A/N I am not Stephenie Meyer, I do not own Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse or Breaking Dawn. No copyright infringement intended.

I also do not own the quote "The cure for anything is saltwater—sweat, tears, or the sea. By Isak Dinesen

~***~

Chapter 35: "The Cure for Anything is Salt Water"

"Oh my gosh, Jacob! That was so much fun. Can we do it again?" The swim to shore had been long, but not difficult. When the waves started to break, they waited for a big one and bodysurfed the rest of the way in.

Jake laughed but shook his head. "We need to get back to the hotel; I'm not sure how far we drifted, but it was a hell of a long way."

"Awe, come on Jake. You know you want to. Just one more time? Please?" Nessie held one of Jake's huge hands with both of hers and tried to pull him back into the water.

"You are impossible to resist." Jake chuckled, and then mumbled under his breath, "in more ways than one."

Nessie followed his gaze down the front of her shirt and blushed. "Oops, looks like I could enter one of those wet t-shirt contests Emmett was talking about."

Jake's grip on her hands tightened and he clenched his jaw. "Over my dead body."

"I was just kidding Jake. You know me better than that."

"I know Nessie, but just the thought of other guys looking at you… like that… It makes me crazy." Jake stopped and peeled off his shirt. "Here, put this on. It might help a little."

"Jake, there's no one else out here. No one is looking at me."

Jake smiled seductively, and murmured, "I'm looking at you."

His husky voice combined with the way he was indeed looking at her—caused her body to respond. Both of their hearts started beating faster. Jake bit his lip and handed her his shirt. Nessie pulled it on over hers and it did help. A little.

"Come on Nessie, let's catch a wave." Jake pulled her onto his back and swam out to where the best waves were breaking.

One wave turned into a dozen and could easily have turned into a dozen more. "We have to go Nessie."

"Just one more?" Nessie knew he was right, but she didn't want to get out of the water. The ocean washed away all of her grief, worries, and fears. She didn't want to crawl to shore and face the pain she knew was waiting to overwhelm her.

The battle, and Carlisle's death, were locked in a chain bound iron chest and buried deep inside her. She could still feel it rattling around, trying rise to the surface of her consciousness, but as long as she was in the water, it remained submerged.

It seemed Jake was able to do the same thing. He was so relaxed now, as if he had left his burden on the beach as well. He still hadn't told her what was bothering him, but Nessie was certain it had something to do with the fight.

They were stalling—lying on their bellies in the wet sand and letting the gentle waves wash over their backs. Each retreating wave washed a little more of the sand away from under them, settling their bodies a little deeper into the seashore. Nessie wondered how long it would take before the beach could claim them completely.

"If we get back to the hotel in time… we can rent surfboards." Jake obviously knew how to entice her.

"Okay! Let's go!" Nessie jumped up and took off running down the beach. Jake had to remind her to slow down to a human pace.

They ran slowly back to the hotel and it seemed to take forever. The sun was sinking into the ocean when they arrived and the water sports rental booth was locked. "I'm sorry Nessie." Jake looked as disappointed as she felt.

"It's okay, Jake. We have the rest of forever to try all the things we want to do. We just have to learn to be patient… and put surfing at the top of the list."

~***~

"Where have you guys been? Everyone's looking for you." Leah scowled up at them as Sophie ran up to her with a bucket full of sand. "Don't even think about it." Leah's tone stopped Sophie in her tracks. The little flirt grinned at Jake and then dumped the entire contents of her bucket on Embry's head.

Embry laughed as he shook his head like a dog, showering everyone with sand. Sophie giggled when Leah swore at Embry. "Leah Baby, please don't talk like that in front of Sophie."

"Alright Embry, turn her around and cover her ears so I can cuss you out behind her back."

Nessie and Jake walked away as Leah and Embry continued to argue.

"Awe come on, Leah. Don't be mad. You already had sand all over you. Look where you're sitting!"

"Sand on my butt is not the same as having sand thrown into my face…"

Nessie was surprised and relieved that Leah and Embry did not mention the "Innuendo Incident".

~***~

Nessie jumped in the shower while Jake called everyone to let them know they had made it back safe and sound. The hot water felt wonderful as it rinsed the dried salt and sand off her skin. When she realized she had been standing under the spray completely motionless for several minutes, she quickly lathered her body and washed her hair.

Nessie groaned when she realized she forgot to bring a change of clothes into the bathroom. She briefly considered just wrapping a towel around her to retrieve her bag, but decided that might not be a good idea. If Luca happened to be in the room, she would probably tell everyone she was parading around naked or something.

"Hey Jake, could you toss me my bag, I forgot to bring a change of clothes in here." Nessie was startled when a cold blast of air assault her wet and naked body.

"Hey!" Nessie grabbed her towel and tried to cover herself but it was only Alice. "Alice, what are you doing?"

"I'm bringing you your clothes." Alice handed her a stack of clothes Nessie had never seen before. She frowned but decided not to argue. Shopping did for Alice what the ocean did for Nessie. Alice blew a stream of frigid air on the mirror, clearing it of steam as Nessie dressed. "Luca wants to apologize. I know she hurt your feelings and you are probably still angry; but if you could forgive her, Jasper and I would really appreciate it." Alice was whispering so quietly Nessie could barely hear her. Luca must be in the room.

Nessie folded her arms across her chest and studied their reflections in the mirror. Alice smiled expectantly waiting for her to acquiesce. Nessie tucked a stray curl behind her ear and sighed. "Okay, fine. I'll forgive her this time but she had better watch herself. I am not going to put up with any more of her crap."

Alice wrapped her cold arms around her and squeaked. "Thank you Nessie," then darted out of the bathroom. Nessie shivered from her brief but freezing embrace.

Luca's eyes were swollen and red from crying. Tears streamed down her face. "I'm soooo…. (sob)…. Sorry… Nessie. I'll never do anything like that again." What the hell happened to her?

"I accept your apology, Luca." The girl nearly knocked Nessie off her feet when she jumped up and embraced her fiercely. If she hadn't still been sobbing, Nessie would have suspected her of trying to pass an assault off as a hug.

Nessie wondered if this sudden change of heart was the result of the "unorthodox parenting techniques" Jasper had mentioned. She hoped he hadn't resorted to corporal punishment. Children were disciplined much differently during the Civil War Era.

"That's a good girl, Luca. Now don't you feel better Darlin'?" Jasper opened his arms and Luca immediately released Nessie and flew into Jasper's waiting embrace. He patted her back briefly then gently pushed her away, keeping his hands on her shoulders. "Alejandro is waiting for you up in Emmett and Rosalie's room, so skedaddle on out of here and go find him."

Luca took off and Nessie raised her eyebrows questioningly. "What did you do to her? That was an amazing change of heart."

"Jasper gave her a taste of her own medicine." Alice smiled at her husband adoringly.

"How?"

"Let's just say she has a deeper understanding of the pain and humiliation she caused you. For the next few days, Luca will be extremely empathetic when ever she is around you."

Jake smiled slowly and then chuckled. "Are you saying that you manipulated Luca's feelings to match Nessie's?"

"That is exactly what I'm saying and I will continue to do so until Luca develops a normal social conscience. Her psychopathic personality is the result of neglect and abuse while under Aro's authority. With a little guidance and a lot of 'therapy' I am optimistic she will grow into a delightful young woman."

Jake looked thoughtful. "Huh. Do you think it's too late to use that sort of 'therapy' on Emmett?"

Jasper laughed quietly. "Yes, much too late. I cannot blatantly manipulate Emmett to change his behavior. The resentment he would feel after any such 'therapy' would negate any beneficial results."

Jasper's smile turned into a smirk. "I might have accidentally let a little of the painful emotions intended for Luca spill over onto Emmett, Embry, and Leah. I do believe they all have a new appreciation for the consequences of destructive repartee and gossip."

Jake chuckled and gave Nessie a little squeeze. "That's awesome, Jasper. Thanks."

"Yes Jasper, thank you so much." Nessie was hopeful that the fallout from the "Innuendo Incident" was over.

Jake walked across the room, opened the door and announced, "I'm starving, and Nessie and I are both tired. We will see you at the meeting later tonight."

Alice was quick to take the hint. She popped up onto the tips of her toes like a ballerina and kissed Nessie's cheek. Jasper smiled and winked at her. "Y'all be good now, okay."

"Sure, sure." Jake muttered as he practically pushed them out of the room. He slipped the "Do Not Disturb" sign over the doorknob then closed and bolted the door.

Jake swept Nessie off her feet and tossed her onto the bed. Her heart was hammering in anticipation of some serious cuddling—until Jake picked up the phone, and ordered enough food from room service to feed five people.

~***~

"What the hell happened to this room?" Nessie looked around her in awe and horror. The elegant presidential suite looked like a war zone. There were two broken lamps, a broken vase, and a chair with a long diagonal gash spilling stuffing onto the floor. Rose looked up and Nessie followed her gaze. The ceiling fan hung at an odd angle and there was a pile of white dust and chunks of sheet rock directly below it. "Rose?" Nessie was nearly speechless.

"Ask Emmett. I'm dying to find out myself." Rose stood stiffly with her arms folded firmly across her chest and her full lips pressed into a thin tight line.

Emmett grinned, and rubbed the back of his neck. "George really wanted to see how far he could fly, and I didn't think he weighed all that much… The fan was obviously not installed correctly..." Rose hissed, and Emmett ducked his head. "Okay, okay… I shouldn't have done it, but you should have seen his face when I turned the fan on and he started spinning." Alejandro and Luca giggled.

"Emmm-et…" Rose growled. Emmett took a couple of steps back and raised his open hands in front of his chest. Rose put her hands on her hips and glared at Emmett until he continued his narration.

"So anyway, George made four complete revolutions before the ceiling cracked. He let go and flew into the mirror over there. He bounced off that mirror like it was a trampoline, somersaulted and landed in a crouch. You have to admire his reflexes." Rose glared at him again and Emmett cringed.

"I made sure he was okay and he promised to be good for Alejandro and Luca while I tried to round up some tools to fix the fan." Emmett frowned and shook his head. "That kid can't be trusted to keep a promise."

Rose finally lost it and smacked the back of Emmett's head.

"Holy cow, what happened in here?" Quil was the last person to arrive for the meeting. His astonishment at the destruction was comical but Emmett, Embry, Alejandro, and Luca were the only ones that dared to laugh. Emmett's snickering earned him another smack on the head from Rose.

~***~

"I wanted to thank everyone for agreeing to meet tonight. I know this is going to be a difficult meeting and I will attempt to make it as brief as possible." Jasper's solemn words had a sobering effect on the group.

With everyone assembled together, it was painfully obvious who was missing. Carlisle. All the pain and grief Nessie worked so hard to suppress threatened to overwhelm her. The aching wound in her chest exploded with new levels of pain. It felt as if someone had sliced her open and tried to remove her heart.

When Jasper looked at her questioningly, she nodded her head and immediately felt the pain recede. It was still there but it was only a dull ache again and she felt… peaceful. She sighed and leaned into Jake. He pulled her in front of his body, wrapped his arms protectively across her chest, and kissed the top of her head. She turned around within his embrace so she could reach up and place an open palm on his cheek.

"Thank you for always comforting me. I know you are suffering too…" She projected the image of Jake's grey complexion and darkly shadowed eyes. When he cringed away from her palm, she pressed even more firmly and showed him the way he looked when they were playing in the water…

Jake—floating above her, filling her with an equal measure of desire and awe. Jake—eyes wide with childlike wonder following a brilliantly hued parrotfish… Jake—laughing and smiling as they played in the surf. "I want to help you look like this all the time… I want to make you happy, the way you make me happy…"

She projected the way she felt when Jake massaged her back. "I want to help you feel relaxed and peaceful too…" She projected a scene that had not occurred yet. Jake—lying prone on the bed, with her straddling his hips and running her hands up and down his broad back. Jake—sighing and groaning with pleasure as he relaxed under her hands. Jake—drifting to sleep as she softly trailed her fingers across his shoulders. Jake—on his side, spooned against her back, both of them smiling as they dreamed of each other.

Jake kissed her palm and then whispered in her ear… "Tonight."

That one little word made her knees turn to jelly and other more intimate fantasies surfaced. She was glad she was no longer projecting to Jake.

"Daddy alert at three o'clock." Jake's whispered warning was accompanied by a low hiss from the right side of the room.

Crap. "Get out of my head Dad." Even though she knew Edward was reading her mind, Nessie couldn't keep the image of Jake kissing her underwater out of her head.

Edward leaned over and whispered something to Bella. Her mother shot her a sympathetic smile as Edward closed his eyes and visibly relaxed. Nessie silently mouthed, "thank you" to Bella for shielding her thoughts.

"…after we finish discussing our immediate plans." Nessie had missed most of what Jasper had just said... something about meeting at the airport tomorrow morning. She hoped it wasn't too important. "Esme has something she would like to say."

Nessie felt a huge wave of comfort and… courage? "Thank you Jasper." Esme's voice was quiet but steady. She took a deep breath and the room was instantly silent. "Garrett is organizing a memorial service to be held in the meadow above Forks and attempting to contact every vampire he can find. Everyone is invited. We will honor my husband, your father, grandfather, and friend with the largest gathering our world has ever seen.

"It would be irresponsible and unwise to invite our warm blooded friends to that gathering so we will have a small private ceremony at the house shortly after we arrive. Charlie and Sue Swan are in charge and I hear that Billy Black is planning something special to honor Carlisle. We should all plan to hunt before they arrive. That's all. Thank you Jasper."

Nessie felt Jake's arms tense around her. "Esme, I want Carlisle to be memorialized and honored for the great man he was. I also want to respect your wishes. But I am worried about the safety and wellbeing of my people if too many non-peaceful vampires congregate so close to the reservation. Even if there are no… accidents, there is bound to be a werewolf population explosion. Since Garrett is planning it, would it be possible to have the gathering in Alaska?"

Esme looked upset and Nessie felt another wave of emotional support. Alice wrapped an arm around Esme's waist and reassured her. "Don't worry Esme. I'll help Garrett with the arrangements. It will be even better in Alaska. Perhaps we can entice some of our friends to sample the wildlife instead of human life. I agree with Jacob. We must protect his people."

Jacob's people… Jake was more than just the Alpha of his little pack. He was the heir of Ephraim Black and Taha Aki. Jake had once recited his entire genealogy for her. She could still picture it perfectly.

Jake was sitting cross-legged on the jungle floor, she was lying on her tummy with her chin in her hands, and her ankles crossed behind her. Parrots and monkeys scolded each other overhead as Jacob taught her the legends and stories of his people.

"Did you know that I am a direct descendent of Taha Aki?" Jake spoke with solemnity and pride, but Nessie thought he was teasing her.

"Sure, sure, you are Jake. I'll bet everyone on the rez claims that."

Jake sat up straighter, closed his eyes, and rocked gently back and forth. His voice rang out clear and strong as he began to chant. Nessie recognized a few Quileute words and names… "father, mother, Taha Aki, Ephraim, Sarah, William" and the very last word of his chant—"Jacob."

She had been impressed at first, but Jacob Black—future leader of the Quileute Nation—was still just Jake to her. He was still her Jacob.

Nessie wondered if Jake had even thought about what he might be giving up if he married her. Jacob was full blood Native American, seven-eighths Quileute and one-eighth Makah. He was born to lead and protect his people. It was his birthright, and it should be passed down to his children.

What sort of celestial comedian was God that he made Jake imprint on her? Shouldn't the mother of Jacob's children be Quileute, or Native—or at least human? Surely, the fates did not intend to pollute such royal and pure blood with that of a half vampire. Could Jake's people ever accept her as the wife of their leader? What about their children? Would they be received into tribal society? Nessie could already hear the cruel taunts of bullies and gossiping old women when her sons and daughters tried to find their place in Jacob's world. I can't deal with this right now. It's too much!

"Nessie Baby, what's wrong?" She realized she was trembling and clinging to Jake, distracting him from his duty. Hadn't she just shown him how she wanted to be as helpful and supportive of him as he was of her?

She took a deep cleansing breath… and lied. "I'm fine, Jacob. Pay attention to the meeting." She would figure this out on her own. There had to be a reason Jake imprinted on her…

Nessie blurted out a single syllable that was something between a laugh and a cough when an unpleasant epiphany assaulted her mind. Everyone stared at her but she barely noticed.

It seemed her biggest problem was also the only solution… what a perfect example of circular logic and irony. Nothing less than the Quileute magic of imprinting could justify the union of their pureblooded leader with a half-vampire hybrid. Nessie still hated the idea that Jake's love wasn't real, but at least the tribal council and elders could not dispute her claim as Jacob's rightful mate. The ancient magic controlled them also.

Nessie had missed most of the meeting but when Jasper dismissed everyone that was not present at the battle, she decided she better pay attention. "Luca and Alejandro, I think it would be best for you to go with the others. This discussion is going to be painful; there is no need for you to suffer through it."

"Thank you Jasper." Alejandro wrapped his arm protectively around Luca's waist and she laid her head on his shoulder. Nessie felt the weight of their sorrow even after they disappeared from view. Jasper was right. This discussion was going to be very painful. If not for Jake, she would ask to be excused as well.

Nessie twisted around in Jake's arms so she could see his face. Stress left dark smudges under his haunted eyes and his complexion had again faded to grey. She palmed his cheek and projected pure love, admiration, concern and devotion. She felt his skin grow warmer under her hand and felt a sense of pride when his color improved.

Jake whispered "thank you" into her ear and then kissed her cheek. Jasper seemed to focus on her briefly. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly and he inclined his head as if to acknowledge her efforts to comfort Jake.

"Jacob, Nessie, while you two were gone this afternoon, everyone else wrote a post-battle report describing what happened from their unique point of view."

"You know why we were gone." Jake sounded vaguely defensive so Nessie rubbed his arms soothingly.

"Yes, and I am not criticizing you. I merely wished to point out that I do not have all the facts." Jasper turned his attention to the group. "However, I do believe I have a clear picture of what actually happened. Please realize that everyone experienced the battle differently and do not interrupt or contradict me until I am finished speaking. Agreed?"

Everyone nodded silently and waited for him to continue. Jasper narrated the events of the battle in a calm and detached manner, which made the entire thing seem surreal. Nessie didn't hear anything in his report that contradicted her experience.

"Do any of you have any evidence or new information that would indicate the need to amend or correct this report?"

No one said a word, but Jake's skin felt clammy and he started to tremble. Nessie gently pushed Jake to the floor and sat down beside him. She wished she could pull him onto her lap the way he did her whenever she was upset. Instead, she intertwined their hands and arms and scooted as close to him as she could get.

"Jasper, I don't want Nessie to be here. There is no reason for her to be here for the rest of this meeting." Nessie was shocked. Why did Jake want to send her away? She tried to put her palm on his face, but he grabbed her wrist and refused to let her share her gift.

"I don't want her to know what I did!" Jake's voice was a mixture of anger, pleading, and self-loathing.

"Jacob, you didn't do anything wrong." Jasper looked at Jake with compassion.

Seth and Embry made disparaging sounds and Nessie began to figure out what must have happened… Jake gave an Alpha order that the others did not like.

Jasper sent out a wave of calm and Jake relaxed even as he swore at Jasper.

"Cut that out. Stop manipulating me." The tension returned immediately.

"Sorry, reflex reaction. Now, I think it is time we cleared the air. The oppressive atmosphere of guilt and resentment in this room is heavier than the grief. And let me tell you that is damned heavy.

"I am very disappointed by the way orders were ignored…" Jasper looked pointedly at Alice and Nessie. Alice stuck her nose in the air and smirked at her husband. Nessie blushed and bit her lower lip.

"But I am absolutely horrified by the way some of you failed to do your duty." He turned his blazing eyes on the rest of the room. "I know it is a painful and degrading thing to kill another sentient being, even when they are intent on killing you. I realize it is so much worse when the enemy soldiers are not yet adults. That does not excuse any of you for shirking your duty and failing to protect your friends and family.

"Edward, Rose and Emmett you did not so much as lift a finger to help defend the rest of us. Edward, I realize you felt your duty was to treat the wounded, but once you determined there was nothing medically you could to do help Quil, you should have at least looked around to see where else your services were needed. You were so distracted by grief you failed to notice Jacob's serious injury. He would have died if not for your daughter's bravery. I believe Quil also owes his life to Renesmee."

Quil smiled soberly and his eyes glistened when he nodded at her. Nessie felt a small stirring of pride until she happened to glance at her father. He stood frozen with his hands shoved deep in his pockets and the same haunted look in his eyes as Jake. Bella was whispering to him and running her hands through his hair.

Nessie resented the way Jasper had criticized him. Couldn't he see how his harsh words wounded him? What was the purpose? The battle was over. He was just being mean.

"Emmett and Rose, neither of you have any excuse at all."

Emmett hung his head and nodded in agreement, but Rose snarled and hissed at Jasper. "You have no right to judge us! Those children were Sophie and George's siblings! How could you expect us to fight them?"

"I'll get back to you in a minute." Jasper's eyes flashed with anger, but he spoke with quiet authority.

"I am frankly surprised that Carlisle was our only casualty. It is a miracle really. That and the result of one man's incredible courage and dedication to duty at all costs. Before I get to that, I would like to talk about making tough choices. Perhaps it will help give you all some perspective. Now do not answer out loud, but just ponder for a moment and try to choose…

"Seth, if you were trapped on a sinking ship and could only save one person, would you choose your mother or your sister?"

Seth glared at Jasper. Neither man seemed willing to break eye contact. Finally, Seth sighed and looked at his feet.

"Alright Embry, who would you choose to save? Leah or Sophie?"

Embry actually growled at Jasper and accused him of performing inappropriate reproductive acts with a close relative.

Jasper completely ignored him. "Rosalie and Emmett, who would you choose? Your children or your mate?"

Rose followed Embry's example with an even more creative suggestion, but Emmett actually shook his head and muttered, "I don't know" several times.

"Alright, I want all of y'all to ask yourselves who would you save… a stranger or a friend? An enemy or a brother? A murderous adolescent girl or Carlisle?"

The room was completely silent. Jasper stared at each person in the room for several minutes before speaking quietly.

"Those are the kinds of decisions Jacob, Nessie, Alice, and I made on the battle field last night. We made the hard choices so the rest of you didn't have to. I know that Seth, Quil, and Embry fought valiantly and I am grateful for your obedience to Jake's Alpha command. That is what you are so angry about, isn't it?"

Embry and Seth didn't say anything. Quil looked at Jake and said, "I'm not angry, I'm grateful. Because Jake was willing to make the hard choice, I'm going home to Claire. Thank you Jacob."

Jake's chest shuddered when he exhaled and he brushed his eyes with the back of his free hand. Nessie squeezed the other one and whispered, "Yes Jacob, thank you for saving us all." He gave up all pretense of remaining in control and pulled Nessie into his lap. He buried his face in her curls and she felt his silent tears dampen her head.

Nessie realized that when Jake held her in his lap, it wasn't just to comfort her. This was something they did to comfort each other. She wrapped one arm around his back and the other around his neck then pulled his face down to hers. With her forehead pressed against his, Nessie surreptitiously wiped away his tears with the pads of her thumbs. When Jake stopped trembling and raised his head, Jasper spoke directly to him.

"Hold your head up high Jacob Black. You validated your birthright on the battlefield last night. The blood of Taha Aki runs pure and undiluted through your veins even though it has passed through many generations before you. All great leaders make difficult choices and sacrifices. That is what makes them great. We will never know how many lives you saved with your Alpha command. But, I do know if you had wavered or hesitated, there would be fewer people in this room tonight.

"There is no blood on your hands, Jacob. Aro alone is responsible for the deaths of his children and Carlisle. The Red Army was doomed the moment Aro decided to fight. None of us in this room would have been able to witness the death of our mate without completely destroying the enemy. If you had not used the Alpha command, those children would have died at our hands, but at a far greater cost.

"I am sure that Emmett alone would have destroyed the entire Red Army if Rosalie had perished. But it would have been too late to save her. Edward and Bella would have shown no mercy if Renesmee fell, but again it would have been too late. Even Alice, fighting blind without her gift would have single-handedly overwhelmed and destroyed the hybrids to avenge my death. Alejandro and Luca would not have been spared. The rage and grief of a bereft mate knows no logic, mercy, or justice."

"There is no doubt in my mind that even Carlisle would have annihilated the girl he tried to save if she had attacked Esme."

"Thank you Jacob, for doing your duty. Look around you at the faces of gratitude. Behold the honor and high esteem in which you are held.

Nessie slid off Jake's lap when Jasper crossed the room and held out his hand. "Hold your head up, and stand tall Jacob Black." Jasper pulled Jake to his feet and embraced him. "You will be remembered as a true warrior and hero as long as I exist."

Nessie stood beside Jake with her hands clasped in front of her mouth and tears streaming down her face when Embry embraced him. "Jacob, I'm sorry for being such an idiot. It's easy to see why you are the true Alpha and leader of our people." Embry's voice was rough with emotion. "I hope you can forgive me."

Jake whispered, "There's nothing to forgive."

Seth stood up and punched his fist through the wall. "I will never forget the feel of that child being crushed and torn by my teeth. I dream about it every single night!"

Nessie looked to Jasper but he frowned and slowly shook his head. Why did he refuse to help Seth? He was in so much pain.

Seth was swearing, crying, and pulverizing what was left of the wall. "I will hate him for as long as I live! I will never forgive that filthy, murdering, stone cold, bloodsucking leech!"

Jake crossed the room, pulled Seth into his arms and held his head against his shoulder. "God Jake, I am so sorry. I didn't understand."

"It's okay, Seth. I do understand. I know exactly how you feel."

Seth let go of Jake and wrapped Nessie in his arms. It felt strange. Seth was huge, strong, and much older than Nessie, but she felt as if she were comforting a small child. She looked at Jake with wide eyes, not knowing what to expect. He just smiled lovingly at her so she patted Seth's back and murmured into his chest, "It's okay Seth, I've got you. It's okay…"

Alice, Edward, and Bella all hugged Jake as well and thanked him for his leadership and courage. Emmett gave Jake a huge bear hug that lifted him off his feet. That was something Nessie had never seen before. "Thanks Jake. I don't think I could handle it if we lost anyone else." Emmett sort of choked then cleared his throat. "When I think how close I came to losing Rosalie… if Seth hadn't been there… well, anyway… thanks."

"You're welcome, Emmett."

When Rosalie offered to shake hands, Emmett shoved her into Jake's chest. "Give the man a hug woman; he probably saved both our sorry asses."

Everyone froze, waiting for Rose to either knock Jake on his butt, or rip Emmett's head off. They were shocked when she actually wrapped her arms around him and murmured, "Thank you Jacob."

~***~

A/N Leave a review before I post the next chapter and I will send you a preview.