A/N: I'd like to say a very heart felt thank you to each and every one of you for taking the time to read and review.

It means the world to me. I thank those who review anonymously as well. Your feedback is important to me, too! A huge thank you to my best friend, who has given me her helpful feedback and encouragement!

So without further 'ado, here's the next chapter. HAPPY READING ALL!

CHAPTER TWENTY - TWO

(BPOV)

Charlie took an extended leave of absence from the station due to his injury. He had a hard time with simple tasks the first week home from the hospital, his limited mobility proving to irritate him in such a way that he would often refuse my help out of pure stubbornness. This made the next two weeks almost intolerable. His short temper and frustration would come out in him complaining about anything and everything he deemed suitable to gripe at.

I tried my best to be understanding and patient with him, but my good nature was starting to slip about the time he snapped at me for trying to help him put his jacket on before we headed out to see Billy and Jake for dinner. Something we hadn't done in days because he wasn't up for it. I didn't want to push him so I waited for him to decide when he was feeling up to the outing himself.

"Bella, I got it!" He snapped harshly at me.

I stepped back and threw my hands up in the air out of frustration. "What the hell do you want me to do!"

"Excuse me? Isabella Marie Swan! Who do you think you're talking to?"

I swallowed back my reply and shook my head, grabbing my keys and heading for the truck. "See you out there."

He mumbled something incoherent as I left. Still fuming angry with him for using me as a punching bag these last few weeks. I understood his injury made things a challenge and that he wasn't one to sit around a lot. Charlie loved to be out and active, whether it was working, hunting, or fishing with Billy. He loved the outdoors and I'm sure he felt cooped up like this, but I didn't feel that gave him the right to jump down my throat every time I turned around.

I sat in the truck, turning on the heat to warm the cab and waiting for him to join me so we could go. I was anxious to see Jacob. We hadn't seen much of each other since the night at the Hospital with Charlie. With his schedule for patrols, we barely had the time for an hour phone call in the evenings. He was running himself ragged and it had me concerned, but whenever I voiced this opinion, he would assure me he was fine.

We weren't seeing eye to eye on certain things these days. Jacob was adamant on running second, and even third shift patrols himself in order to keep the upper hand on Ryan, and whatever he may have up his sleeve. I knew his intentions were good, and was grateful for his devotion to my safety, but there had been a few times he'd nearly fallen asleep at the wheel driving me home from his house, and I was terrified of getting a call stating he'd been in some kind of collision. We had a small argument about him pushing himself too hard, and it was obvious to me that despite my strong protest to him running himself on empty, he wasn't budging on the matter. So for saving arguments sake, I dropped it... for now.

Then came the surprise of Clark Emerson showing up at his house when we were having dinner last week together. Jacob had answered the front door and there he stood, pissed as anything I'd seen. Before Billy or I had time to react, Clark punched Jacob in the face and Jacob charged back at him, sending them both hurdling off the steps. I jumped to my feet and Billy yelled for him.

"JACOB! DON'T!"

I ran outside and saw Jake pin Clark on the ground, landing two more blows to him.

"Jake!"

Sam came pulling in the yard out of nowhere, jumping out of his truck and running to them. He ripped Jacob off Clark.

"Hey! Jacob! Come on! Hey!" He yelled, grabbing him by the shirt and pushing him backwards. "He's not worth it!"

"You're gonna pay for attacking my boy!" Clark yelled, staggering to his feet.

"Your boys not who you think he is!" Jacob yelled back, trying to push past Sam to get back in Clarks face.

Sam turned to address Clark, his look dark and brooding when he spoke.

"You need to leave. This is Jake's house. Billy's property. Get off it or I'll escort your ass off myself."

Jacob came to my side, his body shaking with tremors and his anger still prominent.

"You had no right to do what you did!" Clark shouted to us.

I glanced up at Jake, unsure of what he was talking about.

"I had every fucking right and you'll know why soon enough. Tell your son if he knows what's good for him, he won't try the stunt he pulled ever again. Or next time, he'll need more than a few stitches."

"Is that a threat?"

"Absolutely." Jake replied, his eyes glued to Clark in menacing fashion.

"I take it this must be Bella?" Clark asked, taking a few steps in my direction. Jacob positioned himself in front of me, his hand finding mine as he approached. Sam grabbed Clark by the arm roughly.

"I said you should go."

"Why? I'd like to meet the girl who has such hold on my boy. After all, seems she's the real root to all this bullshit."

I heard a low growl come from Jacob as Clark tried to move past Sam, who was unmoving in his sturdy stance.

I moved myself so I was beside Jacob, our hands remaining together. "Your son and I have nothing Mr. Emerson. And he needs to respect the boundaries set in place."

I knew Mr. Emerson was at a huge disadvantage, only knowing half the truth, but I offered what I could for an explanation anyway.

"Oh yeah? Well last time I checked, making a move on someone's woman didn't qualify for receiving the beating he got? Last time I checked that was brutality and breaking the damn law!"

Jacob glanced down to me, his eyes apologetic when they met mine. I squeezed his hand and spoke up again.

"He should of known better and showed some respect." I countered.

"Dully noted Miss Swan." Clark replied. "But my sons injuries warranted him a two night stay in the local hospital. I take it by the look of shock on your face that good old Jacob here didn't tell you that did he?"

"Doesn't excuse your sons actions sir." I replied, refusing to allow him to paint Jacob out to be some monster. Ryan had it coming and while I was disappointed Jake hadn't been honest with me about it, I backed up his choice to make him suffer a bit for what he'd done to my father nonetheless.

"Unreal! You are really something else Black. I hire you because I respect your father and you pay me back by kicking the shit out of my son?"

Billy's booming voice suddenly came from behind us. "Your son needed to be taught a lesson. I'm sorry it came to this Clark, but he pushed Jacob to this and I will not punish him for it. Not in the least."

"Fine, as far as I'm concerned, you all can go to hell. Expect a call from my lawyer soon." He yelled over his shoulder as he left, sputtering a slew of profanities along the way, with all of us watching him intently when he drove off.

"Thanks for helping, Sam." I offered, giving him a hug of appreciation.

"Anytime." He replied, shaking Jake's hand with a pat to his shoulder. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Jake. Got Emily waiting for me at home with dinner on the table. I stopped by to tell you how well her appointment went. Doctor says he's healthy and Emily's in perfect health, too."

"That's great Sam." Jake replied, with a smile for him.

I couldn't help but smile widely myself. Sam's eyes lit up when he said this and it made my heart warm to know they were making some real progress. "Please tell Emily I'll stop in next week for a visit?"

"Sure will. See you guys later." He sighed, with a wave as he left.

I started for the house and felt Jacobs hand leave mine, turning back to see him stopped where he was. "You're not angry with me for not telling you?"

"I won't lie, I wish you would have. No secrets remember?"

"I'm sorry." He sighed, his eyes averting mine from guilt. I went to him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I know and I forgive you. Just don't keep me in the dark anymore?"

"I promise." He replied, his lips seeking mine.

"Thank you."

Since then he'd been sharing everything with me about the pack. Including any new leads they'd stumbled upon. He would tell me about how Paul was finally starting to turn around now that he and Sam had made a mends. It seemed it went hand in hand and I was glad to hear it, knowing it made things a bit easier on Jacob.

We had shared a few conversations this week, but they were short and to the point and usually late at night when I could barely keep my eyes open long enough to listen. He hadn't come through my window in days and I greatly missed that.

Charlie whipped open the truck door with his good arm and huffed as he climbed into the cab of my truck. I hit the gas and drove to Jake's house in silence, constantly biting my tongue and forcing down my irritation with his mood lately for his sake alone. I knew It did no good to say things in anger and regret them later.

When I pulled up to Jake's house, he was waiting for us on the steps and quickly got to his feet when he saw me. I was only half out of the truck when he hauled me into his arms and off my feet, spinning me around. I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, but my laughter was cut off by his urgent kiss. The feel of his lips on mine had me clinging to him in a way that I'm sure didn't impress the neighbors or my father for that matter.

Jacobs lips left mine and he set me down when we heard Charlie nonchalantly clear his throat. Throwing a raised eyebrow look of disapproval in our direction. Jake smiled at him anyway and went right along with small talk as if nothing had happened.

"How's the arm, Charlie?"

"Sore and useless right now." He grumbled and headed into the house. I stared after him, dreading to hear that same familiar sour attitude of his tonight.

"He's having a hard time?" Jake asked, kissing me on the cheek.

"You could say that." I replied, walking in with him.

"Give it some time, honey. He'll come around. You know your dad. He hates being stuck home all the time. Sure it's been hard for him not to work right now."

"Doesn't give him the right to be rude. I mumbled.

Jake paused and turned towards me. "You can stay here for a night? Maybe the two of you need a night apart?"

"I don't know. You have patrol again and I have to pick up a few job applications tomorrow. Maybe another night?"

He offered me half a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes and I could see his disappointment. The look of it pulling at my heart strings.

"I love you." He said, as he held open the door me.

"I love you, too."

Charlie was unusually silent most of the evening. His normal and regular teasing banter with Billy had ceased and they quietly watched the Sports channel, neither of them saying a word to the other. I had hoped Charlie's mood would change when he saw Billy again, but he simply sat there, stone faced and silent.

"Is your dad okay?" I asked Jake, as we dished out pizza for dinner.

"He's been... kinda off the last week, too. Not sure why."

I shrugged and glanced over to see Billy wheeling himself over to us. He smiled at me and I returned it, seeing him return to Charlie with two full plates of pizza for them.

"It's nothing serious thought right?" I asked.

"I don't think so. I've asked him and he don't say much to me about it. Whatever it is. Says he's fine. But I know better... Something's bothering him."

I nodded and sat down with him at the table. "When do you leave for patrol?"

"Midnight."

I sighed heavily and began picking at my dinner, not really having much of an appetite. Jake scooted his chair over next to mine.

"I was thinking... Maybe we could take a small road trip?" He asked, with a glint in his eyes and a matching grin on his face.

"Really? Where?"

"Well your mom called me the other day..."

"She did?"

"She wanted to be sure you were alright. Said you hadn't replied to her emails yet and when she couldn't reach Charlie, she got worried and called here looking for you."

"Oh..." I sighed, remembering that in the craziness lately, I'd forgotten to reply to any of her emails. "I should have called her last week. I just forgot."

"She misses you. We talked for a while. It was nice."

I took a small bite of my pizza and chuckled at the idea of Jake listening to the ramblings of Renee. I loved her but she sure had the divine gift of gab.

"It was?"

"Yeah, she told me how happy she was for us."

Jacobs smile couldn't get any wider and I found it infectious. He set his pizza down and turned my chair to face him.

"I'm sure she talked your ear off."

"I was thinking we could go see her? Together? Take a break from all this for a little while?"

"Really?" I replied, smiling back at him as his hands found mine. "But what about the pack and Ryan and my dad... and-" I paused, not wanting to even mention the volturi.

"I already talked to the pack last night. We had a meeting. I told Sam too, and he asked a few of the elders to fill in while I'm gone. They'd be okay for a week or two. I don't wanna be gone too long, but Sam swore he'd get ahold of me right away if anything should arise. He said he'd check in on Charlie, and Sue Clearwater said she would, too."

I knew this was his attempt at making me forget some of this... getting me out of town and miles away from Ryan in the process. I did have to admit, it sounded mighty appealing.

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure. If that's what you want?"

I nodded enthusiastically and hugged him. Almost laughing with joy. With everything going on, it would be nice for a break. If only just for a little while. Besides, I missed my mom a lot more these days and was feeling a bit home sick for Florida if I was being completely honest. I was also beginning to think Charlie needed a break from my constant hovering as well. This trip would be good all around.

"I take it that's a yes to going, honey?" Jake chuckled upon releasing me.

"Yes! I would love to go!" I gleamed, kissing him. My excitement showing itself in the kiss. Jacob paused and quickly stole a glance out toward the living room where Billy and Charlie were too involved in there sports and pizza to notice much of anything else. He brought his lips back to mine, swiftly hauling me into his lap. I straddled him there, a small laugh escaping me. "Jacob..." I whispered against his mouth. "They could walk in here any minute."

He silenced me with another kiss, his tongue invading my mouth and making me forget why I protested in the first place. My hands moved into his hair, a low moan coming from him in response and I soon found myself caught up in a frenzy from his touch.

"I miss you, honey." He said, his tone low and husky with need.

"It's been a while." I breathed in reply, feeling his warm mouth at my neck.

"Too long..."

"Mmm- Maybe we could." I paused as his eyes met mine.

"Sneak out?" He chuckled.

"Maybe." I sighed, lightly biting his bottom lip. His grip on me tightened and I stilled there. His nose brushing mine affectionately.

"Do you have any idea what you're doing to me right now?" He countered, pulling my hips forward. My eyes not leaving his as I moved, feeling his prominent arousal beneath me.

"I have a pretty good idea."

"Do you?"

I nodded to him, as his hand slid up under my shirt, his fingertips skimming up and down my back, leaving a trail of goose bumps along my bare skin while his lips sought the groove of my neck. I had to pry myself away from him now or I'd forget we weren't alone.

I tried to get up just when he brought his mouth back to mine. His kiss becoming possessive. I pressed myself further into him, as his tongue met mine.

I broke for air and cradled his face, licking my lips. The taste of him still there. "Garage?" I asked, desperate at this point.

"You'll freeze honey." He whispered, still clutching me to him.

"It'd be worth it. Maybe we can make it to my house and back before they notice?"

"Maybe..."

"I'll meet you outside in my truck? Come up with an excuse to leave?"

"Deal."

I rose to my feet, kissing him one more time and slipping out the back door with my jacket and keys. I couldn't help but grin like a kid who stood to get caught with their hand in the cookie jar, as I swiftly ran to my truck, slowly opening the door and slipping in. I held my breath as I quietly closed it, and slid the keys into the ignition, waiting for Jacob.

He came out soon and jumped in with me, wearing a mile wide mischievous grin.

"What did you tell them?"

"I told them Sam and Emily needed our help with moving some furniture around."

"What if Billy calls Sam while we're gone?"

Jake reached in his jacket pocket, pulling out his cell phone with a small smirk. "Already covered. Threw Sam a text. He knows whats up."

I started the truck and made the way back to my house. All the while Jacob had slid over to the middle seat, his hands roaming over my stomach. I felt a tingle shoot up my spine when his lips brushed my cheek, trailing down to my ear lobe and my neck.

"Jake..." I whispered, hitting the brakes for a stop light in town. "We're never gonna make it to the house if you keep this up." I warned.

"Just drive." He whispered seductively in my ear, causing goose bumps to arise along my arms.

"I'm... trying."

His warm hand slowly slid up my inner thigh and my breath caught in my throat. He was distracting and I felt my skin start to flush.

"You're very distracting."

"Am I?" He sighed, nuzzling my neck, as he inhaled my scent and let out an audible groan. The feel of his warm breath on my skin had my heart speeding up as we reached my street.

I parked the truck and didn't even take the time to pull the keys from the ignition, before kissing him desperately and thoroughly. My body aching for his touch as he guided me over onto his lap. The feel of his strong arms securing me to him, as we picked up right where we left off. I had missed his touch more than words could express these last few weeks. It seemed finding time for one another was proving to be harder than previously thought. I ground my hips into him, eager and desperate for friction, a low moan escaping him in response. He gripped them tightly in response, moving me forward, his kiss growing more urgent.

I felt his warm hands quickly slide up under my shirt, our movements limited by the confines of my truck. "We should take this inside?" I whispered, as I broke away from him and hurriedly opened the door to get out. He followed suit as I ran for the house. He chased after me, catching me around the waist before I could reach the front door. I laughed and fumbled with the house keys as his warm hands roamed over the contours of my stomach.

"Having trouble honey?" He breathed in my ear, one hand traveling down to the apex of my thighs. I nearly dropped the house keys. Luckily, Jake caught them before they fully slipped from my clumsy fingers. He chuckled and moved his hand back up to my stomach as I unlocked the front door.

I spun around and reclaimed his mouth with mine. The kiss hungry and insistent as we clamored through the house, knocking into this and that along the way. It was dark and neither one of us took the time to turn on a damn light before we reached the stairs. I tripped and thankfully Jacob caught me before I face planted. His robust laughter echoing through the house as we crested the top of the stairs.

"This is dangerous!" I laughed, opening my bedroom door. Jacob abruptly pulled me back to him, as his soft full lips parted mine, sensuously drawing my bottom lip into his mouth. He pressed my body close to him and my hands moved to tangle in his hair. We were a mess of limbs and hands, and breathy moans, both desperate to rid the offending clothes that separated us. I gripped the hem of his shirt, standing on my tip toes in an attempt to strip him of it. He assisted me, swiftly pulling it over his head. He unbuttoned my shirt from the bottom up, revealing my stomach and deftly unhooking my bra, allowing him access to my breasts. My nipples were already pert and begging for his touch only. I felt his right hand move up and firmly grasp my breast, tugging and pinching my nipple between his fingers. I was powerless to silence the cry that left me. I moaned again as his other hand roughly undid my jeans. His lips and tongue were rough and unapologetic and I loved it. I returned his kiss with equal intensity and groaned aloud as his tongue tasted mine. The both of us trying to consume each other in this moment. His touch was fevered and desperate as he explored me everywhere, making my skin hum with his strong caresses.

He suddenly lifted me up by my ass and quickly placed me on the bed beneath him. I moaned into his mouth when he pressed his firm body against mine, making me ache for him. His hands groped at my body, leaving my skin set a blaze from his warm touch. Jacobs hands took mine, pinning my arms above my head, every part of my body burning for him now. He tore his mouth from mine, placing open - mouthed kisses clear down to my navel, his tongue fiercely exploring my exposed skin and stopping just below the top of my lace panties. He wasted no time in removing them, an audible groan coming from him as his mouth returned to my lower abdomen, slowly moving to my center. I soon felt his warm breath there. My hands gripped the sheets in anticipation, as his hands gripped my thighs. His pace was slow, tantalizing and deliberate. I melted into the sensation. The familiar low burn starting with me as I licked my lips, sucking in sharp breaths as his tongue worked mercilessly over me. The room was nearly pitch black, leaving me unable to see him, and only able to feel him. Somehow, this increased the sensations for me, leaving me panting, moaning aloud and tightening my death hold on the sheets. He was driving me to the brink and I was certain that I'd soon combust.

Jacobs grip on my thighs tightened, holding me firmly in place, as his tongue skillfully swirled around over and over again. The hungry burn within my lower abdomen flared, spreading its way through my body. I cried out his name and arched my back as the last swirl of his tongue pushed me over the edge of carnal bliss.

"Jacob..."

My body warmed with my release, a flush settling over me as it rocked through me. I was somewhat aware of him moving back up my body, his tongue coming to invade my mouth, silencing me with his passionate kiss. Jacobs fingers slid up my wet folds and I moaned, throwing my head back, as he whispered in my ear, his voice husky and dripping with arousal. "I love the feel of you. The taste of you."

My hands frantically sought the top of his jeans, undoing the button and zipper. I tugged them down as far as I could and felt him leave me to finish discarding them. His breathing ragged when he brought his body back to mine, firmly pressing himself against my throbbing center. He reached down and hitched my leg around his hip, as I felt him take one of my nipples in his mouth, eagerly sucking and flicking his tongue and continuing to ground himself harder against me. His mouth left one breasts and went to the other. I reached for him, cupping his erection in my hand. He groaned and momentarily stilled from my touch. I pulled at his boxers, encouraging him to remove them. Jacob kissed me tenderly once and took off his last item of clothing, settling himself between my naked thighs. The tip of him pressed against my slick folds, causing my hips to involuntarily thrust upward for him. I was dying to feel him inside me again. He swiftly flipped us, hauling me on top him. His hands cupping my ass before roaming up my stomach and coming to knead my breasts. I leaned down, seeking his lips and finding the urgency in his kiss to be invigorating. I slid my way down his body, kissing down his firm chest and abs. My lips feeling the muscles there and my tongue coming to taste his bare skin as I went on. I reached my sought destination before long and took the length of him in my mouth, eagerly swirling my tongue around the tip.

"Bella..." He moaned, the sound of it encouraging me onward. I took him in my mouth again, while stroking the base of him. His labored breathing encouraging me to continue. I felt empowered to know I could make him feel this good. Empowered to know I could do this for him. It was liberating.

I raised my head and stroked the length of him repeatedly, hearing him groan again, as he suddenly sat up, taking me in his arms and flipping me so I was underneath him again. His hot tongue swirled around the swell of my breasts, drawing my aching nipples into his mouth.

"Ugh." I moaned, my hips thrusting upward, feeling his arousal press against my center. "Jake please." I breathed to him, not above begging. My body craving him.

Jacobs devouring kiss silenced me and he pushed his hard member into my throbbing center in one swift motion. I cried out loudly at the sensation... the fullness... The pleasure I felt at being joined so intimately with him. His arms held me tightly to him. "I love you Jacob... So much." My own voice sounding strangled with my words.

"I love you, too Bells." He breathed, in his own ragged whisper while building a steady rhythm. I was unable to form any more words as he moved in and out of me. His thrusts soon grew punishing and I felt the familiar tightening within me from his relentless pace. I took full advantage of the fact that we were all alone and that I didn't have to be quiet. I could be loud and I was.

Sweat dripped from Jacobs body, making my own skin slick from it. I felt his mouth reclaim mine, as my hips pushed up against his, being forced to the brink with every thrust he made. My body coming alive for him... only him. "Oh God ... Jacob."

He nipped and sucked my neck, his lips soon coming to stop at my ear. "Cum for me, honey."

The husky, alluring and dominant demand from him, sent a new rush of pleasure through me.

My name soon fell from his lips, as he found his own release. His persistent and pounding rhythm pushing me on. I cried out and groaned, as my climax shattered through me, leaving me breathless and trembling.

Jacob collapsed, his head coming to rest on my bare breasts. My body still humming and tingling from my orgasm, as my arms wrapped around him. I reached over and switched on my lamp, wanting to see him as I ran my fingers through his hair, feeling it damp with sweat. He raised his head, our eyes meeting with a mischievous smile on his face. I returned it as he moved up to kiss me, his full lips tender at first, but swiftly changing in urgency. I pulled back astonished to feel him hard again. His member pressing up against me.

I couldn't help the small giggle that left me to see Jake's look turn bashful. "Sorry... it has been a while in my defense."

I cradled his face, my thumb tracing his bottom lip. "Don't be sorry." I replied, kissing him. My tongue meeting his as he grabbed my hips and scooted me down closer to him, positioning himself at my entrance. He paused and locked eyes with me.

"I always want you." He sighed, thrusting into me quickly. His eyes carefully observing me, watching me as I threw my head back in ecstasy.

"Jacob..."

His kiss was fevered as we fought to get closer to one another. Never seeming to be close enough. Our mouths and tongues endlessly moving together, in an attempt to devour one another. I gently bit his bottom lip. A gluteral moan coming from the back of his throat in response. I felt his fingers circle my sensitive nub, nearly sending me into oblivion. I broke our kiss and met his heated gaze. His lustful look almost animalistic ... primal ... and hot as hell.

His thrusts grew in pace and my body once again, came alive for him. I couldn't contain my cries of pleasure, as his fingers deftly worked me. I clung to him as my orgasm took hold of me. He wrapped an arm under me, pulling me flush to him. Every muscle in his body going rigid and his thrusts becoming faster and harder, going deeper and deeper. My hips bucked up, his cheek coming to press against mine, intently listening to every cry I made.

"Oh Bells..."

His hand reached up and took mine, lacing our fingers together. Jacobs last few thrusts pushing him into another release. My head whirled and my limbs became shaky and weak when he finished. I was exhausted and felt Jacob slowly remove himself for me, his eyes meeting mine as he rolled over, taking me with him. I nestled into him, basking in his warmth, his love. My eyes began to grow impossibly heavy and I succumbed to my exhaustion, wrapped up and safe with him.