Don't hate me. I'm just writing down what comes into my head. Honestly, the ink just flowed from the pen...I couldn't stop it. If you're still with me, here is the next chapter...short, but necessary.

***Disclaimer – Stephanie Meyer owns everything Twilight. I'm just letting the characters live in my mind for a while.***

Chapter 4

Snarling teeth, furious eyes,…russet fur.

Jacob. Oh god.

"Jacob! Help me!" My voice came out strained and cracking. In the next second, Jacob leapt over me and lunged at my assailant and snatched him up in his strong jaws. Jacob proceeded to drag Mike out of the tent. I heard Mike screaming and Jake snarling. There was a sickening, crunching sound and a loud thud. Then nothing.

I was naked, tied up, scared, probably bruised and bleeding, cold,…and alone. I turned to my side and drew my knees up to my chest; my hands were still high above my head. I closed my eyes and sobbed as tears streamed down my face. Edward…he won't want me now. I sobbed harder.

I felt a warm hand on mine and I jumped. My eyes flew open and I instinctively struggled to get away.

"Bella…it's me, Jake. I'm gonna get you home." His hands raised, palms facing me to show me he meant no harm. He soothed me as he slowly reached to untie the restraints. He looked around for a minute and reached for a blanket that was buried in the corner. Quickly, he covered me and picked me up. I flinched.

"It's ok. I won't hurt you. I'm taking you home. He won't hurt you again. They're all looking for you." He babbled on.

"J-Jake? H-how…?" He explained as he walked with me cradled in his arms. I don't know why he didn't run. His warmth felt good. I was so cold. So dirty.

"Shh…" Jacob looked down at me with sorrow in his eyes. "Your bloodsu…Edward," he corrected himself, "said he got home and you weren't there. Said it looked like you left in a hurry. Your truck was still in the driveway, but there were tire-burn marks leading out of town. He followed them to the treaty line. Then he called me. Frankly, I'm surprised he didn't just run into the woods, but he said he didn't need the entire family to get killed for breaking the line. He thought I kidnapped you. After we cleared up that confusion, the pack and I set out to help search for you." He paused a minute to readjust his hold when I whimpered from pain.

"Sorry. Ok?" I nodded and he continued walking.

"How…H-how did y-you find m-me?" My sobbing made it hard to talk. He just hugged me closer as he explained.

"I heard you scream. I could smell…him. There was a strong scent in the direction of your screaming and I instantly knew what was happening. As soon as I saw the tent, I tore into it and he flew to the corner. You know the rest. I'm so sorry, Bella." His voice hitched in his throat. "I saw what he did to you. I'm so sorry I couldn't find you faster."

"Wh-where's Ed-Edward?"

"He's waiting. Seth stayed with him in case you showed up and he needed to call off the search. Before I phased back I told Seth to let them know I found you. He'll be waiting. In fact, there he is." He nodded ahead of us. I turned my head to face the next part of this horrible day.

Edward saw me the second Jacob mentioned seeing him. Edward paced frantically, like an animal gearing up to attack, while he waited, impatiently, at the treaty line. The same moment Jacob stepped over the line, Edward was gathering me in his arms. Emmett, Jasper, and Rose were waiting by the cars. Emmett yelled, "Bring her home. We'll meet you there." Edward didn't even acknowledge that he heard him.

"Jacob, what hap…" His eyes narrowed and he growled with fury. He knows. He hates me now. Jake must be showing Edward how he found me through his thoughts. "NO! Oh, Bella…no, no, no, no, no… Oh god…" I knew it. He thinks I'm filthy.

"I'LL KILL HIM!" Edward roared. I felt the deep vibrations in his chest as he shook with rage. Suddenly he paused and gave Jake a quick nod. Then he relaxed his tone, "Thank you, Jacob."

"Bella, love, I'm taking you home." I closed my eyes in relief. I'm always safe in Edward's arms.

"Jacob?" I turned to see if he was coming with us.

"He went to go clean up the mess. He'll stop by later, if that's ok with you." He answered my searching look.

"What mess?" Are you going to kill…" I took a breath. "Mike." I felt Edward's arms stiffen for a moment and then he held me tighter. I didn't want him to leave. Even it if it was to avenge my honor.

"Jacob already killed him, love. He won't hurt you again." Well, that explains the crunching sounds and the thud. A wave of relief washed over me until a thought occurred to me…murder!

"Edward! How will we explain Mike's death?" I was happy he was dead, but his murder wasn't going to go over well for Jacob. I panicked.

"Calm down, love. Jacob is going to make it look like an animal attack." He smiled at the thought. "Shouldn't be too hard to stage."

I relaxed again and he whispered, "Let's go home."

I never did like Mike.