Today (Nov. 20) is the last day to participate in the Fandom Gives Back fundraising effort. I'm auctioning myself off as an author, and so far the bid is only $25! I know my readers can do better than that!

Here's what I'm offering...I will write a one-shot with a maximum of 7,500 words. You call all the shots! Anything goes...lemons, RPF, canon, tragedy, slash, etc. I will also design a banner to accompany the one-shot.

OR

I will write a second chapter to my one shots, "Anonymous Emmett" or "Work of Art."

OR

I will dedicate the next five chapters of "Like Night and Day" to you!

Visit thefandomgivesback(dot)proboards(dot)com ?board=fic&action=display&thread=315 to bid on me!

Or, participate in the effort by buying some Pure Romance products for the Fandom Fun Party. Go to the Perv Pack's Smut Shack for more info.

**

"I'm going to try to not allow this to occupy my thoughts," I told Alice firmly as we waited for Seth at the reservation edge. "Jacob deserves all of me, especially today."

Alice's face was sympathetic. "I'm so sorry that this situation is so messed up, Bella," she said softly. "I never even saw him coming…I must have been so focused on the battle, I didn't see when he made the decision to come back to Forks."

"It wouldn't have mattered, Alice," I said. "The werewolves were all around when he showed up. You couldn't have seen it if you tried." I gave her a firm hug, which she returned. I was much sadder about the turn of events with Edward than I wanted to let on. I never imagined he'd come back, and I certainly never wanted to hurt him like I did.

Somehow, Alice seemed to know that I was struggling. She held the hug much longer than usual. "I don't know if this will help anything, but I know Edward didn't mean the hurtful things that he said," she whispered. "He was just…surprised."

"I know," I said sadly. "But he still said it…and with the way things are — with Jacob and me, I mean — I think we just need to take some time to figure out how we'll proceed now that he's back." I felt her nodding against my shoulder. I held her for several moments longer, needing that contact.

Her eyes finally smiled when we separated. "So? How was it?"

"How was what?" I was confused.

She giggled. "Last night! How was it?"

"Oh!" I exclaimed, embarrassed. "I, uh…don't know if I should talk about it."

Alice admonished me with a wave of her hand. "You're my best girlfriend, Bella. If you don't talk to me about it, who will you confide in?"

"Oh, I don't know…Jacob, maybe?" I teased her. "Seriously, you want to know? I've never asked you about Jasper."

She leaned against a tree and shrugged. "What do you want to know? He has incredible stamina, and he does this thing with his tongue…"

"Alice, I was joking!" The blush, that had started to creep out of my cheeks, returned with a vengeance. I realized she was still waiting. "You're seriously asking me this?"

Alice nodded. "I helped set the whole thing up, didn't I? I think I deserve some details."

"Yeah, about that…thanks," I said softly. "For helping to plan it and for leaving the…well, for everything. It was an absolutely perfect night." A dreamy smile spread across my face and Alice squealed and grabbed my hand.

"Tell me everything!"

I laughed, slightly uncomfortably. "Alice! I'm not going to tell you everything…but, I can't believe how great it was." My voice lowered to a whisper. "We had done other…stuff, but I've never felt closer to someone as I did last night. It was incredible."

"Did it…hurt?" Genuine curiosity played on her face when she asked. "I know it usually does the first time."

"A bit," I admitted. "But Jacob was so gentle…so loving. I can't even find words to explain it, Alice."

She beamed at me. "I'm so happy for you." Her head cocked to the side. "Seth is here," she whispered a moment before he appeared between two trees. "Go take care of your werewolf — I think he'll really need you tonight."

**

The house was quiet when I arrived. Quil was still leaning against the wall near the window. He gave me the one-minute rundown of what I had missed. Jacob had been in obvious pain the entire time, but had managed to catch a few minutes of sleep here and there. He had been mumbling my name often.

"Thanks, Quil," I whispered, giving him a brief hug. He exited the house quickly and I saw his dark wolf shadow pass by the window as he went on four legs to meet the rest of the pack at Embry's home.

Jacob drifted in and out of consciousness for the next hour, hissing random four-letter words as bones mended and muscles healed. I knew when his spine completely healed, because he began groaning and clutching at his right hip and thigh, finally feeling the pain there completely. I couldn't imagine the anguish he was in, and didn't know what else to do but wipe the sweat from his brow and caress his face lovingly. Occasionally, when his handsome features contorted with pain, I would lean down and press my lips softly to his forehead. It made the worry lines fade a bit.

I was exhausted from lack of sleep, stress and blood loss, but I kept my vigil. Just after 6:30 p.m., Jacob's quiet cursing ceased and he calmed. I knew the worst was over. His bones appeared straight and strong — Carlisle had done a good job setting them.

When Jacob settled into what seemed to be a comfortable sleep, I carefully nestled down next to him on his left side, pressing my cold, bloodless hands and feet against his warm skin and nuzzling in. I thought I heard him murmur my name softly before I gave myself over to unconsciousness.

**

The ringing of the telephone shattered our relaxed slumber, and Jacob cursed aloud in a sleepy voice. The receiver trilled again on the nightstand.

"You have to get that, Jacob," I mumbled from my spot under his arm. "Can you move yet?"

"Sure, sure," he groaned, reaching up with a fully-healed arm and grabbing it before it could ring again. "Hello?" Through the receiver I could hear Billy's voice. Jacob sat up a bit. "Yeah, everything is over," he said, his voice suddenly clear of sleep. "Is Charlie still with you and Sue?" I couldn't hear Billy's answer, but Jacob began nodding his head and murmuring the occasional "yeah," and "okay." At one point, he chuckled lowly and said, "Nothing I couldn't handle." He glanced at me and added, "I have a good nurse."

Finally, I heard a hesitation from Jacob and looked up at him. His lip was trembling and he was worrying the edge of his sheet. "Dad?" his voice was small, unsure. "Embry…" His voice hitched and a tear slid out of one eye. I watched it as it slowly traveled down his russet skin to his chin. A second tear fell from the other eye. "Embry…didn't make it." The receiver was silent. "Dad?" Finally, Billy's muffled voice came from the other side. He spoke for a long time, while Jacob lowered his head and squeezed his eyes shut, trembling slightly.

I touched his arm gently and the trembling ceased. He gave me a forced smile.

"Yeah, Dad. I know. I'll see you tomorrow morning — don't be surprised if Bella's still here. I…I love you." He hung up and hid his face in his large hands.

The moment the phone connection was broken, I launched myself at him, climbing on his lap to wrap my arms and legs around his warm torso. Tears stained my face as well, and I felt Jacob bury his face in my hair and begin sobbing, his healed body shaking with every gasp. I held him as he cried for his friend, and I cried too — for Embry, for the pain Jacob was feeling, and for the overwhelming guilt that screamed that all of this was my fault.

When Jacob had finally ceased his sobs, I pulled back and kissed his salty cheeks and lips. He opened his mouth as though to speak, but quickly shut it again. I continued my loving kisses, wanting them to ease his pain and communicate my love. He opened his mouth again, and this time did not stay silent.

"Edward," was all he muttered. I froze, my lips pressed to his temple. "What are you thinking?" he asked me quietly.

I pulled away, tasting the tears on my lips nervously. "I don't know, Jake," I admitted. "I never expected to see him again. And then to have him save your life…" Jacob shifted uncomfortably at the thought. "I'm feeling so many emotions right now, but I suppose I'm grateful he came back…because otherwise I would have lost you." I took his hand and held it between our bodies. "But I don't want you worrying about him — he is not the person on my mind right now. You are. How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?"

Jacob sighed softly, a small smile finally brightening his face, which seemed as though it had aged during the last few hours. "You're amazing," he whispered.

I dropped my eyes. "I'm not that amazing," I muttered. "Don't you realize that this entire situation is all my fault? Embry…" I stopped to allow a new sob to rise from my chest before continuing, my voice strained with anguish. "Embry would still be alive if it weren't for me…" I cried, dropping Jacob's hands to cover my eyes.

Jacob was silent for a moment as I wept. Finally, he took my wrists gently, careful of my wounds, and pried my hands away from my face. I resisted, but he was too strong.

"Look at me, Bella," he said, his voice firm. I couldn't — I was too ashamed. "Bella," he repeated, ducking his head to meet my eyes. "It wasn't just you who needed to be protected. We are protecting our res and the residents of the area. Besides, you didn't bring Victoria to Forks." I tried to retort, but he shushed me. "She and her mate and the third bloodsucker came through here on their own last spring, killing and feeding. We would have tried to kill her then, too…if all of us had phased at that time." Jacob shrugged. "It's what we do."

His words made me feel better, but I couldn't stop the tears. His red-rimmed eyes were finally spent, so he simply cradled me closely while I cried myself out. Two minutes or two hours later — I honestly couldn't tell — I finally calmed, concentrating on the warm hand stroking my tangled hair.

I was suddenly very aware of the dirt caked on my hands and arms, mixed with flakes of dried blood. My cheeks were clammy and raw from my tears, and an aroma of sweat surrounded my body. I needed a shower in the worst way — to wash away the grime and memories of the day. I needed to cleanse my soul.

"Ugh," I groaned as I pulled away. I rubbed my eyes and ran my hands through my tangled hair. "Oh, gross," I groused, eliciting a small smile from Jacob. I stood and pulled him to his feet. "Come on," I said softly. Without a hint of embarrassment, I tugged Leah's shirt over my head and worked to unfasten the jeans. Jacob understood, and silently began undressing as well. Finally naked, I took his hand in my own and led the way to the small bathroom in the Black's home.

As we waited for the water to heat up, I ran my hands over his skin, exploring the areas that had been broken by Victoria. His back was straight and true, and his arm had no sign of trauma. I nearly started crying again in relief. Jacob covered my hands with his and squeezed them.

"I'm fine, Bella," he told me.

It wasn't until we were underneath the steaming water that my senses finally awakened. My anguish swirled down the drain along with the dirty, soapy water. Jacob caressed shampoo into my hair, and I closed my eyes and allowed myself to enjoy his touch. Taking a sudsy washcloth, I ran a soapy trail across the muscles of his stomach and down the side of his hip. I couldn't help noticing that Jake was becoming aroused.

I swirled the bubbles around his bellybutton and started to move lower when he grabbed my wrists. I looked up at him, and was surprised to see reluctance and uncertainty in his eyes.

"Bella? I don't know…if I can…"

My heart broke with how scared, sad and vulnerable his voice was. I kissed his chest, sipping the drops of water there as I did. "Jacob," I breathed, my own voice trembling and my empty eyes prickling with impossible tears. "I need you so much right now. There's, I mean…there's…so much hurt, confusion. So much pain. I need something good…I need you!" I pressed myself against his strong body, gripping his midsection tightly, as though letting go would mean my end. "I need to feel good…even if it's just for a moment." I met his eyes. "I think you need that too."

Jacob dropped to his knees in the small shower and rested his head on my breasts, moaning in anguish. He held me as tightly as I clung to him, and even though he never responded to my words, I knew he wanted the same thing.

He raised his head to look up at me from his place between my breasts. I leaned down to grasp his lips in my own, kissing him as burning tears washed down my face along with the water from the shower. He kissed me back, the hesitancy fading away to raw, aching need.

Breathlessly, we clutched at one another, hopelessly lost in the embrace and the love that kept us sane at the moment. I felt his chest hitch against me, and I realized he was crying. I squeezed him tighter and broke from the kiss to put my lips to his ear. "Jacob," my wavering voice was insistent in his ear. "Baby, I'm here…it's going to be okay."

He pushed me back, and for a moment I thought he was putting space between us. But when my rear pressed against the shower tiles, he moved toward me on his knees and slowly rose, sliding against my skin and covering my body with his own. He rubbed his hands down my sides and along the curve of my hips as I reached up around his neck and kissed him again.

His length pressed firmly against my stomach as our lips became more urgent. I had to remind myself to gasp for air, because at that moment, I needed him even more than oxygen. His hands burnt trails on my sides, my breasts. Every time his fingertips brushed my nipples, I moaned against his mouth.

We must have lost track of time, because the water started cooling and we were still not done with each other's mouths. I suppressed a shiver, cold even against Jacob's heat. He broke away from me and reached behind him to turn the knobs. Before I could think about stepping out of the shower, he wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me to him, lifting me against his chest. Dripping, he ran us down the hall into his room and placed me gently on his bed, never relinquishing his firm grip.

"Jacob," I gasped, not wanting to stop, "When will your dad be home?"

He "hmphed" against my neck, where he was nibbling and licking without a pause.

I moaned when the tip of his tongue ran the length of my jaw. "Jacob," I persisted.

Continuing with his nuzzles and kisses, he explained, "He's meeting with Old Quil and Sam tonight, and will be staying at the Ateara's since it will be so late. He'll be back first thing in the morning. He wants to give us time alone."

I inhaled sharply as Jacob grazed his teeth along my collarbone. "Charlie would be ticked if he knew…" Jacob merely chuckled as he moved lower and placed warm, chaste kisses on my nipples. I arched into him. "He won't say anything, will he?" My voice was husky.

Jacob pulled back and his gaze bore into mine. "Bella, no more talking. It's time I rendered you speechless." I was so absorbed in his heavily-lidded face, I didn't notice him reaching into his nightstand. He tried to use his werewolf speed to put the condom on, but fumbled like a typical nervous male. Pausing, he gave me a stricken, embarrassed look that made me melt, and I smiled at him and reached down to help.

"Be careful, Jake…I'm a bit sore," I told him, trailing my hands through the dark hair above his length, up along his abs and finally settling above his heart, where I could feel every beat.

Jacob nodded and bent down to kiss the tip of my nose and then my lips. "Tell me if it hurts at all," he whispered against my mouth. He pushed my legs apart with his knees and slowly nudged the head of his erection between my folds. I held my breath as he slid in and out a few times, each thrust forcing him deeper and deeper inside of me, until he was buried completely. "Bella?"

"Mmm, it's good, Jake…keep going."

There were no rough touches or profanity. My fingernails did not rake against his skin sharply and he did not plunge into me forcefully. Instead, it was slow and warm. We whispered our love to one another as our bodies acted it out. At times, one of us would be overcome by the emotions of the day and of the moment, and the other would murmur comforting words.

My climax was overwhelming and my voice shook as I moaned my love for Jacob. The orgasm was the same pleasure as before, but the passion and need behind it brought it to a new heights. Jacob reached his finish very soon after, pressing deeply into me as his member twitched and released. After he withdrew and took care of the condom, we wrapped ourselves in blankets and made a warm, naked burrito on his too-small bed. It felt completely natural to drift to sleep in his arms for the second night in a row.

**

Growl. My eyes fluttered open. Grrrrowl. For a split second, I panicked, visions of the battle's horror replaying in my mind. I looked at Jacob, peacefully sleeping in my arms, his nose pressed against my breastbone. The growls weren't coming from him.

Raawwrr, growl. Finally, I looked down at my tummy, where the sounds were originating. My stomach was hungry, and sounding as angry as a perturbed werewolf. I hadn't had a thing to eat since the hurried breakfast the previous morning. With a glance at the window, I could tell it was not yet dawn.

Growl. That one wasn't me, and with a smile I realized that Jacob's stomach had joined the conversation. groaning, I stretched my stiff, sore limbs and detangled myself from Jacob's hot grip. Tiptoeing to the dresser, I found some old sweats that were obviously from Jacob's pre-phasing life — they were only slightly big on me. I fastened my bra and padded down the dark hallway to the kitchen.

I worked on breakfast with only the single, weak light from above the sink filling the kitchen with a subtle glow. Finding cheese and ham, I set about making two omelets — one with two eggs for me, and one with five eggs for Jacob. The very idea of a person consuming five eggs made me smile, especially when I knew it wouldn't be enough. Folding the omelets and plating them, I grabbed two bananas as well.

I was just about to get the milk out of the fridge when strong arms encircled me from behind. I jumped, screaming out loud, my eyes seeing nothing but black and red. My legs gave out and the arms held me up as I wriggled against the grasp, my breathing deep and terrified. It wasn't until I heard Jacob's soothing baritone in my ear that my panic lessened and I began crying in relief. "Jake," I sobbed. "I'm sorry…I thought…"

"Shh, it's okay, Bells," he soothed, holding me tightly as I calmed slowly. "I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that. I'm so sorry."

I sniffled, my chest hitching with hiccups, but my tears ending. "I don't know why…"

"You went through something traumatic yesterday," he said softly, stroking the last of my tears from my cheek. "It's easy for me to forget that you experienced it differently. I was able to rely on my animal instincts and it helps to dull the involuntary human responses."

I let him hold me for a few minutes before I remembered our breakfast. "I was going to surprise you," I mumbled, gesturing toward the omelets and fruit. "I hope my banging around with the pans didn't wake you."

He laughed, kissing the top of my head. "No, actually…my alarm woke me."

"You set your alarm?"

Jacob nodded. "For 6 a.m.," he said softly. "Yesterday morning I made you a promise. I wanted to make sure to give you your kiss at 6:05." He glanced behind me at the microwave display. "Just in time," he murmured, moving toward me slowly.

I gasped lightly as a thrill of emotion coursed through me at his thoughtfulness, and leaned forward eagerly. The kiss was soft and light, but full of the same affection we had expressed in a different way the night before. He pulled back and chuckled as I kept my eyes closed a moment longer, my lips not ready to let him go. "Jake," I whimpered, wanting more.

"Sorry," he laughed again. "No more kissing until the werewolf is fed! I'm starving!"

I sniffled the last remnants of my tears away and laughed with him. We both settled down to our food.

Jacob had already inhaled a quarter of the omelet before I brought my first bite to my mouth. Before I could enjoy it, however, the front door opened and I shrieked. Billy Black sat in the doorway, a sad look on his face that changed to a smirk when he saw us standing in the kitchen holding our plates — me clad in my bra and Jacob in nothing but a pair of boxers.

Jacob's plate was on the counter and his arms around me before I knew it. "Dad!" he said sharply, shielding me.

Billy looked away, his smirk fading to an embarrassed blush. "Sorry…oh damn, I'm sorry."

Jacob picked me up and swiftly took me to his room where I searched for Leah's shirt from the day before. I hadn't paid attention to where I'd discarded it before our shower, but finally found it on Jacob's small desk near the door. I was mortified. Not only had Jacob's father seen me in my bra, but he obviously knew what had to be going on in his home.

Jacob piped up from his spot at the foot of the bed. "It's okay, you know," he said, trying to reassure me. "Dad doesn't care about what we do...as long as we're careful."

"That's not the point, Jacob," I groaned, feeling my warm, red cheeks with my cool hands. "Not only did he see me undressed, but it seems like every single person in our lives knows that we've had sex! The pack, the Cullens, now your dad…"

"I'm not ashamed," Jacob said firmly.

I sat down next to him on the bed. "I'm not either, but it's none of their business. This is us…it should be a private thing. I don't need to know everything that goes on between Sam and Emily."

"That's good, because you really don't want to know," Jacob said with a grimace. I made a face at him at the same time my stomach began its protests again. "Bells, let's go finish your awesome breakfast before it gets cold."

"I can't," I whispered, self-conscious. "I don't know if I can look at your dad again."

As if he knew we were talking about him, Billy's voice sounded through the closed door.

"Don't worry, Bella! I won't tell Charlie anything!"

"Oh God," I groaned, covering my face again while Jacob fought back his laughter. Slowly, we stood and made our way back to our plates. I was careful not to make eye contact with Billy, and, to his credit, he avoided looking at me as well.

Jacob's food disappeared in a matter of minutes while I ate more slowly. When both of our plates were empty, I could tell Billy was hesitating to say something. I finally sighed and gathered the nerve to look at him. He took that as permission to talk.

"Embry's family members were told that he slipped while cliff diving, and fell," Billy said, his rich voice cracking slightly. "We need to make sure that everyone has the same story. Jacob, you're supposed to check in with Sam this morning." Jacob nodded, his face clouding and Billy continued. "The loss of Embry, especially so soon after Harry, will affect our people greatly. But there are so many things to be grateful for, at the same time."

"Like what, Dad?" Jacob's voice suddenly sounded small, like a child.

Billy pushed his chair up to his son, who knelt down next to him. Even in that position, Jacob still looked down to meet his father's gaze. Billy put his hands on Jacob's shoulders and looked up at him intently. "Our people are safe. Bella and the rest of Forks are safe. The treaty with the Cullens remains intact, and they've proven to be valuable allies. And…" His voice trembled. "And I see my son as the man I always hoped he'd become — as a protector of his people. A true descendent of Ephraim Black." Billy paused, and his eyes flickered to me. "And he has a good woman beside him who makes him happy."

My eyes filled at his words.

"Bella," Billy turned to address me. "You'll never know how grateful I am that you came into Jacob's life. Ever since you moved back, I've seen a change in him. Whether you were friends, or…more…" Billy's face reddened for a moment while he continued. "You're a presence for him that is good and strong. He needs that."

"I…" I stammered, overcome. "I…" Nothing seemed right after such a beautiful statement, so finally I murmured, "Thank you, Billy."

Billy looked pleased and shrugged his shoulders. "Now, you kids…I'm not going to get in your way, but don't you dare get me in trouble with Charlie!" I ducked my face into Jacob's shoulder while father and son laughed.

"Don't worry, Dad," Jacob said. "Charlie loves me! Just ask Bella."

I couldn't hold back a laugh of my own. It felt nice for my face to form a smile — it had been too long.

**

End Notes: Reviews are great, but so are the dollars raised for the Fandom Gives Back. Both are much-appreciated. Let's celebrate the release of NEW MOON (which was kick-ass, by the way...hope you all get to see it) by helping kids with cancer!