A/N: I think this is the LONGEST chapter I've written. I hadan operation done so in feeling a little tired -_- but I worked super hard on this one. Hope you enjoy. First reviewer will have the next chapter dedicated to them, and will receive a cookie xD ... REVIEW! Sorry for any mistakes btw
My eyes snap open and my heart stops. An ear splitting howl is heard outside along with loud snarling. Oh god. Oh no. I wandered, how would Jacob react if he woke up to find out his... Best friend was gone. What was the first thing he would think? What was the first thing Sam would think? I was so stupid! Why didn't I think this all through? I guess, that's what always happens. You have a plan, you're so eager to execute it that you immediately forget about the consequences. I forgot about the consequences that would come. How could I ever be so stupid?
I glance around the room, spotting Edward standing at the window, his brows furrowed as he mumbles under his breath. As if on instinct he turns to look at me, his pale face frustrated and slightly annoyed. I'm scared to ask what was going on. I'm scared to think about what's outside. What was happening. Was I in trouble? Stupid question, I think to myself.
"Avalon, were Sam and the pack aware of you leaving?" Edward asks me gently, striding over towards the bed and crouching down to my eye level. His topaz eyes sparkle as he stares into mine.
"N-no." I stutter quietly.
Edward nods and bites down on his bottom lip, "I see," he whispers, "That would explain why..."
In a flash, Edward is up and out of the room. Should I follow? I kick the covers away from me, bounding onto my feet and down the stairs in worry. I guess I was in trouble. I trip at one point but grab the banister to support myself. It almost felt like a near death experience. Drama queen, I think to myself.
I run outside to see what I'd expected. Sam and the pack in wolf form, growling and snarling. Ready to attack. I spot Jacob, his russet fur bristled as he growls dangerously close to Edward. Behind those angered eyes, I saw pain. Jacob was scared, he was worried. He wanted to know where I was. His brown eyes set on me, they widen immediately and his growling cuts short as he whimpers. He looks so fragile. So gorgeous as he stares back at me with his large wolf eyes. I gasp lightly as he stares at me but Sam's loud bark made me jump and Jacob's head immediately snapped towards Edward as he snarled.
"They think we kidnapped you." Edward informs me.
I gape. Was there nothing this guy could do? It was amazing. I stare at him, dumbfounded, "You speak wolf?"
Edward chuckles, "No, I read minds. They can think too."
"Oh." I blush, embarrassed.
I feel Rosalie's cold, slender arms around me. It feels comforting, friendly but her tone is harsh as she speaks, "Why would we kidnap Ava'?"
I had a nickname? Wow, I was really liked here? Or maybe it was just Rosalie. It was nice knowing I was welcome here, no matter what or who I hung around with. I watch as Paul snarls at her. I hated not knowing what they were saying. I hated the fighting.
"Translation Edward?" I ask politely.
"Paul asks how you got here. He's doubting that you got here on your own." Edward informs me once more. Jacob suddenly turns to Paul and growls at him. Paul snarls back, hunching his back as they move gracefully, circling each other threateningly. I become scared; were they going to fight again?
"Stop it!" I blurt, "Please."
Sam growls at them both and I watch as Jacob stiffens, he snaps his head towards mine and whimpers again. I sigh and lean into Rosalie's protective hold. She coos in my ear gently and runs her fingers through my long, silky hair. Jacob snarls as her and she hisses back.
"Shut up, mutt." Rosalie snorts as she kisses my head gently. Her cold lips send shivers down my spine. Jacob whimpers again, slightly bowing his head as he stares at me. I want to hold him. I want to show him I really did love him. I wanted him to love me. To show me he did.
"They're angry." Edward tells me as he walks over to me, "Paul thinks you've betrayed them," I hear Paul growl and snarl in agreement, "Jacob's sorry."
I feel pain wash over my face as I stare at the bright green grass. My knees tremble as I look back at Edward and then at the pack, "It would be easier if I could understand you too. So we could talk about this."
Sam glances around at his fellow wolves questioningly. I glare at him. I spot Leah next to Seth and Quil her eyes flickering to mine every few seconds or so. I stare, heart broken. Poor Leah. I still couldn't get my head around it all. How could Sam do such a thing? To Leah of all people. She may have been bitter but she didn't deserve this... Pain.
"They're discussing it." Edward tells me with a small smile.
"What's there to discuss?" I speak up, my voice stronger than I'd expected, "What? Am I threat now? Is that it?"
Sam snarls at me, shaking his large head. I clench my fists as I glare at him. I feel my them tremble as I let the thoughts sink in. How on earth did Leah manage to cope with all of that? How could Sam even think to show such affection in front of Leah; could he not remember what he'd done to her?
Jacob whimpers and trudges over to Sam, blocking Rosalie and I. He turns and nods at Edward, glancing at me.
"They agree," Edward begins, stopping as Sam snarls loudly, "Jacob wants you to cover your eyes."
"What now? More secrets? More surprises?" I ask bitterly, but my hands still clamp over my eyes. I wait for a minute or so, growing slightly impatient.
I hear Rosalie hiss, "Don't touch her."
"Listen Blondie, I hate to spoil things for you, but I need her for a minute, okay?" I hear Paul's angered voice snaps.
"After yesterday? Keep dreaming dog." Rosalie snarls at him.
"She's not your pet." Paul growls back.
"Speak for yourself, dog. Keep that in mind, dogs make good pets not partners."
I take my hands away from my eyes. Nothing has changed apart from the pack had phased back, wearing cut-offs. Paul stands within two metres away from me. His eyes soft as he stares into my eyes. I feel anger ripple through my arms as I push Rosalie away and storm towards Paul. My eyes blazing.
It happened so fast.
So quick.
It was such a rush. I felt adrenaline pump through my body as a bold feeling rippled through me. It was a rather loud clap that made me realise what I'd done. And of course the redness of my right hand. I had slapped Paul Lahote. Boy, was I proud. I feel everyone's shocked eyes on me.
Paul stares back at me, "Guess I deserved that, huh?"
I shake my head, "I'm not done yet."
I slap him twice more and punch his chest. Hoping to inflict some sort of pain on him but I don't hear a gasp or a stunned sound of pain. I hear a sickening crunch. Well, that backfired! Groaning, I hold my hand and scream in frustration. Pain. Embarrassment.
"Shit, are you okay?" Paul reaches for me but I flinch away and hunch over.
"Do me a favour," I spit venomously, "Kill me."
"Don't be stupid Avalon." Sam warns me.
I glare up at him. The words are out of my mouth before I realise what I had actually said, "Shut the hell up! Go burn in hell, you no good, cheating,"
"Woah, Aj," I hear Jake's husky voice mummer, "Calm down. Let me see your hand."
I feel my eyes water as I look at him. What was wrong with me? Was it the time of the month soon? Why was I acting like this? Paul and I were meant to be best friends. Sam was meant to be my "uncle". I suck in a deep breath and straighten up, massaging my hand carefully. I keep my head held high as I turn and walk back inside to sit on the stairs. Ignoring Jacob. Ignoring Paul. Ignoring Sam. Ignoring everyone.
"Excuse me." I say politely.
I sit on the bottom step and listen carefully. Hoping to hear them talking, luckily for me I got just that.
"No body kidnapped her Sam." Carlisle promises. His voice gentle and calm as usual.
"Then how did she get here?" Jared demands.
Edward then speaks, "If any of you didn't notice, Jacob's truck is here. Clearly, if you weren't all looking for a reason to blame us, you would have noticed it was here. And Leah had been here all night. Which gives you all your answer, Leah drove Avalon here."
Silence.
"Stupid mutts." Rosalie says rather loudly.
"Rose." Carlisle mummers, in warning.
"Sorry for the assumptions we made," Sam apologised, "If we had known Leah had gone behind our backs to,"
"She needed help! She was pleading, I did nothing wrong Sam!" Leah protests angrily. I could imagine her pretty eyes narrowed, fists clenched.
"You could have at least told us first!" Sam argues back.
Leah scoffs, "You were all asleep! For fuck' sake! You just love to blame me for everything!"
"Emily was worried sick!" Sam growls.
"Not everything is about your precious Emily. Avalon was upset she needed space, so I helped her. I talked to her. No one seems to really ask her how she feels anymore. No one can see what's going on, but I can!"
My heart clenches. Please, I plead in my head, please don't, Leah. I could only imagine what would happen. I didn't want any more arguments. It wasn't worth it, in my eyes anyways.
"Look, we have more important things to worry about," I hear Alice announce, "Why don't we all go inside and discuss the problem. If any of you,"
"Mutts." Rosalie chirps. I could imagine her golden eyes wide and mischievous with a big smile on her perfect, lips.
"Please let me rip her head off." I hear Jacob growl.
"As I was saying, if any of you, have forgotten what the problem was," Alice continues, "Victoria has created an army of NewBorns. We'll discuss everything inside but at the moment I think Ava' has broken her hand. Carlisle?"
Not a second later Carlisle is through the door and strides towards me. I stand up and smile at him, hoping he wouldn't think I was eaves dropping. He smiles, his gleaming white teeth shining. Carlisle seemed really friendly. Really human. I didn't think he would ever be capable of being a blood thirsty vampire.
"Let's have a look at your hand Avalon." Carlisle breathes with a small smirk. I blush embarrassed as I hold out my throbbing hand. He examines it and nods, "Ah, I see. You haven't broken it to be exact, just fractured it. I'll give you a cast for it?"
I nod and he beckons me to follow him up the stairs. He hums a pretty song as we do, not once turning back to see if was following or not. The Cullen home was a huge, grand million-dollar worth home. At least it seemed that way for me. Carlisle leads me into what seems to be a study of some sort. That is of course, judging by the collection of ancient books. I slowly sit on top of his deep mahogany desk and wait patiently as he retrieves what seems like a first aid kit.
It's silent for a few minutes as he sets to work on my hand, gently wrapping it in a bandage. I look at him in question. There so many questions I wanted to ask him. About vampires. He was one, I'm sure he'd be the best person to ask. He seemed kind and polite enough.
"Do you and your family drink human blood?" I ask quietly.
Carlisle shakes his head, "No. We drink animal blood. You could almost say we're vegetarians, if you must."
I furrow my brows. That wouldn't be vegetarian. It's still blood. It's still taking a life. Why not drink... Organic blood. If there even was such a thing. I nod, showing I understand.
"How old are you?" I ask quietly, he looks up at me with a small humoured smile, "I'm sorry, I know it's rude to ask but, you look really young. You could pass for twenty two."
Carlisle chuckles, "Just one year off," he smiles at me and gets bet to work, "I'm definitely older than your great, great, great, great, great... Great grandfather."
I stare at him, "Really? When were you born?"
"1640." he replies.
"But you look so young."
"Vampires are frozen at state in which they are transformed." Carlisle says with a light grimace as he finishes wrapping my hand in the cast.
"So that means your stuck looking twenty-three years old forever?" I ask.
Carlisle nods slowly.
That was sad. Stuck in time. No moving forwards or backwards. No growing or changing, not physically anyway. I would hate that, that must really suck. Seeing everyone around you that you love, die and pass. I was certain, I never wanted to be a vampire. Ever.
"Never moving forward." He mutters but then smiles, "But when you have such a great family, that doesn't really bother you any more."
I nod and smile.
"Jacob was very worried." Carlisle speaks, his gold eyes glancing at mine as he packs away most of his equipment. I furrow my brows and stoke my arm uncomfortably as he continues, "He thought something had happened to you, he doubted that you had even made it here."
I look at Carlisle who looks back at me with a small smile. The smile is almost sympathetic and almost sorry. I bite down on my lip as I hear voices from downstairs and the sound of laughing. The loudest was Embry's and Seth's. The two of them seemed to like Esme's cooking best, they seemed to like her quite a lot too. It was really nice to know they weren't planning on ripping any ones heads off.
"Avalon, dear, I know you might disagree with me, but Jacob really does love you." Carlisle speak softly, holding my gaze.
Wrong.
False.
Lies.
I nod and fake a small smile, "I know, we are best friends after all, aren't we?"
Carlisle opens mouth to speak but is interrupted by a soft knock against the wooden door. I slowly turn my head to see Jacob leaning against the door frame, his eyes set on mine as he stuffs his hands into his pockets carelessly. He looks breath taking my beautiful as he glances at the two of us, an apologetic look on his face. I shake my head lightly, my hair falling over my face as I examine my bandaged hand.
"Just wanted to see if Avalon was okay." Jacob mumbles under his breath.
I hear Carlisle suck in a deep breath, "Would you like some time alone?"
"Please?" Jacob asks quietly.
I hear Carlisle's footsteps as he leaves the room. It's a slow, hesitant sound that makes me grow nervous. I look up, my eyes hooded as I look at Jacob. He closes the door gently as takes a few step towards me, but stops. I smile sadly and take in a deep breath.
"Hi." I mumble quietly.
Jacob grimaces and the pain I once saw when he was asleep returned. It made my heart clench, "Are you mad at me? If you are, I'm sorry Avalon. When I woke up, and you weren't in my arms,"
"Why would it matter, if I wasn't or if I was?" I question. It sounded too snappy but yet I asked.
"Avalon," Jacob walks towards me slowly. His arms wrap around my waist securely as he rests his head against mine. My eyes become heavy as I bite down on my lip. Why didn't he love me back? Like I loved him? Why didn't he need me. Like I needed him. My breathing becomes ragged as I stares into his eyes. So intense, so beautiful. Like him. He closes his eyes and re-opens them, gazing back at me, "It matters to me, so much. You matter to me."
I look up at him, the words are out of my mouth before I could think properly, "This isn't... I'm stuck in this triangle. I can't get out."
"What do you mean?" Jacob asks my softly as he strokes my cheek gently. His touch makes me gasp lightly and raise my hand to feel his.
"It's like a story. I'm Leah, your Sam and Bella's Emily."
Jacob pulls away slowly and looks at me with a raised brow, "Where is this coming from?"
"I spoke to Leah yesterday," I pause and sigh gently, "I know about their story. What happened. It's exactly the same, but Leah's version is worse. Sam left her for Emily. He fell in love with Emily."
"What has this got to do with you, Bella and I?" Jacob questions me gently.
My walls are invaded and I feel my defences shut down. It was only Jacob who could do this to me. My throat turns dry and I feel as if the air has been knocked out of my lungs.
"You love Bella." I choke.
Jacob's eyes grow wide as he stares at me, he moves quickly to wipe away something wet from my cheek. Hushing me, cooing in my ear gently. He sounds so beautiful as he whispers into my ear I grip his hands tight as I cry. Not caring that I was crying. That he was seeing me do so. Not caring that I was letting myself go.
"I get it, okay. I'm just a silly little fifteen year old girl. I'm not the beautiful, Bella with silky wavy hair and perfect brown eyes. I'm not as slim as her, I don't have a perfect shape like she does. I get it, Jacob, I really do." I sob.
Jacob stares at me, wide eyes and almost angry as he cups my face in his warm hands, "You think I'm in love with Bella?"
I nod and stiff rather loudly, desperately trying to focus my eyes somewhere else.
"Avalon," Jacob almost gasps making me look at him, "She's not you. She isn't you. She doesn't have gorgeously cute, hazel, Bambi shaped eyes. Or long, silky brown hair. Her skin isn't a beautiful, radiant, healthy glow. She doesn't have your, petite features, or your curvy body. She isn't my Avalon."
I stare, my lips trembling as I ignore everything he says and instead ask him another question, "What's imprinting?"
I had remembered Emily mentioning it yesterday. Leah had immediately reacted with a bitchy comment. I put two and two together and ended up with four. Sam imprinted on Emily. What ever imprinting was, it made Sam fall in love with Emily. Poor Leah. It baffled me, stunned me. I still didn't understand nor know what that really meant. It wasn't Leah's place to say and it wasn't anyone else's. Surely, Jacob would tell me.
Jacob smiles, "Imprinting is when," he pauses and rests his head against mine, "It's when you see her. The whole world shifts, changes. Your name doesn't matter, your family doesn't matter. Your whole identity doesn't matter. Nothing does, not your home, not your friends, not even your loyalty to your own pack. It's just her. Nothing and no one else. She's the only one, the only thing that's keeping you alive. The only reason to live, to breathe."
I stare into his eyes and frown slightly, "You've imprinted?"
"Yes." Jacob sighs as he looks down at my hands, taking them in his, "She's beautiful. An angel. The day I first saw her, when I imprinted on her. I'll admit, I tried to fight it, I was convinced I still loved Bella. I tried and tried but it hurt. Physically and mentally. I couldn't get her out of my head. Her eyes are the most, gorgeous eyes I have ever seen. It was after two weeks, I had fallen in love with her. I didn't and still don't ever want to get back up. I'm not sure whether she loves me as much as I do her. But I'm willing to try, I'm going to tell her."
I try and hide my anger. My pain. He had imprinted on someone, but it wasn't me. I wasn't sure why I thought that it wasn't me. Maybe because, Jake saw me as nothing but his best friend. Maybe it was because I wasn't good enough for him.
The tears slowly roll down my cheeks as I fake a smile, "Well tell her then. I'm sure she'll be happy to know." I croak. My voice breaking at the ends and I suck in a heavy breath of air.
Jacob hushes me and strokes my cheeks again, "Don't cry."
I shake my head, "I'm fine. Go and tell your imprint that you love her. Make her one lucky girl."
"I'd rather show her." Jacob whispers. His voice sounds husky as his sultry eyes gaze into mine.
I feel his lips on mine in seconds and gasp, shocked. It was blissful, his warm lips moving against mine so perfectly, so in sync. My heart explodes as Jacob gently wipes away my tears and continues kissing me gently. I kiss him back. Savouring the taste and feel of his sweet lips. Gently massaging against my own. Jacob moans against my lips emitting a soft whine from my throat. His hands are on my waist as he gently pulls me towards him, our bodies close together, fitting like a puzzle piece. My hand knot in his hair as I wrap my legs around his waist tightly.
Falling; fast but slow as our kiss deepens. I wanted to fall; in love. With him. I was already. But I wanted to fall deeper and deeper until I was buried so deep I couldn't get back up. Until I wouldn't get back up. I was so, so sure. So positive. Jacob did love me.
Jacob did really love me.
I suddenly feel stupid. I called Carlisle a liar. Told Leah she was wrong. When I was wrong. I would apoligize to them. But now, I would focus on this blissful moment. So picturesque. So perfect.
Jacob pulls away from me slowly, hesitantly, then goes back to kiss me. We both giggle as we peck each others lips over and over. Jake lets his soft, warm kisses travel towards my earlobe and I gasp and run my hands through his hair.
"I love you Avalon." He whispers against my ear, before looking me in the eyes, "I really do love you, so much."
I hold onto his shoulders tightly, "It was me?"
"I imprinted on you, I've never been so happy. Your my everything. I love you and I always will." Jacob says truthfully, there's honesty behind those eyes as he kisses me once more.
As we pant and kiss. I feel a light ignite inside my heart, it travels throughout my body, setting me on fire as I moan, "I love you Jacob. So much."
Jacob pulls away and smiles, "I'll love you, more than you'll ever know."
