Chapter 8 - Bad News

A few weeks later, Jaci and Erica were jogging and Jaci said, "So rumor has it Jacob apologized for being a dick a couple of weeks ago." Erica laughed and said, "Yea he did...I think we both came to an understanding about what his position in the pack is...He understands I also want him to be in shape to take over the alpha spot so Sam can focus on his life with Emily." Jaci said, "Aren't they sickeningly cute?" Erica rolled her eyes as she chortled and said, "Disgusting isn't it?" Jaci stopped jogging for a minute and when Erica noticed she wasn't next to her she stopped and looked back and then jogged back to Jaci and said, "Okay...What's wrong?"

Jaci smiled sheepishly and said, "I've got a date tonight." Erica quirked an eyebrow at her best friend and said, "Sorry for the un-educated response but...huh? Jaci giggled and said, "Don't start giving me any shit." Erica laughed hard and said, "So who's the lucky man of the hour? Wait don't tell me...Paul asked you out finally didn't he?" Jaci smiled coyly, "A little yes." Erica laughed and said, "A little? How can a little be an answer...C'mon give me a good solid yes." Jaci shoved Erica and said, "Okay fine...Yes...Yes...YESSSS!" Erica turned and said, "Says the girl in Paul's arms later tonight." Jaci blushed furiously and said, "Shut up...I can't believe you just said that." Erica said, "No officer we were just driving and my car ran out of gas..."

Jaci said, "That's it I'm never telling you anything again." Erica smirked and nudged Jaci with her elbow and said, "Liar." Jaci giggled and said, "I know." The girls continued their jog.

Later that night, Jaci had on a little mid-night blue summer dress and sandals it was unusually nice out and not too cold. As always the weather called for rain but for now it was beautifully clear for once. Paul had on nice jean cargo shorts and a nice crisp white t-shirt with his sneakers. and a They'd had dinner at the little diner in town and decided to walk along the sidewalks in town...Paul's hand found Jaci's and he laced his fingers together with hers...She looked down and Paul cheekily said, "You don't mind do you?" Jaci flustered at the contact and said, "No of course not...It's...Nice actually."

Paul guided Jaci into the movie theater and it was empty, Jaci said, "What's going on...Where is everyone else?" Paul said, "I figured quiet and alone would be nice...you know for a first date." They sat in the middle, and Paul was holding Jaci's hand. Jaci said, "Wow…I didn't know the hot head of the pack had a romantic side to him." Paul smiled and said, "Yea well…I'll deny it if you ever tell anyone…I have to keep up my reputation for being an ass...I don't show this side to a lot of people and very few know about it…It's no one's business what I do in my personal life, but me and the one I'm getting personal with…" Paul gave Jaci's hand a little squeeze.

Jaci looked over at Paul…his once soft brown eyes were now dark and full of desire as he looked at her…Jaci leaned over and kissed Paul's cheek and he said, "What was that for?" Jaci smiled and said, "Well…just in case I forget to tell you later…I had a really nice time tonight…" Paul leaned over and captured her lips with his…Paul was cupping her face in his big hands and she was running her fingers through his thick black hair…when they separated Paul said, "You don't know how long I've wanted to do that." Jaci smiled and said, "You don't know how long I've waited for you to do it." Paul kissed her one last time before he settled with her wrapped his arms as the movie started up.

Meanwhile, Erica was walking along the beach...there was a few clouds in the sky and there was a slight breeze that was whipping her hair around a little. She had on her black capri's with a black form fitting t-shirt and was barefoot...she loved the feel of the sand on her feet and between her toes. She didn't see the brown eyes watching every move she made. Erica rounded the corner and noticed Jacob was at Sam and Emily's...They were sitting around the porch talking and just trying to relax a little. Jared and Embry were patrolling for the night.

Sam said, "Where have you been?" Erica smiled softly and said, "Walking on the beach...It's such a nice night, I didn't want to waste it." Sam said, "Jake just got here...Do we want to watch a movie or something?" Emily whispered in Sam's ear, "Or something." Sam chuckled hard from the back of his throat and Erica said, "Oh gross Emily...I don't wanna know what you just whispered in my BROTHER'S ear...But when you blush and he laughs it was bad...You dirty bird." Emily blushed harder as she laughed with Sam and Jacob said, "Nasty." Erica giggled and said, "Yea...Especially trying to ignore his dirty thoughts when we patrol together." Erica made gagging noises. Jake laughed and as he pointed to himself said, "Yea...Used to it."

Erica couldn't help but giggle harder...She felt her phone vibrate in her back pocket as she pulled it out and didn't noticed the number on caller id. She calmed down and flipped the phone open and said, "Hello." A gruff voice said, "I'm looking for Erica Uley." She said, "I'm Erica Uley." The male voice said, "Erica I don't know if you remember me...My name is Marcus I'm Max's older brother." Erica said, "Oh of course Marcus how are you?" Marcus said, "I'm fine dear but I'm calling on behalf of the Sulare family...I know you and my little brother were dating and still close...I had to call you personally and let you know...Max is dead."

Everything felt like it was going in slow motion...Erica heard the words that came out of his mouth and through the cell phone air waves and into her ear but she wasn't sure she believed it yet...She could only hear herself breathing. Erica said, "I...I...I don't understand...What are you talking about?" Desperation evident in her voice.

Jacob, Sam and Emily noticed Erica's tone had changed she sounded panicked and when they looked over at her huge tears were sliding down her cheeks. Sam jumped up and said, "Who the hell is that Erica?"

Marcus said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you all of this...He got caught by the Volturi, the basically drained his blood all they could then ripped his body apart and sent it back to us in pieces...I'm so sorry Erica...I know my brother loved you very much...He had actually put in for permission to come to your brothers pack in a week." Erica said, "Are you positive?" Marcus said, "I wouldn't have made the call to you if I thought it wasn't his body...Listen if there's anything we can do for you let me know." Erica mumbled, "Mm-hmm." As she closed the phone and dropped it in the dirt.

Sam saw the look on Erica's face as he walked towards her with Emily and Jacob close behind him...Sam said, "Erica what happened?" No response and Emily said, "Erica...Honey what's happened?" Erica started back up from the threesome and her breathing rapidly picking up...Erica pivoted around and took off running as fast as she could into the woods. Sam said, "Erica...ERICA!" He started to go after her when Emily grabbed his hand and said, "No...Leave her...You saw the look on her face." Sam said, "I have to go after her..." Emily said, "No you don't...Leave her alone...You too Jake...C'mon let's just go inside...She'll come back when she's ready." Sam picked up her cell phone and they walked into the house. Sam called the last number and Max's brother Marcus explained everything.

Sam was extremely worried about his baby sister now...Hoping she would be ok.