Chapter 1: Betrayal

(Bella PoV)
I heard a crunching sound and I gasped, pulling my right hand to my chest and Turning away from my offender. Tears began to brim my eyes but I forced them back, not daring show anymore weakness in front of Jacob. He stood in front of me, his face still sickeningly serene and cocky as I cradled my wrist in my left hand. Without a word, I began to move toward the road. I felt a hand on my shoulder. My voice was low, harsh.

"Don't touch me," I said, emphasizing each word. Jacob snorted, amused by my tone, thinking I was joking. He began to wrap an arm around my waist.

"If you don't let go of me right now, I am going to scream. And I am going to scream so loudly that people are going to come investigate. And when they do, I will rip my clothes off and say you raped me. Now let go of me, you fucking worthless mutt." I turned to look him in the face and his expression was one of shock and betrayal. He was frozen in shock and I took the opportunity to pull myself roughly out of his grasp and began running toward the street I knew led out of town.

Suddenly, I heard a ripping sound and I felt more pain. Something hit my back and I was on the ground. I turned over, hissing in pain as my back came in contact with the ground. The huge russet wolf stood before me, snarling in rage, his right paw dripping in blood. My blood. There was silence for a split second before it darted off into the forest and I was alone. Not allowing myself to cry yet, I pulled myself to my feet, flinching as every movement came with its own new wave of pain. My entire body was hurting, wounded now from both Jacob's claw marks in my back and from him holding me still during that assault he considered a kiss. I felt my back and wrist begin to throb and I knew I wouldn't make it to my house before dark. I pulled out my cell phone and called the house. Charlie picked up.

"Hey Bell, what's up?"

"Can you come pick me up? I'm at La Push."
"Can't Jacob drop you off?" My teeth clench together.

"No. I do not want him anywhere near me."

"What happened?" Charlie asked, "I'm sure whatever happened was a misunderstanding."

"He kissed me." I growled. The next sound I heard made my will crumble. Charlie's loud guffaw and laughter form the other end froze me in place. Charlie was laughing at me, for being mad because Jacob kissed me against my will. I was hurt, my heart throbbing from the pain that Charlie's amusement gave me.

"Good for him. Glad he got up the courage to do it. Proud of him," Charlie said, still chuckling, "So why are you mad then?"

I didn't answer. I let my phone flip closed, ending the call. I collapsed on the ground, curling into a ball, cradling my injured wrist. The tears broke free and I was sobbing. I felt wetness from above and I knew it was raining. I continued to sob though, as the sun shrank below the clouds and it was dark. Only when my wounds began to sting did I get enough energy to pull the phone up to my face and call the number 1 on my speed dial. I waited anxiously as the phone rang and he picked up on the second ring.

"Bella, are you ok? It's been hours. Do you want me to pick you up at the border?" Edward's voice was the only thing that I held onto.

"No. I don't know where I am. Can Alice see me?" I asked, my voice hoarse from crying. I heard muffled voices on the other end before Edward answered me.

"No, love, she can't. What do you mean you don't know where you are? What happened?" He was anxious and he had every right to be. I felt stupid for not listening to him.

"I need you. Now. Where is the border?" I asked desperately, ignoring his questions.

"Where are you?" He asked, and I told him.

"Just keep walking down the road. When Alice finds you I will call you back." He told me and I heard rustling in the background.

"My phone's about to die." I told him and I heard him sigh in frustration.

"Just keep walking then and we'll find you on the way." He assured me, "I'll see you soon. I love you." He was about to hang up. I had to tell him something before just in case something happened.

"Edward?"

"Yes love?"
"Jacob." I said simply. He hung up and I replaced the phone in my back pocket, pulling back to find my hand saturated with my blood. I forced myself forward, ignoring the growing pain in my body. I kept going, I didn't know how long or how far but I kept going until I didn't have any more strength. When I collapsed on the cold, wet ground, I started to cry silently, not being able to sob because of the strength it would take.

"Edward, Alice, Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, Jasper, Rosalie…" I blindly called out their names, opening they would hear me or Alice would see me. I don't know how long I lay there but the soft purr of an engine gave me enough hope to try to pull myself to my feet, or at least to my knees.

"Bella," Edward's voice was strangled as he took in my appearance. I felt a towel being pulled over my back and I gasped as it came in contact with my skin. Carlisle, Edward, and Esme were beside me. My breathing shallow and my arms weak, I managed to snake my arms around Edward's neck, burying my face into his shoulder and began to sob. I felt him easily lift me, wrapping his arms underneath me, supporting my weigh fully. He carried me to the car and sat in the back seat with me. Carlisle came in behind us. Alice was in the driver seat, Esme next to her. Esme had a cell phone in her hands, whispering so fast I could not catch her words. I unclasped my hands from around Edward's neck and curled into him, clutching my right hand to my chest.

"I want to go home." I whimpered.

"Ok, Bella. We'll take you to Charlie's." Esme murmured to me softly. I shook my head, ignoring the sharp pain it caused.

"No. Home," I pleaded. They were confused but grasped my meaning, instead driving toward the Cullen mansion. No one spoke. Edward held me while Carlisle held the towel to my back to hopefully stop some of the bleeding. The drive seemed to take forever, but I felt safe, surrounded by the only people in the world who would never hurt me.

Hope you guys enjoyed! I love reviews!

~Melinda