Bella's POV:

"Now Noah, I know you were just trying to stand up for Micah but you can't push or hit anyone else!" I tried to keep my voice firm as I tucked the covers around him.

"But momma!" Noah said indignantly.

"No buts mister!" I insisted leaning forward to kiss his forehead.

"Fine." He pouted jutting out his bottom lip.

This was a good end to a horrible day. I stood making my way to Micah's bed to give him his goodnight kiss. Sam had Seth and Jacob following the scent and Leah was going to meet them shortly to see if she could help.

Jared and Paul were downstairs discussing a few things and I heard a large crash from the kitchen as I shut off the bedroom light.

"Paul?" I hissed quietly as I rushed down the stairs. "What's going on down here?"

Paul was shaking violently when I came around the corner and Jarrod looked frustrated. "He wants you Bella. That's why he is still here!" Paul shouted.

His words registered and my jaw dropped. I gawped at the pair of them for a moment before Paul swept me into a huge hug. I felt his shaking slow considerably as I wrapped my arms around him.

"I'm not going to let him get near you." Paul whispered into my hair. I shuddered slightly at the thought of Edward getting a hold of me and my daughter not being safe.

"Paul if he wants to trade me for Molly we are going to do it," I said firmly and Paul pulled backwards staring at me like I'd grown an extra head.

"Never!" He almost shouted.

"Paul, I am not that helpless teenager that he fell in love with all those years ago and then abandoned! We both know I can take care of myself and if it comes down to it I will do anything to get Molly home- including giving myself over to my psychopathic ex." I insisted holding his gaze. He looked so sad and torn and I quickly pulled him into a hug burying my face in his hot chest.

"I love you Bella." He murmured holding tightly.

"I love you too Paul." I said giving him a faint smile.

It was then that Jared announced his presence again "Maybe that's a good idea- Bella trading herself for Molly willingly." I looked over at him and he looked pensive.

Paul turned and I saw the wild-eyed look just before he caught Jared in the jaw with his fist.

"Hey!" I shouted not caring at this point if I woke up the boys "Paul enough! He is your best friend and you are going to stop this nonsense right now!"

"Right I'm not supposed to be upset when people seem to think that trading my wife for my daughter is the best plan in the world!" Paul fumed "He is an evil, conniving bastard and I refuse to let him ruin my family even more than he already has!"

Jared nursed his jaw and I saw his dark eyes darken even more with anger. Not at Paul specifically but at this whole situation- I knew he felt like he was losing his best friend again. I felt the same way. Paul was becoming a shell of the man he was only a week and a half ago when Molly was safe and with us. Edward was destroying everything I loved for the second time in less than 5 years.

"That's it. Paul I know you worry and I know you're scared." I paced between Jared and the fridge getting him an ice pack "But if I can do something to get her home safe I will do it just like I know you would do the same if you could."

"No." Paul roared and just made it out the patio doors before phasing on the deck.

I stepped towards the door to follow him but he gave one shake of his head and tore off into the dead of night.

I moved to sit down at the table and slammed my head against the cool wood "Damnit!"

"He'll be back, Bella." Jared said calmly "Do you want me to stay?"

I shook my head and brushed away the tears that threatened to fall "It's ok Jar, Kim needs you too- you've spend a lot of time over here recently- wouldn't want her to think I was trying to steal you away." I tried to joke but it fell flat.

He spared me a small smile and said "Ok- I'll call Sam and the guys on my way home. Just try not to worry too much Bella- we don't need you getting premature wrinkles." He teased me playfully as he stood to leave.

I gave a watery laugh and stood to hug him goodbye. "Thanks Jared."

"Anytime sister." He hugged me tightly and waved goodbye before climbing into his truck to head back to Kim.

I gave a small smile and locked the front door behind him- might as well not make it too easy for the supernatural beings lurking around here to get in.

I made sure all the other doors and windows were locked before turning off the lights and heading up the stairs.

"Momma?" A small voice called out and I quickly headed to the twin's room.

"Ya baby?" I asked quietly.

"I love you momma" Micah's half asleep voice found me just outside the door. The glow of their nightlight allowed me to see my two boys wrapped in each other's arms in Noah's bed.

"Can I come lay down too?" I asked quietly as I pulled the covers back just enough for me to climb in.

Micah nodded and put one hand on my cheek as I laid down "It's ok mommy- Molly will come home- I's sawed it."

I held his hand against my cheek for a minute and kissed his palm nodding in agreement before wrapping my arms around the both of them the best I could. Noah of course slept through the whole exchange. Just like Paul that boy could sleep through a nuclear bomb going off in the back yard.

"I love you guys" I said quietly and I tried not to cry as I watched my sons sleep. Our family was falling apart at the seams and I didn't know how to fix it.

The best I could do right now was to lay here in the twins' bed with both my sons and keep them safe, protect them from this crazy world the best I could.