The drive to Bella's house had been agonizing. Edward didn't speak a word the whole trip, and Jacob couldn't seem to get himself to stop fixating on how close Edward's body was to his. Occasionally he could hear Edward breathing more heavily at some of the more inappropriate things that crossed his mind, and Jacob immediately tried to focus on something else.

It was embarrassing having Edward be able to read his mind. He didn't want Edward to get more disgusted by him, but the imprinting had a powerful hold over him that he couldn't get under control. It took every ounce of his willpower to keep his thoughts somewhat appropriate. Why was he even feeling this way when it would only drive Edward further away?

"Jacob! Oh my God, I've been so worried about you," Bella exclaimed once they pulled into the driveway of Charlie's house, "Edward told me you've been injured, how are you feeling?" Jacob sent Edward a questioning glance. They hadn't really discussed what excuse to give Bella, but Jacob's stomach churned at the idea of telling her the truth. How could he tell the woman he used to think he loved that he was… that he… love wasn't even a strong enough word to describe what imprinting felt like… That her boyfriend was the only thing keeping him anchored to this Earth, that the only reason for him to live and breathe for another day was Edward. How could he tell her that?

Bella ran over to Jacob's side of the car and all but dragged him out into an embrace. Edward frowned, but didn't say a word. It was like Carlisle had said, he was no longer a threat.

"I'm fine, Bells, it takes more than a few scrapes to keep me down," Jacob said, trying to sound as normal as possible while feeling like a completely different person from who he was the last time he saw her.

"It must have been pretty bad for you to ask Carlisle for help," Bella said, placing herself under Jacob's arm, "I could hardly believe what I was hearing."

Jacob was about to open his mouth when Edward grabbed Bella gently and pulled her away from Jacob and into a light kiss. Jacob averted his gaze but he could feel his blood starting to boil. All his instincts told him to fight for his mate. Bella wasn't at fault, but his skin was tingling for his wolf to come out. He needed her to back off. His mind felt fuzzy and he was considering running into the woods when Edward locked eyes with him for a split second. His expression was soft, almost calming, and then he backed away from Bella significantly.

"It's like I explained on the phone," Edward said, "it's not like werewolves can go to a normal doctor, and Jacob is reckless," Edward smiled snidely, before entering the house.

"Jacob," Bella's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, "I'm just relieved you're okay," she said, patting his bicep.

In situations like this in the past, he would have suggested to Bella they run away to have fun and leave Edward behind in the house. He would have called Edward something malicious like a drag or a killjoy, and Bella would have laughed it off, and ignored his contempt for her boyfriend. Maybe he should say something like that now just to make everything seem normal, but he couldn't get the words out of his mouth.

"We should go inside, Edward's waiting," he tried adding a sarcastic tone to his words, but it fell short, and Bella shot him a baffled look.

"Did Carlisle do something to your brain when you were there?" She laughed, "Did they threaten you?" The question seemed rhetorical, so Jacob ignored her and entered the house.

Jacob felt unsure what to do next. Edward would usually leave when Bella wanted to hang out with Jacob, and the two of them would go do something fun in town or at La Push. They didn't usually sit around like this, and if they did it was harder when Edward was listening to his every word.

"You're not allowed to disappear on me like that again, Jacob," Bella broke the silence, "You have to promise me, okay?"

Jacob shot a look over at Edward, as to check what he wanted him to say, but he didn't glance back, "I, well, I won't, Bells, I'll be more careful."

"As if," Bella laughed, "I know you won't be careful, but at least let me know what's going on!" The truth was that Bella hadn't even crossed his mind that whole week, and she was the last person he felt like confiding in about his problems. He never really shared much personal information with her even before this whole ordeal. She always seemed to be preoccupied talking about her own issues, or she wanted to know more about the Quileute legends and history, and not about Jacob himself.

"Maybe we should hang out more often then," Jacob heard himself suggest, "then you'll know what's going on." Seeing Bella meant more Edward too, even if it was just while handing her back to him. But would that be enough? He'd fallen completely apart the days he spent away from Edward. He didn't know if he could survive another period of separation like that.

For a brief moment Jacob thought he saw something resembling worry flicker across Edward's expression, but it was gone just as quickly as it appeared. Maybe he imagined it.

"I don't think Edward would like me spending so much time in La Push, Jake," Bella smiled, rolling her eyes over at Edward who sat inhumanly still next to her.

"Actually, Bella," Edward said, surprisingly, "I've thought about this for a while now… maybe it's time we could get together all three of us." Bella looked genuinely shocked, and Jacob couldn't even imagine how his own face looked. "It's just, I know Jacob means a lot to you, and the last few days made me realize that I might actually be hurting you by not being friendly with him."

Bella stared at him wide-eyed, "You'd actually do that?"

Why would he do that? Was it because Carlisle had told him to be friendly? Or did he actually want to ha–

"It's not ideal that your best friend is a dog, obviously, but I can endure if it makes you happy," Edward shot in. Of course it wasn't because he actually wanted to. But maybe if they did hang out more, Jacob could show him that he wasn't all that bad. He could prove himself. He'd be the best friend ever.

"I don't know, Edward," Bella started, "If you can't even keep from calling him a dog for five minutes, how are we–"

"It's fine!" Jacob yelped, "I mean, I don't mind hanging out… for your sake," and his. It hurt hearing it, but Edward could say whatever he wanted as long as Jacob got to stay by his side. "I could probably show you both some cool places you haven't been around town, it's not like any of you get out much without me," Jacob laughed nervously. What would Edward even enjoy? Did he like exploring nature? What about motorcycles? Did he li–

"You forget I've spent more years in Forks than you've been alive," Edward said coolly, "I doubt you could show me anything I haven't already seen."

Was that a challenge?

The tiny spark in Edward's eyes let him know that yes; it was.