Disclaimer: They're on my Birthday list ;-)
10. The Wolfpack
The forest moved less than swiftly as they trod along towards the clearing. They were in no particular hurry, they'd been watching the leeches practice for two nights now. He'd been willing to go and watch by himself, freeing up the others to run patrols or get some much needed shut-eye, but Sam wouldn't hear of it. The guys weren't too impressed by the idea either, so Quil and Embry were going with him to watch his back. Seth was there too. The kid was so stoked about the whole thing, he was trotting along ahead of the rest of them, impatient with their lagging.
Kid's awful eager to hang with the vampies. Quil thought.
Yeah, Leah probably cuffed him too many times when he was little. Jake thought back.
I can hear you dipshit. Leah's voice cut in.
Oh yeah, forgot you were running tonight.
Everyone's running moron. Sam's not granting shore leave till the nasties are toast.
If you'd rather join them with the Cullens than run patrols, Leah, be my guest. Sam butted in.
Yeah… I think I'd rather give myself an appendectomy… thanks though.
They're not that bad guys. Seth interrupted. If you'd just give them a chance, you'd see that too.
Give them a chance? How are we even related? Leah groaned.
Your mom probably smoked pot and drank everyday while pregnant with him. Embry quipped.
After having Leah, can you blame her? Quil barked.
I'm going to tear your furry ass apart Atera. Leah growled.
I'd like to see you try princess.
Pedophile!
Enough! Sam's order rumbled through the mind link, stopping the verbal battery between them all. Jacob, you and the others will continue on with watching the Cullens. And the rest of you will do your jobs.
Geez Sam, I can do this without an entourage. I can go by myself. Jake rolled his eyes.
You would taunt the mind reader the first chance you got. If he attacks you, you'll be glad your brothers are there to back you up.
Believe me Sam, I don't need backup to take out Edward Cullen.
Which is why you're not going alone. You would dissolve the treaty, and there would be open war between our kinds.
Is that such a bad thing? Leah cut back in. She hated the vampires more than the rest of them did sometimes. I'd love to get my jaws around a piece of that Emmett.
I'll be sure to let him know you want his body, Leah. Embry laughed.
You're dead too, Call.
Enough! Sam shouted again.
Jake did not envy Sam's job of keeping them all in line. The bickering and squabbling had been bad enough when it was just that idiot Paul on the short end of the stick. Now, with Leah running as well, tempers ran high and she was usually the cause behind it. Not that Jake blamed her much anymore. Bella's continuing to choose Edward over himself helped him see things in Leah's point of view. It had to suck for her being under her ex's command, knowing he went home to her cousin's bed every night. It was the same for him. He could spend all the time he wanted hanging out with Bells, she'd just go back to the corpse at the end of the day.
Frig, Jake, you're bringing me down, man. Seth groaned.
I guess I could try to focus on the positive. Edward might be torn apart by the other bloodsuckers, and die a slow and agonizing death.
Way to think positive Jake. Seth rolled his eyes.
Can't say I'm not hoping for it too kid. Leah was back. Jake, what do ya say we start a letter campaign to Santa? He'd never owe me another gift ever! Not as long as that condescending douchbag's head is in my stocking. I never really wanted that soccer ball he left me when I was eight, but I might take up the sport again if I could practice with Eddie's face.
What do you want to practice with Edward's face? Paul cut in, snickering. I missed something there.
Funny, Rachel's always complaining and saying the same thing about you.
Everyone else laughed but me and Paul. Paul, because Leah was belittling his manhood. Me, because it was my sister they were talking about and the thought of her and Paul in the sack made me want to gag.
Leah, knock it off, that's gross. Seth chastised his sister.
What's wrong little brother? Still think girls have cooties? You don't want to know what I was doing at your age.
Leah! Sam barked.
Shut your muzzle Uley. It wasn't with you.
And you wonder how we're related? It's like living with a Tourette's kid with you!
How do you live with her kid? Quil asked. I'd smother her in her sleep.
You come near me while I'm sleeping Asshole, and you'll be pissing sideways for the rest of your life.
You'd never catch me.
I can run faster than you with my eyes closed.
Yeah? Can you do it with your mouth shut too?
Jake barked out laughter at that one, and he wasn't the only one. Leah's mind went red, and all Jake could see was Leah planning Quil's demise.
You better watch it Bro. Jake laughed at his friend as Leah planned to hide behind Clair's house with a camera to catch Quil the next time the toddler wanted to play princess tea party. She's pissed.
She don't scare me.
Then you're as stupid as you look. Leah bit out, conjuring up an image of Clair's upcoming birthday party.
Jake had to laugh at that as well. His best friend was a slave to a toddler's whims.
Come on guys. Seth whined. He hated when everyone picked on his sister, but she honestly brought it on herself.
But Leah wasn't done with her revenge on Quil for his very existence. She was contemplating knocking him out, and leaving him naked and tied to a tree in front of Forks High.
Awww, I always knew you wanted to get me naked Leah, Quil teased her.
Eewww! So wrong! Freakin' Ass-hat. It's a good thing for Clair that she's got sixteen years for you to figure out what to do with that bee stinger you call a dick.
Come on Lee, Quil laughed. Give me some credit – I took Sex-Ed.
I hope they did more than give you an instruction manual. You couldn't pour water out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel!
Jake and the others burst out laughing.
Leah, you totally scammed that line from 'The Raccoons.' Seth smirked.
Dude, you watched The Raccoons? Embry teased him.
Apparently I wasn't the only one.
But it's Canadian T.V. kid – the CBC no less. It sucks by definition. Jake laughed.
It does not! Besides, they show a lot of hockey on the CBC and the Vancouver Canucks are going to kick ass this year and win The Cup.
Oh my God, my kid brother's on dope. Leah rolled her eyes.
I'll take that bet kid. Jared joined in. Ten bucks on the Penguins taking it home. That Crosby kid is on fire.
You're on. Seth smiled to himself
I'm surrounded by morons. Leah muttered and shook her head.
Back to the task at hand guys. Sam growled. He was more than a little pissed at Leah telling him to shut it.
Jake tuned out the thoughts of his pack. He could hear Leah and Paul abusing each other. Paul should just shut up because he was no match for Leah's sharp wit. As she was fond of saying, 'a battle of wits against an un-armed man isn't as much fun as it should be'. Of course Quil was never one to keep his yap shut either, but honestly, Quil just liked getting under people's skin.
They were about a mile away from the clearing now, with Seth scouting the way up ahead. They'd be in Edward's range by now.
Hey bloodsucker! You hear us yet you fucktard?
Fucktard? Oh I like that one Jake. Gold star for you. Leah snickered.
Jake ignored her. Taunting Edward was the only thing that kept him going these last couple of nights. Hey Eddie! I had this unbelievable dream last night. Check it out. Jake replayed an entirely made up dream of he and Bella skinny-dipping at the beach.
Dude! Embry barked. There are kids present.
That was pretty tame compared to Jared and Kim recaps. Seth groaned. I could do with a little less nudity though, thanks.
His poor virgin eyes. Quil laughed.
Don't go pointing that finger Atera. Seth will most likely pop his cherry before you do. Paul cut in.
Please. You fainted and then ran from the house the first time you saw Rachel naked. Quil scoffed.
Quil, you're my friend, but if you ever say my sister's name and the word naked in the same sentence again, I'll kill you. Jake growled. Jake felt a major pity vibe for Seth who was practically forced to witness his sister naked every time she phased.
Hey! What's that? Seth's ears perked and he trotted further ahead. Jake hadn't realized how far away the kid had gotten while he'd been laughing at the pack banter.
What's going on Seth? Emmett hide Blondie's favorite shoes again? Embry laughed.
I don't know. Seth's voice took on a worried tone. Something's not right.
Jake looked through Seth's eyes. He was just coming up on the clearing, but there wasn't the sound of the usual grappling between the Cullens. It was oddly quiet.
Are they there? Sam asked, suspicious.
Oh, they're there alright. I can smell them. Seth answered.
Jake was picking up on something now too. He didn't know what it was, but the hairs on his neck were sticking up. He took a deep sniff, wincing as the vampire stink assaulted him. He could smell Bella too, so what was the problem? He didn't smell an unknown leech, but something was definitely wrong.
It was cold, and it was acrid, and it settled and burned in his gut.
Fear. It was fear he could smell.
There are two people there. Seth said. They've got Bella behind them and they're holding the Cullens hostage. Edward, Jasper and Emmett are down.
No one make a sound! Jake started running. Seth, don't move until we get there.
Nobody moves until we all get there. Sam commanded.
There was a flurry of activity as wolves started running full out for the clearing from all over their boundaries.
Seth! Sam barked. What are they?
I don't know. They're not vampires, that's for sure. But they don't have a scent.
Everything has a scent.
These two don't. Whatever they are, they took down three of the Cullens and are keeping the rest of them back.
Jake could see Jasper pulling himself along the ground towards Edward as he raced up and caught up to Seth near the clearing. Every thought in his head was telling him to rush into that clearing and get Bella the fuck out of there, leeches be-damned. He'd tear those two apart.
Jake! You will not go in there without the rest of us!
But they have her!
I don't think they're trying to hurt her man. Embry said as he came up to Jake and Seth. It looks like they're trying to protect her.
Jake snapped at him. He didn't care what it looked like. There were two unknown threats between him and his Bella.
Whatever they're doing, Leah cut in, forest whipping past her as she ran, eager for a fight. If they took out a couple leeches, they're okay in my book.
But they have Bella! Jake yelled. All he could think was that he had to get to her, to protect her like only he could. He made to run for it but Seth and Embry dug their shoulders into his chest, holding him back. A second later, Quil was there too, blocking his way like the others.
Jake! Bro! You can't go in there like this.
The hell I can't! Get the fuck outta my way!
Jacob! Sam's voice shot through the mind link.
Be smart man! We need a plan.
It's get in there and tear those two to pieces!
Jacob! You will wait for the rest of the pack! Sam's deep voice boomed and echoed in his mind as he laid down the Alpha law.
Jake felt his legs wobble and his knees bent against his will. But Sam…they have her. He pleaded.
And we'll get her out. But you can't go up against them like this. If they can take down vampires, they can very well take you out too.
Jake could see foliage blurring past in his brother's eyes as they all raced to the impending fight. He was frozen. All he could do was hunker down on his belly and look through the ferns at the sight on the other side of the clearing. Edward and Jasper crawling painfully across the grass, arrows sticking out of them. That blond bitch Rosalie pulling an arrow out of Emmett. Carlisle, Esme and Alice standing in front of the strangers with their arms up like a liquor store robbery. The two strangers, one holding a crossbow on the Cullens while the other one held a machete.
And Bella. Bella screaming for Edward.
Jake, just listen to what they're saying man. Embry insisted.
They wanted to take Bella away, to protect her from the vampires coming to town. If Jake were thinking right, that would sound like a good idea. But he didn't know who the fuck these two were. He didn't know if they were trustworthy, or if they could protect her at all. Granted they took out the three strongest Cullens – whatever they did with those arrows took the leeches down for the count – but what would happen if a large group found them? They'd run and leave Bella to be ripped to shreds. There was no way he was going to stand for Bells to be taken away from him, where he couldn't look out for her.
Sam hurry your fucking furry ass up here! Jake growled while still pinned to the ground by the Alpha command.
There was a burst of speed as the pack unanimously kicked it into high gear. Leah was closing the distance fast, her powerful legs eating up the distance as she darted between trees. Jared, Paul and Sam were converging on each other, while Colin and Brady were sent back to the Rez to await further instructions. The kids weren't too happy about it, they wanted to see some action. They'd already been told they wouldn't be at the fight when the Seattle bitch got there, they'd been pissed about that too.
Jake watched Jasper and Edward pull their arrows out, and watched them limp painfully towards the others. The strangers were barking out orders, telling off Carlisle and Edward – the shorter one had a smart mouth. Jasper said the words hunters and Brotherhood – whatever that meant. Apparently none of the other bloodsuckers knew what that was either.
If anything happens to her, you fucking leech, Jake cursed at Edward, I will rip you apart and smile as you burn.
You guys get up behind them, we're almost there. Sam called.
Jake didn't need to be told twice. He took off at a dead run, silent on his heavy paws as he raced around the clearing for the other end. They met Leah part way, her silver coat glinting ghost-like in the dark as she fell in behind Quil. They ran until they were behind the trees near the outcropping, crouching in the dense foliage. They were nearer now, and it was true that the strangers had no scent. They looked human, sounded human, why didn't they smell human? The coarse hairs on his neck stood straight.
What are you?
The rest of the pack was close now, only a minute away.
The shorter one asked why the leeches just didn't put Bella on a plane to get her out of here, and Bella was explaining that she couldn't run because the army would go into the town searching for her. The big one exploded that they were using her for bait. Jake couldn't argue with that. Bait was exactly what Bella was. But it wasn't in a bad way. What was going to happen to her up in the mountains, away from the fight and all of them down here to protect her? Nothing – that's what. And when Jake was finished with these two, he'd be ready to rip apart all the bloodsucking assholes that Victoria bitch was bringing for them to play with. He wanted Victoria for himself. No one threatened his Bella. Not without answering to him.
The soft almost inaudible thumps of the packs paws drew near. Every mind was eager for a fight, every mind was processing what they'd watched through the eyes of the pack members who had been up here and witnessed the exchanges between the strangers and the Cullens.
The wolves lined up. Sam in the middle, Jake on his right as his second, Jared on the left. Seth and Leah were at opposite ends of the line. They crept out of the trees, silent as death.
The strangers were yelling at the vampires that they were too outnumbered to risk keeping Bella near the fight.
"We're going to have help." Carlisle said calmly.
I am going to fuck you two up.
"Who? The Volturi?" The smart-mouthed one yelled.
Jacob! Sam commanded. You will not attack them outright!
Sam!
No!
"No." Edward said with a smile that looked like he'd just won the lotto.
Every wolf in the line let loose a low, threatening growl.
"Our new allies."
A/N: Big thanks to everyone who is enjoying this story, especially my awesome, loyal reviewers. You guys make my day with your encouragement.
And I should probably take a minute to apologize to everyone about my profane language in this fic. I've dropped a lot of 'f-bombs' so far and there is no shortage of them in the upcoming chapters. My only excuse is that Sam and Dean were raised by a marine and have lived a hard life. They say fuck. Sorry.
