Bella woke up Monday morning before the alarm sounded. She was cocooned in Jake's warm embrace and she didn't want to leave. She lifted her wrist and saw the bandage he had so lovingly placed around her wrist the night before. She closed her eyes and smiled as she remembered every exquisite detail.

"Good Morning Bells." He purred against the shell of her ear causing her to shiver.

"Mmmm, good morning Jacob. I am sorry I woke you."

"I'm not."

"Why?"

"Because now I get to do this." He said as he kissed with a passion that refused to be rushed. He pulled away just as slowly and smiled at her.

She placed her hand on his cheek. "My Jacob, How can I make it through today without you?"

"Bells, you will be fine. He says to tell you you're so much stronger than you believe."

"He does, does he?"

"Yep among other things that I shouldn't say."

"What? What does he want?"

"He says he can't wait for the day when we wake up buried inside you."

"And you Jake? Do you want that too?"

"So much Bells sometimes it hurts."

She turned her face away from him before whispering. "I am sorry I am so broken. You deserve so much better."

"Awe Bells. I am not sorry. I have wanted you since I hit puberty and I loved you even before that, so I am not sorry for anything other than the pain you have suffered. You deserve happiness and love Bella." Jake got out of bed and pulled on his sleeping shorts and threw Bella her nightgown. "How is the wrist this morning?"

"I am not sure. It feels different and last night it burned."

"I will get a good look at it when I take off the bandage before our shower."

"Okay." Bella said with a smile as she lifted her arms ready to latch on to his neck as he carried her to the bathroom.

He undressed them both and sat Bella on the toilet seat. Removing the bandage he held her wrist to the light. One thing he noticed immediately was the change in temperature. Since she had returned her wrist where she had been bitten had been ice cold to the touch and that was no longer the case. It was warm beneath is questing fingers as a matter of fact it was almost hot. As he examined it closer he also noticed that the scars left behind by James and Edward had faded while his wolf's bite mark was prominently on display for everyone to see and Jake couldn't help but smile. He slowly released her wrist and turned on the shower.

He slid the board Sam made for them into place and placed a towel over it before climbing in and sitting down. Jake grabbed her body was and a wash cloth and began to wash her body in the same way he and his wolf had explored it the night before with reverence, respect and desire. Bella herself was lost in the sensations he was creating she closed her eyes and let go of every worry she had about the upcoming day and just took pleasure in the feel of the washcloth as he dragged it across her skin. She smiled as the scent of him mixed with the scent of her strawberry and vanilla body wash.

Jake heard her sharp intake of breath as he gently ran the washcloth over her wrist. "Honey did that hurt? I am sorry."

"No Jake it is just sensitive."

"Okay, so you wanna wash your hair or wait 'til tonight?"

"Wait."

"Okay."

With care Jake took the sprayer Sam had attached to the shower head and turned it on. He moved the sprayer up and down her body until not a trace of soap remained. She shut it off and placed it back in its holder before removing her from his lap and placing her on the wooden bench. Jake stood up and secured a towel around his waist. He wrapped another towel around her and stepped out of the tub. Opening the bathroom door he carried her down the hall to her bedroom. He dropped his towel and slipped on a pair of cut offs and a t-shirt before turning his attention back to Bella. She had removed her towel in his absence.

"Such a beautiful body should not be wasted under clothes Isabella."

"So you my possessive wolf wants me to go to school without clothes today?"

"No, I want you to stay here in this bed with me while I memorize every millimeter of your skin." He said as he pushed her back against the mattress kissing her, He allowed his hands to ghost down her body as his tongue warred with hers. His thumbs brushed her nipples before letting go of her mouth and standing to his full height. "But we can't do that because you are smart as well as beautiful Isabella and you will change everything."

"Come on Bells. Time for you to get dressed." He said as he turned and started sorting out her clothes.

"Wait Jake, what did he mean I would change everything?"

"I don't really know Bells. He is not even telling me." He said as he began to dress her.

Bella didn't even argue. Everything was different with Jake. Having him dress her felt so different than when anyone else did it. Instead of feeling like a helpless child she felt like a woman who was cherished and loved by a man so she remained silent.

Jake held out her bra for her to slip her arms into it. He quickly closed the clasp before he could change his mind. He put her panties on as quickly as possible. She lifted her arms and let him pull her t-shirt over her head. She laughed as he struggled to get her jeans on.

"Keep that up and you can dress yourself from now on Miss Bella," he quipped.

"Yeah right Mr. Black. I don't believe that for a second."

"Okay so maybe not." He said as he buttoned her jeans. He lifted her shirt and blew a raspberry on her exposed skin before pulling it back down causing her to gasp in surprise as the electrical current zinged across her midsection. He put on her socks and shoes before going over to the corner and getting her transfer board. He watched as she slides into her chair. He picked up the hair brush and brushed her hair until it fell like a curtain down her back. "Up or down?"

"Down."

"NO Isabella. No more hiding under this beautiful hair."

"But I thought you liked it down you two certainly acted like you did."

"Oh, we do and if you weren't going to use it to hide from Mike Newton and the rest of those so called friends of you I would let you leave it just like this but you Isabella are the Alpha's chosen mate and it is time for you to stop hiding," By the time Jake's wolf had stop speaking her hair was braided and her wrist was re-bandaged. He turned her around. "You really are beautiful Bells. You go ahead and head out to the kitchen I need to clean up our mess in the bathroom. I will meet you there in a few minutes."

"Okay and Jake?"

"Yeah, Bells?"

"I love both of you very much."

"We love you too very much." Jake said as he bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before heading out the door.

Breakfast was again a quiet affair. Jake and Bella held hands as they ate the scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes Emily had put before them. Paul was too busy stuffing his face to say anything. Sam and Emily were talking quietly near the sink. Jake picked up their empty plates and took them to the sink and got Bella's pills.

"We need to leave in like 10 minutes, Little One. Paul will bring your lunch when he comes. Make sure you have all your stuff together. I am going to get ready."

Okay Sam." She said as she pushed away from the table. Jake helped her pack her book bag and into her jacket. He took her out to the truck and loaded her up. Bella wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him as close and as tight as she could. Jake rubbed her back and purred gently in her ear. He knew she was afraid and she needed comfort. No words would be enough; nothing he could say would make her feel any better, so he used his touch to soothe her.

"Little Bird, you have to let him go or you will be late. Sam is coming in just a minute and I need to talk to you"

Jake pulled back from her and buckled her in before leaning forward and whispering in her ear. "Remember who you are Isabella. You are smart and beautiful and you are ours. Nothing else matters." He kissed her on the cheek and took off for the woods.

"So Little Bird, what time is lunch?"

"11:30."

"So Sam says Baby Alpha marked you last night?"

"Yep."

"Good, you okay?"

"I am better than okay."

"Okay, I gotta run. Sam wants me to do a perimeter sweep before you get there. I will see you at lunch." Paul kissed her cheek and took off for the woods just as Sam came out the door.

Sam shut her door without a word. He climbed into the driver's side and cranked up the truck. "You okay, Little One?"

"Yeah Sam I am okay. I just worry that this isn't gonna work."

"Have Faith Little One. Jake is already much calmer than he was. So what time do I need to pick you up?

"2:30."

"Okay. You stick close to the Cullen's at all times. If you have to go to the restroom have one of them go with you. I don't want you alone."

"I know Sam."

"Okay."

That was the last words they spoke until he push her to the front of the school. He turned her to face him as he stopped in front of the Cullen's. "Have a good day Little One. If the time changes call me I will see after class and if Mike Newton so much as talks to her I will hold you personally responsible." He said looking directly at Emmett before kissing Bella on the cheek and turning to leave,

Emmett pushed Bella towards her first class which she shared with Alice and Rose. "What the Hell was that all about Little Sister?" He asked.

"Yes, Bella. Mr. Uley was very upset when he mentioned Mike." Jasper added.

"Mike has been harassing me."

"Harassing you how exactly?"

"Apparently, he is not happy about me being with Jake and he has let that be known at every opportunity. On First Beach and here at school. He punched Jake Saturday."

Emmett burst out laughing.

"It wasn't funny. Jake could have killed him."

"He should have. I can tell now Rose and I need to stick to you like glue."

"Really Emmett. He is just jealous."

"Jealous or not he will not be harassing my little sister."

"Emmett..."

He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Don't worry Little Sister. I won't eat him or even break a bone but the boy has to learn pissing off wolves and vampires is not the way to make it to his eighteenth birthday."

Bella was sitting in English class flanked by Rose and Alice. They had completed their course work and were given special permission to accompany Bella to all her classes. Jasper and Emmett faked their way through their normal schedules while keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. Paul made a loop around the school before Bella arrived and it was all clear but there were several old trails around the school. He had already informed Sam and Jake. Sam told him not to mention it to Bella but to tell the Cullen's when they took over at lunch and for them to inform Carlisle of the situation.

Bella was bored. She had read the last book and completed her last assignment and hearing Mr. Mason drone on and on about the last book they were reading while all she wanted to do was take the final and go home. Rose texted her

"Are you in pain?"

"No I am bored. I finished all of this already."

"Ok."

Bella buried her head in her notes. She knew them backwards and forwards but it was better than sitting there pretending to be interested in what Mr. Mason had to say. She just wanted to go home. She wanted to see Jake, be with Jake.

Every class was the same. She was bored out of her mind. The teachers droned on about things that she already covered. She was never so glad to see the cafeteria as she was today. Paul smiled at her as he stood next to Emmett and Jasper.

"So ladies any trouble from Mike today?"

"No he was too busy trying to get Jess to go to prom with him. Apparently she caught him talking to Lauren last week and now is refusing to go with him now. I wish you would change your mind about going Bella. Rose and I bought new dresses and everything. I am sure young Jacob would gladly escort you."

"No, Alice. I told you I don't dance. I was hopeless at it before and now what would be the point really."

"If it has to do with money I am sure Carlisle would gladly pay for anything."

"Alice I know you mean well but not everything can be fixed no matter how much money is thrown at it." Bella watched as Alice's face fell. "Alice, I am..."

"No Bella it is okay. You are right. I am sorry I tried to push." Alice leaned against Jasper.

"We will meet you back here in half an hour."

"Okay and Alice I am really sorry."

"It's okay Bella. It is already forgotten."

"So Little Bird, what do you say we take this outside." Paul said as he held up the big bag in his hand.

"Sounds good."

Paul put the bag in her lap and pushed her outside to the table in the corner of the quad. He took the bag from her and made sure her jacket was zipped. He put half a sandwich in front of her with a handful of chips and a soda before emptying the rest of the bags contents in front of him. He didn't say anything as he watched her smile sadly and open her soda. He just went to eating his three sandwiches. It wasn't until he got to the bottom of the chip bag that he looked up to see she had not even touched her sandwich.

"All right Little Bird spill."

"What?"

"What...yeah right Little Bird. The Pixie upset you didn't she?"

"No."

"Okay, so why don't you want to go to Prom?"

"Paul, I don't wanna talk about it."

"Okay, so eat."

Bella continued to pick at her food.

"Don't make me call Baby Alpha."

"Why don't you just stay out of it Paul."

"Because I think you should go unless of course you are embarrassed to be seen with Jake off the Rez."

"That's not it. Jake is wonderful and it is an honor to be seen with him anywhere or any of you for that matter. I never wanted to go. It was something Edward wanted for me. A regular human experience. Once in a lifetime he said."

"Well he was right everyone should go to at least one prom Little Bird."

"Maybe next year," she said hoping to get him to stop pushing.

"I think this year will be perfect."

"Why?"

"Because it is time you stop hiding Little Bird."

"I am not hiding."

"Yes, you are but we can discuss that later. Eat."

Happy to have the discussion done Bella picked up her half of sandwich and ate it without complaint. She was interrupted from finishing by Angela who had tracked her down outside.

"Hi Bella."

"Hey Angela."

"Sorry to interrupt but I wanted to check on you."

"You are not interrupting Angela. You met Paul Saturday right. He bought me lunch." She said indicating the food in front of her.

"Hello Angela, Paul Lahote nice to see you again."

"Good to see you too Paul and you were right Mike's hand was broken."

"I would say I am sorry but he did it to himself."

"I know. I don't know what has happened to him lately but I have given up trying. Bella I just wanted to say that even though school is almost over I want to keep in touch. I heard you are staying in La Push for the summer would it be okay if I called you and we got together sometime?"

"Sure Angela, I would love it."

"Okay, I will call you when school is over then."

Angela gave Bella a quick hug and left. Bella and Paul finished lunch in silence. As they were cleaning up Mr. Banner approached the table.

"I have been looking for you Miss Swan."

"Yes, Mr. Banner."

"You're other teachers and I have noticed you have completed all your coursework except for your last lab and finals. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, well I have been sent with a proposal for you. We know you have had a rough few months and we think you should take your finals this Friday if you believe you can be ready by then. Also if you can stay after for an extra hour today I am willing to assist you on the last lab. I know it is short notice so if you can't you can come in early tomorrow and then head back home to study for your finals."

"You mean I would not have to come in until Friday?"

"Yes Miss Swan."

"Okay Mr. Banner I don't know about the lab. I will let you know about the lab this afternoon if that is all right?"

"Yes Miss Swan that is fine. I will see you in class."

"Hot Damn Little Bird." Paul said as he picked her up and spun her around. "Let me talk to Sam. If he can't come get you I will go get Billy's truck and come get you myself. I am proud of you Bella."

"Thanks Paul."

"Now tell me you will let Baby Alpha take you to prom."

"I will think about it ok. You can go here comes the Cullen's."

"I will see you soon Little Bird." He said as dropped a kiss on her cheek.

Rose and Alice were at her side in an instant without arousing suspicion. Jasper and Emmett stayed behind to discuss some things with Paul while the girls headed to class.

Paul was back to running circles around Forks High. He had called Sam and Bella's Lab this afternoon was a go and Sam was glad to hear she was able to take the rest of school off. Jake had patrol until after lunch and came in and collapsed on the bed. He wasn't in pain but he could tell Bella was tired and it wore him down. Paul was also glad to learn that the Cullen's had already purchased tickets for Bella and Jake. Now all he had to do was talk Baby Alpha into asking her despite her protests he knew if Jake asked she would say yes. Paul would talk to him on the way to meet with the Cullen's after dinner. They needed to discuss what the trails meant and where to go from here.

Bio was Bella's last class of the day and as it turns out her last class of the year, she took her place at the table she had spent the semester falling for Edward with a sigh. It wasn't the same but there wasn't the pain. She sat through lecture happily ready for the day to be done. She couldn't wait until the bell rang. Mr. Banner told the class that this week would cover the last lab and that next week would be review for the final. He passed out the lab worksheets. He also passed out a set of review worksheets. The bell rang and the class filed out.

"So Miss Swan?"

"I will see you at 2:30 Mr. Banner."

"Okay, I will have the review worksheets for your other classes when you get here."

"Thank you."

"You are welcome.

Bella spent the final class of the day with the Cullen's in the library. She studied while they read. When the last class ended the Cullen's returned her to Mr. Banner's classroom.

Alice leaned down and hugged her. "I love you Bella. We will see you Friday."

Bella teared up as she watched them leave before turning her attention to her lab worksheet. Forty five minutes later she looked up from her experiment to see Sam leaning against the door jam.

"I just have to write down my final observations and I will be ready to go."

"No rush Little One I know I am early."

Bella bent her head back down and finished writing down her observations. When she was finished she cleaned the equipment and put them in the drying rack. She pushed herself forward and put the lab report on Mr. Banner's desk.

"Thank you Mr. Banner."

"No thank you Miss Swan. It has been a great pleasure having you in my class. I am sorry the last few months have been so difficult for you but I am impressed by the way you have handled everything. You are a very special person Miss. Swan. I will see you Friday."

"See you then Mr. Banner."

Mr. Banner watched as Sam pushed Bella down the hallway and out the door. He wasn't stupid. He knew the local legends and he knew what the Cullen's were. He also knew what the boys of La Push were and he knew Isabella Swan was special indeed because she was being protected by mortal enemies. The real question was what they were protecting her from and would they be able to stop whatever it was from destroying her before it was too late.

The journey home was quiet. Sam got Bella out of the truck and up the steps before she spoke. "Where's Jake?"

"Sleeping sweetheart and I know you are tired too. So when I open this door you are gonna put that book bag in the corner and Emily is gonna help you shower and then I am gonna put you in bed right next to him and there will be no arguing."

"Yes, Sam."

She did as Sam said and went and put her book bag in the corner and grabbed a pair of her sleep pants and a tank top before heading for the bathroom. Emily helped her in the shower and helped her wash her hair and rebraided for her before she emerged from the bathroom. He pulled back the covers and placed her on the bed. As soon as he let go of her Jake's arm went around her and pulled her close. Sam smiled as he shut the door behind him.

"She asleep?"

"Yep as soon as I laid her down she was out."

"Good. Think she will let Jake take her to the Prom?"

"I think Paul is right if Jake asks she will not say no."

"Good."

"What have you done Em?"

"Nothing I just thought maybe Jake and I could take her shopping in Port Angeles either for a dress or fabric."

"Fabric? Isn't it a little late for you to make her a dress?"

"I think I can make it faster than we can find her one this late. Dr. Cullen offered to pay for anything she needed and Jake said how she hated shopping."

"Okay well Paul is gonna talk to him before the meeting with the Cullen's."

"Okay, well I will get started on dinner prep. Do you mind getting Bella's clothes from the bathroom and putting them in the wash."

"Sure sweetheart."

Dinner was a quiet affair. Shocking for the wolves but they all had a lot on their minds and Bella didn't ask. She knew Jake would tell her when it was important for her to know. After they all left for a pack meeting Bella got out her books she finished the review sheet for Bio and the one for her English class as well by the time Jake and Sam returned from the pack meeting.

Paul took Jake to the side as soon as they got out the door.

"Hold up Baby Alpha. I need to talk to you about something."

"What's up Paul?" Jake asked curiously.

"Little Bird is having Prom next Friday. You need to ask her."

"Why?"

"Because Prom is a big deal especially to girls and this is your chance to take Bella on your first real date. Dr. Fang even offered to pay for everything. He has already paid for you guys some tickets and everything all you need to do is ask her and not take no for an answer."

"What do you mean don't take no for an answer?"

"I mean she will protest but that is because she wants to hide. But she has to come out of her shell sometime and she won't say no to you.

"Okay, I will ask."

"Enough school work for the night Little One. Jake and I wanna talk to you."

"Okay, Sam." Bella said as she set about putting her books away. After Bella put them away Jake picked her up and sat her on his lap as Sam began to speak.

"Little One, Paul found some old vamp trails around the school today. Now before you panic or get mad for him not telling you. Don't I told him not to mention to you at school and they are old and after discussing it with the Cullen's we know it wasn't Victoria but I wanted to tell you because you need to know this does happen on occasion. We will never hide anything from you unless it will adversely affect you. Now Jake wants to ask you something."

"Okay so I guess it is my turn to tell you something. I know prom is next week and I want to take you."

"Who told you? Was it Paul?"

"Does it matter?"

"I don't want to go."

"Are you ashamed of me Bells?"

Bella turned in his lap and saw the hurt look on his face. "No Jake I am not ashamed of you." She said as she buried her face in his neck.

"Then why don't you want to go?"

"Jake I couldn't dance before this and now it is impossible not to mention I have no friends so what is the point of going?"

"The Prom isn't just about dancing Bells or friends even. It is about getting dressed up and going out with someone you love and I wanna take my best girl to her prom. Please go with me Bells?"

She couldn't fight anymore. "Okay, Jake."

Jake let out a loud whoop and stood up and spun Bella around. "Thank you Bells. I promise you, you won't regret it." He said as he kissed her.

"Jake when you let her up for air we will go over the plan of tomorrow."

"Sorry Em." He muttered as he tore his mouth from Bella's and sat back down.

"Okay Bells this is the plan for tomorrow. Em, you, and I are going to Port Angeles to get you a dress and me some pants, shirt, shoes and a tie. We have Carlisle's Black Amex and he said don't skimp." And then when we get back you and I are going to do school work."

"Okay Jake."

"Now if you two will excuse us. I am taking Bells to bed before she changes her mind."

"Night you two. See you in the morning." Sam and Emily said as they watched them retreat to the bedroom.