CHAPTER 28

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

REACHING OVER I SMACKED my alarm to end its incessant buzzing then stared at the ceiling for several minutes, missing the feel Jake next to me. My sleep-fogged mind began remembering the night before; his touch, his kiss, his words. I shivered, partially from the memory and partially from the absence of his heat. Not being with him all the time was going to take some getting used to.

Not wanting to rush, I'd set my alarm a little early so I'd have some extra time to get ready. Rubbing my eyes I sat up and stretched cautiously, testing my pain level, which I was relieved to find wasn't all that bad. The medicine was working… not as well as Jacob, but good enough that I could function and hopefully make it through a day of school.

In the kitchen, Charlie watched me with concern as I moved around carefully while getting my breakfast and gingerly sat down to eat.

"Are you sure you're ready to go back to school kiddo? You look like you're in a lot more pain than you have been."

The pain I was experiencing wasn't anything compared to what it had been, with the medicine it was just an ache really, but Charlie had mostly only seen me when I was with Jacob and had no pain, so it seemed intense to him.

"I'll be fine. It's my Senior year and I don't want to get any further behind, so I have to at least try. The pain isn't really that bad. I'm just being extra careful to make sure I don't irritate anything, so it looks worse than it is."

I glanced at the clock, anxious for Jacob to get there. After spending nearly every moment with him over the past two and half weeks, I was missing him fiercely. I knew I didn't sleep as well last night, and it wasn't just because of the pain. At least I hadn't had the nightmare again.

Jake got there just as I was taking my cereal bowl to the sink. I heard him greet Charlie briefly, as he hurried to get to me in the kitchen. I breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he was next to me, and the ache vanished.

"Good morning, Bella," he said cheerfully, wrapping his arms around me and I turned into him.

"Good morning," I replied, tilting my face up to him and he obligingly gave me a quick kiss.

"You ready to go?"

I nodded. "My bag is by the front door."

Charlie was still in the front hall putting his gun belt and jacket on and we said a quick goodbye as I pulled on my jacket, Jake grabbed my bag, and we headed out the door.

"How's the pain this morning?" he asked as he put his arm around me and took off down the street. "It didn't seem too bad when I got there."

"It's more of an ache. It's a little harder to deal with since I'm used to no pain, but I should be okay. I have the pills with me to leave at the nurse's office."

Since Jake wasn't a student at Fork's High, we had to get special permission for him to be on campus to help me with my bag before and after school. He went with me to the school office so that he could get registered as a frequent guest and I could give my medicine to the nurse. Mrs. Cope seemed almost afraid of him when we walked in, but after I introduced him, his full Jacob smile spread across his face as he turned on the charm, letting that inner sun of happiness shine, and he won her over.

As we walked through the halls to my locker, his arm slung around my shoulders, self-consciousness crept in as I began to notice the gaping looks we were getting. Jake towered over everyone, so it was impossible for anyone to miss him. He just pulled me in closer and kept an easy smile on his face. Once we'd stashed my bag in my locker, I showed him where my last class was so he could try to meet me there at the end of the day, then we headed to my first class.

Standing outside the classroom, I leaned into Jake for a moment, preparing myself for the pain when he left, the students flowing around us were giving us a wide berth. I straightened and turned my face up to him for another kiss. He made this one a little longer than the one at my house, then he backed away from me a couple of steps, pausing when I sucked in a breath as the ache hit. Closing my eyes for a moment, I took a deep steadying breath and then smiled at him.

"Not too bad," I said, and I wasn't lying. "I'll see you after school."

"See you later baby."

I turned quickly and headed into class before I gave in to the desire to hug him again. The pain always felt strongest when it first came back after we separated, so another hug would mean another hit of the intense pain, and I didn't want to do that.

I made it through the morning without much trouble. The hard chairs weren't very nice to my back, so I started folding up my jacket to have a little padding to sit on an that helped a bit. I would have loved to have some cushions like the ones Emily had for me at her house, but that would be totally awkward to walk around with (and draw way too much attention), so hopefully I could make this work.

Mike had several classes with me and offered to carry my books, which I gratefully accepted.

"It's good to have you back Bella. You look like you're still pretty sore though."

"I am, but it's so much better than it was. I don't want to miss any more of my Senior year if I can help it."

"Well, just let me know if you need help with anything."

"Thanks Mike."

"Hey, you still dating that Quileute guy?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant, and failing.

"Jacob. Yeah, we're still together. You'll probably see him around since he'll be here in the mornings and after school. I'm not supposed to carry anything more than a couple of textbooks and I can't drive yet, so he'll be driving me and helping me with my backpack."

"Oh, that's great," he said, sounding like he didn't think that was great at all. I sighed internally… maybe someday Mike would realize I didn't want anything more than friendship from him.

Going through the lunch line with Angela she had me put my food on her tray, so I didn't have to carry it. While we were waiting to pay, she glanced around, her face flushed and glowing as she leaned in close to me and whispered, "Embry kissed me last night!"

I sucked in a little gasp and gave her a big smile. "Ooh, that's exciting. I wondered if something might happen soon. So, are you an official couple then? Are you happy about it? You seem to be."

"Yeah, we're official and yes, I'm very happy about it. It's hard to believe I have such strong feelings for him already."

"Have you told anyone here at school about him?"

"No," she said, looking serious. "I don't want it to get back to Ben… it might hurt him. It's pretty soon, and I don't want him thinking that I was dating Embry while I was still with him, because that's what it might look like."

"I understand."

We sat down together at the table. Everyone welcomed me back… well, everyone except for Lauren, of course. After answering all their questions on my accident and recovery, and Jake, everyone moved on to their own little side conversations.

Angela and I talked quietly with each other. I told her about my evening with Jake and she told me a little more about her evening with Embry, being careful about what she said with so many ears close around us. She also agreed to continue to help me study a couple times a week until I could get completely caught up.

As we headed out of the cafeteria together, I was listing off what I could remember of the schoolwork I had left to complete from my absence.

"I still need to make up my last test in Calculus, put the finishing touches on my English pa—"

I was suddenly thrown forward as something slammed into my left shoulder. As if in slow motion, I caught a glimpse of a kid running past, throwing a "Sorry" over his shoulder as he kept going… and then the pain hit. I sucked in a breath as I grabbed onto Angela to at least avoid crashing to the ground. She held onto my arms to help steady me, but as the full force of the pain flooded my body, I fell to my knees, struggling to take a breath, tears streaming from my eyes.

"Oh my gosh Bella, are you okay?" Angela asked, concern creasing her features.

"I don't know," I gasped, barely able to get the words out. I attempted to get up a couple of times, but finally gave up and just laid down on the floor, breathing hard. Jacob, I need you, I silently cried out to him. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to recover very quickly from this.

Angela knelt beside me, her hand on my head, as a circle of curious students started gathering around me. A teacher finally came to break up the congregated students.

"Angela, stay with me please?" I asked softly. The pain had eased slightly, so I at least wasn't panting.

"Of course I will," she promised, then leaned close and whispered, "Did you call for Jake?"

I nodded, but I had no idea how close he would be.

The teacher had knelt down on one knee beside me. "What happened here?" he asked. Angela filled him in. "Do you think you can get to the nurse's office."

"Maybe? Just give me another minute."

He nodded and stood up but stayed near, keeping the students moving. I honestly wasn't sure, but I didn't want them to resort to calling Charlie… or an ambulance, so I was going to try.

Several minutes later, with Angela's help, I was finally able to get to my feet and very slowly headed toward the nurse's office. Thankfully the next class hour had started, so the halls were now empty. I was leaning heavily on Angela, and we had to stop frequently so I could catch my breath and each breath sent more pain lancing through my ribs. I hoped Jake wasn't too far away because I was realizing I wasn't gonna make it.

.

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

JACOB, I NEED YOU. Bella's voice rang through my head.

Embry and I were already heading toward the school as most of the others were headed to Emily's for lunch, except Sam and Seth who were making one more patrol run. The pain in her voice had me picking up my pace… plus the other two times she had called for me, she was in serious trouble. My stomach turned at the thought.

What's wrong Jake? Sam asked.

It's Bella. She just called for me. Something's not right.

I felt the alarm collectively run through the pack mind.

Okay, Paul you go with Jake too. Sam ordered. You and Embry stay in the woods until Jake figures out what's going on.

I was sprinting full speed toward the school, beginning to pull away from Paul and Embry a little. They followed behind in silence, staying as close as they could. I began to wonder what could have possibly happened to Bella. It sucked that this link didn't go both ways so I could ask her, but we were lucky to have it at all. Edward was still around town, so I started to become concerned that it could have something to do with him. Irritation from the others went through me at that thought. I also sensed Embry's concern for Angela.

I'll try to check on her too Embry. They may be together.

Thanks Jake

We'd had a fairly uneventful morning up till now. It was the first time I had phased since the leech had attacked Bella and it felt good to be back running through the forest again. Wanting to feel the wind in my fur and stretch my legs, I'd really let go and sprinted several times already, leaving the rest of the pack in the dust… except Leah, I still couldn't outrun her.

As soon as I had phased this morning, I'd learned that the red head had been back eight times since she'd attacked Bella! That meant she had increased her frequency by a lot… possibly because she wasn't finding any fresh scent for Bella was Sam's guess. Sam hadn't told me any earlier because he didn't want to give me or Bella anything else to worry about while she was healing.

When I reach the woods surrounding the school, I dressed quickly and ran toward the main buildings. Sam and I had agreed for me to start my patrol from the school so I could also end it there when it was time to pick Bella up. I'd hidden my clothes in a bag in some bushes… I couldn't exactly walk around the school bare chested.

As I neared the building, I picked up Bella's scent and followed it. I found her just outside the doors that led to the office, leaning on Angela who was helping her walk, though they weren't making much progress. She was in a lot more pain than when I left her this morning and a growl rumbled in my chest.

Angela looked relieved when she saw me. Bella immediately relaxed against me as Angela released her into my arms.

"Jake," Bella breathed in relief and buried her face against my neck.

"Do you know what happened Angela?" I didn't figure Bella would feel up for much talking.

"I need my backpack," Bella whispered.

"Okay honey, we'll get that," I said to her. Then to Angela again, "Can you help me get her things too?"

"Absolutely," she agreed and then filled me in on what had happened as we walked to Bella's locker.

"Man, that sucks. Stupid little punk," I growled in irritation, though the kid probably didn't realize what he had done. "Did she seem to be doing okay before that?"

"Yeah. She was hurting a little, but she was doing good."

We were at Bella's locker and Angela was gathering her things.

"I'll walk with you out to her truck," she said as she slung Bella's bag onto her shoulder, and we headed out to the parking lot.

"Would you be able to let the office know what happened and that Bella went home?"

"Sure, no problem."

Embry and Paul were waiting at Bella's truck and Embry rushed over to Angela as we neared. He took Bella's bag from her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes, I was just helping Jake with Bella's bag. What're you doing here?"

"I was with Jake… we were patrolling around the school since Bella was here."

She looked at him confused. "Why would you need to do that?"

Paul spoke before Embry could answer. "Sam and the others picked up the red head's trail a few minutes ago, so Sam told us to stay with you."

"Damn it!" Annoyance and anger coursed through me at that news. First day off the Rez and she was already in danger again. Is it ever going to end!? I worried about Bella's response, but her face was still buried against my neck and her breathing thankfully indicated that she was out cold.

"Angela, could you go ahead and let the office know about Bella? And also…" I paused, glancing between her and Embry, considering. "Also, I think you should come with us, so maybe you could tell them that you're taking her home or something. We just need you to hurry and then we can explain once we're on the way."

She looked from me to Embry, confused. "I agree with Jake," Embry said. "I promise we'll explain once we get going.

"Okay. I need to get my books too." Her quiet answer reflected her confusion and nervousness about our request.

"That's fine," Embry said, "please just hurry."

She nodded and then ran toward the office.

A cold shiver ran up my spine. "You guys feel that?"

"Yep," they answered in unison, all of us scanning the area… we were being watched.

"That can't be the red head," Paul said, "there's no way she could have gotten here that fast."

"Cullen," I scowled, receiving answering growls from Paul and Embry.

"Let's just get out of here as soon as Angela gets back," I said. "Embry, can you drive?"

"Sure man." He slung Bella's bag in the back.

Paul hopped in the bed of the truck and opened the back window so we could communicate more easily with him, and I got in the passenger seat with Bella.

A few minutes later, Angela came running back, out of breath and looking a little scared. Embry took her bag and tossed it in the back with Bella's then helped her into the cab and climbed in after her.

"Where're we heading?" Embry asked me.

"Emily's," I said. "Do you know where they picked up the red head's trail?"

"She was coming in from the East, heading to Forks, of course, about 50 miles northeast of here. It's a good thing Sam decided to do that last check over that way!"

"Definitely! Maybe the little punk hitting Bella was a blessing in disguise then."

"Someone hit Bella?!" Embry asked in surprise, an edge of anger tinging his voice.

I set Bella on my lap so I could wrap one arm around her torso and support her head against my chest with the other hand as Embry pulled out of the parking lot.

"It was an accident. Some little punk was running in the hall and not paying attention to where he was going and just happened to slam into Bella."

"Man, she just can't catch a break sometimes!"

"Tell me about it." I muttered, looking down at her and brushing her hair back from her face.

"Did she pass out or something?"

"Yes. That pain wiped her out. She must have really been in a lot of pain because she passed out almost immediately when I got to her."

"She was in a lot of pain," Angela confirmed. "She couldn't even stand up, or hardly breathe, for seven or eight minutes."

I winced at that information.

Embry looked over at her, concern on his face. My life might be kinda messed up and weird in a lot of ways, but I'm thankful for the band of brothers it has brought me and how much they all care for Bella and her well-being.

"She should be fine Embry. She's not in pain anymore at least. We're going to make an exception and allow the doc over the treaty line though. I want him to check her out as soon as he can."

A low growl of displeasure came from Paul at that declaration, but he didn't object.

Embry glanced at me. "How do you do it man? She's not even my girlfriend and I worry about her." He spoke more quietly then, casting a quick look at Angela. "I can't imagine what I would do if it was Angela. How do you keep from losing your mind?" She looked back up at him, still confused, but touched by his concern.

"Practice?" I said and let out a humorless laugh. "I don't know, I just handle whatever problem is in front of me and try to enjoy everything in the times between. I definitely can't sit around thinking about all the things looking to hurt her or the 'what-ifs'… that would for sure make me go mad!"

He shook his head, "Well no doubt you're the right guy to deal with all the craziness that follows her around."

"Thanks… I think," I said, raising an eyebrow at Embry.

"I meant it as a compliment!"

I looked over my shoulder to speak to Paul again. "See anything out there?"

"Nope, looks clear… wait…"

My skin crawled as the hairs on my neck rose again and Embry started looking around too.

"I think we're being followed," Paul said through gritted teeth.

"It's probably still Cullen… just keep your eyes open."

What's your deal bloodsucker!? I thought, hoping he was listening. Just leave her alone already. She's no longer your concern!

Angela spoke again, beginning to get frustrated. "So, when are you guys going to tell me what's going on? Who's the red head? And are you talking about Edward Cullen?"

Embry looked at her and then over to me. "Jake, can you tell her? You know the stories better."

I nodded then told her about Edward being back and what happened when he showed up at the hospital, which she handled well. I then told her about Victoria and how she was wanting to avenge her mate and was hunting for Bella. Her face had paled while I told her about that, and Embry had put his arm around her.

"I'm sorry I hadn't told you about this yet," Embry said to her. "You've just had to absorb so much; I didn't want to scare you with this too. I had planned on telling you soon, but she's changed her pattern again. She was just here a couple days ago, so we didn't expect her back so soon. Are you okay?"

"I don't know," she whispered, sounding numb. "Are we going to be safe in La Push?"

"Yes, you and Bella will be very safe down here," Embry assured her. "The red head could never track Bella's scent on our lands because the wolf scent is too strong."

"What do you mean 'you and Bella'? What about you?" Her voice rose with new concern.

Embry spoke to her gently. "We have to stop her… otherwise Bella will never be safe."

Angela looked at him with wide eyes.

"I told you about this part," he reminded her. "This is what we do—the reason we exist—to keep people safe from the vampires."

She nodded. "I know that," she said slowly, her voice trembling, "but now that you actually have to do it, I don't want you to. I'm scared that you're going to get hurt… or killed." She choked a little on the last word.

We pulled up to Emily's house then. Paul went to check in with Sam while Embry and I got the girls inside. Thankfully, Carlisle had given us an extra bottle of pain pills to keep here for just such a situation. I laid Bella down on the sofa and knelt down on the floor next to her, able to wake her up enough to swallow one of her pills. Embry had Angela sit in one of the armchairs and squatted in front of her.

"I have to go do this Angela," he said gently, but firmly. "There are seven of us, eight if Jake goes, and only one of her. Our biggest challenge is catching her. She's more likely to run than to fight. Once we can get her cornered, she'll be no match against all of us."

Angela had tears in her eyes, but she nodded. "Just be safe," she said to him.

"I will be," he replied as he took her face between his large hands and kissed her gently.

My attention shifted to the door as Paul walked in. "Sam says the red head is making an odd pattern around Forks, probably looking for Bella."

She's definitely not going to find her today. There's no way she could smell Bella's trail with our scent overpowering it.

"This might be the perfect chance to execute our plan," Paul continued, glancing at the bag set aside in the corner near the front door. "With the three of us coming at her from the other side we might be able to box her in easier and finally get her. Sam said it was up to you whether you stay or go with us, but Jake, you know we're stronger with you there… you're our best fighter."

I knew what I should do, but I was having trouble making myself leave Bella when she would be in so much pain again. However, we needed to take every opportunity to try to end this. I wanted the red head to pay for what she did to Bella… and I wanted to be the one to do it.

I kissed Bella's forehead for a long moment and moved away slowly. She became restless and whimpered a little but calmed again when Emily knelt beside her and stroked her head, though her face was still tense with pain.

"I'll stay right with her," Emily assured me, "and I'll call Carlisle like you asked."

"Jake, we need to go now if we're going to have a shot at this," Embry said with quiet urgency, standing with Paul by the door, bag in hand.

I looked at Bella for just another moment then turned and ran out the door with them.