Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my 'gang'.

A/N: Also thanks to my awesome Beta, Blueboarderchick.

Thank you to my reviewers.

Chapter 42

This is really bad.

I wanted to go back in time. Back to when I decided to go for a walk and smack the crap out of myself. I preferred having a million tense, uncomfortable discussions with Taylor to being out here right now. Anyplace else would be better than where we currently were. Injured and lost in the wilderness with a dangerous predator poised to attack us at any second.

The wolf's sliver and white fur gleamed in the moonlight. With eyes firmly fixed on me, the wolf's lips curled, revealing sharp fangs before it let loose another hair-raising snarl. Cold dread curled in my stomach and my heart sped up, pounding away furiously in my chest.

Wolves don't attack people. Not unless they were injured or starved. The wolf didn't look injured, nor did it look malnourished. However, it did look… hungry. It was most likely the scent of Taylor's blood that drew it to us. I had no doubt that prey was scarce during winter, but it was believed that wolves usually avoided humans because they were afraid of us. Whoever came up with that theory deserved to be shot. This wolf wasn't the least bit afraid of me.

My weak voice was almost lost to the icy wind as I tried once again to rouse Taylor. "Wake up, Taylor."

A quick glance over my shoulder confirmed that he was still lying unresponsive in the snow.

You sure picked a good time to pass out on me, I grumbled silently.

I needed to find something to chase it away with. My eyes scanned my immediate surroundings, searching for anything I could use as a weapon. I spotted a tree branch lying several feet away from where I stood. It was too far away. In the corner of my mind, I didn't think that I would make it to the stick in time, but there was no other alternative. That branch was our only means of defense, so I would have to try.

I took a tiny step, inching my way to the branch and the wolf imitated my movement. The wolf's ears flattened against its head, its body went rigid and I knew with out a shadow of a doubt, it was about to attack. It was now or never.

Ignoring the sharp pain in my ankle, I whirled around and made a run for the branch. Frosty wind bit at my face and snow crunched under my shoes. A growl sounded behind me and I pushed myself harder. It sounded so close. I dared not look back for fear that I would trip. This was a nightmare of epic proportions, being chased down by a savage beast. My chest heaved in effort, pumping frozen air in and out of my lungs. Adrenaline rushed through my veins and I began to believe that I would make it. I was almost there. This was my final thought before the wolf collided with me, knocking me to the frozen ground.

I'd only managed to roll over on my back moments before the wolf sprang into the air. Instinctively, I screamed and raised my arms in defense as the wolf flew at me, biting and snapping at my face.

"Taylor! Help me!" I screamed moments before the wolf's jaw clamped down on my hand.

A dizzying wave of pain swept through me as the wolf's fangs pierced my mittens before ripping into my skin. The wolf backed off, releasing my hand when I punched it in the ear with my other hand. But the hunter was far from finished as it rushed at me once more, this time latching on to my forearm.

Its teeth broke through the sleeve of my jacket then tore into my flesh. The power behind the bite stunned me and I shrieked out in agony. I felt the wolf's teeth graze against my bones. The wolf began to shake its head from side to side and white hot, searing pain radiated up my arm. In wild panic, I used my free hand to beat at the wolf's muzzle in an attempt to free myself. The wolf remained unaffected by my ineffectual blows and continued in its mission to tear a chunk of out me.

I'm going to die.

My vision dimmed and I realized that I was on the verge of fainting. I never thought that it was possible to faint from fright alone but it was happening. And I was so tempted to let the darkness claim me. I was exhausted and in so much pain. Anything would be better than being consciously eaten alive.

This was my fault. All because I wanted to see nature, and now nature was about to devour us like a bucket of chicken.

I wondered what would happen to Taylor if I gave up and let myself die. The wolf would surely go after him when it was finished with me. Liz would be destroyed to not only loose her best friend but her brother also. I couldn't let that happen.

I have to protect him.

I have to keep him safe.

I renewed my struggles against the wolf, kicking and screaming with all my might. Desperately, my hand clawed and dug at the snow around me, trying to find anything to use as a weapon. My hand found purchase before closing around a loose, jagged rock. With what was left of my waning strength, I brought it down hard on the wolf's skull.

As the rock made contact with the wolf, I heard a crack. The wolf let out a startled yelp then loosened its grip on my arm. Taking advantage of this, I slammed the rock down on its head again. This time the blow drew blood and the wolf released my arm, jumping away from me.

The wolf eyed me warily as I shakily climbed to my feet, holding the rock in front of me like a dagger. A vicious snarl spilled out of the wolf as it barred its bloody teeth at me, holding its ground. It was obviously not about to give up so easily. Especially now that it had tasted my blood.

Time seemed to stop as I squared off with the wolf. I couldn't let it end this way. I had other plans. There were so many things I wanted to do with my life. Slowly, I spread my feet apart, bracing myself for the next attack. As I did this, something hard bumped into my foot and a hesitant glance revealed that it was the broken branch. I wanted to bend down and grab it but I knew doing that would leave me wide open for another attack.

The wolf took a step toward me and I made up my mind. This battle was about the survival of the fittest and I intended to win. I had to take the chance. The branch would make a better weapon. In an instant, I bent down making a grab for the branch just as the wolf snarled and lunged at me once again. As soon as my hand closed around the wood, I swung hard and was rewarded with a pain-filled yelp as blow knocked the wolf to the ground.

Seeing that its intended meal was not as defenseless as it appeared, the wolf decided to retreat. I followed it with my eyes as it disappeared into the woods. At first, all I could do was stand there. I kept expecting the wolf to come back and attack again. But as the seconds ticked by, there was no sound other than the howling of the frigid wind.

Eventually, I realized that my entire body was shaking as I stood frozen with shock. My breaths came in short, shallow pants. I could hardly believe it. Once again, I fought for my life against an inhuman beast and won. The throbbing pain in my forearm drew my attention and I realized I was bleeding. My mitten was soaked with blood and the sleeve of my jacket was torn wide open, exposing the mutilated flesh of my arm. Blood dripped from my fingertips, staining the white snow. I didn't need to see the wounds to know that they were deep.

We have to get out of here.

That wolf could come back for us. I scanned the snow and found Taylor still unconscious on his side. Moving carefully, I hobbled unsteadily, limping my way over to him. I cried out and almost fell when a stabbing pain shot up my calf but I used the branch to right myself. Gritting my teeth in determination, I pushed the pain away, reminding myself that now was not the time to be weak and scared. I was already down to one good arm and leg. We weren't completely out of danger, not yet.

Exhaustion was evident in my body as I collapsed on my knees in the snow next to Taylor. Although I tried to wake him, he was still dead to the world. "Taylor, get up."

I kept throwing anxious glances at the trees, trying to keep an eye out for the wolf. Using my good arm, I pulled Taylor until he rolled unto his back. He was so freaking heavy. Once again, I tried to shake him awake with no success. I was beginning to panic. Was he dead? I couldn't do this on my own. The only thing worse than being lost, was to be lost all by yourself.

Damn it, Taylor! You can't do this to me!

"Taylor, wake up!" My good hand shot out and slapped him hard across the face. The mitten softened the blow somewhat but it was still enough to rouse him.

Tears stung my eyes as he groaned and mumbled, "What the hell, woman?" His eyes appeared dazed then changed to worried as they took in my haggard appearance. He sat up slowly, holding the wound on his head. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, you passed out again and we have to go," I spoke quickly whilst tugging on his arm.

Taylor's gaze zeroed in on my bloody, tattered sleeve and a deep crease appeared on his forehead. "What happened?" He asked tersely. I pulled away as he motioned to touch my arm.

I was on the edge of hysteria. All I wanted to do was get away from this spot. "We don't have time for this! We have to go!"

Taylor moved quickly, grabbing my face between his hands and forced me to look at him. "What happened?" He queried in a no-nonsense tone of voice.

After I took a deep breath to calm myself down, I explained, "There was a wolf. It bit me… I hit it with a stick. It ran away but it could come back. We have to leave."

I watched the guilt in his eyes change to rage as he surveyed the increasingly ominous looking forest. "Okay."

It began to snow lightly as we wrestled ourselves into standing position and set off. I was sweating as a result of my scuffle with the wolf. I knew it was a bad sign. Something like that could bring on hypothermia. Shivers racked Taylor's body and his lips were beginning to turn blue. We would be screwed if we didn't find any sort of shelter soon. At any other time, it might have been wise to seek shelter in the trees but the shadows of the forest would provide too many hiding places for the wolf. We didn't want to offer it any chances to sneak up on us, so we decided to stay out in the open.

After about fifteen minutes of walking, we came upon a small cave, carved into the mountain side. Taylor and I shared a look, no doubt thinking the same thing. We could use it to wait out the storm and continue on in the morning. But we needed to proceed cautiously. Something else might have already been living in that cave.

Carefully, we approached the cave and peered into the darkness, trying to see inside. I suddenly remembered that I had a small flashlight on my keychain. Ryan brought it for me after the whole attempted rape and murder thing. I took out my keys and handed it to Taylor. I was beginning to feel slightly lightheaded from the blood loss.

Maintaining a firm grip on my hand, Taylor edged his way into the cave warily, using the flashlight to slice into the blackness. A while later, he allowed himself to relax with an audible sigh. Except for a few rocks and pieces of wood, the cave was empty. It wasn't much but it was dry and a hell of a lot warmer than it was outside.

I gingerly eased myself down the wall to occupy a space on the floor. Grateful to be off my feet, I observed Taylor as he moved around the small cave. He seemed to be in search of something. As he began to gather dried leaves and rocks from the ground, I quizzed, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to try to get a fire going," He answered while going about the business of organizing the rocks, wood and scraps of grass and leaves he found.

When he passed the flashlight for me to hold, I bit my tongue, choosing to remain silent. I didn't want to mention what happened the last time Mr. Caveman tried to start a fire without matches. This was definitely not the time to be negative.

I tried to hold the light steady as he angled the rocks over the kindling, striking them against each other repeatedly. A few times, Taylor's hands slipped and he ended up banging his finger but he kept on trying despite the obvious pain he was in. Just as I was about to encourage him to give up, the kindle began to smolder and I almost cried with joy. After all the crap we'd been through tonight, we'd finally caught a break.

Taylor leaned in and began blowing gently on the smoke from the side until we eventually had a small flame. He then began to feed it the pieces of wood and twigs he'd gathered.

Soon enough, the close confines of the cave were illuminated by the flickering glow of the fire. Taylor moved away from the flames to occupy the space close to me.

He reached for my injured arm. "Come on, let me see."

Gently, Taylor eased off the bloodied mitten of my injured hand and I bit back a groan. The puncture wounds weren't bleeding any more but they still throbbed like hell. Ignoring my protests, Taylor bent over and removed his shoes then his socks. Returning his attention to me, he tenderly wrapped one sock around the palm of my hand.

At least his socks aren't smelly, I thought with a smile. Taylor caught my expression and asked, "What's with the smile?"

"I was just thinking that I'd be unconscious right now if those socks belonged to Ryan and his jungle feet." I smirked then winced as Taylor applied pressure to my hand.

Taylor barked out a short laugh and snorted, "You got that right." Ryan had the ability to kill flies and people with his shoes. Leave it to Ryan and his smelly feet to bring some much needed amusement to our situation, I mused with a touch of melancholy.

When Taylor was finished with my hand, he carefully rolled up the sleeve of my jacket, exposing my forearm. Tormented guilt flickered across his face when he took in the extent of the damage. There were more puncture wounds and the flesh on my forearm had been jaggedly torn open by the wolf's teeth. My arm looked like it had been used as a chew toy. I would definitely have scars from the attack.

Using his other sock, Taylor enfolded my arm, creating a makeshift bandage. At my pain-filled grimace, Taylor apologized, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. It doesn't hurt that much anymore."

Seeing that I misread what he was referring to, Taylor clarified, "That's not what I'm talking about. I meant sorry for passing out when you needed me. You could have been killed and I wouldn't have known."

"It's not your fault, Taylor. You're hurt too." I gazed at his face, smiling blooming on my lips. "Besides, the way I see it, we're even. You saved my life, I saved yours."

I knew Taylor did something to prevent us from dying in that fall. There was no way we survived a fall like that, with only minor injuries. Briefly, my mind flashed back to the sensation of slowing down when we were falling. Was he responsible for that?

I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize that Taylor was intently observing my face until he lightly brushed his hand against my cheek. Embarrassed by his tender gaze, I shifted my attention to my bandaged arm. A soft gasp escaped my lips as I was abruptly encircled in his strong arms and pulled against his chest.

"I don't know what I would have done if anything happened to you." He murmured against my ear. A warm stream of breath fanned my neck.

"I feel the same way." With my face buried in his neck, my voice sounded muffled. I swallowed around the lump in my throat.

It was funny how almost dying made you appreciative of the people in your life. I meant what I said. I didn't know what I would've done if something happened to Taylor or any of my friends for that matter. Our lives were so entwined that I just couldn't picture my life without them. Didn't want to either. We were more than just friends, we were family.

And Taylor well… he was steadily working his way into a section of my heart that I preferred to remain unoccupied. I never realized how much I'd come to depend on him. There was some truth to Ryan's words. Taylor and I did fit. We were easy, simple. Nothing between us was ever overstated or forced. With Taylor, I experienced a sort of security I'd never truly felt with Edward or Jacob. It was the kind of assurance I'd never felt dating the vampire with a crazed thirst for my blood or the werewolf that would have left me the moment he laid eyes on his soul mate. I had to be completely honest with myself. Not only did I not want to share Taylor with Amber, I didn't want to share him with anyone else for that matter.

God, I am still so damn selfish.

All of my reasoning and logic flew out the door when Taylor lightly grazed his lips over my ear. I couldn't explain what made me do what I did next. Slowly, I moved my lips from the material of his jacket, allowing it trail tenderly along the exposed skin of his neck. My boldness obviously surprised him for a moment as he stilled all of his movements.

I paused just for a second to rethink my actions. Was I really about to do this? Test the sexual tension between us? One kiss couldn't hurt, right? I liked Taylor and he liked me. We should just do it and get it out of the way. If the kiss was lousy, then we could brush it off as if it never happened and go back to being us. No harm, no foul. On the other hand, if it was good, then… we would cross that bridge when we came to it.

He shuddered marginally as I began to plant tiny butterfly kisses along his neck and strong jaw line. Feeling empowered by his response, I drew away slightly to peer up at him through my lashes. In the glow of the fire, the expression his face was a mixture of uncertainty and burning hunger. I blinked and the uncertainty was gone. He wanted this as much as I did.

With the decision made, Taylor leaned down close to my face, stopping just a breath away from my lips. The arms around me tightened and he paused, giving me enough time to reconsider. But he didn't need to bother. I had no intention of backing down or pulling away. I wanted this with every bitten and aching part of my body. His arms constricted once more, drawing me flush against his firm chest.

Just one kiss…

That was my final thought before he captured my mouth with his.

A/N:Okay so I know I'm like 2 weeks late but after seven months of non-stop writing, it happened. The worst case of writer's block I have ever had. It took 2 weeks as opposed to 5 days to finish one chapter. So I apologize for my lateness. Am I forgiven? (makes puppy eyes)

Back to the story: So, how did Bella do against the wolf?

A stroke of luck finding that cave, huh?

And they finally kiss. I can almost hear Team Taylors everywhere cheering... and Team Jacob booing.

Coming up next: The kiss.

Some sexy teasing goes down in the cave.

Bella and Taylor come to an agreement regarding their relationship.

Taylor opens up and talks about his parents and his Spanish family.

Rescue?

A/N: I'm working hard to give you guys an early update. We'll see. Monday or Thursday.