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Chapter 26 – Games

Jake's POV

Emily and Sam arrived first for the party, of course. Why we had to have such a party for a baseball game, that wasn't even the playoffs, I wasn't sure. Emily and Sam probably thought it was a good idea, to make everyone feel normal for a change. Emily hurried her way into the kitchen and Sam sat out in the front living room with Charlie and Billy.

"Hey, sweetheart. How are you feeling?" Emily asked, moving to Bella and enveloping her in a hug, bags of food hanging off her arms. I moved forward to relieve her of them as she hugged Bella close.

"I'm fine; I'm a lot better. I just want to forget about what happened for tonight. Have a good time, you know?" Bella said, smiling up at Emily. She nodded in agreement.

"I'm glad, because in order to feed all these wolves, we're going to need to double time on the oven!" Emily said, already reaching for a bag I was placing on the counter. I smiled and backed out of the way. "Jake, go sit with the boys. I'm sure everyone will be getting here soon. The game starts in fifteen."

I reached forward and kissed Bella's cheek. She leaned into me, pressing her forehead against mine while standing on her toes.

"Will you be ok?" I asked, rubbing my nose against hers gently. I could feel her smile radiating out of her body.

"So long as Emily doesn't throw a salt shaker at my head," she said, and I laughed. I kissed her forehead and then pulled away, leaving them to their business. I was going to sit down before I saw that my dad was already in his wheel chair and only one more person would fit on the couch.

"Hey, dad, you want me to get some of the chairs out of the garage?" I asked. He glanced back, already engulfed in the pre game talk show.

"Yeah, make sure there's enough for everyone," he said, his mouth half open as he gawked at the tv screen. Sam was looking at me and I tilted my head towards the front door. He followed me out.

"Gee, I sure am glad I didn't inherit my dad's love for sports," I said, closing the screen door behind us. Sam laughed a little, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. "What's up?" I asked, leading him over to the garage. He leaned against the outside of it as I opened the door and went in to find some chairs.

"How's Bella?" he asked. I paused through my ruffling and smiled a little. She really did seem a lot better. That shower seemed to do her wonders. I poked my head out to look at him.

"She's doing a lot better…" I said, stepping back out and crossing my arms as I watched him. He kicked at some dirt at his foot.

"Look, I really don't want to talk about this, but I need to know what's going on," he said. I nodded, understanding completely.

"Basically, he kept her away from me against her will. He came after her when she tried to escape, and the treaty is off. If Quil hadn't been there, she would be changing into a vampire right now. I know the treaty says nothing about intent, but it was such a close draw," I said, glancing into the garage. I saw Sam nod out of the corner of my eye.

"What do you want to do?" he asked, and I looked at him directly. My alpha was asking me what we should do? "Jake, this is your woman. I know what I would want if Bella was Emily… I just don't want to assume," he said, looking at me like a broken man. He averted his eyes. I thought it over for a moment.

"I want every single one of those leeches to die…" I said. Sam looked up at me, as if that had been his thoughts also. I shook my head a little. "But I don't think they all had anything to do with this… I think we need to meet with the Cullens. It would break Bella's heart to lose the whole family. I know she still cares for them. She just wants nothing to do with Edward," I said. Sam looked as if I was a pup he had raised correctly. He practically beamed. He put his hand on my shoulder.

"You're making better choices than I would," he said, and I smiled a little.

"Don't get me wrong… If they try to cut a deal, that we live with him on the premises still, we'll have to run them all out. I won't negotiate about that leech. He will die," I said, looking Sam straight in the eye. Sam nodded, as if he never would have thought any other way.

"I'll see if I can't get a hold of them and work out a meeting. You'll want to be there, of course?" he asked. I nodded.

"Of course," I said, stepping back into the garage. I started handing out folded up chairs to him. With each chair, the expression on his face became heavier. "What's up, Sam?" I asked, stepping out with several more chairs. I leaned them against the garage as I went to shut the door. My back was to Sam.

"How bad are her injuries? He didn't hurt her too badly, did he?" he asked. I swallowed, pulling the door shut. I stayed facing it, not knowing if I could look at him and not lose it. I took in a deep breath and a shudder rolled through me. Everything I had kept in from Bella, all my anger, and my frustration, was flooding through me now.

"I just can't believe I let it get this far, Sam… She's my mate, my responsibility…" I whispered. I turned to look at him then, shaking.

"It's ok, Jake… No one blames you. Not one of us. You did what you should have. You gave Bella space when you thought she needed it most… Any one of us would have done the same thing," he said. I felt the shudders start to die down, calming to shivers. I ran my hand across my forehead, trying to smile.

"At least she's here now. Concentrate on that," he said, and I nodded.

"Believe me, I am," I said, gathering up the chairs in my arms. We walked back to the house, talking about which team was in favor to win the game tonight. By the time we set up all the chairs in the living room, half the gang was walking into the house. Leah, Seth, Embry, Jared and Paul all took chairs and Sam took up his spot on the couch. I smiled as the room filled with chatter. The volume on the tv found its way up.

I walked back to the kitchen and peeked in, making sure everything was going ok. I stepped in just in time to see Bella throwing a noodle at Emily. Emily ducked and it spattered on the wall. Both of them busted up in laughter.

"I guess the noodles are done," Emily said, when the noodle didn't fall to the ground. I stifled a laugh and then turned back to the living room. I was blinded by a large figure, wrapping his arm around my neck and rubbing his knuckles into my head.

"What's up, bro? How'd everything pan out?" Paul asked, still painfully digging his knuckles into my scalp. I jabbed him in the stomach, making him release me. He howled out in laughter.

"Everything's fine, you dirty dog. Go watch the game or something," I said, trying to duck out of the way. Paul's arm landed around my shoulder. I finally realized Jared was with him. They both made me smile.

"No, listen. We just want to make sure everything's ok," he said, then he dropped his voice a notch lower. "And if you want to go vamp hunting tonight, we're totally down." I rolled my eyes a little, lifting Paul's arm off me.

"I want to just as bad as you do. But we need to think about the pack. We need to set up a meeting," I said, telling him the same thing I'd told Sam. He chose just then to interrupt, calling at them from the couch.

"Paul, leave him alone and get over here. We'll talk about it later," Sam said. I gave him a thankful smile and then followed the two over. Before I could take a seat, the last of the group came into the house. Sue, followed by Brady, Collin, and Quil, leading Claire into the house. Our eyes met and he immediately went to Sam, having Claire sit down next to him.

"Can you watch her for a minute?" he asked. Sam nodded and then he headed towards my direction. I nodded my head towards the direction of my room. We stood right outside it, in the hallway.

"Listen, man, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me-"

"I should be the one apologizing, Quil. You didn't do anything wrong-"

"I pushed you, Jake. I knew what I was doing, and I knew how you were feeling, but I was just so frustrated, and angry. I don't know what came over me," he said. I put my hand on his shoulder and shook it a little.

"You just went up against a vampire and couldn't attack him… Quil, I understand. I know what its like," I said. He smiled a little then nodded. "Let's just put this behind us, ok? I'm really sorry about attacking you," I said, offering my hand out for a shake. He put his hand in mine and then shook it.

"And I'm sorry about baiting you," he said.

"We'll talk about it more later. Tonight, let's just have fun," I said. He nodded again. We both went out to the living room then.

"Ooooooo! Quil and Jacob, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-" Paul hooted, making everyone turn in our direction. Quil hurled over the couch and tackled Paul to the ground. They began a wrestling match which over took the actual game on the tv. Even for my dad and Charlie. I laughed a little as Bella and Emily stepped into the doorway of the kitchen. They both had their arms crossed, but were hiding smiles.

The rest of the night went very smoothly. The girls finished the biggest vat of lasagna I'd ever seen, assisted with the most bread sticks I've ever eaten in one sitting. The game was full of groans, and yells, jumping up and hollering. I got up to use the restroom once and on my way back, I saw Bella in a heated conversation with Embry. After a few minutes, he took some of her hair and wrapped it around her head, making her laugh.

Sam stepped up at my side, watching with me. I laughed as Bella shoved Embry off the couch. Sam's laughter died faster than mine.

"You should tell her, Jake…" he said. My laughter died suddenly. I turned to glance at him. Couldn't I just get through one event without everyone telling me what to do about imprinting? I let out a breath, turning back to look at Bella.

"Later… Let her just feel normal… She's having too much fun right now," I said, watching as Embry started poking her stomach.

"Soon, Jake… It doesn't do any good to wait like this," he said, walking away. I stood, watching Embry comment about how Bella needed to work out more if she wanted to make it with the wolves. The comment drew Charlie's gaze, but then the tv suckered him back in again. Bella socked Embry and I went over.

"Keep it down, guys. You know he doesn't know," I said, so Charlie couldn't hear. Embry gave a nod and sat on the floor at our feet. I wrapped my arms around Bella and pulled her close into me. I nuzzled my nose into her cheek and she giggled, trying to push me away. I don't know if I'd ever really heard Bella giggle, but I decided to make it my new mission, to hear her giggle more often.

"I'll be right back," she said, getting up then. I followed her gaze and saw it resting on Quil and Claire. She went over to them and I strained to hear the conversation over the end of the game.

"Quil? Can I talk to you for a second?" she asked. Quil glanced up at her and smiled a little, before turning to tell Claire he'd be right back. She had lasagna sauce spread all over her face.

"What's up?" he asked, glancing around nervously.

"I just wanted to say… Thank you, for protecting me at the line… I really appreciate it. I know you guys were angry at me, you didn't know what was going on-"

"It's alright, Bella. Honestly. I was acting like an asshole in the beginning. I'm just glad you're alright," he said, looking like he was feeling pretty awkward. Just then, everyone jumped up on their feet. Quil and Bella turned to face the tv, watching the bases run in. Charlie was hoarse, yelling at the tv. I had a hard time trying not to laugh. It looked like Bella was too.

The game ended after that. Charlie was happy, overly ecstatic. The team he wanted to win had won. The place started clearing out. Paul and Jared had already done the dishes, which was an extremely shocking feat. They had even offered. I'd never seen them act so nicely. It had shocked Emily also.

Claire and Quil, Brady and Collin left first. Quil had to carry Claire home, as she was passed out. Sue, Leah, Seth and Jared left after that. Paul left on his own. Sam and Emily took a while to leave. They stood at the doorway, telling us to call them if anything went wrong. If we needed anything. Bella assured them that she would. Charlie was the last to leave.

Bella and her dad hugged once more, a long lingering one.

"Be careful, dad. Take care of yourself," she said as they pulled away. He smiled at her.

"Don't worry about me, Bells. I'll be back over tomorrow, after work, don't you worry," he said. His gaze fell on Billy. "Watch these two, will you?" he asked. Bella's mouth dropped open and Charlie left before she could say anything. She turned to me but I swept her up into my arms and kept her from her long rant.

"Behave, kids. If you need anything, I'll be up for another hour or so," Billy said as I carried Bella to the room. I laid her out on the bed after I kicked my door shut. I know Charlie didn't want anything crazy happening between Bella and I, but my dad knew what the imprinting was like. The main reason Charlie didn't want Bella doing anything with anyone was because he thought nothing lasted in a relationship. He didn't want her hurt, like he had been hurt.

But the imprinting was different. We would never want anyone else but each other. I laid besides her, thinking about all this while stroking her cheek. She smiled, closing her eyes and leaning into me. She was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen. The moonlight coming in through the clutter of clouds in the sky ran across her creamy skin perfectly. I leaned down and kissed her neck.

The phone rang. I muttered a little bit, fluttering kisses over her neck. After two rings, it stopped. My dad must have picked it up. I made it to her lips, opening her mouth so I could slip my tongue in.

"Bella? The phone's for you," Billy called. I growled a little, pulling out of our kiss. She leaned up a little.

"Who would be calling me here?" she asked, looking at me. I didn't know. I didn't care. I just didn't want her to leave.

"Who is it, dad?" I asked loudly.

"She says her name is Angela?" Billy called, down the hall. Bella's eyes opened a little wider.

"Why would Ang be calling me this late? And how did she know I was here? It must be important," she said, shimmying out from under me. I groaned a little. I would have followed her, but with the current status of my pants, I decided it would be better to lie still for a moment.

"I'll be right back," she called over her shoulder. I muttered into the bed.

Bella's POV

I ran out to the phone and smiled at Billy as I took it.

"Thanks," I said.

"No problem. I'll be in the kitchen, to give you some privacy," he said, rolling that way. I smiled after him and then turned to the phone.

"Hey, Ang! What's up? How did you know I was here?" I asked, a little too excited. I missed Angela. After having such a normal, great day, I loved knowing I still had another normal, great friend. I twisted the cord of the phone around my finger in anticipation.

"Bella… I am so sorry…" a man's voice came over the phone. My heart beat sped up and slowed down at the same time. It was a voice I never wanted to hear again.

"Edward?!" I asked, dropping my voice a notch. I glanced back at the kitchen, but Billy was busying himself with putting things away. I turned away from the kitchen again, bringing the phone closer to my ear.

A/N : Please insert "Walk Away" by Five Finger Death Punch.

"Bella… Please come back to me, I know what I did was wrong-"

"No! Never! We're over, why are you even calling me?" I asked, sort of stumbling through my words. I was shocked. Why would he even think to call me, let alone here of all places? I took in a deep breath, surprised I could still breathe.

"I'm an idiot for what I did to you! I know that, will you just listen to me-"

"No! I don't want to hear from you ever again! I'm hanging up now-"

"DON'T hang up on me," he said, his voice dark, and deep. I suddenly couldn't move. Was it because I was shocked, scared? Or was he doing something to me? Could vampires control humans? Had he lied to me?

"Bella, I made a mistake. I promise, if you come back to me, I'll be better, I'll DO better," he said. His voice sounded gruff even as he pleaded with me. I didn't know what was wrong with me. Just hang up the phone… Hang it up…

"No, Edward… Just stop. Walk away, and don't even think about me anymore," I whispered, feeling tears brimming at my eyes. I just wanted to be normal. I wanted him to go away. I didn't ever want to think about him again.

"I can't not think about you! You're my life, Isabella Swan!"

"Not anymore!" I cried into the phone, noticing my nails were digging into it.

"Bella? What's wrong?" Billy asked, making me jump. I turned to face him and his eyes softened. "What happened? You're crying," he said, wheeling closer to me. I turned away, wiping at my cheeks. Indeed, I was crying.

"I'm fine," I choked out, trying to pull the phone away from my ear. But I needed to hear him hang up. I needed to know he was going to let me go. The exact opposite came across the phone line.

"I'll come for you, Bella… I'll rip that disgusting wolf's heart out, right before your eyes…"

"Stop!" I cried, yanking on the phone cord.

"JAKE!" Billy yelled, wheeling all the way over to me now. He was reaching for the phone.

"No, please, don't," I pleaded into the phone, and to Billy at the same time. I heard Jake's feet pounding down the hall. I turned to face him, my eyes taking in every part of him. From the tip of his hair to his big toe on his foot.

"Bella, baby, what's wrong?" he asked, his hand stroking over my face, trying to pull the phone gently from my hand.

"You hear him now, Bella? Just wait… Can you imagine him screaming in pain? Crying out for help? Begging you to help him?" Edward asked, his voice dark, and ragged. He was truly sadistic.

"No!" I screamed, tears parading down my face.

Jake pried the phone from my hands now. I reached for the phone, even as I felt Billy pulling on me.

"Edward, no!" I yelled, trying to break free of the hold Billy was gaining on me. Jacob held the phone above his head, where I could never reach. His eyes darkened as he glanced at me, then looked at the phone.

"Dad-"

"I have her," Billy said, pulling me backwards. I cried out again, traumatized. No! I would never let Edward do that to Jake. I couldn't bear thinking of him in that position. I watched as Jake turned away from me, bringing the phone down to his ear.

Jake's POV

Shudders rolled down my arms, through my back. I felt pain gripping at my chest. The way Bella had sounded, the way she'd screamed. It broke my heart. To find out that this leech had been the cause of her emotional trauma once again? What had he said to her?

"What the fuck are you thinking calling here, leech?" I growled into the phone, trying to keep my grip on it light, in fear of breaking it into pieces.

"Just calling to give Bella a little preview of your death, fleabag," he bit out. His voice was deep and bad-tempered. A convulsion rolled down my back and I feared I would shift right here in the living room.

"She doesn't need to listen to a damn thing you say, because I'll never let you sink your filthy teeth into me," I said, gripping the couch. It was the only thing I could think to do to ground me to reality. The reality of this was that he would never get the chance to hurt Bella by hurting me, so I had nothing to worry about. I would rip him to pieces.

"Jake, please…" Bella cried, behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that my dad was really having an issue holding her back. I needed her to stay back. I couldn't risk shifting too close to her. I couldn't do it.

"You can't protect her, you idiot. Just give her back to me," Edward spat into the phone. I turned around and glared at my reflection in the tv.

"Never. Bella is everything to me, and I'm never letting her go. Not like you did. And if I ever see your face," I started, but I had to bite on my tongue as I thought of him. I saw him right before me, leering at me, taunting. I tried to keep all my control. I thought of Bella. Bella needed me. I would finish this call, and then I would comfort her. I would be there for her. I would be there like Edward never was. I felt the tremors slowly ease away. "I'll tear you to shreds. I'll tear you limb from limb, and enjoy it more than anything in the world. You'll pay for what you've done to her. Do you hear me? You won't get away with this," I said. I grit my teeth, feeling the last of the tremors pass.

He chuckled. It became an evil laugh, one that chilled me to the bone. I felt like he was standing right next to me, making me shudder.

"We shall see about that…" he said, and then laughed once more as the line went dead. I dropped the phone to the ground as my dad let Bella go. She ran, trying to get past me to the phone. I grabbed her and lifted her into my arms. She was crying, screaming. I held her tightly in my arms, not letting her go.

"Call Sam, tell him what happened," I called over my shoulder, taking Bella to my room.

A/N : Please comment a lot? Hopefully, with your guys encouragement, I can type up another chapter tonight so it'll be ready by tomorrow!!! Pray!