By the time Thursday night came, I knew I would be able to go back to school on Friday. I had never been more relieved to be over an illness in my life. When Alice arrived after Charlie and I had finished dinner, I happily skipped to her, giving her a gleeful hug.

"You look much better," she observed loudly, then leaned close to my ear and whispered, "And you smell delicious…" I shuddered once, and then beamed at her. She laughed and pulled me down next to her on the couch before turning to my father.

"Charlie?" her sweet voice rang. "Now that Bella is better, could she spend the weekend with me? I've had so many plans for the two of us, but I had to put them all on hold when she got sick." Alice made a pouty face, and I saw my tough, no-nonsense father melt into a puddle of goo.

"Well, I really don't want her to overdo things and get herself sick again," he started, watching Alice's hopeful face, "but as long as you don't stay out all night and let her get her sleep, I'm fine with it. Sue wanted me to go to some tribal event on Saturday anyway." His face turned red and I almost laughed to see where I inherited my blush. Charlie began to clean the table off and I gave Alice a quizzical look when he was out of sight.

"Tomorrow night too?" This hadn't been in the plans. I was staying with the Cullens on Saturday night, but I had assumed I'd sleep in my room on Friday and meet them first thing Saturday morning.

"Of course, Bella!" she said, smiling knowingly at me.

I couldn't hide my disappointment — I had hoped to spend some time with Jacob before the battle. Alice, as if reading my mind, smiled sympathetically.

"You know Jacob will have to meet with the rest of the pack."

I nodded, my eyes blurring with tears a bit. It had been days since I'd seen him, and I was so worried about him fighting the vampires. I would never tell him, because I know what he'd say, but I was terrified for his safety. All I wanted was some time with him, and now Sam was taking it away. Alice's eyes were concerned as she searched my expression. I shrugged, slightly giving her a half smile. My fears of abandonment were staring me in the face, but I was numb.

Alice leaned toward me. "It will be okay…you'll see."

"How can you know that for sure?" I asked. "You can't see Jacob's future." My happiness at being over my cold had dissipated to anxiety and disappointment, and now all I wanted to do was lay down and have a quick cry. Alice remained silent, watching me with an agitated look on her face. I sighed when I saw her concern. "Alice, don't mind me…I'm just worried, I guess. I'm not mad at you or anything."

After a moment, she gave me a sympathetic smile. "I wish I could tell you that everything would be okay for him…I really do, Bella. But I also trust that it will all work out…I just can't see it for sure."

I matched her sad smile and fought the tears. I really wanted to be alone at that moment. "Hey, Alice? Don't take this the wrong way, but I really just need to catch up on the homework Angela brought home for me and get to sleep. I guess I'll see you after school tomorrow?"

She nodded understandingly. "Don't forget to pack for Saturday."

Saturday. Like I could forget.

**

For the first night in nearly two weeks, I remembered my dreams, and they made me blush in the morning when I awoke. Jacob. We had been back in the hot springs, kissing and touching and enjoying one another. But instead of being his usual warm self, Jacob's skin had been ice cold — an intense contrast to the hot natural springs.

It felt incredible, and I was disappointed when I awoke, knowing I'd have to face another day without him. The fear in my heart reminded me that it might be the last day we could have spent together. I cried myself hoarse in the shower, missing him and worrying.

**

I felt bitter and a bit terrified all day on Friday, wishing I could see Jacob before all of our planning was put into motion. There was so much I wanted to say to him. There was so much I wanted to do with him. I had never let him take me miniature golfing like he had suggested a few times — I knew he wanted to, but I had always resisted. He had never had one of my world-famous enchiladas — there were always too many pack responsibilities to attend to. We had never been on a picnic, or gone to a concert, or taken a road trip together.

There were other things we had never done. I spaced out while contemplating my sandwich at lunch, thinking about how close I wish I could hold him…how passionately I would kiss him. How much I wanted to give myself to him completely. I moaned audibly, which drew glares from Lauren and Jessica.

The bell rang and I stood to walk to class. I was surprised when Mike fell in step next to me.

"Hey Bella," he said uncertainly. The corners of my mouth lifted as I remembered the last time we had spoken — actually, Mike had been incapable of conversation, vomiting into a popcorn tub. My smile must have encouraged him, because he continued. "I'm kind of organizing another beach trip. A few of us are going to be going to the tidal pools at La Push over the weekend…Eric, Lauren, Tyler, Jessica, Angela, Ben…wanna come?"

My eyes widened in panic. "When are you guys planning to go?"

"Saturday."

My heart sank. In all of our planning, none of us had ever anticipated non-residents at La Push. It was stupid on our part. How could we have overlooked it?

"Mike, the entire res will be empty that day…there's a tribal event up near Port Angeles."

He smiled. "Even more reason why it will be awesome. The beach will be all ours!"

I tried to think of something — anything — that would change their plans. As I saw Mike's hopeful eyes shining down at me as we stood outside of our classroom, I knew what would work. I only hoped he wouldn't hate me for it later.

"I'm not in a beach mood, Mike," I said, looking up at him through my eyelashes in a pathetic attempt at flirting. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. "There is this movie I've been wanting to see though…"

"A movie?" he repeated uncertainly, no doubt thinking of our last cinematic outing. "Do you want to see another action flick? There's 'The Murmur of Fire in the Vein' that just came out last week, and I think 'Trust in Advertising' is still playing. Or a comedy? My older sister said 'The Office' was pretty good, but I saw the trailer for 'Work in Progress,' and it looked pretty funny."

I smiled at him softly, putting my hand on his arm. His eyes were huge. "Actually, I was thinking about 'Wide Awake.' It's supposed to be really romantic and stuff. Maybe we could convince everyone to go to that with us instead of the beach."

I knew I had him at the word "us." He started stammering, a wide smile on his face. "I think that sounds great! Maybe we could go to the beach in the afternoon and the movie at night?"

"Well, umm…I have to help my Dad with something tomorrow night, so if we went, it would have to be a matinee."

The smile never faded from his face. "I think that would work with everyone. Would you let me take you to dinner afterwards?"

I grimaced on the inside, feeling horrible for lying right to his face. But I needed to free up several hours after 1 p.m. for his safety — and the safety of the rest of them.

"Sure!" I enthused brightly as he pulled his phone out and began trying to get a signal while we walked in and took our seats. I saw him chattering excitedly to Eric as he scrolled for movie times on his cell. I was amazed at how easy it had been to change his plans. Mike always liked me much more than I realized.

"Psst! Bella!" his loud whisper filled the room as our teacher walked in. I snapped my head around at him, aware that every eye was on me. "It's showing at two-thirty." I shook my head yes and turned back to the front. I sighed quietly and began thinking of excuses for why I would be standing them all up tomorrow.

**

After the final bell, I couldn't hurry out of school fast enough. One, so I could tell Alice about this new complication; and two, so I could avoid an overly hopeful Mike Newton. Alice was waiting for me, a wide grin decorating her sweet face. She seemed overly excited to see me.

I looked at her warily. "Hey Alice, what's going on?" She squealed and gave me a quick hug before climbing into the passenger side. She never answered my question; instead she fidgeted in an energized, non-vampire way as I told her about the Newton situation. She giggled when I explained my solution to the problem, and gave herself a moment to search the future.

"He'll forgive you far too easily," she finally said, stifling a laugh. "Jessica and Lauren won't be quite as understanding." I grumbled as she took out her cell phone.

"Who are you calling?"

"Carlisle," she said. "He needs to call Sam to let him know of this new problem. Maybe they can station some security at the entrance to La Push to keep the general public out."

"But what will you do about the resort and the RV Park?" I asked, worried.

"They're on the far end of the reservation, several miles from where we'll be meeting Victoria. But perhaps they can encourage the tourists to travel to watch the whale hunt as well."

She murmured on the phone for several minutes before snapping it shut and turning to me. "It will all work out, Bella. You'll see. We'll keep you safe."

"You know that's not my only concern."

Her beautiful face clouded. "I know. And I wish I could see the outcome for Jacob. I've tried, but I just can't see the werewolves. But like I said before. I can see that you're safe…and you seem happy, so I can only assume that Jacob is okay."

"I know," I said quietly, suddenly wanting to take my mind off of the stress. "So, what are we doing tonight?" I asked, expecting an evening of pedicures and modeling Alice-approved clothing.

Alice didn't disappoint, and her face immediately lit up. "Oh, I'm going to do your hair and your nails, but I want you to have a shower first…it's easier to work with your hair that way. And I'm going to try this great new outfit on you… And I already know you'll like your dinner," she chattered away.

"Then what?"

"Oh, you'll see…" she sang happily as we came to the turnoff to their driveway. Alice's bouncing increased as we drew closer and closer to the house.

The Cullen home was completely dark in the shade of the trees that surrounded the structure. I knew that vampires didn't need lights, but it was still strange to see it looking so empty. I waited until we were in the foyer and heard no shouted welcomes to get suspicious.

"Alice, what's going on?"

"Oh, nothing…let's get you in the shower, shall we? I can't wait to try this new up-do I saw in a magazine yesterday!" She pushed me up the stairs while I grumbled the entire way.

**

Three long hours later, Alice was finished with her creation, and not a moment too soon. I was aching from sitting still so long. However, even I couldn't deny that she had done a good job, but it seemed like overkill for a simple slumber party. Most of my hair had been curled and twisted up where it was secured with a simple black clip. Shiny, twisted spirals cascaded down my back and framed my face. Alice had attacked my face with a makeup brush and now my cheekbones were stained with a permanent blush, my lengthened lashes fluttered around the subtle eye color and my lips shone with gloss.

I felt a bit silly in the dress, however. It was beautiful, but only appropriate for a nice dinner or a date. It was sleeveless and champagne-colored, with a layer of sheer black tulle and intricate lace patterns across the chest and the hem, which fell at my knee. I looked like I was ready to go to prom or something; and, remembering the trickery to get me to my last formal dance, I panicked for a moment as I tried to remember when Fork's prom was scheduled.

Alice perked at something and a moment later I heard the front door open softly and footsteps going toward the kitchen. Her smile widened as her nose twitched. She walked over to the home intercom music system speaker near the door to her room and pushed a button. The sounds of "Clair de Lune" filled the house. "You like this song, right?"

I nodded, the music stirring memories and alarm in me. What was going on?

Alice clicked her tongue at me as I the alarm made its way to my face. "No dancing, Bella…I'm not kidnapping you, I promise. But I do have a confession to make."

She took my hand and led me down the stairs, and as she did, she spoke in a low voice.

"The whole family is hunting tonight. I'm going to join them in a moment — we need to feed to make sure we're at our strongest for the confrontation tomorrow." I didn't know what to think, opening my mouth to say something, and then closing it as Alice continued. "I'm sorry I lied to you, Bella. But we wanted to surprise you."

"We?"

She just beamed as we turned the corner into the kitchen.

There stood Jacob bathed in candlelight, looking stunning in the suit that we had selected together several weeks earlier. He was organizing two plates of food and stopped to look up when Alice and I entered the room. We both gasped softly as we stared at one another. I felt rooted to the spot, and was aware of Alice squeezing me lightly and whispering, "We'll be back in the morning," before disappearing.

"Thanks, Alice," Jacob's voice was grateful, but his eyes never left me.

I found that I couldn't move — I was so overwhelmed. He understood, and swept around the kitchen island that stood between us and rushed to me, our mouths meeting a split second before our arms flew around one another. We squeezed each other tightly, and his hot lips felt like home against mine. Jacob moved his mouth tenderly, pressing lightly and running his tongue against my upper lip. I sighed and opened my lips eagerly, meeting his tongue with my own. He tasted like mint and the sweet Jacob flavor that I loved so much. We embraced like that for several more moments before he broke away and motioned to a bar stool for me at the island.

"I got some dinner from the Smoke House," he said, putting my plates in front of me. "I hope you like salmon…"

"You and…and Alice planned all of this?" I was truly touched. He grinned and speared some of his salad. "It so…this is just so perfect!"

"Yeah," he mused, swallowing his food. "It was really hard staying away from you while you were sick, Bells. Last night during our meeting with the bloodsu-…er, the Cullens, she mentioned you'd be all better by tonight. I told her how much I wanted to see you and when she found out I didn't have to hang out with the pack, she started planning before I even asked her."

I smirked. "Alice is good at doing that." I took his hand across the granite countertop. "I missed you so much, Jake. I was so scared I wouldn't be able to see you before tomorrow."

He lifted my hand and kissed it tenderly. "I needed you just as much."

We gazed deeply at one another before I broke it off, reminding him that we had a delicious dinner that was starting to get cold. We resumed eating, but continued watching each other as we enjoyed the salmon, salad and bread.

I took a large mouthful of salad, accidentally smearing dressing on my upper lip. I grinned sheepishly and my tongue darted out to swipe it away. Across the counter, Jacob's jaw clenched and he shifted in his seat. A few moments later, Jacob began eating his roll, taking small nibbles; I watched, captivated by his full lips wrapping around the bread and how small the food looked in his large hands. Mmm, those hands

He washed down his roll with a sip of lemonade, and the drink made his upper lip glisten. I licked my own lip unconsciously as he put the glass down and I turned back to my food. The salmon was delicious. I couldn't suppress a low moan as I took a bite. I saw the fork in Jacob's hand tremble slightly.

He cleared his throat. "Uh, I have some, umm…dessert too. Nothing much…just some fruit and chocolate…" I looked up at the word "chocolate" and grinned. He reached behind him and presented a plate with some juicy-looking pieces of mango and several large, red chocolate-covered strawberries. Jacob stood and walked around the island until he was standing between my legs. Even with the tall barstool, he still had to look down at me. He held up a strawberry in his fingers, a hopeful look on his face. "May I?"

He brought the fruit to my mouth and I closed my eyes. It was blissfully sweet, and a piece of chocolate crumbled in the corner of my mouth. Before I could swipe it away, I felt Jacob's warm lips on mine, his tongue sweeping the chocolate from me. It felt as though an electric shock had coursed through my skin where I could still feel his tender touch. I opened my eyes and he grinned down at me and picked up something else from the plate.

His fingers caressed my lips for a moment before he pushed a small piece of mango against my mouth. Jacob squeezed it harder than necessary, an impish look on his face as drops of sweet juice ran down my chin. I lunged at his fingers, nipping them as I took the fruit from them. He dove equally fast toward the sugary drops that threatened to run to my neck, lapping them with his tongue and lingering a bit too long. At that moment, any pretense of ignoring the electricity in the room went right out of the window.

"Jake…" I whispered as his hands wrapped around my waist and his tongue ran along my jaw line to tickle my earlobe. I stood and pressed against him, grasping his loose tie in my hand and pulling him even closer, and running the other up the side of his face to thread his hair between my fingers.

Jacob lifted me with fiery arms and I hooked my legs around his waist as he carried me into the living room. He set me on the couch and broke away to settle behind me, essentially pulling me on his lap. I leaned back against him, trembling slightly.

He trailed his fingers down my arms and wove them in between mine as he lavished my neck with kisses.

"Ooh," I sighed, lolling my head to one side, allowing him better access.

"I want to try something, Bella," he whispered as his lips skimmed the soft skin behind my ear.

"Mmm-hmm," I mumbled as his hands traveled up my body.

"Put your hands over mine," he breathed in my ear. "Show me how to touch you."

My heart fluttered in my chest and my breathing caught, but I placed my hands over his. "Are you sure, Jacob?" I asked as my hands trembled.

"Positive," he groaned.

I swallowed hard when we started to move our hands down past my collarbone. I helped him push my dress down slowly, raking his fingertips against my smooth skin lower and lower until they brushed past my nipples and I was completely exposed. I gasped softly as his warm hands covered my breasts.

Jacob hissed when my nipples hardened into warm little pebbles under his touch. I arched, pushing harder against his hands, and he moved his fingers back and forth, rubbing the sensitive tips and sending tingles radiating from his touch to the rapidly warming region between my legs. I heard him inhale deeply, the scent of my arousal most likely thick in the air.

"Mmm, Bella," he moaned, laving his tongue up the side of my neck, pulling my earlobe between his lips, suckling the sweet tender skin, nibbling with his teeth.

I let my thighs fall open and press against Jacob's legs as he continued to squeeze and roll my nipples between his fingers, tugging the little peaks, making me whimper.

"Do you want me to stop?" his voice was husky against my neck.

"No," I urged breathlessly, feeling his hardened length press against my lower back.

"Is there anywhere else you want me to touch you?"

"Ungh, yes…" I whispered, gripping his hand and leading it down my belly past my navel. I moved our joined hands down to my thighs and grasped the flimsy fabric of my dress, tugging it up with purpose. I pushed his hand between my legs, murmuring a very uncharacteristic "fuck" as I did. I knew he could feel my moist heat through the thin material of my panties.

"I want more, Bella," he growled lowly, pushing my underwear to the side and pausing for a moment to let me take the lead again. I moved our hands up and down my slick slit and whimpered at the sensation, a light sheen of perspiration beginning to cover my skin.

"More," he practically snarled. I opened my legs wider and our fingers parted my wet folds. My body was trembling and pressing back against his chest as I slid one of my fingers in my own body and manipulated his hands so he did the same. I was soaking, and our fingers slid easily. He began to take over, moving our fingers faster, pumping them in and out as I threw my head back onto his shoulder and cried out.

He pressed his palm against my swollen clit, rubbing it as he thrust our fingers inside my heat. I took my other hand and reached up and back to grab his hair, tugging firmly. Jacob took his other hand and returned to my breast, pinching and rolling the little pink peak while an inferno began erupting throughout my body.

"Jacob!" I cried, wriggling down against his erection and then pressing my hips up against our working hands as I reached toward release. "Ungh…oh GOD! Jacob, yes…Jacob!" Our fingers pumped furiously and I screamed as the fire in my center exploded into smoldering surges across every inch of my skin. I shuddered and panted my love for him as my muscles throbbed and clenched around our fingers.

He waited until my muscles had stopped pulsating before sliding our fingers from inside me. Jacob brought them up to his face, sniffing them with a glare of wolfish lust flashing in his eyes. He slid the fingers into his mouth, sucking every bit of my arousal from them. I watched him with hooded eyes, my breasts rising and falling as my breathing slowly regulated.

Looking at him right then, I made a decision. So much was uncertain about the future, but what was certain was the way I felt at that moment. I studied his beautiful face with resolve. Jacob paused and looked at me. "Bella?"

My face was suddenly burning with my blush, but I ignored it.

"Jacob," I breathed. "I…I want you…to…make love to me."

His eyes widened and he sat up a bit. "Say again?"

"Please, Jake," I whispered, reaching up to caress his cheek. "I want you."

Jacob stammered, looking uncertain and a bit…scared. "Are you sure you want this? You don't think it's too soon? You won't…" I silenced him with a finger on his soft lips,

"Do you want me?" I asked him simply.

He inhaled sharply, desire pooling in his dark eyes. "Yes."

"Do you love me?"

"I do love you, Bella."

I pushed away from him and stood, my heart pounding.

I reached behind me to lower the zipper on my dress and slide it down to the floor. My panties were next to join the pile. I stood before him completely naked.

"Come here," I whispered.

He stood in front of me, trembling in a way I had never seen before. It made me want to take care of him — to guide him through this experience. I suddenly felt very sure of myself.

I walked around Jacob, letting my hand linger on his hips and trail across his butt as I passed behind him. When I reached his chest again, I pulled his tie slowly, loosening it until I could pull it over his head. It was thrown off into the darkened living room.

Next came his jacket, which slid easily off his shoulders. That too was thrown behind me. I unbuttoned every single button on his shirt, untucking it as I did. His bare chest, which I had seen so many times in the past, looked more beautiful than I ever remembered. I reached for his pants, where his immense hardness was straining against the fabric. He put his hand over mine, stopping me, imploring me with a look that told me he wanted me to be absolutely sure that this is what I wanted.

"Do you want this?" I asked him breathily. He nodded and I kissed his chest.

I wanted to finish undressing him before he delayed me again, so I resumed unfastening his pants. My legs and hands were trembling, yet I felt confident in everything I was doing. In a moment, his pants and his underwear were on the floor, and I kicked them aside.

My eyes widened as I saw his erection. It stood up from his body proudly. "Whoa," I murmured. I bent down, gripping the base and touching my tongue to the tip. He hissed and removed the clip in my hair, allowing the curls to spill down my back. I looked up at him with desire in my eyes.

He seemed to find his confidence when our eyes met. Growling softly, he pulled me up to him and we pressed together, every inch of his skin meeting every inch of mine. I arched my back against him as he plunged his hand down between my legs to rub my center roughly, his breathing husky on my neck.

"I want you," he moaned. "Now."

Quickly, he spun me around and lowered me onto the couch. We gazed at one another, and I was distracted by something underneath me. Squirming and reaching, my hands came back holding a small box of condoms. How did that…?

"Alice," I said softly, making a mental note to thank her. She wouldn't have been able to see what would happen, but she knew anyway. He and I both smiled, and he bent down to me, nuzzling my neck with his nose and lips, the sense of urgency growing between us.

Jacob sought out my eyes and murmured, "God, Bella…I want you so much, baby…" He leaned forward and captured my lips with his, pausing only a second before thrusting his eager tongue in my mouth, trailing it along my lips and teeth, and tasting me with reckless abandon. The faint wolf growl — which I had come to love for its frequent appearance during our intimate moments — was a constant background noise now, the bass line in the music we were making with our gasps, cries and moans.

Jacob's hand gripped his hardness and he rubbed it against the smooth, wet skin between my legs, flicking it back and forth against the sensitive nub. I moaned low in my chest as my fingers fumbled with the foil package. We both watched my hands rub down his erection and caress his balls before slowly unrolling the thin latex along his length. He pressed his forehead against my shoulder as I finished covering him, breathing erratically and quivering from head to toe.

I pressed my breasts against Jacob's chest and held my breath as I felt him position his hardness at my entrance. He reached around my body and cupped my butt cheek, lifting my hips gently off the couch. He paused for the briefest of moments, and I exhaled, groaning — I wanted him so badly at that moment, I couldn't stand it.

"Mmm, please, Jacob," I bucked my hips up against his heat urgently, feeling his warm tip grazing my opening, "Love…I need you now! Oh, God…please," I begged, sounding desperate, writhing my hips.

Holding his breath, Jacob slid just the tip inside of me and pulled it out. I was surprised when it didn't hurt very much. I whimpered, pleading with breathy moans for him to continue. Again, he slipped just an inch into me before pulling out. My need to feel him fully inside me was almost agony. And then once more he teased my opening with himself, stopping for a second to watch for my reaction, an indescribable expression on his face. I needed more and grasped at him frantically. "God, Jacob, fuck me!" I cried.

"I love you, Bella," he rasped, and with a soft snarl, he thrust himself inside of me, burying himself to the hilt. My hips rose involuntarily to meet him, and we both cried out at the sensation of him possessing me for the first time.

I felt one sharp twinge of discomfort as he filled me completely, and I gasped. He stopped immediately and sought my eyes.

"Are you okay, honey?"

The pain had faded but an ache of needing him to continue remained. "Yes, Jake…please." He pulled out slowly and pushed in again. The pain was less that time, and was quickly being replaced with intense pleasure. He kept his gaze on my face as he slid in and out gently a few times — he had made me so slick, his erection glided easily.

I sighed, moaned, and lifted my hips toward him, encouraging him. His breath quickened and he grunted. I looked up at him hovering over me — what I saw was beautiful. My beautiful Jacob. His eyes were closed as he moved inside of me and his face turned toward the ceiling — he looked as though he was savoring something delicious.

The slow, sensual dance of our bodies began to take on a tentative rhythm; I could feel him sliding faster and a bit more earnestly. A low, guttural moan sounded from deep within my chest as I was filled with his heat and thickness. He hooked my leg over his arm and the new position allowed him to enter me more deeply still; we both groaned at the feeling of being so completely connected.

Suddenly, his nostrils flared and his eyes flew open and fixed on me. For a split second, I thought he had caught the scent of an unfamiliar vampire, but when I saw how his dark eyes devoured me, I knew that he was reacting in a primal way to his wolfish instincts. "Yes, baby…" I hissed at him, nodding once as he began to tremble.

He grabbed the curves above my hips with his hot hands and slammed himself into me roughly. It hurt in a good way, and I found myself clawing at him violently as he plunged into me over and over. The tempo began again, more urgently than ever. I couldn't help but meet his thrusts with my own; I couldn't have resisted even if I wanted to. My breasts bounced with each thrust, my nipples rubbing against his burning skin as the sounds of clapping skin and growls filled the room.

"Faster," I heard myself cry, as starbursts and tingles exploded under my skin, flames licking my most sensitive areas. He rumbled loudly as he picked up the pace, and I was riveted by the look of stern intensity on his face. I felt perspiration trickling down my temples and between my breasts from the temperature of his naked body — the heat of his skin was a reflection of the heat building inside me.

"Harder," I groaned, reveling in the familiar, increasing pressure in my center. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to make this feeling last as long as possible.

Jacob's breath was wild in my ear, coming in erratic pants as the growl in his throat grew louder and louder. "Fuck Bella, you feel so good…" he purred as his body crashed into mine. I knew that he was close and I greedily wriggled my hips against him to meet him at the precipice. His growls grew louder and more forceful as he pumped deeply into me.

"Oh yes…Jacob!" I whimpered, my voice getting louder as each thrust brought me closer to climax. "Ungh...I'm, oh…I'm going to come…"

"Look at me, Bella!" he snarled. My eyes flew open and met his. He plunged into me even harder, his upper lip lifting in a teeth-bearing grimace. "You're mine," he roared, accentuating his words with his frenzied thrusts. "Mine…mine…mine…"

His words sent me over the edge. I couldn't hold back my release any more and screamed out as it overtook my entire body. My muscles clenched him tightly as he drove his length in and out of me, and I was conquered by waves of pleasure that made me shiver — even against Jacob's heat.

"Jacob…I love you," I shrieked, my voice wild and trembling, feeling overwhelmed by the love and pleasure of the moment. "God, baby…I love you so much."

I couldn't stop the tears that sprang into my eyes as my entire body flushed with satisfaction, the muscles around Jacob pulsing as he snarled and thrust fiercely one last time, throwing his head back and howling as we came together.

He collapsed heavily on top of me, still rumbling softly in his chest. He had managed to rein in his animalistic aggression a bit, but as I tried to push him off so I could breathe, he growled louder and shuddered. He was still in wolf-mode, so I tried a different approach. I stroked his hair softly and whispered, "Jake? Jacob, hon…I'm here. You're crushing me." The last words sounded like a faint wheeze, but they were enough to calm the trembling and he pushed himself off of me, finally seeing me through eyes that I recognized as my Jacob's. They were immediately filled with wonder and love as he bent to kiss my nose and nuzzle my neck.

"Oh my God, Bella…I love you!" He kissed me sweetly, tenderly. "So much, honey. That was…"

"That was amazing," I finished for him, wrapping my arms around his neck and meeting his kisses with some of my own. "I never realized…that it…it could be like that." I was still catching my breath.

Above me, Jacob smoothed my damp hair away from my face as he continued to rub his warm lips across my cheeks and forehead. I sighed in contentment, savoring his touches.

"Are you okay?" he whispered, his love and concern evident in his voice. Our brown eyes met and I gazed at my beautiful wolf — my protector, my friend, my lover, my Jacob. At that moment, he was everything. I adored him — the man who filled my body and my heart.

"I don't think I've ever been more okay in my entire life," I said with a trembling voice. "I'm so…well, happy doesn't even begin to say what I am right now. I can't find the words, but...let me show you what I mean…"

I pulled him down to me for another kiss, and spent the next five hours showing him, again and again.