Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer but the plot is all mine!
A/N: Thank you all for reading this story and taking the time to leave reviews. Please continue to do so….oxo
And now the story continues
Chapter 14 – Vampire…
Bella had just settled down to her entree at The Lodge when a voice she really did not want to hear rang out. She closed her eyes and hoped that it wasn't true… not here… not now she sighed resigned to the fact that any hope was futile…
"Oh my god!" Jessica whined loudly "I can't believe the audacity of the guy!" All heads swivelled in the restaurant to look in the same direction as the irate girl was pointing "That low down no good two timing, cheating rat" she was in full rant now despite her mother pulling on her arm and worriedly glancing around at the other parents. Jessica pulled away from her mother grasp and stormed towards the table where Bella sat, she felt Jacob who was sat beside her stiffen in response. Please no she thought this couldn't be happening not today of all days.
Bella glanced nervously at her father who had turned around in his seat to see what all the commotion was about. She saw the tell-tale signs that Charlie was not amused as he straightened up shoulders back and his moustache bristled. Bella held her breath as Jessica totally ignoring Charlie's pointed stare pushed in between him and Jacob. A furious Charlie stared at Jessica's back but the girl was in full flow nothing was going to stop her
"You!" Jessica hissed at Jacob "You cheat on me with her of all people!" she jabbed her finger at Bella. "Edward Cullen's cast off!" Her voice so high pitched it was almost a scream. A few snickers could be heard around the restaurant but soon stopped as Jacob unfolded from his seat and stood ominously staring at Jessica his chair almost tipping backwards in the small space
"That's enough Jessica!" Jake's voice was cold and an edge of danger permeated every word. Jessica's mouth snapped shut as she looked at him tears forming in her eyes. It was clear to Bella that the girl wanted him desperately and urged on by the insidious imprint…
"You would abandon me for that…that cheap slut!" She cried. That was enough even for Charlie who stood up his knife clattering down onto his plate, bread roll falling to the ground. Bella closed her eyes if only the floor would open her up and swallow her whole…a blush rampaged onto her cheeks as all eyes in the room fell upon her.
"That's enough Miss Stanley!" Charlie barked. Jessica eyed him with total disdain then flicking her long hair behind her shoulder's turned away completely ignoring him. Chief Swan wasn't gonna get in her way same for his weak insipid daughter. Her eyes returned to Jacob his face showing no emotion what so ever stared right back at her with cold dark eyes but she soldiered on blind to everything but her own needs
"Your daughter Chief Swan stole my boyfriend!" she whined "He doesn't want to be with her she made him leave me by fu…." She didn't get to finish her sentence Charlie's voice cut in
"I doubt very much" said Charlie with as much calm as he could muster and he nodded towards a huge glowering Jacob "That Jake here can be made to do anything against his wishes don't you?" Jessica's bottom lip wobbled slightly as she made puppy dog eyes at Jake but to no avail. "Now if I were you…" Charlie added "I'd go back to your family and enjoy your celebration meal just like the rest of us are trying to do"
"I'm so sorry Chief Swan" Jessica's father pulled at her to follow him "Please sit down with your lovely daughter." He smiled at Bella but it was empty and mainly for her father's benefit. Jessica meanwhile still looked like she was about to say something else but her father pulled her away practically frog marching her towards her mother who had already collected their coats
"Any more nonsense Mr Stanley" Charlie warned as father and daughter retreated to the back of the restaurant "And I'll be forced to take action". As if to make a point he glanced around the room his moustache twitching the vein on his brow throbbing. "Can't a man help his daughter celebrate and eat in peace?" he added before taking his seat once again. Unsurprisingly the other diners immediately became focused on their plates. Within moments quiet conversation had resumed and the sound of cutlery moving on china filled the air.
Bella swallowed hard. She felt awful and she knew from the way Jacob was sitting that he wasn't feeling too good either. He had been doing so well too since he had rejected the damn imprint. She placed her hand on his broad thigh under the table and lightly squeezed it, to show her support. He glanced at her, smiled a little then patted her hand before pushing it away as his eyes flickered towards the end of the large room. With a loud sigh he forced himself to look at his plate again but the tension was rolling off him in waves. Bella stole a glance at Billy who was looking at his son worry etched on his face.
As her eyes flickered back to Jake her breath hitched a little as realisation dawned. How could she have been so insensitive to his feelings? The imprint would be pulling at Jake to go over and comfort Jessica who could be heard quietly crying and throwing glances his way in a desperate attempt to get his attention as her father paid the bill. Jacob forked his food around his plate. The last thing he needed or the imprint would allow thought Bella was the touch of another female even if she was his best friend.
As if to drive that very point home Jacob suddenly rose from his seat and threw his napkin down his meal largely untouched which was a rare sight for a wolf "I need to get some fresh air …I'm…I'm sorry" he mumbled avoiding Bella's eyes
"I'll come too if you like" Bella offered. Jake shook his head "Please" Bella went on "I'd like to…"
"No I need to be alone!" he snapped then his features softened slightly "Just give me a few minutes Bells okay?"
"Sure" Bella replied she pushed a small smile onto her face but inside she was crying. Damn you Jessica Stanley she thought as Jacob walked out without a backward glance. She couldn't help it but as she watched him leave her mind drifted back to the forest and how he had kissed her this afternoon. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Bella really thought they had made some progress in their budding relationship but the curse of the imprint had crushed that. She sighed as her eyes returned to her own plate. Tomorrow she would go see Old Quil. Whatever was needed to save Jacob she would do it. She was snapped out of her thoughts by her father
Charlie had watched the exchange between Jacob and Bella with interest. To be honest he was starting to feel like he had whiplash he couldn't keep up with where the two youngsters were heading with their relationship. One minute it seemed like they were in love the next it was all off. He glanced at Billy who merely shrugged his shoulders he hadn't got a clue either. One thing for sure he didn't like to see Bella looking so down not today of all days…
"I'm sorry Bells…" he began "That stupid girl has nearly ruined your day but only if we let her ok?" Charlies face was serious this was his little girls moment and the Stanley's were not gonna ruin it for her. Bella tried to smile as Charlie grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight. She glanced across the table at Billy who having watched Jake leave now looked at her with troubled eyes.
"Your dad's right Bella" he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes "Don't let the silly girl get one up on you. Jakes grown up now he knows what he wants and Jessica Stanley is most definitely not it" He jutted his chin in the direction of the Stanley's who were leaving the restaurant Jessica still crying was sandwiched between her parents who were apologising to everyone on their way out. Bella nodded but she still felt uneasy. Jessica was Jakes imprint after all. It was obvious the girl was suffering and being kind hearted Bella cared enough to feel bad for Jessica even if she didn't like her very much. She knew what the pull of an imprint could be like after all look what it had done to Sam and Leah…
After the Stanley's had left Bella continued to eat her meal in silence her mind in a whirl until unable to continue the act a moment longer she excused herself to use the ladies room. She just needed to get away from the covert glances her fellow students and their parents were giving her. She knew damned well that she was the subject of the quiet conversation of every table in the restaurant.
Bella moved quickly towards the sanctuary of the ladies it felt like a walk of shame as she avoided eye contact even Angela's who bounced up and down in her seat trying to get her attention. She kept her head bowed looking at the ground. Right now she didn't have the energy to engage in small talk. Moments later locked in the cubicle Bella heard the main door to the bathroom open and two girls enter.
"Oh my god!" one of them exclaimed "Can you believe it I mean Jessica Stanley and Bella Swan arguing over some Rez rat." The other girl giggled loudly in response
"But damn" she sighed "You've got to admit the guy is hot did you get a look at his body straining under that white shirt I mean wow!
"You wanna go native now?" the other girl laughed "Didn't think you had a thing for life on a run down Rez." Both girls giggled again. Bella felt her heart rate quicken that was Jacob they were insulting and she didn't like it one little bit…
"Point is…" said the other girl her voice a little sarcastic "I can totally see where Jessica is coming from I mean what's a guy like him doing with a girl like Bella Swan? First it's that gorgeous Cullen guy now it's the Rez version of "The Rock" Seriously have you looked at her? She dresses like a boy so drab and as for her complexion she sure needs some fake tan" she sighed loudly "I really can't see anything special but every boy at school seems to be interested in her"
"Maybe…" Said her friend; lowering her voice a little. "Maybe they want her for another reason and that what Jessica said is true." There was a moments silence then she lowered her voice a little "I think Bella Swan lets anyone fuck her the Quileute guy included after all she let Cullen until he got bored with her or so I've heard"
"Maybe" suggested the other girl "Bella Swan is the Forks High go to slut for every horny guy" The two girls giggled a little then the door slammed they had gone.
Bella stood behind the locked cubicle door her throat tight. She flushed the toilet and unlocked the door. Washing her hands she caught sight of herself in the mirror. The two girls were both bitches she decided after all they must have known she was in the cubicle. She drew in a long breath as she looked into the mirror. Slowly turning her head first one way then the next she looked a little closer at the face that impassively stared back.
The girls were right she conceded to herself what did Edward let alone Jacob see in her she was plain…Jessica might be a queen bitch but there was no denying she was very pretty. "Fool" she mumbled to herself "And there you were about to make an even bigger fool of yourself by going to see Old Quil too" She took another look in the mirror "Time to make a decision about College…" she said out loud "You bring nothing but trouble to everyone you get close to" she told her reflection. Sad brown eyes stared back at her. Tomorrow she thought she would accept that place at Washington and get out of Forks for good.
000
Bella played with the chocolate ice cream she had ordered and Billy watched her as he sipped at his coffee. Jacob had re-joined them after the Stanley's left but towards the end of the meal Charlie had received a call from the station which he could not ignore. Two hikers had been found dead in the forest just off one of the main hiking trails. Animal attack apparently he had told them but something about it disturbed Bella and it clearly worried Jacob too although he tried to act otherwise.
Charlie had insisted everyone stay and enjoy their meal as he left for the station. Luckily Jacob had brought Bella's truck over after he had gotten changed as he couldn't exactly run over in wolf form. She sighed again then pushed the dessert away. Shortly after Charlie had gone Sam came for Jacob he needed to gather the pack. What had started out as a wonderful day had dramatically taken a turn for the worst. What else can go wrong she wondered to herself? Billy reached across the table and squeezed her hand jolting her out of her thoughts
"Chin up Bella" he sighed "I'm sorry your special day had to end like this."
"It's okay Billy" she smiled a little "It can't be helped and those poor hikers…" She left the rest unsaid
"What do you say we go back to my place?" Billy ventured "You can wait for Jacob besides we have no idea how long Charlie will be out maybe its best you don't go home alone?" Bella nodded she really didn't want to be on her own tonight but there again she didn't want to be near Jacob he was still acting weird around her and had barely uttered a few sentence's in her direction during the meal. She could stay for a while she reasoned with herself then leave at soon as Jake returned.
"That sounds good thanks Billy" she replied trying to sound enthusiastic "I'll just call the waitress over." She raised her hand and waved a little. The waitress came bustling over
"Everything's settled dear "she said as she handed over the bill "Chief Swan called a few minutes after he left to give us his card details". Thanking her Bella helped Billy walk the short distance out of the restaurant and into the carpark.
There had been another reason besides keeping Bella from being alone and on the drive home Billy thought about the conversation he was going to have with her. Old Quil had shared his findings and Billy knew the part Bella was destined to play both with his son and the Wolf pack. He glanced across at the small girl he just hoped Old Quil was right and she was strong enough to take on the challenges that awaited her. He also knew his son and Jacob would fight it he wouldn't want any harm to come to Bella in fact they had discussed the future only last night…
The inevitable rain began to fall and the skies darkened as Bella pulled onto the highway switching on the headlights of her old truck. Within moments the rain was lashing down so hard she could barely see the vehicle in front of her and when it took the next exit the weather seemed to close right in. She shuffled in her seat and fiddled with the heating as a cold shiver ran down her back. With her eyes focused on the road ahead she did not see what her body sensed… the creature that was running at the same speed of the truck on the inside of the highway. Neither did Billy for that matter. He stared ahead as he recalled the conversation with Jake from the night before…
"I've been thinking…" Jake had begun not wanting to look Billy in the eyes as he spoke "I can't let Bella give up everything for me she needs to go to college"
"But you love her son…" Billy had replied as his son stiffened in response his eyes glinted gold as the wolf neared the surface
"I love her enough not to tie her to this life and me" He gestured at himself in an offhand way "I'm nothing but an animal we both know that and she deserves better especially after Sam and Emily" he said nothing more both Father and son knew the score and the damage Sam's wolf had inflicted.
"Let her choose son…" Billy sighed "Bella is stronger than you think, she always knew more than she let on you know that too "Jacob had nodded and said nothing more but underneath he was determined that Bella had the chance in life that had been abruptly taken from him. He loved her enough to set her free… she was bright and beautiful she deserved more than life on a run down Rez with a half man half beast
Something ran across the road the headlights catching a gleam of red and Bella abruptly swerved to avoid it bringing Billy out of his deep thoughts with a start. She glanced at him fear in her eyes they were just a mile outside the La Push treaty line and something felt wrong…very wrong. A loud thump from the flatbed behind the cab made her gasp loudly in alarm. "Did you hear that Billy?" she asked looking into her rear view mirror hoping to see what was going on. Bella recoiled in shock she could see the black dreadlocks of Laurent moving wildly in the wind as he peered in through the back window of the cab.
"Vampire!" she rasped. Billy looked behind him but saw nothing, the pouring rain was making seeing anything outside virtually impossible. He was just about to try to talk Bella down when Laurent's face appeared at the window beside her. Billy's eyes widened in disbelief as Bella cried out in shock and with her attention focused on the vampire hanging onto her driver door the old truck careered across the highway straight into the path of a huge logging truck… somehow she managed to pull on the steering wheel bringing the old truck back to the right side of the road and missing a collision by a hairs breath.
Her eyes snapped to Billy who looked as tense as she did. Bella bit down hard upon her bottom lip determined to hold onto the scream that percolated up from her chest as she pushed her foot flat to the floor the old truck groaning loudly in response. Undeterred by the swerving of the vehicle and to Bella's utter dismay Laurent appeared again at the side window grinning at her his red eyes gleaming. With an almighty crash he smashed the glass with his fist, spraying pieces all over her and Billy as rain and wind filled the cab…
"Bella…" Laurent smiled "We meet again" His left arm snaked in and tried the lock but before he could open the door he turned his head to look behind the truck. "Fuck no…how did they know?" He hissed then added "I'll be back dear Bella and that's a promise I intend to keep" He swiftly climbed up on top of the cab jumping down onto the flat bed behind to confront whatever it was that needed his immediate attention
Billy looked to his right he could see the outline of a large wolf keeping pace with the truck just as another almighty crash could be heard from behind and Bella saw both a wolf and vampire tumble off the truck onto the highway behind. She glanced bewildered at Billy her resolve was slipping… she was gonna scream…
"Keep driving!" Billy commanded he had seen what had happened in the nearside mirror "Bella don't look back keep driving!" he ordered louder in that deep bass voice of his. He could see the poor girl was trembling with fright her complexion a deathly white. He let out a huge sigh of relief as two more wolves appeared at the side of the truck the pack were running them home and he thanked the Great Spirits. He reached across for Bella's trembling hand that held onto the steering wheel with a tight deathly grip
"It's okay…" he breathed "Whatever that was back there has gone. The pack's outside just beyond the tree line." Bella glanced at Billy as the air escaped from her lungs in a rush of relief. Turning off the highway the old trunk bounced along the badly maintained Rez road. They were on tribal land at last and she could see a large grey wolf running beside the truck… The little red house came into sight just as a huge russet wolf leapt across the road in front of them. Bella hit the brakes and before she could make a move her door was nearly ripped off its hinges as a frantic Jacob pulled her out of the cab and into his arms. He caught sight of his father and nodded a little before concentrating his efforts on a clearly terrified Bella who crumpled in his arms…
"You're safe honey" he murmured peppering her face with tiny kisses "It's ok I've got you" Bella said nothing as she buried her face into the heat of Jakes neck her heart was hammering in her ears. Jacob kissed the side of her face his eyes quickly running an infantry of her body. Carrying her bridal style he moved towards the house as Quil helped Billy down from the truck.
Once inside Bella finally felt safe enough to let go and tears began to fall as Jacob quickly slipped on a pair of cut-offs before pulling her closer to his body. Sitting on his lap in the small kitchen Bella snuggled into his warmth and inhaled his musky scent. He chuckled low as he placed a small kiss upon her cheek.
"You ok now honey?" he asked Bella gave him a small nod in response but her bottom lip wobbled a little telling a totally different story. Jacob didn't miss it either he knew from the scent of adrenaline and the pumping of her heart… she was shit scared…terrified even. He softly kissed the top of her head pulling her closer.
Paul entered the kitchen clearly agitated about something and Jake moved to place Bella on a chair so he could go talk to his pack brother outside but Bella clung to his broad neck her legs quickly wrapped around his waist clearly he was going nowhere without her if she could help it…
"Please don't leave me Jake…" she pleaded in a small voice "Don't leave me alone"
"Billy is in the other room" Jacob replied "And the pack is outside no one is gonna get to you Bella I promise" he tipped her chin up so he could see her eyes but Paul shifted uneasily taking Jacobs attention away from Bella again. She covertly glanced at Paul through her long hair and noticed the slight shake of Pauls head to an unspoken question from his Alpha. Jacob tensed slightly in response and Bella knew whatever it was it wasn't what Jacob wanted to hear.
As Paul left Jacob sat them down again on a chair next to the small wooden table and Bella snuggled into his hot body again. Everything about him made her feel safe but she still felt cold. Truth was… more than anything she wanted Jake to pull her closer and never let her go. He frowned a little in response to her actions. He'd never seen her so scared …or so needy and something about that made her all the more adorable and he wanted her…big time…
"You did so well Bella I'm so proud of you honey" Jacob whispered in her ear as he placed soft open mouthed kisses on her neck and along her jaw. She turned her face in response and Jacob kissed her softly on the lips. Pulling back he smiled clearly satisfied with himself and secretly loving the fact Bella needed him so close "There I can feel you're calmer must be my expert kissing" he chuckled as he nuzzled her face. Bella went to say something but Jacob silenced her as he placed his mouth over hers. She moaned loudly as his hot tongue slid into her mouth. He was definitely doing a good job of distracting her she conceded and she was feeling a little calmer…
The sound of wheels moving across the floor made Jacob end the kiss. He glanced at his father who had wheeled his chair into the small kitchen. Billy poured himself a glass of Jack Daniels "Well done Dad" he smiled "You both kept your cool out there" His father nodded at him before swirling the contents of his glass and downing it all in one large gulp. There was one thing Jacob felt compelled to say "Bella can't go back to Forks tonight" he practically growled "She needs to stay here where I can see her and protect her"
"I totally agree" Billy replied smacking his lips together as the after effect of the whiskey hit him. Jeez he needed that it's not every night you get ambushed by a vampire he thought "Charlie will no doubt be out most of the night and well…" His words hung in the air "Bella shouldn't be left alone not after what happened on the Highway" Jacob nodded then looked towards the back door that was slightly ajar and where most of the pack had gathered in the yard.
"Quil, Paul Colin you need to go on patrol Sam Embry and Jared will relieve you at dawn." Jacob called out to the pack "Thanks for tonight guys we just need to keep hunting". Jacob got up and taking Bella into the living room she finally allowed him to place her onto the sofa alone. She had calmed down some, her heart rate was almost back to normal but her worried brown eyes looked up at him as her fingers fiddled with the pretty top she was wearing and a sweet blush had warmed her cheeks. Jacob couldn't take his eyes off her and he really didn't want to leave her right this minute but…duty called
"I need to talk to Embry and Jared then I'll be back for you" he watched her face as Bella's breath hitched a little in response to his words. Jacob turned for the door and her huge brown eyes followed his movements her face a mask of worry. "I promise I won't go far" he soothed "I'll be back before you even miss me"
Coffee?" Billy asked searching for some normality as he wheeled his chair into the living room. Bella nodded in reply as she watched Jacob disappear out of the door already she felt so cold without him. She wanted him back…she wanted no needed his kiss like the very air that she breathed. Feeling embarrassed in front of Billy who winked at her as if he could read her thoughts, she made a move to stand up and get the coffee going…
"No Bella you stay there I'll make the coffee" said Billy
"No let me Billy…please. " Bella answered as she stood up "It will give me something to do."
She stood in the familiar small kitchen and frowned a little. What was wrong with her she thought to herself clinging to Jacob like that, what must he think of her? Her face flushed at the memory she felt so embarrassed that she had wound her legs around his waist clinging on to him like a limpet and in front of Paul too.
As she switched on the kettle the terrifying image of Laurent hanging onto the side of the truck came back to haunt her and she sighed loudly what was she so scared of? After all she reasoned with herself it wasn't as if she had seen anything she hadn't seen before it was just… She took a deep steadying breath as she grabbed the jar of coffee…the realisation that she was being hunted again like the time before hit her hard….James…a shiver passed through her body at the memory of the cruel vampire.
Turning she watched as Billy settled himself at the table "That was a close shave earlier wasn't it?" She breathed. Bella knew in her heart that it had been very, very close. She also knew deep down that the creature that had darted in front of the truck had been Victoria. Billy nodded his face grave
"Yes" he answered in that deep steady voice of his "I believe it was Bella but like Jake said you should be proud you kept your nerve you got us both out of there.". She fumbled for some mugs and poured the coffee…then
"I nearly lost control of the truck Billy and…" she stumbled for words taking a breath "I could have killed us both…the logging truck….I…"
"But you didn't Bella and that's what counts" Billy replied he placed his hand over hers "We are here we're alive and that's all that matters don't torture yourself over what might have been" Bella nodded a little pushing a steaming mug towards him. He smiled a little at her as he helped himself to milk
"Now" said Billy "Drink your coffee a hot drink will do you good" he watched her sip from her mug then added as he sipped at his own "You feeling a little better now?"
"Yes" Bella nodded as her eyes wandered to the back door. Billy smiled in response and shook his head a little. What was he going to do about these two? They so obviously loved each other he thought but both were being so stubborn. They needed a little push and a plan began to form in Billy's mind. I wonder what Charlie is doing this weekend…maybe a fishing trip is in order give the love birds a little space…
"He'll be back soon Bella" Billy soothed noticing how agitated Bella had become as the minutes ticked by just as Jacob chose that moment to step back into the kitchen.
AN: So some of you asked what about Jessica? Well I hope you enjoyed the scene at the restaurant. Even though Jacob tried to end it the imprint is pushing at the poor girl to get him back…So Victoria and Laurent are getting closer …and I totally agree with Billy Jacob and Bella just need to get together and soon (grief and I'm writing the story…I'll be talking to myself soon lol)
Till next time xxx