Chapter 9:

Jacob POV:

I phased for the first time in days and took off for Bella's house. I had to take it slower than I wanted to at first because of the stiffness in my leg. Finally I got up to speed. Man, this feels good! I made it to Bella's and phased back at the edge of the woods to quickly pull on my shorts. I looked up to see she had left her window open, so I jumped up, caught the tree branch and swung myself inside.

Bella was curled up on her side, facing away from the window. I made my way quickly to the bed and lay down behind her to take her in my arms. I leaned down to kiss her and noticed this big white bandage . . . on her neck!

"Bella?" I turned her to look at me. "What the hell is this bandage doing . . . on your neck? What did that fucking leech do to you?"

She was crying – it looked like she had been crying for awhile. "Bella! Talk to me right now, or so help me I will find him and tear that fuc . . ." She put her hand up to my mouth.

"Jake, please. Just hold me. I will tell you everything, I promise." I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. She was shaking.

"Bella. Talk to me. Please."

She took a deep breath and started by telling me how he was waiting for her to leave the reservation, and she went to his house. "I was stupid not to realize how angry he would be. When he got close to me and realized how I smelled . . . Jake, he knew. He knew what we did! It crushed him." She hiccupped as she began crying again.

"We went inside and up to his room to talk. I tried to explain how I was feeling, but he didn't want to hear it. Jake, he was so . . . I mean, he wasn't . . . I can't explain. He just wasn't my Edward! He was very angry and . . . " she stopped talking.

"Bella, what happened?" I said through clenched teeth. I hated to push her but I needed to know what that fucking bloodsucker did to her.

"He thought that I went to you for sex because he wouldn't . . . then he told me that he shouldn't have waited to change me. That he was a fool, and he wasn't going to wait any longer." She was crying and it was hard for her to get the words out. "And then . . . he . . . bit me."

I felt the rage coming on. I jumped off of the bed and put my hands in my hair and pulled. I will rip him apart! "Damn him, Bella! I knew I shouldn't have let you go alone! I shouldn't have trusted him!" I was shaking so hard, I thought I would phase any second.

"Jake, please, don't! I need you to stay calm." I looked to see her sit up as she begged me to calm down. She looked so vulnerable, so tired, so hurt.

Calm, Jacob. Stay calm. Bella needs you. I was pacing around Bella's room. My body was shaking. My blood was drumming in my ears.

She quickly climbed out of bed and came to me. She took my face in her hands and forced me look at her. "Jacob, listen to me. I don't want this to start a war, do you understand me? Yes, he bit me, but Emmett and Jasper came in and pulled him off of me. Alice got Carlisle, who sucked the venom out. I'm OK, Jake! It's over. Rosalie and Emmett took Edward to Denali. He's not coming back. OK? It's over!"

I will kill him! I will kill all of them!

"Jacob!" She was really crying now. "Please?"

Calm down, Jacob, calm down. She said he's gone . . . you can't get to him. Bella needs you. Stay calm. My body finally stopped shaking. My breathing evened out.

I looked into her beautiful brown eyes . . . so red from crying. I reached out and gently touched the bandage as I felt tears stinging my eyes. "Bells," I said softly. I pulled her to me and held her tight against my chest. "I almost lost you. Oh my God, I almost lost you. That will NEVER happen again!"

I scooped her up into my arms and carried her back to her bed then crawled in beside her and held her. "I'm sorry, Bella. I'm here for you, honey. Just rest, OK?"

Bella just nodded and buried her head into my shoulder as she curled into my body. "I'm sorry, Jake. I hate that this happened. I should have known, I should have realized. . . "

That pissed me off. "Stop it, Bella. Stop taking the blame. You know how much I hate it when you take the blame for everything that happens." I moved so I could look her in the eyes. "You did not go there and ask for this. HE did this. HE reacted this way. You had no idea he would do that. You got that? This is HIS fault."

"But I broke his heart . . . "

"How about when you broke my heart? Did I turn wolf and rip you apart? Did I go after him? NO. I loved you too much to hurt you. I would NEVER try and hurt you. He told me that night in the tent that if you chose me, he would let you go. Fucking liar. Damn him!" Calm, Jake. Stay calm. Bella needs you. In and out, breathe in and out . . .

"Look, honey, I'm sorry. You need to rest. Come here," I said as I pulled her into my side again. She snuggled against me and after awhile, I felt her relax into my side.

"I love you, Jacob," she whispered.

"I love you, too, Bells."

Thankfully, she finally fell asleep in my arms.

I couldn't sleep at all. I was too worked up. I wanted to hunt down and kill Cullen for what he did to Bella. "I almost lost you. I almost lost you," rang through my head as I watched her sleep. The pain that shot through my body at that thought was so much worse than the shattered and broken bones I had just a couple of days ago. I should have trusted my instinct and followed her. It would have pissed her off, but at least maybe I could have protected her somehow.

I managed to doze a little through the night, but I would always wake with the same thought in my head: I will kill Cullen for this. The last time I woke, I noticed the sun would be up soon, and I was going to have to leave her. I didn't want Charlie to find me here.

I pulled my arm very slowly from under Bella and laid her down. How can I leave her? Even for a few minutes? I kissed her very lightly on the cheek then went to the window. I turned and looked at her one more time. God, I love her so much it makes my heart ache. I will NEVER let anyone hurt her again.

I knew that I had some time before she woke up. The sun was barely up yet. I decided to go for a quick run, to try and get rid of some of this anger, so I headed toward the woods. Just inside, I phased and took off. What I am going to do? Cullen broke the treaty when he bit Bella! But Bella was right. It would start a war. The whole pack would want to tear them all to shreds. I thought back again to my conversation that night in the tent with Edward before the fight with the vampires. What was with all that talk about 'stepping aside' if Bella chose me? What a fucking liar! Thank God Bella was going to all right. If he had changed her . . . I couldn't even finish that thought. He had said he wouldn't kill me because of the pain it would bring Bella, but I was afraid right now, I couldn't be that damn noble. I wanted to kill him so fucking bad . . . I wanted to hear him scream as I ripped him apart.

I ran harder trying to get rid of the anger and the hate that was raging through me. I had a feeling I could run from Washington to Maine and back and still be angry enough to kill the fucking son of a bitch.

I finally stopped to look up. I wasn't sure how long I had been running, but the sun was getting higher. I had better get back. She'll be awake soon. I went back toward Bella's and sat at the edge of the woods to watch her house and wait for her to wake up.

Bella POV:

I woke up cold and alone. Oh, God . . . no. Jacob, please don't do anything stupid. I sat up and brushed the hair from my eyes and then I found the note on his pillow.

Bella,

I didn't want to upset Charlie by being here when you woke up. (Sorry, but I really want to stay on Charlie's good side!) I'm sitting at the edge of the woods waiting for you to wake up. Don't make me wait long - I'm not good at it.

I love you, Jake

I smiled. You have to trust me, Bella. He's right. I needed to learn to trust him.

I got out of bed and went to the window. I opened it wider and stuck my head out. "Jacob?" I called softly. I could barely make out the russet fur in the bushes, but I knew he heard me. I waited and watched as he walked out of the woods, wearing only a black pair of gym shorts.

"Hey," he called when he reached the window. "I thought you'd never wake up," he teased with a grin.

I smiled softly and called, "I'm getting dressed. Give me 10 minutes then come to the front door."

"Sure, sure," he answered.

I ran from the window and threw on clean underwear, a t-shirt and then shoved my legs into a clean pair of jeans. I ran to the bathroom to throw some water on my face then I brushed my teeth. I looked in the mirror at my hair. Ugh! Bad hair day! I brushed it, and gathered it to make a pony tail. That's when I saw the bandage. Guess I'll go for a headband instead.

I ran down the stairs to open the front door. "Umph!" That's when I ran right into Jacob. "Sorry," he laughed as he caught me. "I used the hidden key. I couldn't wait any longer. Miss me?" he asked smugly.

"Well, I was going to say yes, but I don't want your head to get any bigger," I threw at him.

"It's OK. I know you did." He pulled me into his arms and kissed me soundly on the mouth.

"Well, now I see why Bella was in such a hurry to get downstairs. Good morning, Jake!" Charlie said as he came downstairs.

We pulled apart quickly. "Morning, Charlie," Jake called back.

"Sorry, Dad. I'll go start the coffee." I could feel my face burning from embarrassment and wanted to make as quick of an escape as I could. Of course, they followed me into the kitchen.

"So, Jake, what brings you by so early? Oh yeah, my daughter," Charlie chuckled. "Bella told me last night that you two are in love. That so?"

"Dad!" I spilled coffee grounds all over the counter. Shit!

"Yes, sir, I love Bella. That can't be a surprise to you," answered Jacob.

"Not really. I knew how you felt. That was pretty obvious. I just wasn't sure about Bella. I mean, she was engaged to another man. That tends to complicate things," Charlie observed.

"Yes, it does," Jacob smiled. "But she isn't anymore. She loves me. I intend to keep it that way," Jacob told him seriously.

"Good. Glad to hear it, Son." Charlie stuck out his hand toward Jacob. "Welcome to the family, Jake."

Jacob shook his hand. "Thanks, Charlie," he said with a big smile.

"Well, if you two are done making the deal for me, would you like to sit down for breakfast?" I asked. "Or do you need to discuss my dowry? Two pigs and a cow?"

They both laughed, pulled out a chair from the table, and sat down. I got out three coffee cups and put them on the table. "Eggs or pancakes?" I asked.

"Eggs," they both said at the same time then they laughed again. My, aren't we having fun this morning? "Make mine over easy, please Bells," Charlie said.

"That's OK for me too, Bella. How 'bout I make the toast?" Jake offered. I smiled and nodded at him as I got the eggs out of the fridge.

I went to work making eggs, while Jacob pushed bread into the toaster and told Charlie what work he did on the truck yesterday. I grabbed the coffee pot, turned to put it on the table and coffee sloshed on the floor. "Shit! Sorry!" Charlie took it from me and poured coffee for all of us.

"I don't want you to get a burn to go with the cut on your neck," he winked at Jacob. "You know watching out for this girl is a full-time job? You ready for that?"

"More than ready. I'll protect her. Don't worry," Jacob said seriously as he wiped up the coffee on the floor. He stood to look right into my eyes and I knew exactly what he meant by that. I had hoped he had given up on hunting Edward down and killing him, but I knew better.

After breakfast, Charlie went to work, but not before he gave Jake another warning about any "funny business." Oh, Dad, If you only knew you were a little late with that warning. I smiled to myself as I put the dishes in the sink and told myself I would wash them later.

As soon as Charlie was gone, I turned to Jake and asked, "What about the treaty? Are you going to . . . I mean, I know that the punishment or whatever . . ."

Jake put his hands on my shoulders to stop me talking and said, "He deserves it, for what he did to you. He's just lucky he didn't succeed or he would be dead by now. You have to know that."

I nodded. "But . . . "

"No 'buts' Bella. He broke the treaty. I'm not sure how Sam and the elders will take that."

"They don't know yet?" I asked in disbelief. I was sure that Jake had told them already.

He slowly shook his head. "No. I haven't told anyone yet." He let his hands drop to his side as he took a few steps away and hung his head. "I'm trying hard to stay calm and think this through." He turned back to me to say, "I know you don't want him killed. I know what that would do to you. But you have no idea how hard it is for me to hold back and let him live."

I could see how hard he was trying . . . for me. "I know, Jake. I know you're doing it for me and I . . . thank you."

He closed the gap between us put his hands on my hips. "He's a lucky bastard. He doesn't deserve your devotion, Bella. He tried to kill you . . . to make you a monster like him. His actions were purely selfish. I'll always hate him for that. You have to know that he can never show his face around here again . . . especially around you."

I nodded. I could live with that . . . to keep him alive.

Jake's eyes grew soft as he reached out and gently touched the bandage on my neck. "Are you going to have Dr. Fang take a look at this? Does it hurt?"

"No. Not much now," I answered. "I guess I'll call the hospital and see when Carlisle might be able to see me."

He nodded then pulled me close and held me for a moment. I loved being held in his strong arms. It made me feel so safe. He kissed me softly on the lips before letting me go.

I picked up the phone and dialed the hospital. Is it bad that I know the number by heart? "Yes, I need to speak to Dr. Cullen please? Bella Swan. Thank you."

I waited for a few seconds then heard, "Bella, how are you feeling this morning?" Carlisle answered on the second ring.

"Good. Better. I was wondering what time you might be able to see me today. I'd like to come to the hospital, if that's alright?"

"Of course. How about ten this morning? Is that convenient?" Carlisle asked.

"That would be great, thanks."

"See you then, Bella." Click.

I turned to Jacob. "He said ten would be 'convenient.' He's so polite." I smiled a small smile. I looked at the clock. It was only 8:45. "I think I should call my mom. I, uh, need to tell her about . . . me and . . . "

Jake nodded. "It's OK. I get it. Do you mind if I run up and take a shower while you're on the phone? I phased while I waited for you to wake up. I needed to run off some my anger and frustration, and I feel like I need to clean up." Jacob stepped over and put his arms around me. "Unless you want to join me?" He put his lips on mine and moved them ever so gently. Then his tongue slipped inside and . . .

I broke the kiss and laid my head on his shoulder for a second. Then I looked up at him. "Very, very tempting, but I really need to talk to my mom. Rain check?"

Jake laughed. "Rain check – definitely!" He bounded up the stairs and headed for the bathroom.

This was not a call I really wanted to make, but I knew that I had to. This wasn't something I should tell her in an email.

I picked up the phone and dialed her cell phone number. "Bella? Honey, how are you?"

"Good. OK. How are you?"

"Well, I'm fine, but you're not. It's awful early out there – not even nine yet. You wouldn't call me this early if something wasn't bothering you. Talk, Bella. Tell me what's going on."

Damn. She knows me too well. OK, here goes.

"Uh, I wanted you to know that, um, that Edward and I . . . broke up."

"Oh, honey. I'm so sorry! Are you alright? Do you need me to come? I can get on a . . ."

"Mom!" I cut her off. "I'm fine! OK? Really. I'm the one that broke up with him."

"Oh. What happened?" she asked.

"It's hard to explain, Mom. Let's just say that we didn't want the same things." I decided I really didn't want to live forever and drink blood. You know, that kind of thing. "We were too different, I guess."

"I know, Bella. Your dad and I actually had that conversation at graduation. He was worried about it. He said he couldn't see you living in that cold house, with the fancy cars, wearing those clothes that Alice buys you," Renee said. "I told him that you would be OK, because I could see how much Edward loved you. But, honey, you have to be true to who you are. You can't change for someone else, no matter how much you love each other." If she only knew how big of a change I came so close to making for him.

"Yeah, Dad told me that, too, when I told him last night. I think that was right after he jumped up and shouted 'Whoo hoo!'" I added.

Renee laughed at that. "Well, I suppose you know your dad wasn't real fond of Edward. But he tried because he loves you so much."

"I know, Mom." Just then, Jake came down the stairs, dressed only in his shorts, his black hair wet, small droplets of water running down his chest . . . then he smiled at me and I felt my knees go weak. God, he is amazingly beautiful. "Plus, there's someone else," I said slowly. "It's Jacob. Jacob Black."

"Oh really? Billy's boy? I haven't seen him in years. Tell me about him," Renee asked excitedly.

Jake came over kissed me on the cheek. "Mom, I can't right now. I have a doctor's appointment I have to get to."

"Doctor? Bella, what's wrong? What did you do now?"

Jacob was now kissing the back of my neck as his arms snaked around my waist. It was very distracting.

"Oh, you know me, Mom," I turned and smacked Jacob, which of course, made him laugh. "I fell and got a cut. Just a scrape. I'm fine. Ummm, I gotta go. I'll call you later with more details, OK?" Jacob put his arms around me again and was nuzzling my neck, and licking at my earlobe. God, that feels so good!

"Alright. I miss you, honey. Maybe you could come down and see me again this summer?"

I managed to twist away from Jake and tried hard to answer Mom. "Umm, sure. Maybe. I really have to go, Mom. Bye!"

"Bye, honey. I love you!"

"Love you, too. Bye." I threw the phone on the couch and turned on Jacob. "That was mean, Jacob Black," I yelled, smacking him again on the arm.

He was laughing pretty hard now. "Come here and I'll make it up to you," he said as he pulled me close. He leaned down and stopped just short of my lips. "Kiss me, Bella." I gladly put my lips on his. I could kiss you forever, Jake.

He pushed me down onto the couch, and propped himself on top of me. He kissed me until I could barely breathe. I loved his kisses. The heat and passion that pulsated from Jacob was intoxicating. "Mmmmmm, Jake . . . I love kissing you," I murmured against his lips.

"That's good . . . because I love . . . kissing you, too," he said between kisses.

"Mmmmm, OK, Jake. We have to stop this." I pulled back before it got too out of control. "I have to go. I need to meet Carlisle."

Jake put his forehead to mine. Then he lifted his head and said, "OK, let me run up and get my shirt and shoes," Jacob said as he rolled off of the couch. "You didn't think you were going without me, did you?" he asked as he ran upstairs.

I rolled my eyes. "Alright, but you have to behave," I called after him. "Do you hear me, Jacob? Carlisle saved my life – and yours!"

He came back downstairs with his shirt on and his shoes in his hand. He plopped on the couch to put them on.

"You have to be nice. Promise me, Jacob." I told him.

"Cross my heart, Bella. I'll be good," Jake said as he stood up and stepped over in front of me. He took me in his arms and added seriously, "It won't be easy, but I will try." Then he smiled and kissed me gently on the lips.

"Alright," I sighed. "Let's go." I handed him the keys to the truck and turned towards the door.