Update over here! And as always thank to my reviewers; Lloryn, marlastiano, xXWinter-NightsXx, xSiriuslyPadfoot, Jet, my-last-username-was-immature, DxGRAYxMAN, In5pirit, Child of Dreams, Mere11, LittleLonerFairy, Linda Willows, inka363, and justaislinn.
I don't really know what the pairing for this story will be so it's all sort of up in the air and I can go anyway.
Disclaimer - I pity the fool who thinks I won this
I take everything nice I said about Shapeshifters back.
"Dick," I muttered under my breath because Sam fucking Uley was a gigantic - technically not roided - asshole.
While going to the grocery store - still avoiding the one in town that was infested with Cullen's - that was on the reserve I came across a rusting truck that was broken down on the side of the road.
I, for my good motherfucking deed of the day and because I was such a kind ass fucking samariten, had pulled over to help this ungrateful ass motherfucker.
Sam, well Sam immediately shared his feelings about me gracing him with my lovely presence.
"Fuck off." He snarled, pacing around outside his smoking truck.
"Well fuck you too," I said, leaning slightly out my jeeps window to keep an eye on him. "And here I was trying to be a good fucking person."
"I don't need this!" Sam suddenly roared. "First Lee, then my job, the leak in the fucking roof, and now my motherfucking truck! Fuck!" He shouted, lashing out and punching the nearest thing.
Much to my anger, the nearest thing was my jeep; leaving a huge plate size dent in it.
"You overgrown bitch!" I said, jumping out of my jeep and shoving him.
Now when I did this, I wasn't exactly expecting much. When I call someone gigantic - and skip over the word big - then you know that person is one huge ass motherfucker.
Sam must have been around 6'8'' and bulging with muscles to the point where he'd taken the phrase 'do you lift bro?' a little to far. He looked vaguely like Jacob, with his long shampoo commercial worthy hair. Though his face structure was a little different, more harsh and heavy set, with a square jaw and deeper set eyes.
We were both equally surprised when he went flying back from my shove, slamming into a tree. The bark cracking and wood groaning under the force.
"Oh god," I said, staring at his large body crumpled to the forest floor. I shifted slightly, one hand grabbing my jeep as I wobbled like a newborn deer; my balance thrown off from my shoes and socks being pushed away from my skin.
An impenetrable invisible force field was good and all when it wasn't fucking you over.
"Are you okay? I didn't mean to hit you so hard." I said, carefully taking one step forward towards him.
Sam let out a groan, his broad shoulders shifting as his large body slowly rose from the leaf covered grass. He was like some dazed moose, confused and out of it as he stumbled ungracefully to his feet.
And just like a bull moose, the moment his eyes landed on me he went into a rage.
With a wordless roar, he charged forward. Over two hundred pounds of muscle and testosterone bulldozing its way towards me.
I tried to run but like the universal joke I was, my tight shoes threw off my first step and sent me tumbling to the ground; flat on my back.
I barely had enough time to look up and see Sam full on leap into the air at me; arms outstretched and teeth bared like some wild animal.
My body was already propped up on my elbows so I tried to stop him with the only thing available.
My legs lashed out, kicking Sam in the chest.
It was like an explosion happened.
I didn't feel anything besides slight pressure as the shield hovering centimeters from my skin protected me. But Sam felt it, and it sent him flying as his whole body seemed to burst into ribbons; a furry mass erupting from it.
A wolf the size of a horse fell to the forest floor; skidding across the dirt. Leaves and twigs tangling into its thick black coat.
A low chuffing noise left wolf-Sam as the man - err wolf? - stumbled ungracefully onto his feet. His large head bobbed up and down; like he was drunk; his large paws wobbling and sliding under him, barely holding up his mass.
I sat up, to get a better look at the confused boheimeth. Was this his first shift?
Sam's wobbling suddenly stopped, his fur bristling, making him seem even bigger. His ears pinned back on his skull, jowls lifting to bare large, razor sharp, teeth at me as a growl rumbled in his throat.
Drool dripped down in long stands as Sam's eyes focused on me.
Right now, he really was nothing but a rabid beast.
With a bark - that sounded more like a beastly roar - he ran forward; charging at me once again. And, once again, we both learned something.
Transforming into a wolf didn't mean you knew how to run like a wolf; I was also pretty sure Sam was still unaware of his furry new problem.
With a yelp - that pulled at my dog-loving heart strings - Sam went tumbling to the ground; sliding towards me like some overgrown furry boulder of doom.
My hand came out defensively trying to stop him from running into me and crushing me beneath his now over four hundred pounds of doggy-furry.
My closed left hand hit his muzzle; making his whole body fly to the left. For the third time today he was sent flying from me and skidding across the dirt floor; even more dead plants and twigs covering him.
Dear god, I'd just accidently decked a horse size wolf in the face.
A low whimper left Sam's crumpled form. He may have been the size of a small car but still, anything that could make that noise made me turn into a babbling idiot.
"Oh no, are you okay?" I carefully pulled myself to my feet; taking a deep breath to pull back my shield so I could stand without wobbling.
"Oh, puppy," I started to coo, but stopped myself, because Sam was a human masquerading as a wolf, not an actual dog. "I mean, uhh, Sam, you alright...bro?"
A low whining noise left the furry mountain as Sam stumbled to his feet and tried to take a step forward. With a loud thump he collapsed to the floor; to uncoordinated to stay standing.
Gruff grumbles and chuffing noises left Sam as he rolled to lay on his stomach; assessing his situation for the first time.
I realized that while Sam was a complete dick for everything he'd done so far, he was also a jerk who was hopped up on supernatural wolf rage voodoo and maybe he wasn't completely at fault for his actions.
(Dude still should take an anger management class soon though.)
"Okay," I paused, almost saying his name out loud, "dude," I finished lamley. "Uh, let's all just take a chill pill and calm down."
A whimper left Sam as his paws scrambled in front of him; large claws digging furrows into the earth beneath him. His furry head finally looked down; muzzled pointed to the earth as his eyes finally saw evidence of his new look.
A yelp left him as he tried to sit up and get away from his new furry appadetiges. His massive body rearing back and almost straight up in the air before losing balance and falling onto his side.
Under him, his long limbs flailed, making him spin in circles along the forest floor as he spazzed out; loud yelps and whines leaving him.
"Okay, why don't we-"
"CRASH!"
"Just settle-"
"BAM!"
"-down-"
"BOOM!"
"HEY!" I shouted.
Sam froze, his limbs hanging in the air mid-kick. His large head turned, looking over at me upside down.
His one ear was turned inside out while his jowls where pulled down by gravity; showing the tiny teeth at the front of his jaw.
I had to stop myself from saying aww; and gushing over him like a spastic idiot.
"Now, as I was saying, let's all just calm down."
A small whine left him.
I took a step forward, feet flat and stable on the ground. One arm was held out in front of me like a shield.
Sam, maybe remembering being thrown to the ground multiple times; flinched away at the sight of my palm pointed towards him. And boy did it make me feel like some sort of monster when a wolf the size of a horse cowered away from me like I was going to hit him.
"Oh, no, no, no," I said, pulling my arm to my chest like I'd been burned. "I didn't mean to hit you like that, but you sort of had it coming too, dude." I added, hands coming to rest on my hips as I frowned at him. "You did try to full body tackle me when you got angry. You really need to see about getting some anger management classes."
A snarl left Sam as his lips curled up, tail going straight behind him as his ears pinned back aggressively.
"Hey, I'm not the one who goes full Wolf-Hulk mode whenever they rage out."
His drooped down as his tail suddenly tucked under him, a low scared whimper leaving him.
I can not deal with this dude, seriously. One wrong word and I feel like a monster who just kicked an overgrown puppy.
"And maybe that's why your still a wolf, you just need to calm down, bro." I quickly said, making my voice sound as soothing as possible.
"You just need to imagine something that calms you, or count your breathing." I coached.
Sam's doggy ear twitched, his head cocking to the side as he stared at me like I was the crazy one here; his furry ass had no room to judge.
"Considering you state I'd think anything was worth trying at this point." I added, crossing my eyes and giving him a look. Seriously, don't give me your judgy little looks you overgrown fur ball.
A huff left Sam before he closed his eyes and took a audible deep breath in and a loud sigh out. His large chest expanded and compressed.
I stood there in the grass for a few minutes, waiting for something, but nothing happened. He was a still statue, lying on the forest floor and breathing in and out like some wolf monk.
I shifted from foot to foot, moving the pressure back and forth before finally giving up and walking back over to my car; stopping to inspect the large dent in it now.
It really was the size of a dinner plate - around the size of Sam's large hands balled up into a fist - and around half an inch deep.
God dammit Sam.
I gently ran my fingers over it, tracing the raised edges - paint flaking off - staring at it mournfully.
With a human whimper of my own I pulled myself up into my jeep. How was I going to explain the dent to Charlie?
I leaned my head back against the top of my seat, a sigh puffing past my lips. I sat there for a few more minutes, humming along with the radio - having turned it on within a minute of being in the car.
I could have left by now, but it felt wrong just ditching Sam out here all alone.
I was halfway through playing the drums on my steering wheel along with the beat of Smoke on the Water, while mouthing the words, when there was an odd yelp that transformed into a deep yell halfway through.
I looked over at Sam, who was sitting buck naked on the ground. My eyes automatically wondered, seeing everything before I finally gained control of myself and looked away; my face warming up.
Was I blushing? I looked over at the mirror. Yup, definitely blushing, so bad I could give a tomato run for its money.
I don't know why I was surprised. I could see the tattered remains of Sam's clothes on the floor and I knew they'd rip right off his body when he shifted. But seeing the very muscular form of Sam naked was still a whole other thing then knowing it would happen.
I mean he was impressive in every way but still, I didn't need to see any of it.
Sam let out a noise of confusion, getting my attention as he started to stumble around a bit; dangly parts bouncing around and making me look away from him again.
He moved towards his car; which also happened to be in my direction. I reached over to my passenger seat and grabbed one of my oversized hoodies; throwing the wad of fabric at him.
The solid black cloth hit his chest; nearly falling to the floor before his bare muscular arms could catch it.
"Uh, look buddy," I said, leaning out the window and looking only at his head, and nothing below his chin level. Sam looked at me while he pulling my oversized hoodie past his head, but it got stuck at his shoulders.
Apparently it was more undersized then over for him.
"I can see you're going through some stuff." I continued, watching as Sam stared at me while he tied my hoodie around his waist like some sort of half skirt - no doubt more drafty and less covering then even a doctors gown.
I considered looking away and breaking eye contact but didn't wolves see that as a sign of submission? Did Sam have the same wolfy mindset? Because I didn't want a half naked man thinking he could boss me around.
"And," I said slowly, drawing out each letter, "I'm just going to leave you to sort through all of it." The starting roar of my jeeps engine punctuated the end of my sentence.
"Wait," he said, taking a step forward.
"I hope you have a good day dude." I said, reversing away. "And try to get a stress ball or something!" I yelled as I drove past, leaving him shrinking in my rearview mirror.
I guess shopping was canceled tonight; it was cup of noodles for me again.
Dammit, shopping on the reserve was supposed to stop my self imposed food crisis.
I pulled into the parking lot, completely resigned.
I'd had to choose between which I wanted to risk facing - wolfy Sam or sparkly Cullen's - when I got my groceries. Considering the fact that Sam knew for a fact that I knew, and the Cullen's didn't know that I knew, I decided to settle for the supernatural creatures that didn't know I was savvy yet... savvy?
Unfortunately, they were already testing my patience right out of the gate. It honestly wasn't hard spotting the shiny Valvo sitting in the Super Markets parking lot; surrounded by rusty and well used cars and trucks.
I considered just driving away right there; but the knowledge that only a bag of frozen peas and a can of off-brand soup where waiting at home for me stopped me. I really needed to eat something that wasn't full of enough preservatives, it could survive a nuclear fallout.
With a groan that was filled with all the frustration and pain my life had become, I jumped out of my jeep and fell the few feet to the floor.
Each stride up to the convenience store was more of a stomp then a step, and angry grumbles dripped off my lips like the poisonous venom those glittery vampires where full of.
I entered the store and forced on a pleasant, but distant, face, hoping to discourage people from talking to me but not seem like a complete ass. I wasn't going to be known as a grumpy gus because these vampires didn't know when to fuck off.
You know what, maybe they weren't here because of me, maybe they were just getting food for their fake dinners. They must waste so much.
I guided the metal cart in my hands; moving it along the aisle as I slowly filled my cart full of nummies. Just the thought of going home and eating them made me absurdly giddy.
Images of chicken nuggets and apples dancing through my head were interrupted by a loud metal bang as my cart collide with another cart.
"Oh, sorry," I said, looking up and meeting Edward Cullen's eyes.
Goddammit.
He was looking just as perfect, chiseled, and good looking as ever; really how did this man pass as a teen?
"No, I should have been paying attention." He demurred, tipping his head and giving me a smile like a true gentleman. "Sorry."
"It's fine," I muttered, giving him a faint smile before walking past.
Just keep walking forward and avoid eye contact.
"Hi!" A chipper voice said, Alice sliding in beside me like a gnat disguised as a happy fairy.
"Hellooo," I drawled, dragging out the 'o' as I looked away from her and grabbed a box of rice.
"I've never seen you here before." She said, her large tawny eyes watching each movement of mine with a rapt fascination that was very unnerving.
Idly I noticed that Alice and I - up close - were almost the same height; with her only being a few inches taller.
"I'm visiting for the summer." I replied; hearing Edward's cart rattle along behind me.
"Just the summer?" She chirped back.
"Maybe longer," I relented; the option didn't seem so bad with each day that passed. I'd already had my run in with the local shifter's and vamps I couldn't really do much worse now.
Alice let out a thoughtful hum, "Interesting," she muttered. Her face suddenly changed, turning cheerful and eager again. "Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. Name's Alice!" She said, holding out a hand.
Really, wasn't there some phobie these guys had about touching humans?
Resigned, I reached forward and shook her hands. "Hannah."
"And you've met my brother Edward." She said as Edward pushed his cart up to move along beside mine.
"Hannah," he said, a polite smile still plastered to his face.
"Edward," I drlly replied.
"How are you today?" He asked.
"Could be better," I said; trying not to look at him so he wouldn't know exactly what about my day wasn't so great.
"Well I'm great," Alice said, jumping into the conversation; putting her head right in front of Edward's and blocking him from view.
Edward's unfailing smile twitched down into a frown as his large hand came out and landed on Alice's head, pushing her out of the way. They both shot each other looks and I have to admit; they really did look like two siblings pissed off and fighting over something.
Both siblings kept in step with me as they had their little fued. Edward holding onto Alice's head as he tried to shove her out of the way and Alice grabbing hold of his wrist and head butting his palm as she angrly glared at him and pushed against him.
Seeing them fight over something like real siblings was actually a little calming; maybe that was the point of their little fight though.
They could just be trying to lull little human me into a state of calm.
They stopped after a few seconds; Alice shoving Edward's hand away with a huff.
"So, how are you finding Forks so far?" Alice asked, smiling happily at me. Both Edward and Alice stared at me; like they were waiting with baited breath for my answer.
"Uh, good so far. I like the cloudy weather over Phoenixes constant sky of cloudless sunshine. I've also met some interesting people."
"You like cloudy skies more than sunshine?" Edward asked, head cocking to the side.
I shrugged, "Yeah, I don't like heat or sunshine too much. I also really like the smell of rain."
Alice bounced in between us; head appearing in front of Edward's for a moment before her feet hit the ground. "Why'd you move here?" She asked when she saw that my attention was on her.
Did I move here or was I still just visiting? I decided to not worry about the specifics of the question now.
"I just decided to spend the summer with my dad." A thoughtful hum left me, "and escape the summer heat of Phoenix too, that place is unbearable around this time of the year."
Or at least I assumed so. Hot place plus summer didn't exactly equal cool weather in my experience.
Edward shot Alice a smug smirk, "Just that simple." He said.
Alice made an annoyed noise, her sharp elbow darting out and stabbing Edward's side, causing a noise to sharp and loud to pass for skin hitting skin; it was more like two rocks hitting together.
Edward let out a matching noise as he shot Alice a glare; shifting his broad shoulders like a peacock adjusting his ruffled feathers.
I looked at my cart and judged the amount of food inside of it. It was about a few days worth, with a good amount of snacks. I was satisfied with my bounty for now.
Turning my cart I headed towards the check out, Edward and Alice following along beside me like some persistent leeches.
"So are you going to be going to Forks High School after summer break?" Edward asked, cutting off whatever Alice was eager to say.
The pixi girl's lips shut - halfway open, a question on the tip of her tongue - her shoulders sagged as petulant pout appeared on her face; arms crossing in front of her.
"Maybe, I was thinking about it." I said as I began to load the conveyor belt full of my things. The cashier behind it didn't notice at first, to busy staring slack jawed at Edward. A slight blush covering the woman's face.
"Oh," Alice said, deflating even further somehow, she bounced right back after though, swaying excitedly on the tip toes of her feet as she said, "Well I hope you do. It be so much fun to be in the same school!"
"It be very surprising." Edward remarked, head cocking to the side as he glanced at the cashier; looking a little startled at whatever he heard in her thoughts.
I wonder if the lady had some kink or something. Maybe bondage? Whatever it was it made Edward look a little shocked and he'd probably heard tons of horribly detailed sexual thoughts daily.
Soon my food was bought and I grabbed my bags.
"Nice meeting you both," I called over my shoulder, leaving them both behind at the conveyor belt to buy the one block of cheese and jar of cinnamon they'd randomly grabbed.
Once I was out of sight, I quickened my steps. They only had two things so I didn't have much time; luckly though I'd parked close.
Making it to my jeep I threw my stuff into the passenger seat before opening the drivers door and backing up.
There was the noise of footsteps behind me and I looked back to see Alice and Edward close by. Edward was watching me with an amused smile while Alice just looked plain curious.
We stared at each other for a few seconds.
"Please look away from my shame." I finally said.
Edward let out a laugh that shouldn't be possible to make while Alice's head cocked to the side like a confused puppy.
"Why, Hannah, I don't know what you're talking about, I saw nothing after all."
"Why you little shit." I said, giving him a look.
Edward looked a little affronted at me saying that, though I'm not sure if it was because it was an insult or because I swore. Alice laughed beside him, looking delighted at the slight against her brother.
While she was distracted I quickly ran and jumped into the jeep; my stomach ramming into the seat like always. You might be wondering why I don't just climb in? Well, that would involve thirty seconds of my weak upper body strength and noodle arms leaving me to dangle like and idiot in the air as I scrambled and flailed for some kind of purchase. Running and leaping just got the experience over fast and quick, like ripping off a bandaid of humiliation.
Behind me I heard Edward's snort of laughter and a fresh peel of chime like laughter from Alice; to be honest their voices were so nice sounding they sounded fake.
I stoutly ignored them both - shooting a parting glare their way - and driving out of the parking lot.
But not before shooting them both the middle finger when Edward waved at me; a cheerful smile on his face; Alice's small form leaning against his large and muscular one, making her appear even smaller.
Edward's smile disappeared and he wore the expression one might find on a eighty year old woman who'd just been grievously offended. A hand halfway to push against his chest.
I could just hear the 'Oh my,' that should have slipped past his lips.
Beside him, Alice nearly knocked him over as she looked up at Edward's face, seeming to find some sort of great joy in his completely affronted expression.
I don't know why. With how Edward acts he must get flipped off by a disgruntled teenager sometimes.
Honestly those too they...
I let out a huff of air and pushed the thought away. None of it matter, because I'd gotten enough snacks to last me a few days and the bag of frozen cheese sticks was calling my name; just begging to be heated up and eaten when I got home.
I scowled when I pulled into the driveway; seeing Billy Black's car.
That bitch Jacob better not think I was sharing.
When I walked into the house - arms ladened with a plentiful bounty - I ran into Charlie and Billy.
"Oh, there you are Anna." Charlie said, "I was hoping you'd be back soon. Billy's having a cook out tonight and wanted to know if you could make it?"
"Are you coming?" I asked, walking into the kitchen to put down the bags.
Behind me Charlie and Billy followed; Billy looking oddly somber and serious.
"No," Charlie said, voice sour as he gave Billy the stink eye. "I have a shift tonight, which I told Billy about weeks ago."
"I forgot," Billy replied, voice too innocent to be innocent.
"Forgot my ass," Charlie grumbled, "Anyway, it be good of you to meet some more people and it's supposed to be a clear sky tonight."
"We'll be on the beach and the stars are beautiful out here at night," Billy said, "When you can see them," he added.
I looked from Billy's somber face to Charlie's upbeat attitude. Charlie would play twenty questions if I didn't go and I didn't want that.
"But if you don't want to go I guess you can always just clean out the garage with all that free time."
"Was that a threat?" I asked.
"I don't know, depends on your answer." Charlie replied, his dad hat on.
Well then...
"I'll go." I muttered, shoving a box of cereal little more roughly than was needed into the cupboard.
"Great, I'm glad you're making such healthy decisions with your time!" He said cheerfully. "Renee told me you usually go a little stir crazy in the house after a while."
Renee had sold me out. That motherfucker - or was it fuck of a mother?
The woman had been avoiding talking to Charlie since I got here but apparently had finally mustered up the nerve too.
I know she'd fished for info a few times on the phone about my behavior - apparently Hannah was a bit of a party animal - and had made disbelieving noises each time I said I was doing nothing. She must have not trusted me and finally just asked Charlie for the truth.
Which must have set him off on his dad-police-alarms and now he was determined to make sure I was doing wholesome and family friendly activities when he wasn't around.
This was just peachy.
"Well, people change." I deadpanned, giving him a look. I'd let him win this round but if he kept pulling this shit we were sitting down and I was going to have a nice long one sided talk with him; because he wasn't going to get a word in edgewise if he wasn't going to use logic in the first place.
I hadn't done anything wrong and just the say so of another person made him think I was a criminal suddenly? Not cool dude.
Chalire let out a little satisfied hum.
"Well Jacob's going to be grabbing some of the cookout supplies here - your dad's grill and stuff - but I still need to finish making a few more things. Do you think you could drive me over to my house? You can just stay there until the cookout."
I couldn't exactly say no to the man. "Yeah, sure." I said, putting away the last thing in the fridge and grabbing my keys; which I'd placed on the counter, because I'd crazily assumed I'd be able to eat cheese sticks when I got home.
Now why would I think that the world wouldn't fuck me over in some way?
Getting Billy in and out of my jeep was an affair.
I had to help him reach the high cab and while I could push him with ease - what I didn't have in arm strength I had in ability to ignore laws of nature to a point - I couldn't exactly actually hold him so he'd be safe in lowering his body into his chair.
It was all just one big shit show and at first I was relieved to walk inside of his house; since that whole ordeal was over.
But then I walked into the kitchen with Billy and found Sam-fucking-Uley sitting at the kitchen table.
Like this was some sort of messed up intervention.
"Hannah, I think you've met Sam Uley." Billy said, his voice as grave as it had been the whole way over here. Was that why he'd done all this? Planned a whole cookout on the day Charlie couldn't go and then emotionally trap me into bringing him over to his house - hey, I was easily guilt tripped people.
Just so he could have some sort of Supernatural ambush?
That son of a bitch.
"Sam," I said dryly, "Long time no see, how's the whole anger managment thing going."
Sam shot me a look but he didn't start shaking or growling so that was a good sign. Side note, it was probably best not to piss him off while in a confined place. Sure, I might get off fine but Billy was here and this was his house. I didn't want to be partly responsible for wrecking his kitchen.
"This is her." Sam intoned, looking over at a hopeful Billy.
A sigh of disappointment left him as a bone tired weariness settled over his face; the lines and wrinkled deepening like he'd gained a few years. "How disappointing, I'd been hoping you were wrong Sam."
"It's definitely her." Sam replied, dark eyes staring intently at me. "You were there when I first shifted."
I rolled my eyes, "Yes, I saw you turn into a giant fluffy pony wolf. And...?" I said, waving my hand.
Sam scowled, "And what?"
"What is this little ambush intervention about?" I said, leaning back against the counter, looking at between the confused looking duo.
"Well, you saw me shift." Sam finally spluttered, "We have to make sure that you won't say anything."
"It's a very important secret." Billy intoned gravelly. "You should have never even been there."
I nearly let out a laugh, "You think I'm going to go running around, telling people I saw a man turn into a horse sized wolf?"
"Well," Billy muttered, "I know you're a bright young girl Hannah and I was hoping you'd understand this must be kept a secret."
Sam let out a grumble, arms crossed and a grumpy look upon his face.
I raised one eyebrow, looking incredulously at them. "Do you really think for a second I'd be stupid enough to run around crying wolf? First off, who in their right mind would believe that there was an actual horse sized wolf running around - well besides the already crazy people - and why do you think me saying I saw anything would put you guys in danger?"
"All it takes is some suspicion sometimes." Billy said.
Sam stood up from his chair, leaning his hands on the table shoulders hunched - but still managing to tower over everyone in the kitchen; not that it was hard to tower over someone height challenged like me and a man in a wheelchair.
"Look," I said, running a hand through my hair - ignoring how it snagged on some knots -, "all I'm saying is that the idea of anyone even listening to me is ridiculous or the fact I'd even bother to say anything. All these dramatics," I waved my hand at the room and and ; respectively.
"Are unnecessary, there's no point in me saying a word so you dudes can chill."
"Chill? Chill?" Sam demanded. "This is a secret that could ruin many lives and you're asking us to chill?!" He started to yell.
"Sorry I'm not busting out lines of poetry but you get the gist, so calm the fuck down, bro!" I shouted back.
The shaking form of an angry shifter stomped towards me. "This is not a joke!" He roared.
"I'm not saying it is," I replied, glaring at him, "You need to reign in those fucking anger sharks swimming in your head, okay?"
"No, not okay," Sam said, his hand reaching out to shove me. The dinner plate sized mitts hit my shoulders but I didn't move an inch, or feel any pressure.
It was more like someone had given me a gentle shove. Automatically, I pushed him back and he skidded across the kitchen, nearly knocking everything over as he fell against the kitchen counter.
"Oops, that was a mistake." I said, "I'd say sorry, if you weren't being such a dick. Stop trying to manhandle me and act like a civil human being."
"Sam, Hannah," Billy said, his voice even, "why don't we all calm down."
I crossed my arms, not saying anything.
Sam mirrored my action, grumply crossing his arms as well.
"Good," Billy said, a sigh leaving him. "Now that we've all calmed down let's just get this over with." He gave us both a strained smile; obviously not having expected such an explosive reaction from us both.
Especially not for us to get into a semi-physical fight in the kitchen. I'd bet he'd had a mini-panic attack when he almost saw Sam shift in here.
"Hannah," I looked over at Billy, meeting his eyes.
"You're not going to tell anyone?"
I rolled my eyes, letting out an annoyed huff of air. "No, why would I? I'm not exactly normal either; if you hadn't noticed me shove Sam across the room with ease. Besides, it's not like anyone would believe me anyways."
"This is a tribe secret, Billy!" Sam said. "We can't just take her word for it!" He yelled, gesturing to me with one sweeping arm.
"We have no choice but to take her word." Billy said dryly, giving Sam a disbelieving look. "We can't hold her prisoner here - and even if we could I wouldn't allow it. We have nothing more than to trust in her promise of not telling."
A snarl left Sam. "I don't like it. She could easily destroy so much."
"Literally right here," I said, looking between them both.
Billy threw his hands up in the air. "And what do you propose then, Sam?"
Sam scowled, his mind visibly racing as he tried to think of something. "She has to spend her days here." He demanded.
"Again," Billy said, "We can not hold her prisoner. Not only is it illegal but her dad's also the chief of police and my best friend."
Sam frowned, looking actually flustered for once, "That's not what I meant," his deep gruff voice grumbled. "I meant she'd visit here until I feel that I could trust her." He looked me in the eye, looking a little worried instead of angry for once. "This secret is my life now, and I have to protect it as best as I can."
Way to make me feel like an insensitive douche, ass; which may be a true statement looking back on what I just thought.
"Okay, I'll visit when I have the time."
"Which is?" Billy prodded.
"When I can make it down here. Do you have a cell I can call or something? So you know I'm coming?"
"Yeah," Sam said gruffly. "I have to patrol the lands a lot, so I won't be around often. But we can use my house until I know you're trustworthy enough."
"You know me visiting and getting to know me will literally change nothing."
Sam shifted, "I know but I have to do something. I can't just let you walk around with that secret without trying something. It goes against everything I am now." Sam's fist clenched as a shake went through his hands, like he was a drug addict instead of a shifter.
"Right," I said slowly, looking over at Billy. "Was that all or was there really a cookout tonight?"
Billy smiled sheepishly, "Oh, no, there is a cookout tonight. I'll have to make up for making sure Charlie can't come today too." Billy scratched the back of his head, "He's kind of pissed," he idly said.
"Okay then," I said, "I guess I should help with something?"
Billy gave a smile that was a little too sweet, "You can help Sam load up the truck. We have to bring a lot of things down to the beach for the cookout; especially firewood."
Billy made a shooing motion with his hands, ushering Sam and I out of the glass door in the kitchen that led to the yard.
"First, he tricks me to his house for an ambush interrogation and then he makes me his servant for the day." I said, a little dazed by the absolute nerve of Billy to pull off doing all of this.
"He's a unique guy," Sam grumbled, stomping down the yard and over to a pile of wood. He grabbed an armful and started to carry it over to my jeep.
"Wait!" I shouted, running over. "Are you crazy? Let me lay down a tarp first!"
We somehow managed to transport a pile of wood - taller then me - and a shit load of other supplies down to the beach in a reasonable time.
I let out a huff, falling to the ground on the sandy beach.
"I'm dying," I proclaimed, turning my head so that my cheek pushed against the cold sand.
"Good, less problems for me." Sam said, walking by with a one stick in his hand.
I rolled over onto my back, propping myself up on my elbows. "How can you be such a..." I took a deep breath, dramatically falling to the sand as I cried, "Meanie butt!"
"Don't talk about my butt." Sam said quickly, oddly defensive.
"Oh? Is that because I saw you naked?" I asked.
Sam walked over, leaning down so he was only a few inches above eye level with me and not feet.
"Don't you dare tell anyone about that, ever, especially about seeing me naked."
I smirked at him, "Oh course I won't, your butt's so much better looking than mine it's pathetic. Why would I ever dare to bring that up in a conversation; I would die from self-shame."
Sam scowled, his foot kicking out and catching my elbow, sending me sprawing on my back.
"Jokes on you, I wanted to lie here anyway!" I called after him as he stomped away.
I layed there for a few minutes before I heard Sam's heavy angry stomps approaching again.
"SPLASH!"
Freezing water rolled over my skin, soaking me to the bone and making my thick hoodie and blue jeans stuck to me in the most uncomfortable way. I opened my eyes to find Sam above me, holding a plastic bucket one would usually use for building sand castles.
"What the hell?!" I shouted.
Sam gave a cocky smirk, looking happy for once.
"With all that yelling you were doing I thought I'd help you cool down that temper of yours."
I sat up, giving him a look as I scrambled up to my feet. "Did you just pun me?" I asked in a flat voice. "Did you just dare to use my own sucky humor against me?"
Sam's smirk twisted into the most obnoxiously smug smile.
"Oh, bitch it's on like Donkey Kong." I said, voice dead serious.
Sam scoffed, "What are you going to do?" he asked. "You're like 105 pounds, and that's just because you're soaking wet."
His smile got wider and I gave him a glare. "Don't you dare."
He gave me an award worthy shit eating grin, "But it's not my fault you can't control your raging libo around me."
"You little shit." I growled, how dare he use another horrible pun.
I think he forgot just how our encounter went last time - with me throwing him to the ground multiple times - because a startled high pitch yelp left him as I full on body tackled him; pushing him across the sand and giving him a shove when we reached the edge of the water.
He went flying into the ocean with a loud splash; a small geyser of water shooting up into the air.
It was probably for the best that today was a reasonable temperature and the sun had finally, sort of, come out because any other day here and we'd already be one first degree away from frostbite.
Sam burst out of the water. Shaking his long hair back and forth like he was in Baywatch and this was a slow mo scene.
I gave into my immaturity, like always, and wolf whistled as he finally finished shaking off like some dog - or was wolf more accurate?
"That's it!" He yelled, charging through the water at me.
By the time Billy and Jacob showed up we were both soaked to the bone; clothes plastered uncomfortably to our skin - well I was at least, Sam was as scantily clad as could be, while still wearing clothes; with only a very loose tank top and cut jean shorts on him.
"He/She started it!" We said together as soon as Billy looked at us, his judgey face judging us.
Jacob looked personally offended to even see Sam; scowling at the large man.
I'd honestly forgotten all about Jacob's whole, 'Sam's a gang' thing he had going on in the books and movies. Honestly those two had butted heads all the time in those; usually over Bella too.
Billy gave us both a look, "Maybe you'd two would like to help Jacob unload the truck?"
I looked over at Jacob, who'd turned away and went stomping over to Billy's truck, pulling a metal cooking out of the back bed. Sam pushed past me; a trail of wet footprints following him as he walked by.
I raced ahead of him; quickly running over to help Jacob.
"Hey Jacob," I said, taking the other end of the thick metal grill, "I'm so glad you're here."
"What, not having fun with Sam?" Jacob asked, sounding a little subdued.
Aww, was pouty Jacob jealous, how adorable. But Jacob had no reason to worry about me making friends with Sam; the guy's every word instigated a not-so-friendly reaction from me.
"Oh, that thing over there has a name? I just thought his name was actually little shit; because that's exactly what he is," I looked at Sam, raising my voice, "A little shit."
Sam flipped me off - after checking to see if Billy was watching.
Beside me Jacob chuckled, looking delighted.
"So you too don't get along I take it?" Jacob said, a wide grin on his face.
I snorted. "The first time we met he tried to full body tackle me."
"So you two hugged it out?"
I let out a laugh, "You know me so well Jacob, when have I ever not taken the opportunity to hug someone."
The glowing logs in the fire pit popped and crackled as colored flames danced above them; the salt water soaked wood staining them brilliant shades of blue and green.
Above the hungry flames, tendrils of smoke drifted up into the cloudless night sky that was dusted with stars. While the light from flames made shadows dance across the dark sand of the beach that stretched along the shore line and too the rippling waves of the water that reflected the bright white light glowing down from the fat moon hanging in the night sky.
"I can't believe this." I whispered, leaning closer to Jacob.
The two of us were sitting on a sun bleached log that had been dragged a good distance from the fire pit.
The other people that Billy had invited to the cook out - all of them but me being residents of the rez - where sitting closer to the fire.
Jacob and I had both sat some distance from them; both of us watching in horror what was going on.
Sam had turned into some lovey dovey idiot; making doe eyes at his girlfriend Lee. I suppose his imprint hadn't made it on the scene yet.
"I heard they might get engaged soon," Jacob whispered to me, head bent low as he shifted the paper plate of food he had from his hands to balance it on his knees. "Every Time they're both together they act like this. It's sickening, and I don't even have to see it often. Only at cookouts; dad always invites them."
I made a face as I watched the couple. Lee was wrapped around Sam somehow; even though they were just sitting beside each other. Her hands were constantly running through Sam's new short haircut while she stared lovingly up at him.
Sam was just as simitten, looking down at her with a warm smile, his large arm wrapped around her shoulder; dwarfing her frame even though she was average in height and size - Sam was honestly just that big of a dude now.
"It's like PDA on steroids." I said, there was just something so overly sweet when you watched them; like their lovey dovey-ness alone could give you a cavity.
Jacob shook his head solemnly, "The poster children for valentines day."
"I bet they give each other cute names." Jacob whispered.
I smiled, "Like poopsie or pumpkin; god I would pay to see someone call Sam cutie patootie."
Jacob laughed, leaning closer to whisper, "Or Snookums and sweet cheeks."
"The worst has to be babe." I said, making a face.
Jacob let out a snort of laughter. "Oh! What about-"
"What are you two up to over here?" Billy asked, wheeling over to us.
Both of us pulled apart, looking at anything but him.
"Nothing," we said together.
He gave us the stink eye, "I'm sure, it's not like you both weren't looking at Sam and Lee, giggling like school girls."
"Dad!" Jacob cried, cheeks turning red.
"Oh, is that some blush on your face? Were you two doing each others makeup, too?" Billy teased.
Jacob let out a noise of frustration before getting up and stomping away; sand kicking up around his bare feet with each stomp.
"You are horrible to that boy, you're going to give him a complex at this rate." I said, watching Jacob's reatering figure.
"Nah, I'm just making him tough, besides, he has to learn not to run away from his problems, and you have to learn to be nice to Sam. I thought you two where going to get to know each other?"
"He's the one that wants to get to know me - because he feels so dedicated to protecting the tribe. And getting to know each other doesn't mean we have to get along."
"Still, I'd hoped one of you would survive it, it would be such a hassle finding replacements for you both."
"I didn't know you cared so much Billy," I said dryly, "I can just feel the love."
"Yes, well you must also feel chilly," He said, "you should try moving close to the fire now that you're little gossip buddy's gone." He smile, a chuckle escaping him.
I made a face. "I think I'll freeze my tootsy's off over here, so no thanks. If I get any closer to the love fest over there I might get second-hand pregnant."
Billy chuckle turned into a cough, his eyes going wide with surprise.
"See, I can embarrass people too, know your son's pain, Billy Black." I said, wiggling my fingers at him before standing up and dusting off the back of my jeans. "Now, it's getting late and I had plans to go to Seattle tomorrow. I bid you a good day sir."
"But Hannah," Billy started to say.
"Good day!" I said, feeling a little disappointed that Billy wouldn't even get my reference - dear god, did That 70's Show exist here?
Walking away, I glanced back over at Sam and Lee; who where both staring deeply into one another's eyes. So romantic, it was sickening.
I walked past an embarrassed Jacob; who was leaning against Billy's truck.
"By Jacob, I'll see you in therapy in a few years." I said sarcastically; lord knows I'll need it by the end of these movies/books.
Jacob didn't look up, just muttered something unintelligible.
I made it to my jeep and jumped into the front seat.
As always leave a review on what you think, they feed my blackened soul.