Prologue

Don't make a decision, don't think, just get there.

My mind was going a mile a minute. I was pushing my truck to the limit trying to get to my destination. I knew it was only a matter of time before they knew where I was headed and they tried to stop me.

Ten miles just ten more miles. You can make it.

I smashed the petal all the way down and could hear the roar of my engine. I knew this wasn't safe considering the dinosaur this car was and the heavy rain but I didn't care. At the moment all that mattered was getting to where I needed to be.

As I crossed the border I felt my body relax a little. The threat was gone for now. I made my way through the podunk town until I reached the gravel road that would lead to my safe haven. I pulled into the driveway and ran to door. I pounded frantically hoping someone would come to the door and praying that they wouldn't turn me away.

I saw a light flick on and soon heard the sound of locks turning. As I looked into the obsidian eyes of the one person I needed to see tears came to my eyes. I could tell by the look on their face they were shocked to see me. I couldn't blame them. It was 3AM on a Saturday and I'm sure I was the last person they expected to see on their doorstep.

"Come in, it's pouring outside."

An arm was wrapped around my shoulders and I felt myself being guided into the cozy house. I was in such a daze as I sat down at the kitchen table. I could barely keep my eyes open. The adrenaline had left my body and I was exhausted.

I don't know how long it was before I heard, "What happened?"

As they asked the question tears sprung to my eyes again and my heartbeat picked up. It was becoming hard to breathe and I realized I was having a panic attack. Hot hands were placed on both sides of my face, "Breathe. Everything is fine. You're safe here."

"I'm safe?" I asked quietly.

"You're always safe here Bella. Always."

"Sam you have to help me. Edward has been doing something to me. Everything has been a lie." I knew I wasn't making sense and I needed to explain in depth what was going on but it seemed damn near impossible.

"What do you mean? Did he hurt you?" He questioned.

I took a deep shaky breath and Emily came and took my hand. She encouraged me to calm down and explain.

"Today, I wanted to come to the reservation and I was very sure of my decision and determined not to let Edward make me feel bad or tell me no. I was getting ready to leave and he showed up at my house. I told him where I was going and I stood my ground but then he did this thing where he looked into my eyes and told me I didn't want to go and all of sudden I didn't want to anymore. When whatever he did wore off I questioned him about it and he got angry. His eyes turned black and he told me not to talk about things I knew nothing about and that my mind was playing tricks on me." I rubbed my arms and looked down.

"What else are you not telling us Bella?"

I broke eye contact and let the tears flow freely down my face. I peeled off my long sleeved shirt and I heard his growl. The bruises were an angry blue, almost purple and my porcelain skin made them look even worse. A sobbed escaped my lips.

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have questioned him, I should have just let it go. I-" I was interrupted by Sam pulling me into his arms.

"Bella this isn't your fault. What he did is not your fault. Do not blame yourself for this."

"But-"

"But nothing Bella! There's no excuse for this shit. If you keep blaming yourself I swear to christ I will kick your ass all over this reservation. Sam you better think of what you're going to do about this or so help me I'll go set that fucking leech on fire myself." I had never heard Emily yell. She was always so gentle and kind but right now she had a fire in her eyes I had never seen, "I don't give a shit what anyone says. You are pack Bella and we will protect you. Right Sam?"

Sam looked me in my eyes and made me a promise I knew he would keep, "I promise you he will never hurt you again Bella."

I knew right then that I was not going back to Edward. He showed me the side of him that he hid so well behind his human facade. I wanted to live. As I laid down in Sam and Emily's guest room I made a decision that would change my life for the better.