11.Predator
It was difficult to push away my thoughts as I ran back towards the cliffs, stopping for a moment to change. But since my heart rate was up, still hammering in my chest, the change came easily, my whole body shaking, the similar sensation of fire racing down my back. But this was a willing change, something I didn't want to hold back, and the filling red blocked my eyes momentarily and the fire built inside me, like logs being added to the furnace, and when the red faded I saw the world through different eyes, slightly blurred at the edges, like I was looking through a glass dome. Well, that's what you get with wolf vision.
I hadn't stopped a beat though, I was running again, picking up speed as I went along, racing past the bonfire area, the fire still crackling, flames licking at the charred logs, but the area was deserted. A few shirts were even left on the ground, along with randomly tossed sneakers. Something was definitely wrong. I thought about Sam's call and I picked up my pace even more as I raced into the dark woods, feeling branches whipping past and the damp soil under my paws as my muscles moved in harmony; the world an ongoing dark blur.
Hurry, it was Embry, I could see the group, all changed, except for Emily and Lisa, gathered around something. At least no one was hurt.
I'll be there soon.
This whole cell-phone thing had it's advantages sometimes, I'd admit that much. Then I caught the scent and wrinkled my nose in disgust, it was overly sweet, almost biting, and I picked up my pace even more, almost skidding to a halt as I came up to the group. The smell was more pungent here, along with the metallic scent of blood.
It's a body, I thought to myself.
No one turned to look at me except Emily, she gave me a small smile, but her expression was a little pale. I tried to return the gesture and walked over, standing in-between Quil and Sam.
And, in the center of the circle, was the body of a teenage girl, the moonlight fell on her pale skin, her shining black hair tousled. She didn't look like she had suffered a painful death, almost as if she hadn't even seen it coming. She was looking over to the side, her stare now forever blank, her pale lips parted a little. Perhaps a look of shock before the kill, too quick to react. Her neck was bent at an odd angle, probably broken, and there was a long cut on her arm, bleeding freely now. Here was a daughter that would never come home, a friend that would never show up to school again. Here was the end of a life, of dreams, of hope. I thought of Taj and a snarl built up in my throat.
Parasites.
Only Embry and Seth looked over at me when I started growling, their gazes unreadable, but they probably understood anyways.
Yes, this was definitely them. She was one of the missing people, Sam thought, breaking through everyone's jumbling thoughts, stopping the mild buzzing they were all creating in the back of my head.
There's no bite mark though, He continued, She must have caught our scent and taken off.
She, yes she. The scent was definitely femaleand I didn't have to ask what had happened, because I could see it through everyone's eyes. The parasite's scent had carried downwind, right to the cliff, and when they were sure of the scent, they had taken off. They hadn't seen the bloodsucker, just found the body, and that was reason enough to stop. Paul, Leah, and Quil had taken off to follow the trail though, see if they could at least find the direction in which the bloodsucker had come from.
But there was only one definite idea that everyone had in their heads including myself, though I didn't want to assume they were behind this. Because if they were, there was only one probable female to mess up. No..it couldn't be her, it was a new one that they had taken in. It must have been. It had to be. Or even one that was just passing through.
We didn't have any definite answers yet though, so I tried my best to stay calm. Either way, this meant nothing good for Forks, now we knew the story behind the missing people. Unfortunately. My thoughts jumped to Taj again and I was suddenly nervous, suddenly I wanted to leave and make sure she had gotten home okay, I wanted to be with her, to protect her. I shuffled uneasily on the spot.
Well, maybe if you hadn't been off making kissy-face, we wouldn't have spent time looking for you and we'd be catching up to this parasite by now, Paul snapped, his thought suddenly shattering my own. My eyes narrowed and I growled.
Will you mind your own business please? I thought defensively, he was right though, if I had been back at the cliffs, we'd probably have a better chance of catching the parasite..but part of me was glad I wasn't there, in fear of who it could be.
I can't help it if you think too loudly, Paul rallied.
He was so lucky he wasn't here right now.
It doesn't matter anyways, I've lost the scent, Leah thought suddenly, interjecting our jibes.
Sam's ear perked up, Really?
Yeah, I've lost it too, Quil thought.
It just..stops, Paul thought in disbelief.
Like Joe McCartney's scent! Embry thought suddenly.
Where are you? I asked, and once again I could see through their eyes, up on a sort of hill, just coming into a clearing in-between the trees.
Too far away from anyplace significant to pick a definite direction, Leah replied.
This can't mean anything good, everyone head back here, we need to figure out what we're going to do, Sam thought, taking authority
He was right, if this scent fading thing was going to become a habit, we were at an extreme disadvantage. We would have to be everywhere at all times if we were going to catch this thing, which wasn't even remotely possible. I felt a little relieved though, if they were out in the middle of nowhere, it meant that the Cullens couldn't be held responsible, at least, for now.
Leah, Quil and Paul came trotting up a few moments later, taking their places in the circle.
Quil seemed a little abashed though, and he kept staring at me, looking like he was ready to rip my throat out.
What's your problem? I asked, my ears flicking back.
I don't want you near her, Quil replied, his eyes not leaving mine, Especially not after this.
Who? Taj? I replied, Since when did you become so protective?
Quil growled, stepping towards me, his fur was standing on end, his head lowered, Since we started finding dead bodies, Jake! I don't want my cousin involved with this, with us. She won't be safe anymore.
I growled a little in reply, She isn't safe either way, nobody is. This isn't something that I can help!
I was surprised at Quil's behavior, seeing him this angry, I had taken a defensive stance without thinking, lowering my head a little as well, my ears pointed to the sides. He was my best friend, I didn't want to be fighting with him over this, not now. Everyone was watching us silently, a little shocked. Quil had never lashed out like this before.
What are you talking about? Quil's thoughts as fierce as his snarl, he stepped towards me, his lips pulled back to show his glistening white teeth, You said you didn't like her.
I growled in warningbut didn't reply to his snarl, I didn't want to get in a fight with Quil,..I wasn't sure then, I replied, my thoughts hesitant as I thought about Taj earlier, remembering her bright icy-blue eyes, the way her face had calmed as I had leaned closer to her. She had wanted it too, I could just tell, but she had stopped me, said my name. Why? If only I'd had two more seconds, if Sam hadn't called. I hadn't wanted to leave her, to run off like that. What was I going to tell her? I hoped she had gotten home okay..
Quil jumped towards me, snapping his jaws close to my face. I scampered back quickly, lowering myself more.
Stop thinking about her like that! You can't have her! I don't want this for her. You weren't even allowed to invite her here tonight! What were you thinking, Jake?
That was when I'd had enough, Quil couldn't boss me around. He didn't have any right to treat me likes this. And he couldn't talk about Taj like that either. I stood to my full height, glaring at Quil, ready to reply when Sam jumped between us, snarling.
Both of you knock it off! His snarl lowered to a threatening growl as his eyes darted from me to Quil, We have other matters to worry about right now.
Quil backed off, taking his place back in the circle, but he still glared at me reproachfully. I stood quietly, waiting for Sam to continue as he stepped back.
We'll need to have constant watch, thankfully the pack is big enough so we won't be pulling all-nighters, Sam thought, We'll have to distribute posts by groups, we'll need three people in Forks, two people in La Push, and two for the outer territory.
Why are we even bothering with this? Paul snapped suddenly, If we go to the parasites place right now, I bet we'll find them washing the blood off of their hands. It'll only take us twenty minutes or so to run over there, and with eleven of us, it'll be difficult for them to hold us off.
My gaze shot to Paul, ready to leap at him and make him eat his words, thinking about her. I was already on edge about Quil and Taj, did we really have to have Bella involved too? Couldn't one problem be enough? But Paul had a point, if it was a newborn, it was most likely the coven's doing. Unless, hopefully, the thing had just wandered here. Still, the last thing I wanted right now was to go charging up to that house.
We don't have any definite leads Paul, so drop your theory for a little while, will you? Leah thought coolly, getting to the reply before me.
Still, we should keep an eye on them Jared thought.
Sam looked at me, but nodded in agreement, There may not be definite evidence, but they're still suspects by nature. We'll need to have someone watching over the house, but they'll have to keep downwind. It'll be risky, but if we see a new one leaving the house, it'll be our best bet.
I could only picture one 'new one' leaving that house, my stomach dropped uneasily. But, we needed to take appropriate precautions..I just hoped she wasn't there.
Sam continued, If it is a young parasite, it'll be more careless and prefer human blood. We'll need to keep a careful watch over the town. Hopefully this will give them away.
So who's going to watch over Forks? Quil asked, but was looking at me.
I stared at him silently, I could understand why he was upset, but could he lay off? It wasn't like he didn't understand.
You, Leah, and Embry, Sam answered amicably, though he was watching Quil carefully, Jared and Paul will watch over La Push, and Collin and Seth, you two can watch over the outer territory, I'll watch over the house. If anyone sees anything, let us know, and we'll respond. We'll start tonight, if that works for everyone..
He looked over at Quil and Paulpointedly.
Without another word, the group separated, going their separate ways. Once again there was just the sound of the crickets, and in the distance the crashing waves, I thought about how the night had started out and sighed. Emily offered to drive Lisa home and the two of them left quickly, leaving just Sam and I. I know he had done this purposely, wanting to talk to me. He sat quietly, looking over the body. The scene would have looked frightening to anyone else.
He looked over at me slowly, Before anything else happens, I need you to establish something for me.
His thoughts were as calm as his voice would have been. I had seen this coming from a mile away, but I still didn't want to discuss it. I sat down as well, curling my tail near my legs, not looking at Sam. I looked at the girl again and I thought about Bella, thinking about her dark hair and bright eyes, the way they looked when she smiled; the way she looked when she saw me.
I had thought for sure it was love, and I was right, to a certain extent. But her face was different when she saw him, it was idolization, loyalty. And no matter how many times I saw Bella, she had never looked at me the same way. This made me more jealous than you could imagine, he was a killer, for crying out loud. But, I guess I could understand that she loved him. Exactly why, I still wasn't sure, but I could accept it, for the most part.
Because parasite or not, Bella was still my friend, and she always would be. And as her friend, I would accept who she cared about.
There was another reason why I didn't want to see her again though, other than the fact that she might have been the one to..was the one behind the missing people, even if she had asked about me.It was because..I was afraid she wouldn't look at me the same way again, that my Bella wouldn't be looking at me through the new, pretty eyes. That I wouldn't be able to see the love, the recognition in her eyes when she looked at me anymore, that I wouldn't be different anymore. It hadn't been the look she gave him, but it had still been just for me, it had been enough. I know it shouldn't have made a difference, that the two of us both knew we couldn't be anyways, that she didn't feel the same way about me. I know I was selfish, but I couldn't help it. What if the Bella I knew was gone? What if when I saw her, there was just a blank creature staring back at me?
Not being able to have Bella had been painful, but not being able to see her again would be hell.
I remember the last time I had saw her, it had been on the night of the wedding. I had decided to go, wanting to be there for her. But I hadn't gone inside with her family or with the bloodsuckers, I just wanted to see her, no one else. One last time before she would be gone..both ways. One last selfish moment for myself.
I had dressed up for the occasion and climbed up a tree near the window of her dressing room, still doubtful on whether I had made the right choice or not. It had been tough for me, deciding to go, but I really did want to see her, and this would be my last chance. Thankfully she had been alone, looking over herself in the mirror, her back was towards me, but I already knew she would look amazing in the white dress and her veil, though I regretfully wished she was wearing anything else; Bella always looked amazing, no matter what she wore.
I tapped on the window and she turned around, a little shocked at first, but a grin replaced her pretty features as she walked over and opened the window, letting me in. I leaped lightly into the room and just took a moment to look at her. She looked even better than amazing, more than beautiful. The dress was old fashioned, but it suited her even more. I gave her a small smile, really glad of my decision. I looked in her eyes and felt relieved, despite the dress, despite everything that had happened, I could still find the same Bella there, who had rode the motorcycles with me back at La Push, who was my best friend and yet would always be something more. I could still see the love in her eyes, and, as selfish as I was, that was the best of all.
"Hey,"I said, breaking the silence.
"I'm glad you came,"She said hesitantly, her smile calming, but still there, she gently took my hand,"But how did you..?"
"Edward, sent me an invitation,"I said, making sure I'd said his name,"He wanted me to have a choice, and I made the right one."
She smiled again, this felt awkward, almost formal. Too much like good bye.
"You look amazing,"I told her, trying to find something sufficient to say.
"Thanks,"She said, laughing a little,"Alice.."
"..set this all up,"I said, nodding,"I figured."
"I had to see you again,"I told her,"Before.."
She nodded,"I understand, I'm glad you did. I missed you."
"I missed you too,"I admitted, smiling.
She looked down at her wrist, and I noticed she was still wearing the bracelet I had given her, along with another charm. But I was glad she was still wearing it.
"Jake..promise me something,"She said slowly.
"Anything,"I said automatically, moving a few strands of hair from her face. Old habits die hard.
"That we'll still be friends,"Bella said slowly, her worried gaze meeting mine,"No matter what happens."
I was quiet for a minute, looking at her, wanting to remember her this way, wanting to remember her as I knew her, no matter what happened. I thought about what she would become, a bloodthirsty parasite, always hungry, and I couldn't picture it. I would always know Bella this way, the same girl I had met when she'd first moved to Forks.
"Of course we'll always be friends Bella,"I said, gently squeezing her hand, assuaging her concern,"Best friends."
Her smile returned slowly,"Thanks, Jacob,"She gently touched my cheek,"You're going to find someone amazing."
"I already did,"I grinned as I told her.
She grinned, shaking her head a little and laughed. Just like she used to.
Then there was a knock on the door and I gave her a small wave, leaving through the window before she could say anything else, before I made the decision to stay longer or say something I might regret. I had been selfish enough, a few minutes would be enough.
How do you feel about Taj? Sam asked, his thought pulling me away from mine.
I..I don't know, I answered, my thoughts confused, mixed; jumbled. Sam only watched me in silence, not asking me more.
This wasn't fair! How come she could go off with that parasite and leave me but I couldn't move on? Why did I feel like I was..betraying her? We both knew we couldn't be anything more than friends, especially now, so why was I still loyal? It wasn't even so much because I cared about Bella..it was because..because I was afraid that Taj wouldn't accept me. Because once you imprinted on someone, you were stuck on them. And if I had imprinted on Taj and she didn't feel the same way, then I would be stuck on her for the rest of my life, it would be like loving Bella again, but worse. It was hard for someone to deny imprinting, but there was still a chance, and Taj was different.
And, ironically, it was something I feared, but something I loved. There was just something about Taj that made her stand out from Bella. As being part wolf, the pack could just sense certain personality traits when we first met someone, kind of like when a dog senses fear, I guess. With Taj it had changed nearly every time when I had started hanging out with her, at first it had been hostile defensiveness, almost challenging, and that had made me put up my guard as well. Then, when I had gone to her house, it had changed to hesitation, fear, and it had made me wary too. And when we were friends, it was acceptance, languid trust. It had almost come off as a process of her getting used to me, the way a pack gets used to a new member. And that was what partially made me wonder if Taj really was one of us, even though she hadn't acted this way purposely.
One sign, one trait had remained constant though, and it wasn't in her body language, it was just..in the air around her, and I recognized it because it was a part of me as well, a part of me that I didn't really have anymore. It was an upbeat recklessness, an untamable part of her that simply lived for the thrill, thrived on adrenaline and good times. And, in a sense, it was innocence of being untamed. It had been dormant in her at first, and that was what had made me doubtful, wondering if it was too far gone. But I wanted to try to bring it back, and I had. And in doing so, I guess that I'd sort of brought Taj back too..along with myself. Spending time with Taj was different than when I'd spent time with Bella. When I had been with Bella there had always been some slight tension, whether it had been when I'd changed, or with the whole parasite controversy, I had still liked spending time with her, it helped me forget about other things going on. And she just made me feel happier. But with Taj, it felt like I had a fresh start with her, like nothing had ever happened, there had been no change, but now I realized that it was even more than that..it was almost like she was the other half of me. She was what I used to be, reckless, taking things a day at a time..but innocent. So, I guess in helping Taj, she had helped me, too. And when I had been with Bella, I had just wanted her to feel the same about me, and she had, to a certain extent, but with Taj..I just wanted to see her smile. It just felt right being with her. And I knew, that deep down, I'd do anything to protect her, to make her happy, that she was my imprint...that I was in love with Taj Williams.
I..I do love her, Sam,I finally thought,Just..when I'm with her..everything feels..right. Like she's..
Your other half, Sam finished, watching me.
I can't stay with her though, can I? I asked, already knowing the answer.
It's your choice, Jake, Sam replied, I can't tell you what to do, and neither can Quil, but I'm sure you understand why he's upset.
He doesn't want her hurt, I stated, already knowing, But I wouldn't let that happen to her.
What if there was an accident though Jake, would you be willing to live with that for the rest of your life? Sam asked calmly, And what about this parasite? You did take a risk by bringing her to the bonfire tonight. Once you tell her about us, she'll be bound to us. You know she won't back down if there's danger involved. Do you want that for her?
I didn't reply for a few minutes, thinking over what he had said.He was right, if I did tell Taj, she wouldn't back down from helping me, that is, if she believed me, accepted me as I was. I tried to picture her face when I told her, it would be of shock of course..maybe even of horror, maybe she'd think of me as a monster from now on. She might not even talk to me anymore, and I hated the thought of that. And if she did believe me and she wasn't a werewolf..it might not be the same between us, she would know me differently then she had before, and that was something I didn't want to have taken away. And what if one day I did hurt her, or we ran into the parasite?
I looked at the body, not being able to picture Taj looking back at me. And if I told her, it might get rid of her innocence, she would be more serious, more cautious, like the pack. And then of course, there was Quil, I thought of how angry he had been. I didn't want to fight with him.
.This wasn't fair! I finally found someone and I couldn't have her!..I wanted her, more than anything, to be a werewolf. So the two of us could be on the same level, so she could know how I felt. ..So we could be together. It was a selfish thought, but I was a selfish guy, what can I say?
But there was only so much of a chance of that happening, the full moon was a little less than a week from now. The best choice I knew right now, would to go with the tactic I'd had before..to stop talking to her. I had gone earlier to tell her that I couldn't hang out with her anymore actually, I thought it was going to be easy..but when she had looked at me..
I had had to see her again. How could he ask me to leave her? So, I had invited her to the bonfire, not caring. ..But this brought things into better perspective. This was what could happen, and I wasn't going to risk it. This had been my last night with Taj. ..But it wasn't enough. One night would never be enough.
You're right..I don't want this for her,I thought, looking at Sam, I won't risk her getting hurt. It's just..
Sam was quiet, but I knew he understood.
..Can I go watch..?I started, but he beat me to it.
Go ahead, Sam nodded.
Without another word I turned away from the body and Sam and bounded off into the woods, going to spend the night watching over Taj William's house, a place I wouldn't be allowed to set foot in ever again.
