Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer but the plot is all mine!
Thank you for patiently following and reading this story. I've been so busy recently that it's been hard to find the time to write but I hope you enjoy this chapter and please review I love reading your thoughts and questions…keeps me on my toes!. OXO
And now the story continues
Chapter 36 – The Black wolf
The huge black wolf silently trotted towards the edge of the forest and transformed into the man with elegant ease. Sam stood just beyond the tree line and listened…there was only one person in the large house that stood in front of him and that at least was one good thing since he had arrived.
He shook his head and tethered the wolf down deep within. The stench of vampire was all around this part of the forest and as he made his way to the house the smell followed indicating just how close the leech had been and that its intent he was sure was to enter the house. Sam took a deep breath although Jake was not entirely happy with what he had in mind he had finally persuaded his Alpha that the danger that surrounded Angela Webber would ultimately lead to her death or worse…That last thought enraged the wolf who fought to break the restraints and resurface to seek out and destroy the cold one.
Sam took once last glance behind him to where Seth waited under the cover of the trees and dense green undergrowth, just as Embry silently moved up next to him. Both young men moved together across the green lawn and knocked on the back door.
A rather startled Angela opened the door as she took in the two handsome Quileute dressed in nothing but cut-offs. Her eyes ran an inventory of their muscular bodies before a blush crept onto her face and she averted her gaze.
"Hi" She managed to mumble she really didn't know what to say next and felt such a dork too. "Would you like to come in?" Angela finally managed after what seemed like an eternity of silence. "I'm afraid I don't have much time though" she glanced behind her at the kitchen clock. Oh god she thought her mom would be arriving home any moment and if she found two nearly naked young men in her kitchen…
"Angela" Sam's deep bass voice brought her startled eyes back to his "I need you to listen to me carefully and to trust me. Can you do that?" He smiled at her and Angela couldn't help but smile back. She nodded in reply
"Y...yes Sam" She managed to squeak and blushed again at how stupid she must be sounding
"We need to take you back to the Rez" Sam began "And it's a long story which Bella will explain to you okay?" Angela pushed her glasses back up her nose and nodded again. Sam reached out and gently took her hand "It's no longer safe for you to be here and I want you to be safe." He nodded again to emphasise his words "Will you come with me?" Angela looked down at where their hands were entwined together his un natural heat seeping into her skin. She nodded again then said
"I …I need to leave a note for my Mom…tell her I'll be back later"
"You won't be coming back later…" Sam replied. "Just say you're going to spend a few days with Bella Swan" Angela looked flustered she knew her parents would not approve and there would be hell to pay when she came home but…those deep brown eyes of Sam's pulled on her heart…which thumped loudly in her chest so much so that Embry threw a worried glance at Sam. She was gonna blow and they would have to grab her and run…
"I just need to pack a bag" She began and tried to pull her hand free from Sam's
"No time" Embry interrupted his nose sniffing the air "We're wasting time Sam we need to go and now" behind them a long whine from Seth drew Angela's eyes in the direction of the forest
"Trust me?" Sam repeated his eyes begging Angela to comply.
"Okay Sam" she replied "I'll just grab my purse with my cell"
There was no time for the note so Angela decided she would text her Mom later. The trio made their way through the house and out the front door the two shifters scanning the area before rushing Angela to her car. Sam opened the passenger door and took the keys from Angela before she got in. He threw them at Embry who deftly caught them grinning back.
"I'll keep her safe Sam see you…." But he didn't finish as another agitated howl sounded from the back yard…
"Go!" Sam shouted before running in the direction of the forest. Embry started the engine and roared away in the direction of La Push as Sam phased smoothly into the black wolf and baring his sharp canine teeth he joined Seth in pursuit of the red headed vampire.
Embry took a sideways glance at the dark haired girl beside him her hands were wound tightly around her seat belt. Sam had been right the girl was a target and the fact that a vampire was so close she was lucky to be alive. They soon joined the 101 and he began to relax a little it wouldn't be long before they were safe on tribal ground.
Angela meanwhile was in a whirl and she was beginning to wonder if she had been right to trust these half-dressed men after all hadn't her parents warned her about boys and what they wanted from a girl? Yet here she was in her own car beginning driven at break neck speed by a half- naked maniac. They must have left tyre tracks outside her parents' house she mused Embry had put his foot down that hard and almost wrenched the steering wheel off as he turned the corner of the road.
She took a deep breath and tried to calm down as her fingers reached into her purse. She let out a deep sigh of relief as her fingers found her cell. At least she could put in a call to the police…
"You ok Angela?" Embry began as he took another sideways glance. The girl looked as if she were about to freak. Angela nodded a little but still stared out of the side window not daring to meet Embrys eyes in case what she saw there was not good. He reached across and grabbing her hand he gave it a little squeeze. She pulled back a little in response he had that same un natural heat as Sam she thought to herself something was wrong she just didn't know what.
"It's ok" he murmured "This has to be scary right?" Angela turned to face him and nodded underneath she was terrified and he could feel the small tremors from her hand let alone smell the anxiety and adrenaline rolling off her in waves.
"Look we wouldn't ask you to come with us if it wasn't important Angela" he smiled at her again but she didn't respond "You won't come to any harm I promise" then added "Bella would never forgive us" he grinned again
"Is Bella on the Rez?" Angela asked. If her friend was there she would feel a whole lot better
"Yes" Embry replied "And I'm taking you straight to her ok?" Angela nodded again.
The road to the Rez came up fast and soon they were bumping along the pot holed road before pulling up next to the small red house the Blacks called home. Angela looked nervously around her First beach was one thing but she had never actually ventured onto the Rez itself before. None of the Forks kids did that they had all been warned of the dire consequences from their parents…drugs…that's what would be given to them, or they'd be robbed…or…worse...she shut that thought down she really didn't want to go there….
Embry opened her door and helped her out just as Bella appeared with Jake at her side.
"Ange!" She squealed with delight as the two girls embraced.
000
Jessica sat up on the mattress that lay on the floor of the dark damp room and took another sip of water from the small bottle beside her. Her stomach grumbled loudly she was starving having not eaten for the last day or so. She rubbed at her eyes swollen from crying how had she got herself into this mess? A sudden noise from above had her holding her breath in fear…was the strange young man back and if so what did he have planned for her?
The key turned in the lock and the door swung open allowing a little light to penetrate the dark causing Jess to screw up her eyes trying to focus on who stood in the open doorway. A hand roughly grabbed her arm pulling her to her feet.
"I have someone who would like to meet you" Riley rasped. He had finally told her his name last night having kidnapped her off the street near her house the afternoon before. Maybe it was more …kept in the dark as she was Jessica was starting to lose track of time let alone her sanity
"Who?" She nervously replied as he pulled her towards the light.
When her eyes finally adjusted Jessica opened them to find a young woman standing in front of her. She didn't look friendly Jess decided and her clothing was torn in places, her feet dirty and bare.
"This is her?" The young woman had a high pitched voice that almost grated like nails on a black board.
"Yes "Riley replied "Found her close to where she lived so I didn't have to break in" he grinned widely at the woman who merely scowled in his direction before turning her eyes back to Jessica.
Jessica's hand flew to her mouth as she stumbled backwards…her eyes…the woman's eyes were blood red…She would have screamed but the shock had left her dumb with fright and it caught in her dry throat. The red eyed woman laughed and the sound grated on Jessica's ears. She took a step forward as Jessica took two steps back but Riley's restraining arms caught her before she could go any further. She struggled a little before finally realising she was going no where
"Be still" Riley whispered menacingly in her ear
"Who…who are you?" Jessica whined "Why am I here…what do you want with me?"
"Oooo questions questions…" the woman sighed "Always the same boring questions" She stepped closer "You know Bella Swan?" she asked. Jessica nodded "And a native called Jacob Black?" Jessica's eyes narrowed at that name. She nodded again as the woman smirked "You have little affection for either?"
"I'm not friends with them if that's what you're asking" Jessica replied flipping her long hair over her shoulder. She glanced at Riley who stood leaning against the far wall. She couldn't see what he was thinking his face appeared emotionless and he still wore those damn designer shades even inside the house.
"But you were with Black for a short time; you were his woman were you not?" The woman smiled again her teeth just like Riley's caught Jessica's attention they were sharp and ultra-white.
"I was not his woman" Jessica spat her chin jutting out in defiance "We dated for a short time until she broke us up." She pouted a little before adding "She knew he was mine!" The intensity of her jealousy and hatred shone through and the woman did not miss it either.
"Ha!" She laughed loudly "Nothing like a woman scorned dear Jessica wouldn't you agree? Jessica said nothing as she watched the woman begin to pace the floor " I know what it is to lose a loved one too"
"What to do now?" she pondered loudly "But I can't think on too long someone is always watching…waiting…" Jess looked around the room there was no one else in the deserted tumble down house… these people were mad…
"How would you like to take revenge upon Swan?" The woman asked with an evil grin upon her face "Get your own back on the happy couple?" She waited for that to sink in before adding "Get Black back again?"
Although the imprint had broken for Jacob it remained insidiously entwined around Jessica's heart. It pulled and snapped as her deep jealousy and longing throbbed through her body. She nodded in reply to the question.
"And what would you give to get Jacob Black back?" The woman asked
"Anything" Jessica foolishly replied with longing in her voice
"Good" The woman laughed and with her long blazing red hair flying out behind her she moved with inhuman speed past the terrified girl. Jessica cried out as she felt her pass by the breeze ruffling her hair and, something sharp had caught her neck. She staggered slightly as her hand covered the spot that started to hurt like a bitch…
"What have you done to me?" Jessica squealed terrified that the pain was due to a needle…that they were trying to knock her out…but that was the least of her worries as indescribable pain shot through her body she felt like her skin was on fire...
"Nothing more than a little kiss of welcome" The red headed woman replied
"Help me please!" Jessica screeched with pain as her hands tore fruitlessly at her body. Falling to the floor she writhed in agony as Riley and the woman stood by
"Watch her" the woman began "It would be a shame to lose her now" Another high pitched scream filled the air as Jessica fought against the venom "And get her back down to the cellar she's making enough noise to wake the dead"
"Where are you going Victoria?" Riley asked as he picked up a jolting Jessica who was convulsing in agony desperately fighting a losing battle against the venom and the change that rampaged through her body…
"I have business in Seattle but I will return in three days" Victoria replied "By which time I hope to find a new Jessica" She nodded towards the girl then left.
Riley carried Jess back down to the cellar and placed her back on the dirty mattress that lay on the ground. He pushed back her sweat drenched hair from her face as the girl tossed and turned writhing in pain as the fire of change raged out of control racing towards the inevitable. There was nothing anyone could do now…except wait….
"It won't be long now" Riley assured her although it fell upon deaf ears "It will get better and when you wake up you will be one of us"
000
Bella and Angela sat alone together in the small kitchen of the Blacks house. Both looked down at the steaming mug of herbal tea Bella had made and placed on the wooden table. Bella looked at her hands that fiddled with her oversized t shirt, one of Jakes that radiated his comforting scent. She had practically thrown him and Sam out asking Embry to take them both for a run whilst she spoke to her friend.
"I suppose none of this makes any sense at the moment" Bella began. Angela merely nodded before taking a long sip of tea. Bella sighed then added "What I'm about to say probably won't make any sense either" She smiled a little at her friend "But we only have your best interests at heart please remember that"
"I know you all think that" Angela replied "But I …I feel like I have been kidnapped or something it all happened so fast" She took another sip of tea "Nobody has given me an actual reason as to why you think I'm in so much danger and that the Rez is the only safe haven" She sighed loudly "You know it's been a weird day…I have been feeling like I was being watched or something…maybe I'm going crazy Bella"
"You're not crazy Angela "Bella soothed "You're one of the most sane intelligent woman I know" she smiled at Angela who managed to smile back a little "Do you remember the other day when we were in the diner?"
"Sure" Angela replied "When it all kicked off with the Cullen's" Bella smiled then her face turned serious
"Have you ever thought the Cullen's were a little odd? " She asked. Angela rolled her eyes in response
"Oddest people I know" she replied then smiled "Apart from the Quileute boys that is." Both girls took a sip of tea
"What if I told you your instincts were correct?" Bella asked "That the Cullen's are more than odd…that they are not like you or I" Angela pushed her glasses up her nose like she always did when things got serious and she had some thinking to do
"I never did like Alice Cullen…" she began "She sort of gives me the creeps and Edward…well he's so cold" Colder than you think Bella thought to herself. Then Angela gave her the break she had been waiting for…
"Have you ever noticed their eyes?" Angela began reaching for a chocolate chip cookie she was feeling a little calmer now she had Bella beside her. "They're a weird colour if you ask me and they all have the same eyes too despite the fact they are Doctors Cullen's foster kids. I mean how come all of them have that weird shade and sometimes I swear they changed colour too especially before they disappeared for a day's hiking…"
"That's because they are really not like you and I" Bella interrupted "Angela the Cullen's are not human" Angela put her mug and the cookie down wiping her mouth with a paper towel Bella had thoughtfully provided
"I'm sorry…" Angela swallowed the remains of the cookie. "Did I hear you right?"
"They are not human" Bella repeated as her friends eyes widened in surprise
"Then if they are not human…" Angela carefully enunciated each word "What are they Bella?"
"Vampire" Bella replied and Angela looked as if she were about to faint.
000
The three huge wolves hurtled through the forest running off the agitation that filled their hearts and minds. Angela's arrival on the Rez brought with it plenty of problems along with whether she should be told the legends
"I'm still not sure if we are doing the right thing Sam" Jacob growled deeply "I could have had a wolf stationed outside Angela's house, bringing her here means she needs to told about the Cullen's and ultimately about what we are. Besides Bella has been through enough these past two days she needs to rest"
"I think it's got past that stage Jake" Sam replied "The woods and the garden surrounding her house reeked of leech. The red head was there even whilst we were getting Angela out" Embry growled his agreement
"She was definitely a target Jake" Embry began "But what we don't know is whether the intention was to kill or turn" Sam growled deeply his wolf did not like the thought of Angela being turned into a vampire and the man wasn't too pleased either.
"Seth and I gave chase but as usual she got away" Sam was furious and his anger flowed between the three wolves. He was angry at the thought of Angela being turned and he was even more angry with the red headed vampire who somehow kept eluding capture. One thing for sure Angela Webber would not be safe whilst the red head remained alive. Jacob felt Sam's emotions the force rocked his body…
"She is not an imprint Sam" He huffed as the black wolf running beside him growled even more "And you are still bound by the imprint to Emily even if you no longer want her" Sam showed his huge canines as his lips pulled back over a vicious snarl. Jacob immediately stopped running as did his two pack mates. He turned towards the black wolf
"Sam…" Jacob began then turned to Embry "Go take a run Embry well see you back at my house" The light brown wolf nodded and took off into the depths of the dark forest. "Phase" Jacob huffed again and both he and Sam smoothly took the shape of a man... Jacob looked Sam in the eye.
"I don't know if the imprint can be broken for you Sam" he began "Taking Bella as my mate broke my own curse but according to Old Quil it happened because Alphas are not supposed to imprint and because you were Alpha when I first phased I imprinted on Jessica" he looked gravely at the older man "Besides my imprint was weaker because it wasn't supposed to happen and my love for Bella was so strong I was able to shatter the bonds" Sam nodded he knew this to be true but said nothing.
"Look what I am saying…" Jacob hesitated a little "I know it's over between you and Emily but do you want a relationship with Angela?" Sam shook his head
"Truth is Jake I don't know." he sighed deeply "I mean I have only just got to know her but I do know that I like her a lot" He stopped talking and kicked at a stone on the forest floor. "I think…" he muttered "I think I could grow to like Angela a lot"
Jacob closed his eyes in response. Sam never shared his feelings but reading between the lines it was obvious the older guy was trying to tell him that maybe just maybe he was falling for the quiet dark haired girl so totally different from the shrew that was Emily and in his heart he knew Sam deserved some happiness.
"How does your wolf feel about Angela?" Jacob asked for if the wolf hated the girl there could be no relationship, friendship…nothing… Sam looked up with brooding dark eyes
"Not a problem he likes her" He replied "He's very protective of her but it's not an imprint I know that". Jacob relaxed a little maybe there was hope after all.
"Let's get back" Jake suggested "I have a feeling that Bella may be requiring a wolf demonstration" Sam nodded and a little bit of him felt sorry for Angela for what she was about to learn would change her view on the world forever but he would stand by her as a friend after all it was the least he could do.
000
The girls were waiting in the back yard when Jacob and Sam arrived at the little red house. Jake was already worried by how tired Bella looked and what with Sue and Charlie about to descend upon them the needed to get their little demonstration out of the way…that is if it was still required.
"Jake" Bella almost sighed his name with relief she was so glad to see him. Beside her a pale worried Angela stood nervously fiddling with her long dark hair. She smiled shyly at Sam who nodded back but stayed where he was as Jacob strode purposefully towards Bella. He kissed her slowly before pulling back and looking towards a clearly embarrassed Angela.
"Ange knows all about the Cullen's" Bella smiled nodding at her friend "In fact she had noticed they were kinda weird anyways" Angela nodded a little in return
"Odd eyes" she mumbled she still couldn't quite believe what Bella had shared at the table…vampires…her mind struggled to cope with the knowledge that they drank blood to stay alive even if were only the blood of animals the thought that there were others of their kind out there made her shiver. Slowly but surely she had pieced it all together and arrived at the conclusion, that one of these…these creatures wanted her blood and that terrified her.
"Jacob" Bella began "I think she needs to know the rest and "she glanced at her friend who was growing ever paler "Angela needs to know she will be safe"
Jacob nodded whichever way he looked at it Angela Webber was in too deep and without the pack her fate was sealed. Either the red head would get her or her knowledge of a world outside everyone's comprehension really existed would either get her committed for insanity by the humans or killed by the vampires. Either way it was not much of a choice when you thought about it….
"Angela" he began his voice infused with the authority of the Alpha it vibrated through Angela making her straighten up and listen "You know about our sworn enemy the cold ones" She nodded once in reply. "What you are about to be told and what you will see can never be spoken about to anyone outside this group do you understand?" Angela nodded once again as Bella slipped her hand into her own. She tightened the hold on Bella, she was her only grip on sanity in all this craziness… Jake turned away from her
"Sam" He spoke again with authority. Angela watched with a mixture of horror and awe as the air seemed to shimmer around Sam's huge body and to the sound of cracking and snapping he transformed into an enormous black wolf as pieces of his ripped cut-offs floated gently to the ground around him.
There was complete silence as the black wolf stared at the young woman before him …her mouth popped open in pure surprise then she looked at Bella then Jacob and back to the wolf before she quietly fainted…no noise …no fuss just passed out...with shock
"Angela?" Bella cried as she knelt down next to her friend. Angela started to come around and opened her eyes hoping that is was all nothing but a bad dream but unfortunately she was just in time to see Sam phase back to the man and what a man he was too…
"Angela are you okay?" Jacob had hunkered down beside her effectively cutting off her view of Sam which was probably a good thing given she was in such a state of panic and unused to seeing a naked man... He picked her up as Bella went before them holding open the back door
"Put her on the sofa Jake whilst I get her some water" Bella instructed
"What's going on?" Billy asked as he wheeled his chair from his room and watched his son carrying a young woman disappear into their living room.
"Sam had to show Angela Webber his wolf" Bella replied as Billy looked aghast. "He had to Billy Angela knows…she knows about the Cullen's and the red head is trying to kill her"
Billy rubbed a large hand across his tired eyes. What the hell was going on around here it was just one thing after another he thought.
"The shock made her a little faint" Bella was heading towards the living room herself but she turned and smiled at Billy "It would be real good if you could tell her the legend Billy how the wolves are made to protect" Billy nodded he would ask questions later but for now he was more concerned about the young woman in front of him
"You need to rest Bella" He rolled his chair in the direction of the kitchen he needed a coffee and now "Tell that son of mind to come find me in the kitchen" Bella nodded in reply before adding.
"Charlie and Sue are on their way over so I'll rest then"
Great Billy thought I go for a rest and when I get up the whole world is about to go crazy. He made it as far as switching on the kettle before Charlie and Sue walked through the open back door.
"I hear my daughter is awake and I'd like to see her" Charlie began
"And I'd like to examine her" Sue added just as a deeply concerned Sam came looking for Angela…followed by Embry…
Charlie's cop instincts twitched something was going down…yet again…
"Coffee?" Sue asked taking over from a grateful Billy. It was going to be a long evening…
000
AN: So it wasn't just a random meeting Riley was going to get Jessica that afternoon anyways and what dreadful plan has Victoria concocted in that warped mind of hers? So poor Angela is now in the "know" and what about Sam is it merely friendship he wants or something more?
Till next time oxoxo