Stolen Heart

"We wear our scarves just like a noose, but not because we want eternal sleep"

BPOV

I wandered absently around a beautiful, lush garden. Flowers were visible at every angle. Delicious, fresh garden smells flitted around my nose. I noticed a muscular, shadowed figure at the edge of the garden. I cautiously made my way towards the figure, knowing in my heart that I knew who it was. Jacob span around. His face was haggard. His eyes were dead.

"Bella, don't leave me. Try to forgive me for all that I've done to you. I know you can never fully forgive me but try, please? I love you." My heart faltered. I saw my reflection in Jacob's eyes. I couldn't describe what was happening to me. My heart felt like it was soaring above the world, pumping my veins with unlimited, forceful energy. I glanced down and gasped with shock. A corner of my chest was glowing, where my heart should be. A bold, bright light blasted out from the small section. Slowly but surely, the light spread until I was shining brighter than anything I'd ever seen before.

"Keep away from me Jacob Black." I hissed harshly. Jacob took a step forward, and reached out to touch my cheek. But when his fingers were less than a centimetre from my face, some sort of blast sent him flying. He flew into a tree, shattering the trunk. I turned away and walked over to what looked like the Cullen's house. Edward was standing behind the window, a small smile on his face. I stared determinedly at his face, and raise my hand to the glass. He raised his to the same position. My eyes refocused at the reflection in the window. I stopped breathing.

My eyes were a terrifying red

I sat bolt upright. My face and neck felt moist with sweat. I glanced at my clock, 4:36 Am. I felt the trepidation pulse through my veins. What could that dream possibly mean?What had I done to send Jacob flying? And even if I was a … vampire, how was my heart still beating? As far as I knew, their bodies didn't spontaneously shine (unless under sunlight), and their heart's do not beat. I rubbed my temples, trying to depict the definition of the dream. It replayed in my mind over and over, it was so vivid. Slowly my mind began to form the beyond perfect solution.

What if Edward changed me?

Then I'd be as strong as Jacob. I could fight him, and protect the Cullens. I laughed a quick surprised bark. It made far too much sense. But reality came on fast. Although I'd only known Edward for several days I felt as if I knew almost everything about him. And one thing I knew for certain, he would never agree. I was just praying I could alter that fact.

When I decided that there was no chance of me going back to sleep, I passed time simply thinking. Assessing what I had to do, planning everything I could, and made sure it worked from everyone who was involved, perspectives. It turned out this method passed time very swiftly, and before I knew it, it was 7:00. I pulled myself from my bed and took a quick shower. I got dressed, and made my way hurriedly downstairs. To my surprise, Charlie was sitting at the breakfast table. I hadn't heard him get up.

"Morning Bells." He greeted.

"Morning" I murmured shortly. I decided I wanted to get straight down to business, skipping the 'awkward silence' bits.

"Charlie, I want to move back to Forks high." I said, my voice without blemish, just as I'd practiced. He stopped spooning his cornflakes into his mouth, and laid down his inky news paper.

"Alright. I'll sort out an enrolment. I'm sure they will welcome you back with open arms." He replied steadily. We both knew it was the right answer. He didn't probe for information, because he already knew. Last night had saved me a lot of time. Once again, everything was going too fast. I had until next week, when Jacob became the alpha, to sort things out. I swallowed, trying to contain my stress. I had a lot to do.

"Thanks dad. I don't think there's much point of me going to school today, I think I'll just stay at home."

"Are you sure? Do you want me to stay here with you?" Concern layered in his tone. Looks like I was going to start having to get used to his all new 'fatherly protection'.

"Don't worry about it. I'll be fine here." I reassured him, with what I hope was a calm tone. His brow furrowed, but he did not respond. He left the house without a word, and I could hear his cruiser pull out of the drive. I sighed with relief. Thank god that was over. I considered calling Edward, I knew he'd be going out of his mind with worry. I just didn't know how much longer his family could restrain him from coming after me. I decided not to call him, I was going to do this, and I was going to do it alone. I pulled on my jacket and went outside, locking the door behind me. It was drizzling dully outside. Nothing new there then. I made my way toward my truck, taking my time. I slid into the warm cab, and flicked the chevvy into ignition. I sat for several minutes, trying to contain the explosions of energy erupting within me. I don't know what was happening to me, and the physical change was growing worrying. The rain outside thickened, pelting down on my windscreen. I forced myself to pull out from the drive and head towards La Push.

I glanced briefly at the Uley's household, it looked enticingly welcoming. I rapped my knuckles on the wood door. Emily looking faintly wary, but surprised, welcomed me inside smoothly. Sam was perched at the table, with Embry at his side. They seemed to be having a deep discussion.

"Bella!" Exclaimed Embry, leaping up and pulling me into a hug.

"Hey Em." I murmured.

"I didn't think I'd be seeing you for a long time Bells." He smiled a half – hearted smile.

"Well make the most of this." I muttered. He stared at me with a puzzled expression for some time until Sam gently nudged him out of the way.

"It good to see you Bella." He nodded briefly. Normally, I found myself feeling partially intimidated by Sam. Any sane person would, with his colossal size and deep voice. But today was different. Yet another modification seemed to have occurred, because now I felt nothing. Just numbness, desperately trying to end something I'd begun.

"I need to talk to you Sam."

"Take a seat." He replied solidly. Sam and the pack had known what Jacob had been doing to me for some time, but they had a strict rule about interfering with imprintees. Sam had instructed that they only protect us when it's extremely necessary. The day Edward saved me; Sam had surprisingly let him and Jasper past. But not to protect me. Not really. Only to protect Jake, they knew what would happen to him if he killed me.

Embry and Emily tactfully left the room.

"I need to find away to leave Jake." I whispered. He looked me directly in the eye.

"Bella, you've been together for a long time now. It's not that simple any more."

"I know it isn't. But there is a way. There must be a way." He sighed and shook his head.

"I should have known this day would come." He muttered. My heart began to quicken.

"What do you mean Sam?"

"Bella there's something I've not told you. I've concealed it from the pack, for your benefit. I've seen it growing in you, and it is so very strong today." He closed his eyes, his voice slipping to a murmur. "So very strong." Without realising I placed my hand on top of his.

"Tell me Sam, I need to know everything now." He stared at my hand upon his for a long time until his mouth finally opened.

"You have something Bella, something so special, so unique. There's no one else like you on this planet. You are a…shield."