Again, sorry about the wait!
I've had absolutely no ambition to work on this story.
Thank the New Moon movie for finally getting me around to it.
That, and my cousin. She kicked my butt about it a little bit.
So, here it is. The last chapter.
--
There was no one out and about today, and I was glad for that, though it was slightly creepy. Alice was right, it wasn't too far off. I burst out of the trees into the sand, stumbling slightly. I looked around and saw them a little farther down. It seemed no one had seen me so I went back into the coverage of the trees and snuck down to where they were, trying to control my breathing.
"Stop defending them, Jacob. I thought you were on our side," one man said that I didn't know. It seemed like almost all of La Push was down there. Even non werewolves were there. I saw Emily off to the side with a few of the other women, looking frightened and worried. I saw that they all seemed to be separated to sides. Sam was on one side with most of the tribe behind him. Behind Jacob I saw Adrian, and I didn't even bother to look at the rest of them. He looked sick and tired. I wondered if he had even slept last night. The sight of him tore at my heart and I wanted to run out and hold him.
"I am on your side. You should all know better than anyone that I would never help them," Jacob spat at the man, who only glared at him.
"The evidence is against you, Jacob! You went with them against Sam's orders. You KNEW about this Damen guy and never bothered to tell us about him. I don't believe that you were so in the dark considering how close you and that girl are," another man shouted out.
"Oh, give me a break. If he had any idea that the new leech had been this Damen guy then I doubt he, or the blood suckers, would have let him get anywhere close to humans," a woman from Jacob's side yelled, and I wondered if it was Leah.
"Besides, he's dead. What's the point in all of this?" Adrian yelled out now, glaring at the opposing side.
"It still stands that you took up sides with them against my orders, Adrian," Sam said now. "And there's no way they could have been blinded to his true nature. That one can read minds, the other one can predict the future, and they all just happened to go on a hunting trip without him? These things don't add up. They accepted him into their home and therefore have broken the treaty," he continued, speaking to everyone, seeming to try and convince them. Wow, I really do make a mess of everything. I edged around, looking for a good opening while keeping hidden. He had a small point with one thing. Why didn't Edward pick up on him?
"You were all there to see their surprise. They didn't know any more than the rest of us did. If anything they knew less about this guy," another man shouted out.
"What has gotten into you all?! I never imagined WEREWOLVES would become a bunch of leech lovers," one man yelled out, sneering.
"Shut your mouth, Paul. If you'd actually listen you'd all understand what's going on," Jacob snapped back.
"This is all because of that stupid little girl," one man grumbled.
"Don't call her a stupid little girl," Adrian snapped, his eyes flaring. I felt an odd feeling well up inside me, but I couldn't identify it as I watched him.
"Well, it's the truth! If that stupid leech lover hadn't of come into the area and screwed everything up then we wouldn't be having this problem," he continued, stepping forward now.
"Watch your mouth, Dee," Jacob started, but hurried to try and restrain Adrian.
"You don't know anything about her, Dee!" he yelled at him around Jacob.
"You see what she's done to this tribe?" Sam said, stepping into the middle of the semi circle. "She causes just as much trouble as they do. It's obviously in her genes. None of this would have happened if we hadn't of allowed her into our community. I don't care if she's Bella's daughter, Jacob. She's an abomination and we should have cut all ties with her once we learned that. It's because of her that so many of our friends and family have recently changed. We would not be having this dispute if she had not brought her trail of problems with her."
"Are you saying you doubt me, Sam? You don't believe me, the truth that you've seen right there in your own head?" Jacob snarled, turning and approaching him now.
"We never should have trusted her, Jacob. She could have just been helping them the whole time," he said, glaring at Jacob as he got in his face.
"She hates their guts, you idiot! No one can fake something like that. You were right there to see that. If she was on their side she wouldn't have treated them the way she did," Jacob yelled at him, his body shaking slightly.
"You're letting your love blind the truth. I figured you would have learned by now that they're not to be trusted," Sam snarled.
"Don't bring the past into this, Sam. Just open your eyes! The truth is right in front of you," Jacob yelled. I could see they were getting nowhere. I didn't even understand what the issue truly was with all this. It seemed like Sam was just trying to make a fight out of nothing. Clinging to old beliefs and issues.
"The treaty has been broken, Jacob, by a Cullen! That is means for war," Sam continued, refusing to back down. I could see Adrian off to the side, fists clenched, obviously ready to pounce. I figured now was a better time than any to jump in. I walked out quickly from the trees, causing several people to jump and gasp out if initial shock. A murmur quickly spread through the crowd as Sam and Jacob both frowned and turned to me at the same time.
"Amber?" Adrian said, shock ringing in his voice as he started walking towards me.
"What are you doing here, Amber?" Jacob asked, walking towards me too. Both looked worried and concerned, but I ignored them and locked eyes with a sneering Sam.
"What is your problem?" I asked, sneering back at him. "All of you?" I finished looking around at the people on his side.
"Our problem is you, abomination," one man called out. Adrian growled and looked like he was about ready to charge him, but I placed my hand calmly on his chest.
"Abomination, am I? Listen here, people. You're not any different. None of us had the choice in becoming what we are and neither are socially accepted by all. You would all be considered abominations if your secret got out. We're just different kinds of abominations. If you want to sit there and bring me down for something I had no control over, just like all of you, then fine, but listen to what I have to say," I started, now standing in the middle of everyone, looking around at them all. A silence had fallen over all of them and I felt all eyes on me. Some faces were shocked, some tense, others furious, but I didn't care.
"I had always been on the werewolves side in this long fight of yours since my mother told me about it when I was little. I always thought good for the werewolves! Kick some vampire ass. Show 'em who's boss, but now.. it all just seems so silly! Think about it, honestly. Where has this grudge ever gotten you? Where is this stupid fight going to get you? All that's going to happen is people are going to get hurt, possibly die, on both sides. The grudge will still be there, the Cullens might move away, but what will be the point?" I asked, looking around challengingly at all of them.
"Those stupid blood suckers will finally be gone, that's the point!" one man yelled out and a small murmur of agreement spread through part of the crowd. Before another fight could start again, I claimed back their attention.
"Yes, the Cullens will be gone. You'll have all the land to yourselves unless they decide to come back. But what about when other vampires come into the area? What will you do then? Fight them? Lose more people? There may be a lot of you, but you're not always together. So, say you kill off that vampire. More will gradually come around once they learn that this area is no longer the Cullens. What will you do? Continue to fight and lose loved ones? Continue to have your family and friends change into werewolves too? Don't you want peace? The Cullens have helped prevented some problems with outside vampires before, from what I've heard. And what about the fight against Victoria and her clan? You all joined together and helped get rid of them, and every single one of you survived. You all made sure of that. Carlisle even helped Jacob to heal correctly and soundly. You might hate them, but think of all the good they've done for you. Stop dwelling on the bad and look at the good. Carlisle is one of the best doctor's in the area and the rest of them mind their own business," I continued.
"Yeah, well what about your little lover? They accepted him into their home. They're responsible for him!" someone called, but I didn't see who it was.
"Just shut up and listen, Jared," the woman from earlier snapped. I almost smiled now as I looked around. The tenseness of the atmosphere was dying and Jacob's side was looking triumphant. Jacob wasn't looking at me though. He was turned away from me and I could just see the hint of guilt on his face. I glanced at Adrian, but I couldn't really read his expression. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad, but I had no time to analyze.
"Damen.. did not want to kill Julia. He did what he did because it was either kill or be killed. He was sent here by the Volturi to come after me. He was turned after a fight we had almost a half a year ago. He only chose to be turned because it was either him, or they kill him and use my best friend. He's not the awful person you all imagine him to be. Yes, I know people can change after being turned, but he didn't. Do not tell me I'm wrong," I said quickly, silencing the protest I could hear starting. "I talked to him once I was in Volterra. How he kept his thoughts from Edward, I don't know. I never got a chance to ask and Edward never said," I said, my voice catching at the thoughts of Damen and I felt the tears well in my eyes.
"But even if you don't believe me and still think he's a heartless killer, believe me when I say the Cullens had nothing to do with this. They thought he was just another vampire looking for a different lifestyle, so Carlisle, being the kind man he is, took him into their home and treated him as family. They tried to help him with their lifestyle, not even aware of what his true intentions were. As for Alice and why she never saw him, well, she can't predict everything, can she? She has to be close to the person or close to the person that he would have effected. Since I did everything to keep myself away from them, she didn't even see anything to do with me until recently. You need to drop your issue with the Cullens and learn to live in harmony. If anything, as much as you all hate to hear it, the Cullens have been a victim through this. No, this is not me siding with them, but more stating a fact," I said, feeling an angry wave through the crowd.
"What's the worse that's happened to all of you through this? More people changed into werewolves. A girl died in an unusual circumstance that will end up being overlooked. Your secret is safe. No harm will come to you. Some of you have made a new friend with Tammy. Some of you have found love. You've all become closer and now, to just split like this, would be a waste. Over something that's being blown way out of proportion!" I exclaimed.
"Now, think about the Cullens. From the day I arrived it was my personal goal to make their lives hell. Just me being here was doing a good job of that. And I know you all know about that, because Jacob and I have had plenty of discussions about it. If I wasn't enough, then a new vampire shows up and almost makes them have to go into hiding. They go to Volterra after learning that they had a family member they never knew about and soon learned the truth about not only my mother's death, but as to why they made Edward leave my mother in the first place. Don't you think you could cut them some slack?" I asked, feeling my body shake a little. All these emotions were coursing through me and I almost felt like crying again, but I would not do that in front of them.
"That still does not answer for why Adrian and Jacob disobeyed me," Sam said, a challenge in his voice. I turned on him then, glaring. I shook my head slowly, a chuckle escaping my lips.
"Helping them? Sam, please tell me you're not that blind. Jacob didn't go for them. Neither did Adrian. Honestly, is it that hard to figure out? Jacob would never have helped them without needing a reason. He only came because of me and Adrian. He could probably care less about the Cullens, but his son just put himself into danger by going into a nest of vipers and you expected him to stay home and twiddle his thumbs? And I know that you know Adrian has imprinted on me. Tell me, Sam, what would you have done if Emily was in possible danger? Would you have stayed home and waited for her to come back?" I challenged, refusing to look away from him. I saw his features soften and almost sadden as he stared back.
"I still think they're a bunch of stupid bloodsuckers," one man mumbled out.
"Oh, honestly, shut up," the woman said again, and this time several people chuckled.
"I guess some things will never change," I said, with a small smile, looking around at everyone. The separation was gone now and the crowd slowly merged together, talking to each other.
"I never thought I would say this, but you're right, Amber. About everything. I'm glad you came out today. It would have been pretty foolish, but you can't expect us to drop our feelings so quickly," Sam said, a small frown on his face.
"Oh, I don't. Just remember this day before you go doing anything rash again, okay?" I asked, smiling up at him as Emily appeared next to him. He nodded and then turned to her.
"Tell Tammy to come out sometime tomorrow. We girls would love to see her again," Emily said, smiling to me.
"I will," I said, grinning before I turned away. I was glad Tammy had made friends with people down here. I hated thinking that she was in the house all day alone while I was at school. I looked around until I spotted Jacob a little way off, talking with a sad looking Adrian. I quickly made my way over there, wanting to let Jacob know what's happened. That, and I felt the need to talk to Adrian.
"Amber," Jacob said upon spotting me and pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged him back happily, acknowledging the fact that I still loved him like he was my father too. I'm sure Edward could learn to live with that, even if he didn't want to. Jacob was always going to be a big part of my life for several reason.
"How are you feeling?" Adrian asked as Jacob released me.
"Better, in ways," I said with a small chuckle. "Speeches like that definitely take a lot out of you."
"I'm surprised you stood up to a whole pack of werewolves," Jacob said with a grin. "I don't think any of them will be messing with you anytime soon."
"I'm surprised too, trust me. I got up this morning with the intention of possibly never talking again and staying away from everyone, and what do I do? Put myself in a social spotlight," I said, laughing softly. I saw the worried flash go through both their eyes, but I think they both knew now was not to the time to talk about it.
"Why were you down here today anyways? It couldn't have just been coincidence," Jacob asked, curiously.
"Well, I heard about it from the Cullens. Tammy told them she was going to take me over there when I got up, so I didn't have much of a choice," I said, shifting my weight a little, afraid of what his reaction was going to be. After all, he just stood up for me against the whole pack saying how much I hated them.
"And?" he asked, expectantly.
"And, let's just say I don't hate them anymore. I went on a car ride with Edward and I confronted him on everything, got the whole story. After he told me they were leaving I realized I didn't want him to leave, ever. I mean, I put him through all this shit, and in the end I got what I want, but I realized how stupid I was. I feel selfish, but I couldn't lose him too, after… everything," I said, trailing a little.
"You did the right thing, Amber," Jacob said, smiling down at me. "I still don't like the guy, but I'm glad you finally gave him a chance. I know Bells would have wanted that too," he finished, trailing a little. I smiled a little and reached out to squeeze his hand softly. His smile saddened as he returned my squeeze. "I'm going to go talk to Sam," he said and turned and left before I could say anything. I turned to Adrian then, who I noticed now seemed tense. I frowned a little, wondering why.
"Can we go for a walk?" he asked, and I couldn't help but notice how little and defeated he sounded. It tugged at my heart and the feeling of wanting to embrace him washed over me again.
"Of course," I said, offering him a small smile. He turned and led the way down the beach and I hurried to catch up to his side. He had his hands shoved into his pockets, and he didn't seem to want to get to close to me. After we had gone a ways away from everyone he stopped and sat down on a piece of driftwood. I followed suit, staring down at the sand. I felt terrible, knowing I was the reason for his misery. I had constantly rejected him yet he continued to stay by my side. I didn't know what it was like to imprint, but I was sure he was probably in a lot of pain right now.
"Amber. You know how I feel about you, and that I would love more than anything to be able to have you for the rest of my life, but I understand now that it was foolish of me to ever expect you to get over Damen so quickly. After everything that has happened I've come to see that it would be best for me to be just your friend. You've lost so much, and it hurts to see you in so much pain. He asked me to watch over you and keep you safe if anything were to ever happen to him. So, I've decided that I'm going to give you your space. I'm not going to pressure you, and I'm going to do everything I can to help you through this. You'll never have to worry about being alone again as long as I live. I love you too much to hurt you again like I now realize I did," he said, looking up at me sadly.
His words hit me to the core. I looked up into his hazel eyes, feeling my heartbeat increase. Here was this man who loved me unconditionally. He'd do anything for me. And I had been telling him go away. He had suddenly become such a big part of my life too that the thought of him leaving too hurt. I felt the tears well in my eyes, and the thought of me being with him suddenly made me feel complete. It was crazy to think of. Here I had been rejecting him over and over when I had what was probably the best thing I could ever ask for right in front of me. I had been a real jerk to people lately, and I hadn't realized just how much I had hurt him 'til now.
Without warning I launched myself at him, my lips finding his quickly. I felt him tense up in shock, his lips motionless. After a moment though I felt his arms wrap around me and pull me into his embrace as he stood, kissing me back firmly. I don't know what had come over me, but I knew he was what I needed right now. I needed to give him a chance for both of our sakes. What would it hurt? I knew nothing would ever separate us and right now I didn't need just a friend there to help me. I needed someone who would hold me through the night and kiss away my tears. Someone to help fix me and I couldn't think of anyone better to do that than Adrian. He pulled back slowly, and I opened my eyes to look up into his confused, yet happy ones.
"Amber?" he asked cautiously. I felt the tears well up again and a laugh escaped me. Wow, this had definitely been one hell of a day.
"Adrian, I'm such a fool. I hope you can forgive me. I never meant to hurt you and I never want you to leave me. I don't want you to stay away. I want you to be there always," I said, a happy bubble welling in my chest at the look of absolute happiness on his face.
"So.. you're giving me a chance?" he asked, almost too happy for words.
"More than a chance, you silly boy. I'm all yours," I said, laughing again, and met his lips again happily. I had learned over the past few days to cherish everything I loved and to always hold people close. When Adrian pulled away and grabbed onto my hand, I couldn't stop from smiling at the butterflies I felt. We started walking back to the group as I suddenly remembered Alice.
"Oh! I need to get back! Alice is waiting for me at the border and if I don't come back soon then they're going to think you all ate me alive or something," I said, dragging him towards the woods. I didn't just fix everything for it to get messed up again.
"Alright, let's go," he said, but I stopped causing him to look down at me inquisitively.
"Let me ride on your back! We'll move faster and it'll be fun. Besides, I'm tired from running out here," I said, smiling up at him. He only laughed and offered me his back. I hopped on quickly and once I was secured, he started off. We got back faster than I would have on foot, and I almost laughed when I saw Edward pacing back and forth along the border with an exasperated Alice.
"See, she's perfectly fine," Alice said as we emerged from the trees. Edward stopped his pacing, though I'm sure they had heard and smelled me a long time ago. I slid down from Adrian's back, my hand slipping comfortably into his as I came up next to him.
"What took you so long?" Edward asked, his topaz eyes glaring me down. "Do you have ANY idea how worried we were?" Alice rolled her eyes and walked up next to Edward.
"Edward thought the pack had you for supper. I argued that you wouldn't taste very good to them though," Alice said, a grin on her face.
"Shut up, Alice. Stay out of this," Edward snapped at her.
"Is your family always this psychotic?" Adrian said, leaning down to whisper into my ear.
"You don't know the half of it," I whispered back, a grin on my lips.
"Hey, I heard that!" Edward snapped again, turning from Alice.
"You should see us when we play baseball. You want to be on Emmett's team. Trust me," Alice said with her musical laugh.
"Alice, I'm trying to be serious," Edward said through a clenched jaw.
"Oh, come off it, Dad. I'm safe. There's not going to be war, and --" I started, but was quickly cut off.
"I told you she would fix it," Alice said with a beaming grin. Edward paused for a moment, finally looking like he was starting to relax.
"And what?" Edward said, ignoring Alice completely.
"And, I uh.. Well, I," I started, chuckling a little. How the hell would I tell him that he was going to have to deal with a werewolf being around a lot more?
"I'm dating your daughter.. Mr. Cullen. Though I'm sure you already knew that," Adrian said for me, hesitating a little on the last part. It suddenly seemed that both of our palms got a little sweaty, and I bit my bottom lip. Alice's eyes widened a little, but I was more concerned with Edward. He seemed tense again, though it wasn't really anger that I saw in his eyes. He reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, a sigh escaping his lips.
"There's not much I can do about it, is there?" he said, slightly exasperated as he dropped his hand. He narrowed his eyes as he turned to Adrian. "If I ever find out that you've hurt my little girl, I'll make the Volturi look like teddy bears. Do you understand me, pup?" Edward threatened, his voice venomous. Alice stood off to the side, a highly amused grin on her face.
"Dad, that is really not necessary," I said, feeling a little anxious. I felt Adrian's hand tighten a little in my own, and I glanced up at him.
"You have no need to worry, Mr. Cullen. Your daughter is in safe hands with me," Adrian said, but I swear saw a flash of self doubt run through his eyes. Edward's eyes narrowed for a moment, and I wondered what Adrian had been thinking about.
"Yes, well, just make sure to keep that temper of yours in check. We all know what happened the last time one you lost your temper with an imprint," Edward threatened. My brow furrowed for a moment before I realized they were talking about Emily. I squeezed Adrian's hand and placed a hand comfortingly on his arm. I trusted Adrian not to kill me in a sudden fit of rage, though I had no idea where this was all coming from. I had known him for such a short amount of time and already I was trusting him with my life. My life had been uprooted so fast though that I welcomed this change. It was another shred of security I could cling to.
"We should probably get back now before they send out a search party," Alice said, skipping over to Edward's side.
"Yeah, let's go. I haven't eaten since Volterra, and I'm starving," I said, walking forward. I could feel Adrian's hesitation behind me, but he followed after a brief shared between himself and Edward. Alice grinned happily as we crossed the border and linked her arm with mine.
"Wait until you try Esme's cooking. I've been told she's a really great cook," Alice said, excitedly. I smiled back at her as she launched into telling me little things about our family. It felt nice to finally be able to that. I have a family. After years and years of resentment, I came to love the people I thought I would forever hate. Who would have ever thought it would end up this way? They all loved me, and cared for me. I knew Tammy and I would be in good hands from now on. No more having to rough things out, or make money stretch. Maybe she'd even find herself a man here in Forks and finally settle down. I knew I had, though I wasn't planning on settling down just yet. I glanced up to see Adrian staring down at me. I could tell that Edward's comment had bothered him, and he was doubting himself now. I only smiled and pulled him down for a kiss, much to Edward and Alice's displeasure. They would get used to it soon enough. For once I felt complete, and I knew that Mom could finally rest in peace.
--
Well, there it is.
I hope you all enjoyed it.
I'll admit this is the first story I have ever finished.
I may edit it and fix it up a little and then put it on Quizilla. Not sure yet.
But yeah, we've come to and end. At least it was a happy one. : )
It wasn't going to be when I first started it out.
So, thank you to all my patient fans, and don't hate me for taking forever!