I reluctantly started another week of school, tired and tense. Walking through the halls, I overheard snippets of conversations — about dates, baseball games, homework — and felt totally alone among my peers. I was dealing with stresses that were unprecedented for the typical 18-year old. My only relief was Angela, whose light conversation kept my mind preoccupied for the short time we were together.

My stomach was a ball of nerves. I was planning to go to the Cullens' house right after school, and I didn't quite know what I would ask or say. Jacob knew where I would be headed, and even though he said it was okay, I knew he wanted to run a wide perimeter of their house in case I "needed" him. I tried to assure him it wasn't necessary, but he told me it would make him feel better. I understood the gesture, but it reminded me of something Edward would probably do. It wasn't something I really expected from Jacob.

As I walked out to the parking lot with Angela and Ben, I heard a lot of murmuring from my classmates. There was a cautious, curious circle around where I parked. To my pleasant surprise, Jacob was leaning against the side of my truck, and my classmates were giving him a wide berth. I suppose he did look intimidating if you didn't already know him — six feet and several inches of Native American muscle. My face broke out in a smile and Angela nudged me, grinning.

As I drew closer, however, I saw Jacob's face. It was furious — his nose wrinkled and his eyes wide. I finally saw the short figure that Jacob's massive frame had been blocking. Alice had also come to Forks High School to greet me after class. She leaned against the back bumper of my vehicle, her nose also wrinkled but a less intimidating expression on her sweet face. Next to me, Angela gasped quietly and glanced at me with concern.

"It's okay, Angela," I told her. "I knew they were back…but…Edward's not with them. It doesn't matter anyway. See you tomorrow!" With that I left Angela shocked, with her mouth hanging open, and I broke out in a trot. I threw myself into Jacob's scorching hug, trying to prove a point to him by greeting him first.

He hugged me back gratefully and we both turned to Alice, who was watching us with surprised eyes. I held Jacob's slightly vibrating arm as I walked the few feet to her — dragging Jacob behind me — and squeezed her around the waist. "I'm so happy you're here!" I told her.

"I had to come…not because I was eager to see Mike Newton and Eric Yorkie again, but I saw that you would need some help finding the turnoff for the house. It's grown over quite a bit since…um, since we left." Her eyes dropped, ashamed.

I let go of Jacob so I could hug her tightly. "It's okay, Alice. You're here now. I'm not angry with you guys. I can't wait to get caught up with everyone — even Rosalie. Let's get going." I turned to pull my boyfriend down for a quick kiss, murmuring my affections, and noticed Alice stiffen slightly. Ugh, I guess we would have to talk about that…I forgot that she hadn't been able to see anything blossoming between Jacob and me.

Jacob said in a controlled voice over my head, "I'm not entirely comfortable with this, but if you think everything will be okay, I'll go on and head home." I shot him a questioning look, but couldn't help smiling at his progress. He pulled me close to him and whispered, "Call me if you need me…I'm only a few minutes' run away." And then to Alice, he said, "Don't think I won't come to that house if I feel Bella is in danger."

Alice's eyes flashed as she retorted, "I would never put Bella in danger if I could help it dog… oops... I meant Jacob. And don't worry — she reeks of werewolf so much that I think our control will not be an issue. Like anyone could eat something that smells like that…"

"Guys…" I warned, as I climbed into the truck. Alice gracefully slid into the passenger seat, an innocent expression on her face.

"I'll behave," she promised with a small sigh.

"I'll be out there if you need me," Jacob reminded me. "I love you, Bells."

"I love you too," I said firmly, kissing him through the driver's side window and watching as he walked to his motorcycle and sped off quickly, weaving and dodging around the cars lined up to get out of the lot.

Once we were on the road, Alice grasped my hand in her tiny, cold ones and turned to me with questioning eyes. I anticipated her question and answered it for her. "Yes, Jacob and I are together," I said firmly, glancing at her with a hint of defiance. "I can't sit back and wait for Edward to come back to me. I deserve to be happy."

"I never said you didn't, Bella," Alice said quietly. "But a young werewolf? If you thought Edward was dangerous…"

"I never, for a single moment, thought Edward would hurt me…physically," I added softly. "And Jacob won't either. You don't know him like I do."

"And you don't know werewolves like we do," Alice stressed. "When I told the rest of the family, they were…well, we are all worried about you. Carlisle seemed to think everything would be fine, but Emmett and Jasper were nearly ready to start World War III in La Push. I think they're as protective of you as Edward always was. But you have to realize…with our family and the pack so entwined in your life, Victoria is just one of the dangers for you right now."

I shook my head vehemently. "I know you can't see what will happen, Alice, but I have faith that everything will be fine. And as far as Jacob and the pack…I hate to sound harsh, but you'll just have to get used to it."

She was silent for several minutes. She wasn't searching the future, she was just…still. Finally, I couldn't stand it.

"Alice, please tell me what you're thinking."

Her voice was small. "I just wonder how…I mean, you loved Edward!"

I cringed slightly. "I still love Edward," I told her softly, "but when he left me, he told me how he really felt about me." I shook my head. "I was such a fool…"

"You can't believe anything Edward told you when he left," Alice cried. "He would have said anything to make it a clean break…he made a huge mistake when he left, but he thought it was for your own good. He loves you Bella…he still loves you. I'd bet my existence on it."

A lump formed in my throat. I heard Alice's words, but Edward's harsher ones rang in my ear. You're not good for me, Bella. It will be as if I'd never existed.

"So why isn't he here now?" I demanded. "If he's so in love with me, why is he staying away while you're all here fighting to protect me?" Alice's fingers tightened around my hand and her eyes flashed black for a moment, angry.

"He doesn't know we're here," Alice said, gritting her teeth. "I haven't seen or heard from him in months, and I don't think he's contacted Carlisle. Last I saw, he was in South America, attempting to track Victoria to keep her from you." My jaw dropped. "So you see, Bella…he's still thinking of you, trying to protect you. Don't think so poorly of my lovesick brother. He would do anything for you."

I suppressed a hurt, sarcastic laugh. "Yeah, everything but stay with me." Alice didn't retort. "It doesn't matter anymore, Alice," I said. "I'm glad to be with Jacob. He doesn't smother me or overreact…and we don't have to hold back when we're with one another."

"Everything you were missing with my brother," she murmured sadly. "Edward was such an idiot about so many things. I know he wanted to stay away forever and let you have a clean break, but I don't think I can stay out of your life anymore. Our family is tied to you, and he is a member of our family. What would you do if you saw him again someday?"

Pain pierced me at the very thought of seeing him again. "I honestly don't know," I said quietly. "I told myself he'd want me to move on, and I have. I am totally in love with Jacob. But it doesn't matter. When he left, he meant for it to be forever."

Alice's beautiful face was pitiful and conflicted. "I can see that you're happy, and I'm glad. It doesn't mean I'm not sad you won't be my sister now."

We were drawing close to the turnoff to the Cullen house and Alice pointed it out. I would have totally missed it; she had been right. "What about the others, Alice?" I whispered, unsure. "How do you think they'll feel about the whole situation?"

Alice thought for a moment, her eyes blank. Finally, she gave me a sad smile. "It will all be fine, Bella," she said. "A lot of us can't understand why you're so close to werewolves, but you've never been one to make predictable choices — it's part of what makes you Bella. And like I said before…you're a member of our family. We're just so glad to be reunited with you!" She squeezed my hand for support as we began the weaving trip up their driveway.

My foot had just touched the top step when the door flung open and Esme bounded gracefully toward me, her arms open and a wide smile on her face. "Bella!" she exclaimed happily, pressing her cheek against mine and squeezing me firmly. Tears sprang to my eyes and we held each other. Carlisle appeared behind her and beamed.

"Hi Carlisle," I said shyly over Esme's shaking shoulder. If she were capable of tears, I knew she would be crying. She released me reluctantly and ushered me through the door, where Emmett was waiting with a crushing hug of his own. He spun me around and we laughed together, like nothing had changed.

Emmett set me down and I looked up to meet the dark amber eyes of Jasper, who stood a mere foot in front of me, silently. The last time we had been this close, he was snapping at me as I lay in a pile of glass and blood. His eyes looked so sad, and I felt his guilt and shame in waves. I reached up slowly and stroked the side of his face. I had never been this close to him, but he was still my brother. I concentrated on my emotions to show him that I wasn't angry or scared — I was happy, and perhaps a little anxious about their reactions.

"It's okay, Jasper," I said softly. "There's nothing to forgive."

His eyes seemed to lighten and a small smile twitched on his lips. Then, to my surprise, he stepped forward and hugged me stiffly, then quickly stepped back and walked to Alice's side. She was giggling in delight watching the exchange.

Rosalie seemed to hesitate near the couch, so I took the initiative. I walked calmly to her and hugged her. She stiffened, but then relaxed and hugged me back briefly, whispering, "It's nice to be back."

"I'm glad you are," I responded, releasing her and looking around at all of their faces. Esme motioned for me to sit down, Alice settling next to me.

"Would you like some water, Bella?" Esme offered and I nodded gratefully before looking back at the Cullen patriarch and taking a deep breath.

"So, where did you go when you left?"

Carlisle smiled. "Well, first we went to Denali in Alaska — we have some like-minded friends there, and it gave us the opportunity to collect our bearings and plan our next move. Emmett and Rosalie wanted to get away alone for a while, so they traveled in Africa for several months while the rest of us settled in central New York state. Jasper, Esme and I enrolled in Cornell for the spring semester, and Alice had started attending a local high school almost immediately."

"But we were terribly unhappy away from you, Bella. You've made Forks into our favorite home," Esme's sweet voice chimed as she handed me a bottle of Aquafina. I looked around the room at all of them. They looked so happy, yet still so strained. They even seemed to avoid my eyes. I decided to address the elephant in the room and get it over with.

"Where's Edward? Why isn't he with you?"

Carlisle and Esme looked at each other and she sat down on the couch, covering her face with her hands. It hurt me to see her so obviously in pain. Carlisle placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He hasn't been with our family since October, Bella. He decided to try to find Victoria, and has been gone ever since. He doesn't know we're here, obviously. We promised him we wouldn't interfere, but knowing that she is hunting you…we just can't ignore it."

"If he's tracking Victoria, doesn't he know she's here?"

Emmett snorted. "He might be good at a lot of stuff, but tracking isn't one of them."

I turned to him. "Then why haven't you told him she's here?"

He shrugged. "We haven't talked to him in months."

In the background, Esme whimpered sadly. "He doesn't have his cell phone anymore, and he's not contacting us."

I looked around at their sad faces, feeling incredibly guilty. If only I hadn't cut my finger…

"Don't, Bella," Jasper's quiet voice came from the corner of the room, obviously feeling my guilt. "This is not your fault. If the fault lies with anyone, it lies with Edward and me. I was the one who couldn't control my...instincts. And Edward made the choices that we're all struggling with now. He decided to leave Forks, and you. And he decided to leave us too."

"But why?" I whispered.

Rosalie huffed. "If you hadn't already noticed, Edward is prone to over-reacting once in a while."

I chuckled sadly. "Yeah, I guess he is." We all smiled sorrowfully, sitting for a moment in shared, comfortable quiet. I gave a large sigh…I had even missed their stony silence.

Alice piped up. "Let's not all sit around and mourn…Bella, tell them your good news!"

"My… my good news?" I asked, confused.

"Bella's in love," Alice giggled, "with a werewolf!" Every head snapped toward me, and my ears grew hot. "It's Jacob Black," she continued, oblivious to my apparent embarrassment.

"I…um," I stammered, not knowing what to say. I wondered if they'd yell at me for my dangerous foolishness. I also felt as though they were accusing me with their silence — wondering why I had moved on from Edward — until Emmett spoke up.

"A werewolf, huh? Geez, Bella…I guess a nice, normal human boy just isn't your cup of tea!" His face held a wide smirk. "Mike Newton never stood a chance with you!"

"I'm so glad for you," Esme added warmly. "And I know Edward…well, he'd want you to be happy."

"It hurt to let him go," I said softly. "I don't think he'll ever be out of my heart completely, and I hope you know how hard it was for me to move on. I don't want you to be angry with me for this."

Carlisle eyes flashed. "We could never, Bella. It was not your fault that you and Edward are no longer together, and we could never have expected you to pine your years away for someone who's no longer here." Esme and Emmett nodded in agreement and I felt waves of calm and smiled at Jasper gratefully. Carlisle continued, cautiously. "But, are you sure he's safe to be around? We love you and will support whatever choice you make, but I just want to make sure you understand the risks involved."

"I'm sure, Carlisle…and, I appreciate your concern. But I know Jacob better than anyone else, and I have faith in him and his control. Just like I do for all of you."

"Speaking of your werewolf," Rosalie started, "are you sure you want to go along with this plan of theirs? It puts you in great risk, Bella."

"I'm sure," I told her. "I trust the pack with my life — they've already saved me once." The Cullens all nodded; no doubt Alice had filled them in regarding the Laurent situation. "And now that you're here, we'll definitely have the advantage. I just hate that you're putting yourselves in danger because of me. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that you're here…it's just that you didn't have to come."

Alice moved at my side and put her arm around me, squeezing me softly. "Yes we did," she said firmly. "I don't think you realize how important you are to us. Whether you're with Edward or not, we love you." Tears smarted my eyes at her words.

"Thanks, Alice," I whispered. "Do you even feel that way now that I don't want to be changed?"

Rosalie sighed in relief. "Not at all...I don't know how everyone else feels, but I think that's good news, Bella. Your humanity is too important."

We all fell silent. I fidgeted a bit in Alice's embrace, but they remained like stone. After a moment, Esme spoke up.

"So, you love Jacob Black, then? You're happy?"

I smiled at her. "I'm very happy, Esme. I was so broken when Edward left me, and Jacob fixed me. I don't know what you would have returned to see if he hadn't been there for me. I was like a shell of myself. He's really wonderful. I hope you all get a chance to see that."

"Hmph! Making friends with a werewolf…that could be interesting," Emmett said. "If we could get past the smell, at least — which reminds me…you stink like wet dog, Bella! Ouch!" he exclaimed as Rosalie smacked him on the arm.

I rolled my eyes as he dropped next to me on the couch. "Watch it, Emmett," I said, a teasing smirk on my face, "or I'll have my boyfriend beat you up." The Cullens laughed, and I nudged him playfully. Alice took my hand, and we all remained there for the next three hours — talking, laughing, and sharing stories. It was like old times, with only one glaring absence.

**

Alice insisted on accompanying me back to my house that night. "I miss Charlie," she whined. I was torn. I knew that Charlie would be happy to see his favorite little ball of energy, but I knew her presence — her family's presence — would make him worry about me and my frame of mind. Alice's pleading eyes won me over, and she also promised that she would take me to the combined vampire/werewolf 2 a.m. pow-wow. And so here we were, in my truck on our way home, Alice sitting in the passenger seat.

She sighed audibly at our steady speed, and gave me a critical once-over with her buttery eyes. "What happened to you, Bella?" she asked, her voice sounding sad. "I was finally starting to get through to you about fashion, and now I see you in flannels? And…is that dirt on your jeans?" Her voice was horrified and I snorted in laughter. "How did you get dirt on your jeans?"

"Well, to be honest, Alice, this is the fourth time I've worn them this week," I said, a smirk on my face. I waited for her reaction, and she didn't disappoint.

"Bella Swan! That's just…that's disgusting." She shook her head. "That's it, I'm taking you shopping. You have only five days until Victoria comes to La Push, and I'm making sure Jacob sees you in a different outfit every day."

"Alice…" I griped. She held up her hand, shushing me. I rolled my eyes, amused. "You know, for someone so interesting, you're kind of one-dimensional, you know that? You really need to branch out with your interests."

"What would you recommend?" she asked, her smile apparent in her voice.

"I don't know…gardening? Origami…or maybe tennis?" We laughed together as I pulled into my driveway. Alice practically flew out of the truck and pranced around me as I walked in the front door.

As usual, Charlie was parked in front of the television, a can of Rainier beer in his hand — his beloved "Vitamin R." The Mariners were losing on the screen. It was just another Monday night. Until a twinkling voice called out, "Charlie?"

My dad's head flew around at us in the entryway, his eyes widening at the sight of a quivering Alice, who squealed and launched herself at him. I scoffed, but couldn't help smiling as I saw Charlie hugging her back tightly, a broad smile on his face.

"Well, Alice…how are you doing, hon?" He was happy, but his eyes were cautious as they fell on me. I grinned at him, trying to silently convey that all was well.

"I'm great, Charlie! It's so nice to see you again…I was telling Bella when she was over at our house that I just had to come and see you! And then Bella said, 'why don't you just spend the night, too?' I hope I wouldn't be too much trouble…I just missed her so much." I opened my mouth at her words, but closed it quickly. Alice was a master at manipulating my dad, and was setting the stage beautifully for us to sneak out that night.

Charlie looked at me. "Alice, you guys were at your house? Is your whole family back then?" He didn't say it, but I knew what he meant by the question. Is Edward back then?

"Most of us are," she replied. "Mom was unhappy in L.A., and wanted to spend some time back here for a week or two, while I was on spring break. I think she's trying to convince Dad to move back. Oh, Charlie! It's so good to see you and Bella! California is nothing compared to Forks!"

I stifled a laugh and Charlie just looked dazed at her incessant chattering. Alice grabbed my hand and said," Come on, Bella. You have to catch me up on all of the gossip from our old crowd," and pulled me up the stairs to my room. I obliged, looking back with a grin as my father gave a confounded wave in our direction.

Once we were in my room with the door closed, I turned to talk to Alice, but she was already in my closet, throwing clothes around, making exclamations of horror occasionally. I sighed and sat on the bed. Same ol' Alice…same beautiful, sweet Alice, whom I had missed so much that I didn't object to her using me as a living doll that she could dress up.

She flounced out, carrying a few articles of my clothing. "Seriously, Bella? Do you own anything besides flannel anymore? This is so hard to work with!" I just grinned at her as she let out an exasperated, "Gah!"

"So, what's going to happen tonight?" I asked her as she held belts up to an oversized blue and black flannel, her brow creased in concentration.

"Hmm? Tonight? Oh, of course. Jasper is going to teach us, and the pack, how to fight newborns. They're very different from older vampires in their fighting style." She considered a pair of tight black yoga pants, throwing my jeans to the side, where they landed perfectly in my laundry hamper. "Remind me to have you tell him a bit of his story…that way you'll understand."

"Are you going to fight, Alice?" I asked, quietly. I couldn't imagine my tiny friend battling a snarling, red-eyed vampire. Esme either.

"Of course, Bella," she chirped, holding up her final design. "Now come here so I can see how this looks on you." I obliged without a word, my mind racing with worry for the Cullens and the pack.

**

Alice and I arrived in the clearing just after two in the morning. She had carried me on her back, and I couldn't help remembering happier times racing through the woods. She set me down gently and stepped away from me as she saw Jacob approaching in his human form. His eyes were wide with concern, and I could tell he was sizing me up and down, looking for any sign of harm.

Finding none, he wrapped his arms around me and murmured, "I missed you."

I laughed softly, pulling away to place a kiss on his bare chest. "You just saw me at my school earlier!"

He buried his nose in my hair. "Still…," he said with a grin, before grimacing. "Ugh, your hair smells horrible! I can't even smell your shampoo." I punched him lightly in the stomach, scoffing. I noticed Alice narrow her eyes at him and Jasper chose that moment to come to her side, perhaps sensing her annoyance.

I gave her a warning glance. "Alice, play nice."

She looked shocked, a "who, me?" innocent expression on her face, and the two of them walked to join the rest of the Cullens. Emmett looked excited, Esme uncertain. I knew Carlisle dreaded the thought of killing another creature, even one as dangerous as Victoria.

Jacob walked me over to a grassy spot on the side of the clearing. I looked around for Emily and Kim, but realized they were nowhere around. "Sam and Jared thought it would be safer for them if they stayed home," Jacob confessed. I felt a flare of anger, but Jacob's expression pleaded with me to understand. "Sam and Jared don't know the Cullens like you do. It's hard enough for them to accept their help. Honestly, I figured the Cullens would try to leave you at home to keep you away from the Big Bad Wolf," he said, smiling.

I understood, but I still plopped myself on the ground with a huff. He stifled a smirk and leaned down to press his warm lips to my forehead. In the darkness, I heard Carlisle's voice ring out. "Can we begin?"

I strained my eyes to see Jasper walking to the middle of the field, motioning for his family and the pack to meet him there. Jacob turned to walk from me, tugging his shorts down in preparation to phase. I couldn't resist breaking the tense silence with a whistle when I saw his toned rear. He threw an amused look over his shoulder and I blew him a kiss. His human body disappeared and in its place stood my enormous russet wolf.

I stared in awe for the next two hours. I couldn't hear most of what Jasper was saying, but I watched as, one-by-one, each of the Cullens stalked forward to practice attacking him. Alice's grace and talent aided her well in her defense, while Emmett's burly strength made him dangerous when on the offensive. I cringed as Esme was cornered by Jasper again and again in their battles, her dislike of fighting and her limitations apparent. Rosalie and Jasper came to a draw nearly every time they sparred, Emmett snarling instinctively each time he saw his brother stalk toward his wife. Carlisle surprised me with his skill, besting Jasper several times. During it all, the wolves lay in a semi-circle around the scene, watching with alert eyes and occasional growls.

I was just starting to nod off when I noticed the Cullens getting ready to leave and some of the wolves phasing back to talk to them. Groggy and stiff, I stood up. My clothing was damp from dew and I suppressed a shiver. My throat was scratchy and I groaned as I swallowed. Ugh.

Through the darkness, I saw the shape of a giant wolf coming toward me. Some of the other wolves whined and Sam, in his human form, shouted, "Jake!" warningly. The wolf didn't hesitate until he was right in front of me, ducking his head until his wet nose bumped against my cheek. I giggled and ran my fingers through the thick fur on the sides of his face.

"Hey Jake," I murmured. Jacob sat on his haunches and rubbed his head in the crook of my neck in a wolfy hug. I was aware of everyone watching us — Jasper had a slightly disgusted look on his handsome face. I didn't care. I scratched his head while he thrummed contently in his throat. "Are we all done here?" I asked him, looking into eyes that were my Jacob's warm eyes. He nodded his head and stepped back from me. In an instant, the wolf was gone and a naked Jacob stood before me, unabashed. He pulled his shorts on and hoisted me up into his embrace, where I wriggled against his heated skin, trying to thaw as much as possible.

We must have looked intimate, because everyone avoided our private embrace for nearly 15 minutes until Alice pranced up and paused a few feet away.

"Bella? We need to get you home. Charlie will be waking in less than an hour."

I reluctantly detangled my limbs from Jacob's comforting warmth, pausing only to brush my lips softly against his. He sighed into my mouth and pulled me closer for a few more moments of our kiss. We pulled apart and he nuzzled his nose into my hair, murmuring, "love you."

My answering whisper conveyed my emotion. "You too…so much."