JacobPOV

The pain was unbearable. It felt like I was being trampled by 100 bulls, submerged in acid, and being burned alive all at the same time. My ribs were on fire, a killer headache and I couldn't move without crying out. Why can't I just die?

BellaPOV

I curled up next to Jacob, nuzzling my wet nose into his neck; trying to nudge him awake. It was no use, he wouldn't wake up. I started to cry my lone wolf howls and whines, my tears the size of golf balls.

Please don't die Jake. Don't die. I cried. Please, Leah, Embry, just somebody help him.

I heard the sound of gigantic, rough paws hitting the forest floor, getting closer and closer. Instinctively, I got up and crouched over my imprint; hateful, and defensive growls came from my teeth-showing muzzle, the snarls echoing through the clearing.

Easy there Bells, it's just us. Come on, let us take Jake, he needs serious medical help. Embry's voice said slowly and carefully, in my head.

He was speaking to me like I was losing my mind, or at least close to it. I slowly backed away, my feral growls choking off into a long howl that was partly a sob.

Just help him. I pleaded.

Leah was the first one to phase, followed by Embry. They quickly grabbed their clothes that were tied to their legs, and slipped the garments on. Leah wore a gray cotton dress that met her knees half way, while Embry wore dimple cut-offs as well as Quil and Paul. Carefully as they could, they picked up Jacob with their abnormal wolf strength and started their long walk to La Push. Even though they tried to be as careful as they could so they wouldn't cause Jacob unnecessary pain, he howl and cried at the torment his injuries were causing him. Leah walked beside me, completely failing at trying to comfort me. I was a mess. Sam met us at the border of the trees, his face sorrowful, angry, and regretful. It could only mean one thing.

The bloodsucking flea had gotten away.

I felt my face harden into a mask of pure anger and hate. My tears kept on flowing, still showing my grief. I will get my revenge, soon.

We had finally made it to La Push. Jacob was nearly as pale as a vampire. Almost like a Cullen. He lay unconscious and unmoving. When ever he did move, his face contorted in pain and he tried not to cry out. La Push's only doctor walked in to check up on him and walked right back out. His old brown face was sagging from age and covered in wrinkles and pinched making his face look like a pug puppy. Visitors went in and out of Jacob's tiny room, masks of pity for me and sadness for Jacob was plastered on everyone's face who had visited. Billy came in and out constantly giving me reassuring pats on the back, hugs and gentle squeezes on the hand for encouragement. His smile was warm and friendly, while his dark eyes were soft; showing only a hint of fear. Jacob woke up but never spoke to me. His gaze would lock with mine and we would have our own private conversation, blocking out the rest of the world with our eyes talking, there was no need for words. This, sometimes, monotonous routine happened for the rest of the two weeks ahead.

On the last day of the two weeks Jacob had finally spoke to me. His voice was rough, from lack of talking, and deep. His tone was warm and his hand reached toward my face. He beckoned for me to join him on his tiny bed. I laid down next to him and gently rested my forehead on his shoulder, crying silent tears. His hand went under my chin and brought my head up so he could meet my eyes. He saw my tears, creating tears of his own. At that moment he kissed me. It was like he never kissed me before; his lips were soft and gently at first, growing with fierceness and roughness as the kiss turned hot and heavy. We were both panting when we finally came up for air, I hadn't realized but I was holding my breath.

"I love you my Bella." was the first words he had said to me since he was hurt, all the while, there was a gentle smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"I love you too Jakey." I smiled back, leaning in to give him a swift peck on the lips. He leaned in eagerly, wanting more but I pulled back swiftly. There was a twinkle in his eyes when he laughed at my teasing him. He shifted and stretched his arms, wincing slightly.

"Are you okay? Do you need me to get the doctor?" I asked fearful, afraid that he was still hurt.

"Nah, I'm just sore from not moving for a while." he answered, stretching and wincing again. I looked down in time to see his legs stretch and toes point, his joints cracking. Again he winced but this time from pleasure.

"Hmmm." He sighed, content. "Lets see if I can walk…" he mumbled half to himself. Reluctant to leave his arms, I got up from the bed. Slowly, he got up. Hobbling around the room he reached the door just as the doctor came in. his eyes were slightly amused at Jacob's sleepy eyes and his bed head.

"Going somewhere?" He asked, amusement the dominant expression on his face.

"Nope. Just trying out my legs, that's all." Jacob replied.

"Well, it seems you're well enough to join the pack again. Just take it easy for another day just in case." He warned, serious. With that he left the room, leaving Jake and I staring after him.

Jacob looked back at me and he smiled softly. He walked over to me in two strides. His hand and fingers tangling themselves in my hair, while his kiss was fierce with need. Hastily, we moved to the bed. I was flat on my back, both his legs were on either side of my hips, with him crouched over me. His eyes were filled with lust and wanting, I'm sure my eyes echoed his. The kissing continued until we were panting hard. Having the doctor say he was free to walk and move around, we spent the rest of the day and night enjoying each others company which was hot and heavy.

Hours later I woke up encircled in my soul mate's arms. I turned my head to see that it read 7:30am. Turning my head back, I tried to go back to sleep but I was already wide away. Sighing reluctantly, I got up to take a shower and get ready for our pack shifts. Heading to the bathroom, I felt someone's eyes watching me, burning into my bare back forcing me to turn around.

"Hey Jakey. I'm sorry I woke you." I softly said. Rubbing the sleep from my wide awake eyes.

"Don't worry 'bout it." His eyes sized me up from head to toe before saying: "Hey Bells, you alright? You seem more pale than usual. Have you been outside in the last two weeks or have you been with me the entire time?" he asked concerned.

I chuckled. "Well I wasn't gonna leave you here. Leah tried to pry me from your side and I wouldn't budge. Sam understood and let me stay with you."

"You still didn't answer one question. Haven't you gone outside in the last two weeks?"

I hesitated too long. "Well…. No."

Impatiently he sighed, "Bells. It's unhealthy to not get any sun. Why don't you go out and get some daylight, try getting a tan or something. Just go outside, I have one more day still to stay inside." He wiggled his eyebrows playfully that made me giggle. "I'm probably gonna help Billy clean and what not over here for today to give me something to do. Anyway go outside and have some fun." Jacob tried to convince me. It worked, too.

"Okay, well I'm probably going to go hiking or something." I added "Don't worry I can take care of myself, thank you." I said icily when I saw him start to protest.

"Fine." Was all he answered. I went to take a shower, letting the water, that was never hot enough, sooth out the knots in my back. After washing my hair with my favorite shampoo, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body before I entered Jacob's room again. Walking to the closet, I pulled out a cotton dress out of a couple spare clothes that I kept here just in cast, just like my shampoo and extra brush. I put on underwear, that I rarely used anymore except when I went out in public. After brushing and halfway hand drying my hair I headed to Jacob, who was watching my every movement.

"What?" I asked, annoyed.

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how beautiful you look." He smiled while I snorted, amused.

"Right. Anyway I'll be back soon." I kissed him swiftly on the lips then moved toward the door, picking up my old pair of red and white converse on the way. I tied my shoes and looked back at Jacob, who was still in the same position watching me, and left. I drifted, in my own thoughts, and walked into town. I hadn't even realized where my feet were taking me until I was in the woods where the big, white, abandoned, empty house loomed into my vision. I proceeded to walk forward to the ghost of a house full of both happy and memorable, painful moments in my life when it was actually normal.

EdwardPOV

I hadn't fed in days. I was desperate and lonely, hunting a red headed bitch who had tried to kill me not even a couple days ago, but fled before I could catch up to her. She had gotten my arm ripped off and left before I could get my only attached arm around her stone neck to rip her head from her body. God I needed help. Without acknowledging it, I picked up my phone and dialed a number that I hadn't used in a long, long time. The phone rang only 2 times before a familiar voice picked up, the voice of the man who was like a father to me.

"Cullen's residence. Carlisle speaking."

"Carlisle, this is Edward." my voice was lifeless and detached.

"Oh Edward! Please come home! Are you alright? Are you hurt?" His voice was full of concern and worry.

I chuckled bitterly, "Yes, I am quite fine. But I am having a hard time trying to keep my diet in check."

"Have you fed on a human?" Disbelief and denial colored his voice.

"No. Not yet at least. Just having doubts in my self-control, that's all."

"Oh, Edward why don't you come home? I'll help you-We'll help you." Sincere.

"Where are you guys at?"

"Oh we're in Black Forest, Colorado. Please come home. I'm sure you'll be able to find us soon enough. Where are you, anyway?"

"Actually I'm in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I've been having some problems with Victoria and I've been tracking her for sometime now. She's actually heading that way. I'll see you soon." And with that, I hung up.

I ended at Carlisle's front porch. I wasn't even there for 5 seconds before the door opened and out ran Esme who pulled me into a fierce hug. I was surprised at how much I missed her and hugged her back.

"Oh, my baby. My Edward." She crooned, lovingly. Everyone gathered on the front lawn giving me welcoming hugs and pats on the back. I was ushered inside, when Alice paused. Her eyes glazed over and I was immediately sucked into her vision, taking my full attention, and I stopped too.

There was a dark haired girl in a cotton dress and converse walking to our old house. Her face was familiar and her once clumsy walk was graceful. She turned to look into the window when, suddenly, Laurent came up behind her. Watching and waiting. Her Back went ridged and she turned around. It was Bella. The view switched to the forest behind Laurent and there was Victoria, watching intently. They were going to ambush her. There was no way she was going to survive this. Bella held her ground and Laurent took a step forward. The vision blacked out.

I sucked in a startled breath and started to shake with anger.

"What? What's wrong? Edward?" Carlisle questioned with growing impatience.

"Laurent and Victoria are heading back to Forks. They're going to ambush Bella." Alice answered for me. I felt the remaining blood drain from my already pale face. It was worse to hear it out loud and make my suspicions confirmed. Everyone gasped.

"Are we too late?" Carlisle asked.

"We have just enough time." It was Alice who spoke again.

"I don't care what you guys think but I'm going to Forks. There is no way that Laurent is going to hurt Bella." Emmett said fiercely and proudly.

"Same here." Jasper and Alice chimed in together. Rosalie's lips were smashed down into a disapproving grimace. Carlisle and Esme locked eyes and she nodded.

"It's settled then. We're going back to Forks." Carlisle confirmed.

"We'll be there in about 5 hours if we take a private jet. Don't worry we'll have just enough time to make it there if we leave in 10 minutes." Alice said.

Everyone was packed and ready to go in less than five minutes. Carlisle was on the phone planning the preparations with the jet.

We were going back to Forks.

Five hours later we were parked below the hill that ran up to our driveway. We quickly ran our luggage up into the house. We had barely parked when I saw the flutter of dark brown hair and a cotton dress turn the corner of our house. I followed her, careful not to disturb her, it looked like she was lost in her own thoughts. I watched her pear into the window when there was a snap of a branch behind her. Her back stiffened and she turned around. I was watching, giving her the chance to try to defend herself, so that I could come to my fair maidens rescue.

Bella glared at Laurent and held her ground. Slowly she kicked off her shoes and took off her underwear and dress. Reluctantly I turned my head and whispered, "Emmett!" too low for Bella and Laurent to hear. He met my gaze and ushered the rest of the family to gather around and watched. Everyone fluttered close, watching intently, their walking sounded like a whisper. Their eyes widened when they saw Bella standing there naked. Emmett's whistle of appreciation was low but his thoughts were as loud as him yelling.

Damn! That's girls got one hell of a body! She sure has changed since we left-

I cut Emmett's thoughts off with a glare and he guiltily averted his eyes until we say Bella began to shake and we realized in that moment that Bella had changed.

She had changed a lot.

A/N: Edward had made himself forget about what happened to Bella when she phased and the Cullen's left again. Bella's relationship with Jacob grows and Edward never told his family what had happened to Bella. He made them all move, like her 18th birthday incident all over again.