Do Not Own Characters

Chapter 1: Crossfire

Jacob

I hated seeing him like that and he wasn't even my father. Charlie's eyes were downcast as me and my dad sat uncomfortably in his living room. I hated this. Why would she leave so suddenly? Forks wasn't that bad and the last I heard Arizona wasn't all the rage either. I scowled, but kept it well hidden from my father, not that he was paying attention.

"I can see how it can be a bit of a change," My father said gruffly, patting Charlie's leg reassuringly. Good luck cheering him up, pal. "Give her some time, she just may not have been ready."

"Sure." Charlie grumbled back, obviously not paying attention to a word my dad said.

My dad let out a heavy sigh, "What do you want us to do with the truck?"

Charlie mimicked his actions and shook his head as if he was thinking, "Jacob can keep it."

two months later

I knew I wasn't supposed to be out now, but all that talk about staying in made me a bit itchy. My dad was preoccupied. By what, I didn't have the slightest idea, but he stressed that me being outside was a danger. I'd be fine. The fresh air was needed. I had worked on the truck a bit, even using some money I saved to buy some paint for it. It was becoming a work of art, but inhaling paint and oil all day wasn't healthy. I'm sure there were consequences for it like mono or something. Whatever.

The air was thick and heavy. It felt like it was going to rain, or maybe it already did. I wouldn't know, I wasn't exactly outdoorsy the past few days. It was about time I see some trees again and maybe the ocean. I actually missed it. I sighed, walking aimlessly around, hearing what seemed to be a wolf howl in the distance. I guess it was a perfect night. Well, it could have been if it wasn't for the sudden flash across my face. I didn't know what it was at first. It took me awhile to register actually.

"So young.." it was like a whisper. My head jerked every which-a-way, hoping I could catch sight of who just said that.

"Agh!" I yelled out, falling flat on my ass. Something big just hit me. Something solid and cold. I couldn't make out what it was until I was able to sit up. She stared at me, beautiful and snowy in the moonlight. She cocked her head in what seemed like curiosity, her fiery hair falling into her face. If it wasn't for the glowing red of her eyes, I would have labeled her cute and harmless like a kitten, but the small hungry snarl that I heard emanate from her throat gave me a very vivid scared shitless image of a ferocious and very hungry lion.

"Oh, I am so fucked." my voice shook. She only smiled as she stalked closer, "Wait, wait!" I held up my hands. She stopped only in amusement, an evil sneer on her face.

"Look, I don't have much," I looked at her hoping for something to come to mind that I can offer. Aha, she had no shoes, "but my sister left a massive collection of sneakers and heels. Anything you like!" I offered. Just please don't rape me! I thought in my panicked state. A growl came from her lips letting me know my plan fell as flat on its ass as I did. Great. This is not something I wanted to explain to Quil and Embry tomorrow. But, I wasn't going down without a fight.

"Okay," I inhaled bravely, "Let's do this." I got up on my feet and held up my fists. I was surprised to see her laugh. It was high and sweet like a young innocent girl's. But before she could answer my thoughts as to why I was suddenly as funny as a comedy sketch artist, she was growling again. But not at me. Her head was turned towards the thick gathering of trees. I couldn't see what she was snarky at, well not until two men were suddenly standing there. Both just as pale and she was, both as beautiful. The bigger, buffer one had a very confidant smirk on his face, like he was being challenged to a game he won Olympic gold medals in. The other looked more serious, his eyes were focused on me. I shuddered violently. God, it was like he was reading me...hard. He finally ripped his eyes from me, and refocused on the woman.

"You can back away now," He spoke, "We don't want confrontation."

"Speak for yourself." His partner's smirk had now extended into a grin. He looked happy. What kind of sadist was he? He looked at the smaller one who nodded shortly then looked back at me. What was going on? I could feel the growl growing louder from the girl.

"What...?" I started, but was knocked to my side, a sudden gust of wind pushed out of me. He was laying on me. Pinning me to the ground, protecting me, I realized. I looked up to see his partner, that big intimidating one, clash with the woman. They were nothing but a blur to my eyes. These suckers moved with incredible speed...It was then that I put it all together. Pale, growly, fast, cold and strong. You know, no one likes realizing the truth of legends when they are in a life threatening situation. He pressed harder against me as they came closer.

"Agh, get off!" I fought, realizing what was touching me. It was no use letting him protect me when he was going to eat me in the end. Fighting over food, how primal, I thought. His weight lessened as he stared at me, a look of shock on his face. I couldn't help but stare back. His eyes reminded me very much of honey. I suddenly wanted food.

Don't look at me, it is making me hungry, I thought, avoiding eye contact. I was surprised to hear him chuckle. I bit my lips, placing my hands between me and him, trying to push. He moved, but not in response to my desire. It was the girl, she had knocked the bigger one down and was heading in our direction, her eyes burning into mine.

"Emmett!" My cold protector yelled at the buff one.

"Yeah, yeah!" Emmett growled, "She is good at feigning, I'll tell you that." He got up and dusted himself off, ready to pounce again, but the one protecting me was already on his feet.

"Emmett, if he's hurt-" He said impatiently, eyes on the girl.

"I know!" Emmett yelled impatiently, "We wouldn't want that, now would we?" He snorted, watching the woman as well. She was stuck in between both of them. Her eyes momentarily filled with fear, but anger clouded it. Before I could warn them, she dived my way, but was intercepted by the cold one in front of me. The force of her dive had both of them flying in my direction. I held up my hands to protect myself, but immediately felt the pressure of two cold bodies on me. I heard a painful crack and soon I was out.

Edward

"No!" Alice's voice was bold and demanding, but I just wouldn't...couldn't oblige.

"I'm sorry." I mumbled.

"You can't." She stomped her foot, admitting to me that she was once again helpless in my choices.

"I have to."

"Me and the rest could-" Alice started.

"It is only one vampire, Alice." I snapped. I couldn't help it.

"Edward, if you leave, if you go there, if you cross that boundary, we don't see you again!"

"You said I go there alone, right?" I started. She eyed me, knowing I was up to something.

"Yes." was all she replied with.

"Emmett," I said softly, but his head popped in my room before I could get the last syllable of his name out. I'm sure he was waiting for this.

"Yo!" He called back, grinning despite Alice's glaring eyes.

"Will you accompany me?" I asked, my eyes still on my sister. Hers widened, then as if she was realizing a joke, she cracked a small smile.

"You bet I will!" Emmett gave me the thumbs up.

"Very clever." Alice admitted, her nose wrinkled in thought, "Alright fine. We'll stay to meet the other two. With Emmett you'll be fine. Oh, and Edward...?" She gripped my arms in hers and gave me pleading eyes.

Stay close to him, please.

"I will." I promised, before tenderly kissing her forehead.

"She's smart." Emmett licked his lips in excitement.

"That, she is." I agreed, following the trail of the scent left behind. We weren't too far from her now, but she was known to throw a few curveballs.

"Hear anything yet?" Emmett asked impatiently.

"She has stopped since we last caught sight of her." I sighed, "I think she knows."

"Bummer." My brother grumbled next to me. I felt my ears perk up at an unsuspecting voice.

Just please don't rape me.

There was definitely fear there. "We got her!" I said, nudging Emmett. He grinned and followed me as I ran towards her and a new scent. It didn't take us long to find the two of them. He was young, scared but he stood ready to fight. His long, flowing hair and flawless reddish brown skin made my mind whirl. This was not good. We crossed it. We were breaking the treaty. We need to avoid casualties.

Uh oh

Emmett was putting the pieces together too. I looked at her, she was blocking her thoughts. Very wise. She must have caught on earlier that day at the clearing where they interrupted our game. She did eye me oddly as I answered every question she thought of. Her and the other one both knew, and they were making a game of it. Not listening to Carlisle's request. And they knew I knew. Very wise, and yet so foolish.

"You can back away now," I said calmly, "We don't want confrontation." It was then she opened the blockade from her thoughts.

You want his blood as much as I do.

I ignored her.

"Speak for yourself." Emmett's voice laughed at my request. I could feel him get low next to me, ready to attack.

I will kill him.

Emmett heard my sigh. One of surrender. Fine, we'll do it her way.

Shall I?

I nodded. Emmett was quick, as was I. Grabbing the young boy around the waist, I pulled him with me, out of sight, pinning him so he wouldn't run into danger. His pulse was quick. He must have been beyond horrified. A rush of guilt swept over me. This was not his fight, yet he was caught in crossfire. I could see her fighting her way closer. I pulled myself to the warmer body, covering any opportunity for her to strike. I got an entertaining reaction from the young boy as he fought and shouted for me to move. I couldn't. I didn't want to.

Fighting over food, how primal.

He scoffed under me. I moved myself over him, looking into his eyes. He wasn't...? He couldn't be. He smelled human. But how did he know...? He stared back at me, his irritated expression, softening just a bit before being replaced by a scowl.

Don't look at me, it is making me hungry.

I was taken aback. A small laugh erupted from my throat unwillingly. His expression as he thought it...I almost forgot about the fight next to me.

that boy is mines now

Damnit, Emmett for being to reckless! I got up, my back to the young boy. She was to leave not a scar on his body. I was to make sure of that. After exchanging a few words with my brother about his tactlessness, my eyes rested on hers. She knew she was cornered, but her stubborn ways wouldn't make her give in.

Try to stop me and I'll kill you.

I felt a low rumble in my throat. Then I'll give my life to protect him, I thought back. I dived just as she did. With skill I caught her, but her momentum had us both flying. I did my best to turn us in mid air, but I could feel myself crashing into the fragile body. A roar came out of me. One I did not anticipate. I threw her across the clearing, her body hit the trunk of a tree with a satisfied thud. Emmett did not hesitate, his fingers clutched her head and pulled. I didn't need to see the rest. I turned, running to the limp body.

"Please be alive," I pleaded, "please." I could hear it. A faint pulse. I was careful to lift him in my arms. His warm skin burned against mine. I stared him down, looking for a bruise, anything. I lifted his shirt gingerly as to not hurt him. I felt myself gasp. I knew it was a broken rib. My body began shaking with rage. A satisfying scream behind me was enough to ease my hunger for justice for now. The other two were going to meet the same end.

"Is he okay?" Emmett's voice was low and angry as if he was faced with a tie in a match. I felt the same. We defeated who we needed to defeat, but at the expense of someone innocent.

"I think a broken rib." I replied in the same low tone.

"Should we take him back with us?"

"Yeah, I will." I said after awhile of thinking. I really had no choice. "Wait here and I'll send back Jasper. You will need to burn the body."

"Alright." Emmett nodded. He eyed me suspiciously and opened his mouth as if to say something more, but shut it quickly and turned away.

Just hurry up, man.

I could feel my throat tightening, a human feeling I could never forget. A feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and the urge to cry. Cradling the body to me like I child, I sprinted back home.