Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight
Chapter Thirteen
The next time he flew at me, I reached out and punched his side as I side-stepped around him. There was a sickening crunch and he sailed into a tree on the far side of the clearing. A low whimper escaped him. He looked up at me, a sorrowful expression in his face. My guilt hit me like a fist in the stomach.
"Don't hurt him." I told Edward.
Whatever had happened to Jacob was my fault. Because of me, he'd lost himself. How could I have even considered hurting him, any more than I already had? I backed away, into the trees, trying to gather my strangled thoughts. I stood at the edge of the clearing, and watched Jake, lying on his side, moaning softly. Edward threw me a glance, and then advanced on Jake, calling gently: "Jacob? It's me, Edward." He cocked his head, evidently listening for tell-tale thoughts in Jacob's head of whether he understood or not. Jake swung his great head up, and got to his feet. I looked at Edward hopefully – did this mean some part of him recognised Edward and me?
But Edward turned and faced me, and I knew from his expression that he didn't. That maybe Jake was completely lost, surrendered to the mind of the wolf to escape the pain I'd inflicted upon him. I felt that broken piece of my heart, the tiny piece that belonged to Jake rip itself to shreds. I suddenly felt the ground beneath my knees, my hands. I twisted my head back up to gain comfort and forgiveness from Edward's face. Instead I stared up in horror. While Edward's attention had been focused on me, Jake had leapt towards him, with blinding speed, his razor sharp teeth aimed at Edward's neck. My slack-jawed appearance must have alerted Edward, and he turned to see what was behind him.
It was too late though. There was a loud screeching sound, as Jacob's teeth connected with Edward's perfect white skin.
The screeching continued, as round, white ball swathed in bronze tumbled towards me.
The wolf and I made for it at the same moment. Without thought I tossed the hairy beast aside. I barely heard the loud crash and howl that meant it had connected with something painful.
I reached out a quivering hand, and turned over the oddly-shaped ball. Edward's eyes stared up at me, glazed over in a way that told me my life was over. Because his life was over.
The familiar waves of pain washed over me. No, not washed, crashed. A thousand times worse than before, and unbearable agony that torn my soul to pieces and left my mind in the darkest pit of eternity.
"Edward." Was my only thought, a dagger that struck me deeper than anything had before.
Author's Note: OMG!! I know! I just killed Edward! I just killed Edward! Crap, crap, crap! That had to be about the most excruciating thing to write! Don't worry though! It's a happy ending! I've posted the next chapter straight away so I don't leave you all hanging there.