JACOB POV
AND HERE WAS ME THINKING I WOULD HAVE A SCAR TO SHOW THE GRAND-KIDS.
Yeah, talk about wishful thinking.
I couldn't take it anymore. I decided to break the silence. "Well anyway. I hoped you weren't going to take off, but if you insist then I would be disappointed to see you go." I saw the look of shock on her face, like she wasn't expecting me to say something as blunt.
"Why's that?" She asked.
I smirked as the thoughts rushed through my head. Not a single one them were anything that I could openly share. "That's my favourite shirt you're wearing."
FUCK SAKE. Oh all the things I could have said.
She looked down hesitantly. I wasn't lying. It really was my favourite shirt. Even more so now that she was wearing it. She looked amazing wearing my shirt, even it was three times too big for her.
"Well here have it back." She began to start taking it off, and my eyes widened.
I had two options here. First option, let her take it off and make love to her right there. First option - clearly was not going to happen. Second option it was. I would have to be content with that. My heart rate doubled as I caught a glance of her smooth skin on her stomach. "No, no it's okay," I spoke quickly, placing my hands over hers and pulling the top back down. "Just keep it on, for now." Or not. Your choice.
She seemed disappointed; either that or I may have just read her expression wrong. I had a knack for doing that a lot. That was why I was in the position I was now. I had been so keen on keeping her talking and staring at her bloodied right hand that I had forgotten entirely about my arm which was still bleeding. Apparently, she hadn't.
"Shouldn't you do something about your hand?" She asked concerned, her dark eyes widened just be looking at it. I then saw her shy her head away. I had no idea how hard this may have been on her – the blood possibly may be an issue here. I moved my arm behind my back, trying to keep my injury as far away from her as possible.
"I'll heal." I smiled at her, trying to reassure her, while I assessed the damage inflicted on my arm. In all seriousness, she had a mean bite.
"Not that quick." She scoffed.
I raised my eyebrow at her."You'd be surprised." If only she knew.
I would heal quicker than anything she had ever met before. Okay, I'll confess, being a werewolf had a few advantages. I had to admire these little puncture marks she gave me because I knew it would not stick around long. I was disappointed that within an hour or so, this bite mark would be gone. I had hoped that I would be able to keep this as a scar to show the grandchildren. Can you imagine how that story would go?
'The first time I met your mother, she gave me this'
Yeah, talk about wishful thinking.
I watched as she moved anxiously on the bed shuffling away from me. She gave an innocent smile. She was just trying to protect herself, and me. "Well, I am sorry that I bit you." She said gently. Her voice was like music to my ears and her accent was driving me crazy.
I just laughed it off as I usually did in awkward situations such as these. Although to be fair, I had never been in a situation like this.
"No worries." I had to brush this whole thing off like it was a joke. I couldn't question her just yet. I knew why she had bitten me, it was part of her defense mechanism, but I had to ensure that she didn't know that we all suspected what she was. I had to play the dumb card. That shouldn't be so hard. I was a dumb seventeen year old wolf boy in love. How much dumber could I become?
"So, is there any reason why you decided to demolish my window? " I asked, smiling my toothed grin. God, I wish I knew what she thinking. It was driving me crazy not to be able to hear what thoughts were running through her little brain, especially when she paused to think like what she was doing now.
Pull.
I watched her smile weakly and flutter my eyelashes at me. I felt my cheeks go crimson under my russet skin. This was not a position that I wanted to place myself in. Being seduced by her. Even if she wasn't fully aware of what she was doing, I certainly was. I felt my stomach ache for her. It ached so bad and there was nothing I could do to satisfy it. Well, there was, but unless she was up for breaking my bed and smashing my room to pieces, I doubt she was going to agree to what I had in mind. My indecorous thoughts were halted by Anna's head lifting upright in the direction of the door.
"You have a visitor." she said calmly.
"I do-?"And then the door knocked. Man, was she psychic? I wouldn't put anything past this chick.
"Everything okay man?" Seth asked through the door. Not the time Seth.
"Everything is fine bro. Just you keep on doing whatever you're doing." I said kindly through the door.
" I was just going to head back to mine but Embry and Quil didn't want to leave you in case she tried to-"
I banged on the door. "Okay Seth, you just head home now, and tell Embry and Quil the same—"
"Well tell them yourselves because they are coming inside now. Bye Jake."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Urgh, seriously guys. Not the time. I finally had her awake and talking to me. I didn't want them to ruin it.
"Your friend?" she asked sweetly.
"More like an acquaintance." I replied cooly. She smiled. I wish she smiled all the time.
Another knock.
"Jake man let us in!" I heard Quil's voice boom through the door.
I shook my head. "I am so sorry." I mouthed to her. She just rolled her eyes and smiled again. Damn that smile should be a sin. I watched as she pulled the t-shirt over her knees, covering herself.
I opened the door to my bedroom revealing my two best friends, who were not looking too happy.
"Okay what the fuck is going on Jake?' Quil pushed his way in pointing his finger at me, his face was clearly angry and it was not often that Quil gets angry. 'Did she try to escape—or—hello I am Quil Ateara." Quil realized that Anna was sat on my bed. Then he did something that even I didn't anticipate. He moved towards her and held out his hand.
"Hello." She answered but she didn't receive his hand, much to Quil's disappointment judging by the look on his face."It's a pleasure to meet you I'm sure." She continued.
"Ill say." I heard Embry mutter under his breath as he leant against my door frame. I growled lowly and Embry seemed to get the message as he slipped inside my bedroom. I felt the room get suddenly smaller; well, smaller than it already was.
"This is Embry," Quil continued pushing Embry forward. For the first time in my life, I believe I saw Embry blush.
"I'm Anna." She seemed a little more hesitant now as I saw her grip my quilt. I wasn't sure why but he last thing I wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable.
"Shit man! What happened to your hand?" Quil suddenly blurted out.
I looked at Anna and I saw her bring my quilt up towards her face like she was ashamed.
"Well—" I began.
"That's kind of my fault actually," Anna interrupted removing the covers from her face, looking a little embarassed.
"You bit him?" Embry spat. I didn't like the tone that Embry had addressed her with. She didn't mean to bite me. Besides we could hardly talk. We were wolves for god sake.
'Hang on,' Quil intervened. 'If she bit you, how the hell are you NOT dead?'
That was a good question. I should be writhing in pain now, but yet I was still here, fit as a fiddle. I looked back over to Anna, seeking any kind of answer. Anna just stared back at me; her eyes never left mine. 'I can control my venom production. I only use my venom when I hunt, so my bite to you was harmless.'
'Sorry vampire girl, but have you seen Jake's arm?' Embry responded, pointing directly at my arm which now had dried up blood where she has bitten me. It looked a lot worse than it was.
"Embry leave it okay. It was accident." I urged, my eyes were still locked. with Anna's. Her eyes were flashing with all kinds of emotions. They were dark and looked more dilulated. If she was what I thought, dark eyes meant one thing. Shit.
"Listen guys, I think you should go." I urged.
"But—" they both tried to protest but they had to leave if they wanted to live. I knew it was going to be hard to get them to leave, but I had to try.
"Trust me. Let's go." I signalled to Anna that I would be two minutes and I stepped outside the door, keeping it ajar so if she tried to escape again I would know. The pull on my body strained me, causing me to curse under my breath as I pulled Embry and Quil into a huddle at the top of the stairs, lowering my voice just enough so that they could hear me.
"Listen guys. Go to Sam and let him know that she is awake and that she is talking to me. I don't think that she is any danger to us—"
"Er hello? Embry's right! Have you not seen your arm?" Quil whispered back pointing towards my arm.
'It's fine. I'll heal. Besides, lets get back down to buisness. I need you to go to Sam and tell him that I am going to arrange a meeting with the Cullens as soon as possible. I don't think Carlisle will object it.'
'Nah, he's a good guy is Dr Fang, even if he is leech.' Quil spoke.
I nodded my head in agreement. Dr Fang was a good vampire, if you ever put those two words into a meaningful sentence.
"We'll follow orders Jake, but what if she tries to pull a fast one whilst we're gone?" Embry chipped in.
"Then I'll deal with it. I am already in enough shit with Sam so a little more won't hurt me. I have just got her to talk to me and you guys being here isn't helping her okay?" I felt like I was pleading with them. I sounded pathetic.
"Yeah, sure Jake. If you need us—"
"I know. Thanks guys. Just do as I ask please." They both nodded and made their way down the corridor. I heard my front door bang shut. I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders trying to relax my body against the obvious pull that was drawing me back to my room. I didn't ignore it. I opened the door and she was still sat there, on my bed, her legs covered by my shirt. I could not help but think how breathtaking she was. I was beginning to sound and feel like one of those cheesy romance novels, except, I knew in my heart that romance novels had got it all wrong. There was no way I could ever put these feelings into words on a piece of paper.
As I looked deep into her eyes, they pieced me like a knife. I was drawn in by her eyes the most – I was having a hard time figuring out why. They were jet black now at this moment. I clear sign that something wasn't right. I saw discomfort in her face.
I panicked and said the first thing that popped into my little head."Would you like a glass of water?" I asked feebly.
"Please!" She almost through herself at me as she shouted her response, not that I would have minded that at all. I ran to the kitchen and ran her a cold drink of water. I handed a cup to her and she drunk the whole lot down very quickly. She didn't even take a breath. Wow, that girl liked her liquids.
Oo. Touché.
I couldn't remove my eyes from her. "Better?" Stupid question Jake!
"A little." She replied, almost trembling. I watched as she circled her fingertips around the rim of the cup. She was so delicate, yet strong. I got that vibe from her. She lifted her head, and she had a look on her face like she was trying to comprehend something.
"Why did you defend me?" she asked curiously.
I took a few moments to consider what my answer to this question would be. Something along the lines of 'I love you' I didn't think would be appropriate, so I had to improvise.
"Well, I didn't think they were being fair considering what I could have done to you." I replied confidently.
Anna rolled her eyes at me. "Fair is hardly a minor judgment Jacob. I could have seriously hurt you."
Pfft. Yeah right...
Okay, yes, you probably could have.
"But you didn't. So let it go. I am not mad with you." I answered truthfully. How could I ever be mad with her?
"Well you should be." She responded, her tone more aggressive now.
"But I'm not, so let's just leave it at that."
"No."
"What do you mean?" Never question a woman Jacob. Never question a woman!
"No, I am not going to leave it that. I want to know some things Jacob." She snapped.
I swallowed hard. "Like?" God, had she sussed me?
"Like, are you planning on letting me go anytime soon?"
Not if I can help it.
"Well-" I stammered. I had no answer to this question.
"Well what? Are you keeping me prisoner?" she questioned further.
Okay, I needed to chill. The last thing I need is to have a wolf temper right about now. Is that what she thought I was doing? Planning on keeping her prisoner? I was keeping her here because I loved her and wanted her to get better.
I sighed deeply, running my fingers through my hair. "Anna, look, I am not keeping you a prisoner, I am just—" wanting to keep you here forever because I love you.
She bent her head down rubbing her temple with her fingers and after a few seconds brought it back up. "Okay, I understand that you clearly are having some sort of malfunction up in the old brain there Jacob, so just let me ask you a few simple things."
I pulled up my chair from my desk and sat on the wrong way around so my arms were crossed over the top of the chair, my legs at either side. "Oh course. What do you want to know?"
She was suprised by my confidence and looked down and then up again, like she was trying to find her words. She wasn't the only one.
"Where am I? How did you find me? How did you get rid of the wolf? And why did you help me?"
Wow, she did have a lot to ask me. So, she had seen a wolf. This complicated things slightly.
"Okay. I will answer in order. La Push reservoir. I was walking in the woods. I attacked the wolf with a stick and because people help people. It's what they do."
She laughed.
I made her laugh. "What's so funny?" I enquired.
"You fought a wolf off with a stick?" She seemed unconvinced. I wasn't surprised. It was a shit cover story. Oh god. This was so awkward. I really hoped that she couldn't read my mind.
"Yeah, well you see, living out here, you get used to them. You learn how to defend yourself against them."
"And – conclusively, the best way to do that is to what, fight off the beast with a piece of wood?" she smiled again. God, I loved her smile. I smiled back. Her face changed expression within seconds."So what's the deal Jake? Do I have to stay here under your watchful eye or is there more to this than you're letting on?" She definitely had me sussed.
I couldn't face telling her now. I had only just met this girl and I wasn't exactly keen on the idea of springing the slight dilemma of what I had done. It didn't seem right somehow. I didn't want to scare her away. I could see the confession in my head: "Oh yeah and by the way I am the wolf that saved you. And if you don't mind I imprinted on you and want to be with you for the rest of my life."
Fuck.
Fake an excuse. Any excuse. Just think of one. "Well you are not fully healed yet and I think I would be in your best interest if you stayed until you felt better."
"My best interest? Look, Jacob, I am fine and healthy and –"
She moved. She hissed, and I guessed her body was still aching. My heart pounded. The pull strained.
"—like I said, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." She continued.
"Yeah, very convincing." I smirked. She gave me stare that clearly meant that I should back off.
Women.
"Look, I don't know what you want me to say to you. Thanks for saving my life. Now please, give me my clothes back so I can leave and continue on my way."
Great. She was now demanding me. I wanted to give her what she wanted, but I couldn't. I didn't want her to be unhappy but I needed her to stay.
"I can't." I replied.
"What do you mean you can't?" She raised her voice.
"I can't let you." I challenged her, waiting for her response. She exhaled deeply and turned her head away from me. 'At least not just yet.'
Don't pander to her. She'll come round.
I wanted to reach out and embrace her. I wanted to hold her tightly and not let her go, but I knew if I tried any funny business, she would kill me. I wouldn't even doubt her ability if her eyes were anything to go by.
"One day." She offered, not turning from her position.
No way. I needed longer than that.
"A week" I responded.
She huffed in disgreement. '3 days' She reasoned back.
'Seven.' I held my offer tightly, praying she would just accept it.
After a few minutes of silence, she turned to face me, her stunning dark eyes locking with mine like she was sealing the deal. "Fine. Deal." She responded through gritted teeth.
Seven days was all I had. I needed to use them wisely.
I held out my hand to her and I saw her eyes flicker. She turned to face me, and her hand slide into mine and we shook on our deal. So many ways of sealing the deal and we went for a lousy hand shake. Having said that, it was best handshake I ever had. The cool constrast of her skin felt amazing against my fever. It was such an intense feeling even if it only lasted for a moment. It was worth it.
"Okay so how about we get you sorted out. You can have a shower and get dressed. I bet you are starving so if you want I can cook you something up." I offered kindly.
She didn't smile.
I guess hostility came with part of the deal.
"One more question." She asked calmly.
"Shoot." I answered. I would deny her questions. I could only deny her truth.
Her eyes focused on me. "Who is Sam?" Those black eyes were the only thing that could force me to give in and tell her everything.
I didn't have time to answer, as I heard my front door opening. Saved by the bell. Or by the door in this case.
I saw her eyes widen. "Jake?"
Shit it was my dad. I cursed under my breath. Now was not the time for me to be having any form of conversation with my dad. I just hoped Sam hadn't let slip my little secret about Anna being my imprint because nothing good would come from having that conversation.