Chapter Two- Aversion
Jacob, of course, doesn't believe me, since, as usual, my face gives it all away, but I can read his face by now, too, and I briefly wonder if he's going to press the issue or not. His brow furrows slightly and then he takes a deep breath and I know.
"You don't look fine, Bels," he says bluntly, and I feel myself flush, glad that, at the very least, he won't see that in the dim porch light. I look down, contemplating the best way to respond without either lying or bringing up things I would need to be insane to bring up- things I must be insane to be thinking to begin with.
"No, I'm fine," I insist, but my voice sounds hollow even to my own ears, so I can't even imagine how it must sound to him. At his extremely doubtful look I feel myself grow redder before I amend, "I mean, it's silly. I just- thought I heard something out there."
His expression changes again, hovers between concern and amusement: "So you decided to go check it out yourself?" he asks, amusement winning as he breaks into a grin. "Good plan," he snorts good-naturedly, and I feel his mood start to rub off on me as I playfully elbow him, shooting back indignantly,
"I can take care of myself, you know!"
"Of course you can," he agrees just a little too cheerfully; and though I can tell he does mean it; I brace myself for some crack about my coordination, wishing I had something to counter with… but the fact that he's a werewolf sort of prevents me from gaining the high ground in this particular fight. "I was just wondering how your knees would feel after you ran into-"
A branch cracks and falls a few yards from us, and Jacob suddenly stops talking, and he must feel or smell something in addition to what we both heard, since he's suddenly gripping my upper arms tightly and putting me gently away from him.
"Jake?" I question, afraid I already know the answer even though I'm not even sure exactly what I'm asking.
"Bella, go inside," he says shortly, and I feel suddenly concerned for him as I retort,
"No, I'll come check it out with you."
He looks at me for a moment as though uncertain whether I'm joking or not before he hisses, "It's not human, Bella."
Somehow to hear him say it is surprising even as it confirms what I somehow already know, and I allow myself a moment of self-directed scorn for thinking it might have been Edward Cullen of all people.
But somehow the rational thoughts going through my head aren't coming out of my mouth in any kind of way that makes sense as I grab his arm, blurting,
"Can't we just go home, Jake?"
He blinks at me in what can only be surprise before reaching out a hand to caress my cheek and saying carefully, gently, "Of course you can take the kids home if you want to, but I need to stay here and figure out what's going on."
But the goosebumps on my arm are already lifting and I know somehow, instinctually, that Jacob has already waited too long and won't find what he's looking for tonight- that whoever or whatever it was is already far from here-
And though I can't explain why- or maybe; if I'm truthful, can't admit why; not even to myself, I'm glad as I walk back inside and start to get the kids ready to go.
--
And thus ends Chapter Two. I know it is a short one, but Chapter Three is going to be super long and have massive Edward action!
Reviews are awesome and inspiring! Thanks so much to those who have reviewed already- you made my day! Also, honestly, if I don't get any reviews now I might not continue, since really, if people aren't enjoying this I'd rather put my energy toward something that you'll all like better, you know?(I'm honestly not trying to guilt trip people for reviews, I just really would love some honest feedback at this juncture.)
Thank you SO much for reading!!!
