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Chapter 11 – Plans

The sky was deep dark grey. The clouds were piecing together over the horizon. All of an orange colour, lit by the setting sun. Pink and red ran through this orange cluster, making for a pretty outline to the day, yet I knew the trouble lay in the dark sky above me. I was impatient. If the rain was going to threaten me like this, where was the first drop? Where was that first sign that told me all I needed to know? I need confirmation right now; the sky was lying to me as it was. I felt the anger bubble up underneath the surface of my calm exterior. I was being irrational. I was letting the emotion overcome me for once.

"Bella, you know what happened to Emily, right?" I shook my head. I had never been sure of what happened to Emily's face; but I had never wondered after that first day. There had been too much going on. And now my head was drowning in thoughts of Paul's and mine conversation today. I did not need to hear another terrible story to pull my heart deeper into the pit of my stomach – holding back the tears once was enough. But Jake continued anyway; regardless of the pained expression on my face.

"You see Sam and Emily are connected in a way that is not matched by normal lovers. Sam left everything he had to be with Emily. But his life was tied to hers from the moment he first looked in her eyes. But things weren't perfect for them. Sam and Emily argued a lot because he had left Leah Clearwater to be with Emily. Emily and Leah were cousins. It was a difficult situation…" Jake looked very uncomfortable. I tried to touch his arm for him to stop but he shook me off.

"Just listen! Sam lost control during one of their fights. He couldn't hold his shape and Emily was too close. He didn't want to hurt her, he just lost it. I see in his mind every day the regret and sadness in him for what happened to Emily. He can't understand why she took him back. She never left him. She knew what it would do to him if she did. You see Sam is imprinted on Emily. So they can't ever separate." I wondered what this meant. Jake had never spoken about imprinting before.

"Bella, I wanted more than anything to imprint on you, so that our relationship could be a sure thing. I needed it and you did too. But I didn't. I can't understand it because I feel like you are the only girl for me. You know what can happen if you stay with me. You've seen Emily. But you would not have to stay. You could leave. I could…I could imprint on someone else. I don't want to hurt you like that – I could never – but it's uncontrollable."

I felt sorry for Jake. He loved me, but he could not love me forever. If he was destined to imprint on somebody else I would be left alone again. I wanted a relationship with Jake. I would never want anything more than his warmth with me forever.

"Jake, I would take that risk for you. If we can have weeks or years of happiness, then at least I'll know I had that much. And don't be ridiculous, you would never hurt me. Not on purpose." I tried to soothe him. He had had a hard day and he didn't need to be stressing, just because I kissed him and caused all of these feelings to surface. I did love Jake and I knew that the risk would be worth it. I made a mental note to ask Emily to describe imprinting to me. Jake seemed put off by the idea of it.

The day had been eventful enough. Sitting here in Emily's back yard, surrounded by trees and foliage of all sorts, I thought of how …strange my day had been. I had spent the day worrying about Paul rather than fearing for my life. I should have been mad with worry for Jake and the pack, but I hadn't been. It had been like some unknown force had been redirecting my train of thought. Making my feelings of worry dissipate, leaving only the sorrow for Paul. But nothing could have done that on purpose. I hoped.

Jake left me sitting in the yard alone and went into the house when he heard Sam return. I knew they had pack business to talk about and so I left them to it. Their voices were raised, I hoped they weren't fighting. I knew Sam could control all of Jakes movements with just a look in his direction and a thought thrown his way. This unnerved me. I was so glad to have my free will. Well, except apparently the focus of my feelings.

The focus of my feelings. My worry. My sorrow. Oh my. One of the Cullen's had been through this way today. How close had they gotten? Close enough to feel what I felt? I hoped not. Maybe that was why I had unexplained pity for Paul and why Paul had opened up to me, and then reacted crazily to his own actions – as if I had made him do it. There was only one who could do that. One that I knew of anyway. I felt the cold shiver down my spine at the thought of him. He had been the only one… the only one I could never have been sure of.

"JAKE!" I cried in fear. "Come here, Jake…Please?" Jake returned and sat next to me, putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Sam stood calmly in the doorway. "Jake…Sam… Who has been here today? Has there been a vampire near Emily's house?"

Jake glanced worriedly at Sam. Sam sighed and cam and sat on the steps behind the door. I was really worried now. Sam nodded and his head fell into his hands. His fingers pulled at his short hair in anguish.

"Sam, was it a Cullen?" I said it without fear or hesitation. A Cullen wouldn't hurt me. But I didn't know anymore. Maybe they had sided with Victoria. I couldn't see Alice against me – I didn't know what I could have done for that.

Sam nodded again. I was really worried now.

"Did all of you feel the need to run away from him? Or feel strange when he was here?" Sam nodded in response yet again. He sighed and lifted his head, as if it caused him great pain to do so.

"Bella, we failed today because of the magic tricks of some leech. I was so angry when he was gone again that we ran blindly after them. We couldn't catch them; we had no hope when I was seeing red and only red. I didn't even get to see his eyes…" Sam looked so pained that I felt bad for bringing this up. I had to know though. And what did he mean exactly by seeing Jasper's eyes?

Red eyes. If he had had red eyes, he would have broken the treaty. That was why the wolves couldn't chase the vampires. That was why Paul had come back from phasing every time, with no news. That explained the sorrow of the wolves when they returned, after seemingly chasing the vampires out of town. It hit me hard. Jasper was the Cullen with the least amount of control. He was the one who had nearly given in to his hunger at my birthday last year. I hoped he was not against us now.

Sam apologized to me. He said they shouldn't have lied. He asked me how I knew that there had been a vampire here today. I knew that by answering him, I would give away Paul's weakness. I just said I had a gut feeling. I said I knew each of their traits, so i guessed correctly.

"You two, you can stay here tonight. Emily won't be home and we have the spare beds anyway… But no funny business. I can sense the tension a mile away." Same smiled slightly as he finished his demands. I felt my cheeks burn. Jake laughed it off as usual, but he winked at Sam. I had to laugh then, he always made me feel so carefree.

After we got settled in the spare room in Emily's home, we cuddled up on the small bed. We talked about many things. Jake kept nuzzling my neck at several intervals. Eventually I drifted off to sleep. His warm embrace kept me relaxed and comfortable. We had no intentions to further our relationship in the bedroom, but it was nice to spend the night together. No worries.

I am standing at the edge of a dark cliff. Nobody can save me now. I will not give in and fall over. Behind me comes a very familiar pale and handsome man. He is blurry around the edges. In front of me, I spare a look over the huge crevice. Below me there is a fire red beast waiting to get me. I can hear a husky voice telling me not to jump. I cry out to that voice, plead for help. The man behind me advances, but he catches me and makes me look into his eyes. His eyes are nothing. Non-existent. When I look into them I see pain and hunger. He wants me but he cannot have me. He will not have me. He leaves me go and I slip on the edge. He is disgusted in himself. He cannot bear to hurt me, yet he must. For his family. I know that now. As I fall, yelling and screaming over the rocky edge, his eyes bore into mine – turning crimson with each passing second…

I woke up with a start. Jake was nearly on top me shaking my shoulders in an attempt to wake me fully.

"Bella, you've been screaming. You'll wake Sam if you don't shut up."

I just lay there. Strange dream. I didn't want to be pushed into Victoria's arms but I had no control over how hard or fast I fell. My destiny was in others arms. Jake couldn't stop it, and neither could I. Jasper was my only hope. I had to see him. If he was nearby, surely he would want to talk to me. Jake had worry in his dark eyes as I contemplated my dream.

"Please, Bella, say something… You were crying and everything. I didn't know what to do. You were calling for me but when I answered you would just cry louder…" Jake looked away. How embarrassing was that? Not only had Jake seen me dreaming about him, but Sam had probably heard every word too. Jake out his arms protectively around me and assured me I was safe now, in his arms. I was so appreciative of him then.

"I'm scared, Jake. I'm scared of everything. Look at the danger I've put the pack in. I can never repay you all for that. For today. It could have gone worse, much worse."

"But it didn't, Bells. Don't worry yourself about this. The pack doesn't get much action when you're not around to attract it." Jake nudged my ear playfully with his nose. His warm breath soothed my worries instantly. I loved this side of Jake.

Suddenly, as if sensing my feelings of love for him, his large body shifted and he was staring into my eyes. His stare was so penetrating; it caught my breath up in my throat. If I didn't kiss him again in that moment, I felt as if I would never breathe again. And so I did. He moaned lightly as he fought the urge himself, but I leaned gradually forward. I lifted my head from the pillows on the soft bed.

I reached his warm lips in what felt like an age. His lips. I would never get enough of them. So full and soft, the way they massaged my own, making me feel all of the love and devotion Jake had for me. I loved his kiss. We stayed like that, kissing gently, chastely – until his tongue gently nudge my bottom lip. He was begging for entrance so I allowed it. Nothing had ever felt so right in my heart. His tongue searched and warmed the unexplored territory inside my mouth. It was warm and inviting. The kiss was not restricting, like all the others had been in my past. This kiss was relaxed – it allowed me to explore, to push my face closer to his, to deepen it. His heat overcame me quickly though. We parted and looked deep into each other's eyes, both panting heavily.

Jake turned over and lay beside me, placing a hand over my stomach again and snuggling closer to me. I smiled as I closed my eyes and fell asleep. Feeling more at home than I had since I moved to Forks.

Waking up next to Jake had been wonderful. Well, for at least a moment anyway. Embry and Quil had entered the small bedroom and continued to watch us uneasily. It was as if they were wary of our situation. I tried to look innocent, as nothing had actually happened; only kissing. Oh, if they knew about that kiss. I felt myself tingle all over at the thoughts of it. I fought it but it aroused me. I was sure they could hear my quickening heartbeat and the electricity gathering in my centre. I fought it but it overcame me. I was ashamed of myself, thinking of Jake that way when he was so pure and innocent. But his half naked body kept popping up in my mind's eye. All three boys swiftly up and left the room – as if they could sense my arousal and it scared them. Jake looked back and winked at me from the door. It was really as if they knew.

I sighed, and prepared to leave for home. I had told Charlie I would be home early. And I had to return without Jake, or else we would be suspicious. I wasn't sure how he would react if knew how close Jake and I had gotten in the space of one day. But I had a feeling he would be okay. He liked Jake; he treated him as a son. Charlie had never, ever liked …Edward. It felt different saying his name now, even if it was only to be kept to myself in my head. The pain seared in my chest, but that hole was covered up by the ever growing love I felt for Jake. That connection let my mind know that whatever Edward had done to me, Jake could fix it. He would fix it.

I left the guys, ignoring all of their stares as I went. Sam was the only one who didn't seem wary of me as I entered the kitchen, now cramped with all of the pack present. The drive home was silent. I felt a slight bit uneasy, but it quickly passed over. In my head I thanked Jasper, if it was him who had supplied this emotion too. I ran up to my room when I got home, there had been a note from Charlie on the door, stating he had an extra shift in work and so he would not be home until dinner. I knew I would get started after a while to make Charlie something nice. He had been working a lot lately and he wasn't used to me not being home to cook for him and clean for him.

As I sat in my room, I felt even more uneasy. A wave of calm washed over me yet again. It didn't even shock me to see Jasper enter through my window. Subconsciously, my mind went over his appearance and trusted it completely. His eyes were still golden, but full of worry as he watched me sitting still on my bed.

"Bella, it's so hard to get to you now with all of these dogs! Alice made me come - she couldn't bear to see you. Victoria…" I cut him off

"I know about Victoria, Jasper. Thanks for chasing her yesterday…" I was ashamed but I was very thankful to him for helping me in my hour of need. Who knows what could have happened if he hadn't shown up.

"I had to stop the wolves from chasing her. She knows about them. She knows they are protecting you. And she will stop at nothing to get you. Alice saw her plan – but it was difficult to piece together. She cannot see past the wolves, so she doesn't know how it will end. I have to speak with the wolves about this… Right away. I cannot even tell you alone, I must have them present also. This concerns them totally. Please, Bella, call Jacob Black and ask him to meet with me, and the pack too." Jasper was so serious I picked up my cell without hesitation. He was here to help me. I couldn't believe it. I was so lucky. I wondered where the rest were. As if sensing my curiosity, Jasper told me that they were all in Alaska, and that they had not wanted to come so close to me. I was angry.

"This was all his fault Jasper. Why didn't he come to help me?"

"Bella, you reek of werewolf. Edward wouldn't be able not to rip Jacob Black's head off if he knew how you felt whenever I said his name. He can read thoughts Bella, and I cannot hide mine. We had to tie him down to keep him away from you, we had to. We sent him to hone his tracking skills, in South America." I was shocked. How had Jasper known how I felt for Jake? This unexplained lust in me that wanted Jake so badly. I stopped thinking about Jake now. Jasper would know. I blushed.

"It's okay, Bella. I understand. We all do. You had to move on. Alice was so depressed seeing you miserable and doing miserable things. When she stopped seeing you she knew, you had either decided to die, or you had moved on… to him. Jacob is natural to you and we respect that, even if werewolves are our natural enemies. But you should control your feeling around the wolves. If it embarrasses you in front of me… Well, they can smell emotion Bella. They can smell fear, smell anger - it's the wolf in them. They can smell your…um…"

Realisation dawned over me. Oh. My. God. I was shocked. I was going to kill them. Each and every one of them. Wait until I saw them. I didn't care about superhuman strength. But I thought about bringing up my arousal in front of all of them and confirming it. Jasper looked very uncomfortable standing at my window. A wave of calm washed over me. I smiled in appreciation.

"So, the call Bella…"

I picked up my cell again, more than happy to change the subject. I dialled the familiar number and waited for it to ring out.

"BELLA? What the hell is going on? There's a Cullen in your house! Didn't you hear the howls and warnings Jared let out…? Wait, did you know?" Jake was flustered. He couldn't get his thoughts straight by the sound of his voice.

"Jake, it's Jasper. He needs to speak with the pack. It's about Victoria. He wants to help…He's not against you guys…" I didn't know what to say. I was unsure about this whole thing. Jasper meant well but Jake didn't know that.

"Okay, Bella put him on the phone…" Jasper took the phone from me so quickly I hadn't even heard him walk up behind me. I shivered as his cold hand brushed mine. His voice talked so quickly over the phone that I couldn't make out what they were saying. I was very curious to know how this was going.

The call ended abruptly. Jasper smiled at me apologetically, he knew I felt left out now. This was all about me but they wouldn't even try to speak like humans so I could understand.

"Bella, we are going to meet in the forest tonight. I am going hunting for the day. I will come to get you at midnight, so leave the window open. Jacob wants you to be there, but he cannot make it to get you. Alice will be happy to know that I am here to watch you, for now."

"If you talk to her, will you tell her I miss her, please?" I couldn't say anymore, the loss I felt without my previous best friend was stronger now that I had almost gotten fully over Edward. My voice cracked and I stopped talking. Jasper nodded and left silently. Leaving me to my thoughts.

I knew Jacob wanted me to be with him tonight, but I supposed he needed Jasper now too. Maybe this was why he allowed me to spend some time with him. He knew I could judge for myself. I wondered how much this was hurting him, but decided that it couldn't be too much. He didn't know about the incident with Jasper last year, and I had no plans in telling him. I wanted the news from my friends in Alaska. I needed some news from them. Jasper was my only hope. In many ways. I hoped he had a plan to get rid of Victoria…