My head was still spinning when I reached Billy's house. I wanted to compose myself, but didn't want to wait any longer to see Jake. I hurried towards the door, stumbling over some non-existent rocks on the way.

"Come in, Bella!" came Billy's deep voice from inside. I hesitated for just a moment, then opened the door and went in. Billy sat in his chair, looking very sober. I started to panic again,

"Can I see him?"

"Sure. But go easy on him, Bella." Billy's eyes were on me appraisingly.

I went over to Jacob's door, and peered in. He was still in bed, but awake. His eyes looked bleak, hurt. I rushed over towards him. I couldn't believe how well he looked!

"Jake!" I reached the bed, and sat on the edge, taking one of Jacob's warm hands. "You're alright! I mean, they all said you were, but I just had to see for myself. What happened?"

Jacob looked at me slowly, "I got distracted, Bells. Nothing to worry about. The others covered me, so she didn't get me too bad. Arm got broken, but it's nearly fixed." I looked down. He certainly was holding his left arm rather stiffly, but it didn't look too bad, as he said. I felt overwhelming relief that he was here, and safe. But,

"What about Victoria, did she get away?"

"Nah, I told you, too easy! We cornered her and finished her off. She was more slippery than the black-haired male from before, but still just a bit of fun. None of us would have had a scratch, if it weren't for me losing concentration for a second…"

I frowned, "How did that happen Jake? I was worried about you,"

Jake snorted, "that's how it happened, Bella. I was distracted when Embry saw that you were trying to head towards us. I was worried about you getting in the way, and the red-head must have noticed, and rammed into me. The others got her though, then brought me home. No sweat!"

I sighed, resting my head on his arm. Jake twitched a bit, "was there something else you wanted to talk about?"

I stiffened. I had to let him know, if he didn't already. Jake pulled his arm back, so I had to sit up again. I looked at him. His eyes were blank again. He must know.

"It's them. Edward, Alice, they've come back," I managed.

Jake cursed under his breath, "I knew it. Bella, don't do it. Don't go back to him. Look at what he did to you. Do you remember what you were like when Sam found you? I do! I've seen it in his head. I can't bear for you to go back to him, Bella. If that's what you're here to tell me, I don't think I can take it." Jake looked at me, his eyes pleading.

"I love you Jake, I don't want to hurt you," I started,

"But you love him more, right?" Jake cut in, harshly. "Bella, you are worth so much more than him. If you don't want me, at least choose someone who will treat you right. Take care of you. Not hurt you."

"This is hard for me, Jake, don't make it worse."

"Worse!" The word was muttered under his breath.

"I told him I'd think about it. He tried to stop me coming down here, but I had to come see you, Jake. I was so worried. I couldn't think about anything properly just yet."

Jacob growled, "He tried to stop you seeing me? Controlling, stupid – ". Then he paused, "But, you've not agreed yet?" There was hope in Jacob's voice. "Bella," he grasped me in a tight bear hug, "Bella, please, you know I love you. I'll be good to you! Please, make the right decision!"

"Jake…can't…breathe!"

"Oh! Sorry," he let me go a little, but kept me locked loosely in his arms. I enjoyed the warmth – such as stark contrast to Edward's arms just a short while ago.

"Hey kids!" We broke apart, as Billy rolled his wheelchair into the room. "Have a look at this photo, while you're here," he held out the picture for us. I reached out and took it,

"Thanks, Billy."

"No problem." He turned around, and wheeled back out. I wondered why he had interrupted us, but then looked down at the photo. It was from the gathering after Harry's funeral. Everyone looked relaxed and happy, like a big family, despite the sadness associated with the day's events. I searched until I found myself, resting against Jacob, his arms around me. Jacob was peering over my shoulder, looking at the photo too.

"You don't look that upset to be with me, there, Bells," he teased. I smacked him lightly on the wrist,

"I'm always happy when I'm with you Jake…" I paused. The truth of the words hit me like a ton of bricks. I looked at the photo again. Here, with my new family, I didn't stand out. Sure, the wolves were all super-fast and agile, but looking at the photo, they weren't astonishingly, inhumanely, flawless. I wasn't out of my depth in this crowd. This photo showed me as part of a group – part of a group where I fitted. Part of a group where I belonged. I spun around to face Jacob, dropping the photo as I flung my arms around his neck, and buried my face against his chest.

"Bella? What's wrong?" Jake sounded panicked.

"Nothing," I mumbled, "nothing at all." I didn't want to let go, but I pulled back a little, so I could look up at Jacob. "Do you remember the photo I showed you the day Harry died?" Jake stiffened, so I took that as a yes. "I…I didn't belong there, Jake. I never felt worthy, I never, believed it was going to work. But, looking at that photo, I think perhaps I do belong here…with you."

Jake gasped, "Bella?"

"I meant what I said, Jake, I am always happy when I am with you. You make me so happy. How can I give that up? Why would I want to give that up? Yes, it's true, I did love him. But he tore me apart. And it was you, Jake, who put me back together. I can't live without you now." I raised my eyes to his. They were blazing down at me.

"He came back, and yet, you choose me?"

I was certain now. I had worried during deliberation, but I had made my decision. The rest was easy. I whispered, "I choose you, Jake."

Suddenly Jake's lips were on mine, crushing them. My arms tightened around his neck. I wound my fingers in his hair, pulling him ever closer. I breathed in his scent with my eyes closed, as my mouth moved against his. Jake's lips were firm and dry, and he didn't hold back. No restraint. I could let myself go as I had not been able to…before. I moved my lips to his throat, his collarbone. Jake moaned softly. His hands found the skin at my waist, stroking gently. I pressed myself yet closer. I edged my body round so that I was lying down, next to Jake. I ran my hands along his arms, feeling the curve of his biceps. Kissing Jacob was much more natural than anything I'd ever done. We fit together like two halves of a whole. The passion I felt was overwhelming. I slipped my hands under his shirt, feeling the soft yet firm planes along his back. Jake moaned again. I silenced his mouth with my own. Jake ran his hands along the curve of my waist, down to my hips. I groaned with pleasure. The heat of his hands on my body felt unbelievable. Even after his hands moved on, my skin was left hot and tingling.

Jake's hand moved slowly from my waist down to my ankle; he caressed my calf; then, with a sudden movement, hitched my leg up around his waist. My breathing quickened. The heat that was Jake's hands moved back to my hips, my waist, then slid gently up under my t-shirt. My hands moved lower, finding the edge of his sweatpants. Jacob gasped, and pulled back abruptly,

"Bella," he breathed, "My Bella. We'd better stop for now; else I won't be able to control myself."

I pulled my hands out from under his shirt, and ran them up his arms, to stroke his face, "for now, then."

He leaned down to kiss me once more. Gently, this time. Tenderly. I could feel the love flowing between us. We would have plenty of time to finish this later. I knew he would never let me down. My Jacob. My sun.

Note: I had some requests for a longer intimate scene between Jake and Bella. I added a little, but didn't want them to get too carried away. After all, Billy is still in the next room! Also, as nice as it is to imagine for them, I didn't think it should be the focus of the story :)