Lost

Disclaimer; all characters and copyright belong to SM.

A/N-thank you for the kind reviews and for following this story!

Chapter Ten

"How's Bella?" Charlie asked worriedly when Jacob finally emerged from his room.

"She's sleeping now." Jacob wished that he could ease the older man's worry. His eyes flicked to his father. Billy looked pensive. Sue must have already had a quiet word with him about how bad Bella's condition really was. Charlie couldn't be kept in the dark for much longer. But Jacob wouldn't say anything without the agreement of his father.

"I might go and sit with Bells for a while." Charlie smiled tiredly. "Thanks for looking out for her kid. Night, Billy." He called to his friend.

"Goodnight, Charlie." Billy watched his friend walk down the hall until he reached Jacob's room and disappeared inside. When the door closed he sighed heavily and rubbed a hand over his face. "I feel like a piece of shit right now."

"We have to tell him, dad." Jacob said quietly.

"I know." Billy met his son's concerned gaze. "I have so many regrets, Jake. My biggest one is keeping Charlie in the dark all these years. Things could have been so different if I had just been honest with him instead of adhering to ancient traditions and keeping my mouth shut. He's my oldest friend. I trust him with my life, so why didn't I trust him with the tribe's biggest secret."

Jacob knew all about regrets. "You did what you thought best at the time. None of us could have predicted it would turn out this way."

Billy's lined face was full of pride as he looked at his son. "I am so proud of you, Jake. The way you've handled things, the way you've helped Bella and Charlie. You've shown a maturity beyond your years."

A glimmer of a smile lit up Jacob's face. "Are you saying I've finally pulled my head out of my ass?" He teased in an attempt to lighten the tension.

Billy smiled too. "That's one way of putting it I suppose." His expression turned serious again. "Still, we need to move quickly. Before I say anything to Charlie I'd like Old Quil to see Bella. How do you feel about that? Sue said she had mentioned it to you."

"I don't know." Jacob frowned. He wasn't the elder's biggest fan. He had found some of Old Quil's past decisions a bit dubious. But young Quil always staunchly defended his grandfather.

"He's a good man, Jake." Billy insisted. "Even if the way he goes about things aren't always above board."

"That's a very polite way of putting it." Jacob glanced down the hall toward his room. It wasn't like they had any options anyway. Bella's health was failing and Jacob was willing to do anything to make her well again. "I'll talk to Bella about it first. I won't agree unless she's okay with it."

The next morning brought storm clouds and a few flakes of snow. The temperature had dropped overnight. Frost coated the ground and the tops of the trees. It was slippery underfoot. Jacob sneaked into his house by the back door. He had been patrolling for hours alongside his pack. It felt good to run with his brothers again. He had missed them. Whether Sam had Alpha ordered them or not, Jacob was thankful for their silent support. Even Leah and Paul, Bella's biggest detractors, kept their true thoughts to themselves. Jacob began to make himself a stack of toast for breakfast. All that running had made him famished. As he was buttering the sixth slice Billy rolled his chair into the kitchen alongside Charlie. Jacob noted how worn out Charlie looked. He bet Bella's father hadn't slept a wink but instead kept a silent vigil at his daughter's bedside.

"How's Bells?" He asked casually.

"Awake." Charlie smiled tiredly. "I thought I'd make her some coffee to go with her cereal."

"I'll do that." Jacob offered. "You make yourself comfortable." He looked at the stack of toast. "I made some for everyone." He lied. His stomach rumbled in protest as the two men grabbed some of the buttered slices. Jacob ignored his hunger and proceeded to pour a bowl of cornflakes, adding some cinnamon on top of it just the way Bella used to like it. He made some coffee and grabbed a tray. "I'll just take in to her."

"Thanks, kid." Charlie said gratefully.

Jacob paused outside the door to his room. He could hear Bella's shallow breathing coming from inside. It worried him that she was even struggling to draw breath. He nudged the door open with his elbow as he carried the tray inside. "Breakfast for the princess." He declared with a bright smile when he entered the room.

Bella raised her head and looked at him. Her eyes were bright, glistening. It was obvious that she had been crying. But upon seeing him she tried to match his big smile with one of her own. They were both pretending that everything was fine and ordinary; it was their only way of coping. "You didn't need to make me anything." Bella's stomach churned at the thought of eating the cereal.

"It's only cornflakes." Jacob winked at her playfully. "Even I can't manage to burn those."

Bella's smile faltered as she failed to recognise the inside joke. She had forgotten that Jacob was an infamously bad cook. She used to tease him constantly about the fact that he struggled to even boil an egg. "Oh." She didn't say anything but watched as he placed the tray across her lap. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome." Jacob pulled up a chair and stretched out his long legs. "I added some cinnamon." He pointed out. "It's your favourite."

"I'm so lucky you know me so well." Bella smiled gratefully as she picked up the spoon. Her brown eyes met his and they gazed at each other for a long moment. She was the first to drop her eyes as she cleared her throat awkwardly. "Well here goes then." She raised the spoon to her lips and tentatively put the cornflakes in her mouth. They tasted awful and she tried not to gag. But underneath that she could taste the spice of the cinnamon. It exploded on her tongue and her eyes opened wide. "I can taste it." She said with her mouth full. "I can taste it."

Jacob could hear the delight in her voice. He grinned, sharing in her happiness as he watched her delve the spoon into the cornflakes and shove them in her mouth. She scrunched her nose up at the initial taste but then her expression smoothed out once the tang of the cinnamon kicked in. "That's a positive sign, Bells. Isn't it?" Jacob asked.

"Yes." Bella swallowed the cornflakes quickly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything." Jacob said eagerly.

"Can you get me more of that cinnamon stuff and add it to my coffee." Bella felt laughter bubbling in her throat at the disgusted expression on his face. He looked too funny. But this sudden burst of happiness rendered her unconscious. To Jacob's horror he saw Bella slump forward in a dead faint.

Bella felt groggy. She felt something warm touching her cheek. She finally managed to open her eyes and Jacob's handsome face swam into view. He looked distraught. He was cupping her cheek in his left hand. His other was on her shoulder, keeping her upright. Bella blinked a few times, feeling puzzled. "What happened?" She asked hoarsely.

"You blacked out." Jacob was very upset. He blamed himself. "I am so sorry."

"Why are you sorry?" Bella was confused.

"I should have been more careful. I was just so happy that you were happy and…"

"It's not your fault." Bella said faintly as she placed her hand over his. She didn't exactly know what he was blaming himself for; her memories of the last few minutes had been wiped. She didn't tell Jacob that though. Instead she tried to make light of the situation. She noticed a tray on the bedside cabinet. It was covered in a dark liquid. It smelled like coffee. Maybe she had spilled it. "Oops." She continued with a faint smile. "I'm so clumsy."

"Bells." Jacob was caught between wanting to laugh and cry. She looked so darn cute. He pressed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry, honey."

He had called her honey. Bella found she liked that endearment. It slipped her mind that he had often used it in the past. She smiled at him innocently as he opened his eyes again and drew back so he could study her sweet face. "Are you okay?" He asked in concern.

Bella's skin broke out into a cold sweat. She felt the beads of perspiration coat her forehead. Her clothes clung to her. She felt mortified. She could tell that Jacob had noticed. "I think I might have a shower. Is that okay?" She asked politely.

"Of course." Jacob was still holding her cheek. Bella gently pushed his hand away. She noticed that the pads of his fingers were coated in her sweat. She felt even more embarrassed. She couldn't see the bright spots of red that coated her cheeks as the blood rushed to her face. But Jacob did. It brightened her wan complexion and returned her skin to its former creaminess. He could hear Bella's heart racing in her chest. He let go and watched in fascination as the rosiness in her cheeks dimmed. Jacob touched her again, almost at once her skin flooded with colour again. What was causing this strange phenomenon? It had to mean something.

Bella was totally unaware of any of this. She just continued to feel embarrassed and dirty. Why was he looking at her so oddly? He must think she was a freak. "I need to have a shower." She said thickly.

"Yeah…sorry." Jacob gave her a sheepish smile. He helped her to rise. She was very weak and unsteady on her legs. He put one arm around her and helped her to the bathroom. "Do you need any help?" He asked.

"No, I'm fine from here." Bella avoided his gaze as she slipped inside the bathroom. She paused before turning to face him again. "Thank you, Jacob." She smiled tentatively at him before carefully closing the door.

Jacob walked straight into the Uley's small cabin without knocking. It had always been the pack's unofficial headquarters. He smelt the familiar aroma of muffins. Emily was baking again. He found her in the kitchen. It was the biggest room of the house. A large table took centre stage. Embry and Paul were lounging at the table, both waiting for the next batch of muffins to come out of the oven. Jacob greeted Emily and took his place at the table.

"What gives?" Paul said to Jacob.

Jacob watched as Embry cuffed Paul around the back of his head. "You don't ask what gives, you ask how Bella is." He admonished him.

"At least I asked. What more do you want?" Paul rubbed the back of his head and glared at Embry.

Embry just smirked at Paul's whining. It faded as he faced his best friend. "Is Bella okay?" He asked sympathetically.

"She's coping." Jacob traced one finger on the worn wood of the Uley's table. "I came here looking for Quil."

"He left a few moments ago." Emily interjected as she laid a fresh batch of muffins in the middle of the table. She slapped Paul's hand with the back of a wooden spoon as he made a grab for one. "They're still hot." She chastised him.

"What is it rag on Paul day?" He complained, folding his arms across his chest and pouting like a little kid.

Emily just rolled her eyes. She turned her attention to Jacob. "I've put some muffins aside for Bella." She told him softly. "I thought she might like them. I'll put them in a plastic container so you can take them back with you."

"Thanks Em." Jacob gave her a tired smile.

"I also thought I might visit with her, if she feels up for some company." Emily suggested hopefully.

"I think she would like that." Jacob agreed. "Well I better hunt down Ateara." He said getting up.

"Paul can do that." Emily raised her eyebrows at Lahote. "Can't you?" She said meaningfully.

"What am I the pack's mule?" Paul complained.

"If the tag fits." Embry punched him in the shoulder. Paul scowled in annoyance.

"Oh go on, Paul." Emily said with a teasing smile. "There might be some extra muffins in it for you."

Paul's expression smoothed out as he smacked Embry around the back of the head in retaliation before hurrying from the cabin.

There was none of the usual playfulness about Quil as he walked beside his best friend. Quil had changed a lot in the last couple of years. His controversial imprint with Claire had matured him. He was much more serious now. "My grandfather wants to help." He said to Jacob.

"Sue already asked him." Jacob guessed.

"Yes, she came around last night. Seeing Bella like that really affected her." Quil saw a flicker of anguish cross Jacob's face before he hid it again just as quickly. Quil felt sorry for his friend. He and Embry had borne the brunt of Jacob's despair when Bella had married Edward Cullen and supposedly left for good to become one of them. His friend had taken a long time to recover and get back to a good place emotionally. But now Bella had returned and was causing a different kind of problem. Quil felt sympathy for Bella's plight but he was saddened on his friend's behalf because he could see the effect it was having on Jacob.

"She's bad Quil." Jacob kicked at a stone on the ground. He couldn't look his friend in the eye. "She has already been through so much."

"So have you." Quil reminded him.

"That doesn't matter anymore." Jacob finally raised his head and met Quil's eyes. He dropped his mask and finally allowed his best friend to see the depths of his despair.

"You can trust my grandfather, Jake." Quil said earnestly. "Let him help."

Jacob didn't know why but he needed to hear reassurance from someone close to the old man. He couldn't doubt the sincerity in Quil's voice. "Okay then. If Bells agrees let's do this."

Bella was scared. She didn't know who Jacob was talking about. She sat on the porch swing with him. She was wrapped in a thick blanket. It covered her head. Her nose was red from the cold. Charlie had been ambivalent about his sick daughter going outside into the cold, but Bella was tired of being cooped up indoors. She wanted to breathe in some fresh air. Charlie had finally caved in after she promised to wrap up warmly.

"You remember Quil's grandfather. He was always at the bonfire meetings." Jacob reminded her.

"He was." Bella tried to picture this elusive old man in her mind but she just couldn't remember. She was getting increasingly frustrated at the gaps in her memory. She was frightened.

"Yes." Jacob had his arm across the back of the porch swing. He absently played with the ends of her silky hair. "Old Quil is one of the few members of the tribe who was alive during the time of the previous pack." He revealed.

Bella was intrigued despite her fears. "Exactly how old is he?"

"No one knows." Jacob shrugged. "But he is very knowledgeable and he wants to help."

"Help how?" Bella didn't think she could endure anymore scrutiny.

"I'm not sure." Jacob admitted. He sat forward making the porch swing sway. He looked at Bella earnestly. "It's worth a try isn't it Bells?" His dark eyes roamed her wan face.

"If you think it's a good idea, then okay. I trust you." Bella agreed eventually. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

The Cullen's mansion loomed large in the darkness. Sam and Jared could just make out the faded white walls of the large, graceful building. It was rectangular and well proportioned. The southern wall was made entirely of glass. The tall panes reflected the surrounding forest. In the distance the two wolves could make out the sound of the Calawah river. They had been watching the place for hours. Sam wanted the Cullen's old residence under twenty four hour watch. Carlisle Cullen had hinted that they were going to follow Jacob and Bella back to Forks and he wanted to know as soon as they returned.

"This whole place gives me the creeps." Jared pretended to shudder.

Sam shared Jared's uneasiness. His keen eyes scanned the immediate area. There was no sign of movement. Even the wildlife seemed subdued. He had hoped never to have to spend time around this place ever again. Once the Cullens had left after the infamous wedding, Sam would never have expected that only eighteen months later he would be spying on the old mansion again. He tried to hide his resentment but Jared picked up on it.

"You wish she had never come back." Jared said through the pack mind link.

"It's irrelevant what I think." Sam replied bitterly.

"But you resent Jacob for getting involved with her shit again." Jared continued. "You're not the only one who feels like that."

"Well she's here so we have to deal." Sam strained his eyes and ears for any sign of movement.

"Do we?" Jared pressed. "I mean she married the thing. It was her choice."

Sam turned his head to look at his beta. The brown wolf gazed back at him, meeting his Alpha's penetrating stare with his own. "Whatever reservations you have, bury them." Sam ordered. "Bella is on our lands. She is human still which mean she needs protecting just like everyone else."

"Is she though?" Jared wouldn't be silenced. He knew he was pushing it but he was determined to press his point. "From what you and Jake shared she could be something else altogether."

Sam emitted a low rumbling growl. "I have seen Bella with my own two eyes. She is still human."

"For now." Jared muttered under his breath until Sam silenced him once and for all with an Alpha command.

Charlie and Billy were playing cards at the kitchen table. Bella was asleep in Jacob's room while he was dozing on the couch. Billy was doing his best to try and distract his friend but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Charlie was talking about filing a complaint against the Cullens and getting restraining orders put in place to keep Edward away from Bella. As if that would make any difference! Billy knew the time was drawing near when he had would have to tell his oldest friend the truth. But he was afraid. He could already picture the look of betrayal on Charlie's face and worried that this could kill their friendship forever. Billy didn't know how he would cope if Charlie cut all ties with him because of his lies. How could he even begin to explain? He sighed and dealt another hand. Old Quil was coming to see Bella in the morning, Billy hoped with all his heart that the elder could help Charlie's daughter.

"You alright, Billy?" Charlie asked.

"I'm fine." Billy smiled wearily.

"You seem distracted." Charlie looked at his friend keenly.

"This is my poker face." Billy joked lamely.

Charlie just rolled his eyes as he picked another card and added it to his others. He sighed as he studied his cards. He was definitely on a losing streak.

It was midnight. Sam and Jared were still watching the mansion. It was snowing now. The winds had died down but there was a chill in the air. The flakes began to blanket the ground turning everything white. If the atmosphere wasn't so tense then the view would be beautiful. Sam knew that Jared was still pissed because he had cut off their conversation. He didn't need Cameron to fuel his own doubts. He was the leader. He had to remain focused and in control.

"Sam, look." Jared's urgent voice pierced his thoughts.

Sam rose on his hind legs as he heard the sound of crunching gravel. A sleek black Mercedes swept down the driveway its lights highlighting the imposing building up ahead. Sam tensed as he exchanged a knowing look with Jared. Moments later the car pulled up and the lights were turned off. Everything went dark, but with their keen eyesight the wolves could clearly see the three shadowy figures emerging from the Mercedes.

"They're back." Sam felt sick to the pit of his stomach. Despite his best efforts it was starting all over again. "We need to warn Jacob." He said to Jared as he stealthily led his pack brother away from the vamp's lair, making a concerted effort not to leave any trace of their presence behind them.

A/N-thanks for reading!