The Wolf Within
Title: The Wolf Within
Chapter: Six - Keeping Up Appearances
Time: New Moon
Rating: PG-13
Notes: I don't own or claim to own these characters, they belong to SMeyer.
Summary: Victoria and Laurent are gone now. Jake and Bella are together. Things should be great now, but what if they aren't? This chapter is from Bella's POV.
We watched until the last embers were dead, and the heaping remains were just ashes, some of which swirled around above the smoldering heap, then filtered back down into the new morning air. I wasn’t sure what time it was, but I knew if I wasn’t in bed when Charlie got up, there would be hell to pay.
Sam said there was no way I was going home without Leah, so she and I got ready to leave. We would phase then run back to my house, and try to sneak back in the window. But first, I had to tell Jake goodbye.
“Don’t look so worried. We’ll be fine,” I said, trying to get his mind off of the concern that clouded his eyes, which strangely enough I could still see in the dark.
“I just want to be with you and hold you for a while. I want to make sure you’re safe and okay.”
“I think it’s over now. Don’t you?” I said, glancing back at the smoldering bed of ashes.
“That is,” he said, looking at the ashes too. “But I also know that you may have trouble sleeping after this. You’re only going to get a few hours sleep and you need your rest. You’ve got to go back to school in just a few hours.”
“I’ll be fine. We’re leaving now and I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay?”
He answered me with a kiss that pulled me off the ground. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted me up, so that I was resting my elbows on his shoulders. I entwined my fingers into his hair and kissed back with ever ounce of effort I had. Then he slowly slid me back to the ground.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, right after school okay. I’ll come to your house and we’ll do our homework together. Bella, I love you and I’ll always be there for you.”
“I love you too, Jake, so much. See you tomorrow.”
Leah and I then wove into the forest, phased and ran back toward my house. She tried to communicate with me, but I was too tired. I thought I would work on it maybe later this week, right now, I just wanted to go to bed.
We managed to climb up the tree near my bedroom, and both made it safely through my window. We took turns sneaking into the bathroom for a quick rinse in the shower, then lay down to get a couple hours of sleep.
As soon as I drifted into a deep slumber, the images of the night started coming. I saw it all again. The chase, the feelings, the anger, and then there was Victoria and the look on her face, when I.... That’s when I woke up trembling violently.
“Bella. Bella, hold it together. You can’t phase in here,” Leah was on my bed with me, whispering in my ear.
She was risking her own safety, trying to help me regain control. She had her arms around me tight and was sitting on my legs in the bed. But even now that I was awake, I could still see Victoria in my mind.
The tremors continued until I was shaking, not only Leah, but the entire bed. But she held on, and would not let go, all the time talking to me, trying to get me to calm down. When I finally did get control of myself, then I fell apart. We lay on my bed together, and she held me while I cried. I couldn’t believe what all had happened tonight, and it was too much for me to embrace.
When my alarm started going off, Leah and I both jumped out of the bed. I guess I had cried myself to sleep in her arms and she had been afraid to leave me, in case I had another bad dream.
“Oh man. Is it morning already? I feel like we didn’t sleep at all.”
“You’ll get used to it. But all day you can think how nice it will be to get some sleep tonight,” Leah said, trying to reassure me about my day.
We dressed and went downstairs for a quick bite of breakfast.
“Bella. I’m driving you to school today. I’m going to stay in the woods near your school, just in case you need anything. I know the next couple of days may be difficult for you. Not only because of all that we just went through, but because you’ve not been back at school, since you transformed.”
I hadn’t thought about that. It had been hard enough going to school before, after Edward had left, then when he came back, but now, now I was a werewolf. I don’t think it had actually hit home with me, until that moment. I was glad that Leah would be nearby, because I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle the first day back.
“Well. Here goes nothing,” I said, as I climbed out of my truck and closed the door when we got to school.
“I’ll just stay in here until the bell rings, then I’ll go out into the woods and phase. I’ll be listening for you. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Just try to go about your day as usual,” Leah called out from the window of the truck.
I shook my head in agreement as I walked toward the office. I knew I had to check in, considering I had missed a few days, before going to class.
The secretary in the office gave me the necessary slip of paper and I hurried to my first class. I gave the slip to my English teacher, then she in turn gave me the assignments that I had missed. Fortunately, I only had two from this class.
I took my seat and felt like everyone was watching me. I noticed that my hearing was much better than before and I seemed to be more alert. Every little noise or movement, caught my attention and I found it difficult to concentrate on any one thing, there was just too much going on.
After English class was over, I hurried to my math class. I repeated the same thing, giving the teacher my slip, then getting my assignments. This continued thought the day, until it was time for lunch. I was glad for the break, or so I thought, so I could get away from everyone for a few minutes and try to collect my thoughts. But I still felt like everyone was gawking at me.
I was hungry, but I didn’t want to stand in line with everyone, so I went to the corner of the cafeteria, sat down, and opened a book. I thought if I couldn’t concentrate, at least I could pretend and maybe get a few moments peace, then when the line went down, I’d go up and get something to eat.
“Hey Bella. Is this seat taken?”
Of all people, wouldn’t you know, Mike Newton was wanting to sit down. I really didn’t want talk with him, much less anyone else.
“No. No, I guess it’s not.”
I kept my head down, not wanting to look up at him, so I pretended to be reading my book. He leaned over and came within inches of my ear.
“Where are the Cullens? Have you seen them?”
I froze. At the mere mention of the Cullen name, my body began to tremble. I didn’t know what to say, but I knew I didn’t want to be the one to answer his question. So I shrugged my shoulders upward then back down again, trying to indicate I didn’t know, or care.
“Well. I’m hoping they’re gone for good this time. And Bella, I have to say, you are looking absolutely amazing today. I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something different about you.”
I was feeling nervous, my tremors were intensifying though I was trying hard to control them, and I could hear everyone’s voices all talking at once in my ears. I was confused and didn’t want to be there, but I knew I had to keep up appearances. I managed to get a “thank you” out, then excused myself, as I rushed outside. I had to get some fresh air.
The cool air rushed past my face as I pushed my way out the cafeteria doors. I looked at the woods, then back at the school, and decided to make a run for it. I hadn’t realized what kind of speed I know had, until I was deep in the woods, standing in the shadows alone.
I looked over my shoulder, made sure no one had followed me, then I started stripping of my clothes. I had to phase, if only for a few minutes, I had to phase. When my last article of clothing hit the ground, I let the heat take me from within and it felt so good.
Leah was by my side in moments, and I looked into her eyes as I tried to form communication with her. I was trying so hard, but nothing. What was wrong with me?
Leah slowly moved closer and rubbed her nose against my head. I thought I understood her, so I tried to relax. As I did, I could hear her faintly in my mind.
“It’s okay Bella. Just calm down.”
“Leah. I can hear everything so clearly, I know everyone is talking about me, Mike even told me I looked different, but he couldn’t tell me why. What am I going to do?”
“You’re going to take a minute, pull yourself together, phase, and go back. You have to make it through the rest of the day. It will get easier in time. You’ll see.”
I plopped down on the ground, then realized that I was still very sore from last night’s ordeal. I whimpered a few times, then lay my head down on my paws which were outstretched in front of me.
As I breathed in, I noticed how the forest smelled. It was refreshing as I took in the smell of the dirt beneath me, the damp moss beside me, the moldy smell of the dampened tree trunk, and the crisp smell of the green ferns and leaves that surrounded us and I began to calm down.
“Being different can be a good thing. Can’t it? I mean that none of them can smell what we do. None of them can hear like we can or run as fast. Oh Leah. I just want to be with the pack. I don’t want to be here alone. I know I’m not exactly like the rest of you, but I’m more like you than them,” I said, tossing my head back toward the school.
“Bella, you are one of us and you have responsibility now, to help keep our secret. This is a sacred privilege that has been bestowed on you and us, and we have to do our duty to fulfil our obligations. Wait. Did I just say all of that? Dang it. I’m starting to sound just like Sam. Oh well. I don’t feel him out there, so I guess it’s okay, just this once. But it’s true. Just don’t tell anyone I said it okay?” Leah snorted.
I knew she was right, and I understood completely. So I got up, phased, and quickly got dressed. I knelt down to rub Leah’s head and run my hand through her beautiful, thick fur.
“Thanks Leah. I’ll try very hard to make it through the day. And, we have to stop by the store on the way home so I can get some new bras. That might be why everyone is looking at me. I couldn’t wear mine this morning.”
She barked a hearty laugh at me as I retrieved my backpack and books, then ran back toward the school.
The bell was just ringing when I walked back into the cafeteria, but I managed to grab a sandwich, which I ate quickly on my way to class. I was still hungry, but that would have to tide me over until after school. I guess phasing took its toll on your metabolism.
“There you are Bella. I’ve been trying to catch up with you all day. How’s it going today? Are you....are you okay? I mean....I heard that they.... that he.....,” Angela said, as she caught up with me in the hall outside our next class.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Things are finally starting to work out for me. I think. I hope.”
We went inside the classroom and took our seats. I attempted to stayed focused the rest of the day, collected my various assignments, and tried not to think about what everyone was saying. As soon as the last bell of the day rang, I was in the parking lot, and running for my truck. I jumped in and slammed the door behind me.
“Get me out of this place. Please?” I begged, as Leah started the truck.
“So you made the first day. Not bad.”
“Thanks for being here. I know it probably sucked staying in the woods all day.”
“No. Not at all. I took a long nap and just relaxed. It was nice to be away from La Push for the day. Okay, you said we had to go shopping, so where to?”
“I don’t exactly have a huge selection in the lingerie department here in Forks, so let’s run downtown to Smith’s Department Store. I can pick up a few bras and some new underwear there. I hope I don’t grow anymore, or I’ll have to get some new clothes too.”
We were just passing the local drive-in when I realized my sandwich had not lasted long.
“Leah, let’s get something to eat,” I almost shouted, but she must have been a step ahead of me, or could hear my stomach growling, because she skillfully pulled the truck around and pulled into the drive-in.
We both ordered a milkshake and a chicken sandwich, then waited for our food to arrive.
“So, did anything exciting happen today, other than people freaking you out in general?”
“No. Angela wanted to know if I was going to be okay. She had heard about them leaving again, and Mike Newton told me I was looking amazing, whatever that means. Everything else was pretty much just people whispering about me behind my back wondering what had happened and why I had been gone.”
“So Jake’s got some new competition, huh? Wait until I tell him,” Leah laughed, looking at me like a she devil.
“No. Don’t you dare! I finally have things going in the right direction with Jake and I don’t need it getting screwed up,” I leaned toward her and continued, “besides, you wouldn’t want me to have to hurt you. Would you?”, I asked, with the last two words coming out a bit mousy.
We both laughed until the girl tapped on the window to hand us our food. I pulled out some money and handed it to Leah.
“My treat. That’s the least I can do for all that you done for me.”
We ate our sandwiches then Leah pulled back out onto the street and turned toward downtown. We had finished our milkshakes by the time we arrived at the department store and threw our trash away as we entered the store. We went right to the lady’s underwear and I started looking for my size.
“Hey Bella. Jake would like this,” Leah said, holding up a bright red lacy bra that was see through.
I’m sure my face turned as red as the item she was holding, but I countered by holding up a plain white cotton bra.
“This is more my speed Leah.”
She kept on insisting on something a bit more revealing, so I finally settled for a white bra with lace trim across the top and got three. Then I picked out new underwear and we went to pay out.
We had just reached the check out counter when we both stiffened and I saw that the hair was standing up on Leah’s forearm, just like it was on mine. We looked at each other, but neither of us said a word.
Scanning the department store, we both moved closed together almost in a defensive position back to back, as it just seemed natural.
“May I help you young ladies?” the woman behind the counter asked.
I immediately snapped back into the handle your business mode, paid the lady, took my bag, then Leah and I started retreating.
“You knew at the same moment I did. Didn’t you? I never saw anyone. It was just the smell.”
We were hurrying back to the truck as quickly as possible. Leah jumped into the truck and I was right behind her, as we made our way home.
When we arrived at my house, we cautiously went inside. Nothing. The coast seemed to be clear here. Maybe it was just a random coincidence, the smell. I had always wondered how many times I had actually passed one of them in years past as they walked among us. I must have voiced my theory out loud, because Leah responded.
“I don’t think so Bella. It’s just too coincidental. We just got rid of two last night, and today we smell another. No. Too close for comfort.”
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to do. I thought last night that it was the end of it and I didn’t have to worry about vampires any more in my life. I found myself slowly sliding down the wall in the kitchen and sitting in the floor with my knees up against my chest. I just couldn’t believe that this was possibly happening again.
Leah came over and knelt down in front of me, but I couldn’t focus. She placed her hand on mine and it took me a few minutes to realize she was talking.
“Bella. We need to get to the others and fill them in. It’ll be okay. We’ll get through this together, all of us.”
Before I knew it, she was pulling me to my feet and we were walking toward the front door.
“Wait. Jake was supposed to come here this afternoon. We need to call him and tell him we are coming to La Push. Can you call him while I leave Charlie a note, in case I’m not back when he gets in?”
Leah placed the call, but Jake wasn’t home, so she told Billy to keep him there, we were on our way. I quickly scribbled a note to Charlie and left it on the kitchen counter. Then we raced out to the truck jumped in, and sped off.
“I would have much rather ran,” Leah finally said.
“Yeah, but we have to keep up appearances. Remember?”
I pulled up in front of Jake’s house and he opened my door, just as I killed the engine. Oh, it was good to see him and I bailed out of the truck, right into his open and waiting arms. He buried his face in my hair, breathing in, then letting out a sigh of relief.
“I’ve been so worried about you today. How did it go? Are you okay?”
I didn’t have time to answer before Leah interrupted.
“We smelled a new vampire in Smith’s Department Store about forty-five minutes ago. I’m not sure what it means, but it’s got us both worried.”
Jake pulled me way and looked down at me with concern in his eyes.
“Are you sure? It couldn’t be. We took care of those two last night and the Cullens supposedly left.”
“We both sensed it at the same exact time. I don’t think we could both be wrong. I just....I just thought this was all over,” I said, looking at Leah who had come to stand beside us.
Jake pulled me into his embrace again, whispered I love you into my ear softly, then slowly let me go.
“We better go find Sam and the others,” Jake said, with worry in his voice.
We climbed into my truck, Jake slid under the wheel this time, and turned toward Sam’s house. He saw us coming, as we pulled into the yard, and came out to meet us.
I guess he could tell by the look on our faces that something serious was going on as he approached the truck. The look he had on his face mirrored ours.
“What’s wrong?”
“Leah and Bella smelled a vampire in Smith’s Department Store about an hour ago. They didn’t see it, but they caught the scent.”
“Leah, are you sure?”
“Yes Sam. I’m sure and so is Bella,” Leah came back, with a sour tone in her voice.
“Jake. You and Leah go round up the others. Bella and I are going to stay here and have a little talk.”
“Talk. Talk about what Sam?” Jake demanded, stepping between me and Sam.
“Jake. I said, go get the others. Have them come back here, so we can have a meeting. Now.”
“Jake. It’s okay. I’ll be fine,” I said, putting my hand in the small of his back and rubbing gently.
“No.....,” he said, stepping toward Sam.
Sam glowered at him and it almost seemed they were having a shouting match in their minds, except I knew they couldn’t communicate like that.
“Come on Jake. He’ll go easy on her. Won’t you Sam? If you don’t, you’ll have hell to pay from Jake and me.”
“Would you two just go already?” Sam finally said, with less agitation in his voice.
Jake gave me a rough kiss, then turned to join Leah, as they walked toward Quil’s house.
“Bella. I know things were a bit mixed up last night and I know that you had well, a personal stake in what was going on, but you should have obeyed orders. You could have been hurt.”
I knew what he was trying to pull on me. I’d seen him do it with Jake and Leah, and I also knew that this is what he did as the Alpha of the pack. But I had every intention of standing my ground.
“Sam, what happened yesterday just happened, and if I had it to do over again, I probably would do the same thing again.”
“Bella, I understand that this is all new to you and it’s more difficult for you for many reasons. I know that you’re having trouble communicating with the rest of us and that interferes with your focus, and I know that you were very close the Cullens so you are also dealing with that, but you have to follow orders. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I stepped forward and pressed close to him, standing as straight and tall as I possibly could.
“You don’t want me to get hurt, or you don’t want to have my blood on your hands?”
Looking me square in the eyes, he placed his hands on my shoulders.
“Both. I don’t want to see anything happen to you because I know you’re a good person and you’re one of us now. You’re a member of the pack, so that makes you my responsibility. But it also means you’re a part of a team and we all work together. Besides, do you know what it would do to Jake if something happened to you? Let’s just try to work together, all of us. Okay?”
“I’m not making any promises, but I will always try to do what is right Sam.”
He glared at me and neither of us moved. I appreciated all that Sam was doing for me and trying to teach me things. But I also knew he was pushy. I’m not sure if it is because he is the Alpha, or because he just likes to be in charge, either way, I stood my ground.