A month went by before I heard from Bella. That month was torture. She was in my thoughts every day. Jasper assured me that she would be okay. I was glad to hear that but I still wasn't satisfied until I got to see the woman I loved, living and breathing.
Although I still hate Edward Cullen, he did help save her. I could see how much he loved her when Jackson had her. I knew that if Jackson succeeded in killing Bella, it would destroy him. Edward would have gotten revenge for it, but he would have been devastated. When he was holding her while Jasper and I tore Jackson apart, his eyes showed love. They were black like Jasper's, but that was because of the battle. Edward could smell her blood from the puncture wounds, but that didn't deter him. He covered the wounds and told her he loved her.
My emotions have been on a roller coaster lately. Although the treaty stands, I want to invite Jasper and Edward onto the reservation to thank them properly. But I knew I couldn't do that. They were still the enemy. I couldn't go consorting with them. Just because Bella was out of the woods right now doesn't mean they won't snap in the future and try to kill her. Regardless of everything, they are still filthy bloodsuckers.
Bella pulled up to the borderline on her bike. She gave me a warm smile.
"Looks who's back from the dead," I said. She giggled.
"Yes, I am."
"How's your neck?" I asked, looking her over. She cocked her head to the side so I could get a better look. She smelled of strawberries and cream. I groaned.
"No pain. Can you see the puncture wounds?" she asked.
"Not very well," I said. I pulled away. She continued. "They are almost completely gone. Carlisle said Edward's saliva started the healing process. He sealed the wounds when he ran his tongue over them and they immediately started to heal. In a few months, they will be non-existent."
"Good," I said. She was still sitting on her bike. I took her hand. "Look, I never got to thank Jasper and Edward for helping. Don't get me wrong, they are still filthy bloodsuckers. I still despise Edward, mainly for what he has." I looked her directly in the eye. She scowled at me.
"But they did great helping me and helping you. I can tell that they both love you very much. And as much as I hate to admit it, I can tell you love them too. I saw the love you have for Edward in your eyes while he was holding you. It is evident that the two of you are meant to be."
Bella smiled at me. I continued. "That doesn't mean that I won't continue to fight for you. You know I love you too, even if it's not requited. But I know have more understanding of your relationship with that leech."
She chuckled. "You still have to insult them."
"I'm getting better," I said. She laughed and moved a strand of hair behind her ear. I gasped at what I saw.
"What is that?" I asked. She looked quizzically at me. "That, on your hand." She looked down and smiled. I drew in my breath sharply.
"I don't believe it," I said, trying to remain calm. "You are going to marry him?"
"Jacob, you just said that you understand that we love each other."
"That was before I saw that you agreed to marry him. So it looks like he still has plans to kill you." She narrowed her eyes at me.
"No he doesn't. In fact, he asked me to marry him before I became like them."
I stared at her. So she is going to join them? He agreed to do it? She knew what I was saying and stopped me. "Jacob, the only way I could get him to agree to my immortality was to agree to marry him. I love him so much. It'll be okay."
I started to protest but she cut me off. "Really Jacob, it's not your business!" she snapped.
My jaw dropped. The fire in her was unexpected. But endearing. As I said before, Edward knew how to pick a girl.
I sighed, resigned. "Fine. You do what you think is best. But I will never stop fighting for you Bella. And your mortality. But I respect your decision."
She smiled at me. "No you don't. But thanks for saying it Jacob. Look I have to get back. Edward and I have to tell Charlie; I can only imagine what will happen. It's a good thing bullets don't faze him. I may not be so lucky though."
I took her hand again. The ring was beautiful. It was old, probably an heirloom. I kissed her hand. "Okay. Good luck."
She turned the bike around and rode away. I needed a run to clear my head. I started running and phased on my way.
I have to let her go. It's hard, but that's what love is. Edward let her go because he loved her. But they are meant to be, sick as it sounds. I will always love her and she will know that. But I will let her go. Because no matter what, she is my friend. And friends are always there for each other.
I thought back over the past few months. A lot has happened, with my brother coming back from the dead, Bella's life being threatened and her engagement. But nothing can top that I am still alive. Regardless of everything, life goes on. And I will go on with it.
I kept running until the sun set. Nothing would ever top the beauty of this moment. The girl I loved was alive and so was I. What more could a werewolf want?
The End.