Mark your calendars, everyone! Inevitable Evening will begin July 1st, 2010. I'll post the first chapter by 9 PM California time, that night. I hope you guys will all enjoy this little wait. I'm still working out the kinks of the story, but it should be a great one!

Chapter 38 – Just Alice

Jacob's POV

I reached out and grabbed Bella's hand to pull her out of the house as she said her goodbyes to her dad.

"You're taking the rabbit?" my dad called after me and I turned and grinned at him. He was now in the doorway to the house.

"Yeah... I'll be taking the 'rabbit,'" I said. He gave me a little look and I grinned like a wild wolf. He turned back inside though and left me to my means.

"What was that about?" Bella asked. I released her hand and opened her door for her.

"You'll see," I said as she got in. Before she could say anything, I shut the door and ran around to the other side. I got in, started the rabbit and then headed off in Sam's direction. In truth, I just wanted Charlie to hear the car drive away.

I parked the car behind Sam's house, pretty sure he wouldn't mind. It was only for a few hours anyways. Bella looked at me, bewildered, as I opened my door to get out. I went around and opened her door for her, then grabbed her hand and yanked her off into the forest. I had wanted to do this with her for so long. To share this memory together... I hoped we'd be able to do it often.

"Jake, where are we going? What about Alice?" Bella laughed behind me. I didn't stop as I took her to the forest, which would shield us from sight. When we were hidden, I stopped and turned around, pulling her into my arms. Our lips crashed together and her arms went around my neck. I grinned against her mouth and she started laughing, pulling back to look at me.

"What are you doing?" she asked, looking into my eyes. I reached up and grabbed her hands, backing away from her as I did. Then I let go of her hands and started taking off my pants.

"I want you to ride me," I said, knowing well the implications. Bella's mouth dropped open. She looked as if she were about to yell at me. I grinned and she stopped. She looked as if she was confused. Then her mouth formed an 'O' and she broke into a laugh. I slipped my pants off and gave them to her, standing in the nude.

"But Alice-"

"This is honestly the fastest way to get you there. You want to be on time, don't you?" I asked, taking another step back from her. She gave me a knowing grin.

"You jerk, you had this all planned..." I didn't respond as I took one more step back and then thought of the vampire I was taking Bella to meet. My skin tingled and I took hold of the feeling, willing it to change me. I felt my body shrink and then explode, expanding into the furry critter I kept at bay. I watched Bella go from sharp to extremely clear, able to see every strand of hair on her head from our distance. Bless wolf senses. I heard as well as saw her take in a deep breath. I opened my mouth and let my tongue hang out of my mouth. She grinned a little and took a step over to me.

I closed the distance with two more steps and she dropped my pants and got to her knees. I ran right up against her and she reached her hand out and touched my shoulder, running her hand down my spine. I arched up a little, enjoying the feeling of her touching me.

"I've never felt you before, like this," she said. I turned back to face her and she ran her fingertips over the top of my snout. If I were a cat, I'd be purring. My eyes got a little lazy. Before I knew it, she pressed her nose up against mine and rubbed it a little. When she pulled away, my ears perked up and she grinned.

"Wolf kisses," she explained. I barked out in laughter, making her jump a little and then she laughed also. I was already bent down but lowered more to help her get on me. I watched her grab my pants.

"You know this is the worst idea you've ever had... I'm a klutz," she said. I rolled my eyes and shifted my shoulders, indicating she should get on. After a moment of hesitation, I felt her stand next to me, lift her leg and straddle me. She fumbled around for a moment, probably trying to figure out where to hold on. I rolled my eyes. She could yank on my fur all day and it wouldn't hurt.

But as I had hoped, she settled for laying down along my upper back and wrapping her arms around my neck. She flicked my ear a little and I turned my head so I could see her out of my peripheral.

"Ready," she said. I gave a nod and felt her tighten her hold on me as I started forward. My first few steps were at a walk, then a trot, then I started running, feeling her body melt into mine. She kept her body liquid and graceful, working with mine. I had to say, besides sex, this must be the best feeling ever.

Really, Jake? Gross. Remember, we're out here too, Quil said. I held back a laugh.

Shut up and leave me alone. Focus on your own tasks.

Right, master, Paul scoffed. Then he continued, changing his joking voice into a more serious one. Do you want us to come with? What are our orders?

No, just keep a perimeter. Quil and Embry, keep guard of La Push. Paul, Seth, patrol in circles of a five mile radius of the diner. I'll be on the inside, if any of you senses anything. I'll be there to get Bella out, I said. There were several sounds of approval and then they tried to make themselves as invisible as possible. I had to say, that was pretty mature of Paul.

Bite me, Jake, he grumbled. I couldn't help but laugh. Bella loosened her hold a little, probably thinking she was choking me. I grinned inwardly. Again, impossible. But there wasn't really a way I could tell her, and it made her use her legs to hold on more. I breathed in at the thought and was assaulted with more hormones. I batted them away as I continued on our journey.

In no time, I was slowing to a trot. The diner was only half a mile away, and we'd have to walk the last quarter, as there was no forest around it. As we came closer, I came to a stop and lowered my belly to the ground. She slid off me, her knees buckling a little. I moved closer to give her something to lean on. She tested her legs and when she stood straight, I walked a few paces away from her and let my thoughts drift.

I'll be back in ten minutes. Don't let me down, I whispered.

Never, Quil and Embry said together. I smiled and slipped back into my human form. I opened my eyes and saw Bella smiling at me. She tossed me my pants and I pulled them on.

"That was... interesting," she said, sliding her hand into mine. I interlocked our fingers as I led her towards the diner.

"Interesting good or bad?" I asked and watched her face light up with a large smile.

"Very good," she said, glancing at me and then looking back to the road. Another five minutes of walking and we were in front of the diner. I rubbed my nose, already smelling leech. I turned to face her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her close.

"Be careful," I said, nudging her nose. Her eyes fluttered shut.

"There's no one here she has to beware of," a sharp voice said behind me and I glanced over my shoulder. Pixie. I looked back to Bella and brought one of my hands up into her hair, pulling her close for a kiss. A sound if disapproval slipped Alice's mouth. When I pulled away, I grinned at Bella.

"I'll be here. Anything you need," I reminded her and she nodded. I pulled away from her and turned to the sprite. Bella reached out and grabbed my hand as I took a step towards her. She didn't stop me. Alice wore a menacing glare. The expression didn't fit her.

"Don't harm her," I said. Something flickered in her eyes, but then it was gone. Instead of commenting, she gave a small nod and I stepped past her.

"I love you," Bella said as I walked backwards to watch her. I smiled and gave a little wave.

"I love you more," I said, then turned tail and jogged back to the forest where I would circle the diner and listen for any problems.

Bella's POV

I watched him jog away, unable to stop smiling. The run here had been thrilling. Holding onto him, feeling the wind on my skin, yet staying so warm, our bodies moving as one...

Much better than riding a vampire, I thought. Next thing I new, Alice's arms were wrapped around me in a tight embrace. I settled there for a moment, reminiscing in the feel of what used to be a common hug. Then I brought my arms between us and pushed her away a little.

"Oh, Bella, I'm so sorry... I'm so glad you're alright," she said, reaching up with a hand to hide her mouth. I wanted to reach out and choke her. I'd never felt such anger and need for revenge in my life.

"I would have been better if you, or any one of your family, had noticed how crazy Edward was acting a week ago!" I cried out. "You think this is alright?" I asked, pulling aside the collar of my shirt to show a bruise. I continued to pull my shirt up in the front, exposing the scratches from when I'd jumped ship from my truck. I cont-

"I get it, I get it!" she said, reaching forward to stop my hands. I pushed my shirt back down and glared at her. "Let's just go inside. It's probably cold for you," she said, taking a few steps back towards the diner's door.

Even though I felt like my blood was boiling, I followed her. She led me inside and took a booth in the corner. I sat across from her.

"What do you want to talk to me about?" I asked. She tilted her head, reminding me of a carnivore, stalking its prey. I shivered. I was so glad Jake never looked at me that way.

"Bella, I need to apologize. It's true, I never stopped Edward. I knew, somewhat, what was going on. I saw Edward losing you, but that's only because of my ability. You'd flicker in and out of my vision. Sometimes I couldn't see you at all!"

"But that didn't give you right to not to stop him! To not tell anyone else! Didn't they see how he was acting?" I asked, a shiver running down my spine. No, don't think about him... Just hate him. It's easier.

"No. They thought he was acting a little strange, but mostly he was gone, visiting you, or he was cooped up in his room. He loved you, Bella-"

"No, that's where you're wrong, Alice," I whispered deathly. "Someone who loved me would never go this far. If he loved me, he wouldn't have done all this to me-" my voice broke a little, thinking about the jump from my window. My heart started racing, as if I was right there again. Alice reached forward and put her hand over mine.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I would have stopped him if I hadn't been so scared of you not becoming one of us..." she said. I blinked. It was like a complete slap in the face. Just then, a waitress came over.

"Can I get you two anything?" she asked, cheerfully. I pulled my hand away from Alice's and placed it under the table, giving a shake of my head.

"Two waters will be fine," Alice said, looking at me. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. Her? So scared?...

"How's your father doing, Bella?" the waitress asked. I finally tore my eyes away and looked up at the girl. I forced a weak smile.

"Yeah, he's... Uh, he's fine," I said. She gave a small nod, seeming to realize we didn't need to be bothered and turned around. It took me a moment to bring my gaze back to Alice.

"You... would have stopped him? YOU, were scared?" I asked. She brought her hand up to her mouth a little. I knew she was biting her lip. "You have no idea what scared is... Do you have any idea of what you put me through?"

"Bell-"

"Obviously you don't! He pushed me, he pinned me to a door. He broke things around me. He kept me from Jacob, which hurt most of all! He kissed me, and I had to play along in fear that he would change me. When I finally saw a chance to get away, I jumped out of a window, jumped out of my moving TRUCK! He almost broke the treaty by going on the reservation and trying to attack me," I finally broke, feeling my heart breaking into pieces. A man who said I meant the world to him had done all this to me... I'd been suppressing it...

Alice's eyes were wide. They'd been getting wider ever since my retelling of Edward's action.

"Bella-"

"Then, that night... He even called Jake's. As if he hadn't tormented me enough! He called and told me he was going to kill Jake..." I whispered, bringing my hand to my mouth. All the bad memories, all the feelings... It was like opening a flood gate that had released a toxin into my blood stream. I felt tears welling in my eyes. I could never lose Jake. Ever. Silence rang on for what had to be more than a few minutes. I inwardly thanked Alice for giving me time to compose.

In that time, the waitress came back to drop off our waters and disappeared immediately.

"I'm so sorry, Bella... I never meant for any of that to happen to you... I was acting like an idiot and I was being selfish. I realize that now. I'll never make a mistake like that again. I hope you can forgive me," she whispered. I brought my eyes up to hers, wanting to glare at her so badly. But there was nearly nothing left in me anymore.

Alice's POV

Please, please, please, Bella. Forgive me... I thought, pleading with her eyes. After a moment, I took in her appearance. She was in no way perfect, but she was alive and, what appeared to be, in love. I tried not to think about what Edward had done to her. There was still life in her eyes, but that was after spending two days with wolves... What had she looked like the day Edward had nearly attacked her?

I couldn't help but look away from her penetrating eyes. No doubt that having her in the world, living with wolves, was much better than her being dead, or even worse... If Edward had forced her to become a vampire and she hadn't wanted it. I thought of Carlisle, and his first years of living. I pressed the thoughts away. If I had given Bella that fate...

I looked at her again. Her eyes were now lowered to the table, staring at it intently. I drank her in, so happy to see her. Even if this was the last time. I hoped it wouldn't be. I hoped she'd agree to come home with me. I wanted our family to offer her all the protection we could. It would be the best she could ever get.

But if she never wanted to see us again?... I'd never forgive myself. I caused her to never want to see me again, I could live with that... But Emmett, Esme... Carlisle, we all loved her. If I had been the cause of them never seeing her again, I don't think I'd be able to get over it. I took in a deep breath and raised my head a little.

It was my fault she was in this position. I accepted that completely. I had helped Edward into insanity. I had been too afraid to let Bella go, and had in turn lost my brother, and nearly her also. I would never make the same mistake. I would protect Bella, so long as she would allow me to. Until the end of her life.

Bella lifted her head and looked straight into my eyes. It was like she was trying to use whatever strength I had to speak. I didn't have very much anymore.

"... I just... I need some time. Alice, I love you. I always will. You and Carlisle, Esme... All of your family," she said. I smiled weakly, reaching my hand out. She pulled back a little and I felt my eyes widen. She continued. "But I'm afraid of you all. Even now, my skin is crawling, thinking that I'm sitting with Edward's sister. I don't know what to believe. You could be helping him, even now," she said. I opened my mouth to argue but she interrupted me.

"I don't feel like that's the case, but it's a fear I have to live with now. Jake is helping me through all this. I LOVE him. I mistook my infatuation with Edward for love, but I realize now... What Jake and I have doesn't even come close. Jake showed me what love really is," Bella said. I wrinkled my nose a little. My future would have been sister in law, in love with a fleabag? There was a weird look on her face as she glanced away. "He'll protect me..."

I scoffed a little. She turned back to look at me, surprised.

"Bella, we can protect you better than any smelly old dog," I said, shaking my head a little and waving my hand.

"No... No you can't. No one can protect me as well as he can. I don't WANT anyone else to protect me," she said. Again, I wrinkled my nose. A stubborn look came over her face. "I'm not going with you, Alice. Get it out of your head."

I sighed and rubbed my forehead slightly, glancing out the window. I saw a rustle in the forest half a mile away. I laughed a little. The dog had stolen her from us... And I had helped him do it. I hoped he could protect Bella as much as Bella believed he could... She would need it. I looked up at her. Then I scooted to the end of the booth and stood up.

"Well... you always have our number. If you need us... For absolutely anything, we're always here," I said. I gave her a little smile and then turned. I tried to stay composed and not fall to pieces. I had failed. I had failed to keep Bella as a part of our family. Worst yet, it was because of me she had left in the first place.

I fled the diner, heading for home.

A/N: How you guys doing out there?