CHAPTER 16

*****BELLA POV*****

VOICES. MUFFLED VOICES and dim light. And pain. Where was I? My thoughts were so muddled and slow… and I hurt in so many places. My mind was caught in a black sludge. I struggled against it, trying to make out the indistinct voices and failing. The more I struggled, the more it pulled me back. Nothing in my body would obey and the black void sucked me back in.

I had no concept of time in the darkness, but surfacing again, it began to slowly relent. Everything was quiet this time, but the pain and dim light were back. Why did I hurt so much? My thoughts were still so foggy and elusive, like trying to find sunshine on a cloudy day. I lifted my hand to rub my forehead… or I tried to, but it weighed too much, my arm wouldn't budge.

The fog in my brain oh so slowly started to clear, so I waited. At least the darkness wasn't trying to suck me back in this time. Memories of my day started to come again: school and then work; I was distracted all day and then I was in the woods… alone. Why would I… Imprinting… Jake… I had decided. I wanted to stay with him. I was on my way to go see him, to tell him, then Alice was there and then… Victoria!

It all came back in a rush and a whimper finally broke free from my throat. Alice had fought Victoria and then Jake was there. What had happened?

My mind had started working again, but I still couldn't get my body to respond. I just wanted to open my eyes.

A warm hand slipped into mine and another pressed against my forehead… too cool to be Jake.

I needed to see Jake… I needed to tell him. I didn't want to leave him. I never wanted to leave, I was just so stunned and confused.

Agitated at my body's refusal to obey, my heart began to race as the need to speak to Jake grew. Cool fabric caressed my feet as they moved, my body finally started to respond. I tried, unsuccessfully, to sit up. I pushed my voice harder and finally croaked out a sound that was supposed to be Jake's name, but it came out as a small, desperate, rasping sound.

"Bella, it's Dad. Calm down sweetie. You're in the hospital and you're okay, so just stay calm."

Finally able to make my eyes cooperate, I blinked against the dim light and gradually Charlie's face came into focus. He looked tired and his face was lined with worry.

"Hey there, sweetie," Charlie said, smiling down at me. "Welcome back. It's good to see you awake again."

I smiled back at him… or I think I did.

"Jake?" I finally managed to croak out, more audibly this time, my voice a little stronger.

"Jake is here," Charlie reassured me. "He's sleeping."

Jake. I needed to talk to him… tell him what my decision was. Wincing, I lifted my head just a few inches… enough to look around a little.

"Take it easy Bells. Don't try to sit up, let me raise the bed a little instead."

Charlie worked the controls and got the head of my bed raised just a few inches then slowly lowered himself down into the chair next to me. He was moving so stiffly, I wondered how long he had been sitting there. As he sat it allowed me to see more of my surroundings.

I was in a small hospital room. There was a half dozen or so arrangements of flowers and balloons placed around the room. Once Charlie was fully seated and had taken my hand again, he leaned a little to the side and finally my eyes landed on Jake, asleep on a cot in the corner. It was almost comical seeing his big frame hanging part way off the edges. Relief flooded through me at the sight of him so nearby. I relaxed and relaxed my head against the pillow. He was here and I could talk to him as soon as he woke up. My eyes slid shut so that I could zero in on the sound of his quiet snoring for a moment.

I turned my head to look at Charlie again and he smiled gently. I smiled back, and this time I know my lips moved because both my lips and mouth were like a desert, dry and cracked. I smacked my lips and worked my tongue a little, trying to wet my mouth.

"Want some water, kiddo?"

I nodded and Charlie produced a cup with a straw from the side table. He helped support my head so I could get a few sips.

"Dad, what happened?" I rasped, my voice still weak, but functioning.

"You were in a car accident sweetie. You're pretty banged up, but you're going to be okay. You just need to rest for now."

I smiled feebly. "What day is it?"

"It's like 1:00 in the morning on Sunday. We've been so worried about you Bella. I'm so relieved you're finally awake."

I tried to adjust my position to get a better look at Jake and winced again. My entire left side from shoulder to hip began to throb and burn and I had to give up on moving for the moment.

"Are you in pain sweetie?"

"A little," I whispered.

"Well, a nurse came in just before you woke and gave you some more pain meds, so it should ease soon."

I looked at him with wide, anxious eyes. "No, I don't want to pass out again. I need to stay awake. I need to talk to Jake."

"He hasn't been asleep long, so he's gonna be out for a while." When I started to protest, Charlie's expression became firm. "You need to let him sleep Bells. He's refused to leave, and I don't think he's gotten much rest. And more than anything you need to rest too. Your body has a lot of healing to do. He's not going anywhere, trust me, I tried… so you'll get to speak to him soon enough."

"Jake hasn't left?"

"No. Nothing would convince him to leave you. Just rest Bella. He'll be here when you wake again."

I relaxed again as I nodded and mumbled something that was supposed to be "Okay" as the medicine started to pull me back under. Knowing he'd been there the whole time made me feel… something. The fog was returning, so I couldn't figure out the word… loved? Protected? Peaceful? It didn't matter, it was a good feeling.

I attempted to lift my head one more time to get a last look at Jake's sleeping form, but my body had stopped obeying again. My eyes finally slid shut and I drifted back into the black void, the pleasant feeling following me there.

.

HEAT… CONSCIOUSNESS SLOWLY returned once more and there was heat. My hand, all along my arm, and up into my shoulder was hot. After some effort, but not nearly as much as before, I was again able to open my eyes. I turned my head toward the heat and found Jake next to me this time. My heart lept at the sight of him. He was asleep again with his hand in mine and his head laying on the bed next to me.

I tried to reach across to touch his head, but pain shot through my arm, and it wouldn't move. Glancing over I noticed for the first time that my left arm was in a cast and fastened firmly against my chest with a sling. That didn't look good.

Turning back to Jake, I squeezed his hand instead and said his name, still not able to get much sound out.

He stirred and lifted his head to look at me. Relief flooded his face when his eyes met mine and my heart fluttered. He was so handsome, and I had missed him.

"Bella, you're awake!" He was immediately on his feet and leaning over me, touching my face. "Honey, it's so good to see your beautiful eyes. I have been so worried about you." He pressed his lips to my forehead and held them there for a long time. When he pulled back, his cheeks were damp, his eyes lined with silver. "I'm so sorry we let this happen to you." His voice was thick with emotion, and he continued to stroke my forehead and caress my face.

"It's okay Jake," I whispered, "it's not your fault."

"No Bella, we messed up. We left you far too vulnerable and unprotected. If Alice hadn't been there…" his voice trailed off.

"Don't think like that. She was there and I'm okay. Is Alice alright? Are you okay?" I looked over as much of him as I could see, and he seemed to be fine.

"Yes, we're both fine. She's been here quite a lot. She'll be back tomorrow."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Is it still Sunday?" The clock beside the bed said 10:05 and the world outside the window was dark.

"Yes… I think. They've all blended together a little."

Four days he'd had to wait and wonder. My heart clenched with guilt and regret. I reached up and cupped his cheek, hating that I'd been so delayed in telling him. I wasn't going to let him wait any longer.

"Jake, I'm so sorry you've had to wait so long for this, but I don't want to end things with you. I was getting ready to go to La Push to tell you when Victoria showed up." I had to avert my eyes from his intense gaze. "I'm sorry I put you through that. I should've realized right away, but I was just so shocked and confused after you told me about imprinting, and I needed some time to process it. I never would ha…"

His lips suddenly pressed against mine, effectively silencing me with a sweet and tender kiss and stealing my breath away. My fingers slid from his cheek and into his hair. After several moments, he pulled back a little then pressed his forehead to mine.

"You don't have to explain, Bella. All I care about is that you want to stay with me. That's all that matters."

"I don't know why I couldn't realize it right away. You were right, I do overthink things sometimes. But it's worth whatever risk there may be. You're worth it."

He kissed me again, then took my hand and sat back down, a big, tired smile on his face. "It's been a very long four days waiting for you to wake up, worrying about you, and worrying about what your decision would be. I can't begin to describe to you the relief and joy I'm feeling right now."

I returned his smile and enjoyed the warmth of his hand enveloping mine.

"So, Jake, what exactly did happen that day?" I knew the story Charlie told me was not the real story.

He shook his head and looked down forlornly. "The red head got by the pack, and she was able to get to you. I wasn't with them; I was at home getting caught up with all the cars I needed to work on. They were able to get a message to my dad and I got to you before the rest, but it wasn't soon enough. I fought her, but I couldn't take her down before she turned tail and ran."

A shudder went through me at the fact that she got away and made me wince at the twinges of pain.

"I did get a piece of the leech, though. I ripped off half her arm."

"You bit off her arm?!"

"Yes." A small, pleased smile crossed his face but was gone almost immediately. "Unfortunately, she got it back, so she would have been able to reattach it, but it felt so good to finally get my teeth on her! I will NOT let her get that close to you ever again Bella, and we will find a way to get this filthy leech, I promise you! You will never be left so unprotected again."

I squeezed his hand tightly. "I know you'll keep me safe, Jake."

He lifted my hand to kiss the palm then pressed it against his cheek and held my gaze with an intensity that spoke volumes.

A gentle knock at the door interrupted the moment.

"Sorry to intrude so late, but I thought I heard Bella."

It was a familiar voice and I remembered hearing it the day of the attack, but never could place it. Reluctantly tearing my eyes away from Jake, I turned to look toward the door and let out a little gasp.

"Carlisle!" I exclaimed in surprise. My eyes darted back to Jake. He stiffened a little as he brought our hands down to rest on the bed, but he didn't even tremble and the faintest hint of a smile flitted across his lips. Okay, that was a little surprising. I turned my attention back to Carlisle.

"What are you doing here? I didn't know you were coming."

He came in the room and stood at the foot of my bed, smiling down at me. "I was coming to help Alice settle a few of our affairs and then I was going to accompany her when she travelled back. I was literally driving into town when Alice called me right before the attack. We have, of course, extended our stay so I could oversee your recovery."

"It's so good to see you." I hesitated a moment, glancing briefly at Jake again, but he was still perfectly calm. "Did anyone else come? Esme or Jasper?" I squeezed Jake's hand, not wanting my inquiry to upset him. He just squeezed my hand back and smiled at me. I realized I had been a little tense, but I finally relaxed and wondered what had happened while I was out.

He and Jake exchanged a glance before he answered. "No, it's just me. It's good to see you too, Bella, though I wish it were under better circumstances. I am very pleased to see and hear you have been doing well otherwise though. Jacob has not left your side… you are very lucky to have him."

I looked over at Jake and smiled. "I know I am," I said softly over the lump of emotion that had welled up in my throat and a single tear slipped down my cheek. Jake reached over and wiped it away, letting his fingers linger for a moment.

"So, how are you feeling tonight?" Carlisle asked.

"Like I got hit by a bus," I said, letting out a humorless laugh and then winced as pain stabbed at my ribs. "I don't even know what injuries I have, but I know a lot of things hurt."

Carlisle ran through the list of my injuries, and there were a lot of them. No wonder everything hurt. A mild concussion with some swelling that had receded quickly. Two big gashes on my head that required stitches. My left arm had been dislocated as well as had two breaks in the forearm. And finally bruising down to the bone on my ribs and spine, which were apparently going to take forever to heal and hurt like the dickens.

I've been injured before… a lot, but it sounds like this one takes the cake. Even worse than what James did to me, at least in terms of a longer time to heal completely, and longer-term limitations.

"You'll need to stay in that cast for about 3 weeks, then be in a brace for several more weeks after that. We will need to keep your shoulder immobilized in that sling for a few more days as well. You will also have significant restrictions for a month or more due to the bruising on your spine, but we can discuss all of that later. For now, you just need to stay in bed and rest as much as possible."

Jake spoke for the first time since Carlisle had come in. "It's a good thing the doc was there so quickly… you were losing so much blood from the gashes on your head. He had those stitched up before the ambulance even arrived."

I could tell Jake was appreciative of Carlisle, but he was still a little tense, so he wasn't completely comfortable with the situation. I was proud of him though.

Jake moved to stand by the windows to give Carlisle space to check me over—and probably to just keep a little distance between them.

After quickly examining my injuries, he adjusted a machine I was hooked up to and asked about my pain. Once he was satisfied, he patted me on my good shoulder and moved toward the door.

"It's good that you're awake again, but make sure you keep getting plenty of rest to help you get back on your feet faster."

I promised him that I would, and we said our goodbyes. Once Carlisle was gone, Jake returned to my side. He kissed my forehead as he took my hand and sat back down in the chair.

I looked at him curiously. "So how are you doing with Carlisle being here and being my doctor?"

"I'm good." He let out a long sigh. "It's hard to relax completely, but after seeing him take care of you… There was so much blood Bella, and he didn't even flinch at it or look strained or tense at all. He stayed calm and kept me calm and was so gentle as he took care of you… I couldn't help but adjust my opinion of him. It's not easy to go against my instincts, but I know that at least he is one I feel I can trust with you. Alice too… she fought very hard to keep you safe until I was able to get there. I'm very grateful to both of them." He looked at me seriously, "but don't go getting any crazy ideas that I'm going to be buddy-buddy with the rest of them."

I smiled at him. "This is more than I'd ever hoped for after your initial reactions when Alice showed up, so I'll take it."

My eyes were starting to get heavy, and I couldn't suppress a giant yawn.

Jake brushed his hand over my forehead. "Just get some more rest for now Bella… I'll be here when you wake up, I promise."

I nodded and mumbled an agreement as I slipped back into a deep sleep.

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*****JACOB POV*****

ONCE BELLA DRIFTED back to sleep, I went to lay down on the cot for the night. It was so good to see her eyes and hear her voice, even if it was just for a little while. But most of all it was such a relief to get the answer I had been waiting for. She wanted to stay with me; she didn't want to end things. I felt like my heart was going to burst from joy.

I wondered how many more days the doc was going to want to keep Bella in the hospital. I was worried about how everything was going to work once she went home if the need to be near her didn't go away. I might have to find a way to convince Charlie to let me sleep on the couch. I decided I should just wait and see how things developed and figure it out when the need arose.

After lying on the cot for a while, I realized I wasn't really very tired. I have been a lot less active and getting so much more sleep than usual since being here with Bella. If it weren't for the contentment of being near her, I would have lost my mind by now being cooped up inside all the time. I marveled a little at how strong of an effect the magic, or whatever it was, had on me. Being still is not normally something I enjoy… or am any good at.

When it became obvious I wouldn't be going to sleep any time soon, I figured I might as well get back up. Moving to one of the windows, which faced a section of forest, I gazed out at the trees. Strong winds sent large fluffy clouds racing across the star-flecked sky, causing weird looking shadow and light patterns to shift across the ground in the glow from the half full moon.

Before long, I started to get an uneasy feeling and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I was being watched. Looking harder into the shadows along the tree line I finally caught sight of a large middle-aged man looking up at the building as he took long drags off a cigarette. I could easily make out his features, but I didn't recognize him. It looked like he was staring right at me though, so perhaps that was what had triggered my unease. I took one last look over the area, then shut the blinds and went to Bella once more.

My Bella. She knew all of our wolf secrets now and still wanted to be with me. She was so incredible, and she was mine.

I gently touched my fingers to her cheek, and she sighed as she moved her head to press against them. I loved it when she did that, which was almost every time now. My heart swelled with happiness at the level of connection we now shared. I wondered how this would translate once she wasn't unconscious all of the time… would anything be different? Maybe it had always been there, and I just couldn't see the strength of it before.

After watching Bella sleep for a while longer, I still wasn't feeling tired, so I decided to go for a walk around the floor.

Stepping out into the brightly lit hallway I gently shut the door to Bella's room behind me. Directly across from her room was the nurses' station and seated at the desk was one of the friendlier nurses, Sophie, studying a patient chart. Since I was just killing time until I got sleepy, I decided to speak with her for a bit. I had been trying to get to know more of the nurses so they would feel more comfortable with me around, and so far, it seemed to be working.

"Good evening, Sophie," I said softly as I approached. I had found that I needed to say something before I got too close if I wanted to avoid startling them. I moved too quietly, and they never heard me coming otherwise.

She looked up and smiled warmly when she saw me. "Good evening, Jacob, is everything okay with Bella?"

"Yes, everything's good. She's sleeping soundly. I, on the other hand, couldn't get to sleep, so I thought I'd walk around the halls a bit. How's your daughter feeling?" She had left early the day before because her daughter was sick.

Her brow went up, surprised that I'd remembered. "Thank you so much for asking Jacob. She's doing much better. She just overexerted herself yesterday during recess. Sometimes seven-year-olds just don't know when to stop."

I gave a little chuckle. "I'm pretty sure I was like that. Bella would probably tell you I'm still like that."

That earned me a smile and a chuckle.

"Well, I'll let you get back to work. Glad to hear your daughter's doing better. Have a good night, Sophie."

"Thank you, you do the same." She gave a small wave as I walked away.

In no particular hurry, I strolled slowly down the brightly lit hall, feeling fantastic after my conversation with Bella. The halls just made one big square, so I usually did two or three "laps" around. On my second lap, the elevator dinged just as I had moved past it, and someone softly called my name. I immediately recognized Alice's voice at the same moment I caught her scent and turned to her.

"Hey Alice, what're you doing here so late?"

She had an apprehensive look on her face. "Well, I had a vision of Edward and I wanted to let you know right away."

My eyes tightened and I remembered the uneasy feeling I got at the window. The elevators were at the furthest point away from Bella's room, so I turned and started walking briskly back down the hall as we talked, and Alice fell in step with me.

"What exactly did you see?" I didn't like the look on her face, and I was starting to get a bad feeling.

"He has decided to come to Forks to check on Bella. He hasn't contacted any of us in over three weeks and hasn't answered any of my calls since I've been here, including tonight. He may be in town already. I didn't see him actually making contact with her, so he either hasn't decided how or when he will try, or you or one of the other wolves are there when he does. He also might decide to just check on her from a distance, but the last vision I got he planned to try to speak with her. I just didn't want you to be surprised by it if he shows up."

"Thanks for letting me know Alice. I appreciate—"

JAKE! Help me, Jake!

Bella's scared voice pierced loudly through my head like a lance. I didn't wait to explain to Alice, I just took off sprinting down the hall. I heard Alice right behind me asking the nurse to get the doc there right away. I smelled a new leech just before I burst through the door to Bella's room.

There he was, looming over Bella and talking softly to her. Something was off… he sounded wrong. He wasn't touching her, but Bella was struggling as if she were trying to get away, even though she didn't appear to be fully awake.

"What the hell!? Get away from her you filthy leech!" I roared furiously, lunging between him and Bella, knocking against Bella's bed, causing it to roll toward the wall.

Alice had come in right behind me, and I heard her say something to him as well, but the words didn't register.

Standing only inches away from him, my entire body quivering with the need to phase and protect Bella, all I saw was red.

7