*JPOV*
I had just entered into the forests surrounding Forks. The burning pain in my chest that had been present for months now seemed almost non-existent. I was finally home after weeks of blindly wandering the Canadian wilderness.
"Jake?" I could hear Seth's voice in my head and the closer I came the more voices I could pick up, all of them asking if I was back for good. I chose to ignore them and increased my pace. I cursed my head into thinking my heart was ready for this. Anyone in their right mind would still be thousands of miles away. Did I question my sanity? Of course, especially when it came to Bella.
I slowed as I neared the edge of the Cullen property. The smell hit me instantly. The revolting aroma of leech, mixed with my favorite scent in the world; strawberries and vanilla. I crept forward careful to keep myself hidden beneath the cover of the trees. I breathed a sigh of relief, as I saw Charlie leading her down the aisle. I had made it…barely. I watched silently filled with regret. Bella and I hadn't spoken since the night of the battle. I had told her that I needed time to think before we met again. The next day as soon as I was healed I tore out of the house and phased before I could change my mind. All I knew at that moment was that I needed to put distance between myself and Forks. I didn't even care how my absence would affect Bella. After all she was the reason I was running in the first place. It's too bad I didn't realize it until now when it is most definitely too late.
I kept my thoughts simple, choosing to think of a blank canvas. The last thing I needed was Cullen to know I was here. He knew Bella was unhappy that I wouldn't be attending the wedding and I was hoping he would be too distracted with today's events to notice my presence.
"Do you Isabella Swan take Edward Cullen to be your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?" As the priest uttered those words, my heart shattered again, just when I thought it couldn't be more broken. I strained to hear her response over the thudding of my heart. A few seconds passed and I heard absolutely nothing. I couldn't see her from my vantage point, Cullen was blocking my view. Suddenly I saw Bella peering around him and I saw recognition flash through her eyes. Had she seen me? I took several steps back into the trees and waited, hoping she would mistake me for her imagination. "Bella…are you okay?" Alice's melodic voice floated to me on the breeze. After several moments the priest repeated his question and this time there was no mistaking the sound of Bella's voice. "I Do" I felt myself trembling and realized it had absolutely nothing to do with the change as I was already phased. I closed my eyes and felt the familiar rush of heat throughout my limbs. Within seconds I was human again. I slipped on the shorts that I kept tied to my ankle. It was really over. I had heard it with my own ears and saw it with my own eyes. There was nothing left to do but leave again as quickly as possible.
Without thinking about it I began walking in the direction of La Push. I knew these woods well and could easily find my way even if I were blindfolded. I bolted easily over a fallen log and landed without a sound. My stealth abilities had increased over the past few weeks due to staying in wolf form; so that as a human I was able to be completely undetectable. Suddenly and without warning I felt a sharp pain in my head. Ouch, shit, what the hell? I angrily rubbed my head and turned in the opposite direction. Before I could take another step I felt another stabbing pain. When I looked down I noticed the source of my discomfort. "High Heels?" I muttered as I picked up the one lying at my feet. Within seconds I was once again on the edge of Cullen's yard and I found myself face to face with Bella. The sight of her took my breath away and I couldn't trust myself to speak without losing it. So I tried my usual friendly banter hoping to ease the tension.
"Bells, I know we didn't part on the best of terms, but I don't think I deserve having spiked heels thrown at my head." "Jake…" Bella whispered my name so softly almost as if she didn't believe I was real. In mere seconds she had rushed forward and was in my arms. I willed my arms to stay by my sides, to not show her any emotion. But this was Bella…my Bella, even if she did smell like him. I gave up and wrapped her in one of my infamous bear hugs. "You came…" She murmured as she pulled away and searched my face keeping her arms around my waist. I smiled as I finally took in her appearance. "You look beautiful Bells, even if your dress is torn. " She was breathtaking and I was relieved to know that her clumsiness hadn't changed a bit. I watched as she blushed and fingered the fabric of her dress nervously. "Why did you hide Jake? You're my best friend and I wanted so much for you to be here." The questions were becoming a little too much to handle. I frowned and stepped back from her embrace, careful to keep my face hidden in the shadows. You know the answer already Bells, please don't make me say it." I could feel my heart beating wildly in my chest as I watched her struggle with her emotions. "Bella…where are you?" I could hear Alice calling her from the other side of the trees. The look on Bella's face was one of pure panic. She took several steps toward me in her haste not to be discovered. You'd better go back to your bloodsu…husband." As soon as the words left my lips I knew it was time to go. If I stayed any longer I was just going to break her heart. Even though that is exactly what she'd done to me countless times, I could not bear to do it to her. "Jake…" I tried to ignore her. But the agony in her voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned back and swept her into my arms, crushing her to my bare chest. "My sweet Bella...I hate myself more everyday for failing you. I told myself I should stay away and leave you to the life you have chosen. But the pull I feel for you is so strong…even now. Please know that I'll always love you…even after your heart stops beating." I sighed and gently kissed her forehead. I stepped back and put space between us. "Goodbye Bells…" I whispered as I turned and ran into the woods, not looking back. It eerily reminded me of the time Cullen had left her. Only this time he would be there to pick up the pieces. After all he had eternity to do so.
I phased instantly and pushed myself to run faster. This time I knew exactly where I was going…home. I needed to be reunited with my people and to claim my birthright. Bella had moved on and it was time that I did the same.