Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer, but the plot is all mine!

Back again… Twin268 you always lift me up with your reviews we will get to the end together my friend xx Thank you so much to all who take the time to not only read this story but take the time to leave a review and encouragement! Its so so appreciated and helps to push me on and write more oxox.

Now the story continues…

Chapter 74 – It…

Bella and Jacob stood facing each other, the voice they had both momentarily heard had suddenly and inexplicably gone silent. For a fleeting second, they both said nothing such was the shock at where they found themselves then…

"I swear that was Paul" Jacob huffed his eyes surveying the area where they stood, something didn't feel right as if they were being watched and the wolf snarled his agreement from deep within. With wide eyes Bella nodded in agreement

"It sounded like Paul but…" She hesitated a little, her worried eyes capturing his, before suddenly throwing herself into his arms and he pulled her tight against his broad chest. Completely overwhelmed by what had just occurred her little shoulders started to shake as tears began to fall

"Bella…" Jacob's hot breath in her hair made the skin tingle and small shivers ran down her neck causing a million goosebumps to rise in their wake. She pulled back to look up at that handsome face of his and her eyes filled with tears again. Jake swallowed hard as he gently brushed the tears away so much had happened in the last few minutes he honestly didn't know where to start…

"I…I…thought I had lost you…She hesitated a little "We'd lost you" she corrected herself her voice barely a whisper and she snuggled against his warm skin the heat so welcome in this frozen snow filled place and a reminder he was still alive. She ran her nose along his string jaw greedily breathing in that familiar scent of his and it immediately calmed her fraying nerves. In response to her touch the familiar hum of the wolf deep in Jacobs chest vibrated through her small body, calming her even more.

Jacob placed a finger under her chin and raising her face to his own placed his hot lips upon hers. Like a match to gas the kiss exploded into need. His tongue sought entry to her mouth and intertwined with hers full of passion and dark chocolate promise, but it was also laced with a bitter note of desperation as if it were their last…It was only their need to breath that forced them to part.

"I'll never leave you or our baby Bella" Jacob whispered against his mark on the perfect porcelain skin of her neck. He momentarily listened to the reaction of her heart, the beats as loud as a drum to his lupine ears before nibbling the soft sensitive skin and eliciting a sweet moan of pleasure from her swollen lips caused by his ardent and rough kiss. With eyes closed he ran his nose once more over the faint scar relishing the smell of his own scent and his mates intertwined and buried deep in her skin.

"Mmmm" Jacob's moan of pleasure rumbled and vibrated through Bella's body mingling with her own sighs but now was not the time to be distracted. He raised his head and chuckled darkly. "I always told you I'd be hard to get rid of"

Bella looked up at him but before she could reply Jacob placed a loving kiss upon her forehead and one hand upon her stomach acknowledging their child. On the outside his face appeared serene but underneath his mind was in a whirl What do we do now? he thought to himself and what happened next was even a bigger shock…

We get you back into your body for starters Jake…

He shook his head slightly and stared at her huge brown eyes. Bella almost laughed out loud at the startled look upon his face. His black brows were drawn together over dark eyes full of questions.

"You…you heard me…?" Jacob's face was a picture of awe and disbelief "I mean you just heard my thoughts like the pack" Bella nodded enthusiastically

"Sure can" She smiled then added "After all its only moments ago that we were both certain we heard Paul". She paused again as Jake caught up with where she was going "And you can hear mine too …well at least you were able to a few moments ago before you appeared solid in front of me. Look I'll think of something now to prove it"

Bella laughed a little as she thought of how much he turned her on especially after that last kiss, her skin still tingled where he had placed his hot lips. She waited expectantly as Jakes eyes narrowed and he concentrated on her pretty face but the smile dropped from her lips as he began to shake his head a little

"Nope" He began with an emphasis on the "P" I can't hear a thing" A frown appeared on her forehead as she concentrated her efforts and tried again. This was starting to feel familiar and reminded her of someone else to whom her mind was always silent. Bella felt a surge of disappointment just as Jake laughed out loud, his face a picture of sheer amazement

"I heard you!" His smile was dazzling as he picked her up and swung her around. "I heard every word Bella!" His face became serious as his mouth hovered above her own. "You make me feel like that all the time Bells" He whispered before closing the gap and kissing her but he kept it brief and slowly slid her down his firm body.

As her feet touched the floor Bella looked both elated and relieved but Jacob wasn't finished his mind was in overdrive…

"Why do you think we can hear each other? I mean why now? He asked. Bella wasn't entirely sure but she was beginning to form a theory…

"It's this place I think that …" Her small hands flapped about just as they always did when she was troubled and she pulled up the corner of her bottom lip nibbling at it with her teeth deep in thought before adding. "It's just different here Jake. We can see and hear things that we wouldn't amongst the living. But…" Bella paused grabbing hold of one of his large hands "I also think it was going to happen sooner than later especially after you could track me down when I was unhappy or scared. Our connection has been growing and now with you being a spirit warrior and all this is just the start."

Jake nodded her theory sounded plausible but for now he was more worried about his pack and how they both would get back to where they belonged. She heard him of course…

"It will be fine Jake" Bella smiled tenderly up at him as she cupped the side of his face "Don't worry about the pack either I'm pretty sure they can cope for a little longer" He raised a questioning eyebrow at her then shook his head a little

"This is gonna take some getting used to Bells" She simply laughed and stood on tip toe to place a kiss upon his broad lips

"No secrets between us now Black" Then her face grew serious "I meant what I said about the pack Jake remember time passes in a different way here. What seems like an eternity in this place will be but seconds within the living world".

Without warning Jacob pulled her into a strong embrace and she squeaked a little in surprise. He had other things on his mind now and Bella heard it all. In response her body jumped into flight or fight heart pumping along with his. They both looked around at the dark forest that surrounded them, Bella could see nothing with her human eyes in the dark shadows and Jacob didn't see anything either it was just his lupine senses that disagreed.

"I need to get back sooner rather than later Bella" Jacob growled low "Something tells me I need to urgently re-enter my body and lead my pack" He closed his eyes drawing a deep calming breath then shook his head again at what he had just said. It sounded like an incredible statement to make, even to his ears as experienced in the supernatural as he was. He changed the subject slightly.

"I think it's time for you to leave too Bella." His eyes momentarily drifted to her stomach as he added "Time for both of you to go home" She smiled shyly in response, still getting used to the fact she was carrying his baby as he asked "Have you found what you were brought here for?"

"In a way…" Bella replied "I know now that I was meant to come… to be here for this precise moment so I could help you but, you are right none of us cannot stay here a…" She didn't get to finish her sentence when something moved in the still darkness of the forest behind them even with her human hearing it was obvious something was there. Snarling loudly in an instant Jacob spun her round and hid her behind his large body that vibrated with lupine power. For a fleeting moment, he wondered whether he could phase in this place seeing as his wolf body lay back in the world of the living

"I don't know what the fuck that it is" Jacob began with another snarl "but I've felt its presence since I crossed into this place." He sought Bella's hand behind his back and squeezed it tight as he felt her small body tremble against him. His wolf spirit was incensed with rage Mate, Pup, Protect it roared

A loud squark made them both jump as Raven fluttered into view settling on a large branch above them his yellow eyes seemed as if they were almost glaring at them, then he ruffled his silky black feathers preening himself. Bella peeped around Jacobs huge torso and smiled a little in relief

"It's just Raven Jake" But Jacob did not relax he wasn't entirely convinced the bird was what he had felt and his wolf spirit agreed in earnest.

"How do we get out of here Bells?" Jacob asked his voice laced with concern "Trust me now would be a good time"

"Hold my hand tight" Bella replied then called to Raven "Help us to go back to where we belong" The black bird squawked loudly then flapped his wings sailing upwards into the black night sky where not even a star twinkled

Jacob began to feel as if he were on a fast spinning roundabout and he closed his eyes tightly gripping Bella's hand but then he heard noise quite unlike anything he had ever heard before, the shrill scream cut down to his very soul…something tugged at her and he tightened his grip upon her hand…he tried to hang onto her really he did…but the spinning was so bad he felt like he was gonna pass out…

The body of the russet wolf that lay hidden amongst the overgrown ferns of the forest twitched and jumped as if an electric current had passed through its large body and the two wolves that stood guard moved back glancing at each other with concern

"Jake…?" Embry huffed as the russet wolf opened its eyes and to his friend's relief moved its large head with a nod "Jake thank the spirits you are back." But the russet wolf had but one thing on his mind

"Bella…" Jacob whined as he tried to stand up on shaky legs. Something deep inside told him she was still in that other place and in danger. Just at that moment Sam appeared and looked momentarily shocked to see his Alpha standing up but quickly regained his composure

"We've got a problem Jake" He snarled

000

With an earnest look upon his lined face Old Quil sat forward in his chair and reached into the old canvas bag he seemed to take everywhere with him. Pulling out a small leather pouch attached to a long string he handed the object to Billy with a flourish

"No time to lose Billy" he began

"What am I expected to do with this?" Billy asked as he turned the object over in his hands

"Wear it around your neck" Came the swift reply. Billy rolled his eyes I response

"But Quil" he began.

"Just do it" Quil jutted his chin at the pouch "Make an old man happy" Billy sighed loudly then slipped the string loop over his head. The old elder looked satisfied with the result. "Trust me my friend where we are going, you'll need all the protection you can get." Billy merely nodded wondering what the crazy old fool had planned.

The old Elder reached out for the hand of his old friend with one hand whilst taking hold of one of Bella's small pale hands with the other

"Now you Billy" He jutted his chin towards Bella "You take her free hand in yours and the circle is complete." Billy nodded as he took hold of Bella's other hand. It was so cold that it made Billy frown in response and he knew they did not have much time left to save the girl he loved like his own daughter.

Indeed, time was now their greatest enemy…

"Remember what we did in the garden old friend?" The elder asked as Billy nodded again then he added "Good, now we can begin but whatever happens you don't let go understood? The circle of power must not be broken, even if you see something you do not understand or fear"

"Yes" Billy replied his face solemn as he glanced from Old Quil to Bella and silently prayed to the great spirits that what they were about to do would bring no harm to the young girl or to Old Quil. If they failed now there was no one else who could help them.

He closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath, listening as the old elder began to chant in their native tongue. Upon opening his eye's, he had just looked back at Old Quil when he heard an eagle's call from high above the little red house. Instinctively he looked up and unbelievably he could see the sky and not the ceiling of his house that he had expected to see.

There high above them, its call echoing all around and circling overhead was indeed an eagle…

Like last time, Billy thought only he didn't recall feeling so strange like he weighed nothing and was floating in space. He could see nothing. His breathing was rapid and he desperately tried to slow it down along with his heart that was pounding loudly in his ears. This time he began to realise was going to be nothing like the last…this time the old man was taking him into that place where the living did not belong.

Billy had never taken a spirit walk with the elders even though they had encouraged him to do so as Chief and leader of his tribe. At this moment he thought, he would gladly never do it again either and with relief Billy realised that he still feel the hands of both Old Quil and Bella's. He wasn't on his own and that relief allowed him to concentrate upon the old guys voice as he spoke to his spirit guide

"May the Great Spirits protect her!" Old Quil cried out when he heard the eagle's news "Concentrate my old friend he added as he squeezed Billy's hand this is going to take everything, we have…"

000

Bella opened her eyes and looked about her. Her heart sunk she was still in that other place, still deep in the dark forest surrounded by snow. Instinctively she knew she wasn't alone and it wasn't Jacob either he most definitely had gone, she couldn't feel him even though she tried. She winced as she moved her poor injured arm that now throbbed in agony, whatever had pulled her away from Jacob had damaged her even more.

Pushing herself up a little off the freezing cold floor the world seemed to spin before abruptly coming to a stop. She shook her head as her eyes struggled to see what she knew was there in the darkness nearby…

"Who are you?" Bella cried her voice trembling slightly. Underneath she was terrified her hand automatically gliding to her stomach. "What do you want?" Something moved just on the edge of the forest to her left and Bella scrambled backwards snow flying up into the air as a dark shadow the edges ever changing moved towards her.

It had no form…no features…but she knew in her heart that whatever It was it wasn't here to help her…

She watched her face frozen in place, as It glided a little closer with ease and Bella was sure she could make out what looked like burning red hot coals…Stifling the scream that clawed its way up her throat she leapt to the conclusion that the coals were eyes. She scrambled backwards again until her back hit a large tree trunk with a thump.

It glided closer with what looked like small electric sparks crackling here and there in the dark mass of nothingness…

"Leave me alone" Bella's voice was almost a whisper she was absolutely and preparing for the worst rolled into a ball desperately trying to protect her unborn child. High above her Raven squawked loudly, diving closer and closer to the moving darkness as if he was trying to push it away.

But It had but one thing on its mind and that was Bella…

It crept closer and with it came a feeling of dread…of death...

For a fleeting moment it hovered over her and then… attacked.

In the pitch black darkness that surrounded her, consumed her, Bella felt like she was drowning, unable to breath but, there was also an overwhelming feeling of recognition…somewhere in the recess of her mind she knew this thing and It certainly knew her she could feel it…she was sinking into the depths of nothingness when a voice rang out in the darkness seeming to pull at her very soul…

"You will let her go! Vile creature of the night by the power of the great spirits you cannot and shall not pass into the land of the living! Give her up she is not yours!"

Was that the voice of old Quil? Bella thought and as if It knew the game were up, the screech that followed pulled her back form the dark abyss that consumed her and she awoke with a start. Taking in a deep much needed breath Bella glanced around at the startled faces that stood above her but one face stood out amongst the rest

"A…Alice?" She cried looking shocked to see none other than Alice Cullen grinning at her

"Welcome back at last!" Alice trilled bouncing on her toes "There's no time to waste Bella your life is in danger!"

"When isn't it just?" Bella sighed as Billy handed her a welcome glass of water. She took a few long sips of the cool liquid before her eyes settled upon Old Quil. The old man looked awful it had taken a lot from the old guy to save her as Bella was sure that was exactly what he had done saved her from… well whatever the hell it was. She glanced back at Billy who also looked both exhausted and shocked.

"What happened back there?" She suddenly asked as she noticed that Angela and Quils Mom Joy were also in the room and looking equally terrified and curious at the same time "How long was I gone for?" Before anyone could answer she added "Jacob…I need to see him…" Bella tried to sit up but the dizziness forced her back down upon the sofa again. Billy rubbed her arm with concern. He felt like shit himself so how did this small girl feel?

"Take it easy Bella" he began in that familiar deep bass voice of his, He glanced at Old Quil who nodded a little "You haven't been gone long Bella I'd say 40 minutes or so maximum."

Bella's eyes widened a little in response and she eagerly took another sip of water when offered.

"It felt like hours…" She sighed loudly rubbing her eyes a little before focusing once again on Old Quil "You saved me" And the baby she thought but It wasn't a question more of a statement of fact. The old man merely nodded in reply "What was it?" Bella asked, "It felt alive yet it wasn't".

Old Quil close his eyes before leaning forward in his chair his voice sounded papery and old when he spoke bringing concern to Billy's face. The two men had seen whatever the hell it was and felt the dark presence in that place and Billy never wanted to do so again.

"What you encountered" Old Quil began "Is what my people refer to as a lost soul, separated from the living but unable to continue their journey and pass through to the ancestors". Bella pondered his answer

"Why" She asked "What would prevent their passing? The old Elder sighed long and low. He knew of their existence only up until now he'd never encountered one.

"We believe that in this life they have done something terrible, unforgivable or…" He hesitated his eyes flashing to Billy's who subtly nodded in response then he added. "They are so evil Bella that they cannot pass ever" Her eyes widened at the old mans reply she had felt the darkness thick as molasses.

"So, what did it want with me?" She asked "What could I do to help"

"To return to the living world." Old Quil adjusted his wire glasses a little "Bella my dear it saw you in a place you didn't belong and your life source shone brightly in the darkness it inhabits. It wanted to possess your body here, to leave you lost in that place and believe me when I say it would do anything to achieve that aim."

Bella shuddered at the old Elders words. She knew having felt its icy grip that whatever it was soul, spirit, monster… it was without doubt evil.

"Hate to break up the party…" Alice began "But we need to be ready Victoria is on her way!"

"Victoria!" Bella's voice sounded as high pitched as Alice. How she thought could everything suddenly go from bad to even worse…

000

Hidden outside in the undergrowth the younger wolves watched as Seth smoothly phased back to the man and entered the little red house. They had all picked up on the frantic talk amongst the wolves when Jacob had been taken down in battle and if it hadn't been for the level headedness of young Seth, they very nearly deserted their post. Calm had once more returned as word of Jacobs survival spread amongst the pack but for now the pups had to deal with the other threat that was on its way and each young wolf wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry in response.

Seth stopped for a moment before he opened the door that led into Billy's kitchen. He had prepared the pups as best he could especially with what they were about to go up against if Alice Cullen was right. In fact, now that he was no longer linked to the pack mind, he was sure they would have a hard and vicious fight if Victoria made it this far onto the rez.

He knew from previous encounters and the pack mind that she was an experienced and gifted vampire It would be hard for the older wolves to bring her down in a fight let alone such young inexperienced wolves, two of which had yet to meet an actual vampire.

Seth took a deep breath and braced himself for what was to come and entered the small lounge. Immediately his eyes were drawn to Bella who much to his and his wolfs relief, was sat up and looking straight at him. He swiftly walked towards her all the time his eyes travelled over her body looking for injury. Satisfied that their Alphas mate was okay, he neared the sofa and grabbed both hands she held out to him.

Before Seth could utter another word, a long loud howl ripped across the rez closely followed by another. His eyes narrowed "Victoria" he snarled with teeth already long and sharp…

000

A/N: Yes, I know another cliff hanger!

Till next time OXOXO