A/N: This is a filler chapter, but necessary to convey the state of everyones emotions…sort of the clam before the storm. If you have noticed I changed the summary for this story. I have decided to take it in a new direction; I think you will really be pleased. Not to worry, will always be a Jacob/Bella story. Please review anyway, although it is just a filler chapter it took me awhile to write. Thank you all.

Chapter 7

I emerged from the shower feeling a new sense of peace. For the first time in a long time, there was no war raging inside, no internal battle to be fought. The weight of impending doom and undecided fate was washed away with the searing water, leaving me buoyant. Contentment swelled from within as I bounded out of the bathroom and into Jacobs room. A surge of heat rushed through me as I took in the disheveled state of his bed; the chaotic mess of his sheets exposing its previous activity. I slipped into the pair of dark sweats that Jake had worn earlier. They were still slightly warm as I held them close, and decided to not put my underwear on beneath them. Ever since his passing comment about my scent, I was intrigued and more so compelled to drown myself in the smell of him, I wanted everything that was Jacob Black to envelope me entirely.

Staring at nothing of importance, my fingers combed hypnotically through my damp hair, completely lost in my own reverie. For as long as I can remember I had fought desperately against this outcome. Grasping at straws, straining for excuses to give this man that would deem me damaged goods, a product of desolation and self-pitty. Jake fought back furiously, yet I never even entered the ring, throwing in the towel and avoiding the commitment of the fight. This painful regret would be the heavy burden that would forever weigh down my new found buoyancy. I didn't see a way out of it, and still, I welcomed it. Regret, I knew, would keep me humble and constantly striving towards the unattainable goal of Jacob's full trust.

"Bells…"

I whipped around, holding Jakes shirt to my bare chest. Jacob stood casually with his arms over head grasping the door frame. His demeanor was as confident and cool as I had ever seen him.

"Hi." I breathed, trying to exude the same confidence.

"It uh, works better if you put that on…" He motioned with his chin to the shirt as he fought back a cocky grin.

"Yeah, I was just brushing my hair out first…what's the news with my truck?" I hardened my tone,

attempting to show genuine concern. He was making it painfully difficult as he stood before me, grease stained and unkempt. He shrugged.

"You need a new battery. I can pick one up for you in the morning…" he seemed to be distracted as he paused to look me over, "I uh brought your stuff in, figured you'd need something to wear to bed."

He smirked and glanced again at my attire before reaching down to retrieve my duffle bag.

"Thanks," gnawing nervously on my lip, I stepped forward to my bag taking it in my free hand, "I forgot I had all my stuff with me."

My mind raced to find an excuse to not have to leave the comfort of his clothes. I dropped my eyes from his and walked to the bed, placing my bag beside it. Before I could turn, or another word could pass between us, I felt his hands on my back. Tracing a line between my shoulder blades, I sucked in rough breath, as he brought his other hand to my front, spreading his finger wide across my belly and firmly pressing me into him. I titled my head back against his chest reveling in the warm sensations that his hand sent seeping into my abdomen. I felt his rough knuckles scrape my neck as he brushed my hair back to one side and put his lips to the hollow behind my ear. I moaned contently in response. His fingers momentarily left my stomach and grasped a fistful of his t-shirt, sliding it free of my hold, exposing me fully. With the shirt in hand, he gently turned me to face him. His is emboldened gaze bore heavy into mine.

I watched as his eyes ravaged me once more while he guided my arms above me. Never touching, only admiring, he shimmied the shirt down my arms and pulled it over me. I was surprised to find that it fit more snug than I would have imagined, probably something he had from before his transformation.

He nodded slightly, seeming pleased with his work. I lowered my arms.

"There." He said.

As he smiled down approvingly, I knew in that instant that he must have sensed my unease and was showing me he craved my own scent on him, just as much I did. If were possible, my heart swelled further. For his consideration, for his decency, I loved this man more than any one person has loved another.

"Thanks, that feels good," I said while smoothing the shirt out.

"Ya, it does." Jake beamed. I blushed at the double meaning in his words.

My fingers braided together, he solid confidence was leaving me up short for words. I was even stuttering internally as he refused to release my eyes from his seductive stare.

Thankfully, he chuckled deeply, leaned into kiss my forehead, and sauntered out of the room. I laughed humorlessly at myself, staring at the empty doorway. From the front of the house I could hear the hum of many voices. The door was opened and closed several times, I glanced at the clock-it was passed midnight, the pack was here.

Once in the living room I was greeted by everyone and received very warmly. Sam shook my hand and welcomed me back, I noticed both scrutiny and acceptance that formed in his eyes simultaneously. The rest of the guys pulled me light heartedly into bone crushing hugs, there was an undercurrent of relief that filled our small reunion. Each of the boy's faces was splattered with gracious smiles, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for the reason why. It was evident to me now that I left Jacob a broken man, they all lived his sorrow, his mental anguish had become their own.

As the early morning hours approached we all took turns sharing stories and the pack tried to catch me up on everything I missed. Seth was exceedingly interested in college life and was captivated as he sat at my feet-chin in hand; soaking up anything I had to tell him. In my absence all of their relationships had flourished. Sam and Emily were currently working on starting their family, while Quil still spent all of his free time dotting on Claire, their bond as a pack appeared at its strongest. It didn't slip my attention, Sam's parental-type glow, they all unknowingly orbited around one another.

Jake joined us after his shower; he laid comfortably between my legs resting his head on my stomach, as I pulled my fingers through his hair. Every now and then a quiet purr would vibrate his chest as my nails grazed his neck, finally dozing off completely. Soon his melodic snoring rose above the conversations, and they all began to wrap up their stories. Sam stood first, the others following suit.

"Well, we'll head out then. You guys get some rest…we have plenty of time to catch up," his statement was thick with implication, "see you tomorrow, erh, tonight at the bonfire."

I waved as they all filed out the door. Jake stirred against me so I took the opportunity to wake him and get him in bed.

"Jake, c'mon lets go to bed baby," I crooned softly.

He grunted, stretched and crawled to his feet bringing me with him. I buried my head in his shoulder and wrapped my arm around his waist; he was dead on his feet. Jake made noises and mumbled, I giggled beside him as when flopped down on his bed. He opened his arm and I snuggled up next to him, instantly feeling the weight of sleep approaching.

As I slipped into sleep, I heard him give a groggy laugh.

"What?" I asked him, my eyes still closed.

"You called me baby…" I looked up to seem him grinning widely.

Our day ended just as the sun was rising.