Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm so sorry for the long wait! RL has been a bit of a bitch disguised in chocolate and caramel. I also may have written and re-written this chapter at least a half dozen times. Hopefully it was all worth it! Now, on with the chapter!

Chapter 10

Jacob's POV

It had been three days since the incident with the cold ones. Other than the tenderness in her wrist, arm, and side, and the stitches in her arm, Ashley was doing great. During her time in the hospital, Ash's mom came to visit. The woman was scared shitless, and had no idea what to think upon hearing her daughter was in the hospital. As soon as Ash's mother walked into the room, she engulfed her daughter in a hug, holding onto her tightly. Ash did the same as her eyes welled with tears. It was a sweet moment shared by mother and daughter. Once released from the hug, Ash's mom asked what happened.

"I….er..."

"She was in a car accident," I supplied.

Ashley's mom jumped, not realizing there was someone else in the room. I introduced myself, extending my hand. I wish we could've met under different circumstances, but it was still great to meet her. She took it, smiling at me and introducing herself as Kim, before giving her daughter a sly look. Ashley looked at her mom as if to say "don't start." Ashley's mom smiled at me before sitting down near her daughter, asking what happened. Ashley told her she swerved to avoid a dear, and that if it had not been for me who had found her, she probably wouldn't be here now.

I felt my heart constrict painfully in my chest again, those words holding a truth I was trying to forget. If I hadn't of run off and left Ashley alone, none of this would've happened. If the red head hadn't sent her bloodsuckers to distract me, Ash would be home in my arms. If I hadn't brought her to listen to the legends, she wouldn't have stabbed herself and bled out. Fuck, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the only reason Ash was hurt was because of me. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to wallow in my self-pity as I was quickly brought back into the conversation.

A day later, Ashley was released from the hospital. I drove my imprint and her mom back to her place after Ashley gently reprimanded her mom for getting a hotel room and making her call to cancel it. I left not too long after, wanting to give mother and daughter some time together. Ashley walked me out, asking if I was alright. I gave her a tight smile and nodded. She eyed me in worry, but I shook my head before kissing her forehead tenderly, telling her I would talk to her tomorrow. I tried to ignore the worry and sadness I saw reflect in her eyes as I hopped in my car.

The truth was I didn't have a very good handle on my emotions at the moment. I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell. God, I was such a fuck-up. If I couldn't protect my imprint, how would I protect the tribe when the time came for me to be chief? I made it home, bursting through…the front door? I glanced at the item in confusion.

"Paul and Embry fixed it."

I turned and saw Billy in the living room with Charlie and Sue, the latter smiling at me. I nodded, giving a small smile.

"Everything okay, Jake?" Billy asked me, now looking in my eyes. He furrowed his eyebrows as he studied my expression.

"She's fine," I said, glancing away. "I'll see you in the morning. Night Charlie, Sue," I said, walking towards my room, not in the mood for company. Upon entering my room, I fell face first onto my bed and took a deep breath and sighed. Ash's scent filled my nostrils, relaxing me, but also reminding me she wasn't here with me. Letting her scent take over my senses, I fell into an uneasy sleep.

I was running with my pack brothers and Leah, hunting, and successfully eliminating each and every leech that dared step foot on our land. What did they want anyway?

'Beats me,' I heard Embry behind me. 'But at least we're not sitting around waiting for something to happen.'

I agreed. Maybe these leeches would lead us to the red-head. I would make sure to rip her head off for marring my imprint. I felt rage take over as Ashley's scared, scraped face came into my mind's eye the day she had a run in with the leech. With a mighty roar, I pounced on one of the leeches we had finally caught up to and ripped its head off mercilessly.

'Dude, leave some for the rest of us,' Quil quipped, trying to position himself to take out another leech.

'Why don't you stop pussyfooting around and take out that leech,' Paul said, chasing after another one. Jeez, this bitch really did create a fucking army.

We had just taken out the last of the leeches when a blur made its way into the field. We were all poised to attack, but didn't when we noticed it was the quiet leech that gave us pointers on how to take out his own kind. What the hell was he doing on our land?

"It's Victoria! She wants Bella…and Ashley. We must go to them, now!"

I looked at the leech momentarily in shock and horror, before sprinting back, followed by the pack and southern comfort. Fuck! What did she want with my imprint? I knew I shouldn't have left Ash alone! Please don't let me be too late!

I continued running as quickly as I could, my heart pounding hard against my chest. I made my way to my home, and immediately became frantic when I scented my imprint's scent mixed with that sickeningly sweet smell that was distinctly leech.

'Jacob,' I turned to see Edward, looking a little worse for wear. The fuck was he doing at my home?

"Alice and I…we tried to help Ashley."

'Where. Is. She.' I thought with as much venom I could muster towards him just as the pack came into view.

"Last I saw, they went this way. We must hurry!" I, for once, agreed with the stuck-up bastard.

"Must you still be rude? I'm trying to help."

'Kill yourself. That'll solve most of my problems.'

'Jake,' I heard Sam say in warning. I huffed in response.

We continued racing through the woods when I heard my imprint yell for someone to stop. I picked up my pace, as did Bella's leech. Please be okay, Ash.

We came upon a clearing where the red head was with another leech…who currently held my imprint in a vice grip. I felt rage overtake me as my imprint cried out in pain. Letting out a fierce growl, I tackled the leech to the ground that held my imprint. The leech looked at me in fear before I ripped its fucking head off. Serves the bastard right. I looked up to see Edward finishing off Victoria, with the help of the big doofy looking leech.

"Ashley?" I looked over at Bella saw her shaking my imprint gently. Ash barely responded. No…God, please no! "Jake!"

I ran over, phasing before reaching my imprint. I tapped her face gently, trying to keep the panic I felt to a minimum. "Baby, wake up!"

Flinch.

Moan.

"Please, God, don't do this to me!" I said, panicking, still trying to coax some sort of reaction from my imprint.

Nothing.

"What's wrong with her?!" I yelled, taking her into my arms. It was then I was hit with the metallic smell of blood. How could I have missed it? I glanced down, noticing for the first time the deep gash on Ashley's arm. Fuck! I have to get her to the hospital!

"-help."

What?

I glanced up, noticing for the first time the pack surrounded me along with the leeches.

"Jacob," Sam's authoritative voice broke in gently. When had he phased back? "Let him help," he said, motioning to the doctor.

I snarled, holding my imprint tightly against my chest. The doctor rose his hands in a placating manner, showing he didn't mean any harm.

"Jake, let him help. If you don't, she could die."

I felt my eyes widen. I glanced from my imprint, who was pale from blood loss, to the leech who was a doctor. I narrowed my eyes. "If you hurt her more, I'll kill you, find some way to bring you back, and kill you again!"

"Understood."

I woke up with a start, breathing heavily and in a cold sweat. I glanced around, noticing it was light out. I glanced at the clock, noticing it was a little passed 8am. Standing up and stretching, I heard the chime of my cell phone. Reaching for it, I was surprised to see I had several missed text messages all from Ashley.

(9:30pm) U still up?

(9:45pm) Guess not (sad face). Since u barely slept when I was in the hospital, I'm not surprised. Hope 2 see u 2morrow. Mom wants to meet ur dad. Call me in the morning.

(11:08pm) Sooooooo, can't sleep. Guess I'll randomly send u messages hoping u'll respond when u wake up.

(12:37am) My mind is wondering which may or may not be a good thing.

(12:39am) Do u think 'sand' is called 'sand' because it's between sea and land?

(1:12am) Why does Kevin Bacon not endorse bacon? That would be awesome! Someone needs to get on that!

(1:17am) Have u seen the Titanic movie? Jack could've fit on that floating board with Rose. Maybe if he had, Leo would've won an Oscar. Haha!

(1:18am) If a tree falls in the woods and no one's around to hear it, does it make a sound? Hey, u've been in the woods a lot you should know!

(1:20am) Disregard that previous text. I just realized there can't be anyone around to hear it...…stop laughing!

(2:27am) My hair's growing out. I'm thinking of cutting it again, but I'm not sure. Ur gonna have 2 give me ur opinion.

I grinned as I read and re-read each message. God, my girl was such a dork, but I loved it. Leave it to her quirkiness to bring me out of my funk. I put my phone on the charger and grabbed the house phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Jake! Did you get my messages?" Came a surprisingly awake voice.

I laughed. "Of course. By the way, just how much medicine did you take?"

Ashley laughed, making me smile. "None at all. Maybe that was the problem. After a while, I got up and put on a pot of coffee for me and mom-"

"-that you practically finished! I had to make my own coffee!" Came her mom's voice in the background, making me laugh.

"Details, details. Anyway, am I gonna see you today?"

"Of course! Your mom wants to meet my dad, remember? Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm your only means of transportation since your cars all banged up," I said meaningfully, just in case her mom was listening in.

"Oh yeah…uh…how are the repairs coming along?" She asked, and in the background, I heard – "He took your car to be fixed? That's sweet of him"

"No mom, Jake is really handy when it comes to cars. He's fixing it."

"Really?" I heard her mom ask in wonder. "Is there anything he can't do?" she joked.

I grinned puffing my chest out, about to make a cocky remark but Ash's response stopped me. "No, he's pretty incredible."

My breath hitched in my chest as my heart constricted with an unknown emotion I wasn't ready to identify. She thinks I'm incredible. But do incredible people let others get injured after promising to protect them and keep them safe? Do incredible people involve their significant others in their shitty supernatural life? Do incredible people fuck up as much as I do?

"Did you hear me?"

I shook my head, clearing my self-loathing thoughts temporarily. "Can you repeat?" I asked, my voice coming out tight, prompting me to clear my throat.

"I asked what time can you come get us," came her worried response. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

I sighed. "Just a lot on my mind. Lemme grab a quick shower and I'll be there to pick you up. I'll call you when I'm on my way."

Slight pause. "Okay," she said worriedly. "Will we be able to talk?"

"...Yes."

"Okay, I'll see you soon," she said, before hanging up.

Sighing, I hung up the phone, rubbing my eyes tiredly.

"It's not your fault, you know."

Surprised, I jumped slightly and turned to look at my dad, who was eyeing me in worry. Frowning, I shook my head.

"But-"

"'But' nothing Jake. Embry told me what happened and as far 's I'm concerned, you saved her. I know when you talk to her, she'll tell you the same."

I nodded, trying to believe what he was telling me, but couldn't. He wasn't there. He didn't see how…lifeless she looked. He didn't see how much pain she was in at the hospital.

"I'm assuming I should be expecting company?"

I nodded. "Yeah, her mom's here. She flew out when she found out Ash was in the hospital."

Billy nodded. "I'll call Sue over to keep company 's well. Sounds like you and Ashley need to talk, sooner rather than later," he said sternly.

I fought the need to roll my eyes. "Yeah, we're gonna talk. I'm gonna hop in the shower, grab something to eat, and head on over. Need anything?"

Billy shook his head. "Nah, got everything covered."

An hour later, I picked up Ashley and her mom and we were on our way back to La Push. Ashley and Kim were in the back talking animatedly, involving me in their conversation and asking my opinion on different issues that were pretty trivial. I would never tell them that, though. Once we arrived at my house, Kim gasped and jumped out the Rabbit before I came to a complete stop. Ashley's jaw dropped and looked at me in horror. I sheepishly ran a hand through my hair.

"We had to back up our story. Nothing's wrong with the engine or anything, just some skeletal damage. Nothing I can't easily fix. Promise."

Ashley nodded, still looking at her car in horror.

Kim, meanwhile, was standing in front of the car and crying. Ashley frowned slightly before getting out the car and walking to her mother, who immediately engulfed her in a tight hug. My eyes narrowed slightly as I picked up the sound of Ashley hissing in pain, but still hugging her mom just as tightly.

Getting out of the car, I walked over to them. "The car looks worse than it actually it. I'll have it up and running in no time."

Kim looked at me teary eyed before releasing her daughter and wrapping her arms around me in a hug. "Thank you for helping my baby."

I wrapped her in a one-armed hug. "I'll always be here to help her," I said, my eyes flickering over to Ash and catching hers. I looked at her meaningfully, and in return, she looked at me with all of the adoration she could muster.

Kim let go of me, swiping at her eyes. "I'm sorry Jacob. I knew it was bad, I just didn't expect…"

I put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know. I'm just grateful she's okay." Kim nodded, her eyes running over Ashley once again, making sure she was indeed okay. Ashley rolled her eyes good naturedly.

"Mom, I'm fine. I promise."

Kim nodded, taking another moment to compose herself. "Okay. But you let me know if anything starts bothering you, understand?" At Ashley's nod, Kim smiled. "Okay, that's enough of that."

Taking the lead, I walked them both in the house. "Dad, we're here!" I called out.

"In the living room, Jake."

I walked the few feet to the living room, and cocked an eyebrow as I noticed Billy and Sue sitting around talking. Ashley and Kim came into view and Billy immediately rolled over to my imprint. Ashley bent down, reaching to hug. I thought I saw Billy's eyes water for a moment, before patting her back comfortingly.

"I'm glad you're okay."

Once Billy released Ashley, Sue hugged her as well. "I'm so glad you're okay. You make us proud with your strength, young sister," Sue whispered.

"Thank you, Sue."

Once Sue released my imprint, Ashley beckoned her mom forward. "Billy, Sue, this is my mom, Kim. Mom, meet Billy and Sue."

Kim waved shyly, smiling at Billy and Sue. I laughed at the surprise on her face as Sue hugged Kim, and beckoned her to sit with her and Billy. Billy shook her hand firmly once Kim was seated and immediately started talking to her.

"Kim, can I get you anything? Water, juice, beer?" Billy asked.

"Water is fine, thanks."

I nodded, already on my way to the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water and a beer. I walked back to the living room and handed one water to Kim, the other to Sue, and the beer to Billy. I smiled as both Billy and Sue welcomed Kim into the conversation, Kim talking as animatedly as her daughter was this morning. Come to think of it, Ashley got a lot of her features from Kim. Both had the same beautiful brown eyes as well as the same color hair, though Ash's was a tad bit lighter. They also smiled the same, warm and sunny. I glanced at my imprint who was eyeing me with worry. Our eyes met in silent communication before she broke eye-contact and glanced at our parents.

"Mom, I'm going to step out with Jake for a while. You gonna be okay?"

Kim waved her off, laughing at something Sue said. "Of course, sweetie. You guys take your time and don't worry about me."

Ashley nodded, walking towards the front door with me right behind her. "Where do you want to go?"

I shrugged. "Beach? It's the closest."

Ashley nodded, grabbing my hand as she started walking towards the familiar path. I tugged her hand gently, making her stop and look back at me.

"It might be better if we drive. Don't want you to overdue it."

Ashley furrowed her eyebrows and opened her mouth to say something. She took one look at my expression and closed her mouth and nodded.

We hopped in the Rabbit and drove down to the beach, which was only a couple minutes with the car. Once there, I helped her out the car. We walked hand-in-hand to a log just off the side and sat down in a tense, for me at least, silence. Ashley began playing with our intertwined hands.

"So, you gonna tell me what's wrong with you?"

I sighed. Straight to the point. I looked into her eyes as she watched me intently. "I'm sorry," I blurted out.

Ashley looked at me in confusion. "Sorry? For what?" I didn't respond. "Jake, you didn't do anything."

I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "Maybe that's the problem," I mumbled. Ashley looked even more confused.

"Jake, I don't know what you're talking about," Ashley said warily. I sighed, removing my hand from hers and running it through my hair in frustration. The familiar feeling of guilt came to the surface and I could no longer meet her eyes.

"I'm sorry for everything," I started. "I'm sorry you got hurt-"

I heard her sigh. "Jake," she said in exasperation. "It's not your fault."

"Yes it is!" I said, standing up and turning around to face her, my eyes wild with pent-up emotion that's just found its release. "Everything that's happened to you is my fault!"

I glanced at my imprint and saw her eyes wide and watching me warily and I continued. "It's my fault you got hurt. It's my fault your life's so fucking crazy! It's my fault you were hunted in the first place! God, I'm such a fuckup!" I said, falling to all fours and trembling. I looked up to see Ash eyeing me in fear, climbing over the log and backing up. Fuck! Now she's afraid of me!

I fought for control, forcing the wolf back away from the surface. I couldn't have my imprint afraid of me. I refuse to have her fear me. I can't lose my imprint. Closing my eyes and taking deep breaths, I was able to will myself to not phase. Even after the trembling stopped, I remained on all fours, looking down. I was frightened that if I looked up, I would be faced with that fearful look again. I focused on the rapid heartbeat of my imprint that slowly got closer. From the corner on my eyes, I saw jean-clad legs sitting in the sand, her hands resting against them. Slowly, almost timidly, she raised her hands to my face, coaxing me to look at her. I hesitantly complied.

"Jake," she said softly, her eyes tearing up. Great, now she's crying because of me! I'm just the fuckin' best…

Without warning, she engulfed me in a tight hug, running her soft hands through my hair comfortingly. I closed my eyes, sitting back on my knees and holding her tightly against me, inhaling her scent deeply.

"Do you regret meeting me? Or imprinting on me?"

I jerked back, as if slapped. Was that a joke? I pulled back, studying her face and saw she was completely serious. "No. Never." How could she think that?

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ashley reached up to grab my face with both hands. "Jake, I want you to listen to me, and listen well." At my nod, she continued, "Jacob Black, you most definitely are not a fuckup."

I opened my mouth to speak, but Ashley quickly placed a finger over my lips and looked at me determinedly. "And if I ever, ever, hear you refer to yourself as such again, I swear to God, you will regret it. Do I make myself clear?"

I nodded dumbly as her determined look morphed into a dangerous one.

"Good. And if I hear anyone refer to you as such, I will hurt them. I don't care who it is – cold one, shape-shifter, your uncle, the pope- whoever!"

I eyed my imprint, her eyes holding fierce determination as she thought about what she was going to say next. She opened her mouth several times to say something, but thought better of it and closed her mouth once again. Finally she looked – no, glared – at me before speaking.

"You're a dumbass."

I cocked an eyebrow and looked at my imprint in confusion. Wha-?

"Jake, the fact that you think I got hurt because of you is the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life, and I've heard some stupid shit!"

"But-," I started, leaning back from her finger in order to speak. She wasn't having it, though, as she quickly put her entire hand over my mouth to cover it.

"It's not your fault I got hurt! It's not your fault I was hunted, or stalked, or whatever! And lastly, my life was 'fucking crazy' without you! If anything you just made it more exciting, in a good way! None of this is your fault Jake! You saved me. You're my hero!"

I snorted and rolled my eyes sarcastically making her glare at me before sighing.

"Jake, just imagine what would've happened if you hadn't of came when you did…" she began. I closed my eyes and shook my head, not wanting to even think about that. "…now imagine what would've happened if we had never met and I was still hunted."

I reached up and grabbed her hand that was covering my mouth and removed it, holding it tightly. "Ash, please…I can't…" I trailed off, my voice thick with un-shed tears.

"Baby, the point I'm trying to make is whether we met or not, Victoria could've came after me. It was a coincidence we crossed paths. The outcome would've been worse if you hadn't shown up."

I stared in my imprint's eyes, studying her beautiful face while letting the truth of her words sink in. A stray tear escaped and before I could wipe it away, Ashley did so. "Jake, I'm not doing this to hurt you. I just need you realize none of what happened is your fault. You, Jacob Black, are the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time, and I refuse to sit here and listen to you blame yourself for something that was completely out of your control. Hell, it was completely out of my control. And I seriously don't want you putting yourself down, again. It hurts me that your think so little of yourself and your abilities."

I sighed and nodded, letting her words sink in. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Ashley looked at me disbelievingly and opened her mouth to say something, and this time, it was my turn to silence her by putting a finger against her soft lips. "I meant by what I said. It was just kinda what I was feeling at the time, y'know? But I promise, no more putting myself down."

Ashley nodded, her eyes showing understanding. My finger moved from her lips, moving to caress her face before cupping her cheek and running my thumb across her lips. Leaning down, I captured her lips in a soft, but firm kiss. Her hands moved up against my cloth-covered chest to wrap around my neck, bringing herself closer. I wrapped one arm tightly around her waist while the other found itself buried in her hair, gently holding her skull as I deepened the kiss and making her moan in response. I couldn't stop the smirk that made its way to my lips. Ashley noticed and broke the kiss.

"Cocky asshole," she said joking while catching her breath.

"Sure, sure," I said, catching my breath while still smirking at her. Ash was blushing and it made her look even more beautiful. "Want to head back?" I asked standing up. I reached down to help her stand as well. "Now that we've talked about our feelings and got everything out in the open," I joked, grinning at my imprint. I frowned as she looked down, her features showing she was in deep thought. I looked at her worriedly as she looked up at me in nervousness. It was obvious something was on her mind.

"Ash?"

"There's something I have to tell you," she said, frowning while looking down, "at least while we're getting everything out in the open."

I nodded, going to sit on the log that we had previously abandoned. Ashley stood in front of me and released my hand, taking a deep breath. "When I was…when Victoria cornered me, she said something that I think you need to know…"

AN2: Hey guys, hope you enjoyed! Please review and let me know what you think!