The next morning, we woke to a loud tapping on the bedroom window. Jacob's snores cut off abruptly and he sat up, arms held out as if he were protecting me from bodily harm. I blinked, heart pounding in my throat, as I took in the blurry image of dark colors through the window. Jacob swore under his breath and threw the window open. Hanging from the sill was a tall, broad male with russet skin and dark hair. It took my sleep-muddled brain a minute for me to realize it was Embry.

He said, "It's bad, Jake. We need you. Sam sent me to get you because you weren't answering the phone."

"What happened?" Jacob asked quickly. He turned back to the bed, leaned over, and kissed me on the forehead as Embry replied, "The leech got to the border nearest the Clearwater house. Harry saw her. He fell into a heart attack."

"Jesus Christ." Jacob swore again and pulled away from me. I was already up and stumbling around, pulling a pair of jeans from my dresser, and slipping them up my legs. Jacob said, "Bella, I have to go. See you later. Stay home for me, okay? Quil is on the way to watch over you."

"Wait, wait." I cried out, "I'm going to the hospital. Charlie is bound to be there with Harry, right?"

"They don't think he's going to make it, Bella." Embry explained, "We have to deal with Seth and Leah. They've Phased. It's bad. Real bad. Leah took a chunk out of Paul and Sam nearly had to kill her to make her submit to him."

"Leah?" Jacob exclaimed before swearing again. "Shit. Let's go. Bella, head to the hospital. When you're done at the hospital, head to my house. Quil will be on you the whole time. We don't know where the redhead is, but she seems to be upping the ante. Try to keep close to Charlie, so you'll both be protected."

I nodded and stumbled forward to wrap him in a hug. I heard the muffled thump of Embry dropping easily from the window. I whispered, "Be safe."

"You, too." Jacob murmured as he kissed the top of my head. I watched as he threw himself out of the window before I changed my shirt and hurriedly brushed my teeth. I was knotting my hair atop my head when my cellphone rang. I answered, "Charlie? Dad? Yeah. Yeah. I just heard. I'm coming to the hospital."

I scooped my keys up off of my desk and bounded down the stairs. I paused at the front door and whispered, "What? Oh, no. I'm coming, Dad. I'll be there soon."

The drive to Forks General Hospital was a blank space in my mind. I worried for Harry's now widowed wife, Sue. I worried for the two people who had just lost their father and was currently being beaten over the head with the fact that a supernatural world existed. In fact, they were a part of it. They were supernatural. I worried for Jacob and how the impact of two new wolves would affect him. As I sat silently beside Charlie on an uncomfortable chair in the lobby of the hospital, I worried for my own father. I worried about his state of mind. I worried about his health. I worried about losing him to a heart attack. After all, Harry and Charlie had been friends since they were teenagers. They fished together. Watched sports games together. Had cook outs together. And ate entirely too much unhealthy food.

Time passed like a dull, dragging pulse. Nurses came by regularly to give Charlie a cup of coffee and a sweet smile. Twice, a doctor came out and spoke to Charlie by name. They whispered aplenty. I tried not to notice the shine in Charlie's eyes as he excused himself to the bathroom down the hall. When he returned, his face was splotchy and his eyes bloodshot. After a while, Charlie took a call and came to tell me Billy was on the way. Sue Clearwater had come out of a specific hospital room shortly after. Her eyes were red-rimmed, but her lips were pressed firmly together as if she were holding herself together by a thread. She walked evenly toward Charlie and accepted the awkward hug he gave. Sue calmly leaned against the wall. When Billy and several other tribal members had showed up, it was midday. Of them all, the oldest and most withered seemed vaguely familiar to me.

I waited until all five men, along with Sue, went into the hospital room and shut the door before I turned to Charlie. "Who was the oldest man?"

"Old Quil." Charlie replied with a rough voice. "It's the younger Quil's grandfather. He leads the tribe alongside Billy."

Billy wheeled himself out of the room sometime later with Sue at his side. A doctor entered the room while a nurse handed over a pile of paperwork. She spoke softly for a moment. Billy nodded and quietly said, "I'll bring the file to you once Sue here has finished with it, mam."

The nurse nodded and politely excused herself. Billy gently touched Sue's elbow and began wheeling. She followed him toward the small lobby area. I had counted the white ceiling tiles and seafoam green floor tiles at least a dozen times throughout the day. Billy nodded soberly to me before gently saying, "Sit down, Sue."

The woman did so with a hitching sigh. She sniffled once and slowly took the crumpled tissue Charlie offered. She blew her nose and muttered, "Thanks, Charlie."

"O'course, Susie." He mumbled and pulled a pen out of his pocket when it became clear the one in Sue's hand was no good. Charlie went back to staring at his shoes. I tore my eyes away from Sue's hunched over form. This woman was nothing like the vivacious woman who made chili and hot dogs at cook outs. My eyes watered, so I blinked rapidly. Glancing, I caught Billy looking in my direction. I offered a feeble smile, which he returned. Charlie was mumbling, pointing at the paperwork while Sue was nodding absentmindedly.

Billy said, "Why don't you show me where that coffee pot is, Bells?"

"Sure, sure." I whispered and stood up. Slowly, Billy wheeled himself after me. We turned the corner of the hallway just as he whispered, "Heard from Jake."

I immediately asked, "He's okay? How's Seth and Leah?"

"Seth seems to be dealing better than Leah. From what I was told by Sam, half the pack is patrolling. Sam himself is keeping Seth calm. Jacob is out in the woods with Leah, trying to talk her down. She's refusing to shift back."

"Shift back?" I whispered, eyes darting around to make sure we were alone. I bit my lip and asked, "Is it possible for them to…to get stuck like that?"

"Not permanently, according to our legends." Billy said, "Sam was in his spirit form for nearly a month before he managed to Phase back. Jared took ten days. Paul took about the same. Embry and Quil each spent two weeks in spirit form. The body becomes accustomed to the power quickly, but the mind takes time to catch up."

"Weeks?" I slowly asked, "But, Jake…"

I trailed off into silence. Billy waited patiently as I explained, "I saw him a week and a half after he transformed. He was human."

"Jacob is a natural." Billy explained solemnly. "He has the blood of our most powerful ancestors running through his veins, so he learns quickly. My son was born for this."

I swallowed heavily and said, "He doesn't want it."

"I know that." Billy nodded, "And yet he has no choice. Not as long as there are Cold Ones around. His body, mind, and soul will respond to the threat every time."

"But…" I asked quietly, "…He can stop. He can stop Phasing if there were no more vampires in town?"

"Yes." Billy nodded, "Yes. Vampires are what trigger the change, all those hormones and rage. The smell of a Cold One's venom calls forth the Protector."

I swallowed heavily and nodded. Eyes so eerily similar to Jacob's stared back at me. Billy said, "He would die for you. To keep you save, Jacob would do anything."

As Billy wheeled himself away, I stared at seafoam green tiles once more. A long time crept by before I pulled my cellphone out of my pocket. I scrolled through my call log and looked at all the times Jacob's name popped up. The only other person I ever seemed to receive calls from was Charlie. Occasionally Renee.

Biting my lip, I slipped into the bathroom and locked the door. Setting my wallet beside the sink, I dug passed library cards and old receipts. A small piece of yellow paper was at the very bottom. Slowly, I unfolded it and stared at the elegant, swooping writing. Numbers. Just numbers written on an old scrap of paper. I had forgotten about it during my comatose months. Afterward, with Jacob and the garage and dirt bikes, I still had not remembered this little scrap of paper.

It wasn't until a few weeks before, during my restless and panicked time without Jacob, that I had found a yellow piece of paper folded up in the bottom of my wallet. I had told myself to throw it away, but had been unable to do so. Now, I was tremendously grateful for my hesitation. My fingers shook as I dialed. Twice I had to restart. I pressed CALL and waited with baited breath. I knew, even as I hoped desperately, that my plan was a horrible shot in the dark.

The phone rang four times before a crisp, clear voice answered. "Hello?"

"Alice…" I breathed and felt my breath hitch. "Oh, God. Alice."

"Hey, Bella." She spoke sadly and it sounded like pure poetry.

"I can't believe you answered." I whispered and wiped at the silent tears burning my eyes. I sniffled as she said, "I shouldn't have."

"Look," I cleared my throat and ran my hand through my hair. I stared at my reflection as I quickly explained, "I know none of you want to speak with me. I wouldn't have contacted you if this wasn't important. I need your help. I've let things play out and that was the wrong decision. It's too dangerous. Victoria is here. She's killed someone and she's trying to get to me. She could kill Charlie next."

"You have seen her?" Alice's voice was quick and as sharp as a whip. She rapidly asked, "Have you seen her with your own eyes? Who has she killed?"

"A man named Harry Clearwater. He's from the Rez. From La Push. He's a friend of Charlie's. No. I haven't personally seen her, but I know she's here, Alice."

"How can you be sure a vampire attack killed this man?"

"Because other people saw her. They witnessed. Other people are tracking her."

"Vampires? You are in association with other vampires?"

"No, no. Not vampires. Wolves. Protectors. They call themselves Protectors."

"Wolves." Alice breathed. Rapid clicking and murmured voices echoed through the speaker. They were speaking so quickly that I couldn't follow their conversation. Alice suddenly said, "We're coming to you, Bella. Where are you now?"

"The hospital." I replied, "Charlie is here to help Harry's family."

"Go to La Push. Go there and try to bring Charlie along."

"Okay. I planned to do that, anyway."

"The dogs will keep her at bay, but listen to me carefully, Bella. Wolves are no friends to you. Do you understand me? They are volatile and far more dangerous than a vampire when angered. Stay at La Push until I call you."

"O-Okay." I stuttered, biting my lip. The line went dead. I stared at my reflection and thought of Jacob. It wasn't until there was a brisk knock on the bathroom door that I jolted. Unlocking the door, I apologized and ducked away from a curious nurse. I found Charlie in the same place I had left him. Without a word, I snatched the plastic cup out of his hand and tossed it in the trash. He questioned dully, "Bella?"

"No more coffee." I stated. "Let's head to the Rez."

"Yeah." Charlie sighed, "Yeah. They won't release…his body until morning. Billy and Sue just went to turn in the paperwork. She wants to get back to her kids."

I nodded and said, "I heard from Jake. They're a mess. He and some of the other boys are with Seth and Leah now. Um, Jake will need me. He's upset."

"Yeah." Charlie croaked and wiped at his face. He reached out and gave me a one-armed hug. "Let's head over there."

I drove behind Charlie's cruiser. The rain was beginning to pick up its pace and we both had to drive much slower than normal. My heart was beating nearly out of control and I hoped Victoria wouldn't jump out onto the road. If she did use the storm and clouds to her advantage, I prayed that she would snatch me out of my truck and leave Charlie alive.

When we reached the turning point of the Rez, I let out a sigh in relief. We were just parking when a battered truck pulled in behind us. Charlie rushed over to help Sue with Billy's wheel-chair. I walked beside them and pushed on the warped front door of the Blacks' house. All three adults were quiet as I retrieved towels from under the bathroom sink. Each began rubbing at their hair and faces.

Wordlessly, I turned to the kitchen and set a battered tea kettle on the stovetop. I stared blankly at the chipped countertop until the kettle whistled. I poured four cups of steaming water and added tea bags. Spooning in a bit of sugar into three of the cups, I took a glance in the living room. Sue was sitting on the sofa with her fingers digging into the fabric. Charlie was looking out of a window while pacing. Billy was glancing between Charlie and Sue frequently.

I passed Billy the sugar free cup and then handed out the rest. Billy murmured, "Thank you, Bella."

Sue simply nodded and wrapped her fingers around the mug as if it wasn't piping hot. I wondered if she could even feel it. The conversation with Alice replayed in my head on a constant loop. With shaking hands, I opened cabinet doors. I pulled out flour and a half a jar of peanut butter. I pawed through the refrigerator, wincing when I realized there was very little inside. A massive casserole dish was half-empty. I had given a cornbread and beef dish to Jacob a few days before. I wondered if that was what Billy had been eating on every day since.

I mixed and stirred until I had a dozen peanut butter cookies baking in the oven. I found little ingredients to cook with, but managed a questionable chicken and rice dish. I was standing over the stove, whisking a sauce, when the front door opened. Jacob and Embry walked in. Both went to Sue, kneeling down and bowing their heads. My hand slowly fell still and I watched as each whispered in a foreign tongue. Their words mixed perfectly with each other and their pitch was low like one would be when chanting. I realized, belatedly, that Jacob was praying.

Sue was crying softly as she kissed first Jacob and then Embry's heads. She whispered, "Thank you. Thank you both."

Jacob murmured, "Em will take you to Seth and Leah. They'll be okay, Sue."

With that, Embry gently took Sue by the arm and lead her out of the house. The door shut with a muffled thump. Charlie cleared his throat and tossed himself onto the sofa Sue had just vacated. Jacob stood up and looked to Billy. "Any news, son?"

"None. Same as ever." Jacob replied as he stalked across the small room and entered the kitchen. He was barefoot and had no shirt. There was mud streaking his chest and legs. There was a dark spot along his temple that looked like a bruise. He came close enough to me that I could smell pine, rain, and faint spices.

He said, "Smells good."

I nodded and mutedly replied, "It will be ready in about thirty minutes."

He asked quietly, "How did you find anything to cook in this house?"

I shrugged. "Determination, I guess."

Jacob opened his mouth to speak, but Billy interrupted. "Don't you think you should clean up and change clothes, Jake?"

"Yeah," Charlie grumbled, "Maybe put on a shirt."

Jacob sighed, "Sure, sure. Be right back, Bells."

I finished cooking and set out four settings of food. As I was pouring cups of cold water, Jacob sauntered in with cut-off denim and a faded T-shirt. He was still barefoot. I watched as he swiped a handful of cookies and shoved them into his mouth. He crunched enthusiastically. I raised my eyebrows and said, "You should eat dinner before dessert, Jake."

"Where's the fun in that?" He asked and dropped into a rickety chair. It creaked so loudly that I was afraid it would break under his weight.

"Dinner is ready, Dad. Billy." I said before sitting down beside Jacob. He was already spooning chicken and rice into his mouth. I whispered, "Hungry much?"

"Starving." He said promptly. We were all quiet as we ate. I mostly picked at my plate, but I was glad to see Charlie finish his portion. Jacob helped himself to seconds and then gave what remained to Billy after Charlie declined another helping. I watched Jacob eat his second helping before he took his and Billy's dishes to the sink. He shoved two more cookies in his mouth as he messily washed the soiled dishes.

I stood to help him. We were elbow to elbow. Only once the TV clicked on and an announcer began speaking did I lean closer to Jacob. "What happened?"

"They Phased. It was a disaster. Seth calmed down enough in the end. He slept outside under the porch at Emily's for hours. Leah is another matter."

I bit my lip and asked, "What? What happened with her?"

"She…Jeez, Bella. She's really messed up. Leah and Sam were together before he Phased. She is in love with Sam even after all this time, but he's moved on with Emily. She's hurt and we all felt it. Memories of them together, ya know, intimate, keep playing out. She can't seem to stop it. There are no secrets when it comes to our pack mind. We see each other's thoughts and hopes and…everything. Leah was definitely close to Harry and losing her dad came so suddenly. Now, she finds out she's a wolf and a leech is the reason her dad is dead."

Jacob sighed, "She's crazy. She bites anyone who comes near. She's a danger to herself and others for sure. I was on watch with her all day. Quil took over now that you and Charlie are in our territory."

I was silent for a long time as I began drying the clean plates as he handed them to me. I whispered, "She's distraught, Jacob. She's scared and angry and confused. Having Sam, someone she loves and has been rejected by, just sifting through her mind is a form of invasion. If what you say is true, then she sees that Sam loves another woman. A woman who is related to her no less. Not only that, but Leah just lost her dad. He's dead. Forever."

"I know all that." Jacob sighed, "That's why I stayed with her."

I was leaning up to put away the plates in the cupboard when Jacob's chest brushed against my back. One hand took the stack of plates and slipped them into their place while the other hand wrapped around my hip. I gasped quietly.

He leaned down and murmured, "Walk out to the porch with me?"

I nodded and he released me, taking all the blistering heat with him. Jacob walked to the door and wordlessly went outside. I nervously wiped down the countertop, glancing once at Charlie, who seemed to be focused on the TV. I followed Jacob out the house and shut the door as quietly as possible.

I barely had time to turn around before Jacob was pulling me to his chest. He petted the top of my head and brushed his nose against my ear gently. "Missed you."

"I'm just glad you're okay." I whispered on a tired sigh.

"Today sucked, but it's better when I see you." He said as he continued to cradle me against him. His nose was tickling my ear and occasionally his soft lips grazed my earlobe. My heart was beating too fast. I swallowed noisily.

"My dad is right inside, Jake."

"I know…" He whispered right before kissing below my ear. When I didn't yank away, Jacob slowly took my lobe between his teeth and gently bit. My fingers dug into his shoulders and my breath released shakily. A hot tongue flicked just behind my ear and then Jacob was nibbling his way across my chin and to my mouth.

I moaned lowly, but it was muffled as his lips met mine. This kiss was fierce and swift and so sudden. Nothing beyond the first peck was gentle. His hands were hard and big and digging into my lower back, pressing me roughly against him. Lips and teeth and tongue met wildly. I didn't know what I was doing, but I didn't stop. My heart was thundering in my ears and all I felt was full lips and hot tongue and rumbles vibrating through his broad chest as he pressed me up against the side of the house. Rough wood scratched at me and dampness soaked through the back of my shirt. Still, Jacob's hands were tugging until they were under fabric. Calloused fingertips kneaded at my bare skin, heating me thoroughly. His weight secured me and kept the crisp night air from touching me.

My hands gripped at his bare shoulders, fingernails scraping as he began to rock against me. Breathlessly, I tore my mouth from his and banged my head against the side of the house. Looking up at the dark sky, I felt my eyes roll into the back of my head as Jacob's tongue and lips molded themselves against my throat. Again and again and again. His hips rhythmically pushed and pulled beautifully against my own. His harsh breathing caused heat to pool in my stomach. When my shaky legs gave out, Jacob moved like a lightning strike. He had one hand banded around my waist while the other held my bottom. His lips never stopped roaming deliciously over my throat and down to my collarbones. Impatiently, Jacob used his chin to nudge the fabric of my shirt away.

He began to suck and bite gently at my skin. Sensitive, I jumped and trembled in his arms. This angle meant Jacob could no longer move against me as I wanted him to. Shyly, I raised my legs and wrapped them around his waist. He shifted the arm that had been around my bottom. Now, his fingers circled one of my ankles and held it in place at his waist. The rumble in his chest grew louder. He lapped at the side of my neck. I tilted my head and then he was at my lips again. Tongue tracing my bottom lip and hot breath puffing against my mouth. I parted my lips and took him in. I felt, more than heard, the groan that echoed through both of our mouths as we slid against each other.

Just as abruptly as we had begun, we stopped. Jacob yanked away from me, letting my legs drop to the ground quickly and heavily. He stepped out of reach, holding out a trembling arm to catch at my elbow and steady me. I looked at him, eyes wide and mouth parted, as I panted. "Jake?"

"Charlie." He rasped and let go of my arm. "He's about to walk out the door."

And then the front door opened. Jacob was leaning against the porch railing. His breathing was much more controlled than mine, but I saw the dark flush in his cheeks despite the night. I hoped Charlie couldn't see either of our faces very well.

He eyed both of us as I looked at the ground. Charlie sighed, "Let's go home."

I glanced at Jacob, who nodded. I pulled my keys out of my pocket and slowly walked down the drive. Charlie waited for me, but I shook my head. "I'll be right there, Dad."

Charlie nodded before walking away and getting into the cruiser. He started the engine just as Jacob said, "I'll follow you home. I'll stay on guard."

"They don't need you here tonight?" I asked.

"There's seven wolves to protect the Rez now. Leah may be out of her mind, but she's faster than all of us and pretty strong. My job is to protect you, Bells."

I bit my bottom lip before leaning forward and hugging him. I hesitated before saying, "We have to talk. Meet me in my room, okay?"

"Sure, sure." He rasped, squeezing me tighter and kissing the side of my head. Reluctantly, Jacob let me go and stepped back. He offered a half-smile and a wave. As I drove home, tears blurred my vision.

I sat in my truck for a long moment even after Charlie had parked his cruiser and went inside. Every time I tried to tell myself to go inside, I found that I couldn't because I knew what I had to do once I reached my bedroom. I knew who would be waiting for me and what I would have to confess. And I knew exactly how Jacob would react to my confession.

Wiping at my eyes, I mounted the porch steps and entered the house. I climbed the staircase and closed my bedroom door behind me. I tried not to hear water running in the bathroom just across the hallway. Tried not to think of Charlie's red-rimmed eyes and wobbly voice from earlier in the day. Most of all, I tried not to think of Jacob, which was impossible.

He sat on the edge of my bed wearing cut-off denims and no shirt. It seemed between La Push and Forks he had lost that particular article of clothing. Jacob was frowning and his hands were fisted over his knees. "Why are you crying, Bells?"

I dropped my keys on the desk and crossed my arms over my chest. As carefully as I could, I sat down in the chair. I swallowed heavily. "You're going to be mad."

He sighed, "If you're trying to tell me you're not ready…it's okay. I understand. Maybe I pushed too hard earlier. I thought you liked it. Didn't mean to upset you."

I cleared my throat and shook my head. "Not…that."

"What then?" Jacob asked as the frown deepened. It was his eyes that truly bothered me. Liquid fear was beginning to coat them.

"Bella? What are you talking about?"

I whispered, "I did what I think is best to keep you alive and out of harm's way, Jake."

His brows were drawn together and his expression showed weariness and confusion. I bit my lip. Jacob's jaw began to tighten.

"What did you do, Bella?"

I swallowed the lump of emotions threatening to choke me. I said, "I did what I could. I got help for you and the pack."

"Bella." Jacob slowly stated, "Tell me what you mean."

I whispered, "I called Alice Cullen. They're going to help hunt Victoria."

Jacob's face went lax. His dark gaze went flat. He croaked, "You did what?"

I stammered, "I-I called Alice Cullen. The Cullens know so much about killing vampires, especially Jasper. I know they can help, Jake."

"Isabella," The sound of my given name rolling off of his lips felt like a slap in the face. I jolted as Jacob surged to his feet. He towered over me and barked, "Tell me that you're lying. Tell me that you're just messing around. Tell me right now."

The tears oozed from the corners of my eyes. I slowly shook my head and watched Jacob's own eyes fill with tears. His body began to shake and he took a giant step backwards. He snarled, "How could you do that to me, Bella? How could you ask those demon-sucking bastards for anything? How could you bring them back here? My job is to keep them away from this place, Bella."

"I didn't want to upset you, but they can kill her. They can end Victoria and everything can go back to how it was before. You won't have to Phase anymore."

Jacob clenched his fist, sneered at me, and crudely said, "I'm a predator. Even if I stopped Phasing, I'll always be a predator to them. I'm made to kill vampires. I'm made to kill your leech buddies. And that's exactly what I'll do if I see them anywhere near me or my brothers or you."

"Jacob, please," I wept as he turned his back to me and slammed my window upward. I watched in hysterias as the glass panel cracked all the way across. "Don't leave. Jake, don't do this. I swear that they'll help. They just want to help…"

The sound of running water and squeaking knobs abruptly cut off. I heard Charlie call out, "Bella? Are you okay? I heard a thump. Did you fall?"

I swallowed and shouted, "I'm okay, Dad."

Jacob gave me one last look of contempt before throwing himself out into the night. When I heard the thump of his weight landing on the ground, I rushed to the window and looked down. He was stalking to the back part of Charlie's property. He stripped his shorts off. All I saw was a glimpse of russet skin before he lunged through the brush. I heard an awfully loud sound like ripping fabric. And then I slid to the floor and sat silently.