Warning: This story will contain graphic depictions of violence, mature language, abuse and lemons in later chapters.

Chapter Four

-Fever Dreams-

Issa's stomach rolled and her body sang out in violent protest as she heaved into the offered ceramic bowl. Her skin, sweat covered and burning from within, moved along her lean muscles as she eventually gave up and accepted defeat on the soft mattress.

The room she was in, dimly lit and shadowed in moving silhouettes echoed the bending and snapping trees outside her open window. The world mirrored the chaos within these four walls it seemed, and as she fought her fever the storm grew in intensity.

Heavy, exhausted eyes slid under her long lashes as she tried and failed to make out the face of her nurse. Damp cool cloth pressed to her brow, and a soothing melody sung low and deep alongside the howling wind and rain battered roof. The nausea kept her awake, kept her weak. But her wounds, the bandages that had been carefully secured over her feet and back, sang in awful protest with each convulsion or attempt at movement.

The room was built with horizontal stacks of logged cedar, polished to a soft glow against the hearth. The bed, also carved of wood, was intricately crafted to depict a soaring eagle above her head and a quickly evading salmon at her feet. The quilts that had once been placed around her had been kicked off in desperation, leaving her exposed to the open air.

She had wanted to beg for water, wanted to curse at each lance of pain, but her lungs only filled with useless air, expelling in a silent gush of coughing.

She had been awake for only a few hours, but her lucidity was in question every time she slipped back under for a moment or two of exhausted slumber, only to once again reawaken with a start.

And still, her ever patient nurse hummed that old ancient melody, her warm chestnut skin gently pausing here and there to check her wounds and to offer cold tea.

Emily sat beside her now, gently helping to lower her back into the bed and placing the bowl at her feet. The scar that shocked her face moved along with her soft smile as she wiped away a bead of sweat collecting from Issa's nose.

Panting, she looked up at Emily, trying to force her eyes to focus. Will herself to speak, to ask the hundreds of half answered questions spinning helplessly in her mind. Her lips parted, then closed. Then opened again, then coughed in scratchy discomfort.

Emily leaned to the bedside table, reaching for the faintly yellow tinted glass, and held the rim to Issa's lips.

"Slowly…there you go."

The tea was bitter, dark and ice cold. With every pull, she felt her ragged throat calm for a moment, before her stomach clamped down around the offending intruder.

"Not too much. You'll just get sick again." Emily pulled the glass away from Issa's cracked lips and Issa could only watch as it was set aside. The hand returned a moment later to rest against her forehead, and flip slowly from palm to the back of her soft fingers. "Your fever broke, I think we've gotten through the worst of it."

The open window dripped with offending rainwater, leaving a pool spreading over the stone floor, but neither of the women paid it any mind. The breeze was essential when caring for someone whose body was attempting to melt out an impending infection and Issa would've killed a man to maintain its flow.

A door opened, and the sound of masculine laughter drifted from behind the approaching figure. Sounds of chairs scraping, and the scent of hearty cooking wafted in before the heavy door slid shut. A man entered, Issa couldn't remember his name, and the familiarity of glimpses of memory danced in her tired mind.

His nose was straight and long, proudly arched between two high cheekbones and a swath of dark lashes, framing amber eyes. His movement was soft, deliberate as he kissed her nurse's mouth, then her cheek, before whispering something in her ear. Emily smiled and elbowed him lightly, as a grin formed on his lips, before moving his gaze to Issa.

Her vision was still tunneled and warbling but she fought to hold his gaze. The survivor in her, the refusal of victimization, made her straighten slightly under weak and trembling forearms. Although this male allowed her in his home, had clearly invested resources and time into her healing…his large sculpted body, towering over her made her instincts flare to life. And without answers, with only her wounds to fall back on, her heart begged her to be careful.

As if sensing this Emily placed a hand on her shoulder and gently patted her cheek. "Don't be afraid, shh… This is my husband, Samuel. He won't hurt you."

Issa's brown eyes flicked between them, her mind whirling and fingers relaxing slightly on the damp sheets. The brush of warmth on her cheek gently shifted to her brow, and her gaze settled on Emily's once more.

Emily glanced at Sam, giving him a small nod before he took a step forward, illuminated by the small deerskin lamp perched on the opposite side of her bed. His chest was bare underneath an open unbuttoned plaid shirt, loose fitting faded jeans grazing his bare feet. He crouched next to her, his eyes searching hers before slowly, giving Issa plenty of time to pull away, took one of her hands in his.

Her heart thudded in her chest, eyes widening a little as he took her small hand in his. His grip was firm and scorching hot. She thought for a moment that she had never seen eyes such as theirs. The couple's gold irises, although different shades, reflected a luminosity and color she had only ever seen glinting in the woods at night. Predators, hunting for prey.

He must've sensed this train of thought in her, relaxing his face slightly, his black hair inky and soft, brushing his shoulders as he bowed his head. Emily stood now, gently leaving room for us on the bed.

"How are you feeling?" His voice was low, soft and faintly gravelly.

Issa closed her eyes briefly, letting the expression on her face be her only answer.

"Em tells me you are keeping quiet. I know… I know you swallowed a lot of salt water, your throat probably isn't in the best shape."

Issa opened her eyes and held his steady eye contact. He didn't blink. She recognized the gift he was offering her, a way out of explaining herself, a way out of a conversation he knew she didn't want to have. Couldn't have.

What they all must think of her. Did he think she was suicidal? Looking for a way out? She wanted to tell them, tell them that she had jumped to feel something, for the thrill of the fall. To get away from the crushing weight in her chest…but she didn't want to die. No, of course not.

Right?

"So, seeing how you need the rest, I'm going to explain what's happened and where you are. After that, I'm going to ask you a few questions. Just answer yes or no. Squeeze my hand for yes, and do nothing for no."

Emily moved as he walked. Removing the quilts from the bed and replacing them with thin soft linens. When Issa didn't answer immediately she pressed a soft touch to her hair as she walked by. A small offer of comfort.

Issa breathed out a little, exhaustion still pulling her body deeper into the bed. She squeezed his hand once.

He smiled a little at her, only a slight lift to the edges of firm lips. "Good. We found you yesterday. One of our boys saw you jump, and called me for help. I was able to get you out, but you had taken in a lot of water, and you're cut up pretty bad. I wouldn't be surprised if you bruised a rib or two getting caught in the current."

Issa looked down at herself, noting the small blood stains through the bandages.

"Em here is a healer. She patched you up." His voice warmed with affection.

Emily fluffed her pillows and nodded softly. "You've got some pretty deep lacerations. The worst is on your back and feet, but you've got a few on your chest as well that I had to sew up. It'll take time, but you'll heal. You'll need to stay off your feet for a few weeks. Your cough was worsening as well overnight, that's why you've got that fever. I'm suspicious of pneumonia. The tea I gave you has natural antibiotic properties that should help. I'd rather you get to a hospital but the roads are closed and the phone lines have been down since this morning."

Issa blinked back at them, reeling. She was…trapped here? For how long? Had she said weeks? Who would tell Rooster, or bring Charlie groceries? No, no. She couldn't stay here that long.

She attempted to sit up once more, but Emily held her firm once the pain ripped through her side and stole her breath from her lips.

Sam moved then, sitting beside her now as Emily had.

"I know it's a lot to take in. But you're safe. This is my home and you can stay and rest as long as you please, okay?"

Issa felt the pinprick of tears in her eyes. She wanted to be held. To be comforted. To see a familiar face that loved her and to know that she could rest without fear. She clenched her jaw with effort, determined not to fall apart until she was alone and could sort out that ache in her chest.

"I need to ask a few questions. Then I'm going to let you rest till dinner is ready." He gave her a moment of pause, allowing her the time to gather herself. "First, I need to know if there is anyone you need to contact, or need us to contact. Parents? Family? The power is out in most of Forks and La Push, but we can try the landline again in a few hours."

Issa squeezed once.

He nodded. "Okay. If you're feeling up to it we can try the lines again after you rest." He leaned away, his chest expanding as he moved for a small bandana in his back pocket, bundled tightly.

Her breath caught, and she felt the urge to reach out. It was the larger blade she had kept at the small of her back. Issa's protector. The weapon against all those who sought to take advantage. Her fingers twitched in his and he laid the bunde at her knee.

"This was found on the shore this morning. Roughly close to where we found you." Sam's free hand unwound the faded red cotton and exposed the now scuffed blade to the humid air.

His eyes met Issa's. Liquid gold to chestnut brown. They were both quiet for a moment, and the otherworldly glint to his gaze matched his tall and athletic presence.

His voice fell soft again. Quiet, the rasp was more present than before.

"I'm giving this to you with trust. I'm opening my home to you. To my family." Emily watched silently, moving behind him once more, holding a fresh set of clothes in her palms. Her gaze slid to Issa's as he spoke. Her ever present good natured smile relaxed into a considering pause.

"So I need to know if you are in danger. Or, if you are dangerous. We have children here. And I can't protect them or you without the truth. I need your word that while you are in my home, on my land...this will be a token of an understanding between you and I. That if you could bring trouble to my doorstep, you tell me now."

Issa's broken body ached. It cried out from effort, and sweat beaded at her temples as she forced herself upwards once more.

Emily took a step forward, but Sam held her arm, letting Issa right herself with as much dignity as could be afforded. It took a moment, more than a moment…but she managed to sit up, panting and shaking with effort at the display.

She was strength. She was survival.

She slipped her hand from his and instead held it open, awaiting his palm for hers. That small smile tugged at his solemn lips and he grasped it again. Shaking it twice.

"Alright. Good. Now then, I'll leave you to it." He rose, and turned to Emily. She took a moment to tear her eyes away from Issa, but when they met his, the corners relaxed and she rested her temple against his as his large hand brushed her chin, then her lower lip.

Issa fell back against the headboard and closed her eyes once more. In part, to give herself a moment of rest, and the other, to allow the couple in the room the space for intimacy they willingly displayed.

The interaction had left her bone tired, and more than that, painful with every passing breath. The door thudded shut softly, and she felt Emily lift her arm gently, slipping one arm then another into a white cotton sleep dress, embroidered lovingly by skilled hands with small daisies and blooming tulips.

Issa's lids fell closed as Emily dressed her. Her fever had left her drained and a small ache was budding behind her eyes. She felt a warm brush of fingers over her temple, brushing away a rogue lock of wild brown hair, before tipping over the edge and into oblivion.

She slept deeply, the only movement the rise and fall of her chest and the occasional furrow of her brow. Emily checked in on her frequently. The boys were curious, and she did her best to keep them at bay while sneaking in and out of the door.

Issa dreamt of snow covered mountains, crackling and shifting as they trembled with each footstep she took towards them. Sheets of ice cascaded down rifts and valleys as she neared its base. Cold wind lifted and tangled her hair behind her as she walked, numb and unfeeling as the mountain groaned in protest at her advancement.

She wore only the sleeping dress Emily had placed her in, her skin chilled from the roaring wind and blue tinged her full lips. Her bare toes crunched ice when she finally paused, looking up finally at the disaster above her. The mountain was all but vibrating, chunks of rock now tumbling down as she held her ground and watched.

Snow fell around her, first rising to her ankles then to her hips, freezing her in place.

The mountain's top exploded in ashen violence. The heavens tearing and screaming in agony as magma erupted in horrible thick waves.

And still she did not move, still let the falling rocks surround her, anchoring her to place as the lava sped dangerously close to her, coming to destroy all in it's path.

She closed her eyes, and with a hollow, soft whisper into the wind sang with a shaky voice,

"I can only imagine what it will be like,

When I walk by your side,

I can only imagine what my eyes will see.

When your face is before me,

I can only imagine…"

As she took another breath to finish her song, instead of air filling her lungs, the hot molten lava poured over her face and she screamed, and screamed as mercurial hot rock invaded her throat and melted her lungs.

Issa awoke to two sets of hands clutching her shoulders and face as she fought against her captors. She was screaming, she vaguely heard it behind the roar in her ears. She could hear her broken voice shatter through the air as the heat of the mountain poured into her, eating her alive. She was dying, she was dying…

Emily's eyes were filled with tears, as she caressed Issa's face with trembling hands, murmuring words of gentle soothing as Sam pinned her to the bed, shoulders held down to the pillows.

"It was a dream sweet girl, a dream. Please, please hear me. Please…"

Issa could feel her wounds cry out in agony and blood ooze from newly closed stitches as she fought, not yet truly seeing. Unable to breath, drowning under the weight of the dream.

Behind the door to the bedroom, a crash of glass and boom of splintering wood impacting on stone sounded, followed by a snarling vicious roar of untamed animalistic fury.

Issa's tears fogged her eyes and she fell limply against the bed as both Sam and Emily froze for a moment, before Sam released her and ran to the door. Issa felt the fire in her throat dull to an ache as her scream crumpled into a small sob. The pain, the exhaustion, the dreams…it had all been too much.

"Paul, calm down!" Sam's voice boomed with a deep commanding echo as another crash sounded, and footsteps raced towards the noise. Something was snarling, growling and spitting with rage behind that heavy door, and Emily's kind tanned face had gone pale.

Issa's head fell to the side as her heart thudded wildly and the salty tears fell silently down her cheeks. Was she truly…crying? Had she screamed? Issa couldn't remember the last time she had done either.

Two younger male voices began talking softly, timidly. Issa swore she could hear the snap of teeth and reached for the blade Sam had given her, eyes wide. Emily's palm rested atop hers and shook her head, raising one shaking finger to her lips. Issa searched Emily's eyes, and found only visceral fear… and something sad, weighing down heavily on her sweet nurse. Her eyes drifted to Emily's scar, then back to the door.

"She's fine Paul! She's a little beat up from the fall but she's fine!" Sam's voice strained with effort, panting slightly as he undertook some evidently hyperphysical task. The low hiss that was returned made Issa's eyes widen and heart freeze in her chest.

"I…can SMELL her blood on you…"

A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Sometimes it feels like these updates just get posted online and into the void. Thank you for the comments.

This story has been in my heart and mind for quite some time, I hope you love my Bella and Paul as much as I do. I always credit those that inspire me, see the three I reference below.

"Be Like Water" By Taoist Elf

"The Devil You Know" by Unseelie Sidhe (Please for the love of God Unseelie, finish that masterpiece.)

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

Stephanie Meyer is the sole owner of the Twilight Franchise, and she owns all related characters you may see here. This is merely a fanfiction of her work.