Confessions
Halfway back to Emily's I remembered I had left without thinking about my clothing situation. I didn't want to remain in wolf form just in case some of the pack was still phased, but it sure beat showing up on Emily's doorstep in my birthday suit.
As I padded my way up the drive I found an anxious Jacob pacing on the gravel, clutching a piece of cloth. His face relaxed as he spotted me and he released a sigh of relief.
"You came back," he exclaimed. "I was worried you were gone for good, or something bad happened one. I thought you might need this," he said, holding out the material and turning his head away to give me some privacy.
It was an over sized, band t-shirt. I phased back quickly and threw it over my head. It was huge, almost covering my knees and smelled of Jake.
"Thanks Jake," I replied gratefully.
"It was nothing," he said, turning to face me again. "Let's get you inside. Emily is freaking out worrying about you."
He stopped abruptly, his face sad. "Are we okay?" I'm really sorry about losing my temper like that and yelling at you. I guess leeches bring out the worst in me."
"It's alright Jake," I assured while patting his arm. "I had a long day and so I might have overreacted just a little bit."
"Good," he sighed, throwing his arm around my shoulders. He hesitated for a moment and sniffed at my hair. His eyes narrowed in accusing slits.
I sighed and took a deep breath. "I had a run in with the vampires."
"What kind of run in," Jacob questioned, eyes hardening to the thoughts running through his head.
"It was nothing Jake, honest. See," I said, spinning in circles a few times. "I'm fine! Now, let's go see Emily!" I rushed towards the entrance before Jacob got the chance to ask anymore questions.
Barely a foot in the door, I was bombarded by a hysterical Emily. She embraced me in a tight hug, squeezing me as tight as her arms could muster.
"Don't you ever run out like that again," she cried. "I...We were all so worried about you. You were gone so long... I-I thought you weren't coming back."
"Shhh, don't cry Emily. I came back, I'll always comeback and I'll never leave you without saying goodbye first. I just needed some time to think.," I explained.
"Yeah," she sniffed, "that's what Sam said you needed," relinquishing her grip. Stepping back, a determined look flashed across her face. Turning to the small group that had been waiting for my return, she barked, "What are you all still doing here?! It's late and most of you have school in the morning! Bella's home, she's safe... now shoo!"
Everyone scattered like flies, narrowly avoiding Emily's playful swats as they exited through the door shouting their farewells. Sam kissed Emily passionately on the lips before snatching a stubborn Jacob outside by his shirt collar.
"We will talk about you incident later Bella," he promised as he was drug through the threshold.
"Goodnight Jake," Emily called, closing the door. She sighed and walked into the living room, motioning for me to do the same. She waited a good ten minutes before finally speaking.
"Alright Bella... Spill," she demanded, crossing her arms in determination.
"I'm exhausted Em," I feigned a yawn.
"Vampires Bella," she shrilled, not taking the bait. "What's the deal? You kill them, you're supposed to protect the human race from them, are you not?"
"I-It's different Emily, they're different. It's difficult," I hedged.
"What's difficult about a monster that drinks people's blood? They're evil Bella! You of all people should know that," she huffed. "Sam and the boys, even Leah, risk their lives keeping this community safe and you... you want to socialize with them?! I'm really trying to make sense of this but I can't until you explain it to me. Make me understand Bella... please," she begged.
"Emily... I-It's... insane. I don't even grasp a full understanding of the situation myself. It just happened so fast and then Alice-"
"Wait... Alice, the Alice, your friend that was killed by a vampire?"
"Yes... well, no... I thought that is what had happened... but today, at school. She was there Emily! She is o-one of them," I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
Emily dashed over as I crumpled to the floor, bringing her down with me. She cradled me against her body, stroking my hair, trying to calm my tears.
"Are you positive it's her?"
"I would b-bet my life on it," I gasped.
"Well that does complicate things..." she trailed off, deep in thought.
"That's not even half of it," I sobbed. "I-I imprinted today!" My tears spilled over as the day's events weighed heavily on my shoulders.
"Bella, honey," Emily gasped. "Why would that make you upset? That's wonderful news," she exclaimed. "Jake will be disappointed, of course, but he'll understand. Oh, and you should invite him over for dinner. I would love to meet him and Sam-"
I cut her off. "...and Sam would attack him. He's not allowed over here." I clamped my mouth shut. I hadn't meant to reveal so much.
Emily's expression was confused for a moment before her eyes narrowed as the truth sunk in and began to make sense.
"You imprinted on a cold one," she screamed.
"Emily, shhh! Please. Don't t-tell anyone. I'm b-begging you!" I continued, trying to speak clearly through the racking sobs. "Can't you see why I want to protect them, why I want to b-be near them? I might have been able to stay away if it had only been Alice, but with him... it's killing me now being apart, not knowing if he's safe, or h-happy... The pull is just so strong and it h-hurts so much. I know it should be wrong, b-but... oh, what do I do Em? Help me, please," I cried.
She sat there with me, holding me in her arms. She didn't say anything for a very long time, just stared out the window at the rising sun.
"They are the animal drinkers the pack signed the treaty with, right," she finally asked.
"Yes," I sniffed.
"At least they're trying to be civilized," she laughed, attempting to lighten the mood. "It could be worse, I suppose. Look at me Bella," she commanded.
I sat up and glanced at her warily. She sighed and smiled warmly. "Once upon a time, I fell in love with a werewolf. He gave me these scars," she said softly, lightly caressing the pink marks brandishing one side of her face. "It was an accident, he never meant to hurt me, but he will probably live his entire life regretting what he did. I doubt he will ever forgive himself, but I forgave him long ago. I am in love with that beast. There are some that would call him a monster too, but he is my Sam... and I love him dearly, no matter what species he may be. Bella," she breathed passionately, "you can't help who you fall in love with and it would be hypocritical of me to judge you for that. I will guard your secret for now, I won't even tell Sam, however, I insist that you tell the pack on your own, and soon. I'm sure they will resist it at first but they know the power of imprinting so they will have to come around, eventually."
"Oh, Em! Thank you so much," I hiccuped, eyes dry from the constant flow of tears.
"It will all work out, you'll see," she promised. "I know you're exhausted, we've been awake all night. What do you say to skipping school for the day and catching up on some sleep?"
"Sounds wonderful," I admitted, yawning.
Emily headed towards her bedroom and I made my way to the bathroom. Relief washed over me as I settled down under the soft covers after a cold shower. I was drifting off to sleep when I heard a knock on the door and Emily's footfalls on the linoleum floor.
"Good morning Jake," I heard her greet.
"Hey Em. Where's Bella. I need to speak to her."
"She's asleep, both of us are pretty tired and we decided to call out a personal day. You should probably come back later," she told him.
"Okay. Will you please tell her to call Billy's when she wakes up. It's important." Emily must have nodded, after a moment he continued, "Have a good day Emily."
"Alright, you too Jake!"
I heard the door click shut and sleep overtook my senses.
I was in the baseball field alone, twirling in circles as I once had when I was younger. I heard a faint giggle, like wind chimes... Alice.
"Come fly with me Alice," I cried, laughing.
Her squeals of laughter came closer as I felt her tiny, cold hands clasp in mine. We crisscrossed arms and using our weight for support we leaned back and spun in fast circles enjoying the drunk sensations we got in the pits of our stomach. Alice's grasp faltered and I felt myself flying backwards. I braced myself for the impact but was caught in two, cold stone arms.
Edwards scent surrounded me, making me drunk with pleasure. My knees buckled and in one swift move, he had me snuggled in his arms, pinning me against his chest.
Content, I looked up at his face and gasped as I saw my reflection swimming in his black as night eyes. He lowered his lips to my ear and whispered, "mine," sending electric chills throughout my body, making my toes curl in response. His lips continued the journey south along my jaw and down my neck, leaving an icy trail that burned my skin.
My body reacted on it's own accord as I felt my neck arching back to allow my predator better access. My hands clung to his shoulders as I braced myself for his bite. I knew then I would give this creature anything he desired, including my blood, which would mean my death.
Just as his teeth grazed across the fragile flesh that protected my veins, a howl erupted in the forest behind him. I snapped my eyes open just in time to see the pack advancing towards Edward. I swiftly escaped from his embrace and flung myself between my love and my new family.
Jacob had pounced first, his eyes full of pain when he realized to late that I was in between him and his intended target. I'm sorry, he thought as he crashed into me, his claws shredding into my body.
Gasping for air, I sat up in bed, my pajamas drenched in sweat. So much for a restful sleep, I groaned groggily.
Author's Note: Sorry about the wait you guys. I was sick and then for some reason my internet was down. Also, it's late so it's very possible there could be typos in here... but again... I am not perfect! I hope it's still enjoyable for everyone though.
Don't forget to review, I like reviews... they make me happy, which gets my adrenaline pumping and causes me to type faster!
Oh, on my profile, I have added the snapshot of Alice and Bella at the asylum that Bella is always gazing at. (I went manip crazy in Photoshop) I also made a poster for Haunting Moon. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Finally, I'm thinking about redoing my trailer, I shall keep you all posted!
Disclaimer: You know the drill...
