Bella's POV:

"P-Paul?" I stuttered my throat parched. My arm and torso felt like they were on fire and I definitely didn't plan on moving anytime soon.

"Bella," Paul shouted and kissed my lips hard. Not that I didn't love this but I was seriously sore. He pulled away quickly probably fearing he'd hurt me. "God Bella I love you and don't you ever do that to me again."

"I didn't do anything" I pouted staring at him as my eyes adjusted to the light. I realized I wasn't outside anymore. I was back in his room.

"You ignored my note!" He almost shouted. He was pacing now, wringing his hands together. "You came out and almost got yourself killed." He seemed to think about it for a moment "Ok that part wasn't your fault."

"I needed to tell you the Cullen's were coming." I said softly "Are they here? Is everyone else ok?" I tried to sit up quickly as I remembered what Alice had said about her vision. I let out a small yelp and couldn't stop the tears that fell down my cheeks.

"They're here. Everyone else is fine. Alice thinks you being hurt was her vision but because it was Leah that hurt you and Leah is a wolf all she could see were bits and pieces of torn clothes, trees and lots of blood." He moved to my side, gently forcing me to lay back again.

"How bad?" I questioned not really sure I wanted to actually look at my wounds. I was sure I'd have scars.

"Almost 300 stitches" Paul whispered.

We sat there quietly his hands running gently through my hair until we heard a large commotion downstairs.

I heard Emmett's loud voice "Get out. You're not welcome here."

This was followed by Jacob's voice "Says the leech. It's reserve land. If anyone's not welcome it's you and your family."

Paul left my side quickly and headed out. "The Cullen's are welcome here. You are no longer welcome in my home and while I cannot speak for the rest of the pack I can speak for Bella and I." His voice was firm and unwavering. It scared me.

I stood wincing with every movement and headed down the stairs. What I saw when I hit the top of the stairs surprised me. Jacob was firmly planted in front of the young woman who had hurt me, the one I assumed to be Leah, and the most of the pack and the Cullen's stood in front of the stairwell.

"I'm going to see her. She's my best friend" Jacob insisted not noticing me.

"Your imprint almost killed her and you expect to be allowed near her?" Alice's shrill voice screamed. "You want to see her you have to go through all of us." The rest of the Cullen's nodded.

"Guys I love you but can I decide for myself who I will and will not talk to?" I asked softly. I tried not to laugh as everyone's shocked eyes turned to me.

"Bella you shouldn't be moving." Carlisle said sternly. "Look you're already starting to seep through the bandages." He pointed to my side and I glanced down.

The sight of my own red blood seeping through the otherwise clean white bandage made me nauseous and dizzy. I tightened my grip on the banister and stepped down another two steps before Paul reached me scooping me into his arms and gingerly putting me down once he reached the couch.

The sight of the fireplace reminded me of our night and the memories of making love to Paul overtook the nausea. It was also when I realized that I was naked other than my bra and a pair of shorts.

I blushed furiously but didn't have to ask for clothes because just as I was forming the question Esme handed me a button up shirt of Paul's.

"Thank you." I whispered and slipped it on. I left it unwrapped so Carlisle could change the bandages. His cool fingers felt good against my burning flesh. Paul watched worriedly hovering above me. "Sit down." I demanded and he did instantly.

Soft chuckles filled the room but no one said anything until Carlisle stood up giving a quick nod of approval at my re-bandaged wounds. Paul had entwined his fingers with mine rubbing soothing circles as I had cried because of the pain.

I climbed into his lap and buried my good side into his embrace. I think he was holding me to keep from attacking the dark haired beauty standing behind Jacob. The fact that Jacob was protecting her kind of irked me. He was supposed to be my best friend.

However I also realized if I had been the one to hurt Leah Paul would have been protecting me just as devotedly. No matter any previous bonds.

"Honestly guys" I started "I just want to be left alone with Paul."

"But Bells" Jacob began to argue.

I cut him off "No Jacob. I get she's your imprint but I do not feel safe around her. If you are going to be glued to her side then I don't feel safe around you."

"How can you not feel safe around me!" He asked his voice raised. I saw him beginning to shake and it took him a minute to gain control of himself.

Paul's chest reverberated against me as he growled low. "Because of shit like that" He said "Your imprint hurt her and you are now questioning her judgment. She was badly injured of course she's not going to feel safe around the person who injured her or anyone who takes her attacker's side."

I watched Leah's eyes flare at the word 'attacker' and she grabbed Jacob's hand and stalked out of the house.

The next twenty minutes were filled with emotional hugs and 'hope you feel betters'. Emily told me that if I ever needed to talk about it to call her. I couldn't imagine knowing how she felt though. I just nodded gratefully.

Rosalie and Alice were the last one's to leave and Alice laughed as she said "So shopping will be another day."

"Of course" I chuckled. Only Alice but I was thankful that she was so lighthearted. She knew how to lighten a mood just about as well as Jasper. One of her random comments was just as calming as one of her lover's calming waves.

Alice bounced outside as Rose bent down and whispered in my ear "You two totally did it. Call me when you feel a bit better and tell me all the details." I blushed wildly as she winked at me. Only Rose.

When everyone was gone the house was filled with eery silence. A thought suddenly popped into my head. "What am I going to tell Charlie?"

I shouldn't have worried. "Sam called Charlie telling him that you had fallen down a hill after deciding you'd rather go for a hike with Emily then shopping with Alice and you hit an old chain link fence gouging yourself pretty good." Paul said laughing. "You look a mess. Bandages and stitches on one arm and your torso and a cast on the other arm. I just hope Charlie doesn't start to think I beat you!"

I gave a nod of acceptance. A little farfetched but with me completely plausible. "He'd never think you hurt me." I whispered starting to fall asleep.

"Bells do you want to go home?" Paul asked.

I nodded "But only if you promise to sneak in tonight. I need you beside me" I said quietly.

"I'll always be beside you." I heard Paul say as I started to nod off in his arms. Whatever Carlisle had given me for pain was pretty wicked.