A/N: Thank you to my beta ant1gon3 who helps so much and give me inspiration and helps more than she knows.
To all my reviewers thank you :) Also for those who have alerted and favourited.
Chapter 4
Jasper's POV
Fear was an overwhelming emotion that anyone could have. But even though I had felt it thousands of times over the years, it was wrong to feel it coming from the boy before me. I watched as he looked longingly over the river wanting to chase after Jacob. I went and placed my hand on his shoulder for comfort when he suddenly turned and put his head on my chest and sobbed. Stunned by the contact that I had not felt since my human days, it took me by surprise. I soon put my arms around his small frame and gently as possible hugged him to me. Slowly, Seth started to calm down and his sobs became soft sniffs. I stood still until he finally made to push back not showing his face until he had wiped his face clear of tears.
"Sorry about that. I um, well, um," Seth said rubbing the back of his neck, a soft blush covering his face.
"Seth why are you here? Why were you banished?" I asked.
Seth sighed saying it was a long story. He picked up his basket and started walking away. I stood there staring at his back until confusion ran through him. He put the basket down and fell to his knees, again fear running through him. The boy was a bundle of fear, sadness, and something else I couldn't pinpoint. I sent him a wave of calm, something that I had not intended to do to the little one. It was something I had hoped I would not have to use in his presence. Once again he settled and he stood turning to me.
"I need to find shelter like Jacob said," he picked up his basket and wandered through the forest.
I followed and when his arms started getting tired I took the basket off him and carried it for him. Seth was scanning the area looking for somewhere suitable to sleep. I took the lead and Seth followed like a lost puppy. I started climbing the rocky ridge with Seth right on my heels. He was small and agile and found it easy to climb. I pointed to a ridge and Seth went up front taking the lead. He turned and smiled. He found a cave that would be suitable for him. We passed a few on our climb but he found something wrong with each one. This one however, was not too big but, comfortable and more importantly dry and would protect him from the wind and rain.
Without talking, we made the cave comfortable as possible. He had food to last him a few days and set the fire close to the entrance. Just as night descended the skies opened and it began to rain. Seth stood at the entrance watching as the lightning lit the night sky. The booming of the thunder seemed to echo around the mountain. Seth seemed calm with the sounds and sights as though it was comforting. He turned to me with a sad smile. Tears once again falling yet, his emotions were not sad but, peaceful.
"Thank you Jasper. I don't know if I would've made it up here without your help. I am not like the others in the tribe. I am not the warrior or hunter but destined to be a gatherer," he said coming further inside and loading up the fire before settling down.
"Seth there is nothing wrong with being a gatherer. You're a good man and that is what matters," I said kindly.
"I should rest," he said finally pulling his eyes away from the fire.
It was time for me to leave and stood up and moved to the cave entrance. Seth made himself comfortable on the ground. I was waiting for his emotions to turn to fear but he was content and ready for sleep. With a last wave, I headed down the ridge but didn't go further. I felt the need to protect him from any dangers that could be around. Leaning against the ridge to keep the rain from me, I watched the lightning light the sky. It was a truly beautiful area of the country. I heard something coming towards me and sniffed the air. I was surprised to see a very wet Seth coming down the slippery slope. I raced towards him so he wouldn't come any further.
"Little one what are you doing out?" I asked.
"Why are you leaving? I thought we could share the cave unless you have a better place," he said his small frame shivering.
"I didn't want to disturb you but I would welcome the shelter thank you," I said feeling my face stretching into a smile.
Together we walked back up to the cave me watching Seth again climb as though he did it every day. His sure footing never slipping on the slippery rocks. Once we were inside the cave, Seth loaded up the fire and grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around himself. Without a word he laid down and closed his eyes. I stood immobile and watch him sleep. He had a outer beauty that matched his inner beauty. Whoever he ended up with would be a very lucky women. He was a good man I felt an ache in my chest and turned away and focused on keeping the fire going so he wouldn't get cold as he slept.
The following morning he woke with the same smile on his face that he wore all the time. His stomach growled he went out and picked up the basket that caught the rain water overnight and washed his face. Watching him do his daily routine was fascinating to me having no need to do the routines anymore. As a vampire, I never got the urge to do much other than a wash in the river every now and again to get rid of grime that stuck in the hair. Our skin never got dirty and we didn't smell of anything but what our victims wanted us to smell like. Bodily functions were not something we needed either. Seth however, did. He moved away and I began to follow him until he started feeling embarrassed. I pretended to go further down to collect more firewood. I started gathering wood when I came to a meadow which was lush with flowers and berries. I decided I would gather some berries tomorrow so he would have some food. Also, I would help him hunt for meat.
"Jasper how's Seth?" a voice said behind me.
I was so deep in my thoughts I hadn't noticed the alpha wolf come up from behind. I was shocked I hadn't picked up his scent. He walked so quietly though, I was not surprised I did not hearing him. But, he could've killed me in an instant. I had to be more vigilant now that I was so close to a creature who could kill me in a heartbeat. He towered over me and although he was not acting threatening in any way, I could feel the power in his stance alone. He however, was not in anyway wanting to harm me. He was not completely relaxed though but, I had a feeling it was more because of Seth.
"He is well Jacob, but why don't you go ask him yourself?" I asked picking up some branches from the ground.
Jacob stood there and chewed his lip yet, I frowned. His emotion had not changed but by the look of him, he was worried about something. He rubbed his hand behind his neck just like Seth had done the day before. He looked at me and gestured me to sit down on a broken log. Dropping my load of wood, I sat expecting Jacob to do the same. However, he began to pace back and forth in front of me. Periodically he would stop look at me then open his mouth again only to turn and start pacing. I considered myself a patient man but Jacob didn't seem to be getting closer to what he wanted to say.
"Sir, if you don't sit down you will walk your way through to China," I chuckled.
Jacob looked at me more confused than before. "China?" he asked.
Another time I would gladly tell him about China and all the wonders of the world that I had learned over the years in school. However, I had a feeling that we had more important things he needed to discuss. It was my turn to make him sit. He didn't sit close but near enough that we could talk in normal voices.
"Have you ever heard of something called imprinting?" he asked. I nodded he seemed to relax at that and let out a breathe.
"Have you imprinted Jacob?" I asked.
He shook his head and went to stand but stopped himself and sat down again. "I believe my imprint is close. I have been smelling the most amazing scent and I am always drawn to it. However, when I get to the scent there is no female eligible to become my mate. I only see a young boy in the distance, another gatherer like Seth but he is not my imprint. I was thinking that it is perhaps his sister but she is never around," he said blushing.
If Jacob didn't smell so like a wet dog I would have attacked and killed him. The thought of his warm blood going down my throat made me groan. Jacob's eyes snapped up and he went on alert. I raised my hands in peace however, he didn't relax. I stood and offered that he come with me to hunt. Jacob smiled and got up stripping in front of me tying his breechcloth to his leg and phased. I wanted to feel his fur yet thought better of it when he bared his teeth. However, he was happy to be in his wolf form and he was actually trying to smile. I took off in the opposite direction from where the little one was so I would not be tempted to drink from him. Jacob raced ahead of me. So picking up the speed I overtook him. We were racing and I was impressed at how well such a big creature could move with no sound or hitting anything. I could smell a herd of deer and began to slow so I could take stock of the situation. Jacob stopped and crouched moving around the otherside of the herd.
He was in hunting mode and was excited about a kill. I moved closer wanting to get the large stag and went in for the kill only to have Jacob make a move at the same time. Trying to avoid a collision, the deer managed to escape along with the rest of the herd. Jacob looked bashful and felt embarrassed at the error. I shrugged and chuckled. We would soon catch them up and again I took off, Jacob on my heels.
That was the first time I shared a meal with a wolf. Jacob ended up with the stag and ate like a wild animal. He had no human emotion that I could pick up but he seemed happy and content after. He stood with a rounded belly and his muzzle cover in blood which he licked with his big tongue. He then proceeded to dig a hole and bury the carcass of the stag. I had my fill and was wanting to get back and check on Seth. Jacob seemed to want to sleep with his belly full.
"Thank you for coming with me Jacob but I will take my leave and head back to Seth," I said.
Jacob ears perked up and he slowly trotted beside me as we headed to the cave where I left him. I collected the firewood I had planned to get all along. When I started climbing the rocks Jacob didn't hesitate and in wolf form ran ahead of me and met Seth who was sitting outside. Seth's heart rate accelerated as he ran to meet us. He wrapped his arms around Jacobs neck and blew in his ear. Jacob sank down and Seth quickly got on his back and they went past the cave up to the top. Dropping the wood at the cave mouth. I followed them up. Seth was talking a million miles an hour of what he had seen and done through the morning. Jacob sat there and closed his eyes and soon he was asleep Seth leaning on his stomach not noticing his friend had drifted off.
"Your eyes are different again they are more yellow like a leaf in the windy session," Seth said finally looking at me.
"I went hunting with Jacob," I smiled.
Seth sat up and looked between me and Jacob and nodded smiling. He was full of happiness from hearing that Jacob and I hunted together. But there was that underlying feeling that I couldn't pick up from him. Suddenly, I smelled another scent and Jacob must have as well. Another vampire was close. Jacob stood up making Seth tumble to the ground. He let out a howl that would've been heard far and wide. He felt fear and confusion not for himself but for the little one who was now picking himself up from the ground ready to complain.
"Jacob let me go and see what they want. I will keep them away from here and warn them to leave the area. If you stay with Seth to keep him safe just in case," I said.
Jacob huffed but agreed. Seth was grabbing hold of my sleeve asking me to explain. I didn't have time and told him to stay with Jacob and I would return soon. I raced down the rocks towards the scent. It was two scents and they were close but I couldn't see them. I looked up to see one flying through the trees. I climbed the tree as they were about to leap and stood in front of them. He was a newborn and, by the look of him, one who had been in many fights. He gave a hiss and went to attack but he was not trained and I had thrown him down to the ground before he knew what hit him. I jumped on top of him and pulled him up by his tatty shirt.
"Where is your friend?" I asked.
"Going to kill you," he spat.
His eyes gave away exactly where his mate was and without letting him go I turned and grabbed the girl by her arm. She foolishly tried to pull away and I heard the sound of cracking and knew I had ripped her arm partly off. Her scream echoed around the forest. The male knocked my feet from under me because of my lack of concentration. I was slack and couldn't believe that newborns had the upper hand on me. He went to lung at me however, I moved just in time with his hand hitting only the dirt beneath me. I flipped to my feet and crouched into defence mode.
"You need to leave this land if you wish to live," I said.
"We have come to find out if the rumors are true and if there are werewolves who think they can keep all humans safe," he smirked.
I saw the pack come behind the couple in front of me. They were good and knew what they were doing. They were down wind so their scent was not picked up by the two vampires. What almost gave them away was myself when I saw Jacob amongst the pack. I wanted to get to Seth to protect him. How could Jacob leave him unguarded? If there were two, there were, more than likely, would be more in the area. Vampires tended to travel in covens. The more there were, the safer it was for them all.
"You should heed my warning and leave the area," I said again.
"So the rumours are true, why are you here though?" the women asked.
The man lifted his head and his eyes turned black. I knew that look and that scent. He turned and started running the women following closely behind. But sadly, they ran straight toward the wolves. They were destroyed in a matter of minutes. I stood and watched in terror and fascination. One of the wolves looked at me and baring his teeth went to attack but suddenly buckled to the ground. Jacob phased and went to another wolf and removed a vessel from his neck. Half the pack left but I still had not moved as the rest of the pack picked up pieces of body parts and put them into a pile where Jacob opened the vessel. Fire flew out and landed on the pile instantly burning it. It was the only way to destroy a vampire. We could heal even if we were ripped apart. Once the fire was nothing but ashes, Jacob took the pouches and put some in them and handed them to his pack all putting them around their necks.
"Jasper shall we go see Seth? I imagine I have some explaining to do," he said smiling putting his own pouch on.
Nodding, I ran up the rocks and found the other half of the pack surrounding Seth who was watching the wolves circling him. The pack all got into defence mode as my scent hit them. However, they soon relaxed when Jacob trotted in front of me and they all sat down in a circle around Seth and Jacob. I wanted to go to Seth however. I didn't know if I would make it through the wolves. Seth however waved at me and came to me passing the wolf I recognized as Leah his sister. His body pressed against mine and he took in a deep breath. He hummed before pulling back. Jacob had put the remaining pouches to my hand before he phased and I handed them to Seth and explained that he should give them to the wolves that were with him. Confusion ran through him but did as I said. Once it was done all the wolves tilted their large heads and howled. Seth and I covered our ears from the sound.
One of the wolves was weary of me and I of him. He was pure black and was the biggest next to Jacob. Jacob gave a growl and the wolf huffed and took off down the rocks. One by one the pack started leaving some licking Seth as they did. All that remained was Jacob and Leah along with her wolf. I excused myself and left them to it.
Seth's POV
Jasper said he was going to get wood for the fire. I didn't know what he was doing out so long but I sat on the top and decided to speak to my spirit guide. I had gone against my elders and was fearful he would not be happy with me. I had never heard of anyone being banished before. I meditated and soon found my spirit guide who I had not seen for a while.
"Spirit forgive my selfishness for not honouring you. I have gone against my elders for something I feel strongly about," I said watching my spirit guide walk towards me through the mist.
"Ahhh so long my child. But you are forgiven. As for your banishment from the tribe there is a reason for everything. It will become clearer in time. Have faith in your belief. If you stay strong, your future is awaiting you. Love comes in many forms child accept them for what they are. Your wolf is waiting for you to be ready and she will be there to help guide you."
"Thank you spirit but forgive me, you made an error. You said she is waiting for me, Surely he is waiting for me to be ready. For which I am. I want to help protect my tribe."
"I never make a mistake child. You will see me soon and more will be explained. Listen to your alpha he is a good leader. When the time is right, you will visit me bringing him with you and we will talk again. As for now my child listen and learn."
I opened my eyes and felt more confused than before. Yet somehow, I felt more confident in my decision about listening to my heart not my head. I headed down to the cave and saw Jacob coming up in his wolf form. I raced down to greet him. Behind him was Jasper and my heart beat faster at the thought of him with my friend. It was nice to see them get on so well. Even though they were supposed to be sworn enemies, I had faith that they would become firm friends. I laid down on Jacob as Jasper told me about him and Jacob hunting. I wanted to stare at Jasper's eyes and when I did I couldn't help but noticed how beautiful they were. I rubbed Jacob for reassurance. He would never judge me he has already proven that. But how was he going to accept my wolf who I only just learned was a female.
Next second I was flat on my back as Jacob stood and howled. Jasper talked so quickly before taking off that I didn't know what was happening. I looked at Jacob who was pacing his ears twitching back and forth his eyes darting around. He never let his body leave mine. I wanted to know what was happening but of course I couldn't get anything out of him. However, I knew he was worried and I stood still keeping my hand on his wolf.
Jacob stopped pacing and he looked towards the edge where I saw Leah and Embry come towards us. Jacob turned me to me and gave my face a lick and took off. I asked Leah to shift but she shook her head and like Embry circled me making me dizzy. A few times they stopped and lifted their heads up. I decided to sit down and wait because it was obvious that I was not going to be told anything. I picked up the small stones and ran them through my fingers.
"Leah are you a girl wolf?" I asked.
Leah and Embry finally stopped and looked at me. Leah bared her teeth and growled at me. Okay, I could've asked that a bit better. I tried to look under her to see what she had but she tucked her tail in so I saw nothing. Embry gave a barky chuckle until Leah gave him a nip of his tail. He gave a yelp but I knew he was fine as he gave me a wink before turning his attention back to his, whatever he was doing. I got up and started walking around but kept within the circle. Howls from below made me relax. It sounded like a victory but a victory of what. Suddenly, Leah and Embry seemed to tense even more and came closer to me. Maybe I was wrong. I wanted to find Jasper to make sure he was okay. Jacob was strong and he would be fine.
More wolves came up the ridge and they all began to circle me. I didn't know who was who. Of course I knew Embry and Leah but the others I had no idea who they were. Then I looked into one of their eyes and started laughing. It was Paul and I would've hugged him if I could but just patted him as he past. We waited even longer yet the wolves never stopped their circling. Someone had some serious explaining to do. Finally, they began to relax just as Jacob came over the top and trotted towards me. I gave him a hug, happy to see him. And there he was standing further back looking uncomfortable. I gave a wave and went to him hugging him and taking in his smell. I hummed forgetting where I was. I pulled back holding the blush. I was happy he was safe that was all.
"Little one you need to give these to the wolves that were here with you," he said handing me the pouches.
I placed one on each one. They all seemed proud of wearing them and I felt pride for them even though I didn't understand what was in them. One by one the wolves began to leave. Jasper left and only Jacob, Leah, and Embry were left. I turned and watched Jasper leave and felt strong arms wrap around me and I knew they were those of my sister. I turned and hugged her as hard as I could. I missed her so much. I wouldn't cry I had to show her I was strong and could look after myself.
"I miss you so much are you eating, have you got good shelter are you looking after yourself? she asked.
"Leah really?" I chuckled.
"Well I worry about you. You should be home with your family not out here," she said waving her arms around.
Embry came up and pulled her away and hugged her whispering in her ear as she leaned into him. They seem so close both of them seeming to read the other. Jacob came and pulled me into his famous hug. I happily hugged him back. Like Jasper, he was solid yet he was warmer but just as welcoming.
"What is in this?" I asked pulling back and holding the pouch that was around his neck.
"Ashes of cold ones," he said.
I dropped it as though it burned my hand. Jacob proceeded to tell me what had happened. I couldn't believe that he, along with others, killed men. Yet, that was their duty, they were evil people. Not like Jasper not like him at all. I knew he was a good man.
I leaned on Jacob and whispered softly. "Don't hurt Jasper."
"Never Jasper pup. I promise as long as he doesn't hurt a human," he whispered back.
Jacob just hugged me and told me he would return soon. In the meantime, the pack would be patrolling and I would see them around. With a hug from Leah and Embry, the three walked me down to the cave where Jasper was sitting by the fire stoking it. I could smell the aroma of fish cooking and licked my lips. I had not eaten anything but berries earlier that day. Jasper gave a nod to the others as they said their goodbyes. We watched them walk down the hill until they were out of sight. Jasper handed me a bowl which I proceeded to eat as quickly as possible.
That night I began to feel sick. My body began to ache and I couldn't stop coughing. I would drift in and out of sleep sweat pouring off me. It felt like a fish hooks had pierced my skin and someone was pulling them. I remember calling out for my spirit to take me away from the pain. I remember seeing a white spirit standing before me and begged him to take me away as my spirit guide was telling me to stay strong. But I was not strong, I was just a gatherer. The spirit picked me up and cradled me in his arms.
"Sleep little one," the spirit said.
When I woke in the morning I felt normal. Jasper was at the opening of the cave and turned when he heard me sit up. He came towards me bringing with him a bowl of water. My throat was dry and I gladly drank. He went back to get more water for me and I managed to get up. My ears seemed to pick up sounds of things I never heard before. I looked down at the ground and saw a spider scurrying acrossed it. I put my fingers in my ears and shook trying to get the sound to lessen. I heard people talking yet, no one would venture this close not as many as I could hear. I stood and ran to the opening and looked down I saw no one at all. Yet, I could hear children laughing.
"Jasper can you hear as clear as the wolves?" I asked.
He gave me a smile and nodded. So it was happening. I was finally becoming one of the protectors. I wondered when I would change. I closed my eyes and tried to shift but nothing happened. I felt disappointed, I had no idea how it worked. I felt normal and looked normal yet, I could hear so much better. I opened my eyes and looked back into the cave. Jasper was going through the basket as though looking for something. I went inside to see if he needed something in particular.
"Let's go find you some food you are completely out," he said.
I frowned I had hardly touched the food I had brought with us. I knew that Jasper wouldn't have eaten it I went to check the basket but stopped when I noticed a dish sitting by my bedding with remnants of food on it. It was not mine from my meal of yesterday. Jasper took my hand and pulled me up. I gave his hand a squeeze of thanks. No words passed between us as we made our way down. I would stop and look at things I had never noticed before. A bee buzzing was as clear as a bird chirping and the leaves crushed under my feet. I stopped a few times and watched Jasper moving. His foot fall so quiet it was hardly noticeable yet, it was there.
"Morning!" A deep voice said from behind us.
I just about jumped out of my skin. I had not heard anyone close yet, here stood Embry looking down at me smiling. I didn't know whether to hit him or hug him. He looked up and Jasper and gave a curt nod. He was not as comfortable around Jasper as Jacob was but I would make him. I liked Embry, he was a good man and would take good care of my sister. I just hoped he was prepared to have a stubborn women.
"May I join you?" he asked.
I turned and looked at Jasper who nodded and walked ahead of us giving me and Embry some privacy. Although, he would have to be a long way away not to hear what we were saying. We walked in silence for awhile Embry keeping an eye on Jasper. He stopped and turned me to face him.
"He hasn't tried to touch you in any way?" he asked.
"We have hugged, yeah. He is a good man I keep trying to tell you all," I huffed.
Embry shook his head and ruffled my hair up. "You are just too naive for your own good, Seth. But I guess he isn't bad even if he does stink," he chuckled.
Jasper did not stink. He smelled wonderful. Nothing was more perfect to me than the smell of Jasper. I never smelled anything like him before. It was unearthly almost. I slapped Embry's big arm away and continued walking. I was not naive I knew what things were. I knew where babies came from. I didn't know how they got there but, I knew that women carried the babies in their stomachs. I would ask Jacob, maybe he knows and would tell me. Maybe even Jasper, he was older than both of us.
"So Seth, you asked Leah a weird question the other day. Do you not know the difference between men and women?" Embry asked.
I stood there mouth agape. I knew the difference, I had seen women naked before. They didn't have what we did but, they had breasts so babies could drink their milk. I was not naive.
"I do know but wondered if she changed to a male in wolf form. The rest of you are male so I was just wondering," I fibbed.
"Leah is a female wolf Seth but it doesn't make her any weaker than any of the others in the pack. In fact, did you know that she was the fastest out of all of us?" he said proudly.
I shook my head but felt proud of Leah being fast. I hoped that it would keep her safe from the dangers that wolves had to face. We had been unconsciously following Jasper when we came to a meadow. There were flowers and many, many berry bushes around. Jasper stood in the middle of the meadow and spread his arms wide. He sparkled like sunlight shining through the mist of a waterfall.
"Wow," I whispered and started walking towards him. Embry tried to hold me back but I shook him off.
"So what do you think?" Jasper asked smiling down at me.
"Beautiful," I said reaching my hand out to touch him.
Jasper looked at me and then over at Embry who had not moved. Jasper felt the same. I thought he would maybe feel warmer but he was still cold to the touch. I took the basket from Jasper and began to pick the berries. I wouldn't take too many as there would be plenty to return for. Jasper had left my side and had gone to join Embry.
"I don't believe we have met sir. My name is Jasper Whitlock, at your service," he said tilting the hat he had on his head.
"Embry Call, protector of the lands and our people," he said his eyes looking over at me.
"Please, I mean no harm to humans. I have turned to animals so I can remain in the area," Jasper said. My heart swelled. He had no intention of leaving anytime soon.
"What are your intentions Whitlock?" Embry growled.
That was it. I put my basket down and stormed over to give Embry a piece of my mind. Why did no one want to give Jasper a chance? He had proven he would not hurt me or the tribe yet they didn't trust him. I felt anger build up in me and heat course through my body. By time I got to them it felt like I was on fire, my body trembling. Embry tried to reach out and touch me but I pulled back and stood by Jasper. I felt my body begin to cool and relax.
"Please leave, Embry. Jasper is my friend," I said folding my arms pulling myself up to my full height.
"Forgive me Seth, Jasper I will leave you to your gathering," Embry said turning without another word.
My knees trembled not from anger but, from fear I had just yelled at my sisters future husband. What would Leah do when she heard? I feared her more than life itself when she got mad. But no one will ever question Jasper and his intentions of being here by my side, as my friend and companion. I felt a cold hand on me and I turned to look at Jasper who gave a sad smile.
"Little one, he is your friend. Don't pick me over them. But come, lets pick you some berries and if you like, tomorrow we could hunt or maybe fish in the river for salmon," he said.
I shrugged and followed him and we spent time together talking about his life in the army. I wanted to ask how he became what he was but it didn't matter anymore. To me, he was just Jasper Whitlock, my friend. I decided to go for a wash in the river. Jasper turned away while I stripped down and sat at the side watching, preferring not to wash in the river. I guess he didn't need to as he still smelled nice. Maybe it was a white mans trick to smell good. I had not been around them long enough to notice. My hair was thick and would take a long time to dry. I had to use my fingers to get the knots out until we got back to the cave to use the comb. Jasper watched as I braided my hair as though he had never seen it done before.
When we got back to the cave I ate the berries and undid my hair to let it dry quicker by the fire. Finding the comb I began to run it through my hair until I felt a hand take the it from me. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the touch. I would often sit by the fire with Leah and we would both take turns combing each others hair.
"I used to do my sisters hair but, her's was not as long or as soft as your's," Jasper said as he continued.
"Jasper will you go back and see your family?" I asked.
Jasper put the comb down and sighed. "No, I am dead to them. I don't want them to see the monster I have become," he said turning his face away from me.
I pulled his face back to face me. "Jasper you are not a monster. You did not choose this life. They will love you know matter what. They would still call you son and brother," I said.
Jasper gave a sad smile and took my wrist in his hand leaning into it. "Little one, I wish everyone was as kind and pure as you. You are a good man and one day will make someone very happy. Now, get some rest. You have to teach me how to catch salmon tomorrow," he smiled pulling away.
That night I slept no better. I woke up, my ears ringing and my body felt like it was been pulled apart by horses. I felt the burn in my throat and found it, at times, hard to breathe. Yet again, the white spirit was there to hold me as the pain coursed through my body. Why was my spirit guide not taking me from this earth to stop the pain? Had this new spirit scared him away? No, he was a good spirit he wouldn't let anything hurt me or hurt anyone himself.
When the sun woke, I lay there with the pain finally leaving my body. But I was tired and wanted to sleep. I saw Jasper standing at the cave opening. He turned and gave a small smile. Today he seemed sad as though something was wrong. I made to sit up yet my head spun and I fell back down. Jasper was at my side in a blink of an eye. He sat me up and brought a vessel to my lips so I could quench my thirst.
"I should go find Jacob little one," he said.
I shook my head I was just tired and there would be nothing that Jacob could do except maybe try and convince the elders to allow me to go home. But I couldn't leave Jasper, he needed me to be here. I don't know what would happen to him if I was gone.
"Please don't leave me," I said my voice sounding different more husky. I looked down and saw my chest had gotten bigger. That must have been what was causing the pain. I struggled to sit up and pulled the blanket back. I had grown a lot in length. My father always said I would grow over night. I didn't think he meant it literally. I felt dizzy and leaned into Jasper. I had not realised how hot I was and his cold body cooled my burning skin. He gently laid me down and told me to rest, that he would not leave me unprotected. I closed my eyes and went into a dreamless sleep.
When I woke it was night and the stars were out. I smelled the delicious aroma of cooking food. I sat up and saw Jacob over the fire and couldn't help but smile. Had he known to come visit? Jasper told me he wouldn't leave and I could still smell his scent close by even though I couldn't see him.
"Finally decided to join me? Normally the host would cook," Jacob chuckled turning and smiling at me.
"I am sorry Jacob. I would've woken if I had known," I said feeling guilty.
"Come eat, Jasper went fishing and caught a very good salmon," he said showing my the cooked fish.
I jumped up and and went to sit beside Jacob only to notice I was wearing nothing. I quickly covered myself and looked for something to cover myself. How was I naked? I fell asleep wearing clothes yet, here I was, naked. As if Jacob knew what I was thinking he spoke.
"You where burning up and Jasper and I removed your clothes so we could keep you cool. Now don't yell Seth we have all seen it before," he chuckled.
"Not mine you haven't," I groaned.
"Well, we both have now. And believe it or not Seth you have nothing to be ashamed about," he said patting my back and handing me a bowl of food.
I was starving. I wolfed down the food as though my life depended on it. I finished before I seemed to have begun. I looked at Jacob who was eating just as fast. Yet, I was still hungry and went to grab more. I didn't want to share even if I should've offered my guest first. I wolfed down the food and happily accepted the fruit that Jacob offered me. Finally feeling full, I stood and took the bowl from Jacob and went to clean them. I tripped only to get caught by cold hands. I had never tripped over my own feet before and they didn't' seem to be connected to my legs. I looked down to see huge feet compared to the ones next to them which were in shoes. I looked up to see Jasper still holding me. I gave him a smile of thanks and struggled to pull myself away from his hold. He felt so good against my skin. I finally pulled away when Jacob coughed, blushing I went out to the water basket and washed the bowls.
"How are you feeling now?" Jacob asked when I returned and sat beside Jasper as close as I could without touching him.
"Like I am not me," I admitted.
"You're not far from shifting, Seth. I will stay with you until you change," Jacob said smiling.
"Really you went through this as well?" I asked
"We all find it different but basically we don't feel like ourselves while we are going through the change," he said.
I felt Jasper tense beside me and it was the first time I took a good look at him since I had woken. I saw scars and what looked like bite marks all over his arms neck and face. I went to touch them but he pulled back. I wanted to cry he must of suffered a lot of pain. Jasper jumped up and excused himself saying he needed to hunt. Without a backwards, glance he took off.
I watched as Jacob slept, his snores echoing around the cave keeping me awake. I was tired and just wanted to sleep. The longer he continued to snore the angrier I got. I was normally not one to get angry but I was ready to do harm to him if he didn't shut up. I got up and headed out and since it was a warm clear night I decided to go for a walk to cool down. Everything was as clear as though it was day. I kept to the track remembering my way back to the cave when suddenly Sam Uley stepped out in front of me.
"Well well well what have we here?" he asked taking hold of my arm.
"Sam, what are you doing out here?" I questioned trying to get my arm free from his grasp.
"I wanted to see if it was true and you were changing into one of us. You don't look any different but you smell like flowers now and the stench of a cold one," he growled pulling me closer sniffing my neck.
"Sam please, you're hurting me," I cried out as his fingers gripped me even harder.
However, Sam only pulled me closer so I was right against him. I could feel his body stiffen and he grinded it against me. I gave a whimper. I knew that I was in trouble when he let out a moan and pulled my head back and licked my neck. I tried to wriggle free but it only made him angrier. I gave a yelp when he pulled my breechcloth off me.
"Why you're just a little bitch and I will calm you," he said grabbing hold of my penis painfully.
"Please, what about Emily? She would be upset if she knew," I tried to reason with him.
Sam let me go and pushed me to the ground. "How dare you speak my beloved's name. I will keep you my little secret. Not even your alpha will want you in his pack. You will be only here for my beck and call," he said coming towards me.
I scrambled backwards as fast as I could. This wasn't the Sam I knew. Some evil spirit must have gotten into him. His eyes were black as the night sky, his mouth in a sneer. I managed to get to my feet only for him to kick them from under me. He flipped me around and hit me on the buttocks. I gave a yelp and began to whimper as he continued his assault. The burn of my overheated skin was becoming too much to take. But I was not going to take this from him.
"Please Sam, stop! I will behave!" I sobbed.
"Thats a good little bitch. Now get on your knees and ask for my forgiveness like only a little bitch can," he said.
I laid there on the ground trying to get my head around what was happening. It wasn't until Sam's foot connected with my side that I went from being scared to being angry. I had done nothing wrong. I felt myself tremble with anger and everything went black for a few seconds. When I opened my eyes I saw a muzzle in front of me. I had done it. I had shifted for the first time. I felt relief and joy until a black wolf came at me. I gave a yelp and jumped up stumbling.
"How dare you shift bitch! You don't belong in the pack. You're nothing but a weak gatherer but, since you are now in wolf and a bitch, I can mount you without shame," Sam's voice said in my head.
Next moment , Sam was trying to get on my back. I was so much smaller than he was and his front legs were heavy on my back. I sank to the ground a whimpered. This was not what was suppose to happen. I was supposed to be as big and strong as the rest yet, here I was being held down by my supposed brother.
"Get up bitch! You're not our brother, you're a bitch," Sam snarled.
I howled as his teeth bit into my ear. He moved back and I again got to my feet. This time he mounted me and I felt something wet pressing under my tail. His teeth bit into my neck making me unable to move.
"This is going to hurt a whole lot bitch but, take it like a man that you calm to be," Sam growled.
Um sorry it stopped there! I hope you enjoyed would love to hear your thoughts. All mistakes are my own.