Prologue
Through my frustrated tears I could see him walk out to meet them. He was calm and cautious yet he walked out with his head ever so slightly bowed as if delivering them a guilty plea and a surrender all in one. The martyr. How dare he?! How dare he try to take my guilt and my fate and claim it to be his own.
"Nahuel" I hissed as I wrestled against my confines. Jacob tightened his grip on my arms and pain shot through my shoulders.
"No Nessie, I won't let you". Jacob had never told me no, never. I knew he was saving my life, and I knew he would follow me to the ends of the earth to protect me. I also knew that my struggle to be free and run to Nahuel's side was breaking his heart. But I didn't care. I couldn't let Nahuel sacrifice his life for me. I had laughed at his advice, ignored his help and I didn't even have the courage to respond when he declared his love for me, but I would respond now. However, I would not be responsible for Jacob's life as well.
With speed and determination I twisted and sunk my teeth deep into Jacob's neck. His breath caught in surprise and he didn't have time to struggle. For the second time in as many weeks I drank human blood. It had been years since I had bitten Jacob, but this was different, this was not merely just a bite. I drank and engrossed myself in his throbbing. Strength flowed through my limbs. I'd forgotten just how sweet he tasted. So earthy, so strong. It consumed me, his taste, his smell, his strength all flowing into me. Slowly his throbbing was easing and I knew I had to stop, I loved Jacob. In pulling away from him the pain in my throat was only matched by seeing the pain in his eyes and a single tear on his cheek. "I'm so sorry", I whimpered. "Please tell Mum and Dad I love them". I kissed his neck for the last time.
I was free and there was no way Jacob would have the strength to move anytime soon.
I stepped out of the forestline. I would fight at Nahuel's side.
I would die at his side.