CHAPTER 14

Sunday Dinner

I could feel myself being pulled from a wonderful dream where it was only Jacob, me and a large bed. Feeling frustrated; light was seeping through my eyelids and I screwed them shut to stop such a violation. I could feel myself being shaken a little. "Ness…." A deep voice which was familiar to me as breathing was calling me. "Ness honey," I grabbed the duvet and threw it over my head. "That won't protect you," Jacob chuckled. He snatched it back from me and I was forced to open an eye. I groaned and I dreaded to think what time it was. We…no I had finished the second bottle of champagne and I felt groggy. "I made you breakfast in bed," Jacob stroked my head. "That champagne hit you hard; you fell asleep right after you finished it. Do you have a sore head?"

I opened my other eye and my vision quickly adjusted, I peered over to the alarm clock which told it me it was very late morning. I realised Jacob had asked me a question. "No, just feel a bit groggy; I'm sure it will pass."

"This will help," he placed a tray with four legs onto the bed. I could smell bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns and toast. He had put a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a cup of black coffee on there too.

"Oh thank you," I sat up and started to tuck in, suddenly famished. Jacob sat back and stared at me intently. I finished chewing my bacon and swallowed. "What?" I said self-consciously.

"I like waking up with you."

"I was still asleep whenever you woke up."

"You know what I mean," he poked my leg. "I like making you breakfast."

"I like you making my breakfast. I looked over at the alarm clock. "Well, actually it lunch! It's very tasty," I restarted to eat again. "What have you been doing this morning?"

"I slept very well," Jacob winked at me. "And I was up at eight and I caught up on some paperwork. I just wanted to let you sleep. Speaking of paperwork, do you have any homework?"

"I have an essay due in two weeks which won't take me long. It's a history paper; if you are going to be busy I can get on with that."

"I will need to do some accounts and invoices, and it will take me most of the afternoon. Need to sort out the wages for this month as well. I know it's not the most romantic start to you moving in."

"Oh Jacob that's fine. I understand," I smiled. "I can get on with that paper. We can do something later when we are both finished if you like."

"I would like that. I could do with the fresh air. You finish up and I will get you downstairs," he leaned forward, kissed me on my forehead and left quickly. I carried on and finished my breakfast.

I closed my newly acquired laptop and sat back in my chair, reaching over to my newly acquired printer that was printing out my essay. Jacob was engrossed in the piles of papers he was sorting out, cheques that needed putting into the bank and a stack of money that he had counted out. Kim hadn't had time to do the financial side of things now that she was working on her own as Rachel was meant to be back but had not shown up for work which I felt was unprofessional, but Jacob had enough on his plate without me sticking the knife in. I felt as if I had no borrow power left but I wasn't quite sure; it had been over two weeks and I definitely didn't feel zingy. I took to not using it so I wasn't getting used to it and although I could move paper yesterday, it did take a lot of effort but I didn't try today so I wasn't completely sure. In a way I was a little sad but also glad that I could finally put the whole incident behind me.

My essay was finished; I knew Lottie had finished hers on her free period last week at school. She may give out the vibe that she finds the work tedious; I knew she secretly enjoyed it. Dad had bought me a new laptop and printer so that I could do my school work. I placed my essay into a blue plastic file and into my bag so that I could hand it in tomorrow. I peered over to Jacob who was hunched over and looking peeved. "Can I help?"

Jacob looked up at me. "I need to send out invoices to these people; they haven't paid, but the girls usually do that, they draft up the letters. I still need to sort out the wages."

"Do you have a copy of the draft they send out?"

Jacob waved a small USB stick at me. "On here."

"Give me the names, what they owe and what for and I will do it," I reached my hand out to take the memory stick from him.

Jacob frowned. "I don't want you doing this hun, it's my problem."

"I don't mind, I wouldn't have offered if I minded. It's not like I will be doing this all the time."

Jacob reluctantly handed them over. I flipped my laptop back open and put the USB stick in. It loaded quickly and I found the invoice file. I clicked on one letter that had already been sent and used that as my template. He had twenty people still owing him money, one was Dr Woodcroft and she had recently had her exhaust replaced amongst other repairs. "Um…Jacob. Dr Woodcroft is in this pile," I wafted the paper with her details on it.

Jacob stared at it. "Ignore that one."

"But she owes you almost one thousand dollars."

"I know. She hasn't invoiced me for Becky. I saw her last week and said that I was willing to pay but she refused. She was driving and I could hear noises coming from her car, I managed to pull her over again and told her to bring her car in. Needed more work than I thought but she did me a huge favour. I am just paying it back."

"Fair enough, hopefully they pay."

"They generally do. Only had one last year who didn't but the four of us turned up at his door step and he paid the next day. With this being a small area word would get around if someone didn't," he chuckled.

A couple of hours had passed, it took me longer than I had thought but everything was done and I had the envelopes ready to post. "I'm finished."

Jacob wrote something down quickly and then put his pen down. "There, I'm all done," his phone vibrated in his pocket, he reached down and looked at the text. "Dad wants us to come to his house; for Sunday dinner," he paused. "Its way after six."

"Do you think Paul and Rachel will be there?"

"Maybe, but he said that Sue and Charlie are there and there is a big spread."

"I'll go wherever Jacob."

"Let's get all this away then," he smiled. "But I wanted to discuss our honeymoon first."

"Oh?"

"Well, I had a look, and I know Esme and Carlisle bought you tickets for everyone to visit the UK, we can do that after, but I wondered if you would like to go to Nice."

"South of France?"

"The Mediterranean is very warm during the summer, we could visit Monaco, pay a visit to the casino there…."

"That will cost a bit."

"Don't worry your pretty little head about that. I have more than the means to afford a nice little honeymoon. Edward won't let me pay for anything to do with the wedding. We can go somewhere else if Nice isn't nice enough," he chuckled at his little joke.

"No, I mean yes. I don't care where we go-"

"We can go to Australia or Japan or Italy-"

"Definitely a no to Italy," I shuddered at the memories that were only over a month old

"Then is Nice too close?"

"Nope, I like the sound of that. Monaco – isn't that where all the rich and famous stay?"

"Some of them, they have holiday homes. They have the Grand Prix there once a year; I wouldn't mind having a look around. We can rent a yacht for a couple of days."

"And how would you go about booking a yacht?" I looked at him dubiously.

"Well, Edward and I were having a look when we finished unpacking your things which only really took less than an hour. I fancied France; we can even go to Paris. But I really liked Monaco."

"And the fancy cars have nothing to do with it at all," I tried to conceal a smile.

Jacob shook his head slowly. "Not really."

I poked him in the ribs. "I will go anywhere you want to go. Nice it is then."

"Renesmee," Billy crooned in his baritone voice. His voice always put me at ease. "It is good to see you."

"It's nice to see you too Billy," I smiled. I bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek. I looked over his shoulder and I could see Rachel sitting on Paul's knee in the furthest chair away in the living room. I bristled when I saw Paul stare daggers at me. Jacob was greeting Sue and Grandpa. I stood back up and I stared right back. I was not going to be intimidated by Paul. I dealt with worse but it was still unnerving. He was wearing a dark green shirt and Rachel was in a tight simple blue dress, making her tan stand out more than it should.

"Nessie," Grandpa let go of Sue and walked over to me. "Bell's told me you moved in with Jacob," I kept quiet, unsure if he would agree with this. "He had better treat you right. I know bullets may not be able to harm vampires but I know they can get through his thick hide," he smirked jabbing his thumb in Jacob's direction.

"Charlie, c'mon man, you know you could never get me in the ass," Jacob retorted.

"I'm quick off the mark," Grandpa put a protective arm around my shoulders.

"But I'm wicked fast," Jacob winked. "Besides, you love me too much to stick a bullet in me."

"Love is a strong word," Charlie gaffawed. "But now that I understand everything, I know you will look after my granddaughter, but from what happened in March I am sure she doesn't need that much looking after."

I cringed. Grandpa wanted to know the full extent to why Lottie and I disappeared so Mom had explained to him when they had gone for their walk. "I need a little looking after," I hugged him right back. "Thank you for not going crazy," I whispered in his ear. I could see him getting red in the face. I let him go and that was that.

"Dinner is almost ready," Sue called. Jacob and I dressed smartly today seeing as we were going for Sunday dinner with all the trimmings. I wore a paisley print dress which was white with blue, pink, purple and red paisley prints; it was v-neck with thick straps but not too much cleavage and sat just above my knee. I decided to team it with red sequin ballet pumps. Jacob was wearing a black short sleeved unbutton shirt with a white t-shirt underneath and he wore dark indigo jeans and timberland boots. I loved it when he dressed up; gave me tingles all over – seeing the sleeves of the shirt struggle against his muscular arms, the way his white t-shirt was tight over his abs and chest, and how his jeans were snug over his thighs and his awesome behind. I shook myself; I was in presence of people. "Nessie?" Sue called. I was still leaning against one of the chairs. "You were miles away," she smiled. I took the chair next to Jacob; Sue had been growing her hair out, it was less severe on her face which made her look less stern but more motherly. She stared at Charlie with adoration and I had wondered if those two were ever going to get married. Sue still stayed at her home in La Push and Charlie in Forks. But they were in each other's pockets all the time, or here with Billy. It could have gone the other way, Billy resenting that they got together, with Harry, Billy and Charlie all being friends. I always wondered if Billy wanted to be the one that was with Sue. But then I had no idea, I never asked. I wasn't going to.

I peered over to Rachel and Paul who were sitting opposite and still not uttering a word. This was not going to last long. I knew that Jacob and Billy were not going to bring up the Rebecca subject at the dinner table. But I knew they would be at some point. "Who would like to carve the turkey?" Sue held a big carving knife in her hand.

"How's about it Charlie?" Billy said, he was sitting next to me. "I did it last week." The dining table could have held up to ten people but seeing as there were seven of us we stayed to one end. Billy was next to me on my left, Jacob was on my right, Sue was at the top table, Grandpa across from Jacob, Paul across from me and Rachel was facing her father. "Where's Seth and Gemma tonight?"

Grandpa stood up to carve the turkey, Sue passed Jacob various plate which were passed to me. I took what I wanted and handed each plate I received to Billy once I had finished with it. My plate was now full and the turkey had been thoroughly carved. Jacob and Paul's plate were like small mountains. Sue poured some lemonade into our glasses and I was good to go. "Seth is busy moving his things to Gemma's house," Jacob informed everyone.

"Isn't it Lottie's house?" Rachel said sharply.

Jacob moved his eyes to his sister. "Oh yes, it is Lottie's house. But he is moving in with Gemma, in Lottie's house. You know, the house her mother left her. In case you need further clarification."

I rolled my eyes. Here we go. "Thank you for that clarification Jacob," Rachel took a drink from her glass. Paul was glaring at his plate.

"You're very welcome," Jacob grinned, flashing his teeth. I could see Sue and Grandpa give each other a furtive look. "Gemma and Seth are promised to each other, they spoke about moving in and they both decided to do it today."

"So Quil and Embry haven't been thrown out to make room for her?" Paul lifted his head up.

Grandpa's fork slid across his plate causing a loud screech and Sue reached for his knee underneath the table. "Quil and Embry are always welcome to stay for as long as they want to Paul, you know that," Jacob said sweetly. "And they know that and so does Nessie," he emphasised. "Charlie, how has work been this week?" Jacob swiftly changed the subject.

"Fine Jake, no more forest incidents," he winked at me and I flushed. "There was an accident on the one-oh-one but no fatalities."

Jacob nodded. "That's good. What about you Sue, what has been happening in the Res?"

"Mrs Dove took a turn for the worse, she is back in the hospital in Forks, I don't think she will have long left."

"Should I visit?" he asked.

"I think you should, you are now classed as a Tribal Elder-" Paul snorted, interrupting Sue who ignored him. "And you too Billy, she was asking for you two last week."

"Is it her heart again?" Jacob put a mound full of food into his mouth.

"Yes, she had a heart attack and during that she had a fall in her house. I don't think she will be back there. Her son, who is retired and her daughter in law are beside themselves."

"How old is she?" I asked.

"Ninety-two," Sue replied. "The fall broke her hip."

"I'll go and see her tomorrow evening," Jacob took a drink from his glass. "I'll come and pick Dad up at six then go to the hospital. I know visiting hours are between seven and eight thirty. Has she had surgery?"

Sue shook her head. "No. The doctor's feel she isn't fit enough for the general anaesthetic. And even if she got through that then the recovery would take months."

"Is she still compos mentis?" Billy asked this time.

"Yeah, she refused the surgery, she knows that she doesn't have long so she has been made comfortable. She wants to die at home but the doctors don't think they could make her comfortable enough there."

"I have been so wrapped up in other things Sue, I had no idea," Jacob said sadly and I could see Rachel was trying not to bite.

"Don't worry Jakey," Sue replied affectionately. "You know that Quil Senior, Billy and I take care of the Res."

"Sure sure. I appreciate that, it's hard to live a 'normal' life as it is then trying to make a business-"

"And being in charge of a pack of wolves," Charlie added. "I have to admit Jacob, I really didn't understand it all before but I have a whole new respect for you."

"Well you know what it is like, you are the Alpha in your own right Charlie," Jacob replied. "With guns," he grinned cheekily.

Grandpa laughed with him. "Yeah, they come in handy."

I left those two to talk as I looked over to my opposite; Paul and Rachel were whispering to each other. I could see Billy bristle next to me so I turned to him. "Hey Billy, you need to get down to Ja-our house sometime this weeknight. We can have a little get together."

"I would like that Nessie," he grabbed my hand that was on the table. "How are you settling in?"

"Fine, its early days yet but it feels right."

"Jake was telling me you went wedding dress shopping today."

"I did, Mom went with me and I'll go back to get fitted for it properly, it has to be made and that's all I am saying," I winked.

"I'm glad you got that out of the way, Jacob is taking me tomorrow to get fitted for a tux," he rolled his eyes. "I don't need one but he is insisting. Besides I'm not sure how my wheelchair will fare on the beach."

My smile faded and I could hear Paul sneer; I shot him a look. "Oh Billy I never thought of that. There is going to be flooring down, will that help?"

"Jacob never mentioned it, yeah that will be fine, I may need some help getting down there,"

"I will speak to Alice, but I would imagine she has seen to that."

"I am sure she will. She is creative, I will give her that."

Billy and I chatted throughout our meal while Sue, Grandpa and Billy spoke through theirs. I could see Paul and Rachel getting more irate at the fact that the subject that they were dying to talk about was not going to be brought up in conversation. They were still talking amongst themselves. Sue had just sat down after serving an Eton Mess. "Sue, this is amazing," Billy stated, patting his stomach.

"Yes, thank you Sue, the meal was lovely," I added.

Jacob had a full mouth but pointed to me "Whatshesaid."

Sue laughed at Jacob; Grandpa was affectionately stroking her arm. "I'll wash up later, Jake and Paul can help."

"I will help but not with him," Paul's spoon clattered into his dish. I could see Billy from the corner of my eye put his head in his hands.

"Paul," Sue warned.

"No, I have had enough!" he slammed his hand onto the table; I could feel Jacob changing his status next to me, he had gone from my sweet fiancé to Alpha. His hands were flat and splayed on the table. I looked over to Grandpa who looked quite uncertain. It wouldn't have taken much for Paul to flip, almost as if he were looking for the opportunity. Billy on the other hand, just sat back in his seat, resigned and shaking his head. "Pretending as if nothing has happened! The way we have been treated about the whole Rebecca thing, Rachel has the right to know where she is, she wants to see her."

"The way you have been treated? I do recall being slapped on Monday and what part of 'you are not seeing her' do you both not understand?" Jacob said calmly. "The doctors at the place she is in do not want visitors for a month. She has only been there for over a week. I am still not going to tell you where she is. She will let me know if she wants you to visit."

"Who gives you that right though Jacob?!" Rachel slammed her spoon onto the table. "She is my sister."

"She is mine as well, and Billy's daughter. We haven't been to visit her since we dropped her off."

"But I should still know where she is!"

"Jacob, it isn't right you not telling her," Paul barked. "You wouldn't like it if that was her," he turned his head towards me. "And the bloodsuckers didn't tell you squat."

I hissed, making Grandpa's eyes widened. "That is my family you are referring too."

"So?" Paul retorted, glaring at me. "That doesn't matter to me right now."

"After what they do for you? After all these years do you still have an issue with my family? They are your family too, we are all interlinked and you know it. That was a cheap shot!" Paul stumbled cos I knew he had grown to like them as much as Sam did but was happy to use this as a feeble argument. "And you Rachel," I snapped my head towards her. "Need to grow up. Jacob had to do the best in a bad situation. Deal with it, oh and get back to work. If that had been any other employer you would have been sacked. Jacob needs his receptionists."

Rachel's mouth formed an O but it was Paul that was shaking and that was enough for him to take him over the edge. "How dare you speak to my wife in that way…" he stood up slowly, shaking.

Grandpa stood up and put his hand on Paul's arm as a way to calm him down but he violently shook it off causing Grandpa to stumble backwards; Sue shot up, grabbing Grandpa and literally hauling him out of the way towards the sink. Jacob was up from his chair. "Paul, this is a fight you will not win. What are you really angry about? The fact I put a gag order on you?" Jacob taunted. "Because you are not in control of this and I am?!" He viciously pointed his finger at Paul. "Because sometimes you have to take one up the ass and you just don't like it. That's life Paul; you're just mad at me cos I am not giving in to Rachel, cos I am not letting you and her be privy to information. Well guess what Paul, no one apart from Dad knows where she is, not even Nessie."

Paul was practically spitting with anger and shaking violently. Billy was stuck in his seat, his wheelchair in the other room where Sue put it earlier. Rachel stared at her husband and placed her arm on his but he shook it off. Paul was too far gone; he had been spoiling for this all week. Rachel stood up. "But Jacob, you are being an ass; you are trying to prove a point and you are using this as a way of getting to us because of Monday."

I stood up and placed my hand on Jacob's back. "He isn't being an 'ass', you are!" Rachel was about to retaliate, but I held my hand up "I honestly don't know where Rebecca is but she is in the best place and you're just mad cos you missed what was happening, we all did and we have to deal with it. But you don't need to take it out on Jacob, neither of you do; he did the right thing, you both weren't here and he had to do his best with a bad situation. But I am done with this; I want to be in your presence as much as I want to suck on a shit flavoured lollipop," The words were out before I could stop them. And probably not the best choice either. I could feel Jacob holding back a laugh under my hand.

Sue and Grandpa were staying in the kitchen. Paul growled at me, baring his teeth. "Don't let your little bitch speak to my wife and I in that manner," he snarled.

There was a flash of movement and Grandpa was being held back by Sue. "That is my granddaughter you are insulting. I won't have it!"

"Charlie!" Billie shouted holding his hand out. "Don't! Stay back!" he was wide eyed, about to be caught in this. Rachel was backing away, whispering words to Paul to try and calm him down but it wasn't working; the air shimmering around him.

"Paul! Back the fuck off!" Jacob's kept his hands on the table, hunched over, almost using it to stop himself from flying over at him. Would Billy's house take the battering?

"Why don't you settle this like a man Jacob! Instead of the wolf. Instead of using your status to gag me. Challenge me like a man!" Paul slammed his hand on the table, causing it to crack.

"Like you would get a shot in my way," Jacob retaliated. "Human or not," his eyes narrowed. "You have no right to challenge me Paul. But if that's what you want, for me to kick your ass in order for you to learn a lesson, I will happily oblige."

"Fuck you Jacob!"

Paul launched himself across the table. Jacob threw himself over a split second later causing a loud bang when they collided. I grabbed Billy and carried him over to the next room where his wheelchair was and placed him carefully in it. There was a groan from a protest of wood; I turned to see a flurry of fists as the dining table shattered underneath them. The plates which were still full of food, glasses, cutlery and everything else went with it. Paul elbowed Jacob in the face and I could smell it before the blood was sprayed over the wall as he broke Jacob's nose. Jacob staggered back but regained his footing as Paul came at him again, the whites of his eyes stood out in contrast to his dark skin, nostrils flaring, teeth bared. He reared back aiming a punch to Jacob's head. But Jacob was up and caught the punch with his hand, the muscles in both men bulging from their t-shirts, the act of phasing was also being fought as the air around them kept changing, Paul struggling more than Jacob. Jacob threw Paul's fist back and kicked Paul in the chest which propelled him out of the window causing the glass to break. As he was sailed through, Rachel stumbled back; hands in front of her face, landing on her backside against the wall. Time slowed down as the glass shattered from the double window which lead onto Billy's backyard, causing glass to fall outside but as Paul was about halfway through, it caused some glass to fall inside but also the frame and part of the wall groaned and as Paul passed the wall and frame, his body colliding with it; the frame began to teeter, not quite deciding what direction gravity wanted to claim it. Jacob reared back on his legs, taking one leap through as he followed Paul, catching some of the wall but not caring. Rachel was almost underneath the frame, dangerous shards of glass still attached. I caught Billy's horrified expression; I ran over to her in a blur, leaping over the broken dining table, covered Rachel with my body as the frame gave up and fell on us; my body covering Rachel as glass, wood and some mortar fell on me; It didn't penetrate my skin or damage me in any way but it would have caused Rachel some hurt. This all happened within five seconds; I heard Billy shout his daughter's name, Grandpa utter a curse word or two, and the two grown men duke it out in the garden. Rachel stared at me wide eyed as the frame collapsed over me and settled on the floor. The glass singing as it hit my back and playing with each other until they hit the floor. I was aware that I had glass in my hair and clothes. Rachel grabbed onto my arms and I got up, taking her with me; holding onto the tops of her arms to make sure she stayed upright. She was trying to speak but I ignored her. I could hear clothing being ripped and blows being landed, grunts of protest, bones breaking; I turned on the spot, making glass rain from my hair and I reared back on my legs and leapt out of the hole in the wall. I could feel eyes behind me and I could hear a wheelchair being rolled closer. "Holy shit!" Billy swore.

I could feel adrenaline course through me as I softly touched the ground with my feet. Jacob's shirt lay in tatters across the bright green grass. Paul had ribs poking through his shirt, blood oozing from them but it didn't stop him as he swung his clawed hand round raking it through Jacob's chest, red staining his t-shirt white in four long stripes. He punched Jacob again but he ducked and dived back at the next one but Jacob took the opportunity as Paul recovered and threw his arm back and then up, landing an uppercut on Paul's jaw, breaking his jaw on impact. Paul fell back onto the grass, blood spurting from his mouth, which he just spat out; but his face looked odd. He got back up into a crouch position and grabbed his head with his left hand and his jaw with his right and quickly shifted it, making a blood curdling sound as bone on bone scraped together and he set his jaw back into place. It didn't deter him and he was up and raced towards Jacob, who steadied himself but he caught my scent and became distracted at my shocked expression, his face softening but this changed as Paul tackled him to the ground, this giving Paul the advantage, both of them hitting the ground but I heard something crack, Jacob's eyes rolling back into his head, fresh blood hitting the air and he moaned. Paul not realising in his fury, punching Jacob over and over in the face. "STOP!" I screamed. Jacob had hit something when they fell, his body was going limp, he tried to stop Paul but Paul was blinded by his anger.

I felt something rise in me, something raw, something that I had felt two weeks ago when I drank that blood. I looked down at my hands, this action seemed to take forever, Paul's next blow onto Jacob's beautiful face seemed to take forever. There were colours flowing underneath my skin, like I had seen before. I felt my hair lift from my back; the remaining glass falling to the ground like rain. I could taste raw energy on my tongue. Paul landed another punch and I heard bone crack underneath Jacob's russet skin. I turned my head to see Billy at the window, "Call Carlisle," I ordered. I whipped my head back to see Paul raise his fists again; the veins were bulging from his skin, heat coming from him as he fought against his power to phase. His teeth gritted, his eyes clouded with anger. I knew what to do; I ran forward, raising my left hand and thrust it to the left, lifting Paul off Jacob and I made him soar about fifty feet back, him hitting a tree in the process. I suddenly felt drained; my body telling me there was no more borrowed power, I felt lightheaded and I had to blink a few times to lift the fog. I took a breath, ran forward and fell to my knees in front of Jacob, carefully placing my hands on either side of his face. "Jacob?" I whispered. I lifted his head carefully and I felt behind his head for the object that happened to be there. It was covered in moss but I removed the bloodstained rock and threw it away. I was aware that Paul was groaning where he hit the tree, I could hear him snap something back into place. "Jacob?"

"Mmm, I'm here Nessie. I'm healing," he spoke through his swollen mouth. I felt behind his head, staining my hands with his blood but feeling no indentations but I could feel a small break. Blood was coming from his mouth, but none from his ears so that was a good sign. His eyes were coming in and out of focus but he took my hand. "Don't kill him," he warned.

"Order him to stop!" I gasped.

"No, he needs to stop on his own. He needs to calm down himself. He has been spoiling for this all week, I've heard it from his mind," he coughed but his colour was returning. The wounds on his face were becoming less, the lacerations had healed already.

I turned to see Paul was already on his feet and rushing over to us. I got up and took a few steps forward, bending my knees, clawed hands behind me; Paul was running full pelt, his teeth snarling at me, spittle coming from his mouth his eyes jaded with anger and I had to wonder if he was thinking straight. I had no power left, I knew that now, I had enough to protect Jacob, but that was it. Jacob was still on the ground, groaning; his head must have been really sore. Was Paul stronger than me? I was about to find out. My instincts were kicking in, also my training from tae kwon do, but I needed to nip this in the bud. My eyes flickered to four sets of horrified eyes from the gaping hole of Billy's house. Paul was less than ten metres away and I figured out what I was going to do. He was less than five, four, three – I shot my right hand out and it found his neck, wrapping around it and I stopped his momentum, causing his feet to fly into the air as I slammed him into the soft ground.

He struggled underneath my vice like grip. His hands clawed at my skin and I gritted my teeth as he broke my skin slightly, like paper cuts by cardboard. He flailed underneath me. "ARGH!" he roared. "Let me go!"

"No! Paul, you need to calm down. You are letting your anger get the better of you," I said slowly. "Jacob hit his head hard on a rock. Think about it Paul, you had the unfair advantage, you would have won unfairly. Then I would have killed you," I threatened.

Paul scowled at me but stopped flailing underneath me. "You wouldn't dare," he snarled.

"After rendering my fiancé brain damaged?" I leaned down to his ear. "I would have ripped out your throat. Treat your Alpha with respect. He deserves that much. He would have never done this to you and you know it."

He stilled under my hand. A fresh scent caught me and Carlisle was here with Rose. "He hit his head on a rock?" Paul asked with a hint of remorse.

"Yes, when you tackled him, you weren't to know, it was under some moss," Paul finally slumped and I knew it was safe to remove my hand. The skin around his neck was a purple shape handprint. And I did not feel bad for it. I could hear Jacob protest then yelp in pain. "If you attack me or him I will not hesitate," I warned and he nodded.

I stood up and raced to my Jacob. Rose and Carlisle was bent over him and I could hear bones being reset, Jacob grunting in pain but he healed so quickly. Paul stayed where he was, he didn't dare move now. A sandy coloured wolf appeared in the forest edge and he ran over to where we were, phasing into human form. "Fuck!" Jacob swore as Carlisle reset his jaw. Rose was holding his hand and let me take it from her. She held his head as Carlisle checked him over.

"You have healed already; the blood is just from the laceration. There is no depressions but you did fracture your skull, Jacob you are healing faster than I remember," Carlisle murmured.

"He did this to you?" Seth growled. I never saw Seth angry and he was livid. He was ready to attack Paul on Jacob's behalf, he was naked and unashamed with his fists curled into balls, ready to pounce.

"Seth, wait," I held up my hand. I concentrated on Carlisle and Rose.

"His nose needs fixed," Rose stated. "It's facing stage right."

Jacob rolled his eyes but before he could protest Rose placed her hand over it and with one swift movement it was back in place. "ARGH!" Jacob yelled, his legs jolting from the pain, grabbing at his face. "You couldn't have given me some warning!"

Rose rolled her eyes but smiled warmly at him. "Why would I do that? It was healing and as ugly as you are, you certainly don't need to add to that."

"Thanks Rose," Jacob sat up and felt the back of his head. "Tough as a nut," he patted his head carefully and smiled at me. "I'm alright." Seth literally growled and Paul hung his head. Jacob stood up. "Thank you Rose, Carlisle," he slapped Carlisle on his shoulder. "I have business to deal with."

Seth walked forward but Jacob held his arm out to stop him, shaking his head once. He reached over to me and caressed my face then walked passed me, his demeanour changing. He was bigger; muscles were out. Paul's injuries had faded, his bruising gone but he looked remorseful and his breathing was ragged. Jacob stopped an inch from him and stared down at him. Although Paul was tall to me, he was short compared to Jacob. Paul couldn't look up at first but Jacob glared at him. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now? You know that I would have won that fight if I hadn't have hit my head when you tackled me."

Paul nodded. He did something that I wasn't expecting. He looked up at Jacob and then tilted his head to show his neck. Jacob suddenly looked like he was going to bite down, Rachel staring in shock; her hands at her mouth. Jacob's teeth grazed at Paul's throat but then he lifted his head. "You will not challenge me again. If you do, it will be a fight to the death. And never, ever insult my fiancé again. You need to control your anger, if you don't I will control it for you. If you don't like pack life then leave. I hate taking away the will of others but I can make an exception with you," Jacob stepped back until he was next to me. Seth ran over to his Mom who must have left at some point as she threw him a pair of jeans.

Paul nodded. "It won't happen again," he turned then stopped and faced Jacob. "I'm sorry," he turned to Billy and pinched his nose. "I'm sorry. I will come by tomorrow and fix the wall and windows first thing."

Billy nodded; his face like thunder, I could see him hold onto Rachel's hand but she was reassuring him. She was going with Paul because she trusted him and we all know he wouldn't do anything to her. But me? He had no problem with attempting to beat me down, but not Rachel. That was something we will have to address at another time. Rachel tore herself away from her father and ran out of the room. "Paul, do you need me to check you over?" Carlisle offered.

Paul bit his tongue as if trying to hold back a sarky comment. "Thank you but no thanks, My arm was broken but I pulled it back in when I hit the tree," he looked down at his feet.

"Your ribs are protruding," Carlisle pointed out. "And your breathing is laboured," Paul looked down to where Carlisle had pointed. He nodded his head and Carlisle walked forward. I notice Rose was dashing around the garden then disappeared into the garage.

"Oh Paul!" Rachel ran towards Paul but stopped, staring at his chest.

"You shapeshifters burn off morphine as fast as I can put it in. It will hurt Paul," Carlisle warned. "Put your arm on my shoulder," he said kindly. Paul looked almost horrified for a split second but hid it well as he slowly placed his hand onto Carlisle shoulder. "Are you ready?" Paul nodded. Carlisle pushed his ribs back in, making a sickening noise, Paul screaming out in pain, blood coming from his mouth when he breathed in making a gurgling sound, his hand like a claw on Carlisle shoulder. Jacob looked on, his arms folded but his face indifferent to Paul's pain. Paul bent over in pain, Rachel holding onto his shoulders, as Carlisle had re set them, his deft fingers inside Paul's chest. Carlisle kept him upright with his other hand, tears of pain running from Paul's face. I looked at Jacob who remained stoic but I could see Carlisle needed his other hand. I raced forward and took Paul's hand off Carlisle's shoulder and I held it in mine. I put my other hand on his shoulder and kept him upright. There was another crack causing Paul to cough, spraying blood on the grass. He was struggling to breathe. "Paul, you had a punctured lung, I am resetting the ribs but I had to pull them from your right lung, you are healing already, it will only take a few moments for the bleeding to stop," Paul nodded once. Carlisle was concentrating. "What caused this Nessie?"

"Paul and Jacob were fighting; I think this injury was when Jacob kicked Paul through the house."

"And Jacob's head injury?"

"He hit a rock when Paul tackled him."

"He is lucky he is a shapeshifter. That would have caused major damage on a human," Carlisle murmured.

There was another crack of bone. "Fuck!" Paul swore, but I kept him from buckling over. Rachel was ashen. And I looked over to Jacob who's stoic face was fading and he was now truly concerned about his pack member. He walked over to me and behind Paul, making Rachel move out of the way, he put a hand on the small of Paul's back and the other on his shoulder to keep him straight as Carlisle worked.

Rose flitted out of the garage with a large rolled up tarp and nails. Sue, Grandpa and Billy were looking on through the hole in the house; Rose put the tarp down and quickly cleaned up all the glass. She was suddenly inside, cleaning up the mess I thought. Paul jerked as Carlisle was working but then Carlisle suddenly removed his fingers. "I'm done, I think you will be tender for a few days but your lung has healed."

Paul took a rasping gasp then his next gasp was normal. "Thank you." Jacob let him go carefully but Paul still had a hold of my hand. He stared at me. "I'm sorry Nessie. I…I don't know what came over me," he looked truly ashamed of himself. I nodded and he let go of my hand. Rose was outside again and she used her hand to nail in the tarp on the top right of the wall then the left; she worked in a blur.

"Ok Paul, that's you," Carlisle said. He patted him on the shoulder and walked off and into the house leaving Paul, Rachel, Jacob and me.

There was silence as I looked at the other three. "Well this is awkward."

Rachel snorted. "You can say that again. Look Jacob," she addressed her brother who gave her a stony look. "I don't agree with withholding information from me, but I can see that you have her best interest at heart," she conceded.

"You do realise that it's caused all of this tonight?" I pointed out.

She nodded. "I know, Paul is only looking out for me-"

"And I took it too far. I have been getting myself worked up about it on Rachel's behalf, but she has been crying herself to sleep, has been inconsolable and it makes me angry that I can't protect her from that and that I couldn't help or even say anything to her. It won't happen again."

Jacob kept silent and it was starting to irritate me. "Jacob, Paul is apologising."

He glanced at me then back at Paul. Come on Jacob, I thought. "Apology accepted," Jacob said curtly and stormed off into the house, leaving me alone with Paul and Rachel.

"Look, you guys had better get off home. Jacob will come and talk to you properly when he is ready."

"I wasn't even seeing him when I was laying into him," Paul became pale. "I just saw red; I didn't know he hit his head."

"He knows that, so do I, but Paul you do need to look at your anger issues. It clouds your judgement." He nodded and that was the end of the conversation, he took Rachel's hand and they walked off into the darkness.

Rose had finished what she was doing and dashed over to me. "So, how was Sunday dinner?" she was trying to hide a smile but failing miserably.

"Shush you."

"I think Jacob got a fright."

"I got a fright," tears welled in my eyes suddenly but I bit my lip hard. "When I saw he wasn't fighting back, it wasn't like him so I knew something was wrong," I looked down at my hands which were still blood stained.

"Paul is lucky that it was just me and Carlisle in the house. Emmett is very fond of Jacob, he would have torn Paul apart without thinking twice, and I can't see that going down too well."

"No, it would have got messy. I hope they can repair their friendship."

"They will. It's about male pride, which has been dented. I'm going to go, the stench of dog blood is getting to me," she wrinkled up her nose. I laughed. "See you later honey," she kissed me lightly on the cheek and was gone in a blink.

I was on my own on the now in the dark. I took a deep breath and ran inside. I found Jacob talking to Carlisle, Grandpa was staring at me then rushed over to me. "Are you alright?" he grabbed me by my arms and embraced me.

"Yeah, I'm fine Grandpa. I wasn't expecting it to kick off like that but hopefully it's done with."

"Is it always like this?" he spoke into my hair.

"No. Not with pack life anyway," I replied. "I think Paul has been spoiling for this all week. From his point of view, he sees his wife in pain. He and Jacob will need to sit down and talk."

"They do, without their fists."

I yawned; a mix of the adrenaline, the burst of power, the quick loss of it had made me feel very drained. Jacob had seen me in his peripheral vision. "Ness, are you ok?"

I nodded. "Just tired. I honestly haven't felt like this in ages."

"Lottie goes out like a light after practice, so Keith says; I saw you throw Paul off, although I thought I had imagined it."

"Is that because of the blood you drank?" Grandpa asked.

I nodded. "I think that's it. I think it's gone, no I know it is. I am just tired."

Jacob was over. "I'm sorry you had to see all of that Nessie," he was less angry now, back to my loving fiancé than Alpha. "I think we should get back home, you have school tomorrow and it's getting late," he turned to his father. "Do you want me to stay?"

Billy shook his head. "You get back. Are you sure you are alright? Your head took quite a knock."

"I've checked him over thoroughly." Carlisle reassured. "He hasn't even got a concussion. I promise," he smiled dashingly. "Good job he is a shapeshifter really, you would currently have a Glasgow coma scale of three."

I looked around; Rose had done a thorough job of cleaning the room. Sue was putting dishes away and was speaking in hush tones with Seth; I had the funny feeling that he hadn't told her that he was moving in with Gemma. If Sue was irked she certainly didn't show it earlier. I reached over to hug my other Grandad and I walked over to hug Billy. "Come round this week."

Billy patted me on the back. "Thanks for getting me out of the way, and for looking out for Rachel."

"Anytime Billy," I half-heartedly grinned.

"And I'll be round during the week. I hope it will be less dramatic than tonight."

"Oh me too!" I giggled properly. Billy always knew how to lighten the mood.

Reviews please! I know it's been a while but I will get there in the end! Thank you x