?" Bella asked Peter and Jasper. They just looked at her and started laughing.

"You'd think I was difficult to get along with," Bella playfully complained to Char.

"Nope, that's me. I'm usually a little prickly." Char admitted.

"Oh well, let me finish breakfast and then we can come up with ideas to torture our men a bit for expecting the worst."

Jasper broke out into a huge smile. "Do you realize that's the first time you've called me your man Bella?"

"Well you are so I'd might as well admit it." Bella bantered back at him.

"So what's the plan for today Jasper?" Bella asked.

"If you want we can go to my house and you can check that out. Peter and Char still haven't seen it either. As long as your back by time to cook Charlie's dinner I think we can do anything today."

"Sounds like a plan," Bella replied with a smile.