~A/N I thought it was going to be a few days before I got this out, but a few people were upset with me after that last update. Sorry, sometimes things have to go bad before they can be really, really good. Hopefully, that was the worst, my favorite couple will endure.

Friendly reminder: this fic is rated M-mature

Copyright disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns twilight even if I wish she would have changed a few things...

Chapter 14

Five days had passed, five excruciatingly long days had gone by and Jacob and Bella had not spoken a word to each other. There were no missed calls, no text messaging...absolutely no contact. He was losing his mind, but he would not break down and go crawling back to her. She did not even give him a chance to explain, and fucking Cullen did not even tell her how it really happened. He was merely trying to divert the attention off himself. He was the one that had been purposely lying to her. His whole family covered for him. He had to consider the possibility they were all in on the other scheme with Edward. It did not seem probable, but if he found out they were; that house was going up in flames with all seven of their headless corpses inside it.

He did several things to keep himself busy. He worked on the house, fixed a few cars, ran extra patrols and started school. He dove right into a history course and a math class since those were his easiest subjects. None of it worked as a total distraction. He was still missing her like crazy. He at least knew she was safe. His wolf made frequent passes by the Cullen's. Dammit, if that bloodsucker did not stop running off. He had stayed there since the night of the party.

About two days into his misery, another big event occurred. Chance phased. Brady and Seth barely got him out of the school and into the cover of the woods before it happened. There was one consolation, the kid was having an easier time than most new wolves. Sam had a unique way of dealing with the new ones, since he was the only one to experience it all alone. Jacob made an executive decision, he went home with Chance after he learned to phase back. He broke the news to his parents. He decided depending on the family situation, it was alright for the immediate family, at least parents, to know what was happening. Embry was another story, he told Jacob there was no way, he would ever tell his mom. He said if she was on a binge, which she had been lately, she would sell them all out to a tabloid or some similar sensationalized news program.

Jacob had just breezed through a history quiz when Seth showed up. It was early morning on what would most likely be the sixth day he was without Bells. He and Seth decided to step outside because there was a lot of noise in the house. Construction on the upstairs was coming to an end. "What's up Seth, you are missing school?"

"Only first hour, it's study hall, Jake. I am passing everything, I swear." Seth had his bag with him, so Jake knew he was on his way there. "I have been keeping a list for you."

"What kind of list?" Jacob had not asked him for any sort of list.

Seth started explaining all of Bella's comings and goings as well as her routines. He thought he was easing Jake's mind, but Jacob already knew each and everything he had to report. He may not be making contact, but he knew where she was at all times. He let him go on for a little while, because Seth thought he was being helpful to his alpha. The whole pack knew how the separation was getting to him. There was one thing he was not expecting, "Collin intercepted an envelope from a messenger yesterday." Seth pulled it out of his bag.

"Are you serious? Collin stole their mail?"

"Not exactly, the guy was lost, he was running late and Collin lied and said he lived there and he took it. He said it was a spur of the minute decision, but he was glad he did it. Open it, Jake; you need to see for yourself." Seth looked very worried.

Jacob pulled out a thin leather binder from the envelope. His heart felt like it had plummeted to his feet. The contents were travel plans, out of the country. There were multiple plane tickets, three sets to each destination. He had gone as far to have age progression photos made for Edge's passport. No way was this plan ever going to be carried out on his watch, but at least he the knowledge to know this was what the bloodsucker was planning. There would be no hiding the fact Collin had taken this, so he was going to do the only thing he could do, he was taking it Bells.

Jacob walked into Emily's around noon. He knew Rachel would be getting ready to start her deliveries. Three sets of eyes were glued to him when he walked to the stove . He was sniffing around the food. Emily silently made a plate for him and he walked over to the table, to sit directly across from Bella. He started to eat, pretending that none of them were staring at him.

Rachel broke the silence, "So, something tells me, you are here for a reason, bro? Bella is not going to make deliveries with me today, is she?"

"Nope," was all he said and then he went back to his meal.

"Of course, I am Rachel. Jacob and I don't have plans." She was attempting to get Jake to make eye contact, but he kept his head down, pretending that he was only interested in his meal which was about to run out. Maybe he would look at her then. "Jake, I have to go today. Rach and I have a system now and she is my ride home. I know we need to talk, but you can't just walk in here after five days and change my plans."

Paul walked through the door about that time and went straight to Rachel. He gave her a ridiculously loud kiss. "Let's go baby, I am your partner today. Tell me what you need me to do, I am all yours for the next two hours."
"Deliveries only take an hour, so..." she responded.

"Even better," he said as he reached over and gave her pat on her behind.

Emily, Paul and Rachel occupied themselves when they started taking all the days' lunches out to Paul's truck.

"Look, Jake, I was going to call today. I really was."

"Don't say another word, get your stuff, we are leaving." He was going to get her alone and they were going to sort this whole mess out.

They parked in their regular spot. He was going to take her for a walk on the beach, but first he wanted to get a few things off his chest. Although, she started talking before he could open his mouth. "I know Jacob, I understand. It scares me to think about what could have happened, but Rose explained a little more detailed version. Edward skipped over the most important part, didn't he?"

"I am so sorry, Bells. I was going to tell you myself, but when was the right time to bring something like that up? I swear I thought you were dead, I only wanted to destroy the monster that had destroyed you. When I saw him, I knew I had it all wrong. I would never hurt him. I vow to you ,I will protect him just as I do you, as long as I live. You have to believe me."

"I do." she quieted his fears with that simple phrase. He took her hand, and felt himself relax for the first time since he last saw her.

"So Blondie vouched for me? That's a new one, when did she do that?"

"The next day." she admitted.

"What? What the hell, Bells? You left me hanging all those days. Why? How could you do that?" He let go of her hand, it felt foreign to him as soon as he heard her confession.

"I just wanted to see."

"See what, how much you could torture me?"

"No, of course, not. I wanted to see if I could do it." he waited for the rest. "If I could let you go."

"Well, what's the verdict? Have you?" he knew the answer, by the way she was acting.

She shook her head slow and deliberate and she reached back to gather the hand he ripped away from her. She added her other hand and started absently rubbing across his knuckles. "I have not let him back in our room since. He may come in when I am asleep, but I asked him not to. He has been apologetic, but I am not ready to talk much. He has been focusing on Edge for the most part."

"What kinds of things do they do together?" he asked.

"He plays the piano for him, Edge loves it."

"Figures."

"And they read, but he only reads the classics to him. There are no children's books in the house. I know Edge is bright, but seriously, he was reading Homer to him the other night. I asked Dad to bring me something more age appropriate. Leah dropped some of my old books off last night. He seemed to really enjoy the animal ones. I think he wants a dog," she attempted to wink at him, like he so often did to her. It never came out looking like a true wink, and he laughed at her. He smoothed her eyebrow back down.

"Don't hurt yourself, Bells. I might be able to help him out with his wish," and then he winked the right way, the way she found so sexy.

"So, Jake, are we okay?"

"We will be, but first I have to show you something." He pulled out the binder. She looked puzzled, but she flipped through the contents.

"How did you get these?" she could not believe what she was seeing.

"The less you know, the better. Did you know about this?"

"No, I can tell you for sure that this is not happening. I never agreed to any of this. Ugh, what is going on with him? Alice says it is because she can't see my future, he panics every time he asks her to look. She thought at first, it was because of the pregnancy, but now...well, you can imagine, what he thinks. He has hovered around constantly for days, and this morning, he surprised me with saying he was leaving for a few days. He thinks the separation will help me clear my head. If I didn't know better, I would think it was him that was cheating, not the other way around."

Jacob was taken back by her admission, "Um, Bells, we haven't cheated. Trust me, I would remember that."

"In my heart, Jacob. I have been unfaithful with my heart for a long time now. We all know it's true, it's just as bad."

"With none of the fun," he added, but he knew what she meant.

"Are you up for a walk on the beach?"

"Sure, Carlisle told me that it would be good for regaining my strength and endurance. I am doing really well. I still tire easily. I may not be able to walk back. Know of any big, strong men that might be willing to assist me back to the car?"

"Only one, I'll introduce you to him later." He reached for her hand when he helped her out of the car. They intertwined their fingers and began their walk.

They walked slow, and stopped often to let Bella rest. They talked about all they had missed out on in each other's lives these past few days. Jake told her about Chance, and school. He described how the house was coming along. She had lots of stories about Edge, he was doing fine with a completely human food diet. That was a relief to them both. Several hours ticked by, Bella did not seem the least bit concerned about going home. That was different, but he knew she was probably tired, so he offered her a ride back to the car. He bent down, and told her, "Hop on." It was not the easiest task, for her to get her small frame situated on his large back, but once she got in the right spot, he lifted her. There were no words for Jacob to describe what it felt like to have her soft body pressed up against his back. The contrast of soft and cool, against firm and warm sizzled in his mind. He wished she could stay fused to him for eternity, but soon he was back to the car and she slid back down. He could not fathom that their day was over. It was almost dusk, she must be thinking about going home, but instead she suggested, "Let's go get ice cream."

"Ice cream, no dinner?"

"No, I really want a milkshake. You can have dinner if you want. Come on, let's go to the diner unless you are busy." She looked worried he might say he was.

"No, milkshakes it is."

Bella had strawberry and Jake had chocolate. She surprised the hell out of him wanting to go inside and actually sit at table to have them. He thought she would worry about how it looked. She sent Rose a text to check on Edge, and he decided to see what Quil found out. Quil said he is pretty certain Edward knows they are tailing him, because he switched cars, apparently trying to cover his tracks. He had one in storage in Port Angeles. He lost him again. Jacob was pissed, but even that news wasn't going to spoil his day. He and Bella had reconnected, and they were having their best time together since before Edward ever came back to ruin everything for them.

He almost hated getting back into his car, because that was when she was going to tell him she had a nice time, but she should be getting back home.

Then she opened her mouth and started saying exactly that, "Jake, I am glad we talked, this was fun, like old times." Yep, and the next line would be what he was expecting so he might as well put the car in the right direction towards the Cullen's. "Can we go to your house?"

No, not what he was expecting, "Sure Bells, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know, I miss hanging out, watching dumb movies, eating junk food. Any of that sounds good to me. How about you?"

"Sure, sure, sounds perfect." Being with Bells is what sounded perfect to him.

They got home to an abandoned house. Jake was use to seeing his father in the living room watching TV at this time. He saw a note from Rachel.

Took Dad for a game night at Sue's, join us if you want.

Food on the stove, we might be late.

Love ya, Rach

"Um, Bells, everyone is at Sue's having a game night. Would you like to go?" She looked like she was mulling it over, but she ended up shaking her head.

"Not this time, if that's okay," she answered.

He asked if she wanted some food. Rachel had left some out for him, but she said she was still full from spoiling her dinner. Jacob could have eaten, but he was following her lead. He had been alone with Bells countless times, why did he suddenly feel like a nervous 12 year old that had never been anywhere near a girl She looked at Jake, then she scanned the room, again, she was considering something in her mind; but she reached her decision rather quickly. She walked towards his room and he was on her heels in a heartbeat.

Was she going to say anything, should he say something? He was not going to ask "What do you want to do?" again, that would have made him sound like an idiot. For once, it was not Bella's heart that was rapidly fluttering. It was his own, he felt like it was going to explode out of his chest.

She sat down on the bed, "Jake, I just want to be close to you. Come here and hold me, I don't know how I have made such a mess of everything." That was all she needed to say. He was next to her in an instant. He wrapped his arms around her and held her just like she had asked. Their sitting hug soon became a lying down embrace. It was a smooth transition and there was nothing awkward about it. Jake was flat on his back and she more on her side, but she rested her head on his bicep.

He finally said what he had been wanting to say all day, "Bells, just leave. Why are you dragging it out?"

"It isn't that simple. What am I suppose to do, just pack up Edge and walk out the door?"

"Yes, that is exactly how you need to do it." She needed to stop over-thinking things.

"Can we please not talk about it right now? I just want to clear my mind."

"Okay," she did not want to talk, she just wanted to lay here and stare at his ceiling he thought, but then she took her free hand and started to trace the ridges of his stomach muscles through his shirt. They had hugged, they had held hands, they had even slept in each other's arms before, but she had never done that. Jacob decided to stay hands off, he was not going to scare her away. She continued to touch up and down his rib cage, she even let her fingers wander dangerously close to his waistband. He felt her face closer to his neck, her breath was right there against his skin and he was two seconds from flipping her over and taking charge, but again, he kept his self control. She inhaled deeply, "I love how you smell, Jake."

"Oh yeah, what is like Bells? Tell me" he wanted to hear what she had to say.

"It's like autumn leaves and the forest...like a man. That's what." Talking to him made her braver, her hand made the transition under the cotton of his shirt, and she went back to feeling her way around his stomach again. It was dark now, and all that lit up his room was the moonlight. He had never even bothered to turn on a light when they came inside. He went from holding his breath to very exaggerated breaths. Was it time to progress this into something more? He remembered Leah's advice "make your move, she's ready".

He had thought about it too much, it was time to act, "Bells, you are killing me, you know." he turned and whispered into her hair.

"What do you mean?" She could not be that clueless, but maybe she was asking him to be more specific, so he was. He took the hand that had been mindlessly rubbing his abs for a good fifteen minutes and he put it someplace else. This was it, either she was going to totally freak and run out or she was going to stay. He took the chance and it paid off greatly.

"Right there, that is what you do to me, honey. All the time, I need...I need," but her actions silenced him. The next sound he heard was his own zipper. Was he unzipping his shorts? No, he double checked, it wasn't him. All of his wildest fantasies were coming true and he could care or less about anything else in the world right then. He ceased all verbal communication and showed her how he needed her. Damn, Bells, was a quick learner, she was his perfect student (his only one). He decided to completely shut his brain off and just feel, feel what is was like to finally have her hands on him. He let go of all of it; all the tension of the past few weeks, the heartbreak he had suffered because of her. She was erasing it all with her touch and pretty soon he felt his release, literally. She was somewhat spent as well and she fell back to the bed, they were both panting and she broke the silence, "I can't believe I just did that." she stated.

"Yeah, me neither." and he leaned over to kiss her forehead.

Then she started laughing, "Bells, why are you laughing at me? Way to deflate my ego."

"I'm sorry, and I doubt anything could deflate that," she looked down when she said that. "It's just so much." And then she was laughing again as she held up her hands. He quickly caught on and pulled off his shirt and helped her out. "Is it a wolf thing?" She was being serious, she did not know. She may have been a mother, but she was completely inexperienced.

"No, no its not a wolf thing. It's damn near a years worth, that's all." he stated.

"Liar, it is not. You're a guy, I know it hasn't been a year."

"Well, it feels like a year," he told her, as she continued her giggling.

Now they were just having fun and he started to tickle her side, but all to quickly their play turned intimate. He had most of her body covered by his own, being careful to keep his weight off of her. Then, it hit him, they had not even kissed yet. What was he waiting for? Oh yeah, her to ask. She asked with her eyes, he could see how hazy her gaze was, clouded with desire and she licked her lips and nodded to him. The two of them met in the middle, slow and gentle at first; but the kiss quickly built. He took her top lip in between his and she alternated taking his bottom in hers. They took turns taking what they wanted from each other's mouths. Bella let her mouth trail down to the cleft in his chin, and then her tongue made the journey back to his lips, where she licked and nipped at every bit of surface area of them.

Their kissing went on and on. Jacob had been rubbing her back under her shirt. She finally pushed him up so she could sit up and he quickly peeled the shirt off of her. They stayed upright for a while exploring each other's bodies in a new position. Jacob never knew his back was such a turn on, but she was all over it with her kisses and hands paying attention to every muscle from his waist to his neck. It felt so amazing to him, he decided to do the same for her when he positioned her face down on her stomach. It was time to get rid of all the other barriers of clothing except his boxers, which there was a reason for that in the back of his mind. He placed kiss after kiss down her spine until she was writhing under his touch. "Jake, please..." He then let his hands and mouth map out every inch of her body. He wanted to memorize each dip, each curve, every soft intimate part of her. When he was done with his explorations, there was no doubt in his mind he had taken her to a whole new realm of satisfaction she had never been to before, more than once. She was very vocal and responsive, something new he learned about her and it rewarded him in ways she could never understand.

The time had come that he had to say it, he knew she would never expect him to say it, but he knew it had to be this way, "Bells," she kissed him again to stop him from talking. "Bells, honey," he stopped her lips that time with his finger. "Bells, we have to have to stop. I can't..." he paused. "Well, can't is not the right word. I can, most definitely and I want to more than anything, but when I make love to you for the first time, you have to be mine and mine alone. You are not free, it has to be that way."

She bit down on her lip and stared into his eyes. She understood, he was right. She snuggled back into his side. "I'm scared."

"I know you are, baby. You have to trust me, I need you to believe in us enough to jump. Remember how it felt when you jumped off the cliff? I know that was for all the wrong reasons, but the leap is the same."

"I need to call Rose, to let her know I am not coming home tonight. Is that okay?"

"Of course, I would be devastated if you left now. How about I go get us some food and you make your call? Meet me in the kitchen when you are ready." He stood up and pulled on his shorts. He walked over to retrieve a clean t shirt and tossed it over to her. "You can wear that. More like, please do, I want you to."

Bells quickly joined him in the kitchen and they finished making trays to take back to his room. He was right, the shirt was a good choice. She looked perfect in it and nothing else. No one had returned home yet, but Jacob figured it would be any minute. He locked the door this time when they went back in.

"Slow down, Jacob. You aren't sharing." she scolded him.

"Sorry, but you really worked me out. I'm starving." he took another big bite.

"Can you even believe that is what is like with us? Oh my god, I can't even describe it and we haven't even done it yet." She was obviously very impressed.

"It was definitely better than my wildest dreams. You were great, honey. Was I more than you imagined?" he had that cheeky grin.

Of course, he already knew the answer to that, but she kissed him and whispered, "So much more." She buried her face into his chest. "Jake, am I a terrible person?"

"No, why are you saying that?" She better not be rethinking what was happening.

"Obvious reasons. I have not done right by either of you, flip flopping with my decisions."

"Look, Bells, as far as he is concerned, I have no respect for him any longer. I don't even believe your marriage is legal."

"You were there Jake, we had a minister and everything. I even have a marriage license."

"Who cares, I'm pretty sure the state of Washington doesn't recognize unions with corpses."

She continued to reason with him, "But Angela's father is ordained."

"Again, honey, the church probably does not bless nuptials with bloodsucking demons." She had no argument there, he knew it.

"I'm not holding off on the sex because of him. It is because of me, I deserve all of you, no other attachments or obligations. We don't have to have official papers or anything, you only have to tell me when you have let him go completely."

She reminded him that he was gone, but when he returned she was building up her courage to do what she needed to do. "I never pictured myself like this, married at 18, divorced, single mom at 19. I can't even believe that description fits me."

"You know, you and Edge will never be alone," he reassured her. "Bells, I need to tell you something. It's about Edward. He is doing something, it's bad. I need you to trust me that I will give you full disclosure soon, but we have been following him. I didn't want you to be blindsided. I think he has lost his grip with reality, because he knows he is losing you."

"Is he seeing someone? I did not mean that earlier when I mentioned it."

"I wish it were that simple, but no."

"Okay, Jake. I trust you." she picked up the tray and put it off to the side of the bed. She held Jacob's face in her hands and said the words that had been on the tip of his tongue all night. "I love you, Jacob. I am in love with you."

He kissed her again. Hours ago, their lips touching was so fresh, so brand new; now it felt so familiar, like second nature. It was no less exhilarating each time. They were still consumed with the emotions behind it. "I love you so much, Bells. It hurts. I have felt that way for a long time, and it feels so good for you to say it. I know you mean it."

He quickly got rid of the t-shirt, he needed to feel her skin against his tonight. They opted for a few more kisses, but did not return to their previous activities. Jacob had already put his willpower to the test before. They talked a little more and Bella became a little anxious about being seen in the morning.

"It's too late, honey. Paul came home about ten minutes ago, I already heard their bedroom door shut. He smelled you even before he stepped on the porch, I'm sure of it. Unless you want me to go up and alpha order is big mouth to stay closed, everyone will know in the morning."

She hid her face in her hands, but said, "No, I need to get use to I guess if..."

"If you are going to be living her, you can say it. It won't jinx anything. Glad that was your answer, because there is a 99% chance he already has my sister naked and I do not want to go anywhere near that."

They finally quieted their conversation long enough for Bella to drift off. Jacob was not far behind her, but he had to stay conscious a little longer, to relish the situation he had found himself in. It was finally happening, they were going to have their chance.

Jacob's phone woke him up from a peaceful sleep next to Bella around 8 AM. He had left it on vibrate, but the buzz grated on his last nerve even in his sleep. "What?" he growled out.

"Look bro, I know you are with Bella and I can't wait for details, but we need you, it's an emergency." Quil sounded like he was ramped up on energy drinks.

"Fucking Lahote" Jake thought, he had gossiped quicker than a fourteen year old girl after her first teenage dance.

"Jake, we found a something, who am I kidding, it's a fucking horror movie scene. The new kid has been puking his guts out for ten minutes straight and we all thought he was going to be a badass. He is still a pup though. I thought freaking Embry was going to cry."

"You remember the way you went with Bella up that mountain?"

"Of course, why? That is where you are?"

"Most of us are up here. Follow the smell, you won't miss it." Quil added.

"Bells, honey, wake up."

She tried to turn back over and avoid him from waking her up.

"Bells, I have to go...there is an emergency. Do you hear me?"

His words finally registered and she gave her attention to him. "What's wrong?"

"The pack found something, I need to go check out. I have to go, I don't want to leave you, but I can ask Rachel to take you home before work. I bet you miss Edge."

"Yeah, I do." He kissed her softly trying to ease the fear he saw in her eyes. "Should I be worried?"

"I am going to take care of you, I will get in touch with you as soon as I can, but I have to go." He kissed her one last time, "Love you."

He hurried out of the room to take a quick shower. Rachel stopped him before he went inside the bathroom.

She had a stupid grin on her face, "Does Bella need some help, you know clothes, girl products, etc?"

"I guess, go ask her. I have to go, please give her ride and help her out. Thanks, Rach."

Jacob was in and out of the shower in record time. He was bombarded by images of the pack before he got to his destination. Horror scene was not the word for it. They had come upon 10 dismembered bodies, maybe more. They were piled up on top each other, but pieces were scattered about. There was a burned area about fifty feet or so away from the bodies. The unknown leech was definitely involved in the body dump, his stink was all around it. Quil led him to the burned area. Charred glass crunched under Jacob's bare feet. It looked like someone destroyed their chemistry set. There was an array of beakers and test tubes, but that was not what set Jacob's veins on fire with fury. It was the fact that Edward had destroyed the chemistry equipment, his scent was all over the burned out glass. Jake said out loud to his pack. "The mountainside, seriously, where we stayed together in the tent? Is that mother-fucker taunting me?"

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