I do not own Twilight, SM does but I love playing with the characters so enjoy!

14. Man Am I in Trouble!

EmPOV

I flashed out of the kitchen as Charlie was coming in the front door, and headed straight for the woods behind Bella's house. A quick hunt would probably do me some good since I was feeling a little strange after my day with Bella. After our morning with Quil and Jacob, I was sure we'd spend most of the afternoon talking about the pack and what was happening with her friends. I couldn't believe she asked about what happened between me and Rose. My heart would've stopped had it been beating.

I knew she wasn't ready to hear everything that'd caused me to leave Rose and the family. I still wasn't sure how she was dealing with the whole Edward situation either. He left the family so quickly after our departure from Forks that nobody really knew what had happened between the two of them. My mind wandered back to our conversation this afternoon.

"I guess I finally came to my senses B. I've spent my whole existence as a vampire following Rose around like a lap dog thinking she really loved me. I finally realized I was just her kick dog." I paused for a minute before turning to face her. "When Edward first saved you from Tyler's van we all thought he was crazy. Risking exposure for a human! When he first brought you to the house though I could tell there was something special about you. You changed him, and at first we all thought it was for the better." I watched as she clutched her knees to her chest and began shaking. What had Edward done to her? She looked so broken and lifeless. I lifted her into my lap and began gently rubbing her back. "I'm sorry Bella. I didn't realize how broken he'd left you," I whispered.

The smell of wet dog assaulted my nose and brought me out of my reverie. I stopped and turned to face Jacob. "Everything okay with Quil now?" I asked curiously. He ran his fingers through his hair as he leaned against a tree. "Not really but at least he's phased and knows what's going on now," Jacob paused and looked up at me. "I wanted to thank you for protecting Bella today. Things could've gotten bad if you hadn't been there, so thanks." I looked at the boy standing in front of me with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Jacob, don't worry about it. Everything will work out like it's supposed to. We just have to be patient," I said as I clapped him on the shoulder. "How is Quil taking the whole wolf thing?" I asked. Jacob shook his head and grinned. "He loves being a wolf but he's angry with me for kissing Bella," Jacob's voice trailed off as he cocked his head and looked at me.

"I'm a little curious about something though," he said. I nodded waiting for him to continue. "Why exactly did you come back here?" Jacob asked. What was I supposed to say? I honestly had no idea why I'd come back to Forks but I knew it was where I was supposed to be. I shrugged my shoulders, "I honestly don't know Jacob. I told you that before and it hasn't changed. I know this is where I'm supposed to be though…it feels right." I looked into his eyes hoping to find some hint as to what he was thinking.

"Let me know when you figure it out okay?" He said turning to leave. I watched as he took off into the woods towards La Push. I couldn't help but wonder if either of them would be coming around to visit Bella this week while she was on break. The thought bothered me a little bit. Part of me felt bad for Bella having to choose between two friends that obviously were both in love with her. The other part of me prayed neither of them would show up this week so I could have Bella to myself. Whoa! More of those mixed feelings about Bella! This has got to stop. I can't think about her like that!

My mind began to wander again to our afternoon on the water. She was so cute when I teased her about going commando under her wetsuit. She had blushed four shades of red and practically ran to the swimming suit rack. I chuckled at the memory. I was fascinated by the way the wind blew her long locks around her face as we cruised through the water. She really was beautiful. I shook my head to dislodge all these thoughts I was having about Bella.

What was that look on Jacob's face when he asked about my reason for being here? It was like the thought came to him while we were talking about this morning's events. He mentioned the kiss he gave Bella….NO! Did he hear me hiss when he kissed her? Or when Quil kissed her? I don't even know where that had come from! He can't seriously think I'm here because I'm in love with Bella…can he? Oh No! I can't be falling for Bella…can I? No, no, no! Focus Emmett it's time to hunt. Stop. Inhale. Deer three o'clock. Yes, back on track!

I pulled myself out of my own head and took down two large deer before going back to Bella's house. I stood outside the house and listened to see where she was. I could hear a baseball game on the T.V., probably Charlie. Water running…upstairs…shower. Okay Bella was in the shower. Wet hair…soapy body…full lips…STOP! I CANNOT think about Bella like this. Apparently being away from Rose isn't affecting my libido, but it is causing me to be very frustrated. I'm going to have to figure something out because I cannot let Bella be the object of my sexual frustrations.

I leaned against the side of the house waiting for Bella to get out of the shower and dress before sneaking into her room. She probably wouldn't appreciate coming out of the shower to find me sitting in her room. I put my head back and tried to clear my thoughts. I was hoping to relieve the problem I was currently having with my jeans being too tight. Okay this isn't working and I cannot go into her room like this! Think, think, think…oh, got it! I'll think about some of the good times I've had with Rose, that should help me relieve this problem. I let my mind wander back through my years with Rose and all of our escapades together. When I focused on Rose my problem would disappear. Wow! Thoughts of Rose usually got me more aroused not completely turned off! As I stood in the shadows pondering this new revelation yet glad to be rid of my previous problem a thought hit me. If thoughts of Rose didn't turn me on anymore did that mean we'd never truly been mates? Shouldn't you always be excited by thoughts of your mate even if you're separated?

I heard the water in the shower turn off. Suddenly my problem was back in full force as I was assaulted with more images of a naked, wet Bella. Rose, Rose, Rose….thank goodness! I sighed as my mind cleared again and things went back to normal. I inhaled another deep breath of fresh air before focusing on the noises above me. Drawers opening and closing…bedsprings sagging…pages turning. I scaled the side of the house to find the window wide open. I slid inside silently and noticed Bella on her bed with a book. She really is beautiful…I cut off my thoughts and cleared my throat.

I tried to contain my chuckle as she jumped off the bed and almost fell over. "Stupid, quiet vampires," she huffed under her breath. I grinned wickedly at her before striding across the room coming to a stop next to her bed. "I didn't think you wanted Charlie to know I was here. I can always go to the front door and introduce myself if you'd prefer," I let my voice trail off at the look of horror on her face. I laughed lightly as she tried to smack my arm. "Emmett you know you scared me and you did it on purpose," she ranted trying to act mad.

I placed my hands on either side of her face and looked down into her eyes. "I'm sorry Belly Bean. Would you please forgive me for scaring you even though you were the one who invited me over?" I said giving her the best puppy dog eyes I could. She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine just sit down already," she said exasperatedly. I grabbed the rocking chair from the corner of the room and moved it closer to the bed before sitting down.

"So what's up B?" I asked watching her settle back onto her bed. She sighed again and looked down at her hands. I waited patiently for her to speak never taking my eyes off of her. "Sorry Em…I guess I just didn't like the thought of being here alone tonight. I've had company all weekend and I guess I won't be seeing Quil again for a while…" she let her voice trail off as she looked up at me.

"Hey Belly Bean, are you worried about Jacob and Quil?" I asked quietly. She nodded her head but didn't speak. "There's nothing for you to worry about. Jacob is fine, and Quil likes being a wolf so he'll be fine too," I said as her look turned quizzical. I chuckled at her confusion. "I ran into Jacob when I was out. He said Quil is fine so there is nothing for you to worry about. I'm sure you'll hear from them soon enough," I encouraged her. She smiled up at me and my dead heart came alive for just a moment as she held my gaze.

I shook my head slightly to clear my thoughts before I had another issue with my jeans. "So you have the whole week off right?" I asked and she nodded. "What do you want to do? Did you have plans already?" I questioned hesitantly. She blushed slightly and I wondered why. "No, I didn't really have any plans I guess," she said quietly keeping her eyes averted. "I don't want to be alone this week," she whispered. She looked so fragile I knew I couldn't deny her anything she asked.

I reached over and lifted her chin so she was looking at me. "B, I'm here till you tell me to go okay? Anything you want…all you have to do is say the word." I gave her my award winning grin and she giggled lightly. Her face became serious before she spoke again. "You said earlier that the family thought I was good for Edward in the beginning. What did I do to make them think I wasn't good for him anymore? Is that why everyone left?" She asked quietly. What did he say to her when he left to make her feel like this was her fault?

"B, you didn't do anything!" I placed my hand on her cheek so she had to look at me. "I don't know how to say this without hurting you. I know it's hard for you to think about him and what happened," I let my voice trail off as I watched her for any signs of withdraw. She nodded for me to continue so I did. "B, do you remember what it was like when you first met us?" She nodded. "Edward treated you like a china doll then. He was so fascinated with you. You were a mystery to him since he couldn't read your thoughts. He was always worried that you'd get hurt though, either because of us or your own clumsiness," I couldn't help but chuckle. "He was happy, like a kid on Christmas morning. He always talked about the things he wanted to show you, the places he wanted to take you," I shook my head sadly at the memory. I looked deep into Bella's eyes before continuing.

"Bella, he loved you in the beginning but then he changed. The night in the baseball field, remember?" I asked softly. She nodded but stayed silent. "Once he realized James was after you he freaked out. I'd never seen him so worried…almost to the point of insanity. He felt lost and helpless to protect you," I paused trying to organize my words. I didn't want to hurt this precious woman more than we already had. "I think when he rushed into that ballet studio and saw you broken on the ground, something inside him snapped. Then he sucked the venom out of your wrist instead of changing you like we all knew you wanted him to. From that moment on his was a totally different person towards you. He became overly protective. In the beginning we accepted that it was just a reaction to what had happened, but I saw the differences. He wasn't just being over protective he was becoming possessive and obsessive." I searched Bella's eyes for some sign that she wanted me to stop but all I could see was a determination to hear more…to understand.

"If anyone of us wanted to talk to you or spend time with you he would make sure he was around or knew exactly what we had planned. He hardly ever left your side. He made all of your decisions for you…prom…where you went…what you did…who you talked to. I know he made it seem like you had a say in it but you never did. He began manipulating you and the others helped…unknowingly of course. Edward was the golden boy B. He had everyone convinced he loved you and that we were responsible for your wellbeing." I smiled weakly at her as she inhaled deeply and sighed.

"I felt the change in our relationship, but I just thought he knew things I didn't. I felt like I couldn't protect myself and I needed him to do it for me." She sighed again and looked into my eyes. "I spent my whole life caring for my mom that it was nice to have someone caring for me for a change. I gave in to everything he wanted and never stood up for anything I wanted." A single tear slid down her cheek as she dropped her eyes to her hands. "I don't even know who Isabella Swan is anymore," she whispered as the tears began to fall freely. I couldn't stop the ache in my chest for this beautiful, fragile young woman in front of me. I lifted her off the bed and cradled her in my arms as I rocked the chair slowly. She buried her face in my neck and I rubbed her back gently.

"Bella, he can't hurt you anymore if you don't let him. You're still in there. We just have to find you is all," I said trying to lighten the mood a little. She sat up and wiped her eyes smiling at me. "Thanks Emmett. You're a really good friend," she said placing her hand on my cheek. A warm shiver ran through my body as my eyes fell to her soft, full lips. God I want to kiss those lips…just one taste…STOP! I tore my eyes away from her lips quickly and set her back on the bed. "Um, you should probably get some sleep. It's been a crazy day for you I'm sure," I said standing up and putting the rocking chair back in the corner of the room.

When I turned around to say goodnight I froze at the look of terror on Bella's face. "What's wrong B?" I asked urgently. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. I took the three steps back to her bedside and knelt down waiting for her to say something. She dropped her eyes to the floor as she spoke. "I thought you were going to stay with me," she breathed quietly. I sighed lightly in relief. I lifted her chin so I could see her eyes. "Is that what you want B? For me to stay her all night with you?" I questioned. She nodded as a blush crept up her neck and colored her cheeks slightly. I smiled, "Okay B." I stood and moved to get the chair again when her small hand grabbed my wrist. I turned to see her patting the bed beside her. "Are you sure Bella?" I asked my voice cracking slightly. She only nodded and moved over to give me room. What am I doing? How did I get into this? I can't say no to her…not tonight…maybe not ever. I sighed as I slid into the bed next to her and wrapped my arms around her. She cuddled into my chest and I couldn't help but think about how perfectly she fit there. Before long the room was silent except for the even sounds of her breathing. This is definitely not where I expected to be!

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