ALLIES AND LIABILITIES #11
Allies and Liability Chapter 11
#11
I was warm, I was unusually comfortable. I felt awake, but it was still dark, and my eyes didn’t seem to have the force to open just yet. I didn’t want this warm feeling to end, I felt care-free. Right now nothing was wrong, nothing could go wrong.
For a moment I wondered what was happening…what had happened? Why did I feel like this? Was I right? Was all this just a terrible nightmare? Was it over? When I opened my eyes, would I see my real room…or a real family?
The thoughts lifted my spirit, and my heart took to a happier tune. And I wanted to wake up and suddenly remember everything I never knew. I opened my eyes, totally exhilarated.
What I saw first didn’t hurt me, nothing like it. Even though the nightmare was my life, along with it Jacob was real too. And I was thankful for that.
He lay on my bed next to me, a small distance away from me, sleeping. My hand was in his. I smiled. I reached over with my free hand. The movement was fairly painful, but I could feel it slowly healing itself. My arms were wrapped up in long white bandages, tied up at my wrists. I wondered again what happened. I ignored the thought. I rested my palm against his cheek, once again startled from his heat. It was soothing in a way. I realized how much whiter I looked against his russet skin, it was a bit funny. I wondered if I should wake him. It felt as if I hadn’t seen him for months, and I missed his voice. And yet I didn’t want to disturb him. I ran my hand down onto his neck (it burned hotter than his face). Suddenly his had snatched mine, his eyes burst open. It startled me, and I jumped a little. His arms wrapped around me and he held me close. He kissed my forehead, then my cheek, and then my lips and I followed along with him. I grabbed his shoulders. We moved together. I ignored the obvious pain in my back, legs and arms. I couldn’t care less, we were together, and that’s all that mattered to me now. His hands felt down to the small of my back and then pressed me closer. A shock of pain shot through my body and I winced. I tried to ignore it but it wasn’t easy. He was still then he pulled away, we both didn’t want distance between us. My head rest in his hand. The pain dulled a little.
“Hullo” I greeted quietly with a small smile, he smiled in return, and a bubbly feeling built up inside of me, and I couldn’t help but heave a sigh. He continued to smile and stare at me.
“What happened?” I asked in a whisper, looking over the bandages on my arms. He sighed and his smile disappeared a little. I frowned a little, and continued to stare at the bandages, my memory started to return a bit.
“You wiped out on your motorcycle…remember?” he explained, a little worried, my memory hit me hard, and I winced and shuddered.
“Right” I nodded thoughtfully and I remembered Lily “is Lily alright?” I asked, suddenly a little frantic. He nodded.
“Yes, don’t worry” he calmed me down and pulled me a little closer. With his free hand he took a strand of my hair and placed it out of my face. I grabbed his hand before he attempted to move it away again. I put it on the other side of my face. He was just so warm. I couldn’t have enough. I grinned and laughed a little.
“Is my bike okay?” I asked worriedly, he laughed.
“Your bike is fine, it’s at my place, there’ll be some scratches but I think it’ll be okay” he smiled, I nodded relieved. My bike was like my child, I swear. “How long have we been here?” I wondered aloud, he sighed.
“About two days” he replied quietly, my eyes widened.
“What? Two days? Is Abby back?” I asked, a little frightened, I tried to sit up but Jacob pulled me back into him. I pushed against his arms. “She’s not here, it’s just you and me, your…cousins are at the hospital and Lily is with them” he reassured me kissing my forehead. I frowned and thought for a moment.
“Do you know when she’ll be back?” I asked, he frowned and shook his head as if it didn’t matter. I sighed miserably and buried my face in the pillow. “Do you want to leave?” he asked softly, I nodded.
“Yes” I said in a flat voice, I heard him laugh a little and he pulled away. I picked my head up to see where he went. He walked around the bed to my side.
“Do you thing you can walk?” he questioned rubbing the back of his neck, I laughed.
“Probably” I smiled and I swung my legs off the side of the bed. I could feel the bubbling sensation of my shins and thighs healing themselves. I rubbed my legs for a short moment, to speed up the process. Jacob held a hand out for me and I took it. He pulled me up and I just stood for a moment to see how I felt. I smiled wider when I didn’t feel sharp horrible pain, like the type I felt -I suppose- two days ago. I felt something, but it was a lot better. Jacob led me out of my broken house, closing the front door behind us.
* * * *
We just walked hand in hand on one of Jacob’s beaches. I know going back to LaPush wasn’t a smart idea, but I had a better vibe here than anywhere else. My instincts led me here, but this just goes to show that my instincts aren’t a safe source to rely on. The pain in my legs was just a small irritation now. I walked bare foot in the wet sand at the water’s edge. It was a little windy, so the air pulled gentle waves across the water and they crashed against my legs. The water was cold so I shivered every time. “What do you think is going to happen now?” I asked looking up at Jacob, he stared right back down at me.
“Not sure” he sighed, “what do you think?” he gave back my question. I frowned for a moment.
“Well when my mum find out…she might try to kill me, or wait ‘till I finish high school. And now, I bet, everyone is against me now” I whispered at the end, but I smiled a little and shook my head slowly, “my life has never been-never will be what I expected” I sighed quietly, he squeezed me hand.
“You’ll be fine, I promise” he assured me; I smiled and stared out at the water.
“Did you have any…expectations for your life?” I asked looking at him again, he grinned.
“Several” he replied truthfully
“What was your first one?” I asked shivering again from the wave of water that crashed against me. He sighed. “Well what do you think would come from some kid in a small place? I didn’t expect anything special, enough to keep me happy, I suppose” he smiled down at me, I nodded along, “what about you?” he questioned, I smiled wider.
“I’ve only really had one good one, and I was five when I thought of it. All of this…this mess hadn’t happened yet. It was just my uncle and me on a farm in Sweden. I miss it, I miss it a lot. I thought-I wanted to stay on the farm forever, I wanted…a family of my own to live there with me” I told kicking the sand and squinting into the sun, “ridiculous” I muttered, more to myself.
“I don’t think it’s ridiculous” he admitted, I looked at him and smiled.
“I was five, I didn’t now any better” I continued, “I still own that farm you know, I never sold it” I stated quietly, “never found the courage” I admitted.
“You owned it?”
“My uncle left everything he owned to me…my bike was his” I sighed and watched my feet make footprints in the sand.
“Are you going back?” he whispered, I looked up at him.
“I haven’t been there since I left, I’d love to go back…but there is too much I’ve built here, and I won’t want to leave. Maybe I’ll take you someday” my mind was far away now, the image of the bright red house and pretty fields was like a vision now, but I never forgot.
“What kind of farm was it?” he asked, my smile dimmed a little.
“Just a horse farm, we had a cow and goat, but mainly horses. We had twenty five horses, I had to sell them all” I sighed, dragging my foot along in the sand.
“Was it nice there?” he asked another question, I nodded.
“Gorgeous” I whispered, the vibrant green grass glinted in my mind, “there was nothing like this though” I continued nodding towards the water, “I haven’t seen something like this before, that’s why I love it so much here” I explained, I looked up at Jacob; who had a pleased smile on his face. I smiled too, I couldn’t help it.
“What was it like after you left Sweden? Were you scared?” he questioned his voice lower now, I felt his pain and it became mine. I didn’t want to answer.
“I can’t quite remember” I lied; words couldn’t explain how scared I was at that night. I was five, and what was I supposed to feel when my life was disrupted by a massive wolf? What was I supposed to feel when I watched it butcher my uncle and attempt to commit my murder? What was I supposed to think when I was taken away by strangers who spoke a strange language I couldn’t understand? How was I supposed to feel meeting my real parents and sister for the first time? Jacob didn’t seem to buy it. And I couldn’t take much more of his misery, so I changed to subject a little.
“You know, when I was a bit older…around seven. I liked this life. I thought it was cool, always being that girl on the run…I’m there one day, then gone the next. I loved that sense of danger and adrenaline, I was always hyped” I laughed, I had to force a laugh until Jacob joined in with me. It was strange how we fed off of each other’s happiness and sadness.
“But you snapped out of it” he sighed, his emotion low again, mine followed. I groaned and stopped him.
“Jacob, stop it. Things will change now, everything’s gonna change now” my voice lowered into a whisper. I began to rub the back of my neck with my free hand and I clenched my teeth. He buried me in a hug. “Sorry” he mumbled, I sighed and closed my eyes. I was somewhat afraid to open my eyes again, because I knew the life I was used to would still be there. Like dreams, the hardest part is waking up.
We walked for hours on end, I wasn’t sure what time it was, but when the sun started to fall and sink into the water I wondered what was happening at my place. I didn’t want to go back, never. I wanted to stay here. Stay here with Jacob. I wanted to let my family go, but things weren’t that simple, I knew that. We continued to talk about what we thought might happen, but after a while we decided to sit down a watch the sun set. Well I was kind of the only one watching it. I could almost feel Jacob’s eyes on me the entire time. I didn’t mind too much though, I suppose I’ll have to get used to that kind of treatment. Eventually we both began to feel tired (Jacob was far more exhausted than I was, by far) and Jacob suggested he take me home, but I refused. So we returned to his house instead. And it was strange how I felt a part of it all, in a way everything just clicked into place here. But in a way it was awkward.
When I stepped into the house, it was warm and welcoming. Something I wasn’t used to. But I liked it. I met his father; he didn’t seem to know what to feel either. But he seemed welcoming enough, and we both smiled. Jacob then led me into his tiny room and he seemed to fall asleep in seconds, and I followed shortly afterwards. I slept for once dreamless, almost peacefully, in the arms of an angel-my angel.
* * * * *
I woke up slightly, my mind was awake but my eyes didn’t open. It was extremely hot, and I could feel my heart thumping heavily and I could hear Jacob’s pounding in his chest. I sighed quietly and I felt his arms tighten around me, and then loosen, he kissed my cheek and I felt him pull away. I wanted to protest, but I couldn’t find the energy. I flipped onto my stomach and wrapped my arms around my head, then groaned. I waited for him to come back. I heard voices, whispers. I couldn’t tell what they were saying, but they were close. I reached back with my hands and tied my hair back with the elastic on my wrist. The whispers became a little louder, but I didn’t make much of an effort to make them out. I twisted onto my back again and sat up; crossing my legs.
I wasn’t alone; there were five other boys there, including Jacob. Three of them managed to cram into the room the other two stood at the doorway. I guessed they were Jacob’s pack friends. They seemed to stare at me as if I were some kind of phenomenon, a fascinating animal or something. I guess they were just surprised I was here…alive or just standing there not trying to kill me. I dropped my hands in my lap and sighed. I noticed a familiar face in the doorway, Embry. He smiled and gave me a small wave. I smiled in return and nodded. Another familiar face was there too, Tad. He didn’t make eye contact or anything. He just scanned the white bandages that wrapped my arms. I suppose my arms should be okay by now. As the other continued to chat silently, I tore off the bandages. One of them said something that I should have understood and they filed out of the room, Jacob stayed behind and took my hand.
“Let’s go” he smiled at me helping me up, I stared at him.
“Where?” I asked, my voice was a little sleepy, he urged my out of the room.
“Breakfast” he replied cheerfully, my eye brows raised. We entered the front room, everyone was there waiting. A ringing sounded. Jacob let me go and grabbed a phone from a counter.
“Yea” he answered quickly, he turned to look at me, “for you” he said, it sounded more like a question. I frowned and took it. I put it to my ear; I could feel the eyes of everyone burning holes in my back. There was silence and I didn’t need to hear to know who it was. I hung up rudely and turned around; a few of them smiled I grinned and Jacob took my hand. “Who was that? Your mom?” Jacob whispered in my ear. I laughed a little. I raised one eyebrow, almost offended that he referred her to my mother. I nodded sharply, and the other left the house; leaving Jacob and me alone.
“Do you want to go?” he asked, I could tell he didn’t want me there. I smiled.
“Hell no.”
When we were outside, the others were gone. Jacob and I hopped on his motorcycle and we sped down an unfamiliar road. I wondered where exactly we were headed, but anywhere was better than my house.
* * * *
We arrived at a small house, surrounded by a forest like Jacob’s. I could see through the front window that everyone was already there. My stomach almost flipped thinking about how awkward this could be; eating breakfast with people who were supposed to be my enemy. I couldn’t shake it off.
When I entered, the room was larger than it looked from the outside and there were seven people in the room. All of them were guys but two, one sat at the table with four other guys and the other woman stood at the oven, bent over pulling a tray of muffins out of the oven. She rested them on the counter. She was a pretty woman with dark skin and beautiful long dark hair. But when she turned around, the other half of her face was severely scared. I knew exactly what it was from, I’ve seen it before, and I’ve experienced it before, only on my back. I had an urge to reach out and fix them. She smiled warmly at me and walked forward to greet me. The nervous, awkward feeling disappeared. I already felt welcome. She hugged Jacob then me.
“Very pleased to meet you, hun, I’m Emily” she said, pulling away, I smiled.
“Thank you for…allowing me to come, I’m Nata-” I wasn’t entirely sure what to say. She frowned.
“Oh I know who you are, Natasha. And you’re welcome anytime” she reassured me, and then she turned away and returned to her muffins. Jacob put an arm around my waist and he led me forward into the house. We both sat at the small dining room table with the five who were already there.
“This is Sam, Jared, Kim, Paul and Embry…who you met” Jacob introduced, I looked at Jacob for a moment then I found an arm that stretched across the table, I shook it and smiled.
“Good to meet you in person, Natasha” Sam smiled; I wondered if he meant in human form…have I seen him as a wolf…probably. I smiled.
“You too” I smiled. Then one by one I shook hands with the others. When I shook hands with Kim, we both laughed a little, I wondered if she had been imprinted on too…Emily too…I let the thought go.
“I bet you’re in trouble…I mean when you go back, you’re mom’s crazy” Paul laughed, Emily placed a large plate full of muffins in the center of the table. Everyone grabbed one, I decided I should too.
“That woman’s bloody insane…I’m expecting the worst” I grunted, “by now she’s probably cracked…when I leave don’t expect to see me again” I added, shaking my head, and then taking a bite out of my muffin. They laughed.
“Do you talk about your mother like this all the time?” Embry questioned, eyebrows raised. I swallowed.
“I suppose. I don’t care, what has she ever done for me…I’m sure you’ve seen what she’s done to me” I glanced at the table, they fell silent for a moment and Kim frowned and looked at Jared questioningly. Eventually they’re smiles returned. I glanced quickly at Jacob, he just watched me. I could tell the others noticed and they smiled jokingly. Emily came with more muffins and then sat next to Sam.
“What’s going on anyway, aren’t I…forbidden or something to be here, I’m like…breaking the rules” I snorted at the end and smiled, Jacob smiled too. The others smiled and looked at each other.
“I guess you could call it that” Jared shrugged; I grinned and tapped my fingers on the table.
“Are the others gone?” I asked in a sigh, memories of the motorcycle accident flashed on and off in my mind.
“Yes, there gone for now” Sam sounded reassuring, I wasn’t reassured, “there’s nothing to worry about” he added quietly. I smiled.
“Trust me; my mother’s a bigger threat” I sighed and took another bite of the muffin; they all smiled and looked at one another again. Another person squeezed in around the table. Tad. Now everyone was shoulder to shoulder. I felt Jacob wrap his arm around my waist. I shifted my weight and leaned against him. I nodded at Tad.
“It’s been a while” I admitted, he finally grinned a bit.
“It has” he agreed and stretched over to shake my hand. I took it and we both smiled. I had a feeling we both had a thought of my cousin.
“Sorry about your fall, he managed to pass me…it doesn’t seem like you’ve been crushed by a motorcycle” he pointed out; I bit my lip and nodded.
“Strange how that works, huh” I murmured. Jacob’s grip tightened around me. I smiled as Kim and Emily frowned, confused. I suppose the actual wolves would know about my ability by now from Embry.
“Do something” Embry spoke out, “knock Jacob out” he requested, all the eyes in the room were on me now. Surprisingly I wasn’t nervous or uncomfortable. I shook my head.
“Sorry, I’m saving something for Abby” I muttered, when I spoke her name my voice turned suddenly bitter and dark. They continued to watch me, as if expecting me to do something anyway. I looked at Emily’s scarred face again. I had an urge to fix it. Hesitantly I reached across the table, she frowned.
“Just watch” Jacob said and he loosened his grip. I gently placed my hand over as much of the scars I could. I stared at my hand, concentrated on my task. I could tell Emily felt the healing sensation, because she let out a small gasp. I clenched my teeth, I concentrated. I could tell the healing wasn’t as fast as it used to be yet. Then I moved my hand away and fell back into my chair; crossing my arms. I looked at the edge of the table to avoid the looks everyone was probably giving me. I could here their enthusiasm and shock.
“Wow, do it again” one of them said, I glanced up for a moment to see who it was, but then a ringing sound filled the room and Emily jumped up to answer the phone.
“Yes” she answered, her voice was a little shaken but amazed, and then she frowned and looked at me.
“For you” Emily held the phone out to me, I shook my head.
“Hang up on her” I instructed, Emily shook her head.
“She’s angry, I don’t want things to get worse for you” she argued, I groaned and got up. I took the phone from Emily and held the receiver to my ear. I wasn’t the first to answer.
“I want you home, now” Abby’s fuming voice, I wanted to hang up.
“What do you want?” I hissed
“Get back here” she ordered and I could tell it was a threat, and she meant it. This just proves how much control she has over me, how she controls my life, I knew I had to leave before something bad happened. I hung up and turned around to look over the confused faces in the room.
“How did she find this number?” Sam asked, I looked away and pursed my lips.
“She has her ways” I murmured some laughed lightly, I didn’t. My face was frozen in a hard mask, “I should leave” I breathed, but I knew they heard me, “thank you again, lovely to meet you all” I added before striding across the room and out the front door. When I reached the road I felt a hand on my shoulder, and it turned me around. Jacob locked me in his arms.
“Don’t go” he said, “you know you don’t have to” he continued, I shook my head.
“You can come with me if you must” I offered, he pulled away to look at me, “your choice” I added seriously, “I can’t run from her.”
“Fine” he groaned and we headed to his car.
#11
I was warm, I was unusually comfortable. I felt awake, but it was still dark, and my eyes didn’t seem to have the force to open just yet. I didn’t want this warm feeling to end, I felt care-free. Right now nothing was wrong, nothing could go wrong.
For a moment I wondered what was happening…what had happened? Why did I feel like this? Was I right? Was all this just a terrible nightmare? Was it over? When I opened my eyes, would I see my real room…or a real family?
The thoughts lifted my spirit, and my heart took to a happier tune. And I wanted to wake up and suddenly remember everything I never knew. I opened my eyes, totally exhilarated.
What I saw first didn’t hurt me, nothing like it. Even though the nightmare was my life, along with it Jacob was real too. And I was thankful for that.
He lay on my bed next to me, a small distance away from me, sleeping. My hand was in his. I smiled. I reached over with my free hand. The movement was fairly painful, but I could feel it slowly healing itself. My arms were wrapped up in long white bandages, tied up at my wrists. I wondered again what happened. I ignored the thought. I rested my palm against his cheek, once again startled from his heat. It was soothing in a way. I realized how much whiter I looked against his russet skin, it was a bit funny. I wondered if I should wake him. It felt as if I hadn’t seen him for months, and I missed his voice. And yet I didn’t want to disturb him. I ran my hand down onto his neck (it burned hotter than his face). Suddenly his had snatched mine, his eyes burst open. It startled me, and I jumped a little. His arms wrapped around me and he held me close. He kissed my forehead, then my cheek, and then my lips and I followed along with him. I grabbed his shoulders. We moved together. I ignored the obvious pain in my back, legs and arms. I couldn’t care less, we were together, and that’s all that mattered to me now. His hands felt down to the small of my back and then pressed me closer. A shock of pain shot through my body and I winced. I tried to ignore it but it wasn’t easy. He was still then he pulled away, we both didn’t want distance between us. My head rest in his hand. The pain dulled a little.
“Hullo” I greeted quietly with a small smile, he smiled in return, and a bubbly feeling built up inside of me, and I couldn’t help but heave a sigh. He continued to smile and stare at me.
“What happened?” I asked in a whisper, looking over the bandages on my arms. He sighed and his smile disappeared a little. I frowned a little, and continued to stare at the bandages, my memory started to return a bit.
“You wiped out on your motorcycle…remember?” he explained, a little worried, my memory hit me hard, and I winced and shuddered.
“Right” I nodded thoughtfully and I remembered Lily “is Lily alright?” I asked, suddenly a little frantic. He nodded.
“Yes, don’t worry” he calmed me down and pulled me a little closer. With his free hand he took a strand of my hair and placed it out of my face. I grabbed his hand before he attempted to move it away again. I put it on the other side of my face. He was just so warm. I couldn’t have enough. I grinned and laughed a little.
“Is my bike okay?” I asked worriedly, he laughed.
“Your bike is fine, it’s at my place, there’ll be some scratches but I think it’ll be okay” he smiled, I nodded relieved. My bike was like my child, I swear. “How long have we been here?” I wondered aloud, he sighed.
“About two days” he replied quietly, my eyes widened.
“What? Two days? Is Abby back?” I asked, a little frightened, I tried to sit up but Jacob pulled me back into him. I pushed against his arms. “She’s not here, it’s just you and me, your…cousins are at the hospital and Lily is with them” he reassured me kissing my forehead. I frowned and thought for a moment.
“Do you know when she’ll be back?” I asked, he frowned and shook his head as if it didn’t matter. I sighed miserably and buried my face in the pillow. “Do you want to leave?” he asked softly, I nodded.
“Yes” I said in a flat voice, I heard him laugh a little and he pulled away. I picked my head up to see where he went. He walked around the bed to my side.
“Do you thing you can walk?” he questioned rubbing the back of his neck, I laughed.
“Probably” I smiled and I swung my legs off the side of the bed. I could feel the bubbling sensation of my shins and thighs healing themselves. I rubbed my legs for a short moment, to speed up the process. Jacob held a hand out for me and I took it. He pulled me up and I just stood for a moment to see how I felt. I smiled wider when I didn’t feel sharp horrible pain, like the type I felt -I suppose- two days ago. I felt something, but it was a lot better. Jacob led me out of my broken house, closing the front door behind us.
* * * *
We just walked hand in hand on one of Jacob’s beaches. I know going back to LaPush wasn’t a smart idea, but I had a better vibe here than anywhere else. My instincts led me here, but this just goes to show that my instincts aren’t a safe source to rely on. The pain in my legs was just a small irritation now. I walked bare foot in the wet sand at the water’s edge. It was a little windy, so the air pulled gentle waves across the water and they crashed against my legs. The water was cold so I shivered every time. “What do you think is going to happen now?” I asked looking up at Jacob, he stared right back down at me.
“Not sure” he sighed, “what do you think?” he gave back my question. I frowned for a moment.
“Well when my mum find out…she might try to kill me, or wait ‘till I finish high school. And now, I bet, everyone is against me now” I whispered at the end, but I smiled a little and shook my head slowly, “my life has never been-never will be what I expected” I sighed quietly, he squeezed me hand.
“You’ll be fine, I promise” he assured me; I smiled and stared out at the water.
“Did you have any…expectations for your life?” I asked looking at him again, he grinned.
“Several” he replied truthfully
“What was your first one?” I asked shivering again from the wave of water that crashed against me. He sighed. “Well what do you think would come from some kid in a small place? I didn’t expect anything special, enough to keep me happy, I suppose” he smiled down at me, I nodded along, “what about you?” he questioned, I smiled wider.
“I’ve only really had one good one, and I was five when I thought of it. All of this…this mess hadn’t happened yet. It was just my uncle and me on a farm in Sweden. I miss it, I miss it a lot. I thought-I wanted to stay on the farm forever, I wanted…a family of my own to live there with me” I told kicking the sand and squinting into the sun, “ridiculous” I muttered, more to myself.
“I don’t think it’s ridiculous” he admitted, I looked at him and smiled.
“I was five, I didn’t now any better” I continued, “I still own that farm you know, I never sold it” I stated quietly, “never found the courage” I admitted.
“You owned it?”
“My uncle left everything he owned to me…my bike was his” I sighed and watched my feet make footprints in the sand.
“Are you going back?” he whispered, I looked up at him.
“I haven’t been there since I left, I’d love to go back…but there is too much I’ve built here, and I won’t want to leave. Maybe I’ll take you someday” my mind was far away now, the image of the bright red house and pretty fields was like a vision now, but I never forgot.
“What kind of farm was it?” he asked, my smile dimmed a little.
“Just a horse farm, we had a cow and goat, but mainly horses. We had twenty five horses, I had to sell them all” I sighed, dragging my foot along in the sand.
“Was it nice there?” he asked another question, I nodded.
“Gorgeous” I whispered, the vibrant green grass glinted in my mind, “there was nothing like this though” I continued nodding towards the water, “I haven’t seen something like this before, that’s why I love it so much here” I explained, I looked up at Jacob; who had a pleased smile on his face. I smiled too, I couldn’t help it.
“What was it like after you left Sweden? Were you scared?” he questioned his voice lower now, I felt his pain and it became mine. I didn’t want to answer.
“I can’t quite remember” I lied; words couldn’t explain how scared I was at that night. I was five, and what was I supposed to feel when my life was disrupted by a massive wolf? What was I supposed to feel when I watched it butcher my uncle and attempt to commit my murder? What was I supposed to think when I was taken away by strangers who spoke a strange language I couldn’t understand? How was I supposed to feel meeting my real parents and sister for the first time? Jacob didn’t seem to buy it. And I couldn’t take much more of his misery, so I changed to subject a little.
“You know, when I was a bit older…around seven. I liked this life. I thought it was cool, always being that girl on the run…I’m there one day, then gone the next. I loved that sense of danger and adrenaline, I was always hyped” I laughed, I had to force a laugh until Jacob joined in with me. It was strange how we fed off of each other’s happiness and sadness.
“But you snapped out of it” he sighed, his emotion low again, mine followed. I groaned and stopped him.
“Jacob, stop it. Things will change now, everything’s gonna change now” my voice lowered into a whisper. I began to rub the back of my neck with my free hand and I clenched my teeth. He buried me in a hug. “Sorry” he mumbled, I sighed and closed my eyes. I was somewhat afraid to open my eyes again, because I knew the life I was used to would still be there. Like dreams, the hardest part is waking up.
We walked for hours on end, I wasn’t sure what time it was, but when the sun started to fall and sink into the water I wondered what was happening at my place. I didn’t want to go back, never. I wanted to stay here. Stay here with Jacob. I wanted to let my family go, but things weren’t that simple, I knew that. We continued to talk about what we thought might happen, but after a while we decided to sit down a watch the sun set. Well I was kind of the only one watching it. I could almost feel Jacob’s eyes on me the entire time. I didn’t mind too much though, I suppose I’ll have to get used to that kind of treatment. Eventually we both began to feel tired (Jacob was far more exhausted than I was, by far) and Jacob suggested he take me home, but I refused. So we returned to his house instead. And it was strange how I felt a part of it all, in a way everything just clicked into place here. But in a way it was awkward.
When I stepped into the house, it was warm and welcoming. Something I wasn’t used to. But I liked it. I met his father; he didn’t seem to know what to feel either. But he seemed welcoming enough, and we both smiled. Jacob then led me into his tiny room and he seemed to fall asleep in seconds, and I followed shortly afterwards. I slept for once dreamless, almost peacefully, in the arms of an angel-my angel.
* * * * *
I woke up slightly, my mind was awake but my eyes didn’t open. It was extremely hot, and I could feel my heart thumping heavily and I could hear Jacob’s pounding in his chest. I sighed quietly and I felt his arms tighten around me, and then loosen, he kissed my cheek and I felt him pull away. I wanted to protest, but I couldn’t find the energy. I flipped onto my stomach and wrapped my arms around my head, then groaned. I waited for him to come back. I heard voices, whispers. I couldn’t tell what they were saying, but they were close. I reached back with my hands and tied my hair back with the elastic on my wrist. The whispers became a little louder, but I didn’t make much of an effort to make them out. I twisted onto my back again and sat up; crossing my legs.
I wasn’t alone; there were five other boys there, including Jacob. Three of them managed to cram into the room the other two stood at the doorway. I guessed they were Jacob’s pack friends. They seemed to stare at me as if I were some kind of phenomenon, a fascinating animal or something. I guess they were just surprised I was here…alive or just standing there not trying to kill me. I dropped my hands in my lap and sighed. I noticed a familiar face in the doorway, Embry. He smiled and gave me a small wave. I smiled in return and nodded. Another familiar face was there too, Tad. He didn’t make eye contact or anything. He just scanned the white bandages that wrapped my arms. I suppose my arms should be okay by now. As the other continued to chat silently, I tore off the bandages. One of them said something that I should have understood and they filed out of the room, Jacob stayed behind and took my hand.
“Let’s go” he smiled at me helping me up, I stared at him.
“Where?” I asked, my voice was a little sleepy, he urged my out of the room.
“Breakfast” he replied cheerfully, my eye brows raised. We entered the front room, everyone was there waiting. A ringing sounded. Jacob let me go and grabbed a phone from a counter.
“Yea” he answered quickly, he turned to look at me, “for you” he said, it sounded more like a question. I frowned and took it. I put it to my ear; I could feel the eyes of everyone burning holes in my back. There was silence and I didn’t need to hear to know who it was. I hung up rudely and turned around; a few of them smiled I grinned and Jacob took my hand. “Who was that? Your mom?” Jacob whispered in my ear. I laughed a little. I raised one eyebrow, almost offended that he referred her to my mother. I nodded sharply, and the other left the house; leaving Jacob and me alone.
“Do you want to go?” he asked, I could tell he didn’t want me there. I smiled.
“Hell no.”
When we were outside, the others were gone. Jacob and I hopped on his motorcycle and we sped down an unfamiliar road. I wondered where exactly we were headed, but anywhere was better than my house.
* * * *
We arrived at a small house, surrounded by a forest like Jacob’s. I could see through the front window that everyone was already there. My stomach almost flipped thinking about how awkward this could be; eating breakfast with people who were supposed to be my enemy. I couldn’t shake it off.
When I entered, the room was larger than it looked from the outside and there were seven people in the room. All of them were guys but two, one sat at the table with four other guys and the other woman stood at the oven, bent over pulling a tray of muffins out of the oven. She rested them on the counter. She was a pretty woman with dark skin and beautiful long dark hair. But when she turned around, the other half of her face was severely scared. I knew exactly what it was from, I’ve seen it before, and I’ve experienced it before, only on my back. I had an urge to reach out and fix them. She smiled warmly at me and walked forward to greet me. The nervous, awkward feeling disappeared. I already felt welcome. She hugged Jacob then me.
“Very pleased to meet you, hun, I’m Emily” she said, pulling away, I smiled.
“Thank you for…allowing me to come, I’m Nata-” I wasn’t entirely sure what to say. She frowned.
“Oh I know who you are, Natasha. And you’re welcome anytime” she reassured me, and then she turned away and returned to her muffins. Jacob put an arm around my waist and he led me forward into the house. We both sat at the small dining room table with the five who were already there.
“This is Sam, Jared, Kim, Paul and Embry…who you met” Jacob introduced, I looked at Jacob for a moment then I found an arm that stretched across the table, I shook it and smiled.
“Good to meet you in person, Natasha” Sam smiled; I wondered if he meant in human form…have I seen him as a wolf…probably. I smiled.
“You too” I smiled. Then one by one I shook hands with the others. When I shook hands with Kim, we both laughed a little, I wondered if she had been imprinted on too…Emily too…I let the thought go.
“I bet you’re in trouble…I mean when you go back, you’re mom’s crazy” Paul laughed, Emily placed a large plate full of muffins in the center of the table. Everyone grabbed one, I decided I should too.
“That woman’s bloody insane…I’m expecting the worst” I grunted, “by now she’s probably cracked…when I leave don’t expect to see me again” I added, shaking my head, and then taking a bite out of my muffin. They laughed.
“Do you talk about your mother like this all the time?” Embry questioned, eyebrows raised. I swallowed.
“I suppose. I don’t care, what has she ever done for me…I’m sure you’ve seen what she’s done to me” I glanced at the table, they fell silent for a moment and Kim frowned and looked at Jared questioningly. Eventually they’re smiles returned. I glanced quickly at Jacob, he just watched me. I could tell the others noticed and they smiled jokingly. Emily came with more muffins and then sat next to Sam.
“What’s going on anyway, aren’t I…forbidden or something to be here, I’m like…breaking the rules” I snorted at the end and smiled, Jacob smiled too. The others smiled and looked at each other.
“I guess you could call it that” Jared shrugged; I grinned and tapped my fingers on the table.
“Are the others gone?” I asked in a sigh, memories of the motorcycle accident flashed on and off in my mind.
“Yes, there gone for now” Sam sounded reassuring, I wasn’t reassured, “there’s nothing to worry about” he added quietly. I smiled.
“Trust me; my mother’s a bigger threat” I sighed and took another bite of the muffin; they all smiled and looked at one another again. Another person squeezed in around the table. Tad. Now everyone was shoulder to shoulder. I felt Jacob wrap his arm around my waist. I shifted my weight and leaned against him. I nodded at Tad.
“It’s been a while” I admitted, he finally grinned a bit.
“It has” he agreed and stretched over to shake my hand. I took it and we both smiled. I had a feeling we both had a thought of my cousin.
“Sorry about your fall, he managed to pass me…it doesn’t seem like you’ve been crushed by a motorcycle” he pointed out; I bit my lip and nodded.
“Strange how that works, huh” I murmured. Jacob’s grip tightened around me. I smiled as Kim and Emily frowned, confused. I suppose the actual wolves would know about my ability by now from Embry.
“Do something” Embry spoke out, “knock Jacob out” he requested, all the eyes in the room were on me now. Surprisingly I wasn’t nervous or uncomfortable. I shook my head.
“Sorry, I’m saving something for Abby” I muttered, when I spoke her name my voice turned suddenly bitter and dark. They continued to watch me, as if expecting me to do something anyway. I looked at Emily’s scarred face again. I had an urge to fix it. Hesitantly I reached across the table, she frowned.
“Just watch” Jacob said and he loosened his grip. I gently placed my hand over as much of the scars I could. I stared at my hand, concentrated on my task. I could tell Emily felt the healing sensation, because she let out a small gasp. I clenched my teeth, I concentrated. I could tell the healing wasn’t as fast as it used to be yet. Then I moved my hand away and fell back into my chair; crossing my arms. I looked at the edge of the table to avoid the looks everyone was probably giving me. I could here their enthusiasm and shock.
“Wow, do it again” one of them said, I glanced up for a moment to see who it was, but then a ringing sound filled the room and Emily jumped up to answer the phone.
“Yes” she answered, her voice was a little shaken but amazed, and then she frowned and looked at me.
“For you” Emily held the phone out to me, I shook my head.
“Hang up on her” I instructed, Emily shook her head.
“She’s angry, I don’t want things to get worse for you” she argued, I groaned and got up. I took the phone from Emily and held the receiver to my ear. I wasn’t the first to answer.
“I want you home, now” Abby’s fuming voice, I wanted to hang up.
“What do you want?” I hissed
“Get back here” she ordered and I could tell it was a threat, and she meant it. This just proves how much control she has over me, how she controls my life, I knew I had to leave before something bad happened. I hung up and turned around to look over the confused faces in the room.
“How did she find this number?” Sam asked, I looked away and pursed my lips.
“She has her ways” I murmured some laughed lightly, I didn’t. My face was frozen in a hard mask, “I should leave” I breathed, but I knew they heard me, “thank you again, lovely to meet you all” I added before striding across the room and out the front door. When I reached the road I felt a hand on my shoulder, and it turned me around. Jacob locked me in his arms.
“Don’t go” he said, “you know you don’t have to” he continued, I shook my head.
“You can come with me if you must” I offered, he pulled away to look at me, “your choice” I added seriously, “I can’t run from her.”
“Fine” he groaned and we headed to his car.