Bella's POV
After Jacob left, Alice came in to tell me he'd gone to run patrols, and that Seth was here to be my "guard dog". She sat on the bed next to me, "Jacob told me about Edward… I had no idea that's what he'd been up to all this time. Edward told us that he was travelling, I never even saw him near you, and trust me I was looking."
My brows knitted together.
"I was worried about you! I know we left, but I still care. Then, I saw you made the decision to leave Charlie, to leave Forks. I was concerned about you being unprotected in a large city. I kept watch in case something like this happened." She waved her hand over my body with a frustrated look on her face. Alice looked at me, her face turning serious, "Bella, I'm sorry about Charlie…If you need anything, anything at all just say the word."
Looking down at my body, I told her, "I could use a shower, right about now."
A smile appeared on Alice's face, "I suppose you would like to get cleaned up. I'll help you, since your ribs haven't healed yet. "
Sliding one arm underneath my back, and the other under my legs, Alice lifted me up and sat me on the bed. I shivered at her stone cold touch, and she gave me an apologetic look. "Wait here, I'll go start the shower."
It was then I noticed I was in the Cullen's home. I began feeling the familiar symptoms of anxiety. I hadn't been here in over six years, and this was the last place I wanted to be. I squeezed my eyes shut, focusing on the sound of the water coming from the bathroom. "Are you in pain?" Alice asked, worry pulling at her face. I bit my lip, and shook my head. I didn't want to live like this anymore, in constant anxiety over my past… it was just that, the past. I grabbed Alice's hand and slowly stood, my bones ached with stiffness but I continued.
With Alice's help I shuffled to the bathroom; it was bright, clean, and spacious. "I think I got it from here" I said to Alice. She nodded, "Call me if you need me", shutting the door behind her. I untied my black dress, and it spilled to the floor. I pulled open the glass door, carefully stepping inside the shower. There was a waterfall showerhead, I stood under it, letting the water cascade over me. I turned my face upwards, feeling the fog lift from my mind. I spotted what I needed to clean myself up on the ceramic seat inside the shower. I decided to tackle the matted mess that was my hair, picking up the shampoo. There were twigs, ferns, and dried blood all over my head; I was a mess. It took the entire bottle to get my hair clean. Next I cleansed my body, making sure I didn't raise my arms too high, or turn too far. The ache made bearable by the hot massaging fingers of the water. The week isn't even over, yet somehow, I managed to face all my fears in a few days. Charlie was gone, Jacob imprinted, and I had survived Victoria. I didn't have to live in fear anymore, but I still felt uneasy, and I wasn't sure why. I felt the pull on my heart, then. Turning off the water, I pushed open the glass door and stepped out of the shower.
On the counter was a white fluffy towel and a folded stack of clothes. I hadn't heard anyone come in. I walked over, picked up the towel, and dried off. Unfolding the clothes I noticed how large they were, it was men's clothing. A note was sticking out of the pocket in the sweatpants:
"I'll see you after patrols. Seth'll bring you back. Put these on so you don't reek too much like leech.
-Jacob"
I smiled and laughed to myself at the note.
Raising the shirt to my nose I inhaled deeply, shamelessly rubbing my nose in Jacob's scent. It was somehow comforting, and I gladly slipped the shirt on, very slowly. There was also a brush, so I combed through the tangles until I looked decent enough.
I opened the bedroom door, Seth was standing outside…like a "guard dog", I couldn't help but laugh.
He turned around, "Bella." his bulging arms wrapping around me. Did he just sniff my hair?
"Ow, too tight Seth!" I said wincing at the shooting pain in my ribs.
"Right, sorry. Are you ready to get out of here?" Poor Seth probably was uncomfortable being in the home of vampires, by himself.
"Sure…Where are we going?" I asked staring at him.
"To the res, of course", duh Bella. Where else would I go?
"Let me just say goodbye to them first." I said looking around his shoulder.
"I'll take you downstairs, they're in the living room." Then Seth scooped me up without warning. I rolled my eyes, "You'll get over it." he chuckled.
Setting me on my own two feet, I looked over to Alice and Carlisle, both smiling at me. "Thanks for saving me, again. I really appreciate it." Carlisle walked up to me, keeping at least five feet between us, since Seth was standing next to me. "Anytime Bella, you'll always be like a daughter to me." Carlisle was such a selfless man. Alice didn't care that Seth was near, she grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek. "You know we're always here for you Bella. So will you keep in touch now?" she asked me, with a hint of pleading seeping through. I did miss Alice, and it wasn't exactly her that I wanted nothing to do with… Carlisle either…
"Of course we'll stay in touch. We'll make a date of it phone calls or visits." I smiled and hugged her.
"We better get going" Seth interjected, clearing his throat. He used to be the only one apparently comfortable with the Cullen's. I guess it'd been a long time.
"If you have trouble with anything, just give me a call Bella." Carlisle said while walking us to the door. I nodded and waved goodbye.
Jacob's POV
What a week.
Charlie dying, imprinting Bella, then she nearly gets herself killed. Then she tells me that tic was stalking her all this time she was gone.
I growled.
The man was equally as pissed.
"One more time around the perimeter then you guys can switch out. "
"Roger that,"-Embry replied.
...
I ran home to get my car, a black 1969 Pontiac Firebird. I found it a few years ago, and bought it from a guy for dirt cheap, then fixed it up myself.
I was pulling up to Emily's place. I felt the tug on my heart, warmth spreading out. I guess Bella and Seth were back, it took almost everything in me not to leave her side earlier. I cut the engine, half way out the car, and shut the door. I took the steps in one leap, and pulled the screen door open. Bella was sitting on the couch, Emily sitting next to her, Seth sitting on the arm of the couch.
"Sup Jake" Seth nodded when I walked through the door. He got up, walking towards me, and we shook hands.
Bella turned her head then, looking up at me. I couldn't read her face though, I usually could.
"Hey Jake, you hungry?" Emily asked looking at me.
My eyes were still locked on Bella's chocolate eyes. "Not right now, but I'll take some to go."
Emily got up and headed to the kitchen.
I noticed Bella had my clothes on that I left for her. I suppressed a smile.
"You ready?" I asked her.
"Where am I going now?" She sounded frustrated, but didn't look angry.
Emily came back with a few bags of food, "Here you go, just warm it up when you're ready."
I turned to Emily, "Thanks, smells good."
Heading to the front door I called out, "Seth, bring her out". I heard a muffled laugh and Bella scoff behind my back. Seth sat Bella in the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt.
"Jesus, Seth, I could've at least done that." Bella whine, swatting at his hand.
"Get used to it sis" he laughed, kissed the top of her head, and shut the door. "See ya, Jake" then he ran back inside the house.
I slid into the driver's seat, starting the engine and shutting the door at the same time.
Bella sighed, "Are you going to tell me where you're taking me?"
I didn't say anything, and she huffed turning to look out the window.
We drove in silence for about fifteen minutes, mostly because I enjoyed the comfortable silence. I turned on a dirt road, the ground changed to gravel, and I parked the car. I grabbed the bags of food from the back and ran inside the house. I could hear Bella complaining. I ran back out, and opened the passenger door.
"Do you want to walk yourself?" I asked Bella bending down so she could see my face. Before she could answer, I scooped her in my arms, and shut the door.
"Jacob, where are we?" She was definitely annoyed now.
"Where do you think we are, Bella?" she was cute when she was annoyed.
"If I knew that answer, would I be asking you?" she quipped.
Walking through the door, I sat her on the couch, careful not to hurt her side. I crossed my arms, standing in front of her.
"Well?" I said.
Bella took a look around, her eyes scanning the room, "Your place?"
I nodded, walking to the kitchen to put the food in the fridge. I actually have Bella to myself, for once. I haven't been alone with Bella in years, and suddenly I felt…nervous? I wanted to bring her bed and lay with her, feeling her warmth and nuzzle in her soft brown hair.
Yeah, right.
She'd never even willingly kissed me. I headed back to the living room, she was leaning her head on a fist, which was propped on the arm of the sofa.
"You hungry?"
I could hear her stomach growl.
"I'll take that as a yes." And turned into the kitchen to warm up the food I'd just put up.
"Hey could you try not to listen so hard?" Bella joked.
"Sure I'll turn down my ears around you." I sarcastically responded.
The microwave beeped, signaling the food was ready. I pulled out some plates in the cabinet next to the microwave, and set them on the counter. Then, I took out some silverware from a drawer next to the stove. I scooped a serving of everything on both of our plates, and called out, "Soda, water, or iced tea?"
"Iced tea, please." She replied.
I pulled out a glass from another cabinet, it squeaked and I took a mental note to fix it tomorrow. I grabbed a beer for myself from the fridge. Balancing our plates on one arm and cradling drinks in my other, I walked back to the living room. I handed Bella her food, and sat in the recliner adjacent to the sofa. I was finished long before Bella, going back to the kitchen for seconds.
Just tell her.
Halfway through my second plate, I finally said something, "Leah picked up your stuff from the motel, everything's here." I didn't look at her, as I continued eating.
"So, what… are you saying I'm staying here…with you?"
I took a swig of beer, "Yeah, it's safer here."
The sound of metal clinked against the ceramic plate, "Safe from what? Victoria's gone now."
True.
Sitting the beer on the floor, I leaned forward, "Look, until you leave…whenever that is, you have to stay here. I feel at ease knowing you're on the res, where you can be easily protected." Frustration was turning into anger now, this wasn't as easy as I expected. How could I think she'd want to stay here, she's leaving in a week and half, apparently.
"Fine."
That's it, fine?
I stood, swiping my plate from the floor, and Bella's from her lap, she wasn't gonna finish her food. I washed the dishes, and put them away. When I was done I grabbed another beer from the fridge, and stood in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. Bella's long wavy brown hair line her heart shaped face perfectly. Her pink full lips were rolled on each other, and her round eyes pierced through me. I guess she was angry, I could hear her heart racing. The pulling became more apparent then, so did my desire to touch her…It was a need more than anything. I set my beer on the table, walking around it until I was in front of her. I bent down so we were eye level…and just stared into her eyes, they seemed like an endless abyss. I catalogued every inch of her face, not wanting to forget, for when she left. My body leaned in closer to Bella, need to feel her skin on mine. Snapping out of my daze, I instead scooped her into my arms, and walked to the hall. My wolf hummed at the feel of her in my arms. I entered the spare room and set her on the bed.
"You can sleep here, all your stuff there." I told her pointing next to the tall dresser, where her bags were sitting. "Bathroom is in the hall on your left." I said, shutting the door behind me. I picked my beer up and sat back in the recliner.
What did I expect?
I wasn't sure, honestly. I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes. I focused on the sound of crickets outside and the breeze blowing, more rain was coming. I sat there, forcing myself to relax, even the slightest bit. Then I heard it…footsteps. They stopped, and I opened my eyes to see Bella standing in front of me, hugging herself like she used to, so long ago.
Bella's POV
Seth had brought me to Emily's place. It was small, yet somehow a pack of huge grown men fit managed to comfortably fit inside. Emily was the only home, I guess they decided to give her a break tonight. She brought me a glass of water, and we sat on the couch in front of the fireplace.
"It's really good to see you again."
I always thought Emily was beautiful, I caught myself wondering what she looked like before the scars, and felt guilty. The mobile side of her face smiled at me, and her hazel eyes looked genuine. I looked down, embarrassed by my thoughts, "Thanks Emily…Oddly enough, it feels good to be here, with you guys." And it really did, it almost felt like home.
"We're especially glad you're safe. No more dealing with sadistic leeches." Seth chimed in. I was glad to see that not all of his boyish charm had withered with time.
"All thanks to you guys." I told him, at least Victoria was one less thing to worry about.
Emily caught me up on latest with the pack and what'd been going on in La Push. She and Sam finally got married two years ago, it was a beach wedding. Emily managed to get all the guys to graduate high school, only Collin and Brady were left. It was nice to know the guys finished school. So many kids drop out on the reservation, because of family issues or drugs and alcohol. Emily would make a really good mother one day. Although, I was glad to see Emily and Sam take the time to enjoy each other as newlyweds. The three of us talked some more, and Seth made us laugh at his jokes, then he stopped. It was only for a moment, but I noticed. I heard a car pull up outside. Emily continued talking to me, picking up where Seth had left off. Suddenly the pulling at my heart grew, and that warm feeling spread throughout my chest. He was here. I took a drink of my water, taking large gulps. Then the front door opened.
"Sup Jake" Seth said casually, rising from his spot walking towards Jacob. Before I knew it, I was turning around.
That had to be the pull.
My heart began to pound in my chest, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. Jacob was just standing there staring at me, as he shook hands with Seth. He was still beautiful, like a perfectly sculpted man, his black hair was messy in a way that made it look even better, he wore a black t-shirt that fit him just tight enough to see the shadows of his muscles, black jeans, and black boots that were well worn. He was beautiful, and I was entranced.
"Hey Jake, you hungry?" I think that was Emily, because I couldn't speak.
Jacob's face was stoic. His chiseled jaw flexed slightly, before he spoke.
"Not right now, but I'll take some to go." He said still looking at me.
Then Emily stood up and walked out of the room. I could hear her rummage around in the kitchen. Seth was still next to Jacob, he was on the phone with someone. When did his phone ring? Then he spoke to me.
"You ready?" Jacob's voice was deep and quick.
I felt my lips moving, but I wasn't sure what came out, "Where am I going now?"
Jacob's eyebrows tensed for a moment.
Emily came back in the room, carrying a few bags of food. "Here you go, just warm it up when you're ready."
Jake turning to Emily said, "Thanks, smells good." Then as he walked out the front door said, "Seth, bring her out." Emily failed at stifling her laughs, but I grimaced at Seth as he walked towards me. How am I supposed to recover if these guys won't let me do anything? Seth walk around the sofa and scooped me up, carrying me out the front door. I saw Jacob put the bags of food behind the driver's seat of a sleek black muscle car. It was the perfect car for Jake. Holding me with one arm, Seth opened the passenger side, and gracefully slid me into the seat. Then to my dismay, he actually buckled me in!
"Jesus, Seth, I could've at least done that." I was so annoyed I slapped his hand. Seth let out a hearty chuckle, kissed the top of my head, and shut the door. Jake was halfway in the car when I heard Seth say, "See ya Jake" and he jogged back to the house. Seth was good company, I was glad he stayed with Emily. Jake started the engine and the car purred to life, I bet Jacob re-built this car himself. It smelled like him too. I wondered where he was taking me, and I realized I didn't want him leaving me just yet.
"Are you going to tell me where you're taking me?" I asked him, hoping he wouldn't say the motel. I stared at him a while, his eyes focused on the road ahead. It was clear he wasn't going to answer, I sighed turning to the window, watching the blurred trees pass us by. The pulling in my chest hadn't died down, and wished so badly I could just grab his big hand and hold it in my lap. Neither of us said anything, but it was comfortable, like the old days. I let the thought comfort me. Then, Jacob turned down a dirt road that I would've easily missed if I weren't paying attention. He drove down a few feet, before the dirt turn into gravel. Up ahead I saw a small cabin style house, with 4 concrete steps, and a porch big enough for a small bench. I didn't recognize this place at all. Jacob cut the engine, got out the car, and grabbed the food from behind his seat. Was I supposed to get out? I felt stupid. The screen door swung open and in a blink Jake was opening my door. He bent down just enough for me to see his face.
"Do you want to walk yourself?" The pull in my heart said no, and felt myself blush for the second time tonight. Suddenly, I was in his arms, and I was so close to him I could feel his heartbeat. I really didn't want him to leave yet.
"Jacob, where are we?" it felt like I was begging him.
I felt his deep voice reverberate in his chest, "Where do you think we are, Bella?" he asked me.
"If I knew that answer, would I be asking you?" should I have known who's house this was?
Jacob sat me down on a big brown couch, and stood in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest. I looked around the room; a small wooden coffee table, and deep blue recliner adjacent to the couch, a flat screen TV in front of me. There were a couple of movies next to it, I couldn't make them out. I took a deep breath, the entire house smelled of Jake's woodsy scent.
"Well?" he sounded impatient.
"Your place?" I asked. He nodded and walked away to what I assumed was the kitchen. My suspicions were confirmed with I heard the rustling of bags. He appeared, standing in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room.
"You hungry?" it had been a while since I last at a real meal. There was a smirk on his face, "I'll take that as a yes." And turned back into the kitchen. I could he him warming the food in the microwave. Suddenly embarrassed by how he knew, "Hey could you try to not listen so hard?" I laughed.
"Sure, I'll turn down my ears around you." I hated sarcasm. It was just a cop-out for people to mask their feelings. In Jake's case, probably anger.
I could hear cabinets opening and closing, and the clinking of plates.
"Iced tea, water, or soda?" He called from the kitchen.
"Iced tea, please."
Jacob walked in somehow gracefully caring both of our plates and drinks. Clearly being a wolf had some useful perks. He hand me my plate which I sat in my lap, then my drink. I took a sip needing something to do with my hands, and set the drink of the table. Jacob sat in the recliner, already shoveling spoonfuls to his mouth. We ate our food in silence, which was fine because I was starving. Emily had cooked chicken penne pasta, with spring mix salad, and garlic bread. It was delicious. I didn't even notice Jacob's plate was full again when he spoke.
"Leah picked up your stuff from the motel, everything's here." Continuing to shovel food in his mouth.
I suppressed a smile at the realization of his words. My heart sped up, and the pull somehow kept growing. "So, what…are you saying I'm staying here…with you?" Maybe this was my chance to finally talk to Jake.
Jacob picked up his amber bottle next to his chair, taking long gulps. "Yeah, it's safe here." He still hadn't looked at me though. Was he mad? I guess he didn't want me to be here. Why didn't he just take me back to the motel then?
"Safe from what? Victoria's gone now." I picked at the remaining food on my plate, my appetite was gone now.
Jacob set his beer on the floor, leaned forward elbows on his knees, hands clasped, head bowed. "Look, until you leave…whenever that is, you have to stay here. I feel at ease knowing you're on the res, where you can be easily protected."
I could the anger in his voice now. What was his deal? I couldn't get a read on him. Maybe he didn't feel that blazing heat at the Cullen's place, maybe he hadn't really imprinted on me after all. If that's the case where was the tugging at my heart coming from? Why is it that every time he's near I felt warmth and my heart race…I know what I felt back on the cliffs. Maybe he didn't want me to be his imprint anymore. I suddenly felt confused about all of this. "Fine" was the only thing I knew to say, I clearly didn't have a say in the matter.
Jacob stood, swiping his plate from the floor, then mine from my lap. I heard the faucet turn on. He was back in the doorway, staring at me with a stoic face. Jacob only got better with age; I wanted to trace the chiseled lines of his face, and brush my lips against his, run my fingers through his silky black hair. Heat raced through my body and my heart sped up at the fantasy playing out in my head. He put the bottle on the table and slowly lowered himself in front of me. We were eye level now, and I frantically tried to memorize of curve and angle of his face before he moved. My body had somehow leaned in closer to him, trying desperately to feel his skin on mine. Before I knew it, I was back in Jacob's strong arms, and I reveled in the short moment.
We passed the TV into a hallway. There were three white doors; one in front of us, clearly the bathroom since the door was open, one on the right, and the other on the left at the end of the hall. Jacob carried me to the end of the hall opening the door with one hand. He sat me on a large bed, as big as the one in the motel.
"You can sleep here, all your stuff there." He told me, and pointed next to a tall dresser, where my luggage sat neatly. "Bathroom is in the hall on your left." Without another word he walked out, and shut the door.
I may have some traumatic side effects, but I wasn't delusional. I know Jacob imprinted that day, and the love and care I felt in his touch as he held me on the cliffs, told me he cared. I tried to ignore the facts myself, but I still cared, even after all these years. I at least need him to know that. I carefully stood up from the bed, and headed for the door. I couldn't go to sleep until I got this weight off my chest. My side had a dull ache, and my jaw felt stiff, I began to feel nervous. I wrapped my arms over my ribs, and stopped when I turned the corner next to the TV. Jacob was leaning back in his chair, arm hanging over the side with the bottled pinched between two fingers. He should've looked relaxed but his face didn't appear to be. Jake's brows were furrowed and lips terse. Then he opened his eyes, his gaze looked pained.
"If you don't want me to stay here, I can just go back to the motel you know. I know how to take care of myself" I didn't like feeling like an unwelcomed guest.
He dropped the beer, perfectly in to the floor of course, and raised his arms. They rested on either side of his head against the chair. He looked like he was stretching. Then he stood up.
"Look, I just wanted to tell you something, and I'll leave you alone." I took a breath, summoning my newfound courage. "I did leave, and you didn't hear from me for six years, but believe me when I say I thought about you everyday. Then, on the cliffs, I saw in your eyes everything I'd ever done to you, I felt it. I'm sorry Jacob. I was too caught up in my own shit, and wanted an easy fix. I know you imprinted Jake, and I thought I'd bolt if that ever happened, but I'm not going to."
He was right in front of me now, I didn't even see him move. I felt the hairs on my neck rise, I wanted to touch him. I reached for his hand laced my fingers between his. "If you don't want me around I understand, I know how selfish I've been."
His hand raised and brushed my hair behind my ear. I squeezed his hand.
"Bella…I want you to stay here, with me." I was lost in his words and trapped in his gaze. His deep brown eyes told me I had been right, he did care. I couldn't help myself, and I found myself hugging him, burying my face in his shirt. My body buzzed at the contact, and the pull felt good rather than hurt. I felt his arms wrap around me, cocooning me in his embrace. I felt safe, whole.