Hostage
As soon as I was in the woods I could feel the change ripping through my body, my clothes shredding from the sudden explosion. There was no pleasure in this phase. My raging emotions forced it so quickly that it was painful.
Running, I could hear the pack's voices as they tried to follow. I focused on one phrase and repeated it over and over again. Leave me alone! Sam finally ordered them to give me space. Jacob put up the most resistance but eventually, even his thoughts faded.
Figuring I had put enough distance between myself and the pack, I slowed my pace. I wandered aimlessly as I let my thoughts roam. My anger had faded, there was really no point in holding on to such hatred. It wasn't even their fault and I really had no reason to be so irritable with them. The day had just been so confusing and stressful. I had found myself outside of my element, no longer in control, and that frightened me more than anything.
I was torn. My instincts telling me that everything I was feeling towards Alice and Edward was wrong. We were enemies by nature, I should be fighting myself against killing them, defending the humans, even running away, but I was also drawn to them by an unstoppable force. New instincts were kicking in overdrive as the need to protect the predators overwhelmed me.
I stopped as my paws sunk in mud bordering a small, steady stream. I gazed down into it's depths, watching my reflection stare back at me. I sighed as I studied the white fur covering my face, the extended snout and golden-green eyes that changed with the phase. I am a wolf, I thought bitterly. I had never been ashamed of what I was, but at that moment, just being a human was all I wanted. Everything would be simple then.
However, I was always going to have my heritage. It's not like I bought it at the store and a simple return or exchange could solve all of my problems, and Edward... Edward will always be a vampire. If he saw the real me, my wolf-being, his reaction would be that of disgust. Our species found each other revolting, excluding me of course. I am the black sheep, the lone wolf, who must be insane. A best friend and imprint... both of which are vampires, my poor father is probably rolling in his grave.
Thunder rumbled, as if agreeing with my assessment. Lightning flashed across the sky as I sniffed at the humid air. It wasn't going to rain so I continued trekking through the misty forest. After hearing the constant booming, I began to make out a pattern. That wasn't thunder I had been hearing. Soon after a voice floated over the distance, "Emmett Cullen, don't you dare try to cheat! It's pointless. You know I'll see it before you can even attempt anything!"
Alice. What was she doing out her with Emmett, I wondered. Curiosity got the better of me and I followed the direction of their voices.
"Carlisle, watch Emmett please. Give him a good whack or two if he tries to misbehave again. We can't have another accident like last time," laughed a smooth, sweet voice I didn't recognize.
"Aw Esme, do you honestly think I would cheat," I heard Emmett question innocently.
I had reached the edge of a vast clearing. Spotting the five vampires from school, plus an additional two, caused my breathing to hitch. Seven cold ones, in one area?! I hoped there weren't any more. I had never come across a clan this big, with the exception of the Volturi. This was definitely unusual, but then again, they were already strange enough with their dietary choices, which by the way, I was not complaining about.
Circling the perimeter I located a rotten log that had fallen to the ground. It was twisted in an arch towards the center, creating a perfect hiding place for me to stakeout their activities.
Gazing out towards the field, it appeared to be in the shape of a diamond. The one I assumed to be Esme was sitting peacefully on a rock, watching the others like a hawk. Alice was taunting Jasper with a metal pole as he pulled his arm back. I gasped, realizing they were playing baseball. Their coven got weirder by the second.
Rosalie and Emmett were closest to me as they waited on Alice's hit. I noticed an attractive blonde male crouching behind her, acting as catcher. I guessed that would be Carlisle.
Quickly scanning the remainder of the open space, my heartbeat raced when I found one missing. Where was Edward?
I tensed as a twig snapped directly behind me. Closing my eyes I began chanting silently, "please don't see me," as if it would help.
I could feel a pair of eyes boring through my backside but I refused to turn around. A low growl rumbled deep within the creature's throat sending an electrifying sensation along my body, confirming that it was Edward that had discovered me. I shivered out of pleasure, but knowing that he was probably prepared to attack, I made a split decision to bolt straight through towards the field.
Unfortunately, I didn't get very far. I was tackled from behind and held down in a vice-like grip. Twisting around I positioned myself in defense, I did not want to hurt him. I glimpsed at his face, his eyes dark. Thirsty.
He was growling ferociously, trying to sink his teeth into my flesh. I was twisting, turning and blocking as much as I could, resisting the urge to bite him back or claw at his body. Using most of my strength, I placed my hind legs against his chest, pushing off, trying to escape. He clawed at my shoulder and I yelped out in pain as the flesh tore away. His growling ceased, his eyes flashing to mine. He hesitated long enough for me to break free from his grasp.
I limped away as fast as I could. My cuts hadn't been too deep so they healed quickly, however, before I could start running properly I was thrown to the ground a second time by a much stronger force. The air was knocked from my lungs and I had trouble regaining my breath.
"Emmett! She can't breathe. Loosen up a bit," Alice yelled angrily.
"What for?! It's snack time," Emmett stated as I gulped uncertainly. He gazed curiously in Edward's direction. "Dude, you're losing your touch."
"Don't be ridiculous," Alice interrupted. "She is not a snack. Put her down. Now," she exclaimed, impatiently.
"No way Alice!"
By now the coven had gathered in a lose circle around the commotion. I began feeling light headed from the lack of oxygen.
Alice dashed in at an inhumanly fast pace, snatching me from Emmett's grip. I winced as he desperately tried to hang on, pulling out tufts of fur. She sat on the ground, cradling me as I sucked in much needed air. I relaxed in her arms.
Emmett let out a territorial growl and Alice's mate Jasper stepped in between them protectively. "Alice," Jasper hissed behind him, never taking his eyes off Emmett, "it's only a wolf..."
"What is your point," she snapped. Alice looked up at Jasper and changed her tone as she caught his hurt expression. "I'm sorry Jasper, I just feel protective over her for some reason, and she's not a snack," she spat at Emmett.
Emmett shrugged, giving in to defeat. "Whatever you say pixie. I'd rather have a big bear anyways, she's to lean for my liking," he teased, attempting to lighten the mood.
Alice beamed and began petting me lovingly, humming a familiar tune. My heart leaped up in my throat and I perked up instantly. Does she remember, does she know, I wondered. I shifted so I could see her face. We stared at each other for a moment, her brow furrowing in frustration.
"She reminds me of my past," she said aloud.
"Are you remembering something Alice," inquired Carlisle.
"No, but I feel like I should," she sighed heavily.
"I don't get it. Why isn't she trying to run from you," whined Emmett.
"Maybe because she knows I don't want to eat her," she muttered sarcastically.
"I think she can understand us," Edward thought aloud, "or, at least she understands you Alice."
I gazed over at Edward then, elated that his black eyes were now a murky brown, letting me know the worst of his hunger had dissipated.
"So, why are we concerned about this... dog," asked a bored Rosalie. Scrunching her nose she continued on with her rant, "it's probably covered in fleas too, and it stinks!"
"I find her scent very appetizing," Edward admitted.
"Yeah, you would be attracted to a mutt's scent," scoffed Emmett.
I blushed deeply, happy I was in my wolf form to hide my stained cheeks. I looked up and found Jasper gazing at me thoughtfully and I quickly set my eyes back on Alice.
"Perhaps you should let her go now," Esme coaxed Alice gently. "No one is going to hurt her, right," she asked, gazing pointedly at each member in the clan.
"Right," they all agreed, some of them less reluctantly than others.
Alice relinquished her hold and I stood shakily on all fours. Edward was the first to move aside, creating a gap in the former tight circle. I passed by him cautiously and once I was clear I thought, thank you.
Reaching the tree line I heard Edward's tense voice, "Carlisle, I think I'm going crazy. I could of sworn I heard a 'thanks'."
"We have all had a long day. Let's just go home," he suggested.
My curiosity peaked once again. They had a home. This I had to see. I crept silently through the woods, keeping far enough back as to where I would not be detected but could still follow their voices up ahead. Thanks to Emmett and Alice's constant banter, I was able to shadow them easily.
The phrase, curiosity killed the cat, crossed my mind a few times but I shoved it aside. My nosiness beat my common sense hands down and I found myself walking back, willing, into the lions den.
After a few miles a looming, white, three story house came into view. It was hidden in seclusion, in the middle of the forest. Nobody would find this place unless they were looking for it, and knew where they were going.
I don't know what I expected. Perhaps a haunted house, or a towering castle even, but it was neither. The outside looked warm and inviting, the hedges and flowers perfectly groomed. I longed to see the inside, wondering if it was equally magnificent.
"I can still smell the mutt," Emmett's voice broke through my awed trance. Crap.
"Get over it Emmett, she's long gone. It's wishful thinking on your part," Alice huffed.
Figuring I had better take the opportunity to leave before I was taken hostage again, I turned and headed hastily back through the mossy trees, towards La Push.
Author's Note: I'm back! Sort of... I think I'm getting sick so if you don't see any updates from me the next couple of days, it's because of that.
I have a few reviews I wanted to reply to here as well.
wannatalkaboutme (my Romanian friend) - No, I am not Romanian... sorry. Only my character is. I mean, er... Stephenie's character, lol! What type of file are you trying to upload? I use the program that is suggested on fanfiction's home page. It has always worked for me. I hope that helps.
EliseT29 (and the review triplets) - Forgive me, and shed no tears! The story continues... and I'm quite fond of my head. I hope you allow me to keep it! :P
Valerie (my pearl!) - I hope you caught your 'taco' cameo, it was cute to write in. I still think you should write a one-shot though! Call it... Paul, King of Tacos! or something along those lines. haha
Finally, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Oh, and I had a question for all of you. I would like to get more readers. Any suggestions as to how I could advertise my story?
Carpe diem!