AN: I've been keen to post this since I wrote it weeks ago. This is a very busy chapter.

I'm speeding through a few things, but it'll work out. I cut out 6k words so far. Thanks again for reading. Stephanie Meyer owns twilight, etc.

Possible trigger warning, I've clearly labeled the parts which could be painful to read.

CHAPTER 14

BPOV

A knock on the door woke me. I looked towards the window, it was still dark outside. The clock read 4:30 am. I shuffled out of bed and quickly got ready. J was outside my door with a cup of coffee. I groaned "oh, thank god" and took the cup from him, moaning at the first sip. J froze "you haven't had coffee before have you?" I asked. He shook his head "think of it as a good grizzly bear fresh from hibernation." I said. He chuckled, "that seems to be accurate, your feelings match Emmett's when he finds a particularly irritable bear."

I shuffled down stairs and groaned with each step, my thighs were killing me. J shot me an apologetic look "it'll get easier I promise."
"I know J, I'm just a little sore at the moment. I haven't been one for exercise in the past."

"I was thinking about your balance last night" he said "you mean my lack of balance?" I murmured. "Umm... yeah." He continued sheepishly. "There's one thing we can try and it's much easier on your muscles. We'll still have to train you, but if we use the Wii fit you can learn more about how to position and move yourself in a more stable way."
"Sounds good."

We reached the kitchen. I threw a couple of slices of bread into the toaster and munched on them between sips of coffee. Char carried a few empty suitcases to the car and we headed off.

The flight was the usual boring ride. We travelled in silence, the vampires pretended to sleep. Charlie and I talked quietly. Pete suddenly sat up, his eyes glazed "something's wrong." The seatbelt light came on and the voice of the pilot announced we'd be landing soon. Dad turned to Peter, looking over the top of our chairs "what's wrong Pete?"
"It's Harry." Shit.

J sent out calm, careful to keep it controlled to our little group. The plane was circling the runway "when, Pete?" Dad's voice was strained "soon, we'll arrive just in time." Pete said softly. "What's coming?" I asked, I hoped to god it wasn't another fucking vampire. "I can't see, I just know we have to get to the Res fast. You can help him Charlie." Peter said.
"Fuck" dad gritted through his teeth.

The plane bumped onto the tarmac, it was another ten minutes until we could leave. As soon as we were off the small metal staircase we sprinted into the warmth of the airport. J sniffed the air, announcing "wolves, two of them." After yelling out a quick hello we kept up our sprint to the car park. Char was updating Jared and Leah on what was happening, dad spotted the small La Push community bus and Leah ran ahead and opened the door for us to pile in. Pete asked to drive, Leah was about to argue but I cut her off "his reflexes are good and his gift will identify any speed traps." She slumped next to me and cradled her face in her hands. "Pete says we'll arrive in time, there's a chance dad will be able to help" I tried to comfort her.

It was a nerve-wracking ride from Seattle to La Push, we went on the ferry and the wolves paced the deck calming themselves from the confines of the bus and the vampire scent within. The ride from Puget Sound was tense.

Five minutes from La Push Peter jolted and looked sadly at Leah. She started crying, Peter pushed harder on the accelerator and the bus shook under the strain. "We'll be there in time, we should arrive two minutes before the EMTs. Will you have enough time Charlie?" He gritted out.
"I'll do my best."
"That's all anyone can ask." Pete said kindly.

As soon as we parked in front of Sue's house dad jumped out and sprinted inside. Sue was crying in the kitchen, Leah ran over and hugged her mom, J and I stayed close to them. J sent waves of calm to Sue and Leah, I put my arm around Sue as she hugged her daughter "dad's with him now, he might be able to reduce the damage." I assured her. Sue nodded against Leah's shoulder and whispered, "thanks." We heard the sirens, I quickly asked her "is it okay if dad rides with him in the ambulance?" She nodded, J led me, Sue and Leah to her car "I can drive you to the hospital." He offered, Sue nodded and asked "where are Peter and Charlotte?" He answered her "they've gone to tell Sam."

Sue and Leah were quiet, the drive to the hospital seemed to take forever, I could only hope dad was able to help. Dad was in the corridor with Seth as we burst into the ER. Dad patted Seth's bare shoulder and updated us. "They were able to stabilize him, he's in theatre at the moment." Pete and Char walked in and joined us "Sam was able to delay the funeral for an hour." He said.

Seth was leaning against a wall, tears running down his cheeks. He pushed forward and approached Pete "Sam pulled me off patrol, I ran here as soon as I heard. Thanks for helping us." He had become a wolf in the last few days, his hair was cut short and he'd grown a lot since I saw him last. Pete smiled sadly then turned to J "would you mind staying with Sue and the kids while we attend the funeral? I'm sorry to ask-" J cut him off. "No problem, by the time you come back we should have some news."

Peter, Charlotte, dad and I took a taxi back to the Res, our belongings were at Sam and Emily's house. We quickly changed and piled into the bus, it had filled up while we were getting ready. Old Quil was up the front with Billy, Jake and young Quil. Peter sat awkwardly at the back, I would have laughed at the two vampires sitting amongst wolves and humans if it wasn't such a sad occasion.

The funeral was more uplifting than somber, it was an informal affair where people shared anecdotes of their time with Oona. A few people gave readings. As the funeral ended many of the older people stood up and started to sing 'Take me home, country road.' We boarded the bus and headed to the community hall for the wake.

People started drifting home, hugs were exchanged as well as condolences. We headed back to the hospital, still wearing the clothes from the funeral.

Jasper was sitting alone in the reception waiting for us when we arrived. He got up and came over with a smile on his face "you did it Charlie, the doctors said it was a miracle his heart wasn't as damaged as it should be." Dad collapsed in a chair, the shock mixing with the relief "he's going to be okay?" He asked, J nodded, "Sue and the kids are in the ICU with him now. How was the funeral?" Venom welled up in Char's eyes as she answered "it was amazing, I never expected it to be so ...healing?" Charlie nodded and added "it was a perfect send off for her. She would have loved it."

Sue and the two wolves came out a few minutes after we sat down. They ran to Charlie and hugged him tightly, he shushed them and cooed words of comfort. I hadn't seen him this way, it was probably something he had to do when he was Chief, only this time he'd been the cause of good news. Sue sniffed and turned to J "thanks for staying with us, it means a lot." He nodded to them "it's good he's on the mend," he said quietly. Sue turned to the rest of us to let us know what was happening; "He was still unconscious while we were there, but the machines were beeping. The surgeon met with us, they had to give him a bypass. They said he was so lucky to stay alive. I don't know what would have happened if you guys hadn't arrived when you did."

Dr Gerandy walked up to our group, he stared at J for a bit. The doctor's face turned red and he spat out "you Cullen's boy?" His jaw was clenched as he stared down the vampire in front of him. J nodded. The doctor turned to Sue, talking to her and sending glares to J. "Harry needs to change his diet, we have a nutritionist on staff. He should wake up by tomorrow morning."
"How long until he's walking about?" Dad asked. "We like to get all patients walking the day after surgery." The doc's demeanor improved when he spoke to dad. "That soon?" Sue gaped. Dr Gerandy nodded "we find it helps them heal and keeps them from becoming sedentary while here."
"How will it affect his heart?"
"Exercise is always recommended, the more frequently he gets his heart rate up the better. He'll need physiotherapy for a few weeks so he gets a routine that will strengthen him, but not tear any stitches. You may want to head home for the night, he's stable and responding well. It's unlikely he'll wake up until tomorrow."

We led Sue and Leah to their car, dad drove us back. The vampires would run with Seth and meet us at the Res. When we walked in to Sue's house Char had cooked a simple dinner of pasta and veggies. Sue smiled at her "thanks, you've all been so wonderful. I'm so glad we met." Peter walked up to her "I've arranged for a nurse to help take care of him, we've already paid her and the physiotherapist." Sue began to sob, but this time it was out of relief.

Sam and Emily arrived once we'd finished eating, they'd packed the rest of our belongings into the empty suitcases. Pete did the dishes and dad made a few cups of calming tea for Sue, Leah and Seth. Emily stayed with them while Sam drove us to the airport, he'd loaded our luggage into their minivan. We were catching a late flight back to Texas.

Charlie stayed with us that night, Pete drove the truck he'd given to dad to our place with the luggage. The rest of us bundled in to the sedan. Dad took J's room and I headed to mine, it was nearly 2am when we went to sleep.

I woke up to the sound of dad's cell phone followed by a thump. I stumbled out of bed and knocked on his door, a muffled "come in" came from inside. Dad's phone lay on the floor a snore sounded from the lump on the bed. I picked up his phone and shook him "you have a missed call from Theresa"
"whattimeisit?" He slurred, I looked at his phone. "9.30" he groaned and rolled out of bed, landing hard on the floor and crawling into the bathroom. Dad wasn't a morning person, it was something I'd inherited from him.

I took a moment to freshen up and padded down stairs, Pete stood in front of the stove "morning sunshine!" He boomed and handed me a plate of hash browns, scrambled eggs and bacon. I hugged him and mumbled "best uncle ever." He sat a cup of coffee in front of where I'd slumped at the dinner table. Charlie shuffled in; "ohmigodcoffee" he greeted Pete unconventionally. After he took a sip he said a coherent "thanks." He shoveled his food in his mouth, finishing before me. "Healing Harry has really sapped my energy, but I'm glad I was able to help."

Pete took off his apron and brought out a binder from one of the shelves. He handed it to Charlie "Char and I have travelled a lot over the years. I kept notes on a lot of traditional medicines. There are illustrations, descriptions on how to use each plant and recipes. In the back are dormant seeds to each plant described here. At some point you'll have to settle down and start your own garden. You can contribute to the Res greenhouse if you wish, but keep some seeds for yourself. A few of these plants are considered extinct."
"This is too much Pete, you should hold on to it." Charlie tried to hand the binder back, but Peter refused, pulling out another binder "I have my own copy."
"Okay, thanks Pete."
"Happy to help. We have to make sure our knowledge doesn't die out, it must keep growing and adapting through time. Inside you'll find an envelope, give it to Theresa." Dad nodded and said "I'd better get back to the Res, Theresa's arranged a few hours training this afternoon." Char helped him collect his belongings and we said goodbye.

After dad left J took me outside and showed me a few stretches to ease the stiffness in my muscles. "Where did you learn to do this?" I asked him. "Internet. We didn't know about this kind of thing when I was human," he replied. We warmed up with a short jog and started going over the blocking techniques he'd taught me a couple of days ago. After a few repetitions we moved on to incapacitating moves.

I started turning a little green as he went into eye gouging techniques and described the weak spot on the neck which would allow for an easy decapitation. When he noticed my sour mood he sat me down on the grass "all this may sound a bit barbaric, but keep in mind that when you're in a fight you attacker will do whatever they can to destroy you. Just keep in mind that vampires don't throw up and hopefully, with us nearby, you'll never need to use these techniques as a human."
"How will I be able to do this, J? Blood makes me faint, the thought of sticking my thumbs in someone's eyes until they pop really sickens me." He shrugged "this isn't something to dwell on, the important thing is you know what options are available if you're in trouble."

We got back to training, learning how to disarm holds by putting pressure on joints. He put on the pads and attempted a few attacks at human pace, throwing out a few suggestions as I blocked and hit. He let me improvise with what he'd taught me. We called it a day at around four o'clock and sat down enjoying the cool breeze coming up from the valley.

"Thanks for training me J." He turned to me, "I want to protect you, Bella, keep you safe. The only way I know how to do that is by teaching you to protect yourself."
" I appreciate that. I felt so helpless while with the Cullens, they kept me in the dark and never let me help myself."
"They did the same with me and my blood lust. At some point you've got to trust the person you care about. I'm not your father, your keeper or a police warden. I can't promise I won't get bossy from time to time, but you'll be able to shut me up when I cross a line. You're a part of this coven." I took his hand. "Thanks, J."

He stood and pulled me up, he used a little too much strength and I crashed into him. "Oops" I blushed, he steadied me and smiled. My mind went blank, he looked at me concerned, but I just shook my head. Damn male vampires and their prettiness. I headed inside, remembering the feel of his hard body against mine, there were contours I could only imagine. He was stunning. Ugh the last thing I need now is a crush.

JPOV

TRIGGER WARNING

I sat down on the couch and heard the shower turn on in Bella's room, she was so soft. It had been a long time since I felt the softness of a female. I shuddered at the memory of bedding Alice and Maria. Alice was too thin, too petite and she wanted to rush through sex as if it was some sort of chore. Maria disgusted me, she starved me until my blood lust was insatiable and then grabbed me, I'd lost the fight many times. I'd been so unwilling, but my body reacted to her hands and mouth instinctively.

END OF TRIGGER WARNING

There was a softness with Bella that went beyond her being human, she was comfort. I tried to push back the memories of Maria, but they flooded my mind. I was so disgusted with myself. I sat frozen, unable to escape the images.

I felt a warm pressure against my cheeks. My mind was stuck in hell, but I could feel my body. Warm fingertips traced over my face. The smell of jasmine and fresh cotton tickled my throat. I saw brown. It filled my field of vision and warmed me.

I moved closer to the brown, brown was safe. The scent of fresh, clean cotton and jasmine surrounded me. Closer. Need more. I felt a softness against my lips, my eyes closed instinctively, but I could still see brown. Brown was soft against my skin, it tasted like home. It was mine.

Another scent swirled into the mix; the smell of campfires and pine. It was weak, but approaching. My growl was muted against the softness that surrounded me. A throat cleared, breaking the spell.

Bella, my lips were on hers. She was leaning towards me full of jasmine and cotton and brown. She moved back, her lips were swollen, her face was bright red and her heart hammered in her chest. "You okay there, J?" Her voice called roughly to me, I nodded. She held her arms out and sent me some curiosity, I pulled her onto my lap, hugging her tightly to me.

Soft, warm, kind, incredible. A small sound footsteps echoed lightly towards us, Charlotte? "Charlie's on his way." She announced, was he angry at me? I looked at Peter, he explained "you had a flashback, J. Do you still feel the echo?" I shook my head, not ready to talk yet, everything was hazy, confusing. "Bella got you back from the memories. The Major and it have fused with Jasper. It was lucky really, she's got perfect timing. You had a make or break moment, she made it. Charlie needs to work his power to keep you bound." The words didn't make sense. Bella was confused too, I could feel it.

Char spoke quietly, talking to my mate "Bells, when your dad arrives I'll explain everything to you." I felt her head move up and down under my chin. I felt her reluctance and purred to calm her. I moved my mouth down to her ear and whispered "are you hurt?" Her answer was just as quiet "no" I felt Pete and Char leave the room to give us privacy. "Are you okay, Bella?"
"Yes."
"Do you need me to move?"
"No." She paused for a moment "are you okay, J?"
"Yep"
"Do you need me to move?"
"No." I opened my feelings to her and spoke; "Bella, I love you." I waited for her to respond, holding her, running my nose through her hair. She was so still, the smell of salt in the air. "Breathe, Bella." She gasped. I whispered to her "please don't fear me. I promise never to hurt you." The white noise surrounding her emotions lowered; I felt butterflies swarm in my stomach, my skin tingled at our contact and my heart felt heavy in my chest, growing in size and pulling towards her. She whispered, so quietly "I love you too J."

The front door slammed, echoing around us like a gunshot.

Char moved towards us, her slow measured movements looked calm, but her happiness flowed into me, making me feel lighter. She knelt down to Bella, gently pulling her arm towards her "come on Bella, it's time for Charlie to work his magic. You can have J back soon." Bella staggered after her, still in a trance. I wasn't much better. My feelings were too strong, they weighed me down, I wasn't used to this.

Peter came over and hoisted me up, a rougher voice spoke in the background "we need to take him outside."
"What will happen?" Pete asked. The rough voice responded, "the spirits will use me as a conduit, binding him together. From what I understand it's unnatural for the mind to be separated like this. His mind wants to heal, but between the amount of time he spent fragmented and the division of memories between the Major, it and the Jasper he has grown metaphorical scar tissue. The three parts of himself have merged, but he needs a little help keeping them together."
"Why do we have to go outside?" Pete asked. I recognized the rougher voice as Charlie's.
"He's been separated for over a century and a half. Most of his life has been spent either trapped in his mind or tortured. Darkness builds up and there's likely to be some fall out, especially with him being an empath."
"Is this safe for you?"
"I'll be protected, I was shielded before I came here. It's temporary, but it'll keep me safe until my training is further along and I'm bound between the spirit world and mortal world."

The words made no sense. Bella's voiced yelled out "is it going to hurt him?"
"Yes, but the hurt will heal." Pete yelled back.
"Dad! Don't heal his physical scars!" Charlie lifted my head, looking me straight in the eye. "Is that what you want, J?"
"Anything my mate wants." My voice was flat. He shrugged and leaned closer "if you change your mind I can be here to heal them as much as I can, talk it over with Bells when you're ready."

I stumbled down the hill while being supported by Pete. Charlie walked slowly. The ground leveled off. I felt the ground come closer, the grass felt soft on my back, cool and dry. Pete's voice came to me "how are you feeling, J?"
"I don't know."
"Send me your emotions" I collected my emotions, condensing them into a ball and slowly focused them towards Pete. His voice changed direction "I think he's in shock, he feels hazy and confused."
"We'd better move quickly, I know shock is bad for humans, but I don't know how it affects your kind. Given the fact that J has an illness I'd only ever heard of in humans I'm going to guess he needs to be bound now."

Rough, callused hands lay over my eyes and forehead. I closed my eyes. I saw a light through my closed lids and started feeling claustrophobic. "Hold him down Pete, it's about to get painful." Pain built behind my eye lids, the light was too bright and it burned. Jolts of power seemed to travel down my optic nerves, straight through to the back of my mind. Pain. Pulsing, electrifying pain grew in my head. I struggled against it, my eyes rolling in my head and my hands clawing at the ground as I felt a steel grip hold my arms in place.

I was overheating, unable to escape the light. I felt something tear away from me, but part of it still clung to me, holding on to me by a thread. I screamed, the thread was being pulled. I was sure at any moment my eyes would explode and my brain would melt. "BELLA! BELLA!" My voice screamed. Another voice joined my screams and I felt the thread snap, it sprung away from me and moved into the hands that burnt me with light.

I felt weightless, suspended. The light remained bright, but no longer burned. It cooled my mind, like rivers of water running around the singed remains in my head. I felt thousands of little shocks, not painful, more like a strong case of pins and needles. The feeling intensified, going from numbing, to itchy, to painful. It was a different type of pain, pressure, building, growing, overwhelming me. I grunted in pain. The hands moved from my wrists, freeing my arms. The weight moved to the hands on my face, holding them steady. My head hurt, like it had been put into a trash compactor. I whimpered, feeling the ache turn to a strong blunt pain. It kept growing, the pressure more than I could handle...then release; I felt a strong burst of energy emanate from me taking the pain with it. I felt a breeze of movement and heard a series of crashes.

I curled up, feeling a warm body slump to the ground next to me. The sound of my name called me from the distance, growing louder, the gentle patter of light footsteps coming closer. A hand stroked through my hair, I felt whole.