Realistic Dreams, Chapter Two
Here we go, second chapter
Paring: Jake/Bella (Twilight)
Rating: M
Chapter Two: Controlled Burn
All Bella POV
I woke up next to an oven. Heat seeped into me from my right. I reluctantly opened my eyes to pale blue clouds and breathed in salty air. In my sleepy haze, I couldn't quite remember how I got here, but I never wanted to leave. I could quite contentedly stay here under this warm salty sky forever.
"Good nap?"
I was startled out of my haze when the oven next to me talked. I looked over to see Jake propped up on an elbow next to me. Ah. That's where I was. Lying on a jacket on First Beach, next to Jacob Black. I'm sure the why would come in a moment.
"Yeah," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?"
"Around three I guess. You went right out when we decided to sit down. I would have woken you earlier, but I thought you could use the sleep. You looked exhausted."
I had felt exhausted. I remember that much. I must have had a horrible night.
"Alice I have to leave because I'm about to offend you…"
"Call it an inner monologue…"
"The Cullens are going to break the treaty…"
"WHAT?"
Last night and this morning came flooding back to me. I rubbed my eyes again more vigorously.
"Holy crow, I can't believe I did all that!"
Jake chuckled beside me. "You did it all the same."
I sat up slowly. "Sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night."
Jake sat up and leaned his arms against his knees. "It's alright. I've fallen asleep on you before."
"Three o'clock huh?" I stretched. I just had a three hour nap and Jake had apparently sat here for all of it. "So… Lunch then?"
He smirked at me. "I could eat. But if you're still tired I can take you back home."
Home. No, I wasn't going home yet. Not when Alice was surely looking for me. "No, I'm good. The beach is surprisingly comfy." He got up and helped me. I stretch backwards, falling down again in the process. Jake looked down at me, near laughter. "Maybe it's too comfy." I put a hand down to get back up and felt the amazingly warm spot Jake had left. I took a handful of sand with me, rubbing it through my fingers and letting it streams through. "Sometimes it still surprises me how hot you are."
"What can I say? I'm very attractive." I threw the last bit of sand at the shit eating grin plastered on his face, rolling my eyes, and walked away. He spluttered for a second and followed me.
"Ass."
"You're the one who threw sand at me."
"You're still the ass."
He laughed and reached for my hand again. I let him take it.
"My being an ass aside, I'm really glad you came here today, Bella."
"I'm glad too, even though it involved torturing myself for hours." He gave me an odd look. "I was so sure you'd say no."
"Why on earth would I ever say no?"
"Because I'm asking you to face the vampire Marines?"
He laughed. "Bella, it doesn't matter. You're my best friend. I wouldn't let them take you so long as I have a breath in my body."
I couldn't join in his jovialness. I was terrified that the Volturi would take the breath out of his body. Out of all their bodies. "I know that Jake, but the others. This is gonna make more guys phase, and might even get one or more of you killed. That's a lot to ask of Sam."
He nodded. "It is. But he's willing. You impressed him before. You're family to all of us now, and we would never let family get hurt. We told you as much before, Bella. You never have to worry about us not being there."
"I guess. It might take hearing that a few more times until I believe it though. You guys might be the most decent people in the world."
"I thought that was Edward." He sing-songed Edward. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. "Right up there with being the most loving, most unselfish, and most brilliant." He snorted.
"I'm really dumb sometimes."
"I'll say." He looked down at me, his eyes flicking over me. "He really did a number on you, didn't he?"
I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean, Jake?"
"I mean you supposedly forgave him, but you're still stuck on thinking you're unworthy, which is bullshit and has to stem from that walking corpse leaving you."
I grimaced. "I guess you have a point… even if you have to put it in such disgusting terms." I did not like thinking about Edward in terms of walking corpses.
"Well, I have to knock the sense back into you somehow."
I chuckled. "All right, all right. Can we talk about something else right now? I've done enough deep introspection for one weekend."
"Alright, what do you want to do then?"
"I…. I don't actually know…" What does someone do when you've just been acquitted of the death penalty?
"First things first, lunch. You fine with heading to Emily's?"
"Sure, let's go." I was more than fine with going to Emily's. I needed to surround myself with the pack. And this time, it wasn't to replace people I was missing. It was because they were so full of life, and what better to surround yourself with when you've just escaped death?
We got into the Rabbit and headed out. Jake talked about the final touches he added to the car, and surprisingly enough I was able to keep up, at least for most of it.
"So you're finally done then?"
"For now. Besides, I won't have time to work on the Rabbit right now, with school, patrols, and helping out the two new guys."
"Two new guys?"
"Yeah, two more phased."
"What? When? When I was asleep?"
He looked at me goofy. "No."
"Then why didn't they come this morning?"
"You sounded like you were in serious trouble. I didn't want to shock you."
I rolled my eyes. "What's two more giant teenage boys in your living room?"
"Nothing much, considering one of them is a girl?"
My eyes nearly fell out of my head. "Whaaat?"
He chuckled. "Exactly."
"Jake, I thought that didn't happen."
"So did we."
"Shocked everyone, did it?"
He turned a corner, meaning that we would be at Emily's in a minute or two. "No one more than their father. Poor Harry."
"Harry Clearwater?"
"Yeah. He had the heart attack when not one but two of his children started running a fever."
I frowned. "They must feel horrible. Poor Seth and Leah…. Wait a minute, Seth and Leah?!"
"Yep." He turned into the driveway and parked the car.
"Oh God Leah. So she knows now why Sam…?"
"Yeah, we explained it all to her. Can't say it's been easy hearing her opinions on it though."
I couldn't say I envied being a werewolf right now. "That must be hard, hearing your ex's thoughts. I'm so glad Edward can't hear mine… How's everyone taking it?"
"Oh, Seth's thrilled. Leah's… well Leah's glad to be getting some answers. Actually got into a bit of a scrap with Sam when she found out he's the one who hurt Emily. But we're all trying to cope with the new dynamic. We're going to have to work at the whole getting along bit all over again. I have to say, I hope she imprints, or at least finds someone. I know it sounds like the easy way out, but it would be better for everyone, especially her."
I nodded as I got out of the car. "I hope it all works out for you guys."
"We won't let it interfere with keeping you safe, I promise," he said, looking at me seriously.
"I wouldn't even question. I have too much to be thankful for already."
We headed inside to see Paul and Quil eating at the table, Emily stirring a big pot of what smelled like chilli and Sam talking on the phone. Emily smiled as she turned to see us.
"Come and get it Jake, you'll have to be going out in a few hours. Great to see you again Bella."
I smiled and nodded at her, and waved to Sam. He waved back as he continued talking. "Let me thank you again for helping, from what she's telling us, we're going to need it. So when can we expect you… a week? Great, that's great. We'll have as much ready as possible. I can't thank you enough." He continued in what must have been Quileute because I couldn't understand it, and then hung up, looking extremely pleased with himself.
"Hey Bella, Jake." He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl, kissing Emily on his way to the table. I took a bowl from Emily and sat down with everyone.
"So what was that about Sam?" asked Paul between mouthfuls.
"Yeah," said Quil. "What's so important that that you're sucking up in Quileute?" He received a sharp tap on the head for that.
"Be respectful, that was our help."
"Help?" Jake asked, digging into his chilli.
"Yes help." He hesitated. "It's kind of hard to explain. I never let you guys know before because I didn't want you getting over excited."
Quil grinned. "Paul? Get over excited? Never." The sharp tap came from Paul this time.
Sam glared at them. "Stop guys, unless you don't actually want an explanation." Paul and Quil straightened up in their chairs.
"I guess it's good you got here when you did Bella, because this pertains to you. These Volturi, they're the head leeches, right?" I nodded in agreement with Sam.
"Well, since they're such big guns, I thought, 'Why don't we get some big guns of our own?'"
"Sounds good to me," said Jake. "But what are these big guns exactly?"
"Other shapeshifters."
"Wait," I said. "I thought you had to be Quileute to be a werewolf."
Sam shook his head. "We're just one of many tribes and clans that can do it. In fact, we're just a tribe of one offshoot of shapeshifters."
Paul looked incredulous. "Really?"
Sam nodded. "We're one type of werewolf. There are others. Some are nearly the same as us, and some are different. For instance, there are actually werewolves that phase according to the moon, but they're European."
And I thought I had heard everything that could shock me. "You mean, it's not just Native American tribes that can do it?"
"Nope. And it's not just wolves. We turn into wolves because that's who we're connected to. But why would people of the Crow nation turn into wolves?" He smirked.
My eyes bugged out again. "Wait, so there's werecrows?"
Sam threw his head back and laughed. "No, well, not in this case. Crow's actually a misnomer. The word they used to call themselves actually means People of the Large Bird. It's more like weremagpies."
Quil's eyes turned glossy. "That is… so cool!"
Sam chuckled and rubbed Quil's head. "It's not just regular animals either. I don't know all about it, the elders know more than I do, they're the ones who have the stories of us coming into contact with other shapeshifters. What I do know is that the one thing we all have in common is that we're protectors. We don't all fight vampires, but we're all protecting someone from something."
I giggled. "So you're like the Justice League?"
Sam shook his head, laughing with me. "We don't have that sorry of universal morality. Some of them don't sound like people I'd want to be around. But we do help each other. We apparently always have, regionally. Then, when the New World was discovered, we realised that there were a lot more of us than we originally thought, though we're still just a flash in the pan compared to the general population. So we formed something called the Great Council, so we can get into contact with each other."
"And why didn't you tell us before?" said Jake getting another bowl.
"Like I said, I didn't want you getting excited. We're all different. In our case, we only have a pack when a threat presents itself. So we're only marginal members, because we generally aren't going to have a permanent representative."
"What do you mean generally?" I asked.
"Well, we could have one, but they would have to keep phasing. Jake told us about the Volturi being very old. Well, the Great Council is very old too. It was founded in the 14th century when the Old World met the New World. But some of the representatives are even older than that, so, since the Quileute don't traditionally stay phased, we don't usually have anyone that can qualify to be an elder. So we have to depend on the others that represent the People of the Wolf."
"People of the Wolf?" Paul asked.
"Changing into wolves is apparently pretty popular. We have our own faction, under another grouping of people that turn into animals. Animal shape shifters are the largest contingent. Anyways, I didn't tell you because we didn't even know for sure if they existed. If Bella hadn't come to us, we may never have had the need to contact them anyway."
The mysteries Forks holds would never cease to amaze me. "So they're sending you guys help?"
Sam got up and put his bowl in the sink. "Not exactly. The Council hasn't even convened to talk about it. But one of the high elders of the People of the Wolf is currently in Manitoba. She caught word of what was going on, found it interesting, and had the Council put her in contact with us. She'll be here by the end of the week."
"Wait, she? I thought Jake said Leah was the only female werewolf."
"That's another difference Bella. Only Quileute men phase, well, usually. There are some tribes out there where only the women phase, and some with both."
"So where is this person from?"
Sam paused for a moment. "You know, I don't actually know. I don't think anyone does. She's supposed to be really old. Anyways, she might not even be here long. She's probably only going to stay to find out what she can about the Volturi and then see what she can do about them. She might even go after them on their home turf if she can get support. That's kind of what she does, she's sort of a war general."
"So what's her name?"
"Ve."
"Like the letter?"
"I guess."
Jake smirked at me. "I told you we'd help you." I grinned back at him.
Sam picked an apple out of a bowl and took a bite. "I'm just glad that the Council actually exists. I think I'm the first Quileute to properly contact them in 3 centuries. All the elders knew was that they keep in contact with a bar outside Seattle, but for all we knew it could have shut down decades ago. And they only knew that because someone passing through 70 years ago rediscovered us and told the last pack that it was there. It was a long shot, by far. I was shocked when 411 was able to give me a phone number." He smiled at me. "But Jake's right Bella, we aren't going to let anything happen to you."
He turned back to Jake. "You should probably get Bella home Jake, you're coming out with me in two hours."
My heart sunk. I was nowhere near ready to go home yet. Not when I knew what would be waiting for me. "Um… does he have to?"
Sam laughed. "Well we can't exactly take you with us Bella, and he's going to be gone for a while."
"I know, it's just… Alice has to know I'm here, and I don't quite know if I'm ready to face her yet."
Jake reached across the table and grasped my hand. "You have to face them sometime Bells. But there's not way in hell you'll do it alone, I promise."
I gave him a faint squeeze. "Can't it wait til Monday? I mean, I'm supposed to be at that football get-together thing with you guys and the Clearwaters tomorrow anyway. I know it's putting it off, but can't I just have this one weekend in peace?" I really didn't want to have to use the puppy dog eyes, but I was going to if I had to. I needed the time to prepare myself for what was going to happen."
Jake smirked. "As much as your dad likes me, I highly doubt that he's going to let you stay here at my place."
I rolled my eyes. "You'd be surprised. Can't you figure out something?"
"Well, we could try asking, I don't think it'll work though."
"She can stay here." We both turned to look at Emily.
"Really?"
"Sure, you can tell Charlie that you're helping me with the food for tomorrow. If you don't mind, it doesn't even have to be a lie."
"Emily, of course I'll help, I can't thank you enough. I can't thank all of you enough."
Emily smiled. "It's no problem, Bella."
I washed my bowl after I had finished and put it on the drain rack. Grabbing the phone, I dialled home to see if Charlie was back yet.
"Hello?"
"Hey Dad, its Bella."
"Hey, you still at Jacob's?"
"No, we went to see Emily. Uh, Dad, I was wondering if I could stay the night. At Emily's I mean. She needs some help with food for tomorrow."
"Sure Bella, you might want to come here to get clothes though. Oh, and Alice called. She called a couple times actually. Sounds like she really wants to talk to you."
Damn. I couldn't pretend no one knew anymore. Even if Alice didn't figure it out before, Charlie would have told her where I was. And she would have called Edward. "Alright, thanks Dad. See you in a bit."
"I'm actually heading to the store in a few minutes, so I'll probably miss you. See you tomorrow Bella."
"Bye, Dad."
I hung up the phone with a grimace. "I can stay… but I have to go back to get clothes."
"We can get them on our run if you want."
I considered it. But I really didn't like the idea of Jake or Sam digging through my underwear drawer.
"No, I'll do it."
"I'll drive you at least," Jake said grabbing his keys. Reluctantly, I headed out the door with him.
"I'll come with," said Sam. Suddenly I was sandwiched between two very large, very scary looking men.
"Uh, guys… why do I feel like I'm being guarded?"
"Probably because you are," Jake said not looking back.
"We meant what we said, and you seem to be keen on not talking to them until Monday. Jake and I are going to ensure that happens. But I'll stay here if that's what you want."
"No, Sam, it's fine, I just didn't realise how gung ho you'd all be about this."
"What about us?" Quil called from the table.
Sam stopped and thought for a moment. "We don't know if the female has recalled the others. Better safe than sorry. You too Paul."
Holy crow… Sam just called out the army. For me. If I didn't know why I felt so safe around the pack before, I do now. It was good feeling to know they cared about what I want enough to be so cautious, yet they were reasonable enough to stay home if I didn't want them to come. My day had definitely just gotten much better.
So there I was, sitting in the middle back seat, surrounded, and more than a little squished, by Quil and Paul. I'm surprised the Rabbit fit them all, but now that they were in, it felt like we were travelling in an armoured tank. Well, a tank armoured by shirtless werewolves.
"Why do you all have to be shirtless?" I mumbled to myself.
Quil chuckled. "Clothes are expensive Bella. This why, if we have to phase we only ruin pants."
"I really didn't need to know that you weren't wearing underwear." The backseat roared in laughter.
"Enough you guys," Sam said seriously from the front. "We need to discuss our extraction plan."
Had I stepped into a spy movie? "Extraction plan?"
Sam nodded. "We want this to take as little time as possible. An in-out operation." Wow, I thought, the cavalry has fucking arrived. "We know the basic layout of your house from Jake, Bella, now we need a list of what you need so we can split up and gather it as efficiently as possible. Divide and conquer." He pounded one fist against his open palm.
"Isn't that over reacting a little?"
Sam shook his head. "It's good practice in case we ever have to do something like this when we're really in danger. Besides, if you're going to be a part of this family, you have to know how we work."
Well I guess it made sense, when he put it like that. I thought for a moment, surprised at how quickly Sam got into 'General Mode.'
"Uhh… My bag is by the closet in the hall and my purse should be in the kitchen on the table. I can fit the rest of everything into my bag."
Sam nodded. "Quil, bag."
Quill nodded in answer. "On it."
Holy shit, this was kind of cool. It's like I'm in Mission Impossible or something. "Ok, under the sink in the bathroom there's a plastic carrying case, where you can put my shampoo and toothbrush. It's the purple one with the soap carrier and stuff in it. My tooth brush is the red one and my soap, shampoo and conditioner are, well, the girly ones. Everything should fit inside that."
Sam nodded again. "Paul, toiletries."
"On it."
"Next, Bella."
"Umm… Ok, there's a hamper at the end of the bed with clean clothes in it. There should be a few pairs of jersey pants and t-shirts in there, I can use that to sleep in."
"Jacob, hamper."
"On it."
I had to think for a moment.
"Most of my clothes are in the closet. Just grab a pair of jeans and a shirt, it doesn't really matter which one."
Sam nodded yet again. "I'll get that. What will you be doing?"
I blushed. "I'll, um, err… I'll be grabbing the unmentionables."
Sam, utterly unfazed, nodded. "Bella, unmentionables. Right guys, this is no time to hang around and snicker at Bella's girly stuff." I paled. Damn werewolves and their damned practicality. "No talking, no looking at each other, just go in and do your assigned tasks. We reconvene in Bella's bedroom and then head out again. Quil, when you get up there, hold the bag open and everyone hands what they have to Bella in turn so she can pack it and zip it. And since you're already holding the bag Quil, after we load it up, you put it in the back before you get in."
"Right."
"All in all this should take five minutes or less. Bella, give me your keys so I can unlock the door." I passed them up front to him.
We didn't really talk again until we reached my house. The car lurched as Jake backed it into the driveway without so much as slowing down. And I thought I had at least escaped the unreasonable driving. As the car came to a halt, we all undid our seat belts and Sam spoke.
"Does everyone understand what they're doing?" A "Yes" was spoken in unison. "Is everyone ready?" We agreed again. "Right. Go!"
Four car doors swung open in unison, and all four guys got out. After Paul was on his feet, he reached in and helped me out. I ended up in the middle again, with two guys side by side both in front of and behind me. They walked up to the house in step, and I admired how the pack could work as a cohesive unit when they weren't phased. It really was like they were in the army. I, of course, tripped going up the stairs, but Quil immediately shot at arm out to catch me. Sam opened the door and we walked briskly inside. On cue, Quil broke off and headed to find my bag and purse. After the rest of us were upstairs, Paul made a beeline for the bathroom and Sam, Jake and I headed into my room. I walked over to my dresser and went about getting a bra, underwear and socks. Looking up I watched Sam methodically strip two articles of clothing off their hangers and fold them amazingly neat, especially given the speed at which he was doing it in. Jake was a little more haphazard in digging through the hamper, but pulled out what he was looking for in no time, and all in all my room was left much the same way we found it. I heard Paul fiddling with the cabinets in the bathroom. I finished my task and shut the drawers just as I heard footsteps bounding up the stairs. I turned around to see Quil walk in the room with my purse dangling from his left wrist and he held my bag open with both hands. I filled it, taking clothes from Sam and Jake, and the case from Paul when he returned. After Quil zipped the bag up, we 'formed rank' again, leaving me in the middle, and headed out the house. I quickly grabbed a second jacket off my door handle as we passed, for just in case. As we got outside, we all got in the Rabbit and Quil put the bag in the back.
"Wow, that only took like sixty seconds," I said buckling my seat belt.
"Even fast plans can be good ones," said Sam.
I was actually kind of disappointed. I know Alice would probably never do such a thing, but I almost hoped that she and some of the other Cullens burst in there and there would have to be a fight. I didn't really want my friends going killing each other, but after spending the last 20 minutes feeling like I was in an action movie, it was kind of disappointing to not have an action scene.
Actionless or not, it was a relief to get that over with. I sighed as Jake turned out of the driveway, and instinctively looked over my shoulder. There, down the road, as if I had wished it into being, was a yellow car. There was no way to tell the model from this distance, but it's not like there were a plethora of yellow cars in Forks, so I was sure it was Alice. Then, as if to punctuate my point, I watched the windshield erupt with sparkling brilliance as the car passed through a sun spot, signalling just who was inside it.
"Uh, Sam, Alice is behind us."
Sam grabbed the rear-view mirror and twisted it so he could see behind us. "She sure is." He said squinting. "And she has a passenger. Good thing we brought the back up. Gun it, Jake."
Jake stomped on the gas as he craned his neck to look out the side view mirror. He did a double take and cursed. "Sam, there's no fucking way I can out run a Porsche in this!"
I could feel Paul begin to vibrate beside me. I put a hand on his forearm. "Not in here, ok? I don't want to go out in a shower of car parts. Open the door and tuck and roll if you have to."
He looked down me incredulously for a moment, then, amazingly chuckled and patted my hand. "Thanks, I needed that."
Sam was still in 'General Mode' up front. "We don't have to out run them, we just have to make it to the treaty line, and I doubt they're going to run us off the road, at least not if they realise Bella's in here. Gun it all the same, the sooner we reach the line, the better." Jake nodded and kept driving. The car sped off in a screech.
Turning around I saw that Alice had started after us, and was gaining on us in record time. I felt like a bit of coward, running away from them. I could ask them to stop so we could talk, but something inside wouldn't let me.
It's ok Bella. Baby steps. You can't be expected to face your fears all at once.
I shook my head in confusion to figure out which Jacob was talking. Why was I still hearing his voice in my head when I was with him? Edward's stopped when I got him back.
I guess I haven't served my purpose yet. Oh look, they're right behind us.
Sure enough they were. "Sam, they're on our tail."
"I see them Bella, there isn't much we can do. We still have about a mile before the treaty line."
Alice's Porsche came beside the Rabbit and met our speed. She swerved and gave us what I guess could be called a 'love tap,' though it still caused the car to jerk.
"That BITCH! I just fixed the fucking paintjob!" Jake growled as he grabbed the wheel trying to regain control. We swerved onto the side of the road, spraying gravel before Jake got us back on course.
"What the hell is she doing?!" I screamed panicking.
Sam gritted his teeth. "Hopefully just trying to get our attention. Paul, if you have to, tucking and rolling wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if it involves jumping on their car." Paul nodded, cracking his knuckles.
Jake rolled down the window. "What the fuck are you doing leech?!" He yelled at the Porsche.
Their passenger side window rolled down to reveal Rosalie. "Why were you at Bella's house, mutt, and why are you headed out so fast?!"
"None of your fucking business!"
I could hear Alice's laughter from the other seat, and then watched in horror as she and Rosalie traded places. Although it happened fast, I couldn't believe they didn't lose control.
"We'll run you off the road before you reach the line, Jacob! Don't do anything stupid!" Rosalie tapped our car again for effect, this time a little more viciously.
Jacob cursed again and gripped the wheel, stopping the car from skidding too far onto the gravel. He sneered back at Alice. "You're the one doing something stupid, bitch! Bella's in the back seat, you dead moron, and if she gets hurt, I'm going to be using your spine as a chew toy!"
Alice's eyes widened. "What?!"
"You heard me, parasite! Bella! Is in! This car! The one you're trying to run off the road!"
"Pull over and let her go!"
"Fuck no!"
She paused for a beat. "You realise you're breaking the treaty, right?!"
"You're the one ramming our car, bloodsucker!"
"You're kidnapping my brother's girlfriend!"
This was stupid. My two best friends were screaming threats at each other out of the windows of two cars barrelling down a back road at a hundred miles an hour. I had to stop this death trap, even if that meant talking to Alice.
Jacob and Alice continued screaming at each other as I turned to Quil. "Roll down the window and hold me, I have to try and make her stop this!" I shouted over the wind.
He looked incredulously at me. "Are you sure about that?!"
"Yes!"
"Oka-ay!" Quil rolled the window down and grabbed me by the waist so I wouldn't fall as I leaned out the window.
I don't think I need to tell you that you could seriously get hurt, my Jacob-conscience told me. But just be careful. No sense in killing yourself to calm her down.
With that in mind, I screamed, "Alice, stop!"
She looked back surprised. "Bella! What the hell are you doing?"
"Trying to stop you from doing something ridiculous!"
"Bella, you are in a speeding junker with 4 young werewolves! I'm not the one doing something ridiculous!"
"Hey, don't fucking talk about my car you bitch!"
Leave it to Jake to fixate on the car. "Jake, not helping! Alice, just stop they aren't kidnapping me! We just thought you'd try and stop us!"
"Bella, this is extremely foolish, what the hell are you doing?!"
"I'm staying the weekend in La Push!"
"Edward is going to be furious when I tell him!"
Edward was going to be furious? Edward was the one who deemed that I should have a babysitter, causing this whole thing. I couldn't care less if Edward was furious at this point.
"Let him be furious then!"
She gaped at me, wide-eyed. "Bella?! Do you even know what you're saying?!"
The wind whipped by my eyes, helping them to tear up even without the river of emotions running through me. Yes, Alice. I do know what I'm saying. And though it hurts, I have to say it.
"I'm saying I'm going with them!"
"BELLA!"
I pulled back into the car. I could see this was going nowhere. Quil gave me a smile "Well at least you tried!"
I didn't feel like I had accomplished anything.
Suddenly Sam stopped gripping the dashboard. "This is it! We just passed the treaty line!"
Jake craned his head out the window again. "Better stop the fucking car leech! You're on Quileute land!"
Alice shook her head. "You stop the car and let Bella out!"
"Are you deaf?! She wants to stay with us!"
"She doesn't understand how dangerous you are!"
Jake laughed out the window. "Are you shitting me?! You fucking eat people leech, and you're currently trying to kill us, you have no place telling me I'm dangerous!"
Alice gritted her teeth. "You're still not going to be able to out run us! She's Edward's girlfriend! You can't just take her!"
Jake shot her the finger and rolled the window up. "She ain't giving up, Sam."
He grimaced. "Paul?"
"Yeah?"
"Get ready to roll out the door. Just jump on the windshield and make sure they can't see."
Paul nodded, undid his seat belt and gripped the door handle.
"Ready! G-WAIT!!"
All five of us watched as a grey blur erupted from the woods and landed on the front of the Porsche, only to be followed by a sandy blur that landed on the back. Both blurs turned out to be giant wolves, though both were small in comparison to Jake or Paul. As they landed on the car, it fell behind us. Quil cheered and hollered beside me. Jake chuckled. "Go Seth and Leah."
"That's Seth and Leah?"
Sam nodded. "Paul, keep an eye out in case they need help." Paul didn't let go of the handle.
I turned and watched as Rosalie struggled to maintain control as Seth and Leah clawed at the top of the car. The Porsche fishtailed and Alice was stuck out the window trying to pry the grey one off the windshield, but it wasn't moving. In the havoc the sandy wolf was thrown off the end as the car swerved from one side of the road to the other.
"PAUL! HELP THEM!" Paul wrenched the door open and jumped. I heard a shredding sound as he phased in mid air, turning into his dark silver wolf. As he landed, he used his momentum to leap backwards and land on the Porsche, biting at Alice's arm. I heard a scream and watched as the Porsche skidded to a stop. Jake swerved around so we faced them, about 100 feet away and stopped as well. My stomach churned and my eyes squeezed shut and the world whirled around us. The sandy wolf limped up and joined the other two, who were now pacing the group between us and them. Sam got out of the car and walked forward.
I jumped out the open door to follow him. "Sam, don't hurt them!"
He raised his left hand and waved me off. "I'm not going to do anything so long as they leave." He continued walking forward until he was in front of the three wolves.
"You're out of line, Cullen. Get the fuck off my land!"
Alice and Rosalie got out of the car. Alice clutched her arm, but she didn't look too badly hurt. Of course, vampires didn't bleed. Still, I felt horrible. I didn't want her getting hurt over me, even if she was being a bit of a boob.
"Just let Bella come with us, that's all we want."
Sam shook his head. "Bella's here because she wants to be. I'm not letting you take her anywhere she doesn't want to go. Now, the line is about a mile and a half that way," he said pointing. "I suggest you cross it, before you start something you really don't want finished. You're outnumbered here Cullen, and you're already wounded."
"Bella, what are you doing?" Alice looked at me with hurt eyes. I walked up until I was just behind Paul. The look on her face killed me inside. I wanted to stop it. I wanted to go with her and make her happy, but I couldn't. Not this time. This time I had to walk away for me.
"I'm sorry Alice," I said, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I just don't want it anymore."
"Don't want what?"
"I don't want to be a vampire anymore. I don't want Edward anymore. I still love all of you and I hope we can be friends but I just can't live your life Alice! It isn't mine!"
The look in Alice's eyes broke my heart. "Bella… you're just confused and scared…. Come back we can talk it over."
I shook my head. "No Alice, I'm sorry."
"Bella, please, if you just-"
She was stopped by Rosalie. "Alice. Don't." Rosalie walked forward, approaching the wolves, who started growling and pacing. She reached Sam, whose fists were shaking. "Calm down wolf boy, I don't mean any harm." She looked him in the eye, and after a moment, walked passed him and towards me, stopping two feet in front of me.
"Did you mean that, about not wanting any of it anymore?"
I looked at her cautiously and then slowly nodded.
She closed the space between us and enclosed me in a hug. "Thank you. Thank God. I know you don't understand this now, and things are going to be strained for awhile, so I won't be able to explain it, but thank you for saying no." I looked at her eyes shocked. She smiled back at me. "It's like I told you when we voted. If I had any bit of a choice, I would have said no. But I didn't and you do. I know it may not mean as much to you, but thank you for saying no, if not for your sake, then for mine."
I wrapped my arms around Rosalie, shocked that it took this for us to bond. "Thanks for understanding Rose."
She let go and grinned at me. "Just don't forget that you're still Alice's best friend, or she may spend the rest of eternity moping. I'll try to explain this to everyone, but I don't think Edward's going to take it well. He's pretty determined not to lose you again."
I shook a little. As good as it was to know, it would be harder than ever to face Edward now. "Alright Rosalie. Is Alice ok?"
"She's fine. Just a few scratches, nothing that can't be fixed."
"As long as she's ok. I couldn't bear with her being hurt."
Rosalie nodded. "Now go. Run to them. Run to them and never regret it and never look back. I'd be right there with you if I could. I'll get Alice home if I have to drag her there, but I'm not going to let anyone stop you from doing… whatever it is with these wolf-boys that keeps you alive." She gripped my hands. "Alright?"
I nodded.
"Go."
She gave me a gentle push and I watched as she turned around and walked back, looking Sam in the eye as she crossed. As she reached Alice, she gathered her into the car, despite her protests, and then headed to the driver's side. She looked up at me just before she got in, waved, and shouted, "GO!"
Sam walked back to me and put an arm around me. "You know, for a bloodsucker, that one is pretty honourable."
I nodded. "More than I ever knew." I looked back to see Jake running his hand threw his hair, looking concerned.
Sam smiled at me. "I think you better follow her advice." He turned to the three wolves. "Go home guys, we'll meet you at Emily's." They ran off.
I smiled at him and took off, my feet pounding the pavement, my hair flying behind me. I didn't hold anything back as my knees and arms felt the full weight of my sprinting, beginning to ache after only a few steps. All I could hear in that moment was my panting and my feet hitting the ground. It might have been the most tiring run of my life, but it felt good because of that. It felt good and human to be tired, something Rosalie could never experience anymore, so I didn't take it for granted. I flew over the asphalt until I slammed into Jake's arms, hopping up him to kiss his cheek. While he was still shocked, I step passed him and did the same to Quil. Both boys put a hand to their faces and blushed.
"Um, yeah…" Quil said.
"What was that about?" said Jake staring at me.
I shrugged. "Just happy to be alive." I got back in the car and was ready to be brought home.
Sam got back into the car with us. "Paul's gonna have to run home with them. Let's go Jake." He nodded and started the car, angrily mumbling about how much work he would have to do to fix the Rabbit's scratched side.
I was exhilarated. Rosalie's approval meant the world to me. It was so good to know one of them supported my decision. I leaned forward in the car. "Hey, can we turn the radio on?"
Jake looked back at me. "Really?"
"Yeah, I could use some music."
"I think I have a CD in, some mixed thing Emily gave me."
"Whatever."
He pushed the button and I amazed myself by knowing the song and all the words, so I starting singing. Jake and Quil both chuckled.
"What," I said laughing. "I don't sound like a dying cat, do it?"
"No no, you sound fine," said Jake, "You're just happier than I think I've ever seen you before. You usually don't like music."
"Change of heart." No kidding there, I had a major change of heart. "Sing with me!"
"What? No."
"Come on, you too Quil." He shook his head.
"Sam?"
He rolled his eyes and said, "Trust me guys, once they start in on this, they aren't going to give up. Emily did give you the CD, remember?" He smiled at me then belted out. "One stop to the rhythm that divides you, and I speak to you like the chorus to the verse, chop another line like a coda with a curse, and I come on like a freak show takes the stage!"
I clapped and by the time we pulled in back into Emily's drive way I had them all singing.
"I want something else, to get me through this semi-charmed kind of life, baby, baby!"
Emily came out the door and laughed at the spectacle in front her. "I told you that you'd like it Jake."
"Shut up, Em, that never happened." He shut his door and walked up the stairs. I followed him.
"I sure did happen, Jake, I heard it all the way from here," Paul snickered from the living room. Jake picked up the remote and threw it at him, but he caught it.
As I walked in I saw Seth and Leah sitting beside him. Seth had his leg propped up on the coffee table, packed in ice. His eyes lit up when Jake and Sam walked in.
"Hey guys, did you see what I did?" Sam walked up and rubbed his shoulder.
"You did great kid. How's your leg?"
"It's fine Sam, I just twisted it. It should be good by tomorrow."
"Good good."
Seth turned to me. "You ok Bella?"
"I'm good Seth. You were pretty brave out there." He blushed, turning his russet skin a dark copper.
"Don't worry about her Seth, she was safe in a car. You're the one with the twisted leg." Leah glowered at me.
Sam's brow furrowed. "Leah, we already talked about this."
"Yeah, and I wasn't asked."
"Leah, this isn't a democracy."
She turned to me. "You know, I don't like you."
"LEAH!"
"What? It's nothing personal, I just don't like my brother getting hurt over some girl I barely even know."
"It doesn't-"
I cut Sam off. "No, it's ok." Turning to Leah I said. "I'm sorry Seth got hurt Leah, and I respect your honesty."
She looked at my incredulously and started to say something, only to stop. Finally, she narrowed her eyes and said, "I… I respect that you took that so well." She looked like she was going to say something else, but instead turned to Seth and said. "We should get home. Come on Seth." She then helped him get up and they walked out the door.
Jake leaned close to Quil and asked, "Did she just shock Leah into not complaining?"
Quil nodded. "Oh, we're so keeping her."
Emily came back from the kitchen. "Mission was a success, so I hear."
Sam nodded and enclosed her in a bear hug. "She all set." He pulled away from her. "Come on Jake, our turn."
Jake nodded. "See you later Bells."
"See you."
The two hulking men walked out the door.
Emily walked up to me. "You ok Bella? Leah didn't bother you, did she?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine Emily."
"Good." She laughed. "Because we have about 100 potatoes we have to wrap for the barbeque."
I rolled my eyes. 'Work me like a dog why don't you?"
She laughed as we both walked into the kitchen.
I had never seen so much food in my life, even in Emily's kitchen. We prepared enough potato salad, coleslaw, and nacho dip to feed a small country, nevermind anything else.
"I hope there's enough." She said, wiping her brow.
I looked at her as if she had suddenly grown a third eye.
She laughed. "We need this to last through seven people and four werewolves for a whole day. They have about 4 foot ball games to watch, nevermind if any of the other guys show up."
Ah, guys and sports. Nothing increases an appetite like screaming at a TV.
"We're going to have a bonfire at night too. I hope you don't have school too early on Monday."
"I'll manage."
"So… no more Vampire Girl, huh?"
I smiled sadly. "No. I guess not."
She put a hand on my shoulder. "It's ok to miss them you know."
"I know. I just know that it's never going to be the same."
"From the sound of things, it wasn't going to be the same anyways."
I nodded. "Is it alright not to be sure?" Which I wasn't. Not even after what Rosalie said. Edward still held a piece of my heart, however much I tried to forget it.
"Of course it is. If you were sure, I'd be worried. It doesn't sound like your relationship with Edward was anything small. That's a hard decision to make."
"Sort of like the decision you had to make?"
It was Emily's turn to smile sadly. "I think we have that in common. We both feel like we're betraying people." She went back to chopping carrots. "Maybe we are… But that still doesn't mean you should ignore your heart. Whatever we owe people, we should still be happy."
Her scars somehow seemed less noticeable at that moment. Emily was wise beyond her years, that was for sure. It still didn't make me any less sad though.
"Bad subject Bella?"
"Yeah, but I'm going to have to face it, aren't I?"
"Why don't we talk about something lighter then?" She talked about her plans for the house, the shopping she had to do for next week, and even her wedding plans. That subject she broached very lightly, which I appreciated. We finished up and I went and took a shower before bed. I found myself standing under hot water again, crying.
"Why is this so hard?"
Because it means something. Everything that means something should hurt. It's why people cry when they're happy.
I still wish it didn't have to hurt so much.
You're doing just fine Bells. You were amazingly strong today. I'm so proud of you.
Well, as long as the voices in my head are proud of me, the world can go to hell.
Jacob's voice chuckled softly and I turned off the water. After drying off and getting dressed, I headed back to the living room where Emily had pulled out the catch bed for me. Sam and Jake were back in the kitchen, eating.
"Hey Bella, how'd the cooking go."
"Good Jake, I think we made more than even you can eat."
He laughed, wiping his mouth with a napkin. I set my bag down by the couch and started to settle in. It had been an extremely long day, and I was ready to pass out.
Sam and Jake finished in the kitchen and headed out again. "I just wanted to say goodnight before you went to bed. See you tomorrow Bells." He leaned down and kissed my forehead, pulling the blanket up to my shoulders.
I laugh. "Jake, did you just tuck me in?"
He blushed. "You forget I'm forty." We both laughed. "I guess I'm just used to looking out for you now."
"No, it's ok, it was just kind of funny."
"Alright. I have to go patrol the woods for scary noises and the occasional twig."
"No sign of Victoria?"
"Not a hair for two days. She's up to something, I know it."
I shuddered. "Be careful Jake."
"Always."
And with that he headed out the door. I turned over and shut my eyes.
I opened them and I was under the hot sky again. I looked around to see an endless beach, salty air wafting off the water. The sky was pale blue and went on past forever. I looked around for the source of heat but it seemed to emanate from the air. The sand baked under my feet and warmed me through.
I looked down. Somehow I had gotten into a long cotton dress. It clung to me in the heat. I started walking, more wandering really. I went around aimlessly, walking into the sea until the warm, frothy water came to my thighs and soaked the bottom of my dress. The waves caressed my fingers. I walked along, close to the shore until I came to a log, dead and salty, just like the one I sat on with Jake that first day. I walked out of the water and curled up on the log, content to fall asleep in this warm paradise.
It was then that a blast of cold air blew past my face. My eyes shot open and I shivered. I looked in the direction that the air was coming to see him standing there. He was perfect, dressed in black, making his topaz eyes and odd hair stand out even more. But he was cold, cold as ice, and his cold was flowing out from him, polluting my smothering beach.
"Bella…" His voice was almost a whisper as his hand reached out for me. I almost wanted to go to him, almost, but I couldn't leave the warmth cocooning me. I shook my head, tears splashing on my cheeks.
"BELLA!" His voice turned into a terrifying snarl as his eyes went black. I put my hands on my cheeks, wiping my tears, still shaking my head. I looked down at the wetness at my hands. It was streaked red. Blood. I was crying blood.
Looking up his face had turned into a sneer and his eyes were red as my hands. With a growl he stalked towards me. I started backing up, stumbling as I went.
"No… please, don't do this…. Don't do this Edward." I kept stumbling backwards until I slammed into a wall. I looked back. Russet arms enveloped me and pushed the cold out, warming me thoroughly. In front of me Edward stopped pacing towards me, though he was still snarling.
Jacob.
He was shirtless, his russet muscles shining in the sun, slick with sweat. His black silk hair flowed down his shoulders like it used to, and his face was stern but it wasn't Sam's mask. I leaned into him, glad to be warm again.
But he wasn't just warm. He was too warm. His arms were raging fires burning at my face. I whimpered and struggled to get away, but his arms pulled me further into his inferno. He leaned down into my ear with a long "Ssshhhhhhhh."
"Oh Bella," he said, flames dancing off his tongue. "Everything that means something has to hurt."
I nodded and stopped struggling. Edward screamed and charged, but Jacob wrapped his arms all the way around me, and heat flared. I leaned my head back as Edward was repulsed by the heat. Jacob leaned further into me, until I was surrounded by his flames.
I breathed deep, and we were set afire. We burned and burned, as the flames licked up his arms and obscured my vision. The last I saw of Edward he had both arms covering his face and he was still screaming my name.
Then the fire consumed us. We burned and I screamed. My feet left the ground and our fire rose into the air. I screamed and screamed, but my lungs never gave out and Jacob never let go. We immolated and rose, and I smouldered and ached.
And it felt so good.
Paring: Jake/Bella (Twilight)
Rating: M
Chapter Two: Controlled Burn
All Bella POV
I woke up next to an oven. Heat seeped into me from my right. I reluctantly opened my eyes to pale blue clouds and breathed in salty air. In my sleepy haze, I couldn't quite remember how I got here, but I never wanted to leave. I could quite contentedly stay here under this warm salty sky forever.
"Good nap?"
I was startled out of my haze when the oven next to me talked. I looked over to see Jake propped up on an elbow next to me. Ah. That's where I was. Lying on a jacket on First Beach, next to Jacob Black. I'm sure the why would come in a moment.
"Yeah," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. "What time is it?"
"Around three I guess. You went right out when we decided to sit down. I would have woken you earlier, but I thought you could use the sleep. You looked exhausted."
I had felt exhausted. I remember that much. I must have had a horrible night.
"Alice I have to leave because I'm about to offend you…"
"Call it an inner monologue…"
"The Cullens are going to break the treaty…"
"WHAT?"
Last night and this morning came flooding back to me. I rubbed my eyes again more vigorously.
"Holy crow, I can't believe I did all that!"
Jake chuckled beside me. "You did it all the same."
I sat up slowly. "Sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night."
Jake sat up and leaned his arms against his knees. "It's alright. I've fallen asleep on you before."
"Three o'clock huh?" I stretched. I just had a three hour nap and Jake had apparently sat here for all of it. "So… Lunch then?"
He smirked at me. "I could eat. But if you're still tired I can take you back home."
Home. No, I wasn't going home yet. Not when Alice was surely looking for me. "No, I'm good. The beach is surprisingly comfy." He got up and helped me. I stretch backwards, falling down again in the process. Jake looked down at me, near laughter. "Maybe it's too comfy." I put a hand down to get back up and felt the amazingly warm spot Jake had left. I took a handful of sand with me, rubbing it through my fingers and letting it streams through. "Sometimes it still surprises me how hot you are."
"What can I say? I'm very attractive." I threw the last bit of sand at the shit eating grin plastered on his face, rolling my eyes, and walked away. He spluttered for a second and followed me.
"Ass."
"You're the one who threw sand at me."
"You're still the ass."
He laughed and reached for my hand again. I let him take it.
"My being an ass aside, I'm really glad you came here today, Bella."
"I'm glad too, even though it involved torturing myself for hours." He gave me an odd look. "I was so sure you'd say no."
"Why on earth would I ever say no?"
"Because I'm asking you to face the vampire Marines?"
He laughed. "Bella, it doesn't matter. You're my best friend. I wouldn't let them take you so long as I have a breath in my body."
I couldn't join in his jovialness. I was terrified that the Volturi would take the breath out of his body. Out of all their bodies. "I know that Jake, but the others. This is gonna make more guys phase, and might even get one or more of you killed. That's a lot to ask of Sam."
He nodded. "It is. But he's willing. You impressed him before. You're family to all of us now, and we would never let family get hurt. We told you as much before, Bella. You never have to worry about us not being there."
"I guess. It might take hearing that a few more times until I believe it though. You guys might be the most decent people in the world."
"I thought that was Edward." He sing-songed Edward. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. "Right up there with being the most loving, most unselfish, and most brilliant." He snorted.
"I'm really dumb sometimes."
"I'll say." He looked down at me, his eyes flicking over me. "He really did a number on you, didn't he?"
I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean, Jake?"
"I mean you supposedly forgave him, but you're still stuck on thinking you're unworthy, which is bullshit and has to stem from that walking corpse leaving you."
I grimaced. "I guess you have a point… even if you have to put it in such disgusting terms." I did not like thinking about Edward in terms of walking corpses.
"Well, I have to knock the sense back into you somehow."
I chuckled. "All right, all right. Can we talk about something else right now? I've done enough deep introspection for one weekend."
"Alright, what do you want to do then?"
"I…. I don't actually know…" What does someone do when you've just been acquitted of the death penalty?
"First things first, lunch. You fine with heading to Emily's?"
"Sure, let's go." I was more than fine with going to Emily's. I needed to surround myself with the pack. And this time, it wasn't to replace people I was missing. It was because they were so full of life, and what better to surround yourself with when you've just escaped death?
We got into the Rabbit and headed out. Jake talked about the final touches he added to the car, and surprisingly enough I was able to keep up, at least for most of it.
"So you're finally done then?"
"For now. Besides, I won't have time to work on the Rabbit right now, with school, patrols, and helping out the two new guys."
"Two new guys?"
"Yeah, two more phased."
"What? When? When I was asleep?"
He looked at me goofy. "No."
"Then why didn't they come this morning?"
"You sounded like you were in serious trouble. I didn't want to shock you."
I rolled my eyes. "What's two more giant teenage boys in your living room?"
"Nothing much, considering one of them is a girl?"
My eyes nearly fell out of my head. "Whaaat?"
He chuckled. "Exactly."
"Jake, I thought that didn't happen."
"So did we."
"Shocked everyone, did it?"
He turned a corner, meaning that we would be at Emily's in a minute or two. "No one more than their father. Poor Harry."
"Harry Clearwater?"
"Yeah. He had the heart attack when not one but two of his children started running a fever."
I frowned. "They must feel horrible. Poor Seth and Leah…. Wait a minute, Seth and Leah?!"
"Yep." He turned into the driveway and parked the car.
"Oh God Leah. So she knows now why Sam…?"
"Yeah, we explained it all to her. Can't say it's been easy hearing her opinions on it though."
I couldn't say I envied being a werewolf right now. "That must be hard, hearing your ex's thoughts. I'm so glad Edward can't hear mine… How's everyone taking it?"
"Oh, Seth's thrilled. Leah's… well Leah's glad to be getting some answers. Actually got into a bit of a scrap with Sam when she found out he's the one who hurt Emily. But we're all trying to cope with the new dynamic. We're going to have to work at the whole getting along bit all over again. I have to say, I hope she imprints, or at least finds someone. I know it sounds like the easy way out, but it would be better for everyone, especially her."
I nodded as I got out of the car. "I hope it all works out for you guys."
"We won't let it interfere with keeping you safe, I promise," he said, looking at me seriously.
"I wouldn't even question. I have too much to be thankful for already."
We headed inside to see Paul and Quil eating at the table, Emily stirring a big pot of what smelled like chilli and Sam talking on the phone. Emily smiled as she turned to see us.
"Come and get it Jake, you'll have to be going out in a few hours. Great to see you again Bella."
I smiled and nodded at her, and waved to Sam. He waved back as he continued talking. "Let me thank you again for helping, from what she's telling us, we're going to need it. So when can we expect you… a week? Great, that's great. We'll have as much ready as possible. I can't thank you enough." He continued in what must have been Quileute because I couldn't understand it, and then hung up, looking extremely pleased with himself.
"Hey Bella, Jake." He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl, kissing Emily on his way to the table. I took a bowl from Emily and sat down with everyone.
"So what was that about Sam?" asked Paul between mouthfuls.
"Yeah," said Quil. "What's so important that that you're sucking up in Quileute?" He received a sharp tap on the head for that.
"Be respectful, that was our help."
"Help?" Jake asked, digging into his chilli.
"Yes help." He hesitated. "It's kind of hard to explain. I never let you guys know before because I didn't want you getting over excited."
Quil grinned. "Paul? Get over excited? Never." The sharp tap came from Paul this time.
Sam glared at them. "Stop guys, unless you don't actually want an explanation." Paul and Quil straightened up in their chairs.
"I guess it's good you got here when you did Bella, because this pertains to you. These Volturi, they're the head leeches, right?" I nodded in agreement with Sam.
"Well, since they're such big guns, I thought, 'Why don't we get some big guns of our own?'"
"Sounds good to me," said Jake. "But what are these big guns exactly?"
"Other shapeshifters."
"Wait," I said. "I thought you had to be Quileute to be a werewolf."
Sam shook his head. "We're just one of many tribes and clans that can do it. In fact, we're just a tribe of one offshoot of shapeshifters."
Paul looked incredulous. "Really?"
Sam nodded. "We're one type of werewolf. There are others. Some are nearly the same as us, and some are different. For instance, there are actually werewolves that phase according to the moon, but they're European."
And I thought I had heard everything that could shock me. "You mean, it's not just Native American tribes that can do it?"
"Nope. And it's not just wolves. We turn into wolves because that's who we're connected to. But why would people of the Crow nation turn into wolves?" He smirked.
My eyes bugged out again. "Wait, so there's werecrows?"
Sam threw his head back and laughed. "No, well, not in this case. Crow's actually a misnomer. The word they used to call themselves actually means People of the Large Bird. It's more like weremagpies."
Quil's eyes turned glossy. "That is… so cool!"
Sam chuckled and rubbed Quil's head. "It's not just regular animals either. I don't know all about it, the elders know more than I do, they're the ones who have the stories of us coming into contact with other shapeshifters. What I do know is that the one thing we all have in common is that we're protectors. We don't all fight vampires, but we're all protecting someone from something."
I giggled. "So you're like the Justice League?"
Sam shook his head, laughing with me. "We don't have that sorry of universal morality. Some of them don't sound like people I'd want to be around. But we do help each other. We apparently always have, regionally. Then, when the New World was discovered, we realised that there were a lot more of us than we originally thought, though we're still just a flash in the pan compared to the general population. So we formed something called the Great Council, so we can get into contact with each other."
"And why didn't you tell us before?" said Jake getting another bowl.
"Like I said, I didn't want you getting excited. We're all different. In our case, we only have a pack when a threat presents itself. So we're only marginal members, because we generally aren't going to have a permanent representative."
"What do you mean generally?" I asked.
"Well, we could have one, but they would have to keep phasing. Jake told us about the Volturi being very old. Well, the Great Council is very old too. It was founded in the 14th century when the Old World met the New World. But some of the representatives are even older than that, so, since the Quileute don't traditionally stay phased, we don't usually have anyone that can qualify to be an elder. So we have to depend on the others that represent the People of the Wolf."
"People of the Wolf?" Paul asked.
"Changing into wolves is apparently pretty popular. We have our own faction, under another grouping of people that turn into animals. Animal shape shifters are the largest contingent. Anyways, I didn't tell you because we didn't even know for sure if they existed. If Bella hadn't come to us, we may never have had the need to contact them anyway."
The mysteries Forks holds would never cease to amaze me. "So they're sending you guys help?"
Sam got up and put his bowl in the sink. "Not exactly. The Council hasn't even convened to talk about it. But one of the high elders of the People of the Wolf is currently in Manitoba. She caught word of what was going on, found it interesting, and had the Council put her in contact with us. She'll be here by the end of the week."
"Wait, she? I thought Jake said Leah was the only female werewolf."
"That's another difference Bella. Only Quileute men phase, well, usually. There are some tribes out there where only the women phase, and some with both."
"So where is this person from?"
Sam paused for a moment. "You know, I don't actually know. I don't think anyone does. She's supposed to be really old. Anyways, she might not even be here long. She's probably only going to stay to find out what she can about the Volturi and then see what she can do about them. She might even go after them on their home turf if she can get support. That's kind of what she does, she's sort of a war general."
"So what's her name?"
"Ve."
"Like the letter?"
"I guess."
Jake smirked at me. "I told you we'd help you." I grinned back at him.
Sam picked an apple out of a bowl and took a bite. "I'm just glad that the Council actually exists. I think I'm the first Quileute to properly contact them in 3 centuries. All the elders knew was that they keep in contact with a bar outside Seattle, but for all we knew it could have shut down decades ago. And they only knew that because someone passing through 70 years ago rediscovered us and told the last pack that it was there. It was a long shot, by far. I was shocked when 411 was able to give me a phone number." He smiled at me. "But Jake's right Bella, we aren't going to let anything happen to you."
He turned back to Jake. "You should probably get Bella home Jake, you're coming out with me in two hours."
My heart sunk. I was nowhere near ready to go home yet. Not when I knew what would be waiting for me. "Um… does he have to?"
Sam laughed. "Well we can't exactly take you with us Bella, and he's going to be gone for a while."
"I know, it's just… Alice has to know I'm here, and I don't quite know if I'm ready to face her yet."
Jake reached across the table and grasped my hand. "You have to face them sometime Bells. But there's not way in hell you'll do it alone, I promise."
I gave him a faint squeeze. "Can't it wait til Monday? I mean, I'm supposed to be at that football get-together thing with you guys and the Clearwaters tomorrow anyway. I know it's putting it off, but can't I just have this one weekend in peace?" I really didn't want to have to use the puppy dog eyes, but I was going to if I had to. I needed the time to prepare myself for what was going to happen."
Jake smirked. "As much as your dad likes me, I highly doubt that he's going to let you stay here at my place."
I rolled my eyes. "You'd be surprised. Can't you figure out something?"
"Well, we could try asking, I don't think it'll work though."
"She can stay here." We both turned to look at Emily.
"Really?"
"Sure, you can tell Charlie that you're helping me with the food for tomorrow. If you don't mind, it doesn't even have to be a lie."
"Emily, of course I'll help, I can't thank you enough. I can't thank all of you enough."
Emily smiled. "It's no problem, Bella."
I washed my bowl after I had finished and put it on the drain rack. Grabbing the phone, I dialled home to see if Charlie was back yet.
"Hello?"
"Hey Dad, its Bella."
"Hey, you still at Jacob's?"
"No, we went to see Emily. Uh, Dad, I was wondering if I could stay the night. At Emily's I mean. She needs some help with food for tomorrow."
"Sure Bella, you might want to come here to get clothes though. Oh, and Alice called. She called a couple times actually. Sounds like she really wants to talk to you."
Damn. I couldn't pretend no one knew anymore. Even if Alice didn't figure it out before, Charlie would have told her where I was. And she would have called Edward. "Alright, thanks Dad. See you in a bit."
"I'm actually heading to the store in a few minutes, so I'll probably miss you. See you tomorrow Bella."
"Bye, Dad."
I hung up the phone with a grimace. "I can stay… but I have to go back to get clothes."
"We can get them on our run if you want."
I considered it. But I really didn't like the idea of Jake or Sam digging through my underwear drawer.
"No, I'll do it."
"I'll drive you at least," Jake said grabbing his keys. Reluctantly, I headed out the door with him.
"I'll come with," said Sam. Suddenly I was sandwiched between two very large, very scary looking men.
"Uh, guys… why do I feel like I'm being guarded?"
"Probably because you are," Jake said not looking back.
"We meant what we said, and you seem to be keen on not talking to them until Monday. Jake and I are going to ensure that happens. But I'll stay here if that's what you want."
"No, Sam, it's fine, I just didn't realise how gung ho you'd all be about this."
"What about us?" Quil called from the table.
Sam stopped and thought for a moment. "We don't know if the female has recalled the others. Better safe than sorry. You too Paul."
Holy crow… Sam just called out the army. For me. If I didn't know why I felt so safe around the pack before, I do now. It was good feeling to know they cared about what I want enough to be so cautious, yet they were reasonable enough to stay home if I didn't want them to come. My day had definitely just gotten much better.
So there I was, sitting in the middle back seat, surrounded, and more than a little squished, by Quil and Paul. I'm surprised the Rabbit fit them all, but now that they were in, it felt like we were travelling in an armoured tank. Well, a tank armoured by shirtless werewolves.
"Why do you all have to be shirtless?" I mumbled to myself.
Quil chuckled. "Clothes are expensive Bella. This why, if we have to phase we only ruin pants."
"I really didn't need to know that you weren't wearing underwear." The backseat roared in laughter.
"Enough you guys," Sam said seriously from the front. "We need to discuss our extraction plan."
Had I stepped into a spy movie? "Extraction plan?"
Sam nodded. "We want this to take as little time as possible. An in-out operation." Wow, I thought, the cavalry has fucking arrived. "We know the basic layout of your house from Jake, Bella, now we need a list of what you need so we can split up and gather it as efficiently as possible. Divide and conquer." He pounded one fist against his open palm.
"Isn't that over reacting a little?"
Sam shook his head. "It's good practice in case we ever have to do something like this when we're really in danger. Besides, if you're going to be a part of this family, you have to know how we work."
Well I guess it made sense, when he put it like that. I thought for a moment, surprised at how quickly Sam got into 'General Mode.'
"Uhh… My bag is by the closet in the hall and my purse should be in the kitchen on the table. I can fit the rest of everything into my bag."
Sam nodded. "Quil, bag."
Quill nodded in answer. "On it."
Holy shit, this was kind of cool. It's like I'm in Mission Impossible or something. "Ok, under the sink in the bathroom there's a plastic carrying case, where you can put my shampoo and toothbrush. It's the purple one with the soap carrier and stuff in it. My tooth brush is the red one and my soap, shampoo and conditioner are, well, the girly ones. Everything should fit inside that."
Sam nodded again. "Paul, toiletries."
"On it."
"Next, Bella."
"Umm… Ok, there's a hamper at the end of the bed with clean clothes in it. There should be a few pairs of jersey pants and t-shirts in there, I can use that to sleep in."
"Jacob, hamper."
"On it."
I had to think for a moment.
"Most of my clothes are in the closet. Just grab a pair of jeans and a shirt, it doesn't really matter which one."
Sam nodded yet again. "I'll get that. What will you be doing?"
I blushed. "I'll, um, err… I'll be grabbing the unmentionables."
Sam, utterly unfazed, nodded. "Bella, unmentionables. Right guys, this is no time to hang around and snicker at Bella's girly stuff." I paled. Damn werewolves and their damned practicality. "No talking, no looking at each other, just go in and do your assigned tasks. We reconvene in Bella's bedroom and then head out again. Quil, when you get up there, hold the bag open and everyone hands what they have to Bella in turn so she can pack it and zip it. And since you're already holding the bag Quil, after we load it up, you put it in the back before you get in."
"Right."
"All in all this should take five minutes or less. Bella, give me your keys so I can unlock the door." I passed them up front to him.
We didn't really talk again until we reached my house. The car lurched as Jake backed it into the driveway without so much as slowing down. And I thought I had at least escaped the unreasonable driving. As the car came to a halt, we all undid our seat belts and Sam spoke.
"Does everyone understand what they're doing?" A "Yes" was spoken in unison. "Is everyone ready?" We agreed again. "Right. Go!"
Four car doors swung open in unison, and all four guys got out. After Paul was on his feet, he reached in and helped me out. I ended up in the middle again, with two guys side by side both in front of and behind me. They walked up to the house in step, and I admired how the pack could work as a cohesive unit when they weren't phased. It really was like they were in the army. I, of course, tripped going up the stairs, but Quil immediately shot at arm out to catch me. Sam opened the door and we walked briskly inside. On cue, Quil broke off and headed to find my bag and purse. After the rest of us were upstairs, Paul made a beeline for the bathroom and Sam, Jake and I headed into my room. I walked over to my dresser and went about getting a bra, underwear and socks. Looking up I watched Sam methodically strip two articles of clothing off their hangers and fold them amazingly neat, especially given the speed at which he was doing it in. Jake was a little more haphazard in digging through the hamper, but pulled out what he was looking for in no time, and all in all my room was left much the same way we found it. I heard Paul fiddling with the cabinets in the bathroom. I finished my task and shut the drawers just as I heard footsteps bounding up the stairs. I turned around to see Quil walk in the room with my purse dangling from his left wrist and he held my bag open with both hands. I filled it, taking clothes from Sam and Jake, and the case from Paul when he returned. After Quil zipped the bag up, we 'formed rank' again, leaving me in the middle, and headed out the house. I quickly grabbed a second jacket off my door handle as we passed, for just in case. As we got outside, we all got in the Rabbit and Quil put the bag in the back.
"Wow, that only took like sixty seconds," I said buckling my seat belt.
"Even fast plans can be good ones," said Sam.
I was actually kind of disappointed. I know Alice would probably never do such a thing, but I almost hoped that she and some of the other Cullens burst in there and there would have to be a fight. I didn't really want my friends going killing each other, but after spending the last 20 minutes feeling like I was in an action movie, it was kind of disappointing to not have an action scene.
Actionless or not, it was a relief to get that over with. I sighed as Jake turned out of the driveway, and instinctively looked over my shoulder. There, down the road, as if I had wished it into being, was a yellow car. There was no way to tell the model from this distance, but it's not like there were a plethora of yellow cars in Forks, so I was sure it was Alice. Then, as if to punctuate my point, I watched the windshield erupt with sparkling brilliance as the car passed through a sun spot, signalling just who was inside it.
"Uh, Sam, Alice is behind us."
Sam grabbed the rear-view mirror and twisted it so he could see behind us. "She sure is." He said squinting. "And she has a passenger. Good thing we brought the back up. Gun it, Jake."
Jake stomped on the gas as he craned his neck to look out the side view mirror. He did a double take and cursed. "Sam, there's no fucking way I can out run a Porsche in this!"
I could feel Paul begin to vibrate beside me. I put a hand on his forearm. "Not in here, ok? I don't want to go out in a shower of car parts. Open the door and tuck and roll if you have to."
He looked down me incredulously for a moment, then, amazingly chuckled and patted my hand. "Thanks, I needed that."
Sam was still in 'General Mode' up front. "We don't have to out run them, we just have to make it to the treaty line, and I doubt they're going to run us off the road, at least not if they realise Bella's in here. Gun it all the same, the sooner we reach the line, the better." Jake nodded and kept driving. The car sped off in a screech.
Turning around I saw that Alice had started after us, and was gaining on us in record time. I felt like a bit of coward, running away from them. I could ask them to stop so we could talk, but something inside wouldn't let me.
It's ok Bella. Baby steps. You can't be expected to face your fears all at once.
I shook my head in confusion to figure out which Jacob was talking. Why was I still hearing his voice in my head when I was with him? Edward's stopped when I got him back.
I guess I haven't served my purpose yet. Oh look, they're right behind us.
Sure enough they were. "Sam, they're on our tail."
"I see them Bella, there isn't much we can do. We still have about a mile before the treaty line."
Alice's Porsche came beside the Rabbit and met our speed. She swerved and gave us what I guess could be called a 'love tap,' though it still caused the car to jerk.
"That BITCH! I just fixed the fucking paintjob!" Jake growled as he grabbed the wheel trying to regain control. We swerved onto the side of the road, spraying gravel before Jake got us back on course.
"What the hell is she doing?!" I screamed panicking.
Sam gritted his teeth. "Hopefully just trying to get our attention. Paul, if you have to, tucking and rolling wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if it involves jumping on their car." Paul nodded, cracking his knuckles.
Jake rolled down the window. "What the fuck are you doing leech?!" He yelled at the Porsche.
Their passenger side window rolled down to reveal Rosalie. "Why were you at Bella's house, mutt, and why are you headed out so fast?!"
"None of your fucking business!"
I could hear Alice's laughter from the other seat, and then watched in horror as she and Rosalie traded places. Although it happened fast, I couldn't believe they didn't lose control.
"We'll run you off the road before you reach the line, Jacob! Don't do anything stupid!" Rosalie tapped our car again for effect, this time a little more viciously.
Jacob cursed again and gripped the wheel, stopping the car from skidding too far onto the gravel. He sneered back at Alice. "You're the one doing something stupid, bitch! Bella's in the back seat, you dead moron, and if she gets hurt, I'm going to be using your spine as a chew toy!"
Alice's eyes widened. "What?!"
"You heard me, parasite! Bella! Is in! This car! The one you're trying to run off the road!"
"Pull over and let her go!"
"Fuck no!"
She paused for a beat. "You realise you're breaking the treaty, right?!"
"You're the one ramming our car, bloodsucker!"
"You're kidnapping my brother's girlfriend!"
This was stupid. My two best friends were screaming threats at each other out of the windows of two cars barrelling down a back road at a hundred miles an hour. I had to stop this death trap, even if that meant talking to Alice.
Jacob and Alice continued screaming at each other as I turned to Quil. "Roll down the window and hold me, I have to try and make her stop this!" I shouted over the wind.
He looked incredulously at me. "Are you sure about that?!"
"Yes!"
"Oka-ay!" Quil rolled the window down and grabbed me by the waist so I wouldn't fall as I leaned out the window.
I don't think I need to tell you that you could seriously get hurt, my Jacob-conscience told me. But just be careful. No sense in killing yourself to calm her down.
With that in mind, I screamed, "Alice, stop!"
She looked back surprised. "Bella! What the hell are you doing?"
"Trying to stop you from doing something ridiculous!"
"Bella, you are in a speeding junker with 4 young werewolves! I'm not the one doing something ridiculous!"
"Hey, don't fucking talk about my car you bitch!"
Leave it to Jake to fixate on the car. "Jake, not helping! Alice, just stop they aren't kidnapping me! We just thought you'd try and stop us!"
"Bella, this is extremely foolish, what the hell are you doing?!"
"I'm staying the weekend in La Push!"
"Edward is going to be furious when I tell him!"
Edward was going to be furious? Edward was the one who deemed that I should have a babysitter, causing this whole thing. I couldn't care less if Edward was furious at this point.
"Let him be furious then!"
She gaped at me, wide-eyed. "Bella?! Do you even know what you're saying?!"
The wind whipped by my eyes, helping them to tear up even without the river of emotions running through me. Yes, Alice. I do know what I'm saying. And though it hurts, I have to say it.
"I'm saying I'm going with them!"
"BELLA!"
I pulled back into the car. I could see this was going nowhere. Quil gave me a smile "Well at least you tried!"
I didn't feel like I had accomplished anything.
Suddenly Sam stopped gripping the dashboard. "This is it! We just passed the treaty line!"
Jake craned his head out the window again. "Better stop the fucking car leech! You're on Quileute land!"
Alice shook her head. "You stop the car and let Bella out!"
"Are you deaf?! She wants to stay with us!"
"She doesn't understand how dangerous you are!"
Jake laughed out the window. "Are you shitting me?! You fucking eat people leech, and you're currently trying to kill us, you have no place telling me I'm dangerous!"
Alice gritted her teeth. "You're still not going to be able to out run us! She's Edward's girlfriend! You can't just take her!"
Jake shot her the finger and rolled the window up. "She ain't giving up, Sam."
He grimaced. "Paul?"
"Yeah?"
"Get ready to roll out the door. Just jump on the windshield and make sure they can't see."
Paul nodded, undid his seat belt and gripped the door handle.
"Ready! G-WAIT!!"
All five of us watched as a grey blur erupted from the woods and landed on the front of the Porsche, only to be followed by a sandy blur that landed on the back. Both blurs turned out to be giant wolves, though both were small in comparison to Jake or Paul. As they landed on the car, it fell behind us. Quil cheered and hollered beside me. Jake chuckled. "Go Seth and Leah."
"That's Seth and Leah?"
Sam nodded. "Paul, keep an eye out in case they need help." Paul didn't let go of the handle.
I turned and watched as Rosalie struggled to maintain control as Seth and Leah clawed at the top of the car. The Porsche fishtailed and Alice was stuck out the window trying to pry the grey one off the windshield, but it wasn't moving. In the havoc the sandy wolf was thrown off the end as the car swerved from one side of the road to the other.
"PAUL! HELP THEM!" Paul wrenched the door open and jumped. I heard a shredding sound as he phased in mid air, turning into his dark silver wolf. As he landed, he used his momentum to leap backwards and land on the Porsche, biting at Alice's arm. I heard a scream and watched as the Porsche skidded to a stop. Jake swerved around so we faced them, about 100 feet away and stopped as well. My stomach churned and my eyes squeezed shut and the world whirled around us. The sandy wolf limped up and joined the other two, who were now pacing the group between us and them. Sam got out of the car and walked forward.
I jumped out the open door to follow him. "Sam, don't hurt them!"
He raised his left hand and waved me off. "I'm not going to do anything so long as they leave." He continued walking forward until he was in front of the three wolves.
"You're out of line, Cullen. Get the fuck off my land!"
Alice and Rosalie got out of the car. Alice clutched her arm, but she didn't look too badly hurt. Of course, vampires didn't bleed. Still, I felt horrible. I didn't want her getting hurt over me, even if she was being a bit of a boob.
"Just let Bella come with us, that's all we want."
Sam shook his head. "Bella's here because she wants to be. I'm not letting you take her anywhere she doesn't want to go. Now, the line is about a mile and a half that way," he said pointing. "I suggest you cross it, before you start something you really don't want finished. You're outnumbered here Cullen, and you're already wounded."
"Bella, what are you doing?" Alice looked at me with hurt eyes. I walked up until I was just behind Paul. The look on her face killed me inside. I wanted to stop it. I wanted to go with her and make her happy, but I couldn't. Not this time. This time I had to walk away for me.
"I'm sorry Alice," I said, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I just don't want it anymore."
"Don't want what?"
"I don't want to be a vampire anymore. I don't want Edward anymore. I still love all of you and I hope we can be friends but I just can't live your life Alice! It isn't mine!"
The look in Alice's eyes broke my heart. "Bella… you're just confused and scared…. Come back we can talk it over."
I shook my head. "No Alice, I'm sorry."
"Bella, please, if you just-"
She was stopped by Rosalie. "Alice. Don't." Rosalie walked forward, approaching the wolves, who started growling and pacing. She reached Sam, whose fists were shaking. "Calm down wolf boy, I don't mean any harm." She looked him in the eye, and after a moment, walked passed him and towards me, stopping two feet in front of me.
"Did you mean that, about not wanting any of it anymore?"
I looked at her cautiously and then slowly nodded.
She closed the space between us and enclosed me in a hug. "Thank you. Thank God. I know you don't understand this now, and things are going to be strained for awhile, so I won't be able to explain it, but thank you for saying no." I looked at her eyes shocked. She smiled back at me. "It's like I told you when we voted. If I had any bit of a choice, I would have said no. But I didn't and you do. I know it may not mean as much to you, but thank you for saying no, if not for your sake, then for mine."
I wrapped my arms around Rosalie, shocked that it took this for us to bond. "Thanks for understanding Rose."
She let go and grinned at me. "Just don't forget that you're still Alice's best friend, or she may spend the rest of eternity moping. I'll try to explain this to everyone, but I don't think Edward's going to take it well. He's pretty determined not to lose you again."
I shook a little. As good as it was to know, it would be harder than ever to face Edward now. "Alright Rosalie. Is Alice ok?"
"She's fine. Just a few scratches, nothing that can't be fixed."
"As long as she's ok. I couldn't bear with her being hurt."
Rosalie nodded. "Now go. Run to them. Run to them and never regret it and never look back. I'd be right there with you if I could. I'll get Alice home if I have to drag her there, but I'm not going to let anyone stop you from doing… whatever it is with these wolf-boys that keeps you alive." She gripped my hands. "Alright?"
I nodded.
"Go."
She gave me a gentle push and I watched as she turned around and walked back, looking Sam in the eye as she crossed. As she reached Alice, she gathered her into the car, despite her protests, and then headed to the driver's side. She looked up at me just before she got in, waved, and shouted, "GO!"
Sam walked back to me and put an arm around me. "You know, for a bloodsucker, that one is pretty honourable."
I nodded. "More than I ever knew." I looked back to see Jake running his hand threw his hair, looking concerned.
Sam smiled at me. "I think you better follow her advice." He turned to the three wolves. "Go home guys, we'll meet you at Emily's." They ran off.
I smiled at him and took off, my feet pounding the pavement, my hair flying behind me. I didn't hold anything back as my knees and arms felt the full weight of my sprinting, beginning to ache after only a few steps. All I could hear in that moment was my panting and my feet hitting the ground. It might have been the most tiring run of my life, but it felt good because of that. It felt good and human to be tired, something Rosalie could never experience anymore, so I didn't take it for granted. I flew over the asphalt until I slammed into Jake's arms, hopping up him to kiss his cheek. While he was still shocked, I step passed him and did the same to Quil. Both boys put a hand to their faces and blushed.
"Um, yeah…" Quil said.
"What was that about?" said Jake staring at me.
I shrugged. "Just happy to be alive." I got back in the car and was ready to be brought home.
Sam got back into the car with us. "Paul's gonna have to run home with them. Let's go Jake." He nodded and started the car, angrily mumbling about how much work he would have to do to fix the Rabbit's scratched side.
I was exhilarated. Rosalie's approval meant the world to me. It was so good to know one of them supported my decision. I leaned forward in the car. "Hey, can we turn the radio on?"
Jake looked back at me. "Really?"
"Yeah, I could use some music."
"I think I have a CD in, some mixed thing Emily gave me."
"Whatever."
He pushed the button and I amazed myself by knowing the song and all the words, so I starting singing. Jake and Quil both chuckled.
"What," I said laughing. "I don't sound like a dying cat, do it?"
"No no, you sound fine," said Jake, "You're just happier than I think I've ever seen you before. You usually don't like music."
"Change of heart." No kidding there, I had a major change of heart. "Sing with me!"
"What? No."
"Come on, you too Quil." He shook his head.
"Sam?"
He rolled his eyes and said, "Trust me guys, once they start in on this, they aren't going to give up. Emily did give you the CD, remember?" He smiled at me then belted out. "One stop to the rhythm that divides you, and I speak to you like the chorus to the verse, chop another line like a coda with a curse, and I come on like a freak show takes the stage!"
I clapped and by the time we pulled in back into Emily's drive way I had them all singing.
"I want something else, to get me through this semi-charmed kind of life, baby, baby!"
Emily came out the door and laughed at the spectacle in front her. "I told you that you'd like it Jake."
"Shut up, Em, that never happened." He shut his door and walked up the stairs. I followed him.
"I sure did happen, Jake, I heard it all the way from here," Paul snickered from the living room. Jake picked up the remote and threw it at him, but he caught it.
As I walked in I saw Seth and Leah sitting beside him. Seth had his leg propped up on the coffee table, packed in ice. His eyes lit up when Jake and Sam walked in.
"Hey guys, did you see what I did?" Sam walked up and rubbed his shoulder.
"You did great kid. How's your leg?"
"It's fine Sam, I just twisted it. It should be good by tomorrow."
"Good good."
Seth turned to me. "You ok Bella?"
"I'm good Seth. You were pretty brave out there." He blushed, turning his russet skin a dark copper.
"Don't worry about her Seth, she was safe in a car. You're the one with the twisted leg." Leah glowered at me.
Sam's brow furrowed. "Leah, we already talked about this."
"Yeah, and I wasn't asked."
"Leah, this isn't a democracy."
She turned to me. "You know, I don't like you."
"LEAH!"
"What? It's nothing personal, I just don't like my brother getting hurt over some girl I barely even know."
"It doesn't-"
I cut Sam off. "No, it's ok." Turning to Leah I said. "I'm sorry Seth got hurt Leah, and I respect your honesty."
She looked at my incredulously and started to say something, only to stop. Finally, she narrowed her eyes and said, "I… I respect that you took that so well." She looked like she was going to say something else, but instead turned to Seth and said. "We should get home. Come on Seth." She then helped him get up and they walked out the door.
Jake leaned close to Quil and asked, "Did she just shock Leah into not complaining?"
Quil nodded. "Oh, we're so keeping her."
Emily came back from the kitchen. "Mission was a success, so I hear."
Sam nodded and enclosed her in a bear hug. "She all set." He pulled away from her. "Come on Jake, our turn."
Jake nodded. "See you later Bells."
"See you."
The two hulking men walked out the door.
Emily walked up to me. "You ok Bella? Leah didn't bother you, did she?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine Emily."
"Good." She laughed. "Because we have about 100 potatoes we have to wrap for the barbeque."
I rolled my eyes. 'Work me like a dog why don't you?"
She laughed as we both walked into the kitchen.
I had never seen so much food in my life, even in Emily's kitchen. We prepared enough potato salad, coleslaw, and nacho dip to feed a small country, nevermind anything else.
"I hope there's enough." She said, wiping her brow.
I looked at her as if she had suddenly grown a third eye.
She laughed. "We need this to last through seven people and four werewolves for a whole day. They have about 4 foot ball games to watch, nevermind if any of the other guys show up."
Ah, guys and sports. Nothing increases an appetite like screaming at a TV.
"We're going to have a bonfire at night too. I hope you don't have school too early on Monday."
"I'll manage."
"So… no more Vampire Girl, huh?"
I smiled sadly. "No. I guess not."
She put a hand on my shoulder. "It's ok to miss them you know."
"I know. I just know that it's never going to be the same."
"From the sound of things, it wasn't going to be the same anyways."
I nodded. "Is it alright not to be sure?" Which I wasn't. Not even after what Rosalie said. Edward still held a piece of my heart, however much I tried to forget it.
"Of course it is. If you were sure, I'd be worried. It doesn't sound like your relationship with Edward was anything small. That's a hard decision to make."
"Sort of like the decision you had to make?"
It was Emily's turn to smile sadly. "I think we have that in common. We both feel like we're betraying people." She went back to chopping carrots. "Maybe we are… But that still doesn't mean you should ignore your heart. Whatever we owe people, we should still be happy."
Her scars somehow seemed less noticeable at that moment. Emily was wise beyond her years, that was for sure. It still didn't make me any less sad though.
"Bad subject Bella?"
"Yeah, but I'm going to have to face it, aren't I?"
"Why don't we talk about something lighter then?" She talked about her plans for the house, the shopping she had to do for next week, and even her wedding plans. That subject she broached very lightly, which I appreciated. We finished up and I went and took a shower before bed. I found myself standing under hot water again, crying.
"Why is this so hard?"
Because it means something. Everything that means something should hurt. It's why people cry when they're happy.
I still wish it didn't have to hurt so much.
You're doing just fine Bells. You were amazingly strong today. I'm so proud of you.
Well, as long as the voices in my head are proud of me, the world can go to hell.
Jacob's voice chuckled softly and I turned off the water. After drying off and getting dressed, I headed back to the living room where Emily had pulled out the catch bed for me. Sam and Jake were back in the kitchen, eating.
"Hey Bella, how'd the cooking go."
"Good Jake, I think we made more than even you can eat."
He laughed, wiping his mouth with a napkin. I set my bag down by the couch and started to settle in. It had been an extremely long day, and I was ready to pass out.
Sam and Jake finished in the kitchen and headed out again. "I just wanted to say goodnight before you went to bed. See you tomorrow Bells." He leaned down and kissed my forehead, pulling the blanket up to my shoulders.
I laugh. "Jake, did you just tuck me in?"
He blushed. "You forget I'm forty." We both laughed. "I guess I'm just used to looking out for you now."
"No, it's ok, it was just kind of funny."
"Alright. I have to go patrol the woods for scary noises and the occasional twig."
"No sign of Victoria?"
"Not a hair for two days. She's up to something, I know it."
I shuddered. "Be careful Jake."
"Always."
And with that he headed out the door. I turned over and shut my eyes.
I opened them and I was under the hot sky again. I looked around to see an endless beach, salty air wafting off the water. The sky was pale blue and went on past forever. I looked around for the source of heat but it seemed to emanate from the air. The sand baked under my feet and warmed me through.
I looked down. Somehow I had gotten into a long cotton dress. It clung to me in the heat. I started walking, more wandering really. I went around aimlessly, walking into the sea until the warm, frothy water came to my thighs and soaked the bottom of my dress. The waves caressed my fingers. I walked along, close to the shore until I came to a log, dead and salty, just like the one I sat on with Jake that first day. I walked out of the water and curled up on the log, content to fall asleep in this warm paradise.
It was then that a blast of cold air blew past my face. My eyes shot open and I shivered. I looked in the direction that the air was coming to see him standing there. He was perfect, dressed in black, making his topaz eyes and odd hair stand out even more. But he was cold, cold as ice, and his cold was flowing out from him, polluting my smothering beach.
"Bella…" His voice was almost a whisper as his hand reached out for me. I almost wanted to go to him, almost, but I couldn't leave the warmth cocooning me. I shook my head, tears splashing on my cheeks.
"BELLA!" His voice turned into a terrifying snarl as his eyes went black. I put my hands on my cheeks, wiping my tears, still shaking my head. I looked down at the wetness at my hands. It was streaked red. Blood. I was crying blood.
Looking up his face had turned into a sneer and his eyes were red as my hands. With a growl he stalked towards me. I started backing up, stumbling as I went.
"No… please, don't do this…. Don't do this Edward." I kept stumbling backwards until I slammed into a wall. I looked back. Russet arms enveloped me and pushed the cold out, warming me thoroughly. In front of me Edward stopped pacing towards me, though he was still snarling.
Jacob.
He was shirtless, his russet muscles shining in the sun, slick with sweat. His black silk hair flowed down his shoulders like it used to, and his face was stern but it wasn't Sam's mask. I leaned into him, glad to be warm again.
But he wasn't just warm. He was too warm. His arms were raging fires burning at my face. I whimpered and struggled to get away, but his arms pulled me further into his inferno. He leaned down into my ear with a long "Ssshhhhhhhh."
"Oh Bella," he said, flames dancing off his tongue. "Everything that means something has to hurt."
I nodded and stopped struggling. Edward screamed and charged, but Jacob wrapped his arms all the way around me, and heat flared. I leaned my head back as Edward was repulsed by the heat. Jacob leaned further into me, until I was surrounded by his flames.
I breathed deep, and we were set afire. We burned and burned, as the flames licked up his arms and obscured my vision. The last I saw of Edward he had both arms covering his face and he was still screaming my name.
Then the fire consumed us. We burned and I screamed. My feet left the ground and our fire rose into the air. I screamed and screamed, but my lungs never gave out and Jacob never let go. We immolated and rose, and I smouldered and ached.
And it felt so good.