Jared and Paul should be gone by now, I sighed as the sun started to set. I couldn't just lie here naked all night. I was uncomfortable and self-conscious. I needed to phase back.
I let out a loud groan as I forced myself up from the ground, standing on my tiptoes and stretching my hands towards the sky. As I let my arms fall, I pulled the heat from deep within the core of my body and let it surge through my limbs. An instant later, I was on all fours again.
Ah, I uttered happily, my lips curling into a wolfish smile. Much better.
I headed back north towards the river, suddenly parched from all the running I had been doing. I took my time, allowing my muscles to rest in case I needed to send those silly boys on another wild goose chase anytime soon.
I lapped at the water once I had reached the riverbank, quenching the ungodly inferno in my throat. Once my thirst was satiated, I laid on my stomach, crossed my front paws and rested my head atop them.
I watched as the sun set over the mountains, a mosaic of pink, purple, orange and red. I was completely lost in the silence that surrounded me. But my head perked up as I felt the faint shimmer of someone phasing. My lips curled up malevolently as I let out a snarl.
Leah? he asked.
Before I even thought about who the intruder was, I spat back lividly. Didn't I tell you idiots to — And then realization smacked me right in the face. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew who it was, but I had to be sure. Ja . . . Jacob?
Leah, what are you doing out here? Come home . . . please? His tone was almost sad.
I relaxed, laying my head back on my paws before responding. La Push isn't my home anymore, Jacob.
His next response was bitter. Did I not get the memo, or is something going on that I don't know about?
Nothing is going on, Jacob. I thought shortly. Chill your shit. There isn't anything in La Push anymore, so there's no reason for me to stay. That came out a little more bitterly than I had intended it to.
What are you talking about? I could hear the frustration in his voice. Look, if you feel guilty for what happened out there — don't. I'm okay. He tried to reassure me. Had he forgotten that I could feel every ounce of mental and physical anguish he was suffering from?
It's not just that. What do I have there? I'm a miserable bitch, Jake. I'm sick of constantly putting you guys in a state of mental turmoil. I'm better off alone, I thought morosely.
I stood, wanting to run to him, but instead I turned in the opposite direction.
Leah! What's gotten into you? You're stronger than this. I know it. There's got to be something I can do. Anything. Just name it.
I snorted at the thought. Him? Help me?
Why the hell would you want to help me, Jacob? We hate each other, remember? I yelled a bit more forcefully. Was he trying to break me? It sure seemed like it.
I remember. He laughed. But does that really mean I can't at least try to be nice to you?
He was definitely trying to break me. I whimpered softly as I laid back down, laying my head on the ground, pulling my paws over my muzzle and closing my eyes tight.
I'd prefer it if you didn't. It would be easier that way. The strained thought escaped my mind.
Are you on your period or something, Leah? Stop being so damn stubborn and come back home. The force of his thoughts were practically crushing me.
It took every last ounce of self-control I had at that moment not to sprint straight back to La Push and pummel his sorry ass! I bet that's what he wanted — to get me back in La Push so they could tie me up and hold me hostage.
Get the fuck out of my head you good for nothing piece of shit! I won't go back. Like I told Paul and Jared — send the whole fucking pack if you'd like! I'll continue to outrun and outsmart all of you. Go home to your precious leech lover and don't come back. I finished as I darted off into the forest.
Leah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Please, I'm begging you. He actually seemed genuinely sorry for what he had said.
I dug my nails into the dirt — halting instantly. Who are you and what did you do with Jacob? The Jake I knew wouldn't be caught dead begging me — Leah fucking Clearwater — to come home.
I'm trying to do the right thing here. You're hurting a lot of people, Leah, especially yourself. This is not where you belong. He was grasping at straws for a good enough excuse to get me to come home . . . but why? What the hell was in it for him?
Not where I belong? What would you know about where the hell I belong?
I know you better than you think I do. He thought smugly. You can't just expect to stay out here for the rest of your life.
I can and WILL stay out here. I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. God! How many times do I have to tell you to leave before you get the point?
At least a million. He snorted. If you're going to be stubborn then so will I. I can stay out here for as long as you can.
He was really starting to piss me off. You pig headed egotistical bastard! Is it your life fucking goal to make me miserable?
I make you miserable? He asked sincerely concerned.
I sighed before telling him the truth. No.
His mood lifted a bit with my answer and it threw me for a loop. Then what are you trying to prove by staying out here in the damn woods?
I'm not trying to prove a damn thing! I'm just trying to find some peace — happiness maybe. He really had no idea what this was about, did he?
By turning into a tree huger? For Christ's sake, Leah!
A tree huger? I snorted. Did he really just say that? Seriously Jake I just need time. I . . . I just . . . I can't be around HIM anymore.
You mean Sam? He laughed. Yeah, who wants to learn his stupid tricks anyway?
I rolled my eyes, completely exasperated before I responded. Quit trying to act like you're my friend, Jacob. Either you come drag my ass back or leave me alone.
I'll never catch you. You'll just run away. He sighed. But I'm not abandoning you at this point. And I can't even consider the idea of leaving you out here by yourself.
I couldn't help but snort. Are you worried about me? If you can't catch me . . . then who or what else can?
Yes, I'm worried about you. There, I admitted it. He groaned. I'm too weak to run after you, but I'm going to stay with you anyway.
You do realize that as soon as someone finds out that you're not in bed, they're going to come drag your ass back. You can't stay with me forever. I stated in my usual smart-ass tone.
Then phase. Stay with me in human form if you're really going to do this. If you really don't want to go back.
Jake, I sighed before thinking softly, regretfully. I can't. I don't have any clothes, and it wouldn't be okay for me to uproot your life. What about your friends? Family?
I can get you clothes, no problem. He stated adamantly. They might be slightly big, but hell, it'll work for the time being. He paused. And who needs THEM anyway? They don't do anything but bring you down in a good moment.
Jacob, I can't ask you to give up your life for me. I wont do it. It's not fair! I sighed, shaking my head in frustration that I was letting my emotions fall right out from underneath me.
You're giving up yours! He shouted. You're practically throwing it on the ground and spitting on it.
Because I don't want that life any longer! It's different for you. You're happy — content at least. I spoke begrudgingly.
Are you kidding me? Leah, my heart is fucking shattered in a million pieces over here. I'm trying to hold myself together the only way I know how.
By running away from your problems? Well aren't we just a sad fucking pair.
You're doing it too. Don't be a hypocrite.
I never said I wasn't. Again with my usual sarcastic tone. But you're better than this. You can be happy. You just need time.
Happy with who? Myself? Yeah, that works out perfectly. I'm destined to spend eternity with myself. He rolled his eyes at his last thought.
Jake, you'll imprint one day and you know it. You have to. I thought sadly.
I HAVE to? Who says I can't like gravity just the way it is?
So what? We're just gonna run off? Where will we go? We have nowhere to live! No money! How will we eat? It just doesn't seem possible. I rambled, not knowing what else to say.
Then give up this bullshit, Leah. Fuck Sam and the rest of the pack. Be happy for you — not someone else.
I don't want to go back, I practically whined.
Fine. At least let me come to you.
I'm miles away, Jacob! You'll never make it to me in your current condition.
You don't have a single ounce of faith in me, do you? He challenged me.
Fine. You think you can make it here, come on. I won't send you away. If that was what he wanted, I wasn't going to stop him.
I'll be there, just let me run back and grab some you some clothes.
You do what you gotta do, Jake. You know how to reach me.
And with that, he phased back into human form.
