A/N:Okay Okay I know I haven't posted in like forever. I am sorry ladies and Gents but I truly hope it is worth the wait. First I need to say a big thanks to TayJay for being my long suffering Beta for as long as she was and thanks to Mist who has stepped into her shoes til I can find a replacement. Next to Dragonfly76, you were not or will you ever be anyone's last resort. Btw peeps Jake's words to Bella in the bathroom scene are hers and not mine cuz she is all kinds of awesome and it is one of the reasons I love her so much and lastly this chapter is dedicated to my twin Shadowlynx who believes in Jake and Bells and their HEA.
Jake awoke before dawn forgetting for a minute where he was until he felt Bella's body pressed up against his. He smiled and sighed as he stroked her hair away from the side of her neck, having to fight the urge to kiss the crook of her neck and wake her, he settled for breathing in her scent and pulling her tightly against him before letting her go and getting out of bed. She whimpered in her sleep at the loss of contact. He bent down, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, pulled the quilt up, and tucked it around her before leaving the room. He walked softly towards the kitchen not wanting to wake up Sam, Emily, or Paul, only to find all three of them sitting around the kitchen table.

"Good Morning, Jake, What do you want for breakfast," Emily asked as she got up to take the morning's first batch of muffins.

"I am not really hungry Em, but thanks."

"A wolf not hungry, I don't believe it," Emily said

"Okay so maybe I am a little hungry but I think I will wait on Bella to eat."

"Just have a muffin or two and then you can eat your main meal with her," Emily suggested.

"Okay," Jake said as he took two muffins and began to eat. Emily brought him a cup and started refilling Paul and Sam's coffee cups before filling Jake's.

"Jake, man can I talk you when you finish," Paul asked quietly, receiving a questioning look from Emily and Sam and a raised eyebrow from Jake. "What? I had a lot of time to think last night after you guys went to bed and I just want to make things right, okay. "Please," he asked hopefully.

Jake looked to Sam to see if he thought Paul was being sincere and Sam nodded his head in the affirmative before Jacob looked at Paul. "Yeah, sure," He said as he took his coffee cup to the sink and threw his muffin papers in the trash. "Just let me go check on Bella really quick and I will meet you on the porch okay." He said as he ran done the hall quietly and opened the guest bedroom door. He walked quietly over to the bed and pulled the covers up around her as her eyes fluttered open.

"Jacob," she whispered.

He ran his free hand along her cheek and she leaned into it curling her slender fingers around his thick muscled wrist. "Morning Bells," he said quietly before pressing his lips to her forehead and letting them linger as her eyes fluttered close. "Sleep Beautiful, when I come back I will bring you breakfast."

"Hmm," Bella murmured as she snuggled deeper under the quilt, still holding his wrist. Jacob sighed as his disengaged her fingers and headed out the door. He left the door opened a crack and headed for the porch.

Paul paced back and forth waiting on Jacob to join him. He knew now just what a complete ass he had been to them. He just hoped Jacob could find it within himself to forgive him. His wolf was fighting to get out despite the alpha order not and to phase until Dr. Fang gave the go ahead. He was antsy as waited for his future Alpha to his appearance. He stared out at the road that lead from Sam's to the other side of the rez. The side that Jake and Billy lived on, the side he and Sam had never dared go until now. Now that they were part of the new generation of spirit warriors, they could go anywhere they pleased and they were now welcomed there by their chief.

Not that Billy ever judged them but the rest of the rez did and the people in Forks too. But not Charlie, even though he was the police chief and had stopped his mom and dad on numerous occasions, he had always been nice to Paul. Why had Paul given them such a hard time, he really didn't know, but he knew from this day forward he would do anything he could to make life better for his future Alpha and his imprint. Even if he had to fight a whole damn vampire army on his own, for them he would. Paul lost in his own thoughts did not hear Jacob come outside and join him on the porch until Jacob touched his shoulder. Paul spun around to face his future Alpha to see Jacob standing there with two cups of coffee in his hands.

Jake handed one to Paul before taking a sip of his own and sitting on the porch railing. He could tell Paul had a lot to say but he also knew it was hard for Paul to deal with his emotions. He was the most volatile of all of them and Jake knew it had to do with his childhood, not that he knew much about it because he was Rachel's and Rebecca's age. and The only thing Jake knew was what he caught in his sisters hushed whispers or in Charlie and Billy's hushed conversations over dinner and the game, but he knew enough to know that it was rough for Paul. Paul let out a sigh and began to speak.

"Jacob, I am sorry I have been giving you such shit. You didn't deserve it and neither did she. I can see that now. She is a whole lot more fragile than I thought. How do you think she survived that," he asked.

"Pure courage and determination Paul, she has more strength than all of us. I know that. Sam says she has been put through so much in therapy that he just wants to yank her out of there most afternoons, but what I really want to know Paul is why?
Why did you give me such shit? Why did you talk about Bella like she was shit on the bottom of your shoe, if you didn't have a clue," Jacob asked as the passion filled his voice.
Paul pushed away from the railing and turned his back on Jacob and stared at the road again before speaking again.

"Because Jacob, she has everything and that still isn't enough for her. She wanted become one of them you know."

Jake sighed before he answered. "Paul, I don't like the thought of her doing that either, but what does it have to do with you. I mean you seem to have taken this extremely personal."
"Because she should not want to carelessly, throw her life away like that. A lot of people would kill to have what she has already. She has Charlie and her mom and you and Billy and she wants to die just so she can become some kind of cold rock hard statue who out lives everyone who really loves her. It isn't right Jake. They don't really love her; they don't remember what it was like to love people Jake."

"Paul I won't pretend to know what your life has been like, but I know it has been difficult for you. You have to understand Bella hasn't had it the easiest either. Charlie told Dad she practically raised herself from the time she was physically able. Don't get me wrong Renee loves her; she just is not capable of being a mother. She has no brothers, sisters, or even close friends, that she remembers anyway, and along come, the Cullen's offering her what she lacks. Yes, she has Charlie, but I think we all want that complete family, a mom, a dad, and some brothers and sisters. The Cullen's gave her that and right now she sees them being ripped away from her. We have to show her a better way to live Paul, one that won't cause her to lose the people she loves and for now that has to include the Cullen's as much as we may hate it."

"But how do you stand it, Jake, knowing she wants to be one of them, knowing that will kill you," Paul asked without turning around.

"I have faith in her Paul, in us. Hell, she has kept the wolf at bay for weeks now without even knowing it and I love her, I have my entire existence. This will just be a bump in our long and winding road," Jake said with a sigh.

"Enough of this pansy ass talking shit. I am hungry and you have an imprint to claim before sparkles decides to come back."

Paul strode back into the little house to find Bella sitting in Sam's seat. Sam was trying to coax her to eat. She was just pushing the food around on her plate and her brown hair was hanging in a curtain around her face. Paul moved silently around the kitchen and took his plate and sat next to Sam. He watched silently as Jake walked in the door and Bella looked up from her plate.

"Jake," she exclaimed

"Bells," he said as he walked over to the table and picked her up one handed from her seat, buried his nose in the crook of her neck and took a deep breath as he spun her around before sitting her back in the chair. He took the seat next to her and pulled it up as close as he could get. He pushed her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. "How come you aren't eating Bells," he whispered.

"Because I am not hungry Jake, I tried to tell Sam and Emily I don't eat a big breakfast, but they won't take no for an answer."

Jake took her chin in his hand and turned her head so she was looking him in the eyes before he spoke again. "Bells, you have to eat better than you have been and start taking your pain meds and start sleeping or you are going to end up back in the hospital and in summer school. Is that what you want, because I can tell you it sure the hell isn't what I want, but it doesn't matter what I want does it, not since the Cullen's wormed their way into your life. You know what Bells, eat if you want, if not you'll get what you want eventually you will be dead. It is what you wanted anyway wasn't it. At least Charlie will get to mourn you for real this way instead of an empty casket." He let go of her chin and calmly got up and headed for the door, hoping she would wake up and eat before he made it to the door.

"Jacob, wait," Bella said so quietly even he had to strain to hear it.

Jake turned around and looked at her. She was still staring at her almost full plate. "Yes, Bells," he asked hopefully.

"Jake, I can't do this anymore."

"Can't do what anymore, Honey?" Jake says as he knelt down next to her chair, taking her trembling hand in his and squeezed it gently.

"I can't be the strong one anymore. I have tried, but I can't. It is too hard."

"You are strong Bells."

"No, I'm not Jake, I have tried to be but I just can't. Tell Billy I tried, I really did."

"Bella Swan, what in the world are you talking about? What does Dad have to do with this," Jacob asked shaking his head in disbelief.

Bella looked up from her plate. Her silent tears fell down her cheeks as she found Jacob's eyes. She placed her free hand against his heated cheek. "Billy said when you came back you would need me to be strong and remember that no matter what you love me, but it is harder than I thought. I can't do it Jake. You deserve so much better than me."

"Bells honey is this what the not eating and not taking your pain meds has been about, you trying to show me and everyone else how strong you can be?"

"No, not really, can we talk about this later, Jake?"

"I will only wait to discuss all of this, if you eat Bells and I mean really eat and then we are going for a walk before Dr. Cullen comes to check on you because I want to know what is going on with you Bells," he said as he took his seat next to her.

"But Jake"

"But Jake nothing, either you eat, or we will have this discussion right here right now in front of everyone," he said as he picked up the fork off her plate and placed it in her hand.

They all watched as she dug into the hearty breakfast Emily had prepared and breathed a silent sigh of relief. Especially Jacob who was afraid if they didn't get her to eat soon and start managing her pain better he would lose her again and he didn't even want to think of the pain that would come with that loss. He continued to watch her eat until she had eaten about half of what was on the plate and she put her fork down and wiped her mouth.

"Sam can you get my chair and my board for me please?"

"Sure, Little One," Sam said as he got up and went and got her chair and sliding board.

Bella laughed when she saw all three of them jump up to do her bidding and all three smiled at that sound. They knew her return to Forks had not given her much to smile or laugh about and to hear that sound soothed the wolves beyond measure and the men wanted to laugh along with her. Sam got her chair and watched over her on one side and Jake on the other. Jake was amazed at her progress in just a week's time. She slide from one chair to the other with the style and grace that it usually takes someone years to master. He continued to watch as she placed the board across her lap and wheeled herself towards the little hallway in the Uley home.

Bella could feel the breath of all three of the boys on the back of her neck as she wheeled to her room; she turned around quickly to find all three of the boys so close she could feel their breath on her face.

"Are the three of you gonna follow me around like three overgrown dogs all day or what, because I will tell you this is gonna get old fast if that is the case." Bella held her breath half-afraid she insult them and they would be mad with her instead they reacted in a way she never expected all three of the boys threw their heads back and laughed. Big booming laughter that filled the whole house, they laughed until tears were running down their faces and they were doubled over. Bella looked at them wide eyed as they tried to stop but every time one of them would think about her calling them dogs, the laughter would start rolling again until Emily stepped forward with her wooden spoon. One look at the stern expression on her face and Sam, Paul and Jake stood up and stopped laughing.

"You three stop it right now. You are scaring Bella. She thinks you have lost your minds," Emily said as she waved the spoon in front of their noses.

"But Em, she called us dogs," Sam whined in protest, causing Paul and Jake to laugh again until Emily brought the wooden spoon down hard on the bridge of Sam's nose. "Damn Em, what was that for," he asked rubbing his hurt nose. Jake stood up tall and took his place behind Bella because he knew what was coming next as he saw Paul still smirking at the fact that Sam was in trouble.

"Sam Uley, you know exactly what that was for, now as punishment you and your friend smirking Paul can clean my kitchen and if you are good little pups maybe I will give you a treat."

"Muffins," they said in unison as they both headed for the kitchen.

It was only after Emily was sure that Paul and Sam were cleaning that she turned and embraced Bella squeezing her tightly. Jacob watched from behind as Emily whispered thank you to Bella before returning to her kitchen. His chest welled with pride as his Bells was bringing so much to the pack before she even knew about the pack and their existence.

"So where to Bells," he asked.

"I can push myself you know Jake."

"I know, but I like pushing you Bells."

"Okay," she said knowing better than to argue with this new Jacob. "I need to put my board in the bedroom, and get my jacket; then I need to brush my teeth and do something with my hair before we go on our walk."

"Okay well how about I push you to the bathroom and then take your board and get you a jacket, and then I will braid your hair if you want," he asked hopefully.

"Sure, sure," She said with a sigh as Jake pushed her into the bathroom. He used his good arm and pulled her hair back from her face and placed a gentle but firm kiss on her lips before taking her board out of her lap.

"You need anything else Bells?"

"No, I got it from here. I will see you in the kitchen in a bit okay.

"Okay and Bells please remember no matter what I love you."

Bella pushed away from the sink and wheeled her way over to him where he stood by the door and she placed a hand on his arm. He turned his head and looked at her. "Jake I know there is a lot going on here that no one wants to tell me. I know you all know things about what happened to me that you shouldn't, and you are still here, still loving me regardless of the fact that I lied to you and used you for my own gain. I want to assure you of one thing, regardless of the secrets and burdens you are carrying right now I will be here for you always."

When she stopped speaking Jake leaned the board up against the wall and turning to face her, he takes her hand in his and bends down so he is eye level with her. Intertwining his fingers with hers he runs the back of his hand across her cheek taking with it the remnants of the silent tears she had shed.

He sighed heavily and tried to give her a half smile of reassurance, but something in his eyes told her that there were things he knew. Things he understood without saying a word. She wondered how much he knew, if anything at all. Jacob Black had always been able to read her like an open book. Keeping secrets from him was nearly as impossible as trying not to breathe in the fresh spring air.

Jacob's warm, soft lips brushed her cheek lightly. "I know, Bells. There are things we should probably talk about, but it can keep. Some other time, okay? Go back to brushing those pearly whites cause I hate to say it Bells but you have egg breath."

Her hand flew up to her mouth and she looked at him horrified only to see the smirk on his face and the glint of mirth in his warm brown eyes. She playfully swatted at his shoulder only to meet his wall of muscle. "Jesus Jake," she said as she pulled her hand back rubbing it. "That was not funny you know."

His grin widened at her words. "Sure, sure, Bells, not funny at all," he said as his shoulders began to shake and he walked out the door, carrying her board with him.

She followed him out the door into the hallway. "Just for that Jacob Black, the next time you get a kiss from me will be when Hell freezes over," she shouted.

Causing him to turn back around and walk back towards her crouching down he pulled her chair forward just enough so that their noses were touching. "Isabella Swan I can guarantee you'll be ready to kiss me again before the day is out, hell maybe even before lunch. Any freezing going on in Hell will be melted from the sheer heat of it," Jake said as he tapped the end of her nose and stood up and headed down the hall to place her board in the bedroom and grab his hoodie for her

"Arrgh," she screamed in frustration as she stared after him as he walked down the hall and heard the loud laughter of his friends who were now sitting there with Carlisle, clearly waiting on them to return from the bathroom. Bella gave them all a death glare before wheeling herself back into the bathroom murmuring "Arrogant Assholes, every last one of them," before slamming the door behind her.

"Good job, guys," Jake, said coming back out of her room to see the whole pack doubled over in laughter and he could hear Bella slamming things down in the bathroom even without his super wolf senses. "Thanks a lot fellas this weekend was supposed to be her welcome to the pack, some welcome it has been you guys have picked the worse time to laugh."

All four guys looked at Jake and found their somber faces somehow. "Sorry Jake," they said in unison.

"I will go check on her Jake," Emily volunteered.

"Thanks Em," Jake said as looked at her with grateful eyes. She patted him on his naked back as she passed by causing Sam to let out a little growl. "Really Sam, you know he only has eyes for Bella and I only have eyes for you," Emily said with a smile as she headed for the bathroom. Jake took the seat next to Embry and Sam's expression turned serious as he spoke. "Sorry about that Dr. Cullen, it is always like this around here, especially when all the knuckleheads are here at once," Sam supplied.

"It is fine, Sam. It is actually a lot like my home when all the family is together minus the sleeping and the food."

"Okay, so last night before all hell broke loose you said you needed to discuss Bella's future care and something else that involves Bella with us," Sam was trying to hurry this along, not that he didn't appreciate what the doc had done for Bella and the boys but it would take forever to get rid of the stench.

"Yes, indeed, but I think we should wait for Bella, so I think I will wait until she comes out to start that discussion, but I would like to take our two combatants outside and deal with their injuries."

Sam nodded and opened the front door and waited until all three of them were out before following after them and shutting the door.

"I take it Bella doesn't know yet gentlemen," Carlisle asked as soon as the door was shut.

"No," Jake answered. "I was going to tell her before you got here but she took so long to eat and then the conversation in the bathroom happened, so I didn't get a chance."

Carlisle removed the sling from Jake's arm and the bandage from his shoulder before checking the range of motion. "You are all healed Jacob. You should be fine to phase today and to help Bella however she needs," he said as he moved on to inspect Paul's injuries. He set to work removing bandages and the liquid stitches from Paul's shoulder marveling at his accelerated healing. He bent down and removed the cast from Paul's leg carefully feeling where the bone had been broken. He could tell the bone had already knitted itself back together completely. Once again checking the range of motion in the limb, Carlisle stood before speaking again. "Mr. Lahote, you too are all healed and ready to phase. However, you have some stiffness in that leg, so it may be sore for a while.

"Thanks, for your help Doc," Sam said as he motioned for them to head back inside. Carlisle placed his hand on Sam's shoulder after Paul and Jake had headed back inside.

"Sam can I talk to you out here for a minute."

"Sure Doc," he said as he shut the door and walked down the steps.

"I am assuming that young Jacob has imprinted on Bella," Carlisle said as he followed Sam down the steps.

"You assume correctly, doctor. Is there a reason you had to have this discussion in private?"

"Yes, I am warning you ahead of time that if Edward does return we could have a problem on our hands, you and me. Bella being both Jacob's imprint and Edward's singer gives us an added complication we do not need at this point."

"Okay, well how about we cross that bridge when we come to it, if your news is what you were discussing last night we do not need to borrow trouble. I will talk to Jake if and when I need to, right now, we need to make plans and the whole pack and Bella need to know about those plans. Besides I am hoping you won't mind sticking around until Jacob tells Bella, we may need your assistance."

"Of course, lead the way," Carlisle said as he followed Sam up the steps and into the small cottage. Carlisle looked around the room and saw that the boys were spread out around the living room as much as they could. Embry and Jared flanked Jake on the couch, who had Bella in his lap as he was still braiding her hair, and Paul was sitting in one of the side chairs, and Emily was sitting in the other cutting off yet another pair of jeans to make another pair of shorts.

She got up when she saw Sam enter the room and went over to him and wrapped her arms his waist and he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips and rubbed noses with her before letting her go.

"Would you like a chair Dr. Cullen," Emily asked as she went to get a kitchen chair for herself.

"Sit Em, I will get it," Sam says as he pushes her toward the chair she just vacated.

"No, thank you Emily, I think I will stand, Carlisle said.

Once Sam had, Emily settled he joined Carlisle in the entryway. Carlisle noticed he was silently communicating with the pack with subtle movements of his head because Jared and Embry pulled forward so they were still sitting but they were pushed forward on the balls of their feet, ready to jump up and take Bella and Emily out of the room if necessary. Paul had taken a similar stance in his chair waiting and watching Jake to see the warning signs. Ready to drag Jake out of the house if need be. Young Jacob was too wrapped up in Bella to notice. He had finished braiding her hair and now had his nose buried in the crook of her neck, his lips ghosting over the space between her neck and her shoulder. You could almost feel his wolf purring in contentment. Carlisle was so fascinated by the scene for a few minutes he had forgot the urgent reasons he had returned until Sam cleared his throat bringing Carlisle back to the reality in which they were now living.

"Okay, Gentlemen and ladies the first thing we need to discuss is what will be happening with Bella's medical care this week. Bella it has been brought to my attention by Sam and Jacob that you have had a pretty tough week in therapy and because of that your eating and schooling are both suffering. I will have a talk with the therapists on Monday. Also on Monday and Tuesday of this coming week, I would like to run a battery of tests on you and send the results to the doctors I have been consulting this week. They wanted you to travel to New York but I convince them that it was just not possible for you to do that. So they agreed to let me run the tests here so you can be home at night, Monday I plan on doing a complete MRI, CAT Scan, and a full set of x-rays and then Tuesday I plan on doing an all-day pain study. You will be in your bed by nightfall both days I promise," Carlisle said as Jake's wolf growled in protest at the thought of his imprint in any pain and he amber eyes widen as he watched something amazing occur when Jacob began to growl. Bella placed her tiny hand on his chest and the growling sound was replaced by a chuffing sound as Jake once again buried his head into the space between her shoulder and her neck. "Extraordinary," Carlisle whispered.

"Amazing to watch isn't it, Sam whispered from behind him.

"Yes, is this normal imprint behavior," he asked curiously.

"Not that I know of this is all Jake and Bells," Sam said quietly as pain laced his voice and his gaze landed on Emily.

"The other thing we need discuss is much more important but will have to wait until Jacob and Bella talk about some things first."

Bella whipped her head up from where it was laying against Jake's shoulder to look in Jake's eyes. Jake saw her confusion and fear in her eyes and placed a gentle hand against her cheek and sighed as she leaned into it. "Remember when I said I knew there was things we needed to talk about but it would keep, well it looks like it will no longer keep Bells." He watched as Bella swallowed hard and tears began to fill her eyes and he looked over her head beseechingly at Sam and Carlisle.

"Jake maybe we should show her instead of telling her," Sam suggested. He watched as Jake's whole face showed his relief and he picked her up, placed her in her chair, and headed to door before Bella could ask any questions. Sam saw the tears and anguish in Bella's eyes as they passed by and sighed as he watched Paul assist Jacob in getting Bella down the steps and out to the yard behind the house close to the woods. Embry and Jared followed close behind while Carlisle and Sam brought up the rear. Emily was already on the back porch waiting when they arrived.

"Carlisle do you mind staying here with Bella," Jake asked quietly.

"Not at all Jacob," he answered.

"If anything starts to go wrong promise me you will get her out of here as quick as possible."

"I will protect her with my life Jacob if it comes to that I promise," Carlisle said with a sigh.

Jake bent down and took both of Bella's hands in his and placed another reassuring kiss on her check before saying, "Remember no matter what Bells, I love you always have always will." With that, he took off for the woods.

"See you on the flip side, Little Bird," Paul said as he placed a kiss on her cheek and took off. Jared and Embry followed without a word. Sam had went up on the porch to give Emily a kiss now descended the steps and came to a stop in front of Bella.

"Remember Little One, he is not mad at you, none us are. This has been our destiny just as it is yours. Remember the stories and legends because they are real as you already know, Isabella Swan, welcome home." Without another word, Sam took off to join his brothers and found them transformed and awaiting him. As soon as they were all in wolf form, they emerged from the forest cover into Sam's backyard.

Bella's mouth dropped open as she watched the five wolves step forward.

"Jacob," she whispered and the russet wolf stepped forward placing his giant head in her lap. She stroked his soft fur and he purred before lifting his head as the black wolf came to stand on the side. The russet wolf then stepped aside to let the black wolf close to her. She reached out her hand and stroked his fur and saw as he looked up at Emily sitting on the porch and whined. "Sam," she said it so quietly Carlisle even had to strain to hear.

Carlisle watched as each wolf took their turn with her until she had pet each one of them. When she was done Jake returned to her and placed his head back in her lap purring loudly as he did so and Carlisle knew it was coming sooner or later so he closed his eyes and waited. Waited for the time when it all clicked in Bella's head and she realized why these fine young men turned into giant wolves and as much he expected it when it came she moved faster than Carlisle anticipated and whipped around before he could stop her and her hand was caught in midair by a russet hand as Jacob gently stopped her from hitting him and grabbed her up in one fluid motion and took off toward the steps not caring he was still naked as he walked in the house with rest of the pack watching.