As I walked back into the living room, Suhail was hovering near the door...as if he was waiting for me.
I could see Jake merrily squeeze himself next to Rose, revelling in her disgust, and attempt to put his arm around her, to see how far he could push it. From the look she gave him, not that far.
Everyone else was also occupied in conversations, and so I felt less self-concious as I stopped next to him.
"Glad to see Tanya didn't do any lasting damage." He nodded towards Jacob. His breath was sweet and tempting, somewhat resembling mulled wine, but far better.
"Lasting is a relative term around here," I smiled. He laughed lightly.
I scrambled for something to say, to keep the conversation flowing without losing my cool. I realised how much I wanted to impress him, to dazzle him anywhere near how he'd dazzled me. But no, I had nada.
"So, how long have you been living with the Denali's?" I asked, for lack of any sparklingly witty anecdotes.
"Only about 6 months, actually. It feels much longer, they're so welcoming, its just become home to me."
I nodded my agreement. Tanya and her sisters were practically family, I'd come to love them for their warm natures.
"If you don't mind me asking," he glanced at me, "how old are you?"
I laughed. There was an interesting question.
"Well, theres a few answers to that. Psychologically, and physically, I'm about 16. But I was born 7 years ago. And intellectually...well I'm out of the park, sunshine," I grinned and winked at him. He laughed again, trailing off until he was just smiling at me. He held my gaze for an impossibly long time. My heart fluttered as I tried desperately to remember how to breathe.
"You alright, Ness?" I jumped as Jake bounded to my side, taking in my flustered appearance and obviously drawing the wrong conclusions. He was very protective of me, especially around new vampires, and eyed Suhail suspiciously.
"Of course, just...getting to know Suhail." I made an effort to smile at Jake to reassure him, but I was still shaky.
I could feel Jake's warmth radiating off him. It was comforting, and I loved it. But it didn't take my breath away. Not like Suhail's chilling presence. Jake's voice didn't send shivers up my spine. His big brown eyes didn't make my world spin.
Jake made me so happy, and I wanted him around, always. Up until now, I'd wondered if this was the way Mom felt about Dad. If this was the strong bond that everyone had told me would bind me to Jake forever. But now...I wasn't so sure. As I thought about that, it hit me.
The effect Suhail had on me. It had been so confusing...I didn't know what it meant. But now I did. I liked Suhail.
I could feel my face heat up as I glanced up at him. He didn't seem to notice, being mid-conversation with Jake. I studied his face...I'd never liked a guy before. I guess because I'd assumed I'd be with Jake, from when he told me about imprinting. I took in his clean, masculine structure, his soft hair, those amazing eyes. He was beautiful...but there was more than that. He was so smooth, so composed but he had that air of mystery. The way he smiled like he knew something, like he was amused at some secret joke. He was so gentle, but that tinge of red in his eyes reminded me that he was dangerous. And that only made me want to be closer to him, to know him deeper.
Jake's laughter snapped me back to reality. I looked up, suprised at this turn of events. He and Suhail seemed to be getting on pretty well. Well Suhail was charming...
And Jake had such a good, loving heart. And he was destined for me. So what if I had a crush on Suhail...you don't mess with destiny.
Right?