A/N: I struggled for a bit to continue, but I decided to finish it. I'd really appreciate reviews from those reading. I'd like to know your thoughts, comments, or opinions. Thanks for reading, as always!

Bella's POV

When I woke up this morning I felt good…like I was finally starting to have control over myself and my emotions. Things with Jacob were getting better, and I was starting to realize the imprint bond wasn't such a scary concept. Last night, while Jake was in the shower, I realized I could feel his stress and exhaustion. Since I'd been in Forks, my emotions ran unchecked. When Charlie died, I felt nothing, only heartbreak. Then after the imprint, I wasn't sure what the hell I was feeling. Then it clicked, how connected I really was to Jacob now. I wanted to be there for him, and I wanted him to know that.

Jacob had left for patrols at dawn, so I took a quick shower, taking note that my ribs were improving. I made myself eggs and toast, with coffee. Sitting at the square laminate table in the kitchen I started making a grocery list for Jacob's place and for the barbeque we decided to have for everyone. I looked out the kitchen window, across from the table, it was overcast out but not raining. The weather seemed to be warming slightly, and I hoped it'd stay this way for the barbeque. A shrill ring broke me from my daydream. Running to the living room I dug, my cellphone out of my bag, answering without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey Bells, its Seth."

"Oh, what's up?"

"I was checking on you, since Jake's on patrol. You doin' okay?"

I was pacing across the living room.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just getting ready to head to the market to get some groceries. How are you holding up?"

"Good, still helping mom out. Do you need some company?"

I could hear the wind blowing on his end. I thought about it for a moment.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind, if you're not busy."

"No problem, see ya in a bit."

The call ended, chucking my phone on the couch I went to the spare room to change clothes. I opted for my favorite baggy cream sweater, olive cropped trousers, and brown ankle boots. Just as I stood from the bed, I heard a knock at the door. Running to grab my bag, I hopped to open the door. I was greeted with Seth's boyish grin, towering over me. I'd probably never get over the pack's brawn and beauty.

"Ready?"

"Yep. I'll drive." Locking the door behind me. I looked up and Seth was already in my truck on the driver's side.

"Hand 'em over missy." He teased.

I tossed him my keys, and hopped in the truck. I didn't mind being chauffeured today. Driving down the main road, Seth was drumming on the steering wheel, to some song on the radio. I was going over the list again.

"So...Any new girlfriends I should know about? You haven't imprinted yet have you?" smiling I looked at Seth as he laughed rolling his eyes at me.

"Really, Bella?"

"What? I'm just curious. You're not just a cute little boy anymore!" It was true, I know how girls flock to hot guys around here.

"Nah. I had a few girlfriends but nothing serious."

We pulled into the parking lot of the store then, Seth cut the engine, and we got out.

"What're we getting?" I handed him the list, and took a quick glance and handed it back. "Got it."

I scoffed at him, rolling my eyes. Their photographic memory was definitely something to envy.

He pulled a cart from inside the entrance doors, and we started down the aisles.

"What's with all the food?" holding the cart in place while I tossed items in it.

"Jake and I decided to have a barbeque for the pack at the house." I said looking back at Seth.

"I'm in." he smiled continuing down the aisles. "Are you two good?" he asked with a worried expression.

"It's getting better. I'm slowly figuring out how the whole imprint works."

"You could always ask one of the imprint couples, or Billy."

"Yeah, that'd probably help." Emily's face flashed in my mind.

We headed to checkout with the cashier. Seth quickly bagged our food and carried them out to the truck. It was nice having some muscle around to help. We got back to the house, laughing and joking as we put up the food. Seth gave me a warm hug and said he had to get going. I sat on the couch picking up the remote, I didn't know what else to do so I watched TV. Halfway through a reality show I fell asleep snuggled on the big warm couch.

Leah's POV

I had gotten Sue to genuinely smile once, so I felt comfortable leaving her alone. I still worried about her, and I briefly wondered if she'd be too afraid to love again. Not that she needed to worry about that now, but I knew I didn't want my mom to be alone. We'd just finished eating lunch, and she was folding laundry in front of the TV.

"Hey ma, I'm going over the Emily's for a while." I stood behind the couch watching her. She turned around with a surprised look on her face.

"I know most of the guys are out running…" her eyes holding my gaze expectantly.

"Yeah, we've been talking some. It's no big deal." I brushed it off. "So call if you need anything. Love ya." I turned to leave before she could push the subject any further.

Going out the backdoor I jogged to the trees to run over to Emily's place. It took me less than five minutes to get there by wolf. The weather was pleasant, despite the overcast sky. I pulled on my shorts and tank top, skipping out on the shoes. I walked up the steps and knocked on the door.

"Come in! It's open!" Emily shouted from inside the house. I pushed open the door. "In the kitchen." I followed her voice. She was pouring herself a cup of iced tea, "You want a glass?" turning towards me.

"Yeah, thanks." I smiled taking a seat on the bench of the rectangular table. Emily sat down across from me, wiping the condensation off the glass. She looked tired, her eyes were rimmed in red, puffy, and she looked a little pale. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and she was wearing the same outfit as me; shorts and a tank top. I guess it was warm enough for humans too. "So how are you…really?" I took a long drink of my iced sweet tea.

One hand still on her glass, Emily ran the other hand over her head. "I told Sam I needed some space. So he left last night." She was looking out the window, searching the trees for him. "I felt horrible about it. It literally pains me to be apart from him, you know. I just didn't know what else to do or say." I let her continue to vent. "Sam's trying, Leah, he really is. I guess I just wanted time to be depressed and mourn. Is that so wrong?" hazel eyes paced mine.

"Not at all, Em. You have every right to do that, and I'm sure Sam understands."

"That's just it Leah. He's always so understanding, and he gets me. I want him to react based on his feelings, scream, get mad, cry, anything. It's driving me mad, when I can see in his eyes it's not okay."

Yeah, Sam gets under my skin with his Mr. Cool demeanor. "Well…I guess he's just trying to be supportive Emily. I mean, he probably thinks the last thing you want or need is someone shouting at you." I finished off my drink. "You know he's close by, just call him and tell him what you told me."

I had finally accepted losing Sam. Since I phased, I understood what the bond of an imprint meant and how it affects those involved. It still hurt and a part of me will always love Sam, but I needed to move on, I wanted to move on.

"That would be easier than waiting for him to figure it out." Emily looked at me with a small smile.

"Well before you do that, we could hangout, ease your mind for a couple hours?" I asked with a raised brow. Hoping she'd be up for some much needed girl time.

"Sure, you wanna watch a movie?"

"I'll order the pizza." I replied, winking.

We both stood and hugged one another. This was better.

Sam's POV

Sam? What's up, you've been MIA lately?-Paul

Paul sweep out another two miles. Quil thought he caught a scent around the area.-Jacob

I heard Paul huff, and there was one less voice crowding my thoughts.

Thanks.

No problem. Are you okay?-Jacob

I just miss her. Emily said she needed space, so I'm giving her space. I'm pissed that we haven't actually talked about what happened.

After sleeping a few hours, I went back to running without direction. Running in whatever direction I was headed. It felt good to run free for a moment, but Emily always comes to the forefront of my mind.

Leah's been spending time with her, so she's not alone. Maybe she'll feel like talking if you just go back and try.

I could see Jacob trotting around near the cliffs, scoping out the sea. I stopped for a drink of water in a nearby stream. Today was the warmest it'd been coming out of winter.

Take as much time as you need, if anything comes up I'll find you. Oh by the way, me and Bella are gonna have a barbeque this weekend, just for the pack. You and Emily should come, no pressure though. Be safe man.

Once again I was left to my own thoughts. I sat on my haunches near the stream, gazing over the land, taking in the scents. I closed my eyes focusing on Emily, searching for her emotions. Opening my eyes again, I started running back to Emily.

I had gotten pretty far away from home, so by the time I got back it was late into the evening. I slowed down, stopping before the trees thinned. I came up behind the house and phased. I grabbed a pair of cutoffs hanging from a branch, Emily always had a pair waiting just in case. I waited a few minutes, I could hear Leah getting ready to leave. I was grateful that Leah had been there for Emily, keeping her company. As soon as I heard the door shut I went inside.

"Emily?" my voice sounded hoarse. I walked down the hall into the bathroom, following the sound of running water. I knocked on the door. "Can I come in?" I already had the door cracked, and peeked in. She was sitting in the bathtub, and nodded without looking at me. I put the toilet seat cover down, and sat down, next to her.

"I'm sorry."

I leaned my elbows on my knees, clasping my hands. "I'm sorry too, Em."

She sat up in the tub, pulling her knees to her chest, and wrapping her arms around them. "This might sound crazy, but I was upset that you hadn't gotten upset. You've been catering to me, and I appreciate that, but I wanted you to react. I want to know how you really feel, and I can see in your eyes that you're hurting too. Sam, you don't have to tiptoe around my feelings, we're in this together, right?"

I exhaled a sigh of relief, "I am angry and hurt, but not at you Emily. I'm angry that we had our parenthood taken from us, and I'm hurting because I know how painful this has been for you. I've been scared because I still don't know how to make things better."

I moved closer to her, putting my hand on her face.

"You know, I actually got annoyed with you for being so understanding all the time." She bit her lip.

"It bothers you?"

"I just need you to express yourself, no matter what the situation is between us. Don't feel like you have to be the calm one all the time, because you don't. I'm tough, I can handle it. I thought you knew that."

"I'll work on it okay."

Emily nodded, and I leaned in to kiss her. She responded to my kiss, long and slow, and invited me in the tub with her.

Jacob's POV

I'd run double shifts on patrol, since I'd given Sam time off. I ran straight home to Bella, I had really missed her. It'd been almost a month since imprinting and my wolf was going nuts, especially around Bella. I understood why, but I tamped down the wolf every time. I walked through the front door seeing Bella asleep on the couch. The TV was blaring.

How the hell can she sleep with the TV so loud?

Bella was curled up on the couch, her mouth was slightly parted and her breathing was borderline snoring. It was adorable.

I turned off the television, and immediately Bella woke up.

"Jacob?" she wiped her mouth.

"Hey it's just me, babe." I kneeled by her side brushing away wild strands of hair. "I'm sorry I was gone all day. I took Sam's shift too."

"It's okay. I hung out with Seth, and watched some TV."

I laughed, "Yeah I can tell, I could hear the TV miles before I got home."

"The noise is comforting." Bella's voice was raspy, and it turned me on in the worst way. I kissed the shell of her ear, while taking in her perfect scent. I felt immediate relief.

Bella turned her head, and kissed me. Her kiss was slow and sweet, then she wrapped her arms around my neck. Not breaking our kiss I scooped her up, holding her against me. Her tongue tracing the inside of my mouth, the warmth was radiating everywhere now. I laid her on the bed, hovering over her. She looked at me with smiling eyes, her smooth hands caressing my face. She sat up, and pulled her sweater over her head, leaning back in to kiss me. I didn't need words to understand. I dove further into the kiss, ghosting my hands over the already exposed parts of her. My hands found their wait to her pants, I slid everything down in one motion. At the same time, she was pushing my shorts down. Bella's hands ran up my arms and over my shoulders, leaving goose bumps in their wake. Her kisses grew more intense, and while one hand was under her neck, the other snaked between her legs. She smelled more delicious than anything, I slipped two fingers between her legs into, massaging her insides. Bella was moaning, it took everything in me to hold on, the wolf was clawing out my insides. I could scent her arousal and I knew she was close. Not removing my fingers, I leaned up to kiss her heated and slow. Just like that she reached her peak, and I lifted my fingers for a taste, it was better than I could've imagined. Pulling her closer to me, I guided my length inside her, and squeezed my arms tight. I paused a moment to let her adjust, Bella grabbed my head kissing me hard. With each thrust, the heat grew, and Bella's hands roamed over me ravenously. She was calling my name, and a low growl from deep within started. Her kisses moved to me neck, driving me wild. My lips grazed her collarbone, and before I knew it, Bella screamed in my name in please, and I bit down feeling to warmth seep into my mouth. I let out a loud growl, and collapsed.

I felt Bella roll over, curling herself into my chest, as her breathing evened out. I drifted into sleep, holding her.