A/N: Okay so here is the next chapter I am so sorry it has taken so long but I hope you enjoy because if it wasn't for Mist, Dragonfly76, and Shadowlynx it wouldn't be finished now. I appreciate you more than words can express

Jake felt Bella's small hands pushing against his chest. He cracked one eye open and moaned because it was still dark outside.

"Jake...Jacob...I have to go to the bathroom and I wouldn't have woke you but my wheelchair is not in here and I really don't know where it is and given my lack of clothes I don't really wanna have to call Sam."

At the mention of her state of undress and calling, Sam Jake sat up in bed and rushed to find her something to put on. His only shirt was in the wash because of her earlier tantrum and he really didn't want to put her in a cami and shorts for just a trip to the bathroom but he wasn't willing to risk her being seen naked either. Jake opened drawers at werewolf speed looking frantically for just the right thing until he came across a short nightgown that Emily must have put in here in case of an emergency. Jake made a mental note to thanks her later as he pulled the nightgown over her head and rushed her to the bathroom. He waited patiently for her to finish and helped her wash her hands before carrying her back to the bedroom and snuggling with her under the covers.

"Jacob," she whispered as she snuggled into his chest.

"Yeah Bells."

"I am sorry about earlier. I don't want you guys to get hurt because of me." She was cut off by the growl coming from deep inside Jacob's chest and she knew not to say anything more instead, she wrapped her arms around him and began tracing circles on his shoulder blades until the growling turned in to chuffing. She could not help but smile against his skin and marvel at the effect just her touch had on him.

"Go back to sleep, honey. You have a long day ahead of you."

"Don't wanna," she said as she planted hot open-mouth kisses along his collarbone.

"Bells," Jake whined as he tried to put space between them. "Why do you have to make this so damn hard? You know we can't even though I want to more than anything," he added quickly as he felt her stiffen in his embrace. "This isn't easy for me either Bells. Hell, you are my dream come true, but you are not strong enough and I am not in complete control of the wolf. Last night was just a taste of what it is like when he takes over and he will Bells during that first time and the last thing I ever want is for you to get hurt."

"Is that what happened to Emily," she whispered.

"No, honey that is not what happened with Emily. I thought you and Sam talked about this." He said as he turned so that he was above her and looking in her eyes in the darkness.

"We did but he didn't say much other than he hurt her and Leah and that he regretted both."

"Well he and Emily were fighting one day over Leah as it happens and He got mad, really mad for just a second and went to leave and Emily grabbed him and when she did he lost control and phased and when he did she was too close and got caught by his claws. He could have kill her Bells. I could do that to you one day. I don't wanna ever do that to you. It would kill me."

Bella didn't have to see his face to know the pain that was etched there. She could feel it. The fear permeated the room. She reached a hand up and touched his face. "Jacob you won't hurt me EVER. I know you are scared. I am too, of so many things, but I am not scared of you or your wolf or your brothers for that matter."

"Bells, Sam is gonna kill me if you have bags under your eyes you know."

"But I am not tired," she whined.

"So what do you want Bells that does not include sex, Honey?"

"Can't we just talk like we used to," she asked.

"Yeah, sure honey. So what you wanna talk about."

"You, I want to talk about you Jake. I want to know all about you. I want to know what you want to do in life. I want to know what it was like for you all those years I missed. I want to hear about them all."

"In the hour and a half before we have to have you up and dressed I don't think so Bells, but nice try."

"I don't wanna go can't we just stay here all day just like this and talk."

"I know Bells, but the sooner we get your pain management under control the better. I want to mark you. I want to make you mine and I can't do that while you still hurt do you understand," he asked as his lips hovered over hers awaiting an answer.

Bella knew this wasn't Jacob the boy talking, or even the man Jacob. It was the alpha Jacob had buried deep within him. The Alpha wanted her and he wanted her now but the boy and the man refused him at every turn. Bella couldn't say a word as she lost herself within the smoky depths of his brown eyes as the wolf stepped forward to remind her what today and tomorrow meant. She would be one-step closer to being his and being Jacob's forever. He was giving her one last chance to make the choice, one last chance to back out. If she said yes now, there would be no backing out no saying no when the time came. If she said, no he would be sentenced to a lifetime of pain and heartache. Her Jacob would be no more because clouds would forever cover her sun. As she watched the shadows play across his face in the weak morning sunlight, she knew there was only one answer she could give. With a slight nod of her head, Jacob's lips descended on hers in a slow sensual dance.

Now that his wolf knew she was theirs, a peace came over him that wasn't there before. Jake felt things shift as his tongue slid past her lips and into her mouth. The wolf was now willing to give him complete control. It was as if he finally understood she would be theirs and was now willing to wait his turn. As their tongues dance together Bella felt, the three parts of Jacob come together as well. The young boy who wanted to live out all his fantasies with her, the man who loved her with a passion he no longer denies and the wolf who wanted to own her body and soul giving her a taste of what is her future in one soul searing kiss that leaves her completely breathless.

When Jake lifted his head, he could hear Bella's heart racing. He could feel her breath hot and fast in his face. He smiled at the thought of stealing her breath. He knew this wasn't the first time he had done it but it was by far his favorite so far. Her cheeks were flush, her eyes closed and she was lost in the moment. Jake was surrounded by the smell of her mixed with her desire. It was almost as if he was inside her now. The feel of her exposed skin on his, He was lost in a haze of his heightened senses. The sound of her breathing, the feel of her skin against his, She was his and he now had no doubt of that fact.

"Bells, I love you so much."

"I love you too Jacob," she said as she continued to run her hands along his naked back.

Jake flipped them over so that Bella was sprawled on top of him. He heard her sharp intake of breath. "Did I hurt you Honey?"

No Jake, you didn't hurt me," she said as she snuggled against his chest.

"So since we are talking can we talk about this," he asked as he held up her arm and placed a gentle kiss on the scar on her wrist. She tried to snatch it away but he held fast. He ran the pad of his thumb against the angry looking scar and kissed it again before continuing. "I can't believe just how close we came to losing you. How close I came to losing everything and I could have stopped it all. If only I had a transformed sooner, I could have saved you from all this."

Bella's head snapped up from its position on his chest and she looked into his eyes. She saw the unshed tears and the pain he had been carrying around for the last week finally became as clear as day to her. He blamed himself for what happened to her, completely and utterly. She raised her free hand and stroked his face. "Jake, we don't know what would have happened if you had transformed earlier, so don't blame yourself please." She said as she smoothed his furrowed brow.

"What did it feel like, Bells," he asked quietly still rubbing the scar.

Bella sighed. Not really wanting to describe the pain and agony or how for the first few days in the hospital how she wished Edward had not saved her. She wished for him to let the change happen, so she could be one of them and still be with him, but she was no longer that girl and she was quickly realizing it had nothing to do with the imprint or the wolves or the fact that Edward had left her when she needed him the most. It had to do with Jacob, Jacob who had loved her all along, who brought the sun into her dreary and dark world. Without answering his question, she placed her lips on his as she let herself open up to him in a way she never had with anyone not even Edward.

Several minutes later she lifted her head and answered his question. "Jake, how it felt is not important. What went on in Phoenix is not important anymore, what is important is you and me and the pack, and Billy and Charlie. Those are the things that matter."

"What about the Cullens Bella, do they matter?"

Once again, Bella sighed at his question. She knew these were the questions of that insecure fifteen-year-old boy who had been in love with her all his life, only to have Edward swoop in when she returned and take her away. She placed her hand over his heart and answered. "Jake the Cullens have treated me as if I was one of their own. I can't tell you they don't matter or that after Carlisle and the rest have done all they can for me that I will never see them again but I know my place is with you and if you no longer want me to see them I will try hard to respect that."

Jacob took her by the arms, laid her head back on his chest, and enveloped her one of his trademark hugs. "Oh Bells, if only I could just tell you never to see any of them again and have that solve everything I would do it. But this weekend I have seen that Dr. Cullen cares for you and I know the rest have helped you too but I don't know how I will feel if Edward decides to come back here Bella. He has put your life at risk and broken your heart and that I cannot forgive."

"I am not asking you to forgive him Jake. I am saying he doesn't really matter, not in the long run, not to us. Don't get me wrong Edward is a good person Jake much like the rest of the Cullens but I see now why he didn't want to let me into his world and I paid the price for pushing my way into it."

"Bells..."

"No Jake, I have to take responsibility for my part in this. I pushed him to tell me what he was. I used you to find out the truth and I paid the price for doing both those things, but if your Dad is right there is a reason all of this happen to us," she said as she snuggled into his chest and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in relishing his scent.

They laid there in the quiet waiting for Sam to come and say it was time to get up. Neither of them said, anything they just laid there in the dark holding on to one another until the soft knock came and the bedroom door was open.

Sam knocked softly on the door before opening it. He had to smile at the sight before him and chuckle at the thought of what Charlie didn't know. Bella was captured in Jake's heated embrace. He was stroking her back and murmuring softly to her. "Little One it is time to get up and get ready for the day. We have to be there at 10 for the MRI and Billy will be here in about half an hour."

Jake helped Bella to the bathroom and went back to get her clothes while she showered. After collecting her clothes, he rejoined her in the bathroom shutting and locking the door. Enjoying his last few minutes alone with her before the real world crept in and took her away from him for the day. He had decided last night that he would not go with them to the hospital. He knew his wolf wouldn't be able to stand by and watch her be in pain or know that she faced hours and hours of poking and prodding made him want to hide her away within the warmth of his embrace but the man in him knew that this was necessary.

He helped her wash her hair before wrapping her in a towel and lifting her effortlessly out of the shower. He gently dried her before helping her dress. He toweled dried her hair and hung the towel up on the towel rack by the door before picking her up and carrying her into the living room where Sam and Emily were waiting. Jake placed Bella in the chair at the table, went back in the bedroom, and collected their towels from last night, Bella's hair brush, and the two hair bands from the dresser on the way back to the table he dropped the dirty towels in the hamper and came back and began to brush out Bella's hair.

Sam and Emily watched the young couple as Jake brushed and braided Bella's hair and then fixed her a plate of eggs, bacon, and fruit. It was all a little too much for Sam, a little too close to home. He couldn't help remembering the time when he did the exact same things for Emily and just how difficult those days had been for him. He stood up and threw his shirt on over his head.

"I am going to get Billy and Embry. Little One I want that plate clean and pain pills taken when we get back. Jacob you had better eat too, you and Embry have the morning shift. Paul and Jared will spell you at lunch. I want schoolwork done and you two well rested and then you two have the evening shift until dinner.

"Yes, Alpha," Jake said without hesitation.

"Sam, I thought Embry was bringing Billy for breakfast," Emily said before Sam had a chance to leave the room.

"He is Em; I just decided to save them the walk and go pick them up besides I need to talk to Billy about bonfire next weekend." With that, Sam was out the door and headed for the truck. Paul came in as he was going out.

"Where is Sam headed," he asked as he was fixing his plate and sitting at the table next to Bella.

"To get Billy and Embry."

"Why?"

"My guess is he needed time alone to collect himself before he has to spend all day cooped up in the hospital," Emily answered knowing the real reason was because he was remembering what it had been like for them and he didn't like to remember those things and he really wouldn't looking forward to Bella being hurt today. Only Emily knew how much he had grown to care about her in the short time he had been shuffling her back and forth from school to therapy and home. She had become his little sister in many ways and these two days were going to be tough on him.

Emily watched as both Bella and Jake picked at their food as Paul shoveled in massive quantities completely oblivious to the tension surrounding him.

"You two eat up. Sam will be upset if he comes in and you two have not eaten. You two are going to have a long day without adding hunger to the mix." Emily said as Paul brought his plate to the sink.

"I will be around Jake if you guys need me. I am gonna go home and take a nap before lunch," Paul said as he dropped a kiss on Emily's cheek and went around to Bella's side of the table. He turned her to face him. "Little Bird, I know Sam and Billy and Dr. Fang will take good care of you but if you need Jake, tell them to call me otherwise Embry and I will take good care of him for you." With that and a kiss on her cheek, Paul was gone.

Bella managed to choke down two-thirds of her breakfast and swallow her pain pills before Sam returned with Billy and Embry. Jake and Bella sat there in silence until Billy and Embry were almost done with breakfast then Jake emptied what was left of Bella's breakfast into Embry's plate and took their dishes to the sink. Everyone was silent as they watched him place Bella in her chair and head out the door. Jake and Bella didn't say anything to one another the whole time Jake loaded her into Sam's truck, loaded her wheelchair in the back and buckled her seatbelt for her. He kissed her ever so gently on the lips and placed her hand over his heart before exiting the truck and taking off for the woods.

They didn't need words. They spoke without them. The silence told of the pain and heartache that each was feeling for the other. Bella didn't need to ask why he wasn't going with her, she knew he couldn't handle being so close and not being able to be with her to touch her. Jake didn't need to ask Bella if she was afraid. He knew it. He felt it as if it was his own fear, but she didn't falter. She put on a brave face as always and the further he went from her and Sam's truck the more it hurt but he didn't give in he just kept on pushing along his patrol route. Sitting in the truck between Sam and Billy moving further away from Jacob, Bella felt her heart being pulled back towards La Push.

Sam watched Bella as closely as he could while still keeping his eyes on the road. Bella was quiet he knew but this morning she and Jacob had both been abnormally so, not that he blamed them. He knew what this was going to be like for them. He knew the pain and heartache that was ahead for the two of them, but he knew Jake would not do well at the hospital today. Knowing all the people who were touching her, manhandling her, and not being able to be in the room with her, so he planned to keep him very busy the next two days, although Billy had told him of Jacob's plans for the charm bracelet he wanted to give her. He smiled at the thought. He reached over and squeezed Bella's hand as he heard her sigh as they crossed into Forks.

"It will be okay, Little One. If you need him he can come later."

Sam parked the truck, got Billy out first, and pushed him inside the hospital waiting room so that he could get her checked in before the morning influx of patients. Sam got Bella out of the truck and pushed her up the ramp stopping just before the doors he came around to face her. Taking her hands in his he pulled her towards a bench and sat down. He wrapped his warm hands around her icy ones trying to pass along his warm and a little courage. He knew she was scared. Hell, he was scared for her.

"Little One, I know this scary for you, but no matter the outcome it will all be okay."

They gray brick of the building loomed overhead like a cold sterile monster, ready to claim both of their demons. Closing her eyes, Bella breathed deep, feeling the warmth in Sam's hands reach deep into her soul. It took so much for him to come here with her. The pain of the memories, coupled with the hyper aware senses of the wolf amplified all the memories of a broken imprint, battered by his own hand. That guilt overwhelmed him, but Bella didn't want it to define him. There was good in him, kindness and love. Drawing on his courage and the love and forgiveness of Emily, Bella smiled kindly, hoping for a healing.

Pain and suffering wouldn't define either of them, not after today.

When the soft fan of her lashes fluttered open, she looked into his eyes, as if to tell him it would be all right. Everything would be all right. "We're ready," she confirmed.

In turn, Sam saw the courage inside of her, drawing on it to do what he had to. Head held high, he pushed her through the sliding doors and into the busy hospital lobby. He found an empty seat and pushed her toward it. Squeezing his hulking frame into it though was another matter altogether. He had to smile though when Bella began to giggle. She reminded him so much of Leah with her quiet strength and ability to make the most out of any situation. When he looked, Billy was wheeling their way with a scowl on his face.

"Okay, Bella, the nurse said Dr. Cullen would be here at 10 to personally escort you to the MRI. I apparently have an appointment with Dr. Smith right now and I hope to be back before they take you back Bells. Nurse said it shouldn't take long as he has my records from my appointments with Sue." Billy kissed Bella's cheek and went to see the doctor. Fifteen minutes later Billy was back with a handful of prescriptions and a smile on his face.

"To have a handful of prescriptions you sure do look happy Billy."

"That I am Sam that I am. Doc Smith happens to be so pleased with my progress that he has cut back on all my medications, which is why I have all of these. He has put me on some different ones and says that as long as I keep to the diet Sue has me on and keep seeing her every three months I only have to see him once a year and that is just to check my progress. He said that even though I had eaten my blood sugar was well within range."

"That is great Billy."

"Yeah, that is great Billy," Bella echoed with a sad smile.

"Come on now Bells none of that. Today is gonna be a good day for the two of us and so is tomorrow. Dr. Cullen is going to find a way to help you. I can feel it sweetheart."

"I sure hope so Billy I am tired of being such a burden to everyone."

"Little One, you are a burden to no one."

"Well, I feel like one," she said quietly.

Sam knew she was thinking about what she was supposed to be and how her current situation would impact the Jake's future and therefore the future of the pack. Sam knew she felt she wouldn't be strong enough to do all the things Emily currently did for the boys and that there would be no way with her disability to give Jacob the help and support he needed to run the pack, but Sam knew better. He had watched her the last week while taking her to therapy. She was stronger than she realized sure she was tired but she never gave up not once, she had pushed herself beyond the limits of what she thought she was capable and she got stronger every day even if she didn't see it. Sam reached out and grabbed her hand.

"Isabella Swan," he said quietly getting her attention because he has never used her full name before. "You are destined for greatness. You and Jacob will do great things together for the pack and for the tribe regardless if you ever walk again. Never doubt that Little One." Sam saw the tears gathering in Bella's eyes as he spoke and when they started to fall, she looked to the floor. Sam grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. He wiped the tears away with the callused pads of his fingers. "Little One now is not the time for tears. You are strong and you are brave. You are everything an alpha female should be and Billy and I are here for you and so is Jake. I know you can feel him even when he is not physically with you. Draw on our strength use it to get through these next few hours and tomorrow we can take it."

Bella squeezed Sam's hand and looked up to see Carlisle coming their way. She felt Sam's body begin to vibrate and she squeeze his hand again and he looked at her with a smile.

"Bella are you ready to get started," Carlisle asked as he reached them.

"As ready as I will ever be," She said as he got behind her ready to push her away from the warmth and comfort Billy and Sam back into the cold sterile world of the hospital. She hated the thought but put on her brave face and smiled at them.

Alright Gentlemen, Bella will be in room 200 today and tomorrow and no Bella you are not staying overnight either day but I went ahead a reserved you a room so we could get you in a hospital gown and since you have the pain study and will be here from 5-5 it was just more convenient. Esme is here to help her get into her gown and I will be back to discuss tomorrow's procedure with the two of you while Bella is having her MRI done. The MRI should be finished around lunch, you can eat with her and bring her back around two to start the x-rays. I am not sure how long those will take but you all should be home in time for dinner. I will be back in a few minutes," he said as he pushed her through the doors of the elevator.

Fifteen minutes later Bella was in the MRI machine and Sam and Billy were waiting for Dr. Cullen.

"I think Jake needs to come tomorrow Billy."

"But Sam are you sure he will be able to handle her being in pain all day."

"Billy I am afraid for her. She is afraid and she will be in enough pain without adding the lost of the imprint pain."

"I don't know Sam you know I would agree if I thought it would help her but I think it will just add to the stress and that is the last thing either of them needs right now."

"I know Billy but tomorrow will be worse than today and just his presence curbs her pain."

"Gentlemen I hate interrupt but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation," Carlisle said as he entered the room. "What do you mean Jacob's presence curbs Bella's pain?"

"I don't know how to explain it Doc. It just seems his presence makes her forget all about the pain."

"Interesting. Did it work that way for you and young Emily as well?"

"No, unfortunately I think I was just a constant reminder of why she was in pain in the first place. No it is definitely a Jacob and Bella thing."

"Well I guess that goes along with what she told me on the way to the room this morning."

"What did she tell you?"

"She said she can feel when he touches her past the line of injury."

"What do you mean feel like she can feel his hands on her," Billy asked unable to contain his excitement at the thought of his son healing his broken imprint.

"Not exactly Chief. Bella says she can feel the heat of his hands. She says sometimes it feels like tiny electrical shocks and that it does ease her pain, so I think you are right Chief in order for me to get an accurate pain reading from her tomorrow, young Jacob must stay home. However, with your permission Sam, I would like to come by tonight and run a few tests. Nothing invasive just to see how Jacob touching her and being near her affects her pain levels."

"That will be fine. I have to go drop Bella's class work off and pick up her new assignments so she isn't that much more behind come Wednesday. I will be back as soon as I can Billy. Remember Em packed you a snack so don't go eating any junk out of these vending machines."

"Yeah, yeah," Billy grumbled.

"I heard that, Sam said as he rounded the corner.

Carlisle took the seat across from Billy when he was sure Sam was out of earshot he spoke again. "Chief, can I ask you a question?"

"If I say no you will just ask it anyway, so go ahead."

Carlisle smiled a genuine smile before continuing with his question. "Why hasn't Emily had her face fixed?" He saw the look on Billy's face and hurried to finish his thought. "Chief, I am not the least bothered by Emily's face, but Sam is and so is she I can tell."

"Well, I am not really sure why but it is not something either one of them like to discuss but I suspect cost was a factor and I think for Sam it is a reminder what can happen when he loses control of his emotions. And to Emily it doesn't matter so much because Sam isn't going anywhere."

"I or should I say we would like to help the tribe in some way Chief. I know you are going to say your tribe doesn't our money but the young men are having a hard time keeping a job and keeping their secrets, so will you at least approach the Council and the Pack with my proposal?"

"Why Dr. Cullen, why now? You have been here a year, so why now is it Bella, is she the reason?"

"Not exactly what I mean Chief, I mean she has been my way to approach you and the pack but I have felt guilty for a while now and want to help anyway I can. We caused lives to be overturned, lives to be changed forever. I cannot change what has been done and I cannot leave to prevent more from changing because we have to protect Bella at all cost but I can take some of the hardship away if you will let me."

"I will ask that is all I can do and for the record Doc I don't think you are the only reason the wolf gene has been triggered now. I mean I believe you have hastened the process but you are not the only reason."

"Just think about it that is all I can ask," Carlisle said as he rose from the chair. "One of my ER patients is about to be discharged and I have to go sign some paperwork. I will bring Bella back for lunch, until then," with that Carlisle was out the door.

An hour later Carlisle pushed Bella into the room so she could have lunch with Sam and Billy and as a surprise, he had called Charlie to see if he would pick lunch for all of them and bring it to the hospital. He could tell Bella struggling to stay awake that was a good thing because the next day would be the hard part. He hated to think about just how much pain she would be in tomorrow but he knew it was necessary because if he was right about what was causing her pain it would require more surgery which would not happen until middle of summer at the earliest.

He watched her face as it lit up at the sight of Charlie, Billy and Sam. She was finally beginning to realize what a gift her life truly was and in a way Carlisle wished Edward could see her with the Pack and how they were taking care of her. How they accepted her role as the future Alpha's mate without question, but he knew keeping Edward in the dark was best for now. Bella deserved the peace Jacob provided her. She deserved for the nightmares to leave her soul untouched. She deserved to sleep at night and dream of a future with lots of children and a man that will love her more than anything. Carlisle knew her place was with Jacob as much as he knew she was Edward's singer.

He also knew that Edward would have a serious problem with this fact. He didn't care for the wolves or the Quileute's. He thought they were beneath him especially Jacob. Edward had ranted about the young man on more than one occasion. Carlisle now understood why. Jacob had a connection with Bella that Edward could never understand. It went far beyond the imprint. She has been his world for as long as he could remember. It was that simple.

As Carlisle left her wrapped in Sam's arms eating the salad Charlie brought from the diner, he became fearful that his son would do something incredibly stupid upon his return. He only hoped he was wrong because the last thing he needed was Edward picking a fight with the pack not with the news Esme brought with her. Victoria was apparently plotting her revenge but she had blocked Alice from seeing her plans so as of right now they are all flying blind. With that thought, Carlisle went about his rounds until it was time to pick up Bella and take her to x-ray.

Jake was sitting at the table in Emily's kitchen. He managed to fight through the pain all morning and patrolled with barely a twinge but when he sat down to eat the burn returned and made it difficult to choke down one plate of the lunch Emily had prepared, so while he waited for Embry to finish, he folded clothes and put them away. He dusted and made the beds. He made heaping plates for Paul and Jared and put the food away. All the while, his pain grew and when he grabbed the broom in a stranglehold Emily gently placed a hand on his shoulder and took the broom propelling him towards the back door. Jake took off for the trees and phased once he was out of sight. The pain he felt staggered both Paul and Jared. Even though Jared knew the initial pain that came from being away from your imprint especially if the imprint was unmarked but this was different. It was so intense it stopped his wolf in his tracks. He had to fight the urge to howl.

"Go on Jared. I got this."

"Paul, you know next to nothing about imprinting."

"I got this dickhead. Go eat and tell Embry to take his time."

"You better not start a fight with Jake or you will pulling midnight shifts forever."

"I said I got it, now go before I tell Sam you have been sneaking imprint time when you should be patrolling."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me."

When Jared had phased out Paul went looking for Jacob. He found him near the treaty line lying on his belly with his eyes closed as if he was willing his spirit to cross the line and make it to Forks General so he could feel her.

"Jake, man, I know this is rough and I know you are hurting like hell but Little Bird isn't backing down even though you and I both know she was scared as hell. So, you have one of two choices you can let the pain own you and be the pansy ass I thought you were or you can make Little Bird proud and get off your ass and get that schoolwork done. I know you probably won't sleep until she is back here but you can work on that bracelet you want to give her next weekend at the bonfire. I will even go get you whatever you need before I eat."

Paul was right for a change so Jake stood up on shaking legs and headed back for his patrol route showing Paul what he needed from his Dad's workshop. Paul took off just as Embry phased in.

"Jake, are you okay. Emily is worried."

"I am fine now Em. Let's patrol and give Paul and Jared a chance to eat and then I need to finish Native Language Studies and that English paper before Bella comes home."

"Dude do we have to I don't understand why Sam is making us do this now I mean it is not like we are going back to school anytime soon."

"Well you my friend can do what you want but Sam is not who I am afraid of Bells wants a high school grad for a husband."

"Already married and whipped at fifteen that is harsh."

"Not when it's Bella Dude, she makes me better."

Jake took off running towards Sam and Emily as Jared phased in, he phased out and bounded up the back steps. He went in and gave Emily a kiss on the cheek.

"Sorry I worried you Em, I am okay just got to be too much for a little while."

"Jake I know it did that is why I was worried Sam use to pace in the woods at night outside the hospital. I glad to see you didn't get that far."

"I won't do that Em, Bella would kill me," Jake said as he went and grabbed his books and Bella's laptop. By the time Embry, arrived Jake was done with his Native Language Studies and was working hard on his English paper.

"Jake you are making me look bad. I am supposed to be the bookworm and you are almost caught up already."

"Yeah but this paper is kicking my ass. I mean the book was great but who cares about how and why To Kill A Mockingbird reflected the attitudes of the early 20th century and if it is relative to today."

"Dude you better not let Bella here you say that, she will have your butt in traction."

Jake ignored Embry and went right on working. By the time, he was finished he had almost double the required 1,000 words and was beaming with pride as he printed it out on Bella's portable printer and placed it in his folder. He cleaned his stuff off the table and put everything back in Bella's room.

"Emily do you know where Paul put Dad's tools," Jake asked.

"Yeah, he said to tell you he put them in Sam's workshop out back."

"Sam won't mind if I use a corner for a few days will he?"

"No, he said you would probably need to use it. He also said if you needed to use his drafting table to go ahead."

"Thanks Emily. I will be back there until you start dinner then Emb and I will take over for Paul and Jared."

"Okay, I will bring you a snack in a bit."

"Thanks," he said as he went out to Sam's workshop.

Jake sanded the wood first. He was just about to move on to sketching out the designs when Emily came to bring him a snack.

"Sam just called said they were late taking Bella back for x-rays. He said Dr. Cullen said it would probably be seven before she got done."

"Okay thanks Emily. How long before you start dinner?"

"About an hour and a half will that give you enough time to get the sketches done?"

"Yeah, I should be able to get them done. I only have five. I just hope she likes it."

"She will love it Jacob. I will let you get to work."

A half an hour later Jake emerged from the workshop satisfied with his progress for the day.

"All done Jake," Emily asked as he came through the back door.

"Yeah, for today anyway, I will have all afternoon tomorrow to carve since I am caught up with school for the week."

"Bella will be happy to hear that I am sure. Where is Emb?"

"He went to your house to sleep. He said you said he could use your bed."

"I did. Not like I am using it right now."

"It will get better Jake. I promise."

"I hope so Em. I really hope so."

Jake helped Emily where he could for the better part of the hour remaining before he was due back on patrol. By the time, he left to go wake up Embry her house was cleaner than it had been months and most of her dinner prep was done. She was grateful that the Great Spirit had brought Jacob into their lives. He was a great example to his brothers; even Sam was trying to be more helpful since Jake had been around. He had Alpha written all over him and she knew soon Sam would no longer be completely responsible for the pack although she figured he would still be very high ranking and help Jake where he was needed holding the pack together would no longer be his job alone.

Sam, Billy and Charlie sat in Dr. Cullen's office waiting on him to return with Bella. They were running late and Sam's wolf was getting antsy. The smell was God-awful but he would keep it together for Bella.

"Sorry it took so long gentlemen. Who would have thought Forks would have two emergencies in the space of a few moments," Dr. Cullen said as he pushed a dressed but shivering Bella next to Sam. Sam took his jacket and put it around her thin shoulders. Dr. Cullen smiled at them as he took his place behind his desk. "So Gentlemen, it is as I suspected as you can see from the x-rays Bella has quite a few bone fragments pressing on several areas along her spine. I don't know how much of this can be removed if any but I do know it means more surgery. I still want to see just how much pain she is having and exactly where it is occurring before I make the decision as to how much and how many surgeries will be required to fix this. I also want to consult with my colleagues in New York and L.A. as to best proceed here. I also want Bella stronger before we proceed."

He looked at Bella before continuing. "That means young lady, you have do as I tell you. You must eat better and take your pills." Other than that, I will talk to you about therapy schedules and the like tomorrow while we are collecting data. Charlie go home and get some rest. Billy your scripts should be ready for pick up on your way out." With that Carlisle opened the door and watched them leave.

"Sam, Sue and Harry invited Charlie and I to dinner so why don't you go ahead and take Bella home," Billy said as he kissed Bella's cheek and headed for the pharmacy,

"I love ya Bells. I will be glad to have you home tomorrow night," Charlie said as he dropped a kiss on her cheek and was gone.

"Little One, I will be right back," Sam said as he turned around the door reopened and Carlisle almost ran into Sam's chest.

"Sam I will be at the treaty line at 8:15 if that is acceptable."

"See you then Dr. Cullen," Sam said as he pushed a sleepy Bella towards the hospital exit.

Jake and Embry patrolled until 6:30 when Jake began to feel the pull towards Forks. He knew Bella was headed back to the Rez so he headed for the treaty line. He followed Sam's truck all the way to the house. Sam had barely put the truck in park before Jake was wrenching the door open and climbing across the bench seat and pulling her from Sam's arms.

Sam followed opening the door for him as he carried her up the steps. He head straight for the bathroom without a word flinging Sam's jacket in his direction as he went. He managed to undress her and run the bathwater without ever letting her go. It was only after they were in the water that he even took a breath.

Bella was quiet. The pain meds Carlisle were beginning to wear off and the pain was setting in. She took no pleasure in the feel of his hands upon her skin until her got to her back and the part that was plaguing her. The warmth of his callused fingertips brought sweet relief as they stroked against the ugly scars pushing all her pain away. Oh how she wished she could have him there all the time pushing all her pain away and filling her with his gentle warmth.

Sam and Emily sat snuggled waiting for Jake and Bella to emerge from the bathroom. Sam wanted nothing more than to take Emily to bed and show her just how much he missed her but Bella and Jacob needed him so his needs would wait.

"How did today go, Sam?"

"It went as Dr. Cullen expected except for the time issue. He was not happy about that because he gave her one last painkiller at two expecting her to go to x-ray immediately so it would still be working while she ate dinner and now that won't happen. Not to mention the fact that he wants to come here and get a baseline of her pain when Jacob is touching her versus tomorrow's results."

"Okay so what does that mean for dinner? It means we have to try to get her to eat despite the fact she is hurting so that means all hands on deck. Whatever it takes."

Fifteen minutes later Bella and Jacob emerge intertwined. Emily set a plate of food in front Jacob and he ate while rubbing her back in gentle circles. Sam sat watching and eating. Jake finished his last plate and signaled to Emily to bring Bella's

"Come on Bells, time to eat."

"Don't wanna."

"Come on Bells."

"Nope," she said as she pushed her plate away.

"Isabella, you know what Dr. Cullen said," Sam interjected in a quiet but authoritative tone. "I know you are hurting Little One but you need to eat."

"Sam's right honey you need to eat," Jake said as he picked up the fork and tried to get her to eat.

An hour later Jake had managed to get her to eat half her dinner before Sam headed out the door to meet Dr. Cullen at the treaty line. Jake didn't how to feel about using Bells as a lab rat but he wanted her better so he and his wolf consented even though Bella was completely worn out for today's poking and prodding. By the time Sam Dr. Cullen and his wife Esme, arrived Bella was half-asleep in his lap on the couch.

"How is our patient this evening," Carlisle asked.

"Tired and in pain," Jake answered.

"Yes, I apologize for both of those things. I know this is just as difficult for you Jacob. As I told Sam if we are going to make a real try at curbing her pain this is necessary. I will make this as painless for both of you as I possibly can. Sam and Emily are going to place sensors along both sides of Bella's spine and above below and directly on the injury site. I would also like to have sensors on your fingertips if you wouldn't object. After we do that I propose that Esme and I monitor everything for about half an hour that should give me enough of a reading to compare it with the study tomorrow."

True to his word, Carlisle and Esme left a half an hour later and Jake carried a sleeping Bella to bed. Removing their clothes, he slipped beneath the covers and drifted off to sleep with Bella sprawled on top of him and his head buried in the crook of her neck.

Day two started with Jake waking before Bella and dressing her as she slept in a pair of sleep pants, a tank top and Henley and his jacket. He picked her up carried her out into the living room. Emily was already up and making breakfast for the day ahead.

"Morning Em, Sam up yet," Jake asked at a whisper as he placed Bella on the couch.

"No I figured I would let him sleep for a little bit. It is only three. I see you already dressed her."

"Yeah, I did, I figured if she slept through it all the better off she will be. Can I help?"

"No Jake you have done so much. Go sit and relax."

"I don't think I can Em too much nervous energy. I think I will go for a run if she happens to wake up tell her I will be back for breakfast."

"Okay Jake."

Half an hour later Jake returned to find the house full of his brothers. All surrounding Bella who was seated at the table staring at her half-full plate trying not to look at the four hulking men who were looking at her like she was a fragile butterfly under glass. Jake pushed past them all and picked Bella up sitting down he placed her on his lap and sent death glares to all of his brothers.

"You eat yet honey," he asked quietly.

"Not yet, I was waiting for you."

"Okay honey," he said as he started rubbing her back.

Thirty minutes later, she had finished her plate and Sam had gone to pick up Billy. Jake went to get her chucks and he came back to her sandwiched between Paul and Embry.

"What the hell guys give Bells some space."

"Jake it's okay. They aren't bothering me and it is a lot better than them standing around staring."

Jake mumbled to himself as he put her shoes on her feet and transfer to her chair.

"Why are you two just sitting around anyway? Aren't you supposed to be patrolling Paul?"

"I told him to stay until we left Jake. Your brothers will not see her again until next weekend. I realize she is your imprint and that makes her hard for you to share but she is the future alpha female and as such we all love her and just like I must share Emily you will have to learn to share Bella."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it Sam."

"No, you don't, and we need to get on the road. Paul, Embry, tell Bella bye and do what I told you to do earlier."

Embry dropped a kiss on Bella's cheek. "Bye Bella, see you next weekend."

Paul knelt down to her level and took her face in his hands he kissed her on the cheek then looked her in the eyes. "Little Bird, we may be the spirit warriors but you are the one with the warrior's heart. No matter what happens today or next weekend or in the years to come you are my sister and if you need me, I will be here. Remember that."

"Jake, you don't have patrol today, but Emily has shopping to do so you need to go with her and help. If you have any more school work for this week finish it. If not you might wanna stick around and help Emily. Your Dad is waiting in the truck if you want to go ahead and take her out. I am just going to say bye to Emily and I will be out."

Jake found his dad sleeping in Sam's truck and he did his best to load Bella and her chair in without waking him but as soon as he leaned in and placed Bella on the bench seat Billy roused from his sleep.

"Morning Son," Billy whispered as Jake placed a kiss on Bella's forehead and her head fell against Billy's shoulder. Billy couldn't help but notice his son's pained expression as he pulled away. "Jacob she will be okay I promise. Sam and I will make sure of it."

Jake turned and headed inside when he heard Billy call out to him. "Yeah Dad," he said as he stuck his head in the window.

Without warning, Billy wrapped a hand around the back of Jake's neck, pulled his head further into the cab of the truck, and placed a kiss on his cheek. "You're a good boy Jacob, always have been. I love you Son," Billy whispered as he let him go.

Sam was watching the whole time and he notice Jake wiping the tear from his cheek as he turned to go in the house. He didn't say a word as they passed in the yard because Billy was right Jacob Black as a good boy. A good boy with the weight of the world on his young shoulders who did things without complaint when the rest of them had been brought into their birthright kicking and screaming about how it had taken so much from them Jake's only concern had been his father and the girl he loved. Sam got in the truck, cranked it, and headed back to Forks Hospital with Jake's life in the front seat.

They arrived with at 4:30 and got her checked in and it was now 5:15, Sam, and Billy were sitting in the hospital cafeteria. Billy was choking down breakfast while keeping a wary eye on Sam. "Okay, Sam what's going on, you have been way too quiet even for you."

"I don't know Billy it is just this is like Emily all over again and I see the way Jake is handling everything. It makes me wonder if I was really meant to be a spirit warrior at all."

"Sam, you have done amazing things with those boys and Jake wouldn't be handling this so well if it wasn't for your calm reassuring presence. He trusts you Sam if he didn't he and his wolf would be tearing up this town instead my son is turning into a man who handles things the way a man should."

Twenty minutes later they were stationed at Bella's bedside as she sat there working on her last English paper. She finished it before lunch and had moved on to her history project which Billy and Sam were helping her with by the time Carlisle stuck his head in to see if she was going to eat lunch.

"Well, I was going to ask how you were doing but I can see you men have been keeping her busy. How is the pain level honestly on a scale of one to ten?"

"Eleven or twelve but I don't have time to wallow."

"Do you feel like eating?"

"I don't really have a choice because if I don't these two will rat me out and Jake will insist on being at every meal until doomsday."

"Sam you want to run down and get her and Billy something to eat. Have them put it on my account. Then you can go back and get you something once they are settled. Charlie left a message for you to call him at the office when you got a moment."

"Okay, Little One, ten more minutes on that project and then you are to eat and rest."

Bella let out an exasperated sigh in response.

"What was that Little One, I didn't quite catch that," Sam said with a chuckle.

"Food Sam food, hurry up," she said with a smile.

:"I thought so I will be right back."

Sam headed out, pulled his cell phone out, and turned it on. No messages from Emily so he guessed Jake was doing okay. He dialed Charlie's office number.

"Forks Police Department, How may we be of assistance to you today?"

"I am returning Chief Swan's call. This is Sam Uley."

"Mr. Uley, you are the one taking care of Bella is that correct."

"Yes, Dr. Cullen said Chief Swan wanted me to call."

"Yes he did Mr. Uley but I am afraid the chief is swamped right now, He is currently on the phone with Seattle PD missing persons. He was hoping to be done with that at least when you got back to him but he said to ask if you wouldn't mind if Bella stayed with you guys through the week. We have been slammed with missing persons cases all of a sudden and he doesn't know when he will be home."

"Tell him that is fine. Is he still gonna be able to make the meeting with Dr. Cullen at 5:30."

"Yes, I am to drag him out of his office so he will be on time. Tell him I will send Emily to his house to get Bella some more clothes and not to worry we will take care of her."

Sam carried the food upstairs and set it in front of Billy and Bella. He managed to sneak Bella's house key off her book bag without her seeing and headed back out the door. He dialed Emily's cell.

"Yeah, Sam Emily is driving."

"Jake have you guys left Forks yet?"

"No, we are just heading there now why?"

"I need Emily to come get Bella's house key and get her some clothes for the rest of the week. Charlie has had something come up and won't be home."

"Okay, she says we can be there in five minutes. Where are you?"

"In the cafeteria, I am getting lunch. Tell her to park by the truck and I will bring it out."

"Okay see you in five."

Sam rushed through the line and told them to add his mega portion lunch to Dr. Cullen's account and headed for the front door, He found Emily's truck in the parking lot and handed her the keys. "She will be staying through next weekend. Charlie has been swamped with missing person's cases. I am going to call Paul and have him meet you two at Bella's just to be on the safe side. You have the bonfire money and I will see you two at home. Jake I don't have to say it do I?"

"Nope she will be as safe as Bella is in your hands."

"If you smell any vamps besides the Cullens text me, you got it?"

"I got it."

"Now I need to get back upstairs, see you guys at home," he said as he turned around and starting to dialing Paul. By the time he was upstairs he had got Paul helping Jake and revamped the patrol schedule. He entered the room to find Bella laying with her back to the door and Billy holding her hand. He sat his plate down and went over to her bedside. "Little One are you okay?"

"She is fine Sam; She just is hurting and needed some comfort. Dr. Cullen came in and said he had talked to Charlie and they had to move the meet until six. Something had come up at work and he had a meeting at five and Charlie said Bella would be staying with you guys all week and she got a little emotional."

Sam moved around to the side of the bed Billy was on and was heartbroken at the sight he saw before him. Tears streaming down her cheeks.

"She is coming for me," she said around quiet sobs.

Sam took her other hand in his. "We do not know that the people who are missing are because of her or something else entirely and until then I don't want you worrying about anything other than getting better."

"But Sam if it is her then what is the point."

"Isabella Swan, are you giving up? Is that what this is because the girl I have seen these last few weeks is not a coward. She is a strong beautiful young lady, who almost slapped a vamp in the face. She is a young lady, who is ready to be the mate of the true Alpha. Redheaded vamp or not she would suck it up and let us do our job."

"But Sam..."

"But Sam nothing Little One. We will protect you."

Jake had spent the morning helping Emily around the house including stripping the beds and putting the sheets in the wash. He had even went home and did the same and after lunch he had planned to work on the carving of Bella's charms but instead he was helping Emily pack Bella's stuff and having to listen to Paul gripe about it taking so long. It had only been ten minutes. Good thing there was only the Cullens scents around, so maybe the red head hadn't returned. One thing was sure his wolf was now on high alert and more than ready to mark its mate. This was gonna be a helluva week.