Chapter 14:

Bella POV:

As I stood there with Jake's arm around me and his mom's ring on my finger, surrounded by the men in my life, I remembered that Jake had promised me that life would be good. He was right. At that moment, life was good. Very good.

I followed Charlie home in my truck, as he drove out to Billy's in the cruiser after work. At home, we walked into the house, and Charlie stopped at the stairs to turn and look at me. "Bella, I have a confession to make. I knew Jake was going to propose. I didn't know it would be tonight, but he came to me a couple of days ago to, uh, ask for your hand, as they used to say."

"He did? And you kept it a secret?" I asked in disbelief.

He grinned. "Surprised? I can do it if I have to, you know. You should have seen him. He was pretty nervous. He told me that he loved you very much, that he had since you were kids. That he would do everything in his power to make sure you were happy and safe. How could I say no to that?" Charlie smiled.

I walked over to him and put my arms around his waist. "Thanks, Dad." I pulled back to look at him. "Besides you were thrilled to finally get Jake as an 'official' son. You don't fool me."

He laughed. "Well, I've always liked the kid. It's hard not to. Anyway, I'm happy for both of you. You know, you better call your mom. She'll be all excited about planning a wedding I suppose. How soon will that happen?"

"I asked Jake if we could wait a little while for that. We need to figure out how we will support ourselves, where we'll live, you know. We're still pretty young." I answered.

"Well, you are both more than welcome to move in here for awhile after you get married until you can save some money for a place of your own," Charlie offered.

I smiled at him. "Thanks, Dad. That's really sweet."

"Yeah, well, don't tell anyone else that. I need to keep my reputation as the mean sheriff in town, you know," he huffed.

I laughed. "Your secret is safe with me. Besides, I know it's really because you'll miss my cooking."

He chuckled at that then his eyes softened as he admitted, "Well, I will miss that, but . . . I've kind of gotten kind of used to having you around."

I smiled at him and said, "Yeah, me, too." We shared a quiet moment there on the stairs, knowing just how much we meant to each other. Finally I said, "Alright, I'm going to bed. It's been quite a night. I'll try to call mom before I go to sleep." I reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm really glad I moved to Forks, Dad. Good night."

His eyes told me how glad he was too as he replied quietly, "Good night, Bells."

I walked up the stairs to my room and closed the door then took my phone from my pocket to call Mom and tell her about the proposal. She was literally weeping on the phone. "Oh honey, he's a keeper. What a sweetheart." She stopped talking and I heard her blow her nose. "When's the wedding? Soon? I'd love to help you plan it."

"Not too soon. We have some things to figure out yet. I'll let you know, I promise. I'm really exhausted, Mom. I need to get some sleep. Talk to you again, soon, OK?" I asked.

"Sure, sweetheart. I'm happy for you, Bella. I really am. Good night."

"Night, Mom." I hung up, smiled and sunk down into the pillows. I held out my hand and looked at the ring for at least the hundredth time as I smiled to myself. For someone who never thought she would get married, I found myself wearing a second engagement ring in so many weeks. I sobered at that thought. I thought about the night Edward proposed . . . how it was more like a bargain than a proposal. And his mother's ring was . . . just so . . . just too much. It was flashy and just not me.

This engagement was different. This one felt so right, so perfect. Yes, life was good.

Until the nightmares returned. I hadn't had one for weeks, and I had hoped they were gone for good.

I was in the clearing in the woods. The one where the big battle with the newborns had taken place. Felix was holding Jacob while Jane tortured him. Jacob was too proud to cry out, even though I could see he wanted to. I was screaming at her to stop, "Take me. I'm the one you want. Leave him alone!" The rest of the Volturi were there watching. Aro stepped up and ran a hand down my cheek, his eyes so red they almost glowed. "You're right, Bella. We do want you. But I can't help wondering . . ." he said as he stepped over to stand in front of Jacob. He was slumped against Felix who was holding him up. Aro picked up Jacob's arm, and sunk his teeth into it and I screamed . . .

I woke up screaming and panting for air. Charlie came running in and sat down on the bed to put his arms around me. "Bella, it's OK, honey. It's just a dream." He held me, talking quietly to me, trying to get me to calm down. "Bella, this is the third time this week. Are you OK? I thought you were over this."

"Yeah, Dad. I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm having nightmares again." I sat there trying to catch my breath and pushed the hair away from my face. "Could you get me a drink of water, please?"

"Sure, honey. I'll be right back." Charlie got up and went to the bathroom as I sat there trying to figure out what the dream was about. Jacob was a werewolf . . . I wasn't sure how vampire venom would affect him. Would it hurt him or was he immune? I needed to find out. I needed to figure out why was I having this same dream over and over. "Here, Bella."

Dad came in and held out a small cup of water for me. "Thanks." I drank it and set the cup down on the nightstand. "I'm better now."

"OK. I'll leave the door open in case you need me for anything," Charlie said as he was leaving the room. "Try to get some sleep."

I nodded and reached for the lamp on the nightstand then pulled my hand back, deciding to leave it on. I settled back into the pillows and closed my eyes, praying the dreams were not a warning of some kind.

The next morning, Jake surprised me by stopping in just as I was pouring myself yet another cup of coffee to help me stay awake. I had to be at work in a couple of hours. "Hey, what are you doing here?" I was a little embarrassed to be caught in the tank top and shorts that I slept in.

He smiled as he leaned in to give me a quick kiss. "Had to come to town for some parts. No offense, babe, but you look like hell. Do you feel OK?"

"Thanks, babe," I answered sarcastically. "I haven't slept well the last couple of nights."

His eyebrows drew together in worry as he asked, "Are you having nightmares again?"

I sighed and set my coffee cup on the counter. I hadn't told him that I had been having them again because I didn't want him to worry. But I guess now, the cat was out of the bag. "Yes, for about three weeks now. I don't know why they've started again. Things are great for me right now, so . . . "

"Come here," he said softly as he drew me close. I melted into his strong arms. "I'm sorry, Bells. Do you want to tell me what they're about?"

I shook my head. I really did not want to talk about them at all. Especially since they had to do with him.

"OK. When you do, I'm here, got that?"

"Yes, I know. And I'm very glad."

He let me go and I smiled up at him. "So why are you really here?" I asked suspiciously. "Since you only think about two things, it has to be food or sex. Which one did you come looking for?"

I loved watching the grin spread across his face. "Why, Isabella Swan, you know me too well." He put those strong arms around me once again and nibbled at my ear as he said, "How about both?"

I laughed at that and replied, "OK, but not at the same time."

He nipped my ear and then captured my lips in a long, sensual kiss that made my knees go weak. His hand crept up under my tank top and fingered my nipple and I let a sigh escape into his mouth. His other hand rested on my hip as he pushed me back against the counter and leaned into me so I could feel just how badly he wanted me. He rubbed his erection against me as I pulled at his t-shirt, trying to move it as my hands craved to touch his skin. He pulled away long enough to whip the shirt over his head and I quickly set my hands to running over his chest and shoulders while my mouth left a trail of hot kisses over him.

"Do you want to move this upstairs?" I whispered.

"No, I can't wait that long," he said as he yanked my shorts down and dipped his fingers inside as I gasped.

"Oh, Jake," is all I could get out as his thumb was making me crazy. My hands fumbled with the button on his jeans and then the zipper, but that was as far as I could go because I was quickly losing it.

"Jake, please, please, your pants, oh God . . . "

He removed his hand from me and pulled his jeans down and then turned me around. "Bend over and hold onto the table," he whispered into my ear then he drove into me from behind and I thought I would come undone right there.

"Oh yes, Jake . . . yes," I cried as I held onto the counter and reveled in the new sensation this was creating in me.

He too was mumbling as he drove into me, "Yeah, baby, yeah, this is good, fuck, this is . . ."

Then I lost it and screamed his name just as Jake gripped my hips and I felt him shudder with his climax.

We both relaxed and tried to catch our breath and then Jake pulled out and turned me around. "I'm sorry, are you alright?"

I laughed and nodded. He was always so scared he was going to hurt me, or disgust me. Hardly. I told him once I felt like a slut because I liked this so much, but he still treated me like his little virgin. "Oh, I am more than alright. Jake that was . . . that was fucking awesome."

I could the shock in his eyes at my description. I wasn't one to use the "F" bomb like he and guys did, unless I was really angry. But, it just popped out!

After his initial shock wore off, he laughed, a good hard laugh. "Oh man, I couldn't have said it better." He hugged me and then in typical Jake fashion asked, "So, what's for lunch?"

Later that night, I had just turned out the light when I heard a light tapping at the window. I had left it open a little to get some air. It kind of freaked me out for a minute, until I heard Jake call out my name. I got out of bed and went to the window. "Jake? What are you doing here?" I saw him drop a handful of small pebbles from the driveway. Oh, that's what was hitting the window.

"Just open the window, will ya?"

I opened and stood back as he jumped up and climbed through. "I was watching for your light to go out. Are you ready for bed?"

"Yes, but why are you outside, watching my window?" I panicked for a second, wondering he knew something I didn't.

He smiled and drew me over to the bed. "I wanted to hold you tonight so you could get some sleep."

I felt myself melt into a puddle right there. This had to be the sweetest guy on earth. He drew back the covers and ordered me to lay down. I crawled in and he crawled in after me. "Come here, honey," he said softly. I curled up next to him and he pulled me close to his body. "How's that?"

"Heavenly," I sighed.

I felt him kiss me on top of my head and he whispered, "Night, Bells. Sleep tight."

I smiled and then followed orders. Best sleep I'd had in three weeks.

I had worked a later shift the next night at Newton's, not getting home until after nine. Jacob came over and we were watching TV with Dad. Around ten-thirty, Dad stood up and stretched then announced, "Well, kids, I have an early meeting in the morning, so I think I'll head upstairs to bed. Good night."

"Night!" we both called to him as he went up the stairs.

"I should probably be going too, Bella. It is getting pretty late," Jacob said, knowing that Charlie could still hear him. We heard Charlie close his bedroom door then Jake grinned and said, "But I still have some time for this." He hauled me to him, and kissed me, moving his lips slowly, deliberately, knowing that it drives me crazy.

Suddenly he stopped and looked around and was very still. I knew that look. "Jake?" I asked quietly.

He put his finger over my lips to let me know I should be quiet. He stood up and went quietly to peek out the front window. Of course, I followed him. He turned around with a look of disgust on his face. "It's one of them. The female with the short hair."

"Alice?" I went running to the door and opened it just as she was coming up the front steps. I threw myself at her and hugged her. "Alice! I have missed you!" As usual, she looked just like she stepped out of a magazine. Tonight she was wearing tight designer jeans with 3-inch heels, and a silvery, billowy blouse, that was belted.

She hugged back. "I've missed you, too, Bella." I pulled her into the house and shut the door. Jake was standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, trying his best to look like my chief protector.

He looked at her and muttered, "Leech."

She answered by saying, "Bella, could you put the dog out so we can talk. It's important."

Jacob moved so he was beside me. He put his arm around me and said, "No. Absolutely not."

"Jake," I started. "It's Alice. I will be fine." I tried to move away from him, and he tightened his grip.

"NO. The last time I left you alone with one of them, I almost lost you. That will NOT happen again," he said through clenched teeth.

"Fine," Alice muttered. "Can I at least sit down?"

"Of course, I'm sorry. Come on in," I said as I shook Jake's arm from my shoulder, took her hand and led her to the couch. I sat down beside her, which forced Jacob to sit in the chair. He glared at me. I glared back.

"Alice, what is it? You're not here just for a visit, are you?"

She slowly shook her head back and forth. "No, I'm not." Alice looked at me. I knew.

"The Volturi," I said quietly.

"Yes. They sent a summons requesting that you and Edward appear before them in Italy."

"NO! No way," Jacob growled.

"Jake, please . . . let her talk." I reached over and grabbed his hand to let him know I wanted him here, but I needed him to be quiet.

Alice gave Jacob a smug look then she looked back at me. "Carlisle answered the summons by going to Italy alone to talk to Aro. He told them that you and Edward weren't together anymore. That you had chosen to be with someone else. He told them about Jacob, and that you would not reveal anything about us or them. Aro wants to see you. He wants you and Edward and Jacob to appear before them."

"Are you fucking kidding me? That will NEVER happen," Jacob said. I could see the anger building. I didn't want him to phase and hurt Alice.

I turned and looked at him. I took both of his hands. "Jacob. I need you to stay calm. We need to talk about this, but I need you to stay calm or you will have to leave. Do you understand?"

He huffed and then finally nodded.

I turned back to Alice. "Go on."

Alice looked at me, ignoring Jacob's glares. "Carlisle told them that would not happen. That Jacob would never agree to that." She tilted her head and looked right at Jacob.

"Well, he got that right," Jake mumbled. I whipped around to yell at him and he put his hands up, "I know . . . shut up, Jake!"

"Look, Bella. You know that Aro does NOT like it when he doesn't get his way. Carlisle just left Italy a little while ago, and he is sure that the Volturi will turn up here. He called me to come here and warn you," Alice finished.

"What have you seen? Do you know what will happen? Is that why you are here?" I asked.

"That's the problem, Bella. As long as you are around him, I can't see anything. I can't see the wolves, and when he's with you, I can't see you. I need to be with you - alone."

"No!" Jake started, "Look . . ."

"Jacob, listen to me. Alice is right. She has a gift of seeing things and we need that right now. Plus, I think that Sam, and the rest of the pack, needs to know what is coming. You need to talk to them. Please, Jacob."

"Jasper is here with me," Alice told us. "He is watching the outside perimeter. I'll stay inside with Bella. We will stay here until you return. Will that satisfy you?" Alice asked.

"Please, Jake," I took his hands and squeezed them. "I'll be alright. I promise."

He finally relented with a curt nod then leaned over and kissed me. "I'll go and see Sam. You're right, Bella. I do need to talk to him about this. You are sure that you will be alright?" I could see how scared he was to leave me.

I kissed him. "Yes. I'll stay right here. I promise I'll be OK."

Jacob looked at Alice. "If there is so much as one scratch anywhere on her when I get back . . . "

Alice interrupted him, "Yes, mutt, I understand. She'll be fine," Alice told him. I knew she was in a hurry to get him out of here.

Jacob stood up and pulled me into his arms. "I love you, Bells."

"I love you, too."

He finally let me go and walked out the front door. It wasn't long after I heard him take off in the Rabbit.

"Sorry about that. He's a little overprotective," I smiled at Alice.

"I can see that he loves you very much, Bella. And you love him. I can't lie . . . I wish that things could have been different, but I am glad that you are happy," Alice admitted with a smile. "Alright, just sit here and relax. Give me your hand. Oh!" She picked up my hand and looked at the ring. "It's beautiful. Very unique." She looked into my eyes and said quietly, "Congratulations."

"Thank you," I replied. "I do love him – very much."

"Alright, just sit back and relax." Alice closed her eyes. We sat there quietly, but it was hard to relax. I felt like my nightmares were coming true.