Hey, hey, my Lovelies!
Thank you to all who reviewed the first chapter! :D I know that I'm late with this one but real life beckons.
I don't own twilight!
Without further ado...Enjoy!
Previously on Pawprints in the Sky...
We got back to the cars where we still could sense their gazes on us and I noticed that Damien placed me just out of their view behind his body and that my other brothers formed a protective circle around me. I suppressed a sigh. Stupid overly protective buggers.
"I think they're vamps, you know." Damien confided. Caleb and the others frowned, looking over to them. They looked away when they saw that we were looking, though the russet guys took longer in peering away. It was clear that their curiosity came from deeper sources.
"You think? What makes you think that?" Caleb asked seriously. Damien sighed.
"They don't have heartbeats." He put simply. My eyes widened as I tried to listen for the heartbeats that should be where they were standing but I could only hear five. The four russet skinned guys as well as the small girl one of them was holding but girl's heartbeats was different, like a fluttering of a hummingbird's wings.
Weird.
"I mean it. Please watch yourselves."
We all nodded in agreement, even myself despite the weird curiosity bubbling up inside of me, and began towards the school again as the bell rang.
~Chapter Two~
Chemistry
Edward's Point of View
"Nessie. We're all waiting for you, you know, Sweetie." I called up the stairs just as she came bustling down complaining about my impatience whilst trying to fix a curl to stay in place on her head.
"Daddy, I curse you for this hair. Love the colour, hate its temperament!" She complained, scowling at me playfully. I chuckled and kissed the crown of her head.
"I'm sorry Sweetie." I replied, not sorry at all. I loved her hair and so did Bella. "Now come on, you've left us twenty minutes to get to school."
"Dad, come on, it's not going to take us 20 minutes to get to school; more like five minutes. And besides, you and Mom are teachers there now, along with Uncle Emmett and Rosalie so haven't you left earlier than this? I mean, you have classrooms to prepare, right?" She asked for the thousandth time. I rolled my eyes and didn't even bother replying this time as I ushered her towards the door. "Urgh, Dad, you're so pushy! Seth, tell him!"
Seth chuckled behind me and held his hands up. "Sorry, Sweetheart, he's your Dad. There's nothing I can do." he laughed. I smirked at him and then laughed as Nessie huffed. "Oh come on, Beautiful, you know I hate getting in between you and Edward."
I watched and listened as Seth went grovelling after his imprint, mine and Bella's daughter, out to the garage. Bella stepped up beside me in her pencil skirt and blouse, looking delicious. She smiled and laughed as she peered after our daughter and future son-in-law before grinning up at me. I smiled back and leaned down to kiss her soundly. Damn, it was awesome not having to control myself around her anymore.
"They're so adorable, don't you think?" She gushed, looking back to our child after we broke apart. I followed her gaze, smiling brightly but the smile dropped as soon as I saw my daughter in the arms of her imprinter...and her lips on his. I growled and they jumped apart. Nessie scowled at me whilst her boyfriend smiled sheepishly.
Sorry Edward, I just can't help it. He apologised, scratching the back of his head as Nessie shouted, "Dad, don't be a prude! Are we going or not?"
I shook my head dismissively at Seth as I answered my daughter. "Yes, of course, come on let's go!" I ordered, leading the way out towards the Volvo. Bella climbed into the passenger seat whilst the younger two took the back-seat. I gave them a warning look over the middle console as I got in. They grinned back innocently. I just rolled my eyes at them and started the car.
As Nessie had predicted, we reached the school in five minutes with 15 to spare. She shot me a smug smile as she climbed out of the car and proceeded to step into Seth's embrace. I rolled my eyes at that; I didn't like seeing Nessie like this, in someone else's arms that weren't mine. She was still my baby girl.
The Jeep and Rosalie's BMW soon pulled up after us and then about five minutes later, Jacob's Rabbit and Paul's Ford truck followed. Seth and Nessie greeted the Quileute boys warmly, even Paul gave Nessie a hug but the rest of us didn't get anything more than a head nod, a smile at the most and that was from Jacob. Though, Bella got a hug from him, of course.
A few minutes later, we all heard and then saw a couple of new, very expensive, cars pulled up into the parking lot. Rosalie's jealousy was the first thing I heard from any of my families' heads as an orange BMW pulled in after the black Audi. I knew even from a distance that the BMW was the upgrade from Rose's M3 and I knew that that had to grate her badly. I hid my smirk. Though, Rose wasn't the only envious one. My daughter also looked at the car in jealousy and reverence.
The black Audi was beautiful and very likeable. I could see from the Quileute that they were just as awed by the car as I was, though Jacob was eyeing the BMW more. I caught his eye and smiled. He grinned. Paul took one look though and then peered away, concentrating on a blonde student that had walked by him instead. He just wouldn't change.
Despite their car choices though, I instantly wanted to know who these guys were and how long they were going to be here. We didn't need any conflict or suspicions raised. We had no idea where these guys came from, or how immersed in the supernatural world they were, if they were. I raised my eyebrows at Jacob, knowing he was thinking the same thing about them.
We watched the cars for another couple of minutes before, to my utter surprise, six huge La Push sized guys stepped out of both cars, looking extremely intimidating. One of the larger ones, clearly older also, walked around the Audi towards the BMW, pulling open its driver's door. I was shocked even more when a small, raven haired girl stepped out, smiling up at the man. She seemed almost out of place surrounded by the six men.
Her eyes flickered around the parking lot before stopped in our direction. It took me a second to realise that it was our cars that she was looking at, not us. As she peered over at my car, I saw the grin and approving smile before she turned away. I smirked. The large man's arm was draped possessively over her shoulder; it made her look even smaller if that was at all possible. Her boyfriend maybe?
They started to towards us and I instantly locked eyes with the oldest looking one, the possessive one. He didn't look away as he headed towards the steps to the main building but then nor did I. Then I could have sworn I saw his eyes narrow slightly just before he disappeared from view. I turned to my family, and I could see from their faces that I wasn't the only one wanting to know who the hell they were.
"What was that?" Emmett asked, enthusiastically. I knew that tone and his thoughts matched it. He was seeing a fight opportunity, like he had spotted a challenge. I had to admit, they all looked like they could take on Emmett but I knew that he was a vampire and that they wouldn't have stood a chance.
"Did you see that girl?" Nessie asked, shocked. I nodded. "She was so small under that man's arm. I actually fear for her."
"I'm sure she's perfectly safe. He didn't seem like he would hurt her, or any of the others." Alice said, irritated for some reason and then I knew why after seeing the direction of her thoughts.
"Can't you see them?" I asked, curious and fearful. She pouted and shook her head. "Weird."
"Wait, the only ones she can't see is the wolves. How can that be the case with them?" Jake asked, interestedly. I shrugged, glancing up that the space where they disappeared. "Can you read them?"
"I actually hadn't tried." I answered.
"But you usually don't have to try, do you?" Seth asked, trying to understand. I shook my head.
"So more likely, you can't read them then?" Bella prompted. I looked down at her and sighed before nodding. Great, some more mental mutes. How frustrating.
"I saw the death glare he was giving you, Edward. That was intense." Paul commented, bored. I looked over to him and nodded, unsure of what that meant.
"Old foe of the family?" Rosalie asked, unsure. I shook my head. "Then what?"
"I don't know but I sensed something off with them. Didn't you?" I asked them. They nodded.
I stopped talking as I heard them approaching us again and when they came back into view, the big one still had his arm around the girl and his eyes connected with mine once more, almost as soon as he was able in fact like he had instantly known where I was.
I tried to get a read on him but I couldn't.
I couldn't read any of them, not even the girl.
It irritated me just as much as it did with Bella. What's more, I felt fear in this instance. I felt insecure about his silence, like he had something to hide. Instinctively, I tightened my arms around Bella and looked away from the man. She hugged into my chest, accepting the protection, uncharacteristically. These people must really scare her.
As they walked past, I saw Alice looking at the girl. The girl smiled and Alice smiled back, surprised. When she waved back at her, the girl smirked and looked away before walking back to their cars. When Alice turned back, she was smirking smugly.
"It was just a smile, Alice. Don't get your hopes up too high." Emmett warned and for once, I agreed with him. She shrugged.
We kept rudely watching them, just staring at them and looking away every time they met our gazes. I don't know anything about them but we held a massive curiosity over them. And with the amount of times they looked at us, I'd say they held that same thing for us too. I knew one thing – They were damn scary, even to me. I could see Emmett's eyes darken too but he was just worried about that girl. We all were. She seemed so out of place with them. It was surreal. I knew we had no right to, but we were going to keep an eye on them for a little while.
Nessa's Point of View
My first period class went by at snail pace. None of my brothers were in this class, which I both loved and loathed. I loved it because they weren't there breathing down my neck but then I loathed it because I knew no one in this whole school apart from them.
I knew that they hated being away from me. They couldn't protect me if there was wall after wall of brick between us. Though I knew that if they had to, they'd just crash all the way through them to get to me. Seriously, they would if they deemed it necessary to do so.
I've always loved Music. It was my passion, right along with Cars, running and painting. I loved the way it changed your mood to match the melody. I loved it when the piano keys responded with the slightest of touches. The only thing that was strained about this class was that I was on the table right beside two russet skinned boys, the pixie-like girl; not to mention that the bronze haired guy (who I now knew as Dr. Cullen) was my music teacher. He didn't look old enough to be a teacher nor a doctor but he was, his name badge proved it. I could sense them all looking at me but that didn't bother me.
It was the intense...worry in their gazes.
Glanced at them curiously and the pixie smiled at me again. I smiled back. I actually found myself wanting to get to know her. I looked away when Dr. Cullen began to set the work. Turns out, you needed to be in groups of four and with my luck, I was directed towards the pixie's table. I approached, shyly. I didn't dare think how Damien and the others were going to react when they found out about this but I sat next to the pixie on the table of four.
I sat gingerly, smelling the same 'off' scent that Damien was speaking of earlier. It was...uncomfortable and nasty. Like a burning sensation of bleach and sugar in my nose. The Pixie smiled at me and spoke.
"Hello, I'm Alice Cullen." She greeted me, holding out her hand across the table for me to shake. I smiled and took it, shivering at her cold skin. If I could feel her chill then surely, she could feel my warmth? She didn't seem to react so maybe not.
"Hi, I'm Nessa, or Nessie whichever." I replied, politely. Both Alice and the russet skinned guys chuckled. I frowned, confused and slightly defensive. Were they making fun of my name? "What?"
"Oh, sorry, we didn't mean to be rude. It's just...my niece's nickname is also Nessie. Her full name is Renesmee though. She'll like you, I think." Alice told me and I smiled, nodding. I felt slightly better with her explanation.
"Hey, I'm Embry." the russet boy beside me greeted, offering me his hand. I smiled and took it. But unlike Alice's chill, I was surprised to feel the warmth of his hand and quickly pulled mine away to shake the other boy's hand. The two guys peered at me weirdly and then shared a look.
"Hi." I simply replied.
"Paul Lahote." the other boy introduced. I smiled and nodded, having already shaken his hand. He seemed like a completely whore, especially if his smugness and air of arrogance was anything to go by. He winked at me and I rolled my eyes.
"So, what are we doing for this composition?" I asked, warmly and excitedly. Alice smiled and leaned towards me as Paul and Embry listened in, only marginally interested in the assignment.
"Well, I was thinking..."
And then Alice delved into his ideas for the composition, her eyes alive with excitement and enthusiasm as she spoke. Her passion surprised me but pleasantly so. Maybe we would do better on this assignment than I had originally thought. It also turned out that Embry could play the drums and Paul could play a good tune on a guitar. Those skills will definitely come in handy.
"So...um...Who were those guys that arrived with you this morning?" Dr. Cullen asked as he stopped by our table as we were packing up our books. It was clear that he was worried for some reason. I smiled at their mentioning.
"They're my brothers. All six of them but four of them should technically be graduated by now. They erm...couldn't graduate when they were supposed to so they're kinda making up for lost time, you know?"And you told them that, why? They only asked who they were, not for their life story.
"Brothers. Wow. Six brothers. I can only just manage with the three. Damn. I don't envy you at all." Alice commented with a chuckle. I smiled and shrugged.
"Who was the one with his arm around your shoulder?" Embry asked, the same worry in his eyes. I smiled, trying to ease it out of him.
"Damien. He's the oldest of us at 22 but a senior here. The head of the family if you'd like. He's very, VERY protective of us, of me especially. He's knows that my brothers can hold their own if they get into any trouble but it seems, just because I'm the only girl and also the youngest, he thinks I need 24/7 protection from all six of my bodyguards." I rolled my eyes in irritation. Sometimes I feel so coddled and wrapped in bubble wrap. "It get super annoying."
"I can imagine. Though, he looked like he could have snapped your fragile neck with his huge bicep." Alice teased. I laughed and shrugged. If only they knew. "In fact, they all looked like they could."
"Yeah. They got it from Dad. Seriously, he was larger than even my brothers." I told them as nonchalantly as I could. Of course, despite my father being a busy man, I remembered everything about him and I loved how big he was and how he loved me climbing all over him.
"They're just as big as my brother Emmett. I think he'd get along with them to be honest." Alice chuckled. Though Paul and Embry looked at her doubtfully. I tried not to as well. It was no secret that Damien had some sort of problem with these Cullens. I think that they and these Quileute guys had more chance of getting along, personally.
"Yeah, maybe," was all I could say. I sighed in relief when the bell rang and Dr. Cullen dismissed us from the classroom.
"So we'll see you around then, Nessa. It was nice meeting you." Embry called to me on his way out the room as he and Paul waved at me. I waved back with a smile and then watched as Alice flounced up to Dr. Cullen at his desk. They began to whisper lowly, too low for even me to hear. They kept glancing at me though, which was a little unnerving.
Walking out of the music room, I felt like I was walking right into an old western showdown or something. On my left was Alice's family, including Paul and Embry who both smiled at me when I looked their way. Then on my right was my brothers, each and every one of them scowling or glaring in the Cullens and Quileute's direction. As if things couldn't get anymore awkward and tense, Alice hugged me from behind as she exited the classroom before prancing over to her family. Six growls came from my right and I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
Damien looked seriously pissed and the Quileute's eyes widened as my brother began to shake slightly. I kenw that this would escalate badly and quickly. I needed to do some damage control.
"Damien, calm down, okay?" I called to him as I walked over. He glared at Alice.
"Calm down? She touched you." he growled, angrily. I rolled my eyes.
"Yes, she did but she didn't hurt me so let's just go okay? I don't want to be late for my next class." I told him, laying a hand on his forearm. His trembling died instantly and he peered down at me. I nodded once and didn't even spare the others a fleeting glance as he spun around and marched down the hallway. Erik wrapped an arm around my waist and led me away after him with my other brothers following behind us.
When we were outside my next class – Chemistry - they stopped me from going in, cornering me. They all looked annoyed and I actually think that it was aimed at me. I huffed and crossed my arms, waiting for them to say something.
"What the hell was that, Nessa?!" Damien asked, irritated. I cocked an eyebrow.
"What?" I asked, innocently. Honestly, I knew that they didn't like Alice touching me but that was hardly my fault was it?
"I told you to stay away from them, not become their damn friends!" he snapped loudly. A pang of hurt coursed through me as he had raised his voice and I never liked him shouting at me. It made me feel like the little sister that I was. It made me feel inferior and sad. I looked away, already feeling the tears prickle my eyes. He sighed, lowering his voice. "I'm sorry, Nessie. I didn't mean to shout, okay?"
I shook my head, still looking away. He sighed again.
"You know we're super protective, Nessa." Andrew tried to reason softly. I felt my tears fall.
"This isn't my fault, okay? I didn't encourage Alice to hug me, she just did. I was sent to their table for an assignment in music and it wasn't like I was just going to ignore them, was it? We had work to do. Honest, I didn't do anything." I mumbled, sadly and I could feel someone wiping my tears away. I still didn't look at them. They were being jerks.
"Okay, we're sorry for assuming. We just hate that they've been around you. We only want to protect. The fact that you didn't shake her off was a little irritating but whatever. Just please don't go near them again if you can help it?" Caleb asked, pleadingly.
"You know...they aren't bad people. Embry and Paul were nice enough. It was mostly Alice who was annoying." I commented, hesitantly. Their eyes hardened.
"Nessa, let me make this perfectly clear, okay? You are not to become friends with them, do I make myself clear?" Damien ordered in his stern, calm voice. I glared up at him. He glared back. "I said, do I make myself clear, Nessa?"
I gritted my teeth at his tone, it seriously pissing me off royally but nodded because despite whether I liked it or not, Damien was my Alpha as well and he had to be obeyed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." he mocked. I growled.
"Yes, Brother, I understand perfectly." I gritted. He grunted in approval before stalking off down the hallway, calling, "Get to class, you're late."
I growled again and threw Caleb and Steven's comforting hands off my shoulders.
"Ness, don't be like that." Steven complained, sadly. I ignored him and the others, storming into my classroom. I apologised to the teacher before taking a seat at an empty desk. I hope no one was expecting to sit here because I seriously wasn't in the mood to relocate.
Chemistry...
Not the most exciting subject in the world. If fact, it was down right the most boring subject on the entire academic syllabus. I had never been good at the subject and I fully expected to fail the year because of it. Caleb or Andrew had always been the one to help me with this homework but even with their explanations (that had always been plain easier to understand than any teacher I've listened to) I just couldn't understand the topic. It was highly frustrating.
I was pulling out my chemistry book and my note pad when I caught a whiff of something weird, yet familiar, in the air. It smelt like my brothers, but not. In fact, Paul and Embry smelled just like that. Did they have this class as well? My head lifted and I looked towards the door but it wasn't Embry and Paul I saw walking into the room.
No, this time there was two Native American boys that looked amazingly similar to both Paul and Embry but I recognised these two from the group on the parking lot this morning. Both of them had perfectly shaded russet skin that was blemish and acne free. They had flawless skin. They were both massive but one was a lot bigger than the other, even rivalling Damien with his size. That was a scary thought. His hair was short and styled subtly and everything about him just appealed to me.
I blushed at the thought and diverted my gaze before he saw me looking at him. The other Native guy was hugging the bronze haired girl to his side as he spoke to his friend. They both looked perfect for each other and looking at her, the girl looked so much like Dr. Cullen and his girlfriend. But that was impossible right? Maybe she was one of their sisters.
I sighed loudly and intended to look back at what I was doing but the gorgeous guy that walked in first must have heard me because his head turned in my direction. The movement caught my eyes and I looked at him. We both froze.
I felt like everything I'd ever known was about to change instantaneously the longer I looked at him in the eyes, his deep, sensually black eyes. His mouth hung open and his lips glistened under the overhead lights of the classroom. My chest tightened and something began to pull from just behind my stomach. His breathing seemed to pick up and his eyes grew that little bit larger.
It was like my universe exploded and then centred around this one man. He was my sun and all my other family members were my moons, or neighbouring planets. They were all a part of my solar system, each as important as the rest but this man, for some unknown reason, was what kept me thriving. He was who kept me alive and I knew that he would make me happier than I'd ever known before.
Wait...
Oh shit, did I just-
Did I just imprint?
Wow...
We continued to watch each other whilst his friend tried to capture his attention. He seemed to recognise that it was a lost cause and glanced between the two of us, his eyes widening as the seconds passed. I could feel the blush creeping up my cheeks and down my neck as I bit my lip and smiled shyly. My imprint's answering smile was striking. It lit the entire room on fire and I felt something stir deep inside of me. I shifted uncomfortably and glanced away from his dazzling pearly whites before I made a fool of myself.
I felt the loss of his gaze deep within me and it was so weird...
I heard their heavy footfalls approaching closer than I think I wanted, or at least that is what I was telling myself. My breath caught as something softly trailed across the top of my chair, brushing gently against my back. Was that his hand? Then a chair squeaked beside me as it was pulled out and I tensed slightly, closing my eyes and begging that it wasn't who I was foolishly hoping it was going to be sitting next to me. Damien would kill me if he found out that I spent another lesson getting to know more of Edward's family.
I glanced in front of me and saw the other boy and his girlfriend glancing back at me with smiles on their faces as they dropped into their seats. I dropped my gaze again, instantly knowing who was sat next to me. I was silently thanking and cursing whatever God was out there for this. I sighed, glancing beside me and sure enough he was sitting there, smiling brilliantly with his amazing lips and flashing his perfectly straight, white teeth. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Hey there." he greeted through a smile; his voice was like rich dark chocolate – smooth, deep and fucking fantastic. I could listen to him speak any time, any place, any situation. The thought made me go beet red and he smirked.
"Hey yourself." I practically whispered into my desk.
I glanced up at him and of course, he was staring at me. His eyes were so deep. I could swim in them. I wanted to drown in them, to lose myself in them but it was much too dangerous for the both of us. I had to get myself in check and keep myself there. I knew within my heart that I could never risk this man like that. I didn't want him to get hurt by my brothers so I looked away, back to the front of the class where the teacher was still sorting out the stuff for the lesson.
"I'm Jacob, Jacob Black but please, call me Jake." he said after a while. I swear I heard him say under his breath, 'Or anything you want' and I heard the two in the front of us snicker. I smiled at him, politely and his eyes melted whilst his smile became lazy and his jaw slacked. Jacob was his name. Hmmm... I loved it. Too much. "You're Vanessa, right?"
I cringed at the name but nodded with a smile. "Um...yeah but please, call me Nessa or Ness." I told him. I hated my full name. He smiled at the girl in front of him as she simultaneously snapped around in her chair. I was surprised she didn't snap her spine or something. She turned so fast.
"No. Way! You're nickname is Nessa?! That's sooo like mine! And my family even call me Ness too! That's so cool!" the girl nearly shouted. I smiled and chuckled.
"Dr. Cullen's sister or something, you look so much like him. Am I right?" I asked. She smiled and nodded. "He's an awesome teacher. Honestly, you guys look so much alike. Oh and I met Alice, she's...um..."
"Scary? Annoying? Hyper?" Ness' boyfriend offered. I smiled at him as we all giggled and laughed. He held his hand out to me and I took it. "I'm Seth Clearwater, Nessie's boyfriend."
"Hey, Seth, it's a pleasure to meet you." I greeted, kindly. He smiled and showed his white teeth, just like Jacob.
"And yourself." he replied.
"Mr. Clearwater. Miss. Cullen. Face the front. I want to start." Mr. James ordered. Nessie blushed and turned around. I whispered sorry to Seth but he shrugged dismissively. I smiled and tried to listen to the teacher's lecture on what would happen if we added potassium to water.
The main word in that last sentence being 'tried'. I could feel Jacob's eyes on me still and the way he made me feel from a simple look was incredible. My insides were fluttering out of control, like butterflies but all over, instead of just in my stomach. His gaze was like little soldiers on my skin, dancing across it and coaxing goose bumps to show.
I nearly jumped out of my seat when his low, deep voice whispered, "So...what are you doing tonight?"
I looked over to him and smiled. "I don't think that would be a good idea, Jacob."
"Call me Jake, please, and why not?" he asked, confused and disappointed.
"Have you not seen the six men I was with today?" I asked, rhetorically. He pursed his lips.
"Yeah I guess but they can't be that bad. I think I could take them." he told me, cockily and I raised my eyebrows at him, chuckling.
"Probably not." I challenged.
"What? You don't think I could?" he asked with mock hurt and offence. I chuckled again, nervously. I blushed as he caught me glancing at his half exposed bicep from under his tight, thin black t-shirt.
"Definitely...against any other man who wasn't one of my brothers." I added teasingly. He chuckled this time and it was alluring. I found myself leaning towards him. His breath caught before grinning as I did. I gulped hard and caught myself, pulling back from him.
"So then what do you say about coming out with me, tonight?" he asked, persistently. I sighed.
"No. I'm sorry. I can't." I told him. I felt the hurt before I saw it reflecting in his eyes. It broke my heart in pieces to see it there but there was nothing I could do about it. I would not risk Jacob's well-being because of some pull I was feeling towards him. It was too risky to get involved, and selfish. "Jacob...I really am sorry."
"Jake." he corrected, automatically.
"Jake...but it wouldn't work. I'm sorry." I apologised. Stupid brothers. I saw him nod in defeat.
We fell silent for a few minutes while the teacher made his rounds with the equipment and chemicals. Jacob tuned to me when he had passed.
"Friends?" he asked, hopefully. Why did he have to use those eyes on me? They made it so hard. I sighed. Damien's words echoed in my head without my permission, as if like a warning.
I told you to stay away from them, not become their damn friends!
"I'm sorry, Jacob." I whispered.
"Jake."
"I'm sorry, Jake." I repeated.
We didn't speak for the rest of the lesson and I could practically feel the hurt and sadness radiating off him. It was like I absorbed it, or felt it so raw deep within my chest. I felt so heart broken. Though on several occasions, I caught him gazing at me. Not that I needed to see him to know that; I'd be able to sense his eyes on me from miles and miles away. I could hear his erratic heart speed every time I caught him and could see the hand lying next to mine on the table twitch, as if he wanted desperately to hold my hand. I wouldn't have minded if he did.
No, Ness! Stop thinking like that! It'll just make it harder for yourself! I scolded myself.
When we actually got onto the practical, Seth and Nessie joined us to make a group of four, which I was grateful for because I didn't even want to imagine how awkward that would have been if it was just me and Jacob. Nessie filled most of the conversation and I found that I really did like Nessie. Seth was cheerful, if not a little shy. He seemed a perfect match for Nessie. Jacob stayed quiet for most of it.
The most endearing part of the lesson was when a particular over-reactive piece of potassium had exploded practically in my face and Jacob had pulled me away and shielded me from the explosion faster than I thought possible. He pressed me to his hard, broad chest whilst he turned his back to the flames and I had never felt so protected in my life. His heart beat was so strong under my ear as his large hand bolted my head to his chest. It was so fast but so peaceful.
After it was over, I had peered up at him and our eyes locked. Everything else fell away and...well...
if the bell hadn't had rung, I would have kissed Jacob Black right in the middle of our Chemistry class in front of everyone. Not to mention I would have broken one of Damien's rules of staying away from these guys. I didn't need that kind of drama. He wouldn't let me go when I'd initially pulled away, seeming reluctant to do so but he did eventually, knowing that it would be weird to keep holding me any longer than he had been.
When the teacher dismissed us, we both stood simultaneously. We were both silent once again. He packed up slowly, glancing at me after putting each item into his bag. He didn't say a word to me but as we exited, he tried again to get me to go out with him.
"You sure I can't tempt you? You'd have so much fun, trust me and I am a perfect gentleman, you won't have to worry about me getting fresh or laying any moves on you." he asked, sweetly. I blushed and he smiled, picking up my hand so that he could kiss it. "Come on, let me take you out to dinner and a movie, or we could do whatever you wanted. I don't mind."
"Jacob...I really don't think it's a a good idea. I like you, you're an amazing guy and I can tell you would treat me right but...my brothers..."
"Please...let me deal with your brothers. I really would like to get to know you, Ness. Can you please give me a chance to make you happy?" he asked as his eyes bored into mine. They were intense and smouldering and I couldn't bear to look away. His lips were so soft on my hand and his hands were gentle and caring as they held my arm and hand.
"No, she can't." Damien's deep voice growled beside us as his hand shot out and yanked mine from Jacob's hold, jarring my wrist slightly. I winced and Jacob growled, seeing it. Damien was oblivious to my discomfort to his hold and was glaring menacingly at the man in front of me. I cringed at his voice and his aggressiveness. This was exactly what I was trying to avoid. Jacob didn't even flinched as he held Damien's glare, returning it with one of his own.
"I believe that is her choice. Damien, is it?" Jacob retorted, shortly. Damien raised his eyebrows at him, acknowledging his challenge.
"And Nessa? What is your decision?" he asked me, angrily and sardonically. He's usually not this angry. I looked at him, seeing the authority in his eyes. I didn't want to irritate or upset my brother, especially not Damien but I wanted to go out with Jacob. The authority in his eyes changed to pleading and it was reflected throughout my brothers. I knew that they were scared for me and wanted to protect me but that didn't mean I had to like it. I sighed, turning back to Jacob.
"Jacob-"
"Jake."
"Sorry...Jake, I can't go with you. I really want to but I've already said it wouldn't work so...I'm sorry. I really am so sorry." I told him and he nodded, glancing angrily at my brothers before whispering goodbye once more and leaving towards his friends. I sighed again. I felt hands on my shoulders but I shrugged them off, simultaneously yanking my hand away from Damien's grip he still had on me.
"He's just a guy. You'll meet others." Steven told me, nonchalantly. I snorted, turning a glare on them all.
"Yeah...And then you'll chase them away again. You always DO!" I snapped, pushing past them all towards my next class. I heard them all sigh and follow after me without another word. When I reached my next class, I didn't even bother saying bye, I just went straight in without a backward glance. I was so pissed and yes, I was giving them the silent treatment. So what.
The desks in the art classroom were massive and the teacher never allowed two people at the same desk unless it was a group project we were working on. All solo work had to be done on our own. They were set out one behind each other in two columns. Paul was in my class and had been assigned to the desk that was next to mine across the isle.
He was great to talk to throughout the lesson and was actually a funny guy. Angry, but funny and quite nice when you got to know him. He was also very good at art. His work was breathtaking, especially his sketches. The lesson had actually been a freestyle lesson where we could do whatever we wanted, be that painting, sketching, sculpting or whatever with what ever we felt like using.
It seemed that Paul's weapon of choice was charcoal or chalk.
I noticed he had been glancing at me every so often, sometimes even blatantly staring at me across the isle. I wondered what he was doing but was completely surprised when he approached my desk at the end of the lesson and slid a charcoal sketch across the table. It landed over my pastel drawing and I gasped when I saw the subject.
My eyes met his in surprise and he was smirking. He shrugged nonchalantly and left the classroom without another word or even barely giving me chance to say thank you. I had to shout it after him as he retreated and he raised his hand slightly in acknowledgement just before he disappeared.
I looked back down at the sketch and couldn't help but smile at myself. He had drawn me hunched elegantly over my own work across the isle, my hair draped half across my face. You could just see the slither of a smile on my face whilst I drew. It was breathtaking.
I rolled it up carefully and requested a small tube case from the teacher to store it in. She gave me one gladly after seeing the sketch and asked if she could scan and copy it so that she could grade it. The mark would be high and would go towards his final grade despite the fact that Paul hadn't done the piece for his portfolio.
I left the room five minutes late but I had a smile on my face. My brothers were waiting impatiently outside and all straightened up when I emerged.
"What the hell took you so long?" Steven growled, irritated. I scowled at him and pushed past him. He sighed.
"Mind your own business, you Jerk. Let's just go." I growled, storming down the hall. The tube was hooked on my shoulder by a small strap and I gasped when I felt it being tugged away from me. "Hey, give me that back!"
"What's this? Did you draw something?" Caleb asked, meaning to be teasing but he was far from making me laugh. I scowled at him as he unscrewed the top and pulled the paper out. Damien glanced at it over his shoulder and seemed quite shocked.
"How the hell did you draw yourself from the outsi- Wait...Who the fuck was drawing you? Was it that fucker Jacob? Was he in your class again?!" He shouted, angrily. My cheeks blushed as people turned and stared, including my art teacher from within her classroom.
"Damien, shut up. No, Jacob wasn't in my class."
"Then who the fuck drew this?"
"Just a friend I was sitting next to."
"Wait, it smells...it smells weird. Hey, like those Quileute guys. Are you sure it wasn't Jacob?" Steven asked, accusingly. I glared.
"He wasn't in my class...It was one of his friends. Paul Lahote." I admitted, unable to lie to them any more. They would have never let up if I hadn't told them the truth.
Damien growled and I gasped, managing to grab the sketch out of Caleb's hands before Damien had a chance to get his own on it. He scowled at me as I rolled it up quickly and then snatched the tube and its lid from Caleb so I could stow it back into safety.
"The little stalker fucker. He had no right drawing you like that. Did you know he was drawing you?" Ryan asked, growling. I shook my head but was about to defend Paul when he cut me off. "He's a dead man. The fucking, prick will not draw my sister and get away with it. The fucking pervert."
"Calm the fuck down, Ryan. All of you. T's just a picture and I thought it was a sweet gesture. It didn't harm me and he gave me it so it wasn't for his own use. Chill out and let's go already." I shouted.
They all growled at me for using the tone I just had and I flinched back as if I had been slapped. My jaw dropped in shock and I felt tears sting my eyes instantly. They immediately knew that they had been in the wrong and rushed to apologise, saying that they had lost control for a single moment. The sadness and hurt gave way to anger and I glared at them all, pushing past them to storm down the hallway towards the cafeteria.
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