Wounded
Chapter Nine
Authors note: Same rules apply; italics are meant for communication in wolf form. Their thoughts, if you wish. Thanks so much for all the amazing reviews!
Leah's point of view
"Get out of the car, Leah," my mother said as she stepped out into the cloudy day.
I contemplated asking if I had to; if we could go back home, but knowing the answer, I got out of the car, into the parking lot of a large bridal store. The dressing rooms were alongside the stupid dress store.
"This is just cruel," I muttered.
"Just put on a brave face like you always do," my mom whispered as she led me toward the large, glass double doors.
"I'm a Clearwater, aren't I?" I joked, my voice lacking mirth and humor; life.
My mom sighed softly, but, with a hand resting on my lower back, she guided me in, ahead of her. I looked around as soon as we exited the large, lavish lobby. White, plush chairs, chesterfields and loveseats sat everywhere in the large gala that was adorned with expensive artwork, framed in gold embellished wood. The large fireplace in the center of the ordeal was falsely lit, flames flickering merely for show. It didn't take much to see Emily and the others. They were all seated around the closest living room set, to the right, laughing and carrying on. I felt kind of bad. I knew I would bring the mood down even if I didn't try. Then again, this should of been my wedding party. Fuck feeling bad.
My mom and I went over, and I plastered a small smile - which probably looked more like a scowl - on my lips.
"Leah," Emily said gently, getting up and giving me a small hug. I forgot how far along she was. Her stomach was bulging noticeably. It wasn't huge, but it was... well, noticeable. I didn't wrap my arms around her back, keeping them pinned to my sides.
"Hey," I murmured back before she moved onto my mother.
I sighed, the conversation halting as though I expected and then, I sat next to Rachel.
"Hey Lee."
"Hey Rach, how long have you guys been here?"
"Ten minutes, not even. We were waiting on you, Claire and Grace."
"Where are they?" I asked, looking around.
"Quil's bringing her and Grace because Clarie's father had to fix the car, but they're late."
Claire was seven, now, and Quil, although continuously brotherly, was getting a little impatient. Not that his impatience would amount to anything, he loved spending time with her and playing with her, but he yearned for the kind of relationship Sam, Emily, Rachel and Paul had. He just had to wait, which was frustrating, but worth it. That's what he said, at least.
"Probably couldn't get her out of the new playhouse he got her," I said half-sarcastically.
Rachel laughed gently, rolling her eyes. "Yeah," pausing, Rachel turned more so toward me, lowering her voice. "I have a question." Suddenly, her voice turned serious; serious and speculative.
"Yeah?"
"You and my brother..."
There was no direct question, I realized after I waited a second, for her to continue. It was open-ended, but I put it together. "We're not sleeping together, if that's what you're asking," I replied.
Rachel gave me a small smile, nodding. "Just... Don't hurt him, okay? He's been through so much with Bella and although I haven't been there for him or our dad enough, I know he really does like you, Lee. And I know you still love Sam. Just don't lead him on too much, okay?"
I was taken aback by her words. They related to my moms in a way. Both looking out for Jacob's best interest. And, admittedly, mine, if I should hurt Jake. "Rach... I really like Jake, I do. And you're right, I'm not over Sam," my voice was hushed so only she could hear it as my mom, Emily and Kim spoke as well. "I'm not intending on getting involved with Jake. Not like that, not yet."
She nodded, taking my hand and giving it a squeeze. "I just want both of your best interests. He's my baby brother, just like Seth's yours."
I gave her a small smile, "I know, don't worry about it."
"Emily!" A loud shriek came from behind us.
Claire trotted in happily, Quil having dropped her off at the door and left once she found us. The rapidly growing child through her arms around Emily just as she got up and Emily picked her up into her arms, kissing her cheek. "Hey Claire-bear," she murmured. Grace, Claire's mom followed quickly behind, shifting her purse up on her shoulder with an adoring look.
Claire giggled childishly, and then hopped down out of her arms. "I want to try on my dress!"
Emily smiled down at her, my and Rachel's attention redirected. "Alright, I'll go get the lady. You stay here, okay?"
Grace and Emily hugged before Emily left. They were sisters; real sisters. Unlike Emily and I. We were closer at one point though, oddly. She told me more because I wasn't her real sister. We confided in each other because we were best friends; because we didn't have to be around each other. Cousins were blood, but they didn't live together and share the same set of parents. Therefore, we got away with more by telling each other than I true siblings. If I had told Seth, way back when, the day after Sam took my virginity, or rather, the night of, he would have told mom and dad immediately. Emily wouldn't. She didn't. Still, it didn't change anything.
Claire merely nodded as Emily left, and then, she came over to me.
"Leah!"
"Hey," I murmured softly.
She was technically my third cousin, though I hardly saw her anymore. When she was a baby, right before Sam first phased, I remembered mulling over her; Sam and I, holding her and kissing her, silently making plans for children in our future like we had many times before that day.
Flashback
"Four," Sam said, looking down at Claire's tiny face, her fingers wrapped tightly around his index finger as she struggled to fall asleep due to all the excitement of her first birthday party just ending about an hour before.
"What?" I asked, turning my attention away from the small child to look up to him.
"Four. I want four kids."
A smile crept up onto my lips. I didn't know why those words sent chills up my spine; an automatic smile resting on my lips. It made my belly flutter slightly. It was also a huge turn on; how he was so amazing with her; gentle and soft and careful.
"One day soon," I breathed back, leaning over and giving him a quick kiss.
Sam chuckled. "I want to at least be engaged first. When we get out of high school in a little more than a year. I want to make you Leah Uley as soon as I can, my beautiful girl."
End
The memories, no matter how hard I tried, never left me, and seeing Emily come back with a tall, slim lady beside her with a wide smile made my heart hurt.
"You'll be okay," Rachel murmured as Claire jumped up onto my lap.
I merely nodded to her before wrapping my arms around the smaller child's waist, holding her close. Maybe it was the smell of grass on her that made her smell so good, whatever it was, holding Claire was soothing. She was so innocent and it made her all the more beautiful. I took a deep breath in.
"I'm Elisa, and I'm going to be assisting you guys today. Your dresses are all laid out in the provided dressing rooms," the slim lady started. "I'm going to start with the flower girl upon request of the bride, alright?"
Claire's smile somehow broadened. "Alright!" She said happily, hopping out of my arms, and proceeding into the dressing room with Elisa.
I let out a breath slowly, sitting with one of my legs perched under me.
My mom's eyes were on me; I could feel it, but she kept a comfortable distance. After all, Sue may not of been a part of the wedding party, but Emily wanted her there anyhow. Her own mother couldn't be there because of the slight distance between the reservations - Though she would be at the wedding - so apparently Emily though she could steal my mom, too, I thought bitterly.
I sighed inwardly. When I was around Emily, I always got so envious. The worst of me was always brought out. But all of this was her fault; my pain.
Jacob.
I had to stop remembering the pain; stop being so caught up in my own unhappiness.
Only moments later, Claire slipped out in a small, beautiful white dress. The wedding colours; pink and orange were shown thanks to the flower under the bust, and the flowers lining the bottom of the dress that came to her knees.
"Emily! Emily! It's so pretty!" She did a twirl in front of everyone, smiling ear to ear and I wished that only I could be that happy. Turning my attention away from the wedding bliss, I turned to Rachel.
"She's adorable," she commented before meeting my gaze.
I tried to force another smile. "I agree. At least Emily's family makes pretty kids."
Rachel pointedly ignored my bitterness, and she just took my hand again, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Can I keep it on?" Claire pleaded.
Emily laughed, looking over to Elisa.
"She can for now," Elisa said gently. "Just don't get anything on it so you don't ruin it before the wedding." She paused. "Maid of honour?"
It took me a second to realize she meant me, and Rachel let go of my hand, giving me a small shove. I stood up, following Elisa into the change rooms on the opposite side of the large room. She pulled the curtains apart and we stepped inside, closing and pinning them behind us.
"Maid of honour, huh?" Elisa murmured as she turned, unzipping the large bag that was hooked up on the wall. There was a large mirror in front of me, and I sighed, turning slightly as I watched her take the dress out of the bag. All of the wedding party dresses - with the exception of Emily's dress, obviously - were short. Emily had at least taken into account my heightened temperature. All the bridal party dresses were the same; cocktail length, strapless, sweetheart neckline with a patch of rhinestones in the center of the chest. However, they alternated between a solid pink and orange colour. Mine was the same, though considering the maid of honours dress was usually somewhat different, instead of being completely pink or completely orange, it was white with pink and orange flowers all over.
"Yeah," I said dully, watching as she slipped the hanger off the dress.
"You and Emily must be close."
I nodded, deciding not to explain out tattered friendship.
I slipped off my t-shirt and shorts and took the dress, stepping into it, sliding it up. Elisa did up the zipper when I positioned it correctly and I looked in the mirror, taking a deep breath in.
It was pretty. I was pretty.
I wasn't used to dressing up; to trying anymore. My hair hung in it's natural wave, hitting my shoulders, now. It was a little too long, but I pushed that thought away. I didn't want to cut it again. The dress showed off my curves; it clung slightly to my hips and accentuated my bust, causing some cleavage. It wasn't too much, but I found myself wondering what Jacob would think.
I tried to focus on that; to focus on how for once, I was back to my girly, normal self; caring about what someone - what Jacob - thought about how I looked. Me caring.
"Let's go show the others," Elisa murmured, reaching for the curtain.
"No," I quickly responded. "It fits. We don't need to."
Though confused, she nodded. "Alright," she breathed, and then, moments later, I was back in my normal clothes, exiting the change room.
Elisa called for Emily next, as I walked back to the group. Rachel gave me a puzzled look, but didn't say anything as Emily got up, walking over to the change rooms and I sat down again, beside Rachel.
"Why didn't you come out?" She asked gently.
I shrugged, "Didn't feel like it."
"Do you like it?"
I paused. "Yeah, I do. It shouldn't be the dress I'm wearing, but I like it."
Rachel frowned, but then, I took a deep breath in.
Emily was trying on her wedding dress now. The dress she was going to get married to the man who should of been my husband in. I couldn't see the look on her face as she came out, beaming, the beautiful, extravagant dress adorning her figure. It was too much too soon. It should of been my dress.
"Excuse me," I breathed, rising again and making my way to the marked rest rooms.
Gripping the sink, I took deep breaths in. I closed my eyes, trying to keep it together. It was all too much. It felt as though the walls around me were closing in, suffocating me. I felt claustrophobic. Everything was spinning out of control; out of my hands and I was powerless to stop the events around me. I just didn't-
"It didn't fit," a soft voice came from behind me.
I opened my eyes, looking in the mirror in front of me, seeing Rachel's reflection as well.
"What?"
"The dress. She's got to get it altered because of her pregnancy," she paused. "She's moving the wedding up, Lee. Next Friday."
The words made it real. Everything was scheduled for another month, but now, there was only a week to prepare myself to literally stand by, watching the man I love marry my cousin with a smile plastered on my face.
Rachel reached out, resting a hand on my shoulder, but I shoved it off gently as I turned around to face her just as my mom came in.
"Everyone's left to go back to Emily's," she said gently. "I can give you two a ride there."
"Do I have to?" I asked, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I'm getting a headache."
Mom sighed, wrapping her arms around me. "For a little bit."
Jacob's point of view
"Patrolling with you guys is torture," I only half-joked.
Paul, Jared, Sam and I.
Imprints plus me.
I had to try and keep my thoughts off Leah while in the heads of the others; especially Sam, therefore while they obsessively thought of their other halves, I had to try to put my somehow heightening feelings for the girl they all had some beef with aside. It was harder than it seemed, especially when I was bombarded with their love lives.
"We try," Paul teased.
"Sure, you're with Leah, aren't you?" Jared asked hesitantly.
That caught Sam's attention.
"No, why?"
"You guys went away together last weekend," Paul pointed out, clearly bored with the subject of Leah as he started to think back to Rachel.
"Yeah, for a break."
"Romantic get-away!" Jared snorted.
"Enough," Sam snarled.
I sighed, rolling my eyes. Whatever.
The weekend.
I had to do it again sometime; take her away. She was so much happier when she wasn't in La Push, constantly bombarded with memories and all of our thoughts and impulses. It was kind of sad, really. We made her home hell. Well, not me as such anymore, but everything that had happened to her since the break-up. I tried to keep my thoughts in line, hearing Sam huff, so I tried to preoccupy my mind with something else; anything else.
Though, minutes later, it went back to one thing as Jared started to think about him and Kim making out.
Leah.
Leah on top of me, our feverish kisses tempting destruction of our morals. Our tongues battling the others for dominance as our bodies reacted to the chemicals being released.
"Oh shit," Paul managed before Sam jumped in.
Literally.
"She's my ex-girlfriend!" He cried, incredulously as he shoved me over. "Keep your hands off of her! She doesn't know what she's doing! Jacob! Not Leah! She's mine."
I rolled, and then quickly got back up on my four legs.
The rage was stirring in Sam's eyes; his large brown ones centimetres away from mine. They were so blackened by rage and anguish that they almost matched his fur; his soul, as Embry joked, causing Leah to smirk in response at a campfire months back. But I was mad, too. He was acting like he was two years old. What the fuck. Leah was his? No. Leah was... No one's, really. As much as I cared for her, I knew she wasn't mine, either. She wasn't ready to be anyone's; to be a committed posession of anyones. Leah could never be owned by anyone. I was shaking slightly, controlled by impulses.
"Emily's yours, you gave Leah up years ago! She's fair game."
"But I'll always care about her," he snarled. "Don't go near her, she is /not/ a game."
"I obviously know that! Give me one good reason why 'I can't go near her'."
Who the hell did he think he was?
"She's my ex! You're only going to hurt her! You're supposed to listen to me. You didn't imprint on her."
"I'm not you, Sam,"
I spat back, causing him to lunge at me.
That set him off further. My temperature heightened and I shook slightly, trying to stay in control as we grappled, strength against strength, trying to get a swipe at the other one. I felt his nails dig into my furry body, scratching it enough to draw blood. Though, I was powered by rage; anger, not even feeling the wound he made sting. All I wanted to do was get him back. I wanted to get him back for all the pain and torture he caused Leah; for hurting her; breaking her. I reached up, clawing my paw against his muzzle, successfully drawing blood as well. He winced slightly, and then, Jared pushed him over, Paul tackling me at the same time and pushing me back, further on the damp ground into the trees.
My fur was filled with mud, dead leaves and grass and the place where Sam's nails dug into me stung suddenly as the rage disappeared. It was as though it clouded my vision; it was uncontrollable for a second. I felt my fur grow sticky with blood where Sam had gotten me; my leg, or well, arm, in human form.
Everything was quiet for a long moment and I got up, shaking out my fur just as Sam did.
"Back to my house," Sam said flatly before phasing back.
I took a deep breath in, narrowing my eyes at him before I, too, phased back, followed by Paul and Jared.
"Two wolves fighting," Paul mused as we started walking back, tension diminishing slightly. "Over Leah, nevertheless. Who would of thought."
Jared snickered slightly, but I could tell he didn't find it as funny as Paul apparently did.
"Shut up," Sam growled, though the anger in his voice had long since vanished. It was more... regret.
The walk back was quiet; we weren't far from his house to begin with. Though, when we got outside the small house, we saw the girls inside through the window.
"Jacob, I want to talk to you," Sam stated, hanging back as Paul, Jared and I were just hitting the steps to the house.
I sighed, rubbing my face as I turned around, going over to where he stood. "Yeah?"
Sam waited until the other two guys entered the house before talking.
"I'm sorry," he said, frowning. "I lost control." He rubbed his face; dried blood stopping the bleeding from the cut I swiped across his cheek. My arm was still sticky with blood, but it wasn't that bad. We would both heal in a matter of hours.
"It's cool," I responded. I wasn't apologizing for something that wasn't my fault. Sam needed to realize he really had no claim over Leah anymore.
"Jake..." He sighed again, taking a deep breath in and exhaling slowly. "She's still my first. She's still someone I love."
"But you love Emily more," I contored.
"Yes, I do. I love her very much, but I just... I can't see Leah hurt again. It's hard to see her with someone else. She was always there, even when I wasn't. She was always too good for me. I think that's why I didn't imprint on her. She's too pure and... Leah. She's so broken, though. As much as she denies it. I can't see her hurt again, got it? You didn't imprint on her."
"So you're giving me permission to be with her, now?" It came out harsher than I meant. "Just because I didn't imprint doesn't mean when I do, I'll leave her alone like you."
"I'm giving you a warning," he replied, hard, clenching his jaw tight. "If you hurt her, you'll answer to me."
I considering asking who he answered to when he hurt her, but I merely nodded, biting back my words. I wanted to make sure Leah was okay and get out of this interrogation. Turning, I walked up the stairs to the house, Sam behind me, and when we entered everyone was sprawled around the kitchen, some in the living room with their imprints, cuddling on the couch.
Leah was sat on the wooden chair at the table by Sue and my sister, and I walked up behind her, kissing her cheek. I didn't care who saw; I didn't care if Sam was about to give me another reason to scratch him up.
Leah's point of view.
I saw Emily rise from the chair across the table, concern in her eyes, but before I had a chance to look back, I felt a set of warm, familiar lips against my cheek. "Jake," I murmured, twisting around to see him. And the large cut on his arm. I pushed the chair out from the table, and stood up to face him, taking his arm in my hands, one hand grasping above the cut, the other, below.
"What happened?" I asked immediately, looking up to catch his gaze.
He sighed. "A misunderstanding. It's cool, Lee."
Everything I felt today; the hurt, was gone. I was only concerned; confused. "No, what happened."
Jacob looked over to Sam, and I followed his gaze, seeing the cut on his face. The boys looked at each other and I saw Emily looking just as concerned as I was, probably asking him what happened as well.
"A misunderstanding," Jacob responded again, looking down at me.
"Jacob," I threatened, my jaw clenched shut.
He leaned down, his lips going to my ear. "I'll tell you later, Lee, okay?"
"Now."
"Later."
"Fine," I murmured. "Let's get you cleaned up, though."
I took him by his free hand and brought him into the small bathroom in Emily and Sam's house, shutting the door behind us.
"Tell me, it's later." I stated before dropping his hand and opening the small cabinet door, rummaging around.
I took out some peroxide and anti-bacterial cream along with a long bandage.
"You waste no time, huh?" Jacob teased, his voice lacking mirth, however. He sighed before elaborating. "Sam and I just got into a fight, no big deal," he breezed casually, leaning against the wooden door. I could feel his eyes burning into me as I stood up, facing him.
"I figured that much out, captain obvious. Over what?" I asked, sighing as I took his arm, holding it like before after putting some peroxide on a cotton ball, dabbing it over the slice on his forearm.
"You," he said gently.
I stopped moving the cotton ball gently over his arm, causing him to wince, and looked up to his eyes. "What?"
"My thoughts sort of... ventured," he said, dropping my gaze and closing his eyes. "Sam saw and freaked."
"Ventured?" I asked, my eye brows pulling together in fury.
"The the cabin," he admitted.
"Jacob!" I cried, hitting his good arm, causing a loud slapping noise.
He winced, "Lee, it was an accident!"
"Keep your thoughts to yourself, got it?" I threatened. "Nobody was supposed to see that!"
Jacob and I didn't need to be on display for everyone, especially Sam to see. I wanted our relationship private and concealed; whatever kind of relationship it was. I needed an heir of privacy and trust. Something honest. The guys didn't need to see anything they didn't have to, though, I couldn't get too mad; thoughts sometimes did do just that - venture. Unfortunately, with our wolf forms, they were just a little too detailed to the others when they did.
Jacob sighed, "I'm sorry, Lee."
"It's fine," I said, sighing softly. "But I'm serious, don't let it happen again. I don't need any other reasons for the guys to hound me. I'm just starting to slip into the backfire. Seriously, Jacob, control it, otherwise your memories are all you're going to have."
He nodded, probably deciding that it was best to merely agree, and I finished dabbing his arm with the peroxide. I took a new cotton ball and put the ointment on in, making sure it didn't get infected, and then put the bandage over it as well. It may heal fast and his immune system could easily fight an infection, but he didn't need to risk it, especially since oral medication, or inserted, didn't stick around for long, including pain killers. Our body temperature burned it up.
"I'm glad you take care of me so well," Jacob murmured in my ear, his arms slinking around my waist just as I got up from returning everything to the cabin.
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help the smirk on my lips. "Shut up," I breezed before we both shared a quick kiss and exited the bathroom to where Emily had also patched Sam up, white bandage on his cheek. I assumed he didn't tell her what they were fighting over, considering she looked at ease. Then again, she probably wouldn't care anyways. She was like his lapdog, pardon the pun. Though admittedly, it made me grin inwardly to see him get a taste of his own medicine; hurt. Even if it was physical rather than emotional.
I saw his cut, wishing Jacob hadn't hurt him, but wishing he hadn't of hurt Jacob more. "Don't touch him again," I said sharply. "You have no right." Then I exited the house, Jacob on my heal.
It was hard to talk to Sam like that; harshly. But it was needed. Sam had no claim on me. Sam had no right to hurt the people I cared about like he had me, whether it was emotionally or physically.
"Leah?" Jacob said softly, catching my hand as we started toward my house.
"Yeah, Jake?"
"You're beautiful."
It took me off guard, and I faltered slightly before playing it cool. "How bad did Sam beat you around?"
Jacob chuckled. "Whatever," pausing, he continued. "And I think I won the fight."
Authors note:
So! I hope you guys liked this chapter! I'm getting lots of really great feedback, and I'm really loving preparing to write the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony itself in the oncoming chapters. Who knows, maybe I'll even have the rehearsal in the next one! Never a dull moment in Leah Clearwater's life, right? Even if Leah's more hasty to defend Jacob to Sam right now, that doesn't mean the wedding's not going to be anguished and indignant at the wedding. Who expects her to be anything more than upset? Unfairly to her, there's still a large part of her that loves Sam Uley. Though her Jacob-crush is mounting to something very appealing to write, I must say. I'm sure everyone's figured out now that this is more so a Blackwater fanfiction, however, I'm definitely not letting her run into Jacob's arms carefree. What kind of story would that be? A boring one, no doubt. Thankfully, people she cares about will still be around during the wedding activity. Or maybe I'll kill everyone off... Muahaha.
Anyways, I'll stop rambling!
I've provided links to three pictures on my profile - Copy/Paste them into your web browsers if you'd like to view the image I pulled for the inspiration behind Claire's flower girl dress, the bridal party(Leah, Rachel, Kim, etc..) dresses, and the bridal party image I was inspired by.
The bridal party image is supposed to kind of reflect how Leah's dress combines pink and orange flowers, while being white, and then the others (bridesmaid dresses) are all pink and orange; the whole look. That way the maid of honour has a little more standing. Just what Leah needs; to stand out, huh?
Anyway!
Enjoy, and remember to review! The chapters keep flowing in response to your feedback. :)
~ Dramaticfield!
