CHAPTER Twenty-One:

Everything Put Whole

Sophie's PoV:

I sat calmly, scratching the bridge of Seth's face and wiping the freezing tears from my cheeks.

Wtf is happening down there…

As if knowing what I was thinking Seth dodged backwards out from under my arm and started jumping around, shaking his coat and trying to wordlessly point down the hill.

Even without words I understood him. Something's wrong.

As we got closer to the bottom all I could hear were painful yells and moans.

Seth got there before me and when I arrived, all the pack had phased back and were picking someone up.

Jake.

Not knowing exactly how to help, I danced around on the spot in frustration.

Eventually it clicked and I ran off ahead of them to the truck and pulled it around closer so they could slide Jake into the backseat.

Jake lay there, arms folded across his chest, groaning, with Embry crouched on the floor of the backseat to support him. Sam jumped in the front and the rest of the pack sat in the bed of the truck as I pulled out and raced to Jacob's house.

I have no idea what was happening with the Volturi, or even who or what they are, but I don't really care at the moment. I'll find out later I'm sure.

After Tokyo Drifting the truck to a halt in front of the house, the guys lifted Jake carefully and carried him to his bed. I followed and stopped in the bedroom doorway to give them the space to place him down.

Blinking back the tears was difficult, especially when Seth walked over beside me with a forced cheerful smile and said, "He'll be alright."

His words just reminded me of how NOT alright he was.

The flood gates almost opened until Dr. Carlisle Cullen stepped into the room. He was here to help Jacob but I could still sense all the wolves putting up their guards.

We all backed out except for Sam and waited anxiously outside the house.

My nails were being bitten down to the tips of my fingers as I bounced on my toes nervously. My eyes squeezed tight as I heard the loud cracks of bones being re-broken again and again, accompanied only by the painful screams of Jacob.

Feeling a hand on my wrist I opened my eyes, Quil was trying to pull my hand away from my face in an attempt to save my nails from my teeth.

"It's alright, Jake's tough." After pushing my hand down he broke eye contact and looked straight ahead into the woods.

I think he understands that Jake couldn't help the imprint from happening. It's a huge relief to know he's not gunna rage out about it, obviously he's not happy but he understands; and that's really all I could ask for.

Carlisle stepped out of the house calmly, clearly done what he needed to do, and I dove past him to run to Jake's room.

There, lying on his bed covered in sweat, was my poor wrapped up puppy.

"Hey," he lifted his head slowly, offering a weak smile that inspired hope but still made my heart break.

"Hey Jake," my eyes scanned his body, taking in his condition, "how ya feelin'?"

That question seemed benign and the answer was obvious but it came out anyways.

"Oh y'know…" his voice trailed off and he looked a little dazed. I think maybe the Dr. gave him something for pain.

"Lil' sore?" I offered the words to help him finish his sentence.

He met it with a short, light laugh, "Just a tad, ya."

I was about to sit on his bedside when the guys all came pouring in. It'd only be a little awkward to sit on Jacob's bed while Quil stood there feeling concerned and annoyed at the same person.

Embry put a hand on my shoulder in a comforting manner as I took a few steps back to let him walk closer to his friend. Somehow it feels like I shouldn't be here, like it's a Pack thing and I'm an outsider.

Stepping lightly, I walked out of the room to give them some time. Just as I stepped onto the front porch I was greeted by Billy, Jacob's dad.

"Where are you headed?"

I swirled back to face him, "I just figured I'd give them some time."

"I think Jake wants you there more than them." He smiled knowingly at me, I wonder what Jake has told him…

I nodded curtly and smiled, "I'm sorry…" I trailed off a moment, "that he got injured, I mean…"

He smiled painfully and looked down at his hands before looking back up at me, "He is a wolf, and he is strong. And he did it knowing he was protecting the one he loves. That is more than any proud warrior could ask for."

His words were comforting, to hear him say Jake loves me just made me realize he was so strong about his feelings that he told his father before anything even happened.

"Thanks," I smiled at him, feeling better and less guilty.

When I got back into the room, the guys were all gone.

"I was wondering when you'd be back," Jakes voice was so muffled through strain that I almost felt his pain.

"Ya, sorry, I was just talking with your dad." I motioned to the door.

"My dad, eh?" He chuckled and picked at his blanket with his good arm, "and what did he have to say?"

Smiling, I took a step forward and crouched next to his bed, afraid if I sat on it the mattress would shift angles and hurt him.

"He saaaaid, that you are strong," he smiled, "aaand that you are a proud warrior…" Jake laughed and shook his head. My voice trailed off, I didn't want to say anything about his dad mentioning 'love', might be kinda weird.

Taking a deep breath, I figured I'd just spill the beans, "So, Quil knows…"

Jake looked up, his smile fading.

"I think he's ok though, I think he understands you can't help it… the whole imprinting thing… like, he's not stoked, but he gets it. I feel so bad though, the look on his face and-"

"Soph, shhh, you're rambling again." He smiled and pointed to his forehead, "Wolf telepathy remember? I've already been yelled at." Jake laughed and reached for my arm to pull me up off the ground and closer to him.

Gently, so as not to disturb the mattress too much, I lowered myself onto the edge. My right hand found its way into his dark hair and I lost myself in the dark abyss of his eyes.

"I love you Sophie." It came out from behind his smile like a very intimate whisper.

"I lo-"

"Jake! Are you ok?!" Bella came bursting into the room.

Buzz kiiiiiiill.

I leaned back from Jake with a bit of a sigh and pulled my hand out of his hair.

Bella dove down, worry strewn all across her face, "Oh my god what happened?! What did Carlisle say?"

"Broken ribs, broken arm…" he smiled, "nothin' major."

The thought dawned on me to ask, "Hey Bells, what're the Volturi? What happened?"

She shook her head and made a bit of a growl noise, "They're just some obnoxious, powerful, Vamps that make the rules." Her eyes shifted from the floor to meet mine, she looks panicked. "They're completely heartless. I'm glad you weren't there, no offence."

"None taken," I held my hands up in a 'don't worry about it' fashion then let them drop to my sides.

After Bella left to see Edward, I sat with Jacob. We talked and hungout for about an hour until he passed out. I held his hand for a bit, wishing for some kind of miracle, when Billy came up behind me.

"The wolf in him will accelerate the healing of his bones and tissues. He'll be up and running in no time." He smiled reassuringly at me as I stood up and yawned. "Go home, get some rest. I'll tell him to call you when he's up."

"Thanks," I turned and took one last look at Jacob, I don't want to leave but his dad probably wants some time with him too. "G'night puppy," I whispered before I left out the front door.