SM owns all. This is the way that I wanted things to go. Thanks to Goldengirl62, for your help, I do appreciate you, and thanks to my beta, Ladyofspain, my Wolf sister.
Jacob's Twilight
Chapter Ten: Sabotage Or Not?
(Bella's POV)
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I quickly turned and flicked on my bedside lamp, but when I looked again, he was gone. I sat there mystified. Was it a dream? Nevertheless, it seemed so real. I shook my head, there was no way he could have left so quickly. It must have been a dream—yeah, that's what it was. Turning my light off again, I lay down and went back to sleep.
When I next woke, it was time to get up and get ready for school. I went through all my morning rituals and went down stairs. When I got there, my father had left already, so I fixed myself a bowl of cereal. Quickly eating, I washed out things I had used, grabbed my backpack, and went out to my truck, only to find out it wouldn't start. No matter how many times I tried, it wouldn't crank up. I couldn't understand it. It worked perfectly yesterday.
Not wanting to be late for school, I went out to the road and began my journey. While I was walking, a silver Volvo pulled up with Edward Cullen behind the wheel. He was without his family. Seeing him there, brought back my dream of him standing at the foot of my bed, and it gave me the chills. It seemed strange that he would show up at this precise moment, and for him to show up without his family, seemed even stranger. Didn't he always drive them to school?
He rolled down the passenger side window. "Would you like a ride to school?" he asked, with that creepy grin.
I looked around; feeling uneasy about being alone in the car with him, especially after that dream. But it was just a dream right? Nothing to worry about; still that creepy feeling wouldn't leave me.
He must have noticed my doubt. "Don't worry," he said, trying to be reassuring. "I don't bite.
What could happen anyway, we do go to the same school. "Sure thanks," I replied getting in and buckling my seat belt.
He pulled away from the curb. "Why were you walking?".
"My truck wouldn't start this morning for some reason, and I didn't want to be late."
"Well, it is a good thing I came by; that would have been quite a walk."
"Yeah, that's true," I replied simply.
"It's also very fortunate for me," he commented with that grin again.
"How so?", I asked, confused.
"I get to spend sometime alone with a beautiful woman, getting to know her better." He glanced at me.
I didn't reply to that. Yes, he was a handsome man, but nothing compared to Jacob. He seemed to be filled with passion and life. His looks went beyond just handsome—that Edward did not have. Damn, here I go again, thinking about Jacob, I really need to stop this. Determined to put him out my mind, I sat back and feigned interest in the conversation we were having.
It was a relief when we finally reached school; I couldn't wait to get out of his car. When he parked, he came around and helped me out. He tried to put his arm around my shoulders, but I avoided it by stepping to the side.
When I finally looked around, the different expressions on the faces of those standing there, kind of shocked me. Even Angela, who was just getting out of her car, seemed surprised. Edward's family was looking happy, but the same time defiant at Jacob and his friends, who were looking not too happy. I glanced up at Edward and got the impression he was trying to make it seem we were closer than we truly were.
"We should head to class, since we do have the first class together." He looked down with that creepy grin again.
I don't think so; I will not be maneuvered in this way. "I need to talk to Angela about something, so you go ahead," I replied; then I turned and called Angela over to me.
Not only did she come over, but Jacob and his friends too. The expression on his face said he wanted to really hurt Edward. Leah walked over to Angela, trying to get us inside the school. I allowed her to pull me a few feet away, but I refused to leave. No matter what was going on, I felt I needed to stay to back up Jacob.
(Jacob POV)
When I saw Edward pull up, then helping Bella—my Bells out of his car—it felt like someone took hold of my heart and squeezed it. I was overcome with jealousy and rage—a rage so strong that all I wanted to do was rip him away from her. Not caring who might see, this leech needed to learn once and for all to stay away from her.
In anger, rage and jealousy beating at me, I began walking over to them, my friends following. I felt someone hold my arm.
"You have to calm down, Jake, remember we're at school," Quil reminded me.
He was right. "Don't worry about it, I won't do anything stupid," I replied, but kept walking.
Being one of the strongest, it was no problem for me to get hold of my temper. I stood in front of Cullen, face to face. "I told you to stay away from her," I said through gritted teeth
"Her truck wouldn't start. I was passing by and saw her walking, so I offered her a ride," he replied innocently.
He thought I was a fool? "And you expect me to believe that it was a fluke? That you had nothing to do with it?"
He was getting angry. "It does not matter what you believe, but you cannot prevent her from being around us outside of school, if it's what she wants. It seems she does prefer my company after all," He replied smugly.
I felt angry at his snarky reply. I looked at him through a haze of red and wanted to rip that smirk off his face, but I held that anger in check. There were too many innocent people standing around and I didn't want anyone to get hurt, especially not my Bells.
"Enjoy this moment; because that's the last time you take her anywhere. If she needs a ride home, I'll give her one. Got that, leech?"; I said calmly.
"You cannot stop me, if she needs me to take her home. Whatever she wants, that's what I'll do and there is nothing you can do about it," he said angrily.
I got into his face. "You heard me, bloodsucker. You won't be taking her anywhere, anymore. Just stay away from her, if you want to keep our treaty."
I so wished I could end him right here, right now. How dare he think he had any rights to my Bella, my woman, my future wife. I was about to tell him so, when I noticed Bella walking back over to us, but said nothing. I just let him run his mouth off.
He seemed to be almost shaking with anger. "Do you really think she would go anywhere with you, when all she ever does is try to get away from you? You're just a pathetic Indian, pinning for a girl who wants nothing to do with you."
I heard a gasp from Bella. "Stop it."
That's when he turned and noticed how close to us she was standing. It seems his sense of smell failed him this time, or his anger wouldn't let him sense it clearly.
"I don't understand why it's such a big deal—you bringing me to school." She continued, "I don't even understand this feud between your two families; that's not my business. But you were contemptuous; I didn't like your comment to him. It was rude and disrespectful to say the least."
I smiled when I heard her defense of me, but by the look on her face, I didn't think she wanted me to see that.
(Bella's POV)
Looking at Edward, I said, "I appreciate you giving me a ride to school today, but this afternoon, I'll be leaving with Jacob." I realized what I had said and my face became flushed. "I mean, Ang …I'll leave with Angela."
My face became a sheet of scarlet at my slip; I quickly glanced at Jacob and noticed him smile with an expression of satisfaction. I looked at his family around him and they all had a look of joy on their faces. I was embarrassed; I had to get out of there. Looking around for an escape, I saw Angela. I wasn't even aware she had followed me.
I took her arm. "Come on, let's get to class," I muttered, desperate to get away from this situation.
I felt bad using her for an escape, so when we were far enough away, I told her, "I'm sorry I involved you in this, but you were the only one I could think of after my slip. But don't worry, I can always take the bus home after school."
She smiled at me. It seemed she also enjoyed my slip.
"It's okay, I didn't mind. I'll take you home after school," she replied. "That's what friends are for, after all. Besides, Jacob and Edward will probably be out here waiting to see if you really go with me." She smiled wider. "I must say this situation between the Cullens, the Quileutes, and you is kind of entertaining."
I was shocked. "Entertaining?", I said, confused and angry. "They are acting territorial towards me. Jacob acts as if he owns me."
"I feel Jacob is trying to protect you. For some reason, he feels the Cullens are dangerous." She smiled slightly. "You do realize what your slip means, right?".
"What are you talking about?".
"When you said you would go with Jacob, it shows what your subconscious truly wants. Maybe you are more his than you realize," she finished, smiling happily.
I didn't see anything amusing about that, but the happy face on my friend, who had been so kind to me, broke through my anger and I began to smile too.
"Shut up," I said jokingly. "Remember, you are my logistical support, not his." I playfully tapped her shoulder. "Come on, let's get to class."
(Jacob's POV)
I watched, with a grin on my face, as Bella and Angela walked into the school. I was so happy, I could burst with it. Her slip proved to me that she did have feelings for and wanted to be with me, but was hiding it. She was probably afraid of being hurt, but I would never hurt her, I've loved her, my whole life. I knew now she was not immune to me, just very confused. With a smile of smug satisfaction, I turned back to Edward.
"Bella's actions just now, should tell you she wants nothing to do with you. If you keep pushing your luck, I will force you and your family to leave Forks, because you serve as a great threat to my people and my woman".
"You can't do that; you have no grounds to, and I have not broken the treaty. I just... how shall I say it… I just gave a fellow student a ride to school." He grinned cockily.
"I'm not joking with you, leech." He was grinning as if this was a game. "I will lock up that treaty so tight and add more restriction—and I can, because my grandfather made it. You won't be able to move without breaking it. So heed my warning—stay away from my woman!"
After a minute, the leech spoke: "Fine, I will stay away from her, but if she shows any interest in getting to know me better, there really isn't anything you can do about it. If she chooses to be with me, you will have to accept it."
"Like hell, I will. Anyway, I doubt that will happen. We imprinted; she feels it, and it's stronger than anything you have ever felt when you could feel as a living man. And it's that strong because we fell in love when we were children. We had already chosen each other. Our love was destined before our birth; you will never be able to win her."
I was very angry. This damn leech kept creating situations that brought Bells into his company and I was very sick of it. I knew right now he was more dangerous than he had ever been, because he claimed to also be in love with Bella. I knew what extremes a man in love would go to win the woman he wanted.
I started to walk away from the bloodsuckers. I felt one of my friends grab me and pulled me away. "Calm down, man." It was Embry. "It's obvious she's not falling for his tricks, she proved it by how offended she got when he said those insulting things to you."
"He's right, Jake," Quil added. "Your Luna has a strong character and it's obvious she is succumbing to the attraction between you two more every day… but she's fighting, because she's so confused by it."
I smiled; thoughts of my Bells calming me. I felt so happy and proud of the way she stood up to Edward, but I wasn't too happy about how confused she was feeling. My poor Bells didn't know what was going on.
"I know how we can solve Bella's truck problem," Embry said, cocking an eyebrow. "Call Charlie."
That's a great idea. I pulled out my cell phone and did just that. It rang twice before he answered.
"Chief of police, Charlie Swan speaking."
"Charlie, this is Jacob."
"Jacob, is everything okay?"
"Yes, everything is fine, I was just wondering if you would like me to take a look at Bella's truck and find out why it didn't start this morning."
"I didn't realize it was broken, I left before she got up this morning."
"Yeah, she got a ride from a… school friend this morning."
"I see, well if anyone can fix it, you can. After all, you were the one who did all the work on it before I bought it."
"Great, Charlie, but there is something I need to tell you."
I explained to him all that had happened at that first meeting between Bella and me. And I added how badly I behaved and was doing everything to make it up to her, and that I hadn't told her that I was her childhood friend, Jake. I also asked him to not get involved; that I would handle it.
When I was done, he laughed, and said, "Don't worry, I won't get involved. When can you come over and look at the truck?"
"I'll be over there this afternoon. Please don't tell her I'm coming or she might find a way to not be there."
"I won't. I'll see you later." Then we hung up.
(Bella's POV)
Before going to lunch, I called my dad and told him about my truck, and he said a mechanic would be over this afternoon. Then I went and met Angela at her class, and we walked together to the cafeteria. When we got there and sat at our table, Leah and Kim came over and sat with us. We were eating and having a pleasant conversation, when Mike joined us.
'Hey, Bella, I heard your truck broke down. I would be happy to give you a lift."
"No, but thanks anyway," I replied. "Angela is giving me a lift home."
"Okay," he replied. "I gotta go, but I'll call you later. There is something Ben needs both our help with, and I'll tell you about it when I call you." He bent down and kissed my cheek. "I'll talk to you later." Then he walked away.
(Jacob's POV)
My friends and I walked into the cafeteria just in time to see that little creep, Mike kiss my girl on the cheek. All the fight seemed to leave me, and depression tried to take hold, but I wouldn't let it. Still there seemed to always be someone in the way of my getting to my Bells.
"This is really pissing me off; if it's not Edward trying to flirt with her, its Mike. It seems there is always some boy trying to get close to her," I said in irritation to my friends.
"She is very beautiful," Quil replied. "It's inevitable that guys will flirt with her, but at least she doesn't flirt back."
"I guess you're right, but I still don't like it."
I walked with my friends to collect our lunch, but instead of sitting, I placed my tray on the table and walked over to talk to Bella.
"Hey, Bells, I want to thank you for defending me earlier. I'm sorry for what happened. I didn't want you to witness my confrontation with Edward; I just wanted to protect you."
"There's no need to thank me. What Edward said, was rude and humiliating. He shouldn't have said that, so I just spoke the truth," she replied not really looking at me.
"Bella, please tell me what I need to do for you to forgive my blunder. Just tell me, I'll do anything."
It all felt so hopeless.
(Bella's POV)
I looked at him when he said this and saw the sincerity in his eyes. I felt he was truly repentant for how he had treated me that first day. The sadness in his eyes pulled at my heart, but now I was afraid—afraid of the things that Jake provoked in me. I was starting to lose confidence in myself, when I was around him. The look in his eyes became so intense I had to glance away. It seemed to burn deep into my soul. I couldn't find the voice to reply.
"This whole situation causes me more pain than I have ever felt. I assure you that not a day goes by that I don't regret the way I acted on our first day."
I felt the truth in his words and could almost feel his pain; I wondered if it was the same pain I felt. I wanted to give in and accept him totally into my heart. I was tired of the feelings of uncertainty and grief, but what if I opened my heart to him and he hurt me again. The truth was that I didn't want to take that chance. Deciding the train of conversation was causing more pain than anything else, I changed the subject.
"Why do you want to protect me?"; I asked.
"I can't tell why now, but I promise to tell you soon," he answered. "I know I have no right to ask, but please trust me."
"Jacob, I find it difficult to trust you after all that's happened between us."
"You're right, but I'm going to do everything I can to earn your trust, so you'll give me a chance and become friends."
I felt so confused. I couldn't understand why it was so important to him that I trust him—that we become friends. I felt he was sincere in what he was saying, but for now I preferred not to give in, no matter how much my heart might want me to.
"Anyway, I just wanted to thank you; it means a lot that you stood up for me."
I turned my face away and looked at my friends, and then I felt him take my small hands in his large one and kissed it before walking away.
My face became flushed and red as a tomato when I felt him kiss my hand. I turned to the girls, and they were all grinning from ear to ear, with a look of mischief and joy in their eyes. I became embarrassed.
"What?", I asked.
They all shook their heads and Leah answered. "Nothing," but kept right on smiling.
Our table was facing Jacob's table, and I noticed his friends giving him pats on the back and smiling. He looked up and caught me watching him, and I couldn't tear my eyes away; he had such a blissful look on his face.
"Why did you defend Jacob this morning?", Leah asked and I turned my gaze to her.
"Edward was very offensive and rude. I would have defended you in the same way," I replied.
I didn't feel like talking about that, so I changed the subject.
"Do you know what Jacob is trying to protect me from and why?", I asked her.
She looked at me with regret. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you. Jacob will have to explain it to you."
"Did he tell you not to tell me?", I asked. "You have to obey what he says?".
"Jacob is very important to his people, but I can't say more. You have to be patient and you will know everything in time. When and how much time is more or less, dependant on you."
I let it drop because I felt this was something I didn't want to get involved in.
After school, I met Angela at her car, and she drove me home. When we walked in the house my dad was there.
"Dad, what are you doing home so early?"
"I wanted to be here in case the mechanic came before you got home," he replied.
"Who is this with you?"
"This is Angela, my friend from school."
They shook hands and greeted each other.
"So what are you two girls up to?", he asked.
"We have a project to do for two of our classes."
"That reminds me," Angela broke in. "I need to call my mom."
We were sitting up in my room quietly going over our work. I was also comparing the lessons of the school here, with the school in Phoenix, when my dad came up.
"Bella, remember you told me you needed to get to the store this morning? Well, I've left a list of things I need and the money on the kitchen table."
"Okay, Dad, thanks," I replied.
"If your truck isn't fixed in time," he continued, "maybe your friend here wouldn't mind giving you a lift."
"Sure, I don't mind, I love to go shopping. I always go with my mom when she goes."
"Good, that's settled then," he replied. "Thanks, Angela," he said looking at her, and then walked into his room.
We went back to our books and studied for another half hour. I now felt like I needed a break.
"Would you like something to drink?", I said getting up and stretching.
"I would love something to drink." She got up too. "I'll come with you, I could use a break."
"Yeah, me too," I said as we made our way downstairs.
Just as we got to the bottom of the steps, there was a knock on the door. Knowing it should be the mechanic, I rushed over, opened it and saw standing there two people I didn't expect to see here.
Jacob and Embry.