The sunshine was streaming through the window and shining directly into his eyes and he put his arm up to shield them. Wait didn't he have that arm around Bella when he fell asleep, he wondered. Jacob felt the absence of Bella the second he became fully awake. Her side of the bed was empty and cold. Jake jumped out of bed and started frantically looking around for his shorts. His wolf was chanting Bella's name in his head. He finally found his shorts in the chair in the corner, folded. He smiled. Only Bella would clean up the mess on the floor before leaving the room. He slid his shorts on and quietly left the room. He stopped in the hallway as he caught a glimpse of her.

She was sitting in her wheelchair at the kitchen table with her laptop, a book and her notebook in front of her. She was wearing his shirt and a pair of tiny grey shorts. His wolf growled in his head. Bella was wearing far too little clothing to be around his brothers for his wolf's liking. Jake had to fight the urge to drag her back to bed. She had her head bent down and he could see from the crease in her forehead she was concentrating on something. He snuck up behind her and placed an open mouth kiss on her neck. She jumped and her notebook and book landed on the floor; Jacob burst out laughing until her wheelchair hit his toes.

"Ouch Bells," he screeched.

"That is what you get Jake," she said laughing as she turned around. "Damn werewolves and your stealth."

"Well if you weren't concentrating so hard maybe you would have heard me when I got closer you might have known I was here."

"Sorry, but some of us would like to graduate next year without having to go to summer school and right now that is not happening for me. I am having trouble in Calculus and I have three term papers due in English, a history project, and not to mention finals. I am running out of time and all I really wanna do is go to bed and not get up until next fall."
Jake listened to her rant and watched as the tears were forming in her eyes and he felt a sharp stab of pain in his heart. He took her hands in his and knelt down so that he was eye to eye with her before he responded. "Bells, everything is going to be okay. I promise you that you will make it through this year and graduate on time. Sam will help you with the math. He was going to go to school for engineering before this and you are usually great with English and I can help you with the History project and studying for your finals. The whole pack will help, but this weekend you need to rest and eat and get your strength up, besides it is not like you are going to school until Wednesday at the earliest."

"Jake I don't have time to rest. I have three weeks left and I am gonna miss Monday and Tuesday which means more make-up work."

"Bells, you have to rest honey. I refuse to let you run yourself into the ground because you are worried about some stupid diploma."

"I can't believe you just said that to me. So, because I want to graduate on time and not let the decisions of my past affect my future, I am stupid. Just because you don't wanna finish school doesn't mean we all share your wish." She rolled off toward her bedroom slamming the door and locking it behind her.

Sam and Emily walked in at that precise moment.

"Looks like Jake ticked off the Alpha female, Em."

Jake turned around and came face to face with Sam. "Shut up Sam. I am going to Sue's to get her some salve for her scars. If she comes out can you help with her Math before patrol? She is struggling and it will be one less thing for us to fight over," with that Jake was out the door.

"Oh boy it is gonna be fun having those two in the house," Emily whispered as she snuggled into Sam's side.

"Let me see if I can get Bella to come out and finish her Math assignments before she gets even further behind. Sam let go of Emily, headed for the closed bedroom door and knocked.

"Go away Jake I don't want to talk to you right now."

"It's me Little One, Can I come in?"

"Is he still here?"

"No, he went to Sue's to get you some salve for your scars." He heard her flick the lock and the door opened and she moved back so he could step inside.

She saw he held her math book and notebook in his hands. He set it down on the desk, pulled the chair up next to it, and sat down. "I won't apologize to him, Sam," she said with much more conviction than she felt.

"I am not here to tell you what to do Little One. I am here because Jacob asked me to help you with Math. He says you are struggling."

"Is that all he said?"

"Yes, Bella that is all he said. Bella you must understand to him your safety and well-being is paramount above anything. He is worried about you and that makes him highly possessive and demanding. He can't help it; the wolf will allow for nothing else, Little One."

"Well how do I deal with this, Sam? I have to finish school and he is going want to keep me in bed on the weekends. I am so far behind now and two more day's worth of make-up work again this week. I can't just lay around Sam and time isn't on my side at this point.

"I know Little One. I will talk to him okay for now let's get to work on this Math before he gets back. Charlie is coming for dinner tonight. Do you think you and Jake can keep your hands off of each other and the fighting to a minimum while he is here?"

"I will try, Sam."

"Good because I would like to see Jake and I live long enough to see you get better, Now let's see about this math."

Two hours later Sam and Bella emerged from her bedroom with her Math completely finished.

"One subject down, two more to go," Sam said as he pushed her toward the table where her laptop was sitting.

"Bella let Sam take those to your room for you. Charlie will be here in about an hour and I figure you will want another shower and a change of clothes before then," Emily said as she pushed Bella toward the bathroom. She settled Bella in the shower and came back out to get her clothes and talk to Sam. "Jake went for a run, see if you can find him, tell him to get his butt back here and put on some jeans and a t-shirt before Charlie gets here, you too. I don't want Charlie to regret letting Bella stay here while he works on the weekends Sam."

Sam pulled Emily into his embrace to sooth her frazzled nerves. "Em, everything will be okay. Charlie loves Jake remember and I will make sure he arrives to dinner on time and fully clothed in the meantime you get my scent off of Bella so that Jake's wolf will allow him to act human at least until Charlie leaves."

Emily pulled out of his embrace as he went to find Jacob. He found him in the garage at home working on his beloved VW Rabbit. Jake was covered in grease and he had his head under the hood.

"Just a minute Sam. I am trying to install this part that Dad got for the Rabbit today and I will be right with you."

"Getting better with the wolfy senses are you kid," Sam asked with a laugh as he stepped inside and sat on the old bench seat.

"Yeah, so is Bella still mad?"

"She was never really mad in the first place Jacob. She is not use to other people telling her what to do and in the last 5 months she has had a controlling vamp of a boyfriend who was always telling her what to do and who she could see. Now you come into her life again, were the sweet Jacob she remembers and within a month that guy is gone only to be replaced by a controlling possessive guy who doesn't listen."
"I'm sorry Sam, but she is in pain, tired and she keeps pushing herself."

"I know that Jake and I know it is driving you and the wolf crazy because you feel everything she feels but let me give you a word of advice as someone who has had to deal with an imprint with a lot of physical and emotional pain. They are stronger than we ever give them credit for and your Bella survived something no human is supposed to survive Jake and she has come out of it with more strength than she thought she had. She doesn't want her bad decisions of the past to color her future. A future she wants to share with you and to her graduating on time in spite of all that has happened is a part of that long road to recovery Carlisle talked about the other night. It is important to her so it must be important to you and you must let her find her own strength Jacob in her own way."

"I know Sam but the wolf makes it hard."

"I know brother. I know he does, but unless your wolf wants to be outside in the cold and trust me when I say literally outside in the cold and wet, you are gonna have to quit being soo Alpha with her. Is your Dad coming to dinner with Charlie tonight," he asked deciding it was time to close the book on this heavy subject for now as he watched Jake turn around and stand up indicating he was done with the part.

"I asked him if he was coming and he said he wasn't invited."

"Well, I will remedy that right while you go get a shower and get ready. You have ten minutes and you are to show up wearing jeans, a t-shirt and shoes, Em's orders. I will put these in the bedroom for you," he said indicting said clothes he had brought for Jake to wear knowing nothing in Jake's closet probably fit him anymore.

"Thanks Sam," Jake hollered back to him as he ran towards the house in a dead sprint.

Sam took things a little slower and arrived just in time to see Jake close the bathroom door. He sat the clothes down on Jake's bed and returned to the kitchen where Billy was sitting at the table reading one of the tribe's history books.

"Hey Billy, you are coming to dinner tonight right? Charlie will be there and Jake and Bella would like for you to be there."

"I don't want to intrude."

"Billy, you are never intruding. You will always be welcome in my home you know that. And I figured you might like to see Charlie and maybe help me make sure your son keeps his hands to himself while Charlie is around," Sam said with a chuckle.

"Now you know Sam that will be a near impossible task especially since they haven't mated and she doesn't carry his mark."

"I know Billy but neither one of them are ready for that and you know it. So what are you looking for in the histories."

"I am looking to see what the ancestors say about a spirit warrior's imprint being a cold one's singer as well."

"Did you find anything?"

"Not yet, but I hope to soon."

With that, Jacob came zipping out of the bathroom across the hall to his bedroom wearing nothing but a towel. Sam and Billy both threw back their heads and laughed at the sight. His hair was sticking up in all directions and he slid into his bedroom door with a thud before opening it and going in and shutting the door. He came out wearing the jeans and shoes and pulling the shirt over his still wet torso.

"Jesus Jake slow down we still have 45 minutes before Charlie arrives for dinner," Sam said as he shook his head at the sight of Jake as he t-shirt clung to the bottom half of torso and his hair was still sticking up all over his head.

"I know Sam but I want to get back to Bella before Charlie gets there and tell her I am sorry."

"I figured as much but you have plenty of time to apologize and make-up before Charlie gets there but you will keep your hands off of Bella with the exception of hand is that understood?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"Good, now go comb your hair while I get Billy in the truck."

Jake ran into the bedroom and combed his hair so it was flat against his head, ran and jumped into the bed of Sam's pick up. Five minutes later Jake had Bella in his arms sitting on the sofa with his face buried in the crook of her neck inhaling her scent and she was murmuring softly to him and rubbing his back. Both were completely ignorant of Sam and Billy when they burst through the door. Sam's senture died on his lips as saw the two of them and heard the deep purring coming from deep within Jacob's chest.

Billy looked at his son and Bella in awe. He fought hard to blink back the tears gathering in his eyes. He saw what he had known all along. Isabella Marie Swan was his son's imprint and more than that, she was a true Alpha female with the power to control all of the spirit warriors within her pack. He no longer had to worry for her safety as he had for five months for the pack would lay down their lives to protect her now.

"Bella, you are looking much better than the last time I saw you."

Bella about fell out off of Jake's lap at the sound of Billy's rich baritone voice. Jacob gripped her tightly and growled at his Dad as he sensed the change in Bella's mood.

"Jacob Black, you did not just growl at your father did you," Bella said with authority as she sat up straight in his lap and pulled away from him to look at Billy.

"Sorry Dad, Sorry Bells," Jake said as his wolf let out a whine at Bella's displeasure with his behavior. Bella reached out her hand and stroked his chest until he began purring again.

Billy rolled himself over to where they were sitting while Sam took this opportunity to shower and change before Charlie arrived. Bella wrapped her arms around Billy's broad shoulders, buried her face in neck, and whispered she was sorry before dissolving into tears. Billy and Jake both enveloped her in their arms. Letting her cry on his shoulder was the least Billy could do. After all, he failed to protect her from the thing that caused her horrific injuries and most of all he had failed his best friend by not telling them what the Cullen's were before it was too late.

"It is I who am sorry daughter. If I had told you from the beginning, what was happening to the boys on the Rez maybe you wouldn't have been so quick to associate with the Cullen's or you would have at least been more careful. I failed you and I failed my best friend, my blood brother and I failed my son, for that I will forever have regrets but we will shed no more tears after tonight because this is your destiny Bella, yours and Jacob's. You two were brought together by the Great Spirit in this time in place to do great things." Bella lifted her head off his shoulder and looked him in the eye and she saw tears streaming down his face but most of all she saw the love Billy held for her. The love a father has for his daughter. She kissed his weathered cheek and vowed never to disappoint him again no matter what.

Billy wiped her tears away and his own before letting her go. Under his watchful eye, she melted into Jacob's chest as he continued purring softly. Billy watched in awe has he son stroked Bella's cheeks until every trace of her tears were gone. He then kissed her gently on the forehead before placing her in her chair.

"Did you have Emily put the salve on your back," he asked thoughtfully.

"No Jake I wanted you to do it."

"Okay Bells I will do it when you get ready for bed after Charlie leaves." Jake saw her about to say something and he cut her off. No Bells, no arguments. You have done enough for one day. After dinner, you will take your pills with no whining or complaining. I will put the salve on your back and you will go to sleep. Are we clear?"

Billy, Sam, and Emily all waited with baited breath to see what Bella's reaction would be to this command that came not from Jake but from the future Alpha within.

"Crystal," she said with a sigh because she knew even if she tried to put up a fight it would be pointless and she would lose.

With a sigh of relief, Jake pushed her chair up to the table next to his place and then he placed Billy on the other side of him. Sam was busy helping Emily set the dishes out on the table as they heard Charlie's cruiser turn on to the dirt road that led to Sam's house. Emily fussed over the table as the minutes ticked by and Charlie's cruiser enter the yard. Jake suddenly got nervous and began to fidget in his chair. Bella grabbed his hand underneath the table.

She leaned over and whispered in his ear "Jake it is just Charlie. He loves you remember." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and sat up straight just as Charlie entered the house.

Charlie looked around him and saw the faces of the people he considered family. It had been a long hard weekend already. He had dealt with several missing persons reports, a few bear attacks and he had not even got to talk to Bella since Friday morning. As his gaze fell upon his daughter's face, he saw a change in her. She looked content instead of resigned. She looked almost happy although there was still a sense of sadness in her gaze.

Charlie's thoughts were interrupted by Sam's voice. "Have a seat Charlie. I know you don't have that long to eat and visit."

With that, Charlie removed his gun belt and placed it on the back of the empty chair next to Bella. He placed a kiss on her temple before sitting down. "It is good to see you Bells. You too Jake," he says as he takes his seat. Once seated Charlie looks at the people around the table and begins to speak. "Sam and Emily I just want to say thank you for opening your home to Bells. I know you have been good to Billy and I appreciate you being good to my daughter. Not just for letting her stay her on the weekends but taking her back and forth to therapy has been a big help"

"Chief, you have always been good to us. All of us at one time or another and we are just grateful for the opportunity to pay you back a little."

"Sam I was just doing my job."

"No Charlie, you weren't just doing your job," Billy piped up in response. "I know it and Sam knows it. You weren't just doing your job when Sarah died in that car accident and you held her hand until they pushed you out of the ER. You weren't just doing your job when I had let my health go to pot and you made sure the four of us were fed and clothed on a regular basis so that social services didn't take my babies away or when the girls left and it was just me and Jake. You were the one who taught him to take care of me. You were the one who took him and Embry to the places Kay and I couldn't. You brought Sam and Paul home when their parents were too drunk to drive instead of calling social services and having them put in foster care, you brought them here where Sue, Harry and I looked out for them until their parents were released. Charlie Swan you have been a friend to me and this tribe for as long as I can remember and I will hear no more talk of how you just do your job or how deeply indebted to us you are. We are so indebted to you that taking care of Bella while you keep your job and not have to worry about her is just a drop in the bucket."

"Billy, I..." Charlie trailed off not sure what to say to his best friend's emotion filled tirade.

"I know you old coot. Don't get all mushy and sappy in front of the kids. They will think we have lost our minds."

Feeling how uncomfortable Bella was with this whole conversation and seeing the tears gathering in both men's eyes, Jacob decided to defuse the situation all together. "Oh Old Man, Bells and I already know you two need to be in a funny farm but we are waiting for your full social security benefits to kick in so we don't have to pay for it." With that, one quip Jacob had the whole table in laughter all except Bella, but her pain abated and she began to eat instead of stare at Charlie and Billy.

They all ate in relative silence until Charlie got up to leave. He snapped his gun belt in place and put his jacket on he leaned down and placed another kiss on Bella's temple. Charlie did not fail to notice that both Jake and Bella had only had one hand above the table all night long and if he had to hazard a guess they hands were intertwined but they were afraid of what he might say so they kept it hidden. "I will see you on Wednesday evening Bells."

"Okay Dad you be careful and call me."

"I will Bells I promise," feeling like a total jackass for not calling her for the last two days Charlie made his way to the door. "Sam, Billy, can I see you outside for a moment," he asked before exiting. Sam and Billy followed. When they were all three outside Charlie spoke again. "I talked to Dr. Cullen this afternoon and he said that you two had agreed to take Bella to the hospital for her testing and as much as I wanted to be the one doing that with the City Council on my ass about these bear attacks and missing persons cases I just can't do it. Billy given your dislike for Dr. Cullen I want you to know I do appreciate this very much, you too Sam."

"Charlie that is what family does for one another. I don't want you to worry about a thing we will take care of her. I promise."

"Thanks, could you send Jake out here for just a minute. I need to have a word with him and Billy?"

"Yeah Charlie?"

"First weekend I get you and I are going fishing and that is a promise."

"I look forward to it Chief."

When Jake came out, he was nervous. He was afraid Charlie was going to warn him off Bella again and with the wolf already being on edge because of Bella's mood he was afraid he may phase and hurt Charlie, then Bella would never forgive him. Charlie was leaning up against the cruiser door.

"Chief, Dad and Sam said you wanted to talk to me."

"Yeah Jake I do. I want to talk to you about last Sunday."

"What about it," Jake asked defensively.

"I wanted to say I am sorry about the way I acted Jake. Neither you nor Bella deserved my tirade and I can only say in my defense that she was so hurt by that Cullen boy seeing the two of you like that was a shock. Jake I know you love my daughter. Hell, you loved her before you knew what love was and I can see you are good for her, but please remember she is fragile. I don't want you hurt any more than I want to see her hurt."

"Oh, Chief, don't you know I will be anything she needs me to be that is how much I love her."

"I do know that Jacob, I just hope she knows just how special you really are. With that Charlie got in the cruiser and headed back to his office with a car full of leftovers and knowledge that his daughter was in good hands, Jacob wiped the tear from his cheek and headed inside to put his beloved imprint to bed.

Jake walked into Sam's house, picked Bella up out of her wheelchair, and took her straight to the bedroom without a word. He gently laid her on the bed. "Did you take your meds" Bella shook her head no. "I will be right back with your meds, some water and the salve," he said as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips and walked out of the room.

Jake busied himself getting the water and her meds as Sam and Billy talked quietly in the living room about the meeting with Dr. Cullen that was to take place after midnight. He grabbed the tin of salve, jammed it in his pocket, and stopped in the living room before continuing his journey to the bedroom. "Dad can you hang for another 20 minutes, then I will take you home."

"Sure, but Sam can take me home if you would rather not leave Bella."

"I would rather not leave her but I need to talk to you about some things, so if you can wait I will take you home, if not Sam can take you home."

"I will be here Son."

"Thanks, Dad."

"I will have her sound asleep in 20 minutes or less."

Jacob walked into the bedroom and helped Bella sit up. He handed her the pills and the glass of water waiting until she had taken the pills. He set the water the nightstand next to the bed before undressing and putting on his athletic shorts. Jake removed her Henley before she could blink. His deft fingers made quick work out her brace and cami and bra quickly followed.

Jake reached and removed the tin of salve. He climbed on the bed next to her and helped her flip over on her stomach. Once she was settled and he was sure she was comfortable; he took the lid off the salve. Taking some of the salve in his hands Jake began to make small circular motions on her back over the scarred area. Bella let out a low moan as his fingers continued to the base of her spine.

"Am I hurting you honey," Jake asked concerned.

"Nope, your hands feel wonderful Jacob."

"You can feel my hands there, Bells," Jake asked hopefully.

"Not really Jake. I feel the heat and what I can only describe as sparks coming from your fingertips every time you touch me on the parts of my body with no feeling in them."

"Bells why didn't you say something before?"

"You never asked and that really wasn't on my list of priorities when I noticed it."

"When did you notice it?"

"This morning in the bathroom."

"You need to tell Dr. Cullen about this tomorrow."

"Okay, Jake," Bella said sleepily.

Jake continued rubbing her back until he felt her breathing change and he was sure she was sleeping. He knew she should have her back brace on but he didn't want to wake her, so he carefully climbed off the bed, put the tin on the nightstand next to the glass of water and covered her with the quilt before leaving the room and shutting the door. Sam and Billy looked up at him as he came into the living room.

"She asleep, Son?"

Yeah, Dad. Sam she fell asleep while I was putting the salve on her back so if she needs to get up for any reason before I get back send Emily in there first. Dad, you ready to go?"

"Whenever you are."

He pushed Billy towards the door and caught the truck keys one handed behind his back as they headed out into the cold rainy night. Jake loaded Billy up as quickly as he could and shielded his father's body from the rain as best he could when he lift him onto the bench seat and he went and got into the driver's side. He cranked up the truck and turned the heat on full blast.

So, you gonna tell me what you wanted to discuss away from your pack brothers."

"Sure, sure, Dad hold your horses. Sam said that there is supposed to be a ceremony to welcome an imprint into the tribe, a bonfire."

"Yeah, but that is usually happens after marking though Jacob. Although with you and Bella, I think the pack and the council should make an exception."

"I want to do something special for Bella, Dad. I want to make her something special. Something of me that she can have with her always."

"What did you have in mind Son."

"I want to give her Mom's Ring eventually, but for now I was thinking a charm bracelet that we can add to down the road and I was wondering if I could use your tools and workroom to work on it while she is at Charlie's during the week."

"Sure, Son," Billy said as the truck came to a stop. "Is that all you wanted Son? You could have asked that at Sam's.

"Well no Dad not really, Dr. Cullen was telling Sam something this morning when they were outside. He said Bella was Edward's singer and an Alpha's imprint. I am scared Dad what if he comes back and she goes back to him."

Billy stopped pushing himself towards the house and turned around to face his son. "Jacob Black, Bella loves you so much. I see I; we all see it. She is not going anywhere and you MUST believe that."

"I am trying Dad, but I am having to fight the urge of the wolf to claim her. I feel like we are both going to lose ourselves to this monsters and magic and I don't know what to do for her. I have failed her once already Dad and I don't want to do it again. I can't."

Billy quickly pushed himself up the ramp and into the house before turning to face his son again. "Jacob, none of what happened to Bella is your fault. There is nothing you could have done to prevent what happened to her."

"But, I could have phased sooner. I could have stopped her from leaving. I could have protected her and she would have never fallen for that leech in the first place."

"Oh, Jacob trust me I know exactly how you feel but what is important is that we are there for her now and we make sure she is safe and secure now. Go back to your imprint hold her and don't let the guilt eat you alive."

Jake helped his Dad get ready for bed and made sure he had everything he needed before he left him for the night. He knew Embry would be back to stay the night but he didn't want to neglect his Dad's needs either. He left the key under the mat for Embry and locked up. He made it to the truck in record time and headed for Sam's.

He did not say a word when he reentered Sam's home and headed straight for the guest bedroom and took his place next to Bella, who had not moved from her position. He took off his shorts and climbed into bed next to her. He pulled her into his side and drifted off to sleep.

Sam knocked on the bedroom door at ten until Midnight to signal, Jake it was time to go. Jake had been awake for about half an hour and had dressed Bella in her sleep in case Paul had to take her to the bathroom during the time he was gone. He managed to tear himself away from her and join his brothers in the living room. Everyone was there except for Embry who had already gone to Jake's to get some rest and check on Billy. Paul was sitting at the table eating and Jared and Sam were talking softly in the living room.

"What's up, Sam," Jake asked.

"We are not sure Jake, Paul and Embry caught scent of a vamp near the border near Canada and Quil is days away from phasing according to Old Quil. I know I said you would have weekends off to be with Bella but I may need you."

"Okay, Sam."

"Paul is gonna remain here at the house but phased in case the vamp gets any closer than Canada. Emily knows and will call him inside if Bella wakes up and needs to go to the bathroom. Let's go so we can get back."

With that they all went outside, phased and headed for the treaty line. Five minutes later, they found Carlisle nervously pacing back and forth on the line. They phased again and pulled on their shorts. Sam spoke first.

"Dr. Cullen what is wrong?"

"Sam, I am afraid we have a problem. There has been some talk within our community about James' mate seeking revenge for his death against Edward. She wants to take out his mate and to her that means Bella. I don't know what this means or when she will come but I just wanted you to know that it is a possibility. It is why the family has been with our friends in Alaska trying to gain Intel on Victoria and her plans."

Sam watched Jake as he tried hard to control his emotions. He was breathing in through his nose slowly and out through his mouth slowly and Sam could feel the anger rolling off him in waves. Had Jake been Paul Dr. Cullen would have been toast. He could see Jacob's skin rolling and his hands were shaking but he was holding it together. Sam touched his shoulder. "Go Jacob, go be with her. I will fill you in tomorrow."

Jake slipped off his shorts and let the anger take over as he phased and headed for Sam's. He took the long way around so that he could run off some of his anger but his wolf pushed him towards the placed that they both really needed to be. He was met by Paul at the front steps. Paul had seen what was had went on through the mind link and knew he needed to make sure Jake was calm enough before he let him in the door.

"Are you okay, Jake," Paul asked as he stood at the foot of the steps.

"I am fine Paul, Please move I need to see her."

Paul moved and let Jake pass. Jake went straight to the bedroom, stripped of everything and climbed in bed. He undressed her and pulled her flush against his body waking her in the process.

"Jacob," she said confused.

"Shh, honey. I just need you close."

"Okay, Jacob. I love you."

"I love you too honey."

Jake awoke the next morning disorientated. Bella was encased in his arms naked. His morning wood was pressing on her back. He moved away gently. Bella moaned in her sleep at the loss of full body contact. He kissed her temple before slipping out of the bed. Just as he had done the night before he dressed and then dressed her while she slept before leaving the room. Every fiber of his being was pulling him back to that bed, back to the other part of his soul, but he couldn't wait any longer he had to find out about the leech that wanted to take revenge on his Bells. So he quietly opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, closing it just as quietly he headed for the bathroom and then the kitchen where Emily was already making breakfast.

"Good Morning Jacob," she said without even turning around.

"How did you know it was me, Em."

"Don't worry you are not losing your wolfy stealth. I saw your reflection in my pot when you came out of Bella's room. Is she still sleeping?"

"Yeah."

"Well sit down and I will get you some breakfast. Sam is coming off patrol in an hour and I should be able to feed you and Paul before then. Can you go get him?"

"Sure, where is he?"

"Outside, he slept outside in wolf form by choice after he saw what Dr. Cullen said to Sam."

Jake headed for the back door and from the porch he could see Paul's silver wolf curled up at the back of the garden. Jake whistled at him and he lifted his massive head.

"Breakfast."

Jake watched as Paul phased and headed towards him. Jake waited until Paul was coming up the steps. When he reenters the kitchen he sees a big bowl of scrambled eggs, a plate piled high with bacon and a dozen large muffins, and Emily was back at the stove mixing another batch of muffins. He and Paul sat and ate their fill while Emily put two dozen more muffins in the oven and took Billy and Embry their breakfast. By the time she had returned Paul had left to go home and sleep the night off and Jake had taken out the muffins and placed them in the bowl and washed everything for her. He was wiping down the table when she came inside.

"Jacob, you didn't have to do that."

"And you don't have to do all you do for us Emily but you do it. The least I can do is clean up after me and Bells."

Emily blinked back tears as she looked at the young boy standing in her kitchen. He had the weight of the world on his shoulders right now and he was still more than willing to take on even more. She placed a kiss on his cheek before turning back to the stove.

Jake straightened up Emily's living room before Sam and Jared arrived. He helped Emily serve his pack brothers and set aside a plate for Bella. He was quiet and Sam couldn't help but watch him thoughtfully. He knew Jake had a lot on his mind and he was wondering why he wasn't asking him a million questions. "Jake, Bella will be okay."

"I know she will Sam. I will make sure of it."

Sam and Jared both shuddered at the resolve in his voice. "Jake you are not alone in this remember that."

"I know Sam. What did Dr. Cullen say after I left? He said the scent Paul and Jared caught was Rosalie. She made a run to the Canadian border and back to Forks to see if the leech had been anywhere near here. He said Alice and Rosalie would be back on Wednesday to help keep an eye on Bella when she is at Charlie's and school. He said Edward, Emmett and Jasper are trying to track her, have followed her to South America. He also says he understands the difficulty you are facing with allowing them to help but he says we are a small pack, we need to sleep at some point, and he has a point Jacob. They will make it easier to protect her especially when she is not on the confines of the Rez and you know Charlie will never allow her to move down her permanently not without telling him everything and Billy agrees that right now that would put him at more risk than is necessary."

"Okay, Sam, but I don't have to like it do I."

"No, Jacob, you don't."

"I am going to patrol now. Tell Bella I will be back by lunch." With that he was out the back door, stripping and phasing before his feet hit the ground.

In the hours Jake was gone Bella had gotten up, showered, eaten and finished an English paper. She knew something was up with the pack because Sam had yet to lay down and was keeping a close eye on her but she decided to wait and ask Jake what was going on. She was in the bedroom putting her laptop away when Jake came in from patrol. When she came out he was coming out of the bathroom toweling his hair dry. He stole her breath at just how beautiful he was. He pulled the towel off and smiled out her before leaning down and giving her a soul-scorching kiss.

"Afternoon Bells," he whispered as he lifted his head. His thousand-watt smile causing the heat to creep into her cheeks and her heart to skip a beat.

If you two lovebirds are done, I would like to eat and spell Paul so I can take a nap before patrol tonight and Jake I really hope you didn't leave shower a mess like your brothers do all the time."

"I didn't Sam, it is as clean as it was when I went in there. Just let me put this towel on the rack and I will be ready to eat. Can you get Bella situated for me?"

Sam did not say a word and the next thing Bella knew she was sandwiched between Embry and Jake eating a full lunch. Sam ate three plates before heading out the door, having Paul come in and take his place. Bella watched as the boys ate their fill and then some. She could not help but think of Emily as Wendy taking care of these lost boys as they formed their own family and then she couldn't help but giggle at the thought of Sam as Peter Pan the leader of these young men even though he himself was still a boy.

Jake had long since finished eating as he watched Bella pick at her plate. He watched her face as she watched his brothers inhale their food. He watched as emotions play across her face. She smiled and giggled and then her face turned somber and serious. Jake gave her hand a squeeze and she placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Are you done, Honey," Jake asked bringing her out of her somber thoughts.

"Yeah."

Jake took his and her plate and took them to the sink. Scrapping Bella's leftovers onto Paul's as he went by. He collected Embry and Emily's plate. Pushing her back into the chair as she got up to go do the dishes. While he waited for Paul to finish. He put what little leftovers were left in the refrigerator and made sure the counters were clean. Paul brought him his plate and dropped a kiss on both Emily and Bella's cheek before heading out to relieve Sam.

By the time Sam came in Jake, Embry had washed and dried the dishes and were in the process of putting them away, and Emily was sitting in her chair folding shorts and pants. Bella was sitting at the kitchen table with her book and notes and laptop pounding away at the keys. He knew what she wanted to have done by tonight and she wasn't letting the tension in the house stop her. He knew like Jake she had a million questions but wasn't ready to voice them. He dropped a kiss on her head as he walked in.

"How goes the progress Little One?"

"Good Sam, I am three quarters finished with paper number 2 and the History Project is half way done and it is not due until next Monday."

"I told you Little One, we will not let you fail. You still have make-up tests on Wednesday before class right?"

"Yeah, that's why I am trying to finish this paper, so I can study for a while."

"I think the best thing you can do is finish this paper and take a break. I think your wolf wants some alone time with his girl," Sam said with a smile as Jake came back in from walking Embry out with food for Billy. "I take it we won't see you two for dinner tonight Jacob."

"No, I told Embry to tell Dad we would stop by for dinner."

Sam nodded, kissed Bella one more time, went, and grabbed Emily wrapping her in his arms and leading her to the bedroom. Bella finished her paper and closed the laptop. Jake picked that and her books up, took them to the bedroom and grabbed Bella's jacket, and pulled a shirt over his head.

"So, Sam said you needed alone time with me?"

"Well. Yeah Bells I haven't had hardly any time alone with you this weekend at least with our clothes on and awake." He smiled at her blush creeping up her neck.

"Where are we going," Bella asked as Jake pushed her down the road.

"Quil's mom's store for some soda's and then since it is a little sunny today I thought we could go to Second Beach and sit and talk."

"Will this talk include why the pack seems so watchful of me today and why you were patrolling this morning when I woke up."

"Yes, Bells it will include all of that I promise."

"Okay good."

Fifteen later Bella had two lukewarm sodas in her lap and they were waiting in line. Bella noticed the looks and the whispers but Jake acted like he was oblivious to the paleface comments people were whispering under their breath. They got to the front of the line and Jake picked up the sodas and extracted two dollars out of his pocket and handed to the woman who Bella could only assume was Quil's Mom.

"Hey Aunt Joy, How is Quil?"

"Soon, Jacob soon." She said as she gripped his hand. "I am just glad he will have you and Embry with him. It will make it easier for him. Now go and enjoy your day with your girl. It is what Quil would want. Jacob.

"I will be there for him Aunt Joy."

"I know you will, Jacob you always have been. Now go on and get out of here and have fun."

"Aunt this is Bella by the way."

"I remember. Nice to see you again Bella. It has been a long time. I hope this nephew of mine is taking good care of you.

"He is taking great care of me Mrs. Aterea."

"Aunt Joy, please Bella. I look forward to seeing the two of you more often around here."

Jacob and Bella made it to Second Beach around three. Jake sat on the rocks with Bella in his lap. They were both quietly drinking their sodas when Bella started speaking.
"So Jacob, what is going on exactly?"

"Well Bella the guys and I have had to step up patrols because Carlisle said there has been word that James' mate plans on seeking revenge on Edward by killing you." Jake felt Bella tense up and he pulled her tighter in his embrace. "But Bella I don't want you to worry. We will get her before she even comes close to you. I swear it Bella."

"Jake take me home."

"Bella."

"Jake I don't feel like being out here anymore."

"If you don't want to be out here Bells we can go to Dad's or the garage,"

"No Jake I need to go back to Charlie's please take me."

"I can't do that. I won't do it Bells. You are safe here."

"But your people aren't safe Jake. Victoria is not the Cullen's she will not respect the treaty and she will stop at nothing to get to me. I can't handle anyone getting hurt because of me. Oh God Charlie," she exclaimed in a rush.

He could feel her shutting down on him and he could not allow that you happen. He pulled her tighter against him and made a deep purring sound. It immediately started to calm her. This made her angry. Jake could feel it and he knew that sooner or later she was gonna explode and he would have to deal with the aftermath but when she was curled up against him he couldn't seem to care about the consequences.

At least that was until after dinner when all hell broke loose. He was pushing her back to Sam's or at least he was trying but she kept trying to push herself. It had rained and the wheels kept slipping by the time they made it to Sam and Emily's yard it was completely dark. Bella's hands were covered in mud, she was soaked to the skin, tired, she didn't see the rut in the road, and when her wheels hit it she went flying out of the chair and landed in a puddle. Jake went to pick her up and she shouted at him.

"No Jacob Black don't you dare touch me. Go get Sam I want Sam."

As if on cue Sam appeared on the porch and surveyed the sight before him and gave Jacob a what the hell look as Bella sat there in the puddle and wailed. Sam went to come off the porch and pick her up. Jake stopped him with a raise of his hand. He scooped Bella up in a fireman's carry and began to carry her towards the house. When Bella realized who it was and what he was doing she started hitting him in the back, hard and Jacob didn't even wince. Sam put a somber look on his face as they past tuning out Bella's wails for help. He could tell at this point Jacob's control was slipping but not enough that he was worried so he opened the door and let Jake bring her inside. Jake dumped her in the closest kitchen chair. Bella was sputtering and wailing.

"Why did you let him do that Sam," Bella asked through her curtain of muddy wet hair.

"Because sometimes Little One, even you need a lesson in manners. Jacob loves you and I can tell you have been giving him hell. Let me guess he told you and you are trying to play the martyr and he won't let you."

"I don't want anyone hurt trying to protect me Sam. Most of all you guys."

Jacob interrupted what she was about to say next. "ENOUGH BELLA. I have had ENOUGH. He lifted her up, threw her over his shoulder, carried her to the bathroom, and deposited her on the toilet seat. "Take off your clothes Bella NOW," he bellowed as he shut the bathroom door. "Clothes off Bella," he repeated when she didn't move. "Or I will remove them for you."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Watch me honey, but I warn you, you will never wear them again.

Bella looked at his eyes through her veil of hair and saw his eyes had turned completely black and she felt his anger so she began to remove her clothes with shaky fingers her soggy jacket and Henley hit the floor in quick succession. He took off her back brace, set it against the wall, and watched as the cami and bra hit the ground. She tried to wiggle out of her jeans but they were plastered to her skin. Jake smiled that cocky smile as he watched her struggle for several minutes.

"Jake please."

"Jake please what Bella."

"Jake please help me."

"See that is all I want to do Bells is help you," he said as he stripped her of the wet jeans, underwear and shoes in one tug. "Asking for help doesn't make you weak Bells. It takes real strength to rely on someone for help with things. There is no shame in it, Bells." He stood up and lifted his hands above his head. Help me Bells," he said at barely a whisper.

Bella helped him strip out of his clothes and after several minutes under the hot water Bella was warm and clean. Jake wrapped her in a towel and then wrapped himself in one and carried her to the bedroom. He pulled her flush against his body and threw the wet towels on the chair. He buried his face in her shoulder inhaling deeply and fell asleep.

Emily smiled at the sight of the bathroom. Mud soaked clothes were everywhere and the bathtub was a mess but she could not find it in herself to complain to Sam or Jacob because she knew what really happened between the mud, water and dirty clothes Bella discovered where her true strength lies. It is in the people who love you. The ones who are willing to hold you up when you are at your weakest. With that, thought Emily cleaned the bathroom and put their clothes in the wash before going to bed herself. Saying a silent prayer to the Great Spirit to watch over and protect her wolf as he protected the ones he loves.