LEA
Chris had really been amazing after Jake and Embry had taken off following the shifter. He'd handled the cops that had shown up, and he'd directed them somewhere that I think he believed would be away from the giant wolves he'd just saw. No words were shared between us, but myself and my old partner had always silently understood one another. He didn't ask me any questions when I went to head back to Becky's. I'd realized as I'd spared one last glance at him before leaving to head to the subway Chris looked relieved
He finally felt like something was going to give closure to this awful murderer he had been following and it was proof of his faith in me that he would trust me when I told him that we would handle it. I'd witnessed Chris skim along the law a few different times while we worked together. This was probably the most blatant. Honestly looking at how we were dealing with the issue it had to be obvious to him that there wasn't anyway to treat this like a regular case. Chris would close everything up somehow and give the families resolution. He was a great cop and a smart one and I had complete faith in him figure out how to accomplish this.
The subway ride seemed long. All I could think about was my boyfriend and his friend out there risking their lives to protect all of ours. I was worried even though deep in my gut something was telling me Jake just couldn't lose this battle. Some instinct trying to assure me that he would come home to me. To be honest I was just happy all of this was nearing completion. I didn't think I would ever be so excited at the prospect of returning to Forks but after how crazy the last week or so had been it would seem more like a vacation to go home then our actually trip had been.
Walking back through Brooklyn and approaching Becky's street it suddenly hit me I didn't have a clue what I was going to tell her. How I could explain to my friend why the guys I'd brought to visit her with me. Had both just done something completely odd and maybe even a little insane. Why Jake had been so intense about finding me and why the two of them were not back. Lying to my friend was getting more complicated and I hated it. Still I couldn't just hide from her either because that was the easier thing to do.
Becky was waiting in the living room when I walked back into the house. She was watching the news with interest and I cringed to realize there were TV crews gallivanting around the city following reports of wolves running wild. I watched behind her silently for a few moments. Thankfully details of what was happening were still really unclear and people were assuming the guys were normal wolves. Leave it to society to take the simplest solution and run with it. As long as Jacob was smart enough to not allow any of them to be filmed. I think this situation would probably just get filed away as something else crazy that happened one day in New York City.
Becky glanced back at me suddenly, surprised to see me standing there. "Do you think these wolves could be the ones that caused the murders. That's what some expert guy was saying earlier." I was a little shocked when she didn't immediately ask about the guys, but decided not to press the matter and instead answered her question.
"Maybe, who really knows I guess." How could I explain two of the wolves were trying to help all of us. Becky flipped the TV off suddenly and turned to look at me still standing awkwardly in the doorway.
"Is everything alright?" Concern on her face, nothing critical yet. I decided I was going to handle this the only way I really could without flat out lying to my friend's face.
"The guys are fine as far as I know right now. Jake got there in time that nothing bad happened to me or Chris. I think this problem with the serial killer should be solved by the end of today and honestly Becky that's all I can say about the situation." I watched my friend's lips purse for a moment and I waited for her to get angry. Instead her expression fell to fear.
"Will they be home soon? Is Embry in danger?" It tugged at my heart that Becky was afraid for the man she loved and I was grateful she wasn't angry at me for my inability to tell her more.
"If Jake and Em are together, nothing is going to stop them." Even I was impressed by the strength of conviction in my voice. After a few brief moments of reflection I was pleased to realize that I truly did believe it too. Becky still looked uncertain and apprehensive and I wished I could give her more details. At this moment I guess I yearned for a lot of things.
"Lea are you safe?" It was an odd question for my friend to ask, but I could also see in the light of everything she had experienced this afternoon why she was inquiring about it.
"My life is different now, but I feel more secure with Jacob around then I think I ever did as a cop here in the city." My tone and expression felt measured. Becky was still considering me. Just analyzing my posture.
"What I saw the guys do today, it was well beyond odd." I felt my form stiffen waiting for the questions, for the accusations. "As long as you're happy Lea? I won't fault your choices, because I'm beginning to see just how serious your situation is. But I want to be frank with you and Embry and Jake. I won't go with all of you and uproot my life until I know what's going on. I'm frankly finally seeing the enormity of your secret."
I sighed, feeling relieved that Becky could somewhat understand the internal battle I'd been having for days. Crossing the floor I sank into the other arm chair. Leaning back into the cushion I just tried to allow the stress from the last twenty four hours to flow out of me. "I agree with you Becky, but as a friend can I please ask you to at least wait until tomorrow to bring this up with either of the guys." My head resting back I turned to look my friend directly in the eye. "Today has been rough on many levels and I don't want judgments rushed on either side because of runaway feelings"
"I wasn't going to bring it up immediately. Don't worry I can plainly see the weight your boyfriend is carrying on his shoulders at the moment and while a part of me is still annoyed at being kept at this distance. I also can appreciate what others sometimes need in their lives." Becky curled up tucking her feet underneath her on her seat. I nodded a grateful expression on my face. I was trying not to stare at the clock. Yet I couldn't help feeling the length of time Jake had been away on his mission as almost painful.
"So where did the news report says the wolves were?" I tired to appear like I was changing the subject instead of trying to find out information about the missing men.
"Well people are flipping out everywhere, but it seemed from most eyewitness statements they were heading uptown." Becky was once again looking at me curiously. "So you really do think these wolves are tied to your case?"
"I know they are, they will be both the start and the end of it." I found myself glancing at the clock again. "You know in Inuit lore the people would call on the wolf spirits to help them. Ask them to keep the herds they hunt strong." I found my friend was now looking at me a little confused.
"Are you like a wolf expert now Lea?" I laughed at Becky's question. I could recall clearly the way my russet wolf had looked when he had paused before pursuing his enemy and then oddly the golden wolf from my dream flashed through my mind. I shook my head and shrugged.
"Something like that I guess." Becky couldn't quite see where my humor was coming from and I tired to divert the subject again launching into a story about Jake, Embry and Quil and one of the numerous times I had wanted to murder the three of them for causing trouble in town together.
I nearly leaped out of my seat when I heard the front door creaking open. The steps that entered were labored and I could tell tired. I spared Becky a glance as I rushed forward to see what type of shape the guys were in. Both were inside now, Embry shutting the door behind them. Both bare foot and I could see in sweatpants they had probably stolen out of some random families yard.
"Jacob?" I couldn't stop the concern in my voice the giant Native man's eyes turning to look at me as I spoke. He looked exhausted and after the day he'd had I couldn't really blame him. One of his arms reached out and I crossed swiftly to him as he pulled me in against his side. Gently kissing me lightly before rubbing his chin against my head for a moment making a content noise.
"It's over." That was all he needed to say. His expression was resolute but I could see traces of inner pain. I could feel the concern in my expression and I glanced over at Embry to see how he was holding up. He looked worn out too and I watched Becky lingering in the living room doorway I could see uncertain what she should do. "I want a shower and bed." Jake's voice rumbled against me as he spoke. He didn't even need to say it, I knew he wanted me with him also.
"We'll see you guys in the morning." I inclined my head. Indicating to Becky that she didn't need to hold back. Embry wanted her there. Jacob followed me. I could hear him plodding behind me wearily. My heart ached for my poor tired wolf. I heard Becky and Embry start to speak in slightly hushed tones as myself and Jake reached the stairs. I knew I needed to focus on my boyfriend right now and forget everything else that had been bothering me that day. He seemed out of sorts and I felt really needed me at this moment.
I closed the door to the bathroom behind us after we entered. Turning I flung myself up on tippy toe, crushing my mouth against Jacob's. He groaned lightly out of his noise, his arms wrapping tightly around my frame as he held me against him. "What happened Jake?" We broke apart and looking into my boyfriend's dark eyes they seemed haunted. I watched him as he sighed deeply and reaching down to pull off the borrowed sweatpants tossed them in a messy pile to the side.
"I had to kill him." I'd never heard Jacob's voice sound so unemotional and I knew the action he had taken had crushed some small part of him. Reaching out I pulled his massive frame back to me his head lowering to rest against my shoulder.
"Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry you had to do that. I mean I know he was a murderer but still he was like you, and I can see how that could very negatively effect you." I ran my fingers through his hair, "but Jake, honey, you have to remember you saved a lot of people tonight too. He would have never stopped killing and while I wish you didn't have to carry the burden of his death on your hands. I'm proud of you for being strong enough to do what was right."
"Was it right?" Jacob pulled away roughly, his gaze searching mine. I could see desperately looking for answers. "I mean part of him was human, like I am. It's not like killing a leech. He was a man the same as me." Jake took a few swift strides backwards before sliding down to sit on the side of the tub. His head falling to his hands. The regret in his features so thick I could feel my heart break sharing his pain.
I quietly crossed the floor. Taking a seat next to my boyfriend and resting my head against his shoulder. "It's not easy to charge yourself with the reasonability of protecting others. Suddenly you find the safety of the many are out weighting the desires of he few. I'm lucky I guess, I have laws I can stand behind. That are voted on by the very people I'm protecting so they shield me from having to make a lot of the more difficult choices. You Jacob, you are this barrier between good and evil that I don't envy. Was what you did right? Life isn't really that black and white no matter how much I would like to pretend it is. In the end you did what was necessary. It's not fair now that not only do you have to protect all of us. You also have to shoulder the guilt for doing so."
I kissed his shoulder, right over the tattooed mark of his pack. I would never stop loving Jacob. No matter what and I hoped he knew that he would never lack my support. "I think maybe I just need to sleep. Today is one that I wouldn't mind forgetting large portions of." Jake took a deep breath. I could tell collecting himself and it struck me how proud of him I was. This had been an extremely difficult day for him. Yet he wasn't running away from it or hiding. He was instead facing the challenge head on.
"Come on Jake, I'll clean you up and tuck you in." I pulled myself to my feet. My voice a purr for the man I loved. His gaze drifted up to mine and a little of the shame washed away.
"And maybe make me a sandwich?" The barest hint of a grin crossed his lips and it warmed my heart. This whole ordeal was going to be hard for Jacob. I also knew with time he would recover and in my heart I could feel at the end of this he would be stronger.
"I think I could even be convinced to make you something to eat." Reaching away I turned on the water to the shower fiddling with the temperature. Pausing when I realized Jake was staring at me. "You alright?" I gingerly ran my finger tips along his jaw line.
"How do you make everything make sense?" I smiled at his question, turning on the water. I then swiftly tossed off my own clothes before gently tugging him to join me under it. Jake obliged without any protest and sighed deeply when after soaping up a bath sponge I began to wash off his body.
"It's all smoke and mirrors you know. I just sound pretty when I talk so it seems like I know what I'm doing." I flashed Jacob a lop sided grin and was pleased when he returned the gesture to me.
"You know I'm going to remember you said that next time you try to lecture me about something." Leaning down he kissed my cheek lightly before nuzzling my shoulder affectionately.
"Nope you're not allowed. Once we leave this shower you will forget my ever saying that." My voice was teasing. I took advantage of Jake's current posture to start to shampoo his hair for him. He grunting lightly with pleasure at my touch.
"You wish." Jacob's tone sounded more normal. The city grime washed and gone from his body. I lightly pushed him back into the stream of the shower water to rinse the shampoo from his head.
"You better do what I say if you want that sandwich." I was grinning as Jake stood up straight again. His height towering now over me. He was giving me a considering look before he too smirked.
"You're mean." His tone was good natured and he grabbed the bath sponge himself returning the favor of the wash to me. I laughed lightly.
"I know I'm a terrible person." I was surprised when Jacob caught my mouth with his at the end of my comment and kissed me. His arms wrapping loosely around my body. He was so warm and he was getting hard. Yet oddly enough even with his bodies natural reaction I didn't think he was really interested in sex at the moment as all of his touches continued to be rather chaste.
"I love you." Pulling back he nuzzled my cheek with his nose. I studied him for a few long moments. Just reflecting on Jake's progression from the moment I'd met him until right now. I watched his gaze on me becoming curious when I didn't answer his proclamation right way.
"You're so brave and strong and good, Jacob Black. Never mistake your positive qualities. Nor how hard you have worked to cultivate them to the level they are at today. I love you too." I smiled softly as a flush drew to Jake's face. He wasn't one to embarrass easily and it warmed my heart that my words had caused such a reaction.
"Can I remember you said that?" His dark eyes almost seemed to glow, I found him breath taking.
"I suppose I'll allow that." My voice was teasing again and my heart filled when Jacob broke into one of his beautiful smiles. The dark cloud that had been hanging over him seemed to have dissipated a little. I felt relief and pleasure to have helped him in anyway that I had. "Now why don't you go and lay down in bed and I'll make you your sandwich." I patted his chest with affection. Leaning back he flipped the shower off.
"With a beer?" His expression was hopeful, which caused me to giggle.
"With whatever you want my big bad wolf." I climbed out of the tub. Reaching for a towel with which to dry myself and let out a surprised noise when Jake suddenly grabbed me roughly pressing his face into my neck.
"After I eat I think I'll want one more thing before I get some sleep." The growl in his voice almost seemed to cause him to vibrate. I could feel the pace of my heart speed up as I swallowed hard.
"I'm certain I can get you that too." And Jacob kissed me again and it felt like a weight lifted off of me. The murderous shape shifter was gone and my boyfriend was home and safe. Tomorrow I would face our new issues head on. At this moment I would content myself with doing anything I could to make the man at my side as happy as he could possibly be.
AN: Sorry for the wait everyone! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year or enjoyed whatever version of whatever holiday you enjoy! 3 Real life swapped me out and I really wanted to try to maintain my 1 chapter a month at least until I finish this book because I'm so close! Hopefully I can get back on track now! cliffdiving101 and PastOneonta thank you both for the reviews last chapter and for sticking with me on this journey! Also welcome to all the new readers and thanks for the follows and favorites! Please anyone feel free to contact me at any time I love talking to you all!