DISCLAIMER: I don't own any characters, places, etc.

**Author's Note** Waaa, my laptop charger has burnt out, so my fanfics will be updated a lot slower, sadly. I'm only uploading now because I was able to borrow my friend's charger who has the same one, but only for today! *sad* Hopefully I'll be able to get a replacement charger soon so I can upload quicker lol. Anywayssss enjoy the chapter, and I hope y'all enjoying it! :D
Review kindly? :)

I ran forward to meet Sam, roaming edgily around the border.
She attacked again, she was weak, but she made an impression - Quil got hurt, but he's healing. Sam explained. Oh God - what else had happened?
We got her, Jacob. We finally got her. Sam sounded relieved, and I couldn't blame him. That bloodsucker was gone, she was finally gone. Who killed her?
I did. Came Leah's voice. That was a shock, and I heard her growl.
Leah… Sam began.
He doesn't think I can kill the damned bloodsucker, does he? I did more than he did, sitting at home with his vampire loving girlfriend. Okay, that was crossing the line. She came into view with me and Sam, and I growled, glaring over at her.
If you'd been out here, you could have done it yourself. Sam didn't interrupt, but just stood between us, watching. Seth came into view then, obviously he'd been listening. The two of them hadn't been involved a lot lately, so I was shocked both of them were out and phased, fighting the leech.
Don't get mad, Jake. Just be happy that we got her and that she's gone. He said, trying to calm us down. Leah, please.
Stay out of this, Seth. I'm sick of this crap, I'm going home. She said, growling at me once more and running off. I tried to listen to her thoughts, but she wasn't thinking about anything worth listening to at all. I heard her howl once more, and then she disappeared.
Sorry Jacob. Seth didn't need to apologise for his sister, he couldn't help that about her.
It all happened so quick, otherwise we would have called you, Jacob. Sam explained. It seems as though everyone had jumped to the conclusion that I was mad about not being able to take out the leech myself. I would have preferred to be the one to do it, but I was just so relieved that she was gone.
We all feel the same. Go home, Jacob. Tell Bella, I'm sure she's worried. Sam told me. He was right. Bella needed to know as soon as she could. I'd left her without giving her any information, although, I didn't really have any to give her. But now I could explain that the leech was gone, and everything was fine. I'd just, omit the fact that Quil had gotten hurt. Quil - was he alright?
He's alright, just a few scratches, he'll be fine. Sam confirmed. I'm sure it was more than that, but the less I knew, the less I could tell Bella, and the less she could worry. I'd head by to see Quil that evening, but for now, I'd deal with Bella first.

I left Sam and Seth then, running back to my house. I phased outside, took the cloths I'd left behind, and walked back in through the door. Like earlier, Bella got up and rushed over to me. Instead of speaking, she just wrapped her arms around me instantly, and pushed herself against me.
"I heard a howl - are you alright?" she asked, her voice quiet. She didn't move, so I placed my arms around her, trying to be comforting. There was no reasons left for Bella to be frightened. No reasons for her to be guilty.
"I'm fine, Bella, I'm fine," I told her, just enjoying the moment. I couldn't help but smile to myself, and I sighed into her hair.
"Then?"
"We got her. She's gone," I breathed, and I felt her move away. She looked up at me, staring, almost as though she couldn't believe it.
"She's gone?" she asked, biting her lip. I grinned, and she hesitated, smiling slightly. Without thinking, I pushed forward and kissed her, crushing my lips against hers. I felt her tighten her mouth, but she didn't move away. I felt her half surrender, and her lips push against mine in return, and I softened. I felt her place a hand on my chest. The feel of her lips, the touch of her hand, it was driving me crazy. I tried to force a reaction out of her then, trying to part her lips with mine, but she wasn't budging. I put my arms up to her shoulders and held her there, trying to stop her from pulling her away.
But she did, turning her head from me and looking away. I wanted to apologise, only because I knew that was probably what she wanted to hear. But I didn't have the heart to say it - because I didn't mean it. Not one bit. I still held her there, but she wouldn't look up at me. Things were beginning to get awkward, we were just standing there, not saying anything. I was watching her, waiting for a reaction, for anything. But nothing. She just kept looking away, standing there stiffly, refusing to move.
"Bella?" I asked, hoping she wouldn't cry. She shot her eyes up to mine, and I'm sure she was trying to look angry.
"Don't you ever ask permission?" she asked, her voice croaking. "Do you just go around kissing whoever you damn well feel like?" she tried to yell, but it came out strained. All she wanted was for me to ask? She'd been the one to kiss me yesterday, she didn't ask my permission, she just went ahead and did it. What was I supposed to do? Ignore it?
"Permission?" I asked, wanting her to explain. I raised my eyebrows. She looked as though she was fighting back tears, and she tried to escape my grasp. But instead I just held her there, I didn't want her running out and leaving. She had that clearance now that the leech was gone - I had no reason to keep her here. I had no incentive left.
"Please may I kiss you, something like that?" she raised her voice louder, sniffing. I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't think of anything to say besides:
"Please may I kiss you?" I asked, smiling softly down at her. She scrunched her eyes closed, trying to pull away from me again. She didn't want me to kiss her? She didn't want to kiss me. I couldn't tell what she was thinking. Why was she so confusing? I wanted to yell at her, I wanted to kiss her, I wanted to push her away from me and tell her to leave. But I couldn't do any of it. She wouldn't reply to me, she wouldn't answer. What did she want?I felt my grip loosen, and I let her go. She turned completely away from me and took her jacket from the couch.
"I have to go," she said nervously, trying to walk to the door.
"Bella, don't go," I replied, standing in front of the door. I was so, so tired, but I didn't want her to leave like this. I needed to sort things out with her, I couldn't sleep until I figured out what she wanted from me.
"I have to," she said.
"What do you want, Bella? Do you want me?" I asked, looking down at her. I don't know how I must have looked, because she looked like she might cry again. And sure enough, instead of replying right away, tears formed in her eyes. I wanted to comfort her, but I couldn't. I couldn't do anything. I didn't want her to reply, I wanted her to leave, and I didn't want to hear what she had to say about me at all. I didn't want to know any of it. I wanted to forget about it. But I needed to know.
"I want you to be happy," she said quietly. It was almost a whisper, and the tears were spilling over her cheeks. I tried to smile.
"I just want you to be happy, Bells," I replied. It was true, but, I'd prefer that she was happy with me. I doubted that would ever be the case, though. She just sighed, and wiped the tears away from her face, though they continued to spill over. I wanted to touch her, but I was scared. I was scared of her pushing me away, again.
"I don't know how to be happy yet, Jacob. Give me time," she breathed, and she tried to get past me again.
"I'll drive you," I said instantly. Even though there was nothing to worry about anymore, I still felt so protective.

She didn't object, and she followed me outside and into her truck. She slid in beside me, staring out the passenger window as I started the engine.
"I'm really sorry, Jacob," she said. I half shrugged, I didn't want an apology. I just wanted an explanation. But I knew she couldn't give that to me right now, and so I'd give her time.
"Take you're time, Bella. I'll be waiting," I replied. That must have sounded way creepier than I meant it to, but I knew she'd understand. I could wait forever, as long as I phased, I wouldn't age. She didn't say anything for a long time, and before I knew it, I pulled up outside of her house. The sun was already setting, it was getting dark quickly. I felt as though I wanted to linger, even though there was nothing to worry about, merely out of concern for Bella's emotions. I wanted to hear her say my name again in her dreams, but, I didn't want to hear the screams. Bella just made me confused.
"Thanks. Did you want to check inside?" she asked, glancing up at me before getting out of the truck.
"Why would I?" I asked, trying to smile. She looked embarrassed.
"Right, sorry. I'm just so used to -"
"It's alright, Bells. But your home is safe, I can't smell anything," I stopped her, and I got out of the car. She got out after me, and stared at me, but didn't object. I walked her to the door, and I took her hand. I expected her to pull away again, but nothing. It was this sort of stuff that confused me.
"Goodnight Jacob," she said, looking up at me. She looked like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, but I'd gone and placed another one just as heavy. I should never have kissed her, I shouldn't have tried to rush her.
"Goodnight," I breathed, but I didn't move. Honestly, I was waiting for her to say something else. But she just waited, awkwardly, for me to leave.
"Bella, if you ever, if you ever want me to kiss you - just, just ask," I stuttered, feeling stupid.
She just stared, and I couldn't tell what she was thinking. I knew she'd never ask me, but, I needed her to know that I wanted to kiss her. Anytime, anytime she wanted to kiss me, I'd be there.
"Okay," she said quietly. She looked timid then, embarrassed, and I felt even more stupid. She obviously hadn't want to hear that. I tried to smile and I kissed the top of her head, walking away from her house. I watched as she entered, and instantly I phased.

Why aren't you resting? Seth asked suddenly, and I groaned. I didn't want to think about all that had just happened. But of course, I let my mind wander, and Seth saw the lot of it.
Oh, I'm sorry Jacob. She'll come around. He wasn't going to convince me.
Why aren't you resting, Seth? I asked, realising he should be resting too.
I can't. I'm just, I'm restless. Besides, I'm on my way to see Quil. I'll meet you there? Quil, that's right.
Sure, I'll see you there.

Seth beat me there, and we phased back once we arrived, and entered Quil's house together.
"You reckon he'll be okay?" Seth asked me, looking worried. I nodded.
"A few scratches, sure, he'll be fine!" I responded. Honestly, I hadn't seen the injuries. So how would I know?
"You didn't see them, who knows what they look like in human form," Seth replied, as though he'd read my mind. Okay, that wasn't very comforting, Seth. We walked into Quil's bedroom, and he was lying on his bed, but he was grinning at us.
"Hey guys!" he said, enthusiastically.
"How you feeling?" I asked, walking up to stand beside him. Quil was almost glowing, and the scars across his face were a bright pink.
"Excellent, we got the sucker!" he said, pulling himself up so he was sitting. I noticed the scars reaching down his neck and across his whole chest, they were very slowly healing. Quil still had dried blood on his hands, I noticed. His blood.
"I know, great isn't it," Seth piped up, grinning over at us. Quil smiled, but it faded quickly.
"I'm sorry guys," he said suddenly, and I certainly didn't expect an apology from him.
"I almost let her through,"
"No, Quil, you were great!" Seth responded before I had a chance to say anything. Quil grimaced.
"Regardless, she's gone. You did a good job, so did Leah. We don't have to worry about her anymore," I replied. He smiled back, and he relaxed a little.
"You're right. Now, you two, go home and rest. You've been up for days, Jake," he replied, punching me in the arm. I just laughed. He was right. I needed to get some sleep before I decided to do something stupid like kiss Bella again. I left Quil's then, phasing and returning home. I collapsed into bed and within moments I was asleep.

I opened my eyes. I was on the beach, with Bella. I was so tired. She was sitting beside me, her head on my shoulder, her own eyes were closed. Her hand was holding onto mine, but her skin was freezing cold. I let my own head rest against hers, and soon enough, I felt my eyes close again. I needed to rest. Suddenly, I heard a noise, and I felt Bella missing from beside me. When I opened my eyes again, the beach was foggy, grey, and I couldn't see anything. I squinted, and stood up.
"Bella?" I called, feeling scared. She would never have left me just sitting there, sleeping. She'd never leave without waking me. Was something wrong? I called her name again, and I heard an echo reply to me; though my echo sounded different, unlike me. I began walking towards where I'd heard it, and I heard that voice. It was muffled, but it sounded familiar. I recognised it, but I wasn't sure who the voice belonged to. I couldn't tell what they were saying, it sounded as though they were far away. But they were so close at the same time. I was so close. I kept walking, and suddenly the fog parted, and I saw him.
Edward was standing there, his arms wrapped around Bella, holding her against him. She didn't look scared, she looked sort of happy, but at the same time, sort of sad. She looked at me, she tried to mouth something but I couldn't understand. She was trying to tell me something, so I called her name again. Edward echoed me, and he smiled. I could see his fangs, glimmering at me, and without warning he sunk them into Bella's neck. She let out a soft whimper, but she didn't object. She actually seemed to be enjoying it. I tried to look away, but something was forcing me to watch. It was horrifying. Bella's body went limp and she fell to the ground, but I couldn't see her anymore. I was looking at Edward. He was laughing at me, the blood was still glistening from his fangs, and he wiped the small line that was dripping down to his chin with his finger, and licking it clean.
"Where's Bella?" I asked, but I knew the answer. She was gone. Edward laughed coldly at me, but then he was gone as well. I was alone on the beach again, calling out Bella's name. I was searching wildly for her, but I couldn't find her. I suddenly heard her call my name, and when I turned, I saw her lying on the ground, drained of her blood.

I sat up. I was sweating, and I couldn't get the image of Bella's pale, dead body out of my head. That was the worst nightmare I'd ever had. It was too early to be up, but I couldn't sleep. I just laid back down, staring at the ceiling, trying not to think about that nightmare. Why was I dreaming about Edward? I had no reason to be worried about Edward, no reason to be worried about Bella being a vampire - or worse. I wanted to see her now, make sure she was still human, see that she was alive and well. She wouldn't mind if I just checked up on her - surely? She'd never even know. I got up out of bed and left the house, phasing and making my way towards Forks. I almost expected to hear Sam's voice greet me, but nothing. He was finally getting some rest himself. He really earned it. I arrived outside Bella's house, and I phased back into my human form and climbed up to her window. I sat beside the window, outside, waiting to hear. I was scared to look at her. I sat there for about half an hour, contemplating whether or not to actually go inside. I couldn't hear if she was saying anything. The only way I would hear her would be to go inside. I took the plunge and slipped the window open, sliding through and creeping in to stand beside her. This would really scare her if she woke up, but, I couldn't leave now. She had colour in her cheeks, she was alive - this was what I needed to see.
"My Jacob," she whispered, shifting slightly. I smiled, praying to hear more. She answered my prayers, whispering my name again.
I noticed the sun beginning to rise, but I waited a little longer. When Bella began to stir, I pulled myself out the window and phased. I didn't want to go home, I wanted to stay here with Bella, but I had to leave. I went home, and climbed back into bed. I wasn't tired now, I was too troubled by the nightmare. Even now, I tried not to worry about the nightmare. It was only a dream, Bella was fine. She was safe, I would protect her if Edward ever came back. I would protect her no matter what.