I do not own Twilight, SM does but I love playing with the characters so enjoy!

Epic fail! I'm so sorry for not responding to reviews from the last chapter please forgive me. Hope this chapter makes up for it.

29. No More Talk

JPOV

I still had to fight back the jealousy I felt whenever I saw Emmett and Bella together. I knew my imprinting is what drove her into his arms. I loved Ellie unconditionally and would do anything for her…she was my imprint. My jealousy stemmed from the fact that, no matter how much I loved Ellie, Bella had always held my heart. I'd loved her since I was a child and seeing her in his arms, kissing him, smiling at him, things I'd always wished she'd do with me…it hurt. Sam and Quil understood my pain but there was nothing any of us could do about it. My heart nearly broke in half when Quil hugged Bella today. I could tell that she'd forgiven him but she wouldn't even look at me. I had to talk to her soon because I couldn't handle this anymore. I missed my friend. I needed her to know that I still loved her but in the way that she wanted me to. I wanted her and Ellie to meet. My heart ached to have both of them in my life.

We followed Peter and Charlotte to a large empty field where he was going to teach us some fighting techniques. Part of me was excited about the possible fight looming in our future while the other part of me wished Bella wasn't the target. How are we going to keep her safe during the fight? My mind began running over everything that had been discussed at the Cullen house. Worst case scenario we'll have to fight ten newborns and possibly four experienced leeches. Even with the other two they're calling in we'll be outnumbered.

"I'd like to see what you guys can do already so I can figure out what I need to teach you." Peter said to Sam as we entered the clearing. "Will all eight members of your pack be fightin'?" Charlotte asked Sam. "No, I'll need to leave at least two on the reservation to protect the tribe." Sam answered Charlotte before turning his attention to Peter. "How would you like to do this? We can obviously only communicate with you when we're in our human form." Peter smiled widely at Sam before glancing at his wife and answering. "Go ahead an' change into your wolves an' see what you can do with Char and I. We'll do our best not to hurt you too much. Don't worry about usin' all of your abilities because we can put ourselves back together if necessary." Peter smirked as he winked at Charlotte. Sam nodded before leading us into the tree line to phase.

So what's the plan? Paul asked as soon as he'd phased.

We'll do exactly as he's asked….take them down. Leah and Seth continue your patrols. Jared, join us please. Let's stay focused and work together. Sam commanded.

We all nodded in agreement before stepping out into the clearing. I almost laughed at the look on the leeches faces when they saw us. We took advantage of their momentary distraction to surround them. Peter smirked as we began to circle before he jumped straight over us and out of reach. Charlotte performed a similar move in the opposite direction. Sam, Jared and Paul stalked towards Peter while Embry, Quil and I moved towards Charlotte. Sam ran through attack moves in his head silently directing us. Paul was the first to make a lung towards Peter which he easily deflected. I took note of Peter's response and when Embry made a similar move on Charlotte I was ready to catch her counter move. She was slightly surprised as I took a chunk of out of her left leg. That distracted Peter enough that Sam was able to get his right hand. Charlotte and Peter looked at each other briefly before they attacked. Charlotte jumped into the air and twisted around landing on my back before I even realized she'd moved. Her teeth were bared at my neck causing Embry and Quil to howl in frustration. Peter had gone for a more direct approach ramming Sam in the chest and flipping him onto his back. Paul and Jared were just as loud in their protests of the situation.

"Okay why don't you guys phase back and we'll talk before you take off for a while," Peter suggested as he jumped off Sam and moved back towards Charlotte. What the hell Sam? I thought angrily replaying the moves that took us down. Sam just shook his head but remained silent as we stepped into the tree line to phase. Paul and Jared were still pissed while Embry and Quil just kept thinking about how funny it was that Charlotte got the drop on me. I pulled my shorts on and followed Sam back to the clearing ignoring my so called friends and their teasing. "Hey, don't give him a hard time," Charlotte said as she grabbed Quil and Embry in head locks. I couldn't stop the laughter that erupted from my mouth at her quick move and their complete shock. "There are vampires that have lived much longer than any of you that can't touch me, at least got a bite in…which is more than either of you got." She remarked tossing them to the ground and moving back to Peter's side. He stood smirking at the two idiots on the ground as he pulled Charlotte into his side.

"Listen you guys are tough. I know this is what you're made for but you don't have the experience you need for this fight. I can train you on how to handle the newborns but I would recommend you leave any older vampires for us to handle if possible. I know it looks like we may be outnumbered right now and there's nothin' I can say to contradict that until we have more information. Let's just focus on trainin' right now…as hard and as long as you're able to." Peter looked at Sam as he spoke. Sam nodded in agreement. "Sam I'd like to ask a question an' I hope you'll be completely honest with me. I don't know anythin' about your arrangement with the Cullens or your relationship with Bella so I guess I'm playin' stupid right now. Why are you takin' on this battle, besides the obvious protection of your tribe?" Peter asked. Sam ran his fingers through his hair and looked at me from the corner of his eye sighing heavily.

"As you said obviously our first priority is our tribe and our land. As far as our relationship with the Cullens they stay off our land and we've always kept our distance from them. Bella is another story though. She's…an enigma. Her father and one of our elders are best friends so Bella has never been a stranger on the reservation. I found her in the forest when the Cullens left and I'll never forget that image." Sam paused trying to shake the image from his head of the night he'd found Bella. "I've seen her through the thoughts of some of the pack members. I've seen her compassion, her loyalty, her devotion and even her anger and hurt. She deserves our loyalty and our protection…even if she's in love with a leech," he chuckled lightly before looking adamantly into Peter's eyes. "I don't know you or your wife and trusting you goes against every instinct I have. That being said, Emmett has proven himself to us and he trusts you. His love for Bella rivals that of our love for her. He's proven that he'll do anything to protect her, even stand against his own family. Because of this he has shown himself loyal to us as well. We'll fight this battle because we don't abandon family…Bella and Emmett are our family now." Peter and Charlotte nodded their understanding. "Two o'clock than?" Peter said grabbing Charlotte by the hand and leaving the clearing.

"Sam I need to…" I began as he put his hand on my shoulder. "Go Jacob, just make sure you're here at two," he smiled encouragingly before leading the others back towards the reservation. Quil stood by watching me for a second before speaking. "Do you want me to go with you or wait for you?" I shook my head sadly. "No, I need to do this alone. She's already forgiven you." I mumbled. Quil patted me on the shoulder before turning to follow where Sam and the others had disappeared into the forest. I ran my fingers through my hair and scrubbed my face. Come on Jake grow a set and get over it! I berated myself before taking off towards the Cullen mansion and Bella.

"Come on Bella," I heard Emmett whine as I got closer to the house. "You know snow and cold equals hot chocolate and snuggling under a warm blanket…" Emmett was going on as I stepped through the trees. They were lying on a blanket by the river talking. "No way Em! All you want is to get me on skis and that is not going to happen. I can't walk without falling down. There is no way I could ski down a hill and stay vertical." He was obviously pouting as he pushed the hair out of her face and leaned in to kiss her. "No…that is…not…going to…work…lover boy," she was mumbling between kisses trying to push him away. I cleared my throat to get their attention before things went any further. I could see Emmett's sly smile when he looked at me and I tried to smile apologetically. "Um, sorry to interrupt…I was hoping I could talk to Bella for a second." I tried to keep from looking at the anguish on Bella's face as I spoke. Emmett leaned in and whispered in her ear before getting up and walking towards the house. Bella stood up catching my eye and glaring at me. I shuffled nervously unsure of exactly how to start or what to say. It seemed like everything I'd rehearsed for this moment was no longer relevant. The pain and hurt that flashed in her eyes nearly broke my heart.

"You wanted to talk Jake so spit it out," she huffed at me. I took four long strides to stand in front of her and as I reached for her she stepped away from me. "No Jake, you don't get to touch me…you don't get to comfort me. Talk," she spit angrily. "Bells I'm so sorry for hurting you. I know you hate me and I don't blame you but I swear if I could change what happened I would…" my voice was shaking as I tried to apologize. "WHAT!" she screamed at me stepping up to jab her finger in my chest. "You're seriously standing here telling me you would give up your imprint for me! Or are you just saying you wish I hadn't been there when you imprinted to see it first hand? Huh Jake which is it? Because either you love her or you don't." I shook my head silently trying to figure out what exactly I needed to say to make this better. Her voice softened as she lifted my chin so our eyes met. "Do you even know why you're apologizing Jake?" I shook my head again, "Bella, I…" she shook her head and placed her finger over my lips. "No, don't speak Jake just listen. I understand that you can't control imprinting. I also understand that you would never hurt me intentionally." She paused but continued to hold my gaze as she organized her thoughts. "You knew that imprinting was a possibility for you yet you continued to pursue me and declare your love for me." Shame swept over me so strong that I almost fell to my knees. "You made a promise you couldn't keep Jake. What if I had given you my heart? What if I had decided that I did love you the way you loved me? What would have happened when she showed up and you eventually imprinted anyway?" Tears stung my eyes as the realization of exactly what could have happened flashed through my head. I'd seen all of Sam's regrets after he imprinted on Emily. I'd seen all of his pain at how he'd hurt Leah. I'd also seen all of Leah's memories and felt her pain at being kicked to the side because of an imprint. As tears began to stream down my cheeks Bella wiped them away.

"Jake I have always loved you like a brother, you know that. You helped me through the most difficult time I've ever had to face. You reminded me of who I was and helped to put me back together again. I would still be zombie Bella if it wasn't for you Jake. I will always love you…as a brother and a friend. I'm so happy that you've imprinted…Quil too. You guys deserve someone that will love you unconditionally….with their whole heart and being." She ran her fingers down my cheek as she spoke. "You also saved me from having to hurt either of you," her voice trailed off. "You really love him Bells? I mean another leech…are you sure he won't hurt you the way Dickward did?" I couldn't help but ask. I needed to hear it from her mouth. The smile and joy that flooded her face was almost enough for me. "Yes Jake, I do love him. He's nothing like Dickward and I know he'll never leave me. He's willing to change me whenever I'm ready…" I growled at her words but then reigned in my anger. "Sorry Bells. I just still love you so much and the thought of you being changed is hard to accept. Are you sure that's what you want?" I could hear the pleading in my voice and hoped that she would understand and not get angry again. She sighed heavily before stepping away from me.

\

"Jake I understand the whole mortal enemies thing. I even understand your concern but let me ask you something. If you knew that Ellie was going to be hit by a car and killed would you do whatever you could to protect her?" The thought of losing Ellie after just finding her was devastating. "Of course I would do anything to save and protect her." My voice was clearly condescending. "Eventually I'll die Jake. Then Emmett would be without me, except he would be facing eternity not just one lifetime. Could you really ask someone else to face that if you couldn't?" Her words were soft and pleading. "I don't want to be without him Jake…this battle terrifies me because I know the odds as things stand. I'm tired of putting my loved ones in danger to protect me. I need to be able to defend and protect myself…I need to be with Emmett too. Please try to understand Jake. I don't want to lose you or your friendship because of this. If you make me choose though it's no different than what happened on the beach before Harry's funeral. You couldn't have chosen me over her any more than I could choose you over him. He's my everything Jake." I sighed heavily as the truth of her words sank in.

I stepped forward and pulled her into my arms enjoying the feel of her body against mine. "I love you Bella. I will always love you…no matter what you are." I said kissing her forehead before releasing her. "I'd like to introduce you to Ellie sometime. Maybe we could double date or something." I said trying to lighten the mood between us. She giggled at the suggestion, "Yea I'd like that Jake. I'd really like to get to know her. Thank you." I let my fingers trail down her cheek before turning to go back to the reservation.

BPOV

I sighed heavily as I watched Jake run into the forest. I hope he understands how I feel now, I thought as I stared into the forest where he'd disappeared. "Hey Sug whatcha' doin' out here by yourself?" an unfamiliar voice asked from behind me. My heart stopped suddenly as fear raced through me. I tried desperately to calm my breathing as I turned around to face whoever had spoken. My breath rushed out in a loud whoosh when I recognized Charlotte standing in front of me. I placed my hand over my still racing heart, "Oh god you scared me." She laughed lightly, "Sorry sweetie I didn't mean to scare you." She scanned the area quickly before looking back at me.

"So why are you out here all alone anyway?" she asked again. I smiled, "I wasn't alone a minute ago. Emmett and I were lying by the creek before Jake came to talk to me. Emmett went into the house so we'd have some privacy and Jake just left a minute ago." I watched as Charlotte listened to my explanation. She eyed me curiously like there was something she wanted to ask but didn't. "Is something wrong Charlotte?" I asked. She looked me over one more time before speaking. "Just tryin' to figure out what it is about you that's got the whole Cullen clan in an uproar. Oh and call me Char…all my friends do." I looked questioningly at her. "So what am I one of your friends now?" I asked incredulously. She grinned widely still eyeing me carefully. "Hum, I guess that depends on a couple of things. First, do you plan on stickin' with grizzly man?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. I laughed at her name for Emmett thinking about just how fitting it was. "I don't ever want to be without him." My voice was sure and firm. She nodded approvingly. "Okay than secondly, do you like to shop?" I cringed at her question which she caught easily and laughed. "I think we'll get along just fine Sug," she said wrapping her arm around my shoulder and guiding me back to the house.

Peter and Emmett were playing a video game when we got back to the house. I laughed as Peter threw his remote on the floor smashing it to bits while Emmett chuckled. "What are you laughin' at?" Peter snapped looking at me. Before Emmett could respond I took a step towards Peter and looked him up and down. "I'm not real sure. I thought I was looking at some kind of great warrior vamp but I guess I was mistaken. All I see is a spoiled child that can't stand to lose to someone who's obviously a better man." I smirked as I walked to Emmett and kissed his cheek. Peter stood gaping at me for a fraction of a second before Char and Emmett burst into laughter. "You might want to close your mouth before you start catchin' flies Peter," Char admonished lightly. Peter scowled at her before turning back to me with a smirk. "Looks like we'll get along just fine sweet cheeks," he said grinning broadly. Emmett growled at the name Peter used before I elbowed him lightly in the ribs. "He's just teasing me baby nothing to worry about," I said as I wrapped my arms securely around Emmett's waist. His fingers trailed lazily up and down my back as he sat down, pulling me into his lap as he went.

"Did everything go okay with Jake?" Emmett whispered into my ear leaving small kisses up and down my neck. I shivered with excitement at the feelings his lips caused all over my body. "Yea," I said breathlessly unable to even remember the question as I was consumed with his lips moving over my neck and shoulder. His hands slid around my waist to my stomach sending heat straight through my body. I closed my eyes desperately trying to contain the moan that was begging to escape as his fingers slid beneath the hem of my shirt. Peter chuckled bringing me out of my lust induced coma. "Can I assume you won't be trainin' this afternoon Emmett?" Peter asked still grinning. "No, I don't think so. I had planned on spending the day with B which is what I'm going to do. Jasper and I have had enough wrestling matches that I shouldn't need too much training. He and Alice will be here by tonight anyway. I'll do some training with him tonight when he meets with the wolves." Emmett was moving his fingers in slow circles over my stomach as he spoke which was driving me crazy. My eyes began to roll back in my head as his fingers brushed along the top of my jeans.

"So Bella, why don't you tell Char and I about yourself? Bad habits, likes, dislikes, favorite sexual position…" Peter's voice trailed off as Emmett growled at him. Char nudged him in the ribs playfully but he just continued to grin. I sat up straight in Emmett's lap and looked Peter dead in the eye. "Well Peter let's see. I bite my lip when I'm nervous and twirl my hair around my finger when I'm bored. I love riding my motorcycle and I hate controlling pricks. My favorite sexual position is still undetermined but if you have some you'd like to share…." I trailed off suddenly losing the boldness that had overcome me momentarily. Peter's mouth fell open again while Char giggled and Emmett growled. "Oh Sug we are gonna have so much fun with you around," Char smirked. Peter recovered quickly looking at me with darkening eyes. "If Emmett's willin' to share I'd be more than happy to teach you a few things little girl," Peter growled quietly leaning towards me. Emmett chuckled behind me, "I don't think my B would be into a foursome Pete and I'm definitely not leaving you alone with her." I knew Peter was teasing and Emmett was returning it but the implication was clear. Peter would get nowhere near me.

"Relax grizzly man I'll keep Petey under control. We wouldn't dream of takin' your mates innocence….but we do like to share if you ever change your mind," Char said winking at me. My face flamed as I realized what she was offering. I buried my face in Emmett's chest while the three of them laughed at my easy embarrassment. I can't do this…he's got a lifetime of experience and I blush at the thought of anyone seeing me naked…what is he doing with me? I could feel a single tear run down my cheek which I quickly wiped against Emmett's shirt before jumping up and excusing myself to the restroom. I could hear their low voices as I left the room but the tears were stinging my eyes and I needed to get away. As soon as the door was securely shut and locked I sat down heavily on the edge of the tub. How can I be Emmett's confident Bella one minute and this….this…crying insecure thing the next? Maybe this is really who I am, insecure…plain…nothing. "How could he really want me?" I mumbled to myself.

A soft knock sounded on the door and I swiped at my cheeks trying to dry them. "Give me a minute," I said my voice obviously shaking. I stood and looked in the mirror examining my features…plain brown hair, misshaped lips, blotchy pink cheeks, boring brown eyes. I turned on the water and splashed my face. When I stood back up and looked into the mirror I gasped. "Sorry to scare you B," Emmett whispered gathering my hair behind my shoulders. "Do you know what I see when I look at you Isabella?" he asked quietly as his fingers twisted through the ends of my hair. I shook my head as my stomach sank. "I see the richest, deepest mahogany hair that feels like silk against my fingers and always smells of the sweetest strawberries." He tugged lightly at the ends of my hair for emphasis. " I see the softest, most tender lips I've ever seen just begging to be kissed and sucked and touched…" his voice trailed off as his finger lightly traced my lips. A low growl escaped his lips as he looked longingly at me in the mirror. "I see perfect, creamy skin that sometimes turns the most adorable shade of pink. Pink is my new favorite color…in case I haven't told you that yet." His fingers ghosted over my cheeks and down my neck stopping at the collar of my shirt. "And do you know the one thing that I couldn't live without?" I shook my head. "You're deep, chocolate eyes. Sometimes when you look at me I feel like you're seeing into my soul…into those places no one has ever seen or looked for. Your eyes bring my walls tumbling down and capture my heart like nothing in this life has ever done." He turned me away from the mirror to face him. "Isabella, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen but not just because of the things I've told you so far." He ran the backs of his fingers down my cheek and laid his hand on my chest over my heart. "This Isabella is the reason I love you. You've given me your trust, your companionship, your friendship…your love. You are forgiving to a fault, loyal beyond measure and compassionate above anyone I've ever known. I love you. I will always love you. You are now and will always be more than I deserve but I'm selfish enough to never let you go." His eyes bore into mine as he spoke, the truth of his words evident in his eyes and on his face.

I threw my arms around his neck and crashed my lips to his willing him to never let me go. As our lips moved effortlessly together he lifted me up and set me on the counter. His hands trailed up and down my back as our kiss deepened. I turned my head away to breathe opening my neck to his tender lips. My body responded so easily to his it was hard to remember where we were or anything other than him. I let my fingers move down his chest and back up under his shirt. As I traced the muscles of his stomach and chest his lips moved to my ear. "Baby girl…" he breathed pulling me closer to his body. My legs wrapped around his thighs bringing his hips to mine wantonly. "B…" he mumbled against my neck as his hands slipped under the back of my shirt. The feel of his hands on my skin sent electrical currents through my body straight to my center. "Em…I need you baby. I don't want to wait anymore," I whispered as my lips found his again. Before I could process what was happening he had me in his arms and up in his bedroom with the door closed.

I fisted my hands into his hair as he pushed my back against the wall. "B…" he tried again pulling his face from my neck. Our eyes met and no further words were needed. He laid me on the bed as our hands, arms and legs clung desperately to each other. He's so strong….so gentle…so perfect. Clothes were discarded and sweet words whispered while low moans and pleas filled the room. "Yes Em….please baby," I moaned softly. Our hands explored, touched and roamed each other's bodies eagerly. Love, devotion, lust, tenderness, excitement swirled around us as the scent of our combined arousals filled the air. I was consumed with his touch and the feel of him everywhere…around me…on top of me…buried within me. His soft kisses and tender hands eased my discomfort as he filled me…completed me. My stomach clenched and coiled as pleasures I'd never before experienced rocked my body. We made love for what seemed like hours until heaving chests, breathless promises and his strong arms wrapped securely around me were the last things I remembered as I drifted off to sleep…safe…satisfied…completed.

Remember this is T rated so love scenes WON'T be graphic you'll have to use your imaginations. Review and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading.