A/N: So yes, I am going to beg again for reviews. ;) Authors apparently need their egos stroked! Though I thank all who do take the time to review – I'm very happy for that! I welcome praise, constructive criticism, and ideas even. I can't guarantee anything, but I've gotten a couple ideas from others already!

Had this song playing while I was writing the end of this chapter – Ween "Stay Forever" - and it sort of fit for me with Jake about how he feels for Bella. Check it out on YouTube if you want; it's a beautiful song.

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I was lost, locked inside, afraid to breathe. Charlie shouldn't have to suffer because vampires – and God knows what else – wanted me dead. How was that fair? What did he do to deserve this? My arms and legs felt heavy; I couldn't see anything except Charlie's face. I knew I had to get up, to go to him, but my body wasn't responding to my brain's signals. I was in an endless loop of guilt, of fear, and I couldn't focus.

There was only one thing that could break my focus; I felt the press of Jacob's hands on my face. It penetrated the haze of fear my mind and body were locked in. His face wavered into focus. I could see the messy dark hair framing his face. His full lips were moving – mouthing my name. Those beautiful, dark eyes were full of worry.

I began to hear him. "Bella, honey, snap out of it," he said, shaking me a little.

The worry in his eyes pulled me from the bubble of fear. "Jake," I gasped.

His hands stroked my face, my neck, and he gently pulled me into a quick hug. "Come on, we have to go," he said.

The urgency to see Charlie spurred me into action. I yanked my jeans on, not even bothering to change out of Jake's shirt. Jake was ready, Billy was ready in his chair when I flew into the kitchen.

"I'm going to get Billy into the Rabbit, Bella. Call the hospital. The phonebook is over there," he said quickly, pointing in the direction of a drawer by the telephone.

I wanted to race for the door, but I knew I could not sit for an hour in the car not knowing Charlie's condition. I grabbed the phonebook and flipped through the pages, looking for the hospital in Hoquiam. My hands were shaking so badly, I could barely turn the pages. What if we were too late? I kept trying to tell myself to calm down; we had no idea yet of the seriousness of the attack. My vision blurred and I gripped the counter, sucking in a deep breath.

No panicking. It won't help.

I found the number and dialed the hospital. A receptionist answered, sounding bored.

"My father is in the hospital there. Can you connect me to who I need to speak with? His name is Charles Swan." My voice was husky, pained.

There was a shuffling sound. "I'll connect you to the nurse's station. Please hold," she said in her monotone voice.

I waited what seemed like forever. "Hello?" another bored voice said.

"I need to find out about my father. His name is Charles Swan. He was admitted this morning?"

More paper shuffling. I was ready to scream.

"Yes, there is a Charles Swan listed here. He's being examined right now."

"But is he okay?" My voice had taken on a pleading sound. "Please."

The nurse's voice was a little softer, more sympathetic. "I don't know much, hon. I caught a glimpse as he was brought in – looked pretty banged up. He was asking for Bella. Is that you?"

I nearly collapsed on the floor. My throat was aching from the press of tears. "Yes. I'm on my way. Thank you!" I hung up and flew out the door.

Jake had finished getting Billy settled, and I catapulted myself into the backseat as Jake peeled out of the driveway. "Did you find anything out?" Billy asked, worry tingeing his voice.

"Not much. She just said he was pretty banged up and was asking for me."

We lapsed into silence as Jake flew down the highway. The tears began forming again in my eyes, but I struggled to fight them back. My throat continued to ache from it. I glanced up at one point and met Jacob's eyes in the rearview mirror. He was watching me, his brows pulled together. I wanted to touch him so badly; I wanted the comfort he could give me. I sniffed quietly and I saw his hand slide back along the console. My smile wobbled; he knew me so well. I reached forward and laid my hand in his. He gently squeezed my hand, holding onto me for a few precious minutes.

The time seemed to drag as we drove toward Hoquiam. My mind wouldn't settle down; I wanted to see Charlie so badly, and I kept picturing him in the woods, not knowing what was going on. I swallowed hard. What on earth had attacked him if it wasn't a vampire? A dim recollection of last night came to my mind as we drove into the city. Jacob had said a couple pack members had been in Hoquiam – I assumed to keep an eye on Charlie. Were they there when this happened? I couldn't imagine they had been taken by surprise, though if it wasn't a vampire, I guess that was a possibility.

My thoughts were cut short when we reached the hospital. I practically flew from the car.

"Go Bella," Jake said. "I'll get Billy out and catch up to you. Go see Charlie."

I grasped his hand once and then ran into the hospital. The thought flitted through my mind - as I ran toward any kind of desk where someone could point me in the right direction – that at least I could actually run now without falling. For the most part.

I was breathless as I reached the reception desk. "Please," I managed to gasp. "Can you tell me where my father is? Charles Swan."

The woman at the desk gaped at me for a second and then checked the computer. "Charles Swan…" she murmured. I kept shifting my feet anxiously, ready to jump over the desk to help her. As I began to seriously consider that, she found him. "He's on the 3rd floor. Room 331."

I waved my hand in thanks as I rushed down the hall to find an elevator or the stairwell. Sideswiping a middle-aged woman, I hurried to the steps next to the bank of elevators and hurried up the steps to the third floor. There was a stitch in my side as I reached the floor I wanted. Apparently I needed more practice with Jake and the pack as I tried to slow my breathing.

My breathing under control, I found Room 331 and the door was opening just as I went to go in. A nurse came out and we nearly collided.

"Whoa, wait a minute," she said. Her brown hair was in a no-nonsense bun and she had a firm set to her lips. So help me, if she tried to stop me from going in there…

"My father is in there," I said, my voice cracking.

Her expression softened. "Bella?"

"Yes," I whispered, nerves sending my heart fluttering like the wings of a bird.

"He's a bit beat up, honey. But he should be fine."

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully, struggling not to cry. I had to be strong for Charlie.

She laid a hand on my shoulder and then left me to walk into his room. I eased the door open and carefully peeked around the corner, scared of what I would see. The light was harsh; fluorescent. The room had that faint sickly-sweet scent to it. My eyes took in all the white.

White was everywhere.

White reminded me of nothingness.

The bed was white, narrow, and my eyes landed on Charlie in the bed. His face was also white; leeched of color. His slightly curly hair was sticking out on one side; the other side of his head was bandaged. In white. His lips looked dry. Was he thirsty? He wasn't a very big man, but he looked so small in the bed. My eyes trailed down to his hand resting at his side and I swallowed hard at the sight of the I.V. The cord trailed up to a machine that gave a soft beep.

His face was a little cut up and bruised. His arm was resting on his stomach, wrapped in a sling. I pressed my lips together. His eyes opened then and widened when he saw me. "Bella?" he croaked.

The sound of his voice and the bruises threw me back into my childhood for a moment.

Back to playing on the beach with Renee and Charlie; Charlie yelling at me to slow down as I ran around. I nearly always fell, too. I remembered how he would pick me up and they would both kiss the inevitable cut or bruise I suffered.

"Dad," I whispered, practically running in my haste to get to him.

Being careful of his arm, I lay my head on his chest. The tears finally began to fall.

"Oh sweetheart," he said, his voice a little choked. "I'll be okay. Don't cry."

I could barely breathe.

He stroked my hair with his good hand and let me cry it out. When the tears began to ebb, I just lay there listening to his heart beat. It was comforting. I heard movement outside the door and knew Billy and Jacob were out there. The door cracked open and I waved them in.

"Billy! Jake!" Charlie said, surprised.

Jake wheeled Billy over next to the bed and pulled up a chair next to me. "We had to make sure you were okay, old man," Billy said. His tone was light, but the worry was evident in his dark eyes.

"Dad, what happened?" I whispered.

He sighed, closing his eyes. "It was an impromptu decision to go in the woods this morning. There were about seven of us that went in to look for clues, because there had been an attack a day or so ago. We figured it wouldn't be too unsafe during the morning and with a bunch of us…"

His voice trailed off. He shook his head and continued. "We weren't far from each other. I was taking a scraping off of one of the trees. I heard nothing; saw nothing. I could hear some of the guy's talking actually, so it amazes me no one saw anything. It felt like some kind of an animal. It sounded like one. I felt something gash open my leg, and I hit a tree head-first. It grabbed hold of my arm and started pulling me and then rather suddenly, it disappeared."

I peeked toward Jake. His brow was furrowed. "It was an animal?"

"Yeah, I think so, but it felt like it was doing it deliberately. That doesn't make sense, though. I think I need more pain meds," he said with a wince.

I pressed the intercom quickly; and moments later the same nurse appeared. "Is it time for more meds, Chief Swan? I think you're just about due."

"Will he be released soon?" I asked as she got his medication.

"I'll get the doctor for you, and he can fill you in on the details," she said, giving me a professional smile.

When she left, Charlie shifted around in bed. "This damn bed is uncomfortable," he muttered. Jake easily shifted him so he was sitting a little more upright.

The doctor came in then with a clipboard. "Well, Chief Swan, I do believe we will be releasing you." We all breathed a sigh of relief. "We monitored you for a few hours and the concussion seems to be minor. Plenty of rest, no driving, no alcohol, and you should be on the mend in no time."

He smiled at me then. "Are you Bella? That was the only thing he said when he was brought in." I saw Charlie's face redden out of the corner of my eye.

I nodded, giving him a shaky smile in return. He handed me a bag with Charlie's medication. "He can take the medication on his own – just stick to the directions on the bottle," he instructed.

He signed a couple forms and before I knew it, Jake was wheeling Billy outside while I wheeled Charlie. The drive home was quiet – I could see Charlie was exhausted. The drive home went by quickly, each of us lost in our thoughts. When we finally reached Forks, I could visibly see Charlie relax. Jake helped him out of the car, and I winced as I watched Charlie limp to the door.

We got him settled on the couch where he immediately lay down and began to doze off. I felt a wave of sadness seeing him so beaten down. And anger at whatever had attacked him. Jake and I slipped into the kitchen. "Jacob…" I whispered. He just wrapped his arms around me and I burrowed into him.

"I'll talk to Sam. I'll find out what happened and call you later." He pressed his lips to the top of my head. "And I have to patrol tonight; I think Paul is taking over for me around two in the morning."

"Will you still come afterward?" I asked, not wanting to let him go.

"If it's not too late and you still want me to."

"Yes," I said simply. He tilted my chin up and kissed me softly.

After they left, I got what I could prepared of Charlie's favorite dish – beef stroganoff – for dinner. I also made him a sandwich and labeled it "lunch" since I had school the following day. After that I went upstairs and stripped his bed and re-made it with clean sheets. I got everything out that he would need for tonight and tomorrow morning. I did a little surface cleaning and then dropped onto my bed, more than a little tired.

I woke some time later, surprised I managed to fall asleep and not dream.

When I woke, it was close to dinner time, so I went downstairs to finish preparing dinner. I peeked in at Charlie – he had the television on, but seemed to be drifting in and out. The phone rang while the beef was sautéing.

"Hello?"

"Hey Bells." His voice never failed to make me smile.

"Jacob. Did you find anything out?"

He sighed. "Not a whole lot. It was Jared and Embry who were in Hoquiam last night. They said that nothing smelled off when they were checking around last night and early this morning. It apparently happened really fast. They said whatever it was – it wasn't a vampire."

"They were actually about to leave right before it happened, but they both said that suddenly something felt off, which is why they ran back to help Charlie. They missed it; they said it just disappeared so fast. So, it doesn't sound like it was just a random animal attack."

I tried to process that. What the hell was out there besides vampires and werewolves? I felt the tickle of fear at the base of my spine, causing the hairs to rise on the back of my neck.

"They're both really sorry, Bella," Jacob said, his voice soft.

"Oh Jake, make sure they know I don't blame them. I wish it turned out differently, obviously, but in no way should they think I'm mad at them. Please tell them that, Jake!"

"I will. How's Charlie doing?"

"He slept for quite awhile. He has ESPN on, but he seems to be dozing in and out. I'm going to get him up for dinner soon, though."

"Good idea. Well, I better get moving. I have some work in the garage to do and then I'll be patrolling. I'll be there when I'm done, Bells, as fast as possible."

I smiled as we hung up and went back to finish dinner. I prepared a salad and the sauce. While the pasta was cooking, I went in and woke Charlie. I helped him sit up, trying not to wince as I saw him struggle a little bit with his leg. I set up a tray for him and brought dinner in.

"Oh, this smells amazing, Bells," he murmured. "Thank you," he added, looking a little uncomfortable.

We ate in silence. I could tell he wasn't in the mood for conversation. I cleaned up afterwards and kept him company in the living room until he was ready to go upstairs. I pretty much ignored the show he turned on; my thoughts were on what attacked him. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised there could be other things out there when I dated a vampire and was currently dating a werewolf. It just sounded worse to me because this sounded like a premeditated attack on my father.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Charlie yawned and started to get up. "Here Dad, let me help," I said. He waved me off, but he was struggling. His leg must really be bothering him. I ignored his protest and took hold of his good arm. He gave a grumpy sigh, but let me help him to the steps. He made his way upstairs slowly. I got changed and ready for bed. I was just heading into my room when he called out to me. "Bells?"

I pushed open his door a crack. "Yeah, Dad?"

"Could…" he seemed to struggle with what he wanted to say. "Could you help me change this bandage? I can't bend over far enough to do it."

He was sitting on the edge of his bed, looking tired and horribly cranky. I didn't say anything, just leaned down and carefully peeled the bandage off his leg. My stomach did a slow roll when I saw the gash. I swallowed hard, willing myself to stay upright. I tried not to look at the raw skin pulled together with black thread. I swallowed hard again and breathed shallowly.

Charlie was too distracted by his incapability to notice my reaction. "Damn headache. Damn back won't even let me bend over."

I glanced up at him after I put a new bandage on, my breathing back to normal. "Dad," I chided. "Come on, you've been hurt. This is what we do for each other. Help out."

He smiled slightly. "Thanks Bells."

I headed back out into the hall, but turned to look at him. "I'm really glad you're okay. Don't scare me like that again."

He saluted me and I closed his door. I had no desire to do anything else, so I just crawled into bed. I just wanted to sleep until Jacob came. I couldn't settle down; every little shadow on the wall caused me to jump. Every noise made my heart pound.

All I could hear was panting. Low. Deep. I tried to hold still, but it seemed to echo off the surrounding trees. The fear had frozen me and now imminent doom caused me to flee. I couldn't hear anything following me – except for the panting.

"JACOB!" I screamed.

"Hey, hey, Bella… shh, it's okay! I'm here!"

I snapped to when Jake's voice penetrated my haze. I was gasping for air. Jake was kneeling by my bed, his hand stroking my hair, my face.

"Are you okay?" he whispered. His eyebrows were mashed together in concern.

"I think so," I whispered back. He got into bed with me and wrapped his long arms around me. In the protective circle of his arms, I relaxed. I wanted to stay awake and talk to him, but I was so groggy. I could barely keep my eyes open.

"Go back to sleep, Bella, its okay," he murmured. He kissed me softly, repeatedly, until I curled into his heat and drifted off.

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Jake woke me as usual before he left. I didn't want to let him go, I barely got to see him or talk to him. I knew he was working after school today, too. I reluctantly let go so I could get ready for school.

I got downstairs a little early and made eggs and bacon for Charlie before I left. I heard him coming slowly down the steps as I gathered my books and bit into my pop-tart. "Dad, breakfast is done. Lunch is in the fridge. Call me if you need anything. I'll be home the normal time since I don't have to work today."

He shook his head at me. "You're amazingly efficient for an eighteen year old. Thanks Bella." I could see the dark circles under his eyes; looked like Charlie didn't do that well with sleeping last night either. I gave him a reluctant good-bye wave and left.

School kept me busy, fortunately. The year was winding down and the prep work for our finals had begun. I was thankful it was nearly over. All the teachers kept us busy and the day went by in a blur. I was glad I took plenty of notes – I wasn't sure if anything had really sunk in during lectures; I was tired and trying not to think of panting animals in the woods.

Jake would come over after dinner whenever he could that week. I didn't want to leave Charlie alone just yet. He continued to come to my room late at night as well. I was always asleep when he came, so he would kiss me goodnight and I would kiss him goodbye in the morning. It was becoming very frustrating. We couldn't spend any time together and he was pretty quiet when he did come by in the evening. By the time Thursday came, Charlie was moving around easier. Sue Clearwater had stopped by to see how Charlie was doing with a covered casserole dish.

"Hon," she said, giving me an understanding smile. "Why don't you go down to La Push and visit Jake for a little while? I'll stay here with Charlie."

"I don't need a babysitter," Charlie commented from the living room.

Sue rolled her eyes at me. "How about some company?" He mumbled his consent and I took that as my opportunity to leave.

I made it to La Push in record time. I knocked, shifting impatiently. Billy opened the door. "Bella! I haven't seen you in a while. How's Charlie?"

"He's getting better. And crankier. Sue is staying with him, so I thought I'd make a break for it."

He laughed. "Well, Jake is over at Sam and Emily's. You can head over there."

I did just that. When I pulled up and walked to the door, I heard raised voices coming from inside. I froze with my hand in mid-air, about to knock.

"I'm not sure why this is coming up now, considering she and Jake have been dating for a little while," Embry's voice drifted out the window.

They were talking about me and Jake?

"It's because of Quil," Sam interjected. "We're just worried about Jake if he imprints. He and Bella are inseparable. This pack has the largest amount of imprinting in history. Think what this would do to them."

"Like you and Leah?" Seth's voice was sad. Apparently, Leah's little brother knew what had transpired.

I couldn't move from the step. Was Jake in there?

"That's apparently what they are worried about." Jake's voice was cold. "I don't need to imprint. I'm with the girl I'm meant to be with."

"It doesn't always work that way, Jake," Jared commented.

"Well, what do you suggest?" Jake's husky voice held a warning.

Everyone was silent.

"We don't want to see either of you get hurt," Sam finally said.

"There is no way in hell I'm leaving her. I can't, Sam. It's physically impossible." Jake's voice had turned soft, pleading.

I heard footsteps behind me and whirled around. Paul stepped out of the shadows. His face was inscrutable. "Well, Bella. You're causing quite a stir in there." He leaned against the side of the house.

Paul always made me uncomfortable. I didn't believe he was a bad guy, even though he had tried to attack me a number of months back. He just put me on edge. His eyes narrowed as he eyed me.

"It's not like I'm not happy for the two of you, but maybe Jake shouldn't be dating." His face wasn't malicious. I don't think he meant to hurt me, but somehow that made it worse.

I felt the first pinpricks of pain.

Doubts ran through my mind. What if I should stay away from Jake? Could I? I knew the answer to that was a resounding no. Our lives, our souls had become so intertwined the last couple of months that I had no idea anymore where he began and I ended. It would be like severing off a limb. My mind reeled at the thought of not being able to be with him. He was my light.

My own personal sun.

The boy who laughed hard, gave me warm soda, kissed me like there was no tomorrow, and held me when I was falling apart. He put me back together.

I nodded mutely at Paul and turned away, back toward my truck. I felt the sting of betrayal – I thought I had been accepted by them, but maybe I was too hasty in believing that. I dimly realized it had gone quiet in the house again.

"Bella?" Jacob's voice came from the open doorway, panicked.

He caught up to me as I reached the truck.

I barely had time to think before he had me pushed up against the truck, his hands in my hair, and his mouth on mine. His lips were persistent, pushing mine apart. I kissed him back, realizing he needed this. He had heard what Paul said and was afraid of losing me. My stomach ached at the thought and I wrapped my arms around him. The kiss wore me out emotionally. I didn't want Jake to be hurt; that was my only worry.

I glanced up and saw that everyone disappeared back into the house – to give us privacy.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that. And sorry that Paul can be such an insensitive donkey's ass," he tacked on, irritation obvious in his voice.

"Jake, what is going on with Quil?"

He sighed and leaned against the truck. "Quil imprinted. That makes three now." His voice was pained as he stared off into the woods.

I swallowed hard. Another pack member imprinted? Hadn't he said this was rare? It brought back all the unsettling feelings I had about this happening to Jake. Fear and pain twisted my stomach into knots. I wanted to be strong, to be brave, but it was hard to do that when I wanted him to stay with me. The pain of losing someone again was something that I wasn't sure I could handle again. I reached down and hugged my middle, huddling against the truck.

Jake noticed, because suddenly he had the truck door open and was pulling me onto his lap in the driver's seat. We didn't say much at first, he just held me. I rested my forehead against his neck and breathed in the scents that were such a comfort to me.

Pine needles. And rain. And sometimes he smelled of cinnamon.

I kissed his neck and pulled back. "Who did Quil imprint on?" I asked quietly.

He sighed. "It's going to sound very strange to you, Bella."

I frowned in confusion.

"It's Emily's niece, Claire."

I didn't get it. I pulled back to look at him. "How is that strange?"

He wouldn't meet my eyes. "Well, Claire is two," he murmured.

I froze, my eyes widening in shock. "Two??" I exclaimed. How could that be? That was just… wrong.

He frowned at me. "It's not like that, Bella. Quil will be whatever she needs him to be in different stages of her life. Since she's so young, his feelings are like if he was her big brother. Then maybe at one point she would need a friend and that's how it would be for him. Then when she's old enough, he would be her lover, her mate."

This imprinting was confusing.

"Jake, since imprinting keeps happening, does that mean…?" I couldn't bring myself to finish the question.

His jaw tightened. "You are the only one I want, Bella."

I stared out the truck window, watching the trees swaying in the rain-driven wind. The clouds scuttled across the sky, growing darker as night crept closer. The rain was a soft drizzle and it chilled me as the drops hit my legs. The moon was barely visible, a fingernail hanging in the sky.

"Am I holding you back?" I pondered softly, my eyes still watching the sky. "I don't think I have the strength to let you go, but Sam certainly seems worried about us being together. Maybe he wants you to stay away from me so you're free to imprint."

My hands instinctively tightened around his neck, though. Just the idea was enough to have me gasping for air at the thought of losing Jacob to some nameless, faceless girl.

His hands were shaking, the vibration moving up his arms. His jaw was so tight and his eyes so angry. And so sad.

"Bella, don't even think you are holding me back. You keep me going; keep me fighting so in the end I can be with you with no worries."

"You shouldn't have to worry. Maybe you're better off without me." My lips sought out his jaw, nuzzling into him. My actions were a huge contradiction to what I was saying. I wanted him to be happy, to not have his life be constantly threatened, so my weak attempts to tell him maybe he was better off without me were needless, because I couldn't stop touching him. I didn't think I could go on without him.

He twined his fingers in my hair, pulling my head back. His eyes were angry. "Bella, I love you. I have held back in saying that, not sure if you were ready to hear it, but you're starting to piss me off. Stop trying to give me an out. You aren't convincing anyone, least of all me, because you just keep holding on to me. I don't want anyone but you. I'm too in love with you."

In many ways, I knew that Jacob loved me, but to hear him say it… well, it hit me hard. This made it more difficult. I couldn't say it back yet and didn't he deserve better than that? Someone who was whole and could tell him she loved him? My body was warring with my lying words – thinking he was better off without me even as I pressed myself closer to him. The tears slid down my cheeks, pouring out my lies, to drip in little shining rivulets down his chest.

His eyes were pained as he tilted my chin up. "Bella…" he moaned. His lips sought mine. The kiss was gentle. Soft.

The glow of the moon got brighter as the clouds shifted. It lit up Sam and Emily's little house, and I could see them in the tiny window that looked into their living room. He usually looked so stern and unyielding when I saw him, but with her laughing at something, dark hair swinging, his face appeared soft. Loving. It made me sad seeing someone love so easily without complications. I envied them.

I looked back at Jake, the moon's glow causing his dark hair to shine, to illuminate his defined features. To think I once told him he was sort of beautiful – he was indescribably beautiful.

"Does the pack hate me for being here? With you? It seems Sam doesn't like the idea of us."

His dark eyes were expressive. I could clearly see the anger in them. "No, Bella. Paul's an insensitive prick and Sam is a pushy pain in the ass. But no one hates you."

As if on cue, Embry and Seth came trotting out of the house. I shifted off of Jake's lap, uncomfortable. I didn't really know what to think anymore.

"Bella," Embry said. He reached out and gently tugged on my hair. "Look, we all have our concerns. We love Jacob – he's our brother – but we care about you, too. We don't want to see either of you hurt." He shifted a little uncomfortably. "I just wanted you to know that."

I smiled gratefully at him.

Seth piped in. "I liked you from the beginning, Bella. I want you both happy." His smile was so innocent and sweet. "Don't worry about the guys; they like you, too, it's just a difficult subject."

I felt the urge to kiss his cheek, so I stretched up and did just that. His dark skin was tinged with a blush. After they went back in, Jake took my hand and tugged me against him.

"Jake, I don't know if I can reciprocate and say the words for you. At least not yet," I said. It made me sad to say that, but he needed to know.

He nodded thoughtfully. "I can say it enough for the both of us. I love you, Isabella Swan."

I lay my head on his chest, the two of us standing in a puddle of the moon's light. This issue would not be resolved tonight, I knew, as I stood wrapped in Jake's arms. I wouldn't release him, but I thought he deserved better. He loved me and thought he deserved me.

We were at an impasse.