A/N: My good friend and greatest Beta ever, Jen, is moving on to a new phase in her life. Be sure to watch out for when she is a world famous author, folks!!! The woman has mad writing skills, and I know that one day she will achieve her dream in publishing her very own literary works :)

So, I wanted to give you all a heads up, because I really don't know what I'm going to be doing from here on out. I may just wrap up the story quickly, because I don't know if I have the heart to have anyone else proof read my work. If anyone has a beta background, and is interested in taking over for her, please email me. I will let you know what I plan on doing as soon as I know. I'll have Jen with me until June, but then she has to prepare for her return to college.

Bella's POV

Honestly, I couldn't believe everything that was happening all around me. Jacob and I finally got our lives back on track together and were eager to start living it again, but the lives of the people we loved around us were falling apart.

How could I be truly happy when so many people around me were in so much pain?

Esme found out that she was pregnant and was due a couple of weeks after Alice, but she was having terrible complications and was limited to nearly twenty four hours a day bed rest. Edward, Angelo and Carlisle vigilantly watched over her, giving her the best care possible, but there was a good chance that she could miscarry, and it broke my heart. If anyone deserved to be a mother, it was she, because she was the most loving, kind and nurturing woman I had ever met.

One of the hardest things I ever had to do came in mid February, when Jacob and I had to put our dogs to sleep. They were both sick with age related illnesses, and to allow them to continue to suffer would be inhumane. So, Jacob and I spent one last night with them, then brought them to our veterinarian the following morning, where we held them in our arms as the vet ended their very long lives. I cried my heart out for days afterward, and didn't come out of my bedroom for about a week, leaving Jacob to take care of the twins while I grieved. One day, while lying in bed, I heard a noise coming from outside the bedroom door, and when I opened it, a tiny puppy sat there, looking up at me expectantly.

"Well, hello, sweetie! Where did you come from?" I cooed as I scooped the wiggling pup up and snuggled her.

"She came from a wolf refuge outside of Seattle. They rescue injured wolves and either nurse them back to health and release them back into the wild, or they keep them on their refuge. This little one is half wolf and half German Shepherd, and was rescued when her parents were killed by hunters. Isn't she a sweetheart?" Jacob asked as he scratched her behind the ears.

"She is so beautiful!! Hi baby!" I said as she licked away my tears.

"I wasn't sure if I should bring her home, given that we just lost Maya and Bruno, but when I saw her, I just couldn't resist. She's yours, honey, if you want her," Jacob gently said.

"Of course I do!! Hmmm, what should we call you, pretty girl?" I asked the wiggling little mass of gray and brown fur. "I know! Daisy! Because she's cheerful, just like the flower," I said, warranting a huge lick from my newest 'child'.

"Daisy it is then," Jacob grinned as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me against him.

Daisy let out a growl of warning, then nipped at Jacob's arm as it surrounded me.

"Guess she showed you who's Alpha!" I giggled.

"Just what I need, another bossy female," he jokingly grumbled.

Brady was making great strides with his recovery, was nearly completely weaned off of the countless medications he was on, but he still struggled with leaving his house. He was able to venture out as far as the roadway, which was about one hundred feet from his front door, but a panic attack would swiftly set in if he spent more than a couple of minutes outdoors.

His mother's condition was worsening, and there was no hope of her overcoming the cancer, because it spread into her liver, kidneys, and lungs. She was allowed to return home, but she had round the clock hospice care to make her as comfortable as possible while she lived out the last few months of her life. Brady was devastated, and spent much of his time by her bedside, reading books to her and making every last second he had with her count.

Quil was a completely loose cannon, nearly out of his mind over Leah being gone. When I heard he had torn up my parents' porch, thinking Elliot was hiding her inside, I wanted to beat the crap out of him for being an idiot. He atoned for the destruction, and showed up the next day to fix all of the damage he had done, earning back a little bit of my dad's respect for him. He was still doing crazy things though, and pretty much remained in his wolf form since that day forward.

"When we are phased, some of our humanity fades away, and our animal takes over. Emotions are a hell of a lot easier to handle this way, Bells," Jacob explained to me one evening when we were driving back from visiting Alice and Jasper.

Their house was almost completely renovated, and was ready for them to move into on April sixth, which was only a week away. It turned out beautifully, having both modern and traditional décor, as well as a very eclectic mix of artwork from all over the world. The only room I hadn't seen, and neither had Jasper because he still didn't know the sex of their child, was the baby's room. He was still wishy-washy on wanting to know, but curiosity was finally wearing him down, so it was only a matter of time before Alice spilled the beans.

She was so adorable pregnant, and was now visibly showing. On top of throwing herself into the house renovations, she threw herself into designing more maternity fashions, and was the best dressed expectant mother the whole state of Washington had ever seen. Her children's line of clothing was flourishing in her boutique, and she often used Kaylee, Elizabeth, Ryan and Dawn to model her fashions.

My brother was still struggling with everything that happened between him and Leah, and often had terrible bouts of depression. Whenever he would have an episode, he would lock himself in his room, and pretty much sleep for several days before emerging. He was also showing signs of 'Imprint sickness', and often suffered from migraines, nightmares, and all over weakness in his otherwise strong body. So far he was still healthy though, but Jacob watched him and Quil like a hawk, and I knew the second it became too much, he would contact Leah and make her come home.

These days, he and Claire were virtually inseparable, which both concerned and relieved me. They were such good friends, and she helped him through some of his really bad days, but I could sense that their relationship was going through a shift, and I was worried that they would end up getting hurt. Often, I would catch her peeking at him through her lashes whenever she thought he wasn't looking, and when he would catch her, she blushed bright pink and nervously played with her hair. He did the same thing, and it was like watching this cute little game of cat and mouse between the two of them. I just hoped that whatever was blossoming between them could fight the Imprint, because it was obvious to everyone around them that they were perfect for each other.

"Quit thinking so hard," Jacob said as he gently tugged on a piece of my hair.

It was a beautiful spring day in La Push, with the sun shining and the temperature hovering near sixty degrees. Jacob and I spent most of the day outside, with him sitting on our large swing and me, curled up with a book, with my head in his lap while he stroked my hair. Things were so good between us, and our relationship reached a new level of tranquility since we overcame what happened between us when he left.

"I'm just thinking about Elliot and everything. I'm worried about his relationship with Claire," I replied as I folded the corner of my worn book and set it down.

"I know you are, honey. Has anything happened between them? I know they have grown close, but I don't think they crossed the lines of their friendship yet."

I shifted so that I lay on my back, and looked up at his breathtakingly handsome face. No matter how long we were together, his beauty never ceased to steal my breath away. From his chiseled cheekbones, his strong jaw line, to his emotion filled dark brown eyes, he would always be the most stunning man I had ever seen.

"I don't think anything has, but what if it does? They are so cute together, and I know they like each other a lot, but you and I both know that they are doomed. What if Leah comes back, and chooses Elliot? Poor Claire would be so heartbroken. It's obvious that Quil loves Leah more than he does Claire, so the poor girl is going to be devastated," I said with a sad sigh, because I adored the sweet girl, and didn't want her to be hurt.

"Honey, Quil is just as confused as Leah. He loves them both, and he's a damned mess because of it. You don't see it, because he's always in his wolf form, but he sleeps outside of Claire's house every single night to make sure she is ok. When she and Elliot go out, he waits for her to come home. He hasn't spoken to her since that day he tore up your dad's porch, and he's afraid to because she asked him to stay away for now. As far as her heart being broken, that's not our business, baby. Both she and Elliot are well aware of what can happen, and I think that's why nothing has really happened between them, and I don't think it will. Both have been devastated by this triple Imprint thing, and I think that they are both scared to death to be hurt anymore than they both already have," he replied.

"Have you talked to Leah lately?" I asked, changing the subject a bit.

Jacob drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled and nodded his head.

"Yeah, but she's being evasive. She says that she's ok, but I can hear it in her voice that she isn't. I talked to Matt, and he said that she's growing pretty weak. She also hasn't been able to phase for nearly three months, so that alone isn't good news. He said her appetite is shit, that she sleeps a lot, and her energy levels are pretty low. He's going to call me back next week, and if she isn't any better, I'm flying out there to haul her ass back home. She has had several months to sort this all out, and I understand how difficult this is for her, but if she can't take care of herself, then it's time to intervene," he said, with a little edge to his voice.

I knew he was extremely worried about Leah, and knew just how stubborn she was, and I knew he wasn't kidding about dragging her back to La Push. I felt relieved, because I didn't know how much longer my brother could hold out, and even more-so Quil, who was doing way worse than Elliot was.

"Not to sound selfish, and I know I am when I say this, but I hope this damn mess is cleared up soon, because I want us to be able to live our lives, Jake."

He stroked my hair lovingly and smiled down at me.

"I know. I do too. Just think though, in a little over five months, you and I will be sailing the Caribbean for two weeks, all alone in paradise. Things will be better by then, and I already have everything hammered out with Jared and Embry. They are going to run things while we're gone, so the only things you and I will have to worry about are our tans, and how many times I can make you scream my name. Believe me, I plan on kissing every single inch of your sexy body, every single night," he said as his eyes flickered with desire.

"Every inch, you say?" I flirted while moving my head so that it brushed against the swiftly hardening bulge in his jeans.

"You heard me right, woman. Now quit teasing and give me a kiss before I haul you up here. You are way too far away from my mouth for my liking," he replied, tracing his lower lip with his tongue.

I grinned and sat up, then straddled his hips, resting my hands on his bulky shoulders. I bit my lower lip as I slowly moved my face closer to his, and he closed his eyes and groaned. I knew that my lip biting turned him on more than anything, and I relished the rush of empowerment that ran through me when he reacted.

"Jake," I whispered, my lips only a few millimeters away from his. He opened his eyes, and my heart lurched at the love and adoration that flickered deep within them.

"Bella," he whispered back before leaning in to capture my lips with a bone melting kiss.

His large hands circled my hips, then he pulled me harder against the steely erection that was pressing deliciously against my aching center. I gyrated my hips slowly, rubbing myself against him and whimpering my pleasure into his mouth.

"Jake….we have….to go inside," I said between kisses.

I wanted to keep going so badly, but the last thing I needed was for one of the kids or our friends show up and see us in the position we were in.

"Hmmm…'kay," he mumbled, refusing to release my lips.

I felt his hands slip under my rear, and in one powerful movement he got up, so I wrapped my legs around his waist, unwilling to lose contact. He slammed the door open, kicked it closed once we were inside, then carried me up to our room. He pressed me against the closed door, then fumbled to find the lock, all the while still kissing me.

"I want to fuck you against this door, Bella," he growled, lowering his mouth and trailing the tip of his tongue down the side of my neck.

"Do it," I gasped.

Jacob let me slide down the door so that we could both remove our clothing, and we watched each other as each piece of cloth was discarded. We were both so turned on that the second the last article was removed, we launched ourselves at each other, even more frenzied to make love.

I jumped up and encircled his hips with my legs once more, and grunted when my back slammed against the door. Jacob's hands grabbed my rear again, and he slightly lifted me up as his erection slid against my wet folds, and once he was at my entrance, he pulled me forcefully down and buried himself deep inside.

"Shit!" I cried out when he filled me so fast, and he paused a moment to allow my body to adjust. Within seconds I was fine, then I pulled Jake's face to mine and hungrily kissed him as I slowly moved up and down his turgid length. Jacob followed suit and began thrusting his hips upward to meet me, and I mewled my pleasure into his mouth.

"Please….harder Jake," I whimpered, grinding myself against him each time he buried himself inside.

Jacob growled against my lips, then grabbed both of my hands and pinned them against the door above my head. My eyes rolled back as he pounded in and out, because the feeling of being at his mercy thrilled me to no end, and hastily brought me to the cusp of the first of what would be many climaxes.

"Do you like that, Bells? Do you like it when I fuck you like this?" he breathily asked.

"Oh God, yes! I need more….please," I begged as I teetered on the edge.

He thrust even harder into me, making the door begin to splinter from the force, but I didn't care. All I gave a damn about was the amazing sensations his body was evoking in mine, and when he released one of my hands in order to rub hard circles over my clit, I exploded with a loud howl.

Jacob slowed his pace and buried his face against my neck, sucking and nipping the tender flesh as I rode out the waves of pleasure. When the waves began to ebb and my shuddering slowed, he lifted his face and gave me a cocky grin.

"I'm not done with you yet," he smirked.

"Good. Now shut up and move to the bed, because this door can't handle much more," I retorted with an arched eyebrow.

"Little minx," he chuckled, then walked over to the huge bed and laid me down in the middle, still buried deep inside of me.

"Do you still have those toys Alice gave you?" he asked as he gently moved his hips back and forth.

"There's a whole box of them in the closet….oooh! But I don't know…oh God Jake….what's in there," I groaned as his hardness stroked the nerves deep inside of me.

He looked a bit deep in thought for a moment, then re-focused when I squeezed him with my inner muscles.

"Screw it. We'll dig them out later," he said, then picked up the pace and strength of his thrusts.

I wrapped my legs around his hips and placed my heels against his rear and pushed him as deep as he could possibly go, then I flipped us so that I was on top.

"My turn," I grinned, then began to move.

For each of my downward thrusts, Jake countered by lifting his hips to meet mine. I was so close to a mind blowing climax, and knew he wasn't far behind because I could feel his stomach muscles tighten as he fought to last a little longer. His arms wrapped around me and he pulled me down so I laid flush against his chest, then grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled my face to his. I moaned and allowed his tongue inside, meeting his with my own as our bodies moved frantically together. He sped up his movements, slamming into me so hard and fast that I couldn't breathe from the immense pleasure.

"Jake….I need to feel you…..let go, baby," I panted as the ripples began to shudder through me.

He gave a few more hard thrusts, then his whole body tensed up as he exploded deep inside of me with a howl. He had me in an iron grip, holding me tight against him as our bodies trembled from the forceful climaxes.

"Bells," he breathed into my neck as he fought for breath.

My own face was buried in his, and I placed little kisses along the column of this throat, across his angular chin, and when I reached his full lips, I kissed him tenderly. His shaking hand reached to cup my face as we kissed, his thumb gently stroking my cheek, sending shivers through me.

"I love you," he said when he pulled back to gaze into my eyes.

"Me too," I smiled, then snuggled against him, not willing to part just then.

Our blissful repose was shattered when the phone began ringing off the hook, which we tried to ignore, but whoever was calling wouldn't let up, so I begrudgingly answered it.

"Hi honey," I said when I heard Joey's voice on the other end.

"He's right here. Hang on," I said when she asked for Jake.

"Jo? Is everything ok?" Jacob asked when he took the phone from me.

"When did he leave? Fuck! I'm going to kill her for not calling me first, dammit! I know, honey, but you did the right thing. If Leah is so sick that she needed to see a doctor, I should have been told sooner. Go ahead and bring the kids here so you have some help. I love you too, baby. See you in a bit," Jacob said, then hung up.

"What happened?" I asked, my stomach all in knots.

"Fucking Leah is what happened. That stubborn woman is going to be the death of me! Apparently, she called Carlisle to come to Hawaii, but because Esme is so sick, Edward went. He flew out this morning, so he should be there by now. I need to call Matt and find out what in the hell is going on out there," Jacob said, his frustration evident by his furrowed brow.

We untangled ourselves from each other, and Jacob threw on his shirt and shorts, while I went into the bathroom to freshen up before Joey and the kids arrived. All the while I was cleaning up, I had a really bad feeling in my stomach that something bad was on the horizon. Something that would irrevocably change the lives of the people I loved forever.

Little did I know how right I was……..

Elliot POV

"Are you sure you're both ready to ride without me with you?" Jasper asked one sunny, warm day in April.

The stables were finished back in early March, and Jasper had already filled it with several beautiful horses that he intended to train and breed. Claire fell in love with a beautiful black male Arabian named Storm, and ended up purchasing the stunning creature from Jasper for dirt cheap. My favorite, a dark brown Arabian female named Sahar, was to be the mate of Claire's horse, and I spent many hours with the majestic creature. Jasper spent a couple hours a day, several days a week, teaching us how to handle the horses, and we both felt we were ready to take them running through the forest.

"I'm sure, Jazz. I think we can handle it after the hours of excellent training you gave us this last month," I replied as I mounted Sahar, who stood there peacefully.

Both animals were very mild mannered, and if I had any kind of doubt that Claire could be hurt, I never would have agreed to go riding with her.

I would die if anything happened to her…….

Claire had been my rock during the turbulent times I went through when I found out Leah had left. She stood by my side when I was in deep depression, and each time she pulled me out of it with her kind and patient nature, and get gentle smile that brightened my day. She was my best friend, but I could feel a shift happening between us, and I was scared to death that it would destroy what we worked so hard to build.

You need to man up and admit it soon…….you are in love with her…..

I tried to fight that niggling voice in my head, but it was completely right. I was in love with Claire, nearly as much as I loved Leah, but I was scared to admit it to her and myself. Any hope of a relationship was doomed because of the jacked up Imprint, so rather than cause us both inevitable pain and suffering, I chose to keep my feelings to myself.

But when Leah comes home….and she chooses Quil…..Then again, if she were to choose him, you and Claire would finally be free to love each other……

"Elliot? You ok?" Claire's sweet voice asked, shaking me from my reverie.

I turned and smiled, then nodded my head. "I'm good. Just daydreaming is all. Where did you want to head first?" I asked as we nudged our horses to start walking.

"Hmmm….how about the waterfalls near Joey and Edward's house? They're not too far from here, and it will give me time to settle my nerves a bit before we go out too far," she replied, nervously biting her lip.

"Claire, we can just stay close to the stables if you're unsure. I would rather you be comfortable than push yourself into something you're not ready for," I said with concern.

She stubbornly shook her head, took a deep breath, then gave me a more confident grin. "Not a chance, E. Now try to keep up!" she said, then signaled to Storm, who shot forward with speed that rivaled the wolves.

It was such an exhilarating feeling, flying through the woods at breakneck speeds, atop the graceful, yet powerful animal under me. I looked over at Claire's horse, and marveled at the sleek coat that covered the rippling muscles of the majestic beast. Then my eyes moved upward to Claire, who clutched tightly to the animal with a huge grin on her face.

God she's so beautiful……

A few minutes later, we arrived at the waterfalls and stopped to catch our breath. I led my horse over to the water, as did Claire, and while they drank, we talked excitedly about the incredible feelings of freedom we experienced running through the woods.

"Even though I can run nearly as fast as the wolves, nothing compares to riding a horse that runs almost as fast! Wow!" I breathlessly said as I glanced over at Claire, who was flushed and smiling happily.

"Hey, have you tested your body out since undergoing that treatment?" I asked, referring to the genetic altering she had undergone a few weeks prior.

I suggested that she do it because of the enormous benefits it offered, as well as taking some of my worry for her away. I was scared to death that, should we fall under attack, she got hurt or was bitten, because I cared so deeply for her and couldn't imagine my life without her in it. She agreed to do it, and I stayed with her at the Cullen house the entire time to make sure there were no ill effects.

"Not really, although I am definitely stronger. I was vacuuming the other day, and when I pushed the sofa out of the way, it slid across the entire room and smashed into the wall. My dad was pissed because it left a huge imprint in the plaster, but Emmett came by and fixed it for me. I owe him big time for that, because all I had to pay for was the supplies, and he fixed it for free. Maybe later, when we're done riding, we can race," she replied with a shrug.

I let out a huge laugh, because I could totally imagine her expression when the couch flew across the room and smashed into the wall. I also knew how funny her dad was, and could picture how he reacted.

"It's not funny! I told my dad that I tripped and fell, but he didn't buy it. He teased me all night about it, and again in the morning, you goon!" Claire scolded me.

"I'm sorry, but I can't help it," I laughed.

"I don't know why I put up with you," she grumbled, crossing her arms defiantly.

I laughed for a few more moments, wiped away my tears of laughter, then looked over at her, chuckling when I saw the perturbed look on her face.

"It's because you looooove me," I teased, then froze.

Claire's eyes widened, her jaw slightly dropped, and her face turned bright red, signaling that I hit a nerve. We stared at each other, both of us unsure what to say. I wanted to slap myself for opening my damn mouth, because it was such a sensitive subject that we both tip toed around.

"Want to get going?" she finally asked after the long, uncomfortable silence.

"Yeah," I replied, trying to shake away the feelings that roiled inside.

She nudged her horse to move forward, and a few minutes later, all of the tension was gone between us as we raced through the woods once more. Both of us were laughing again, teasing each other as we rode, and I was so focused in on our interaction that I didn't see the blur of brown fur, nor the roar of the bear until it was too late.

"Claire!" I yelled out when the bear flew out of the trees and went for Claire's horse.

Startled, Storm cut sharply away from the beast, and ended up throwing Claire from her perch on his back. She hit the ground with a sickening thud and a cry of pain, and laid there, helpless as the bear zeroed in on her. I watched in horror, because I knew I would never make it to her in time to save her from the razor sharp claws and saliva covered teeth. I still tried, and when I was about twenty feet from her, a loud roar pierced through the air.

Quil, in wolf form, burst from the thick forest, and collided with the angry bear, driving it away from Claire. He used his large body to push the bear into the woods and out of our eyesight. I jumped from Sahar and ran over to her, running my hands over her trembling body as I checked her for injuries.

"My leg…..it's broken….Elliot, it hurts. Make it stop hurting," she sobbed.

I looked down at her leg and grew dizzy when I saw the haphazard angle it laid at, as well as the blood that was quickly soaking through her jeans.

"It's going to be ok, Claire. I just need to look at your leg, but I have to cut your jeans away. Is that ok, or do you want me to go get help?" I asked.

"DON'T LEAVE ME!!" she shrieked through her sobs, then lifted her arms for me to hold her, which I did.

I gathered her tiny, shaking body and pulled her into my embrace, rocking her back and forth to get her to calm down. I kept my eye on the growing pool of blood, but feeling her pressed against me was distracting. She felt like home in my arms, and I never wanted to let her go.

"Honey, I have to look at your leg now. You're losing too much blood," I gently coaxed.

She reluctantly removed herself from me, then laid back on the soft grass so that I could help her. I took my pocket knife out, cut through the thick denim, then bared her injured leg so I could see the extent of damage.

"Dammit," I muttered when I saw that her femur snapped in half and tore through her skin.

I vaguely heard the sounds of battle coming from the woods, because all I could focus on was the severe injury. A soft whine alerted me that she and I were no longer alone, and when I turned around, I saw Quil standing behind me, his eyes filled with agony over the damage to Claire's leg.

"Please, find Carlisle and bring him here," I pled to him.

He gave me a quick nod, then took off into the woods on his quest for help.

"Claire, I have to put some pressure on your leg, because you're losing way too much blood" I said, removing my sweater shirt and placing it under her head so that she would be more comfortable. I then removed my long sleeved t-shirt, folded it into a compact square, then tentatively pressed it against the seeping hole.

"Oh God! Elliot, it hurts!" she cried out.

"I know it does, sweetie, but I have to do it. I'm so sorry."

I applied more pressure, effectively staunching the flow, but by then Claire had passed out from the pain, and I sighed with a little relief. I knew that she couldn't feel the pain for the present moment, but I knew it was only temporary.

Please, please, please let her be ok……

After what seemed like hours, Quil came back with Carlisle next to him, carrying his black medical bag. He immediately ran to my side, so I moved out of his way and stood next to Quil, who was slightly shaking.

"What happened?" Carlisle asked.

"A bear attacked her horse, and it bucked her off when it jumped away from it," I said as I ran a shaky hand through my hair.

"This is a bad compound fracture. I need to get her to the house so I can stabilize it. She's going to need surgery, but it's a clean break so she should make a full recovery."

Later, when we arrived at the Cullen house, Carlisle took Claire down to the medical room, while I stood outside with Quil, still unnerved over what happened. I turned to look at him, and he gave a soft whine before trotting over to the side of the house. He came back seconds later, in human form, and wearing a pair of tattered shorts that looked as if they would fall apart at any second. He looked terrible, with dark circles under his eyes, pale skin, and visible weight loss. He looked so weak as he stood there, and my heart went out to the guy, because it was obvious he was suffering terribly.

"I can see how much you love her," he said with a gravelly voice.

I braced myself in case he attacked, then answered.

"I do, and I would do anything for her," I replied.

He closed his eyes and let out a sad sigh, then looked at me once more.

"Take care of her. Love her the way I couldn't, because she deserves it. I won't get in your way. I promise. I just want to make sure she is happy, and you seem to give that to her. I will warn you though. Hurt her in any way, and I will kill you, regardless if you're Jake's brother in law. I'll be keeping a close eye, Elliot, so you better treat her like a princess," he said with a menacing glint in his eyes.

I stared at him with a slack jaw, disbelieving the words I had heard. I didn't know how to react, but I felt an immense happiness bubble up inside of me, and I had to fight the smile that threatened to cross my face.

"I will."

Quil glared at me for a few more moments. Then nodded his head.

"I'll check with Carlisle later to see how she's doing," he said, then turned and walked away, phasing without removing the tattered shorts.

"Elliot, please come inside. Claire is asking for you," Carlisle called out to me from the open doorway.

I hurried inside and followed him to the lower level, where I stopped in my tracks when I saw Claire sitting up in the gurney.

"It seems that the alterations have begun to take effect, because she is healing very quickly. After I set her leg, the bones started to mesh back together, so she will not need to have surgery and should be able to go home tomorrow," Carlisle beamed.

I rushed over to her side and hugged her, burying my face into her hair and a breathed a sigh of relief.

"You scared me," I whispered.

"I know, but I'm ok," she answered.

I pulled back and took her face into my hands, looking at her with complete adoration. I heard the door click closed, signaling that Carlisle had left, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from Claire's. I drank in every curve of her face. Every freckle, all the way down to the tiny scar on her chin from when she fell off a swing when she was four. I couldn't, and didn't want to, look away, and slowly my face closed in on hers, stopping when our lips were millimeters apart.

"I love you, Claire," I murmured.

I heard her breath catch, then watched as a lone tear trailed down her cheek. She placed her hands over mine, gently stroking them with her fingers as a tiny smile graced her lips.

"I love you too, Elliot, but I'm scared," she said.

"I am too, but I don't want to deny it anymore. I need you too much."

"But the Imprint…," she stared to argue, but I silenced her by caressing her lips with my thumbs.

"Fuck the Imprint. I love you, Claire. I want to be with you, and only you. We can fight the Imprint. I know we can," I replied, feeling my stomach knot up from the tension and fear in her body.

I watched the internal struggle as it played out in her eyes, and I grew fearful that she would reject me. If she did, it was too late for our friendship, because too many declarations had been made. It was sink or swim, and I was terrified that it was over.

"What are you thinking?" I asked, unable to bear the suspense anymore.

"I'm thinking…….this," she said, then pressed her soft lips to mine in the sweetest kiss I ever experienced. It was chaste, but still conveyed the emotions we felt for each other. After a few soft pecks, we pulled back, and I gently stroked her cheek as my eyes searched hers.

"I've been wanting to do that for months," I said with a smile.

"Me too."

I peered into her eyes for a few more seconds, then captured her lips in a more passionate kiss, brushing my tongue against her lower lip, begging for her to let me in. She opened her mouth with a soft sigh, and I slid my tongue inside, tangling it with hers. We kissed over and over, exploring, teasing, dueling until the need for air grew too severe, and we pulled away, breathless.

"Will you stay with me until I can go home?" she asked.

"I think, from this day forward, you're going to have to chase me off with a baseball bat to get me to go away," I teased, which made her giggle.

"Good, because I don't want to spend a second without you," she smiled, scooting over to give me room next to her on the small bed.

I kicked my shoes off, then climbed in, pulling her soft body against me. "We are going to be just fine, Claire. You'll see," I said as I lay there, playing with a piece of her shiny hair.

"I know…..I love you," she said, growing sleepy from the drugs Carlisle gave her.

"I love you too. Now rest up so you can heal. I will be here when you wake up. I promise," I said as I kissed the top of her head.

She fell asleep right away, curled up against me, and it brought a smile to my face. Although declaring our love for each other was liberating, there was still the fear that the Imprint would muck things up for us, later down the road. At the moment I felt so strong about how I felt, but how would I feel once Leah returned home? And what if she decided that it was me she wanted to spend her life with?

You will fight that battle when it comes to you…..you know in your heart who you love more, so you need to fight for her. Don't let her slip away…….

"I won't lose you, Claire. I will fight for you, for us. I promise," I whispered into her ear.

And somewhere, deep in my heart, I knew that we would win against the Imprint.