Chapter 9: The goodbye.

Just as Jacob gets Bella back, an old threat comes back to take her away again.

A.N. Finally got this one banged out. Took me a while, but it's finally going in the right direction. I hope I managed to explain why Jake and Bella's imprint is different.

"There is, and always will be, only you."-Jacob Black

Bella POV

Going back to Jacob's without him was hard. Not only had we been forced apart for the last few days, but because of me, we would continue to be apart for several more. Sam drove me to Billy's and stayed silent as I cried myself sore.

"Bella," he began as he pulled into Billy's drive, "I know how you're feeling, I really do, but you hurt Jacob pretty badly."

"I know," I sniffed, "and I am deeply sorry for that, but I'm not going to apologise for begging for Edwards life. I wasn't just saving him, I was saving you all, from a life-time of fighting with the Cullen's ending in not only them being hurt, but you as well. I didn't want you all to be pulled into a fight because of me."

"It's not your fault Bella, Edward is controlling. He is so invested in trying to convince you that we're monsters, that he forgets that he's one too. Bella, we're all here to protect you, no matter what the cost."

"and I'm willing to do anything to make sure that cost isn't your lives. I love you all too much to let that happen."

"I'm sure Jake, would love to hear that."

"Huh?"

"Bella, the reason Jacob freaked out so much is because he's in love with you."

I sat in stunned silence as the magnitude of what I had done washed over me. I felt a fresh wave of tears stinging my already sore eyes.

"He wants to stay away until he's no longer in love with you."

"I don't want to keep hurting him," I gasped, trying to choke back the sobs, "but will you let him know that I need him, much more than he knows, he's my everything. I only wanted to save him."

Sam nodded and I jumped out of the car, he waited until I was at the door before driving off, I took a few deep breaths before heading into Billy's, as I was expecting, Dad and Billy were sitting on the sofa, talking over a game.

"Hey Bella, good to see you back," Billy said and wheeled himself over to me, I knelt down and hugged him tightly, "where's Jake?" he asked innocently. My face crumpled.

"I'm sorry Billy, I had to stop him from hurting Edward, I wanted to save them the trouble of getting into a lifelong fight, but Jacob assumed I was choosing Edward and ran off before I could explain."

"It's OK, Bella, he'll calm down soon enough. If the boys can get him to see your reasoning, he'll come back to you."

"I miss him,"

"He misses you too, I can guarantee that."

"Come sit with us kid, we'll even change the channel over to something you like." Dad said and patted the seat next to him. I gladly accepted the offer, sitting as close to his side as I could.

XXX

Jacob POV

I ran through the pain, I had to find answers. It seemed that Bella wasn't as privy to the same power as other imprints had been before her, as Emily is now. Something was keeping her committed to the power of the vamps. Her allegiance should be to me, but instead she was split in two. Stuck between the vamps and the pack, in limbo, not able to fully choose either of us.

I arrived at my destination, a large clearing well out of the way of any hiking trails and innocent humans. I ran the boarder once, making sure there was no-one near, human or otherwise.

I stood myself in the middle of the clearing, and concentrated on my inner-self. Envisioning my wolf, powerful and majestic, I willed it to leave my body. Slowly it floated up between two worlds, and surrounded my unprotected body lying on the grass, shielding it from harm. I spoke in my native tongue, to the higher spirits, my ancestors.

One by one, seven generations of spirit wolves appeared beside my wolf, including that of my great grandfather, I bowed to each one of them in a mark of respect, and turned to the newest member, Harry Clearwater.

"Harry, it's good too see you, I trust you are well," my speech was still that of my native tongue and of words I wouldn't normally use in my human-hybrid body.

"Very well, thank you," he bowed his head and I followed suit, "what of my children? I hope they are finding themselves well?"

"As well as can be expected. They are making progress. Leah is adapting well to her newfound spirit."

"Alas, a female spirit wolf," my great grandfather croaked, I bowed in recognition,"such an unusual thing, to bestow such a powerful beast upon the shoulders of a woman. Such power must run through her, for her to shoulder such a gift," he paused to moisten his mouth, and I waited with baited breath.

As is your imprint to the paleface, Jacob," I bowed my head again and replied.

"I am aware of the unusual circumstances. Bella held love in my heart long before I became aware of my spirit wolf, but even I am surprised at imprinting on a woman outside of the tribe."

"Yes Jacob, it is unusual but not unheard of, it has happened in the past, but long ago, and before a time in which vampires were allowed to reside so near humans. We are aware of her affiliation with the son of Carlisle, and the hurt he has caused her in trying to protect her.

Bella, us a fractured soul, due to the nature in which vampires trap their pray, she has been put under a very powerful spell, reeled in by all things vampires use to dazzle and trap humans. Of course, the imprint has broken most of the spell, but in Bella's case, she was truly in love with the monster, which now remains, even though she can see past their shiny exteriors."

Bella must realise, and give into, the love that she has for you in order for the imprint to take it's full power, and when that happens, the imprint in which you share will be one of the strongest in existence. Your imprint was born of the love you share, fate destined you to be together, and the imprint is merely a strengthener."

I bowed my head in acceptance and they in return, each evaporating as they bid their farewells.

I imagined my spirit wolf lowering itself back into my body, and shivered when it reconnected. I lay panting on the damp grass – it had rained at some point – trying to gamer some strength to get back up. Spirit talks with our ancestors were always physically exhausting, it took such energy and strength that most took years to accomplish. Due to my natural alpha power it took me a few months, but with that, it took me a full day to recover my strength.

"Did you get your answers?" Sam asked as he appeared beside me. I cast one eye over him and nodded.

"Yeah mostly," I panted.

"Afraid to ask them one more question?" I growled, it annoyed me sometimes that he could read me so well, but being one of two alphas of a pack it provided him with more insight to me than the rest of them.

"I would've felt stupid asking them what to do next, that's something I have to figure out for myself," I finally managed to gamer enough strength to sit on my hunches, but the effort left me panting.

"Want my opinion?"

"No," I replied immediately and he smirked.

"When you imprinted on her, she told you that she was scared to believe, to try, because the leech had ran away on her and ripped her ability trust anything away from her. You promised her you wouldn't be like that, and you were the one she could trust,"

"Yeah I remember," I replied. I got up and stretched my sore muscles, before resting back on my hunches.

"Well be that guy, stop running away from the pain, fight it instead." His tone was fierce but not aggressive, just merely driving home his point.

"You're right," I said after a few moments of thinking. "How was she when you left her?" I asked, but instead of explaining, he showed me.

He projected the image of my beautiful Bells into my mind. She looked pained, and my guilt increased.

I listened intently at her explanation and felt even more guilt weigh in on my heart. I felt like a right asshole for running away before she could explain. My throat constricted when she said that she loved us all.

"She really didn't know?" I asked when he explained that I was in love with her.

"You know Bella, she doesn't believe anyone can love her."

The last of the conversation was played and my belief in what my ancestors had foretold was strengthened. I was going to win this fight. I would erase Bella's doubt, and help her heal properly.

"Thank you" I said sincerely to Sam, he nodded once turned and ran for home.

It was half ten before I got back, taking me a mere five hours to recover from my spirit quest. I noticed that Charlie's cruiser was missing from the driveway, and was slightly relived, I didn't want to get into an emotional conversation right now. I was too tired for that.

I phased back and threw some cut-offs on and opened the front door. Dad was sitting, half asleep watching a crime programme with a can of beer in his hand, and lying in the sofa, out cold, was Bella. "Why is Bella here?" I asked walking into the darkened living room.

"She fell asleep and Charlie didn't have the heart to waken her since she's so exhausted," I nodded and continued to stare at her.

"Does it bother you?"

"No," I answered too quickly. He smirked.

"You've been on a spirit quest?" he said taking in my appearance. I nodded.

"Did you get the answers you wanted?"

"Yes."

"How was Harry?" I looked at him properly for the first time since I had came in, he looked anxious.

"Healthy and happy, he's adjusting to being a spirit warrior fairly well," I replied and he smiled for the first time since Harry's passing. I looked at Bella again and was almost suffocated with the weight of the love that was surging through my very soul.

"I'm sure she'd appreciate you carrying her into the guest room." I scowled and his smile widened. After phasing into a wolf, I became too big to sleep in my bedroom that I'd had since I was born, so I moved into my sisters old room and changed my room into a guest bedroom.

I sighed as I realised that I would prefer to carry her then wake her from her deep sleep. So with a deep breath I lifted her gently from the sofa. She sighed in content and snuggled into my chest, my heart pounded hard as I held her close to me, her scent filling my nose and making me feel content. I got to the room and gently laid her down on the bed. I took her shoes off and pulled the blanket over her. She sighed again and I smiled. I gently placed a kiss on her head and stroked her hair.

"You really have no idea just how much I love you," I whispered, and backed out of the room. "Sweet dreams, Bella," I said and closed to door.

XXX

Bella POV

I woke after what felt like a years good sleep. I groggily looked around the room I was in and realised that it was Jacob's. I smiled and glanced out the window, the overcast sun told me that it was late morning, at least. I sat up and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. Blinking rapidly to get them to adjust, my heart sunk. This was no longer Jake's room, the walls were bare, and the room cleared of all his clutter. The room had been given a fresh lick of paint and the bed covers changed to plain cream. A clock had been placed upon his once filled dresser, telling me that it was quarter past eleven.

I was surprised, the latest I had ever slept was ten. True, I had been through a terrible amount of anxiety the past few days, but I had slept most of that time. It was the only way I could cope with being away from Jake, however broken and nightmarish the sleep was.

I tied my hair up with the bobble that I wore on my wrist and slipped my trainers on. I left the room, and stumbled to the bathroom, stubbing my toe as I went. I closed the door over and switched on the cold water tap. I shivered as I splashed copious amounts of cold water on my face, but I relished in the refreshing feeling it left upon my skin. After drying my face. I grabbed the bottle of mouthwash off the shelf and swirled several cupfuls around in my mouth, before deeming myself as refreshed as I could be.

I dried my hands, folded the towels back up and exited the bathroom. I briefly wondered if my dad had slept on the couch, when I was delivered a shock upon entering the sitting room. Standing at the sink in the kitchen – which was open planned – staring at me, was neither my father nor Billy, as I had expected, but Jacob.

"Jacob, you're here?" my voiced registered my surprise, and he smiled.

"I live here Bells," he replied. My heart skipped a beat as he drained his glass, turned and refilled. He filled up a large glass for myself and set it on the table that sat between us – acting as invisible barrier – separating us. A few seconds past, more then necessary, before I spoke again.

"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting you to be here," he cocked an eyebrow, "not whilst I am," a flicker of pain passed over his face and he walked around the table – pausing at the tip of the barrier – I took a small step closer.

"I made a promise to you weeks ago. I promised that I wasn't going to be like him. I've already broken more promises to you, then I'd care to admit to you, and I refuse to keep doing it. I'm going to fight through the pain Bella, rather than run from it," and just like that the invisible barrier broke, we stumbled into each others arms and grasped each other tightly.

"I'm sorry," I whispered into his chest.

"Me too," he murmured into my hair,"I shouldn't have been so rash, should've let you explain. I was just too afraid that you were going to choose him, and too scared to watch."

He released me and we both sat in a peaceful silence, I was contemplating on how much I had hurt Jacob, and was continuing to hurt him, and how that hurt me. Only the loud grumble grumble of Jacob's stomach broke the silence. We both laughed and he stood and walked to the fridge.

"Better feed the beast," he said and opened the door, "what would you like?"

"Let me cook," I asked shuffling in beside him and causing him to move over a bit. "I haven't cooked in ages," he smiled and I felt the warmth, that had been absent for days, seeping back into my heart.

"I do miss your cooking," he conceded. I smiled triumphantly. He filled his glass once more and sat watching me at the table.

"Where's Billy?" I asked wishing to fill the silence.

"Sue's," he replied. I nodded.

"Are – um, are we spending the day together? I asked tentatively, he beamed at me.

"If you want to."

"Of course I do. Have you any plans?" he swallowed nervously, and I looked up worried.

"The Cullens are moving today, and we have to oversee it, make sure they go for good," I swallowed my heartbreak and nodded. "You want to go?" he asked and I looked up in surprise.

"I can go? I can say goodbye?"

"If you want to," he clenched his jaw and I knew he was fighting his wolf.

"Only if you come with me."

"You want me there?"

"I need you there," I replied desperately. His eyes softened and he nodded.

"I'll always be there, if you need me," he replied softly, and I could see love shining though his eyes.

I nodded and went back to cooking the lunch. Once ready, we sat and ate in a comfortable silence. His mere presence was enough to sooth my soul and make me feel at peace. Odd considering I'd always feel tense and inapt around the Cullens. Such similar people in the way of power, yet, so different in every other way.

"You ready?" he asked. I had been so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I hadn't noticed that he had finished. The dishes had been washed and now he sat watching me apprehensively.

"No," I replied truthfully, but standing all the same, "but it's my only chance for closure."

He nodded, "I'll be with you the whole time," he said grabbing my hand and leading me out the front door. We got to his car and he let go of my hand to hop into the drivers side.

"Jacob," I said and he stopped at the door, "when we get there, don't let go," I pleaded.

"I won't unless you ask me too," he replied smiling. I nodded and we both hopped into the car. He started the engine, squeezed my hand reassuringly and backed out of the driveway.

XXX

My heart pounded painfully hard as we pulled into the Cullen's drive way. Now that I had thought about it properly, I wasn't too sure I could do this. Wouldn't it just be easier if I just let them go? Why did I always have to make things harder on myself?

When we arrived I waited until Jacob had gotten out before opening my door, he strolled round quickly and helped me out. I jumped into his arms and my body grazed his tightly as I slid to my feet. I felt every contour of his delectable physic, and it made me tremor. Jake smiled and grabbed my hand.

Leading me round the truck I came face to face with the Cullens. All surrounding their expansive collection of expensive cars. Edward stood at the door of the palatal home. I didn't look at him directly, but gripped Jacob's hand harder.

Alice came forward tentatively and I embraced her with one arm. Keeping at tight hold on Jacob kept their iciness at bay. Once Alice released me, Jacob gently pulled me back to him, so that I was standing tightly to his side. Two wolves – Sam and Jared – appeared at his side, but stood slightly further back.

"Do they need to be here?" she asked icily.

"Yes," I replied quietly.

"I was hoping we'd get to say goodbye without any interference,"

"I asked Jake to be here, and you knew the wolves would be here." I replied unrelenting.

"I can stand by the car if you want," Jake said and I looked at him. "Say goodbye properly and I'll wait for you by the car." I thought about that. It would be nice to say goodbye properly, but at the same time I didn't want to let him go, and I certainly wasn't going to order him away.

Alice interrupted my thoughts "and Edward, can he too say goodbye?" she snarled.

"Yes," Jacob replied intent on being the bigger man, "but he doesn't get to touch her."

"He won't," Carlisle reassured, heeding Jacob's warning. Alice tutted.

I looked back at Jacob trying to make my decision. "You don't have to order me away," he smiled guessing my hesitation. "you'll be in my line of vision, so I can stand back of my own accord." I smiled relieved, but hesitated in letting go.

Jacob pulled me tightly to him and I wrapped my arms around him, no longer caring about hiding how much I truly needed Jacob. He lent down to whisper in my ear "I'm right here if you need me, I promised I would be." I knew they could hear everything, but still I was comforted by the safety he provided in that little moment.

I breathed in his scent and stepped back. I watched him walk the few steps back to the car before turning to the Cullens. Edward had came down from his hiding place but stood to the back of the group.

"I don't know what to say except thank you, for all the things you done for me in the past year, and I'm sorry that it has turned out this way," they nodded and one by one they stepped forward to hug me, bar Jasper and Edward.

"You'll always be family to us," Esme said as she held me tight and for the first time, I let a few tears fall.

I gave them a watery smile and turned to Edward to say a final goodbye, when an almighty howl rent through the air.

"Bella," Jacob called in warning, but he didn't need too, as I was already rushing back to him. I tripped in my haste to get back to safety, and Jacob caught me. He pulled me into his arms and held on tightly looking out towards the forest. Sam ran back towards the tree line and disappeared for a few minutes.

"What's happening?" I asked. I could feel the fear rolling off him and spreading through me like wildfire. He gripped me tighter to his side, but said nothing instead he continued to stare out into the tree line.

A few tense seconds later and Sam came running out in human form.

"Victoria's back!" he yelled and I felt Jacob quiver beside me. "Charlie is in La Push but we need to go now."

"Come on. I need to get you somewhere safe, where the pack can protect you properly," Jacob said and steered me towards the car.

"Wait!" Edward called and he grabbed my arm. He pulled me out of Jacobs grasp completely, unintentionally hurting me in the process.

A loud growl rumbled from deep within Jacobs chest making Edward let go completely. The rest of the Cullens had moved forward, willing to protect. Sam stood in-between us, facing the Cullens a fierce look upon his face.

"Jacob," I said his face softened as he looked at me and the anger subsided. "I'm OK," I said hoping to placate him.

"He hurt you, I saw you wince," he growled back.

"It wasn't intentional," I tried

"It never fucking is with him. He never means to hurt you," he spat sarcastically and I flinched.

"We can help," Edward pleaded.

"How?" Sam commanded. Edward faced him.

"We can provide extra protection for Bella."

"From one fucking leech?" Jacob growled "We got it thanks," he spat sarcastically.

"Not just one," Alice said. "I've had a vision."

"Convenient," Jake spat.

"Well, you mentioned she was close, so I zeroed in on her. She's on her way back to Seattle, she seems to have created a new born army. She still thinks that Bella is with Edward, and is of the opinion that the newborns can kill us."

"We can stay, to help Bella," Carlisle spoke. Sam considered the proposition before speaking.

"Arrangements will have to be made. Edward and Alice aren't trusted alone with Bella, they'll have to be paired with a wolf during patrols." he said in an authoritative manner. Jacob growled in frustration.

"We can come to some sort of arrangement," Carlisle replied politely.

Carlisle and Sam began talking and Carlisle suggested going inside to discuss it. As we were walking I pulled myself completely flush with Jacobs side and he held me tightly in return.

"Are you OK with this?" I asked. He looked at me with such loving eyes that my heart broke even further.

"Anything to keep you safe," he whispered letting his hot breath fan my face. I let out a shaky breath and Jacob smirked in response.

XXX

We spent hours at the Cullen's going over plans for shifts, attacks, huntings, and schooling. The whole entire thing made me uneasy. All of them, were putting their lives at risk to save mine, and what terrified me most was the wolves being in danger, particularly Jacob. I wiped tears from my eyes again, and rubbed my wrist gently. It was very tender from where Edward had grabbed me in a panic.

"That must be the thousandth time you've wiped away your tears," he spoke softly, but his unexpected appearance made me jump. He chuckled and sat upon the counter that I was standing by in the kitchen. He grabbed my wrist gently and began rubbing it. I winced at first and Jacob let out a noise that sounded like a strangled cry, but he hid it by coughing and continued to rub my arm. His heat was like a soothing balm and it began to hurt less.

"I'm scared of loosing you all." I whispered. I saw Edward creep closer to us. A move not lost on Jacob, and he gently grabbed my jacket and moved me closer to him so that I was standing in between his legs.

"I promise you I won't leave you," he said softly.

"What if something beyond your control forces you to break that promise," I whimpered, and I could see the pain in his eyes at my words.

"With all of us fighting in this fight, we will win, Bella," he said desperately.

I shook my head and removed my self from in-between his legs and ran outside using the nearest available door. I gulped in lungfuls of air as tears streamed down my face. Jacob followed me.

"Bella we will win," Jacob said defiantly.

"You don't understand Jake," I cried.

"Then help me too, Bella, let me in," he yelled frustrated. I noticed the house had gone very quiet and I felt uncomfortable. I raced down the steps towards the car, desperate to get away from my feelings. But Jacob stopped me at the bottom.

"Don't leave me!" he cried out desperately, clinging onto me.

"God no, I would never," I cried just as desperately, he breathed a sigh of relief, "Jake, I'm terrified."

"I know," he sighed, "but you just need to trust me," he leaned forward and placed a kiss on-top of my head before resting his forehead against mine. "Please," he whispered. I nodded and he pulled me flush into his body.

We stood for ten minutes huging one another tightly. Our bond had strengthened as I opened my heart up to trust him, and I was glad of it. It made me feel safer.

"Come on, let's get you home, the others can fill me in on what I missed tomorrow," he said and led me to the car. We got in and without saying goodbye to anyone we drove off.

A.N. Right so as you may have noticed Bella is literally clinging to Jacob in this chapter, and I want to explain that it is the imprint. It's changing her, but with her love for Edward still confusing her and her upset at them leaving, she doesn't realise the change is happening. I'm hoping that in the next chapter or two, Bella will wake up to her feelings.