(A/N: Geez guys, I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long- I don't deserve your reviews. I think I must have imprinted on Fanfiction, because I was playing piano and all of a sudden I just had this strange urge to go to the computer and write for all of you wonderfully amazing people. Maybe I just imprinted on all of you. I'm not entirely sure how to incorporate all of my Fanfic friends into my stories, so I'm just dedicating chapters to people. This particular chapter is dedicated to the "two sweet little girls wanting to see what happens next" (yue). Don't be angry if it's not dedicated to you, all in good time. Oh, and "Ashley", your favourite bloodsucking vamps will come in soon...)
Bella POV
I saw his face first- So filled with emotion, even in animal form. His eyes were brimming with guilt, concern, pain, but what with one thing that made me feel a little better- hope. Poor Jacob, he looked so upset and helpless; tail between his legs and head drooped low, but at least he knew I was alive.
He seemed to be getting closer, but I noticed that I was running towards him. Flinching, Jacob braced himself, almost as though he thought I was about to attack him: how ridiculous. I was so happy to see him, so blissfully overjoyed by his presence that I did what felt most natural. I just let my wolf instincts wash over me, and revelled in his presence for a minute or two, showing my forgiveness and love in the way this body felt right.
Too soon, however, he pulled back, and looked at me with eyes full of guilt. Bella, I know you've forgiven me, God knows why, but I want you to know that I would rather die than let anything happen to you, let alone do something like what I've done to you. I-I just don't know how to say it, but I'm so sorry, I'm, I love you and- He tripped over his words, even in his head. I didn't want to waste any time with this sort of talk.
Jake, I told him sternly, I can tell you're sorry- this whole pack mind thing makes that pretty obvious. Now, if you truly love me, you'll stop apologizing, because that's not going to make anything better. Okay?? I scolded him, feeling a lot like I was training a pet. He nodded meekly, but his head was filled with remorse for what he had done.
Uh, Bells, do you think you can phase out, Charlie's pretty worried about you and I don't think that seeing you as a wolf would really help... he trailed off, but I could see what he was saying- I had to show Charlie that I was okay. Human.
I shut my eyes, and thought about being in my human form. I relived calming memories of Jake and I in my head, and tried to turn my body into its original shape. When I opened my eyes though, I could still see my paws topaz fur catching the sunlight, and sighed in disappointment. Trying to help me, Jacob remembered all of the times he had transformed back into a human. I concentrated deeply on the silent shimmer of change, but it just wasn't working.
Right, well, wanna kill some time while we wait for my body to work? I asked Jacob jokingly. He just nodded his head, and in my mind I saw a quiet, secluded place in the woods that he was about to take me to. After looking at it in Jake's mind, I automatically knew the direction in which to walk. But I didn't want to walk. I wanted to run. Jake, race you? I asked, filled with giddy excitement.
I knew it was kind of childish, but being a wolf was ridiculously cool, and I wanted to try out my new strong legs until I could phase back. I rocketed forward, in the direction of the forest, stretching my muscles in long, rolling motions. It felt so good to just let go to my animal instincts, to watch the bushes, paths and houses fly behind me.
I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't realise until I reached the clearing in the forest that Jake wasn't with me. Even though I couldn't see him, I could hear Jake's thoughts, and barked a low laugh. How can she do that? She's faster than Leah for god's sake! I could see through his eyes the forest whisk behind him, and feel his muscles burning, the breath pumping through his lungs. Finally! I thought to myself with glee. I'm faster than somebody!!!!
I lay down, puffing and panting waiting for Jacob to catch up with me. It took about a minute or two, but he got there eventually, and lay down next to me, his chin resting on my neck. He sighed a low, contented rumble in the back of his throat; if he was a cat, he'd be purring.
His thoughts weren't worded- simple, wordless emotions were running through his head. Happiness, joy, relief, calmness and tiredness- he hadn't slept for days. I sighed contentedly, and shut my eyes, knowing that I would be able to phase back eventually. Hopefully.