All Things Twilight belong to the Awesome Stephenie Meyer

Chapter 35: Trunk

Ara must of known I would come regardless of the answer, because she knew I would have to try. I couldn't let someone die simply because there was no other way out. There had to be something I could do to save him, to get us both out of there alive. I heard nothing more from Will and I imagined I wouldn't. They were playing the waiting game. They hadn't given me a deadline. At least I had that to be thankful for.

I took the road towards Lake Shannon with my heart in my throat. My mind traveled back to Jacob and the peacefulness of his sleeping face. It was my only solace in this tumultuous moment, but it didn't last long, it always gave way to the correlating thought . . . I could only imagine the look on his face when he realized what I'd done. My heart ached painfully in my chest as I tried to block the image.

Jacob didn't deserve this; he didn't deserve to suffer the pain if I failed. I had a responsibility as his imprint to look after myself. I held the balance of his happiness in my hands, if I failed to save Matthew, if I gave Ara what she wanted . . .

I couldn't think like that. I had to believe that I would survive. Thinking in any other way would be admitting defeat before the fight had even begun. Maybe it was naïve and stupid of me to think I could ever win in this situation, yet I knew I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do something.

With this in mind, I tried to focus on the after. Everyone would be so upset that I had done this; they would have the same argument, the same questions I had asked Will. How did I expect to win in this situation? I just hoped that they would understand that I had to try. No one deserved the wrath of a sadistic half vampire and her sick need to fulfill her curiosity.

I was beginning to think this was more than that now. I was sure she hadn't expected the strength of the singer; the strength of that call as his blood assaulted my senses. I was starting to believe that her curiosity had turned into pure bloodlust. That the only she wanted now was the taste of his blood through her link with me. I would never go through with it, I couldn't, and my body seemed to rebel every time I got close enough.

Maybe it would be my saving grace; there was no way I could taste while I was unconscious. If she forced me, which I didn't put past her, she would have to stop because of my mental block. There was no relief from this, in trying to obtain what she wanted, I was hoping she'd be thwarted by my strange subconscious.

My hands gripped around the steering wheel and they shook a little in my nervousness. A weak empty feeling ebbed through me, I needed some strength. I sighed realizing I hadn't touched the bag of Doritos sat in the passenger seat. I needed to be prepared; I needed to get my hunger taken care of before I even attempted facing what was waiting for me. I pulled open the bag and dropped them into my lap, forcing myself to eat as I drove.

I drove quickly towards the lot next to the mill, knowing that it was closest access to the beach. My speed was closer to normal than I had ever driven before and it was because of the nerves that coursed through me. I knew I should be hurrying to save Matthew's life, but I couldn't speed up what could potentially be my only chance to think through everything. I had to get my head right before I ran into this. I had to sort through my emotions before the betrayed me to Ara.

I pulled into the small lot that we'd parked in twice before and let myself out of the car. I left the keys in the center console before locking the doors and pushing the drivers side shut. I wasn't going to take off with the only set of keys Jacob had. He was good with cars and would find a way in; and I was sure he'd figure out that I'd left the keys inside. He would know that even in this dire situation, I was still thinking of him.

I took a deep breath before heading into the forest by the mill. I had eaten almost the entire bag of chips and they had done what I had asked of them, I just hoped it would be enough. I took one last look at the car before the trees thickened and blocked my view. It was a sad sight for me because it reminded me of the person I was pining for in this moment. It was Jacob's pride and Joy, he'd repainted it a couple of years ago and it oddly resembled a new car.

Rosalie worked on it for him as well, adding a turbo engine and any other thing he would let her get away with. I wasn't auto savvy, even with Rosalie's teachings, so most of the conversations flew over my head while I nodded and pretended to understand. The memory of it made me smile. It was the normalcy I longed for now.

I took off running towards the beach, sticking close to the shore as I ran. My legs pounded my feet into the damp ground as I ran full out. I needed to get there before I started thinking about it again. I knew Ara would feel the apprehension I was feeling before I appeared so I didn't waste my time trying to be quiet. She knew me to well. She was too attuned to me. I was stupid to let her get so close to me.

The lake was placid and reflected the dim afternoon light, the darkened clouds created unusual patterns across the water. It seemed the storm was following me. I had avoided it so far but I doubted it would hold off much longer. I could almost smell the electricity in the air from the storm, and the damp of the rain as it precipitated above me.

I slowed to a trot before I hit the beach; I wasn't sure what I would run up on so I wanted to be prepared. I needed to scan the small beach before I burst through the tree line. I couldn't see much as I approached, my eyes scanned the small sandy area, drifting over the rocks and scanning the tree line. Was I in the right place? Had I misinterpreted what they'd told me? The peacefulness of the scene that greeted me made me believe so, but I could smell Matthew on the air. I knew I was right.

I scanned once again, and found the three of them coming out of the trees at the back of the beach. My heart spluttered in my chest as I realized this was really happening. Will looked menacing next to Ara and Matthew looked terrified. How much had they told him? His eyes scanned the tree line as though he was looking for me, but I was still hidden deep in the trees. I was sure Ara knew I was there.

"Nessie, I can feel your pathetic emotions; why don't you come out and join us?" Ara's voice resounded off the trees in the small area and I knew I could no longer put off the inevitable. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the tree line and into the clearing. My eyes were trained on the scene in front of me as I walked.

My heart pounded in my chest and I knew it was telling Ara and Will how terrified I really was. My hands trembled in small fisted balls by my side, but I kept my head held high. I didn't want them to think they had broken me.

Matthew's scent was the strongest thing to hit me and it drowned out everything else. It still called to me, tempting me taunting me; but I held strong, trying to ignore it. I reinforced the bars around the monster as I tried breathing through my mouth. I was getting better at this; as long as I kept my distance he should be safe.

"Why are you doing this, Ara?" Hoping she had the decency to be honest with me. Especially know I had no choice but to be honest with her. My emotions would contradict any lie I fed her.

"Because it's in our nature, Nessie." she offered sarcastically. "You fight so hard against your natural instincts and all it brings you is misery. You just have to try this my way to know that it's right, that it's natural." She sounded venomous, but there was almost a pleading behind it. It made me pity her; she was weak, a slave to her animalistic instincts. She would know how to fight it, even if she wanted to. I was certain of that.

"No Ara," I laughed. "It brings you misery. That's your emotion not mine. I am perfectly happy to abstain. I have my entire life. Matthew may call to me, but the only misery it every brought me was the fact that I couldn't fight it."

Ara smiled viciously and closed her eyes. "You can feel it calling can't you?"

She inclined her head towards Matthew and drug in a long breath through her nose. A small smirk danced across her lips as she looked over at me. I wanted to roll my eyes at her theatrics, but now was not the time to piss her off.

"Such a strong scent, Nessie, but so much more beautiful through your senses. Take a deep breath; let it assault you. It's heavenly, as so natural."

I tried to block out her works because they would inevitably make me drag in the scent I was trying to ignore; the overwhelming call of the blood that pumped through Matthew. I was still in my right mind for now though, but I didn't know for how long. The adrenaline was strengthening the smell around me, and I was on the verge of losing my focus. I mentally pushed the urge to the back of my mind, trying to focus on Ara rather than Matthew and his all too tempting blood.

"Matthew, how are you doing?" I asked, keeping my eyes on Ara. Speaking with him would once again humanize him to me. It was Alice's idea; she said she used to tell Jasper the same. Look at them as a person with a family who loved them. It had always worked, until Matthew, but I needed to focus on that now. I had met his mother.

"Scared shitless, you?" he asked, his voice shaking.

I laughed once for his benefit. "Been better thanks." I admitted, stepping closer to the three in front of me. Will had Matthew's arms locked behind him just below the elbows. I could see that his grip was too tight; Matthew's arms were already bruising from being manhandled. They were also bent in an uncomfortable angle. Pain reflected from his eyes as I met them for a brief second.

Ara immediately shifted into a defensive stance as I took another step closer. I knew she was on edge; but I hoped that maybe I had a chance of distracting them enough to let Matthew run. It was the only idea to infiltrate my clouded mind. If I had to fight her again, I would. There was enough anger in my system that I wouldn't be gentle this time. I had come out here for a reason, and I fully intended to see it through now. I let myself drop into an offensive crouch as I took another step forward.

"You said it yourself Nessie; the boy will die anyway. Why fight it, drink and I promise you will never have to see me again." Ara smiled, she was feigning compassion again, and the lie seemed to make the anger boil again. She would feel that.

"Tempting, Ara, getting rid of you permanently is a most compelling proposition. You're not worth it though. I'm not here to satisfy your sick craving; I'm here to let Matthew go. He has no control over this; it shouldn't be his death sentence." I was angry, and that vexation filled my words. Ara didn't seem phased though.

Ara rolled her eyes and straightened out, walking towards Matthew slowly. Her fingers ran down the side of his face gently and tugged at the shirt that covered his neck. The vein pulsed wildly beneath the thin membrane of his skin, and I had to look away. I could feel the temptation rising within me. The smell I was beginning to handle, but the visualization that accompanied the smell and sound, made it difficult to concentrate.

"Stop it, Ara," I spit angrily, she was taking it too far, she was pushing me beyond me own limits. The anger seethed through my pores now, my whole body tingled in anger.

"What's the matter, Nessie; a little too tempting for you?"

I could feel the tears of anger prickling behind my eyes. I was furious, with Ara and myself. I hated that she could feel my self-doubt. That she could pin point my weakness. I focused of Matthew's face, and the fear that had made his already pale skin almost translucent. There was a hint of green to his skin as it became damp with a light sheen of sweat. He was scared, and he didn't deserve this.

"Always so self sacrificing," Ara rolled her eyes and pulled her hands from Matthew's collar. "I really didn't want to have to force you. It's takes all the fun out of it."

"You could always try," I answered hopefully, lowing myself deeper into my stance. She strolled back to her original position and laughed condescendingly. It seemed to fuel the anger within me. I fought to regain composure to keep the anger simmering under the surface. I couldn't afford to lose control around Matthew.

"Are you forgetting the outcome of the last time we fought?" Ara laughed in condescension, I wanted to slap the smug smirk straight from her lips.

"No, but you're forgetting the advantage you had last time." I mused.

"What's that?"

"I liked you," I snarled propelling myself forward and colliding with Ara. There was a crack upon impact that sounded like two trains colliding, it was deafening. The impact pushed us both into the trees, forcefully.

"Ara," Will's voice was full of concern for his mate and I assumed he was debating whether to step in as we collided with the line of trees. I could have cared less as I snapped and snarled at the woman dancing around me.

"Stay where you are, don't you dare let him go." Ara screeched trying to find the advantage.

Will growled menacingly and I could hear him dragging Matthew away from the falling trees. He would do what she asked of him, because this plan needed Matthew safe so Ara could be satiated mirthfully. It was the last thing that was going to happen.

I pulled on Ara's arms with as much force as I could, and let my other hand lock around her neck. I was giving her a taste of her own medicine and I could see her squirming under my hold, as her eyes widened in shock, her body was fighting for air. I wasn't sure I wanted to kill her; but I wasn't afraid of hurting her anymore. Every ounce of compassion and understanding for this woman had escaped me, the discussion in the house had seen to that. She had premeditated every action she'd made. Now, she'd pay.

She clawed at the skin on my arm that was locked around her neck and blood peppered the surface of my skin, I could already feel it healing as the skin tingled gently. I snarled and hissed at her before slamming her back into one of the still standing, larger trees, the thickness of the trunk would give me a little more stability as I applied pressure to her throat. The air in her lungs struggled to push past the obstruction my hand was creating and I could hear her chest wheezing for air. She was suffering.

I released her neck and threw a forceful punch into her stomach. She doubled over, the air whooshing from her body, giving me another advantage. My hands tangled in her hair, and I brought my knee up to meet her face.

Ara's muffled howl made the guilt surge through me but I ignored it. I kicked her in the stomach sending her careening back into the forest at a high rate of speed. I heard the trees that she hit crack on her way and she landed with a thud fifty feet from where I was stood. There was no movement from her body at all.

I turned and ran back to where Will had Matthew. Will's face was distorted with rage as he snarled at me his crimson eyes narrowed into slits as his anger raged within him. I could hear Matthew's heart pounding in his chest, I didn't think it was possible for him to be any more scared than he had been, but here he was, positively terrified now.

I didn't want to scare him anymore, but I was out of choices, I needed to act quickly, and I knew only one way to get Matthew away from Will; I had to provoke the vampire. I lowered myself to the ground and circled the two of them, letting my ears tune into the area Ara had fallen. She wouldn't be out long.

"Let him go, Will. I know how badly you want to rip me apart; so do it. Let the boy go." I taunted. I wanted him to take the bait.

I could see the ferociousness boiling behind Will's eyes as they flickered between me and where Ara was lying. I knew I had to keep up the intensity of my provocation in order to get what I wanted. I just hoped he would believe the lies I fed him. I took a deep breath and set a provoking smirk on my lips.

"She wasn't breathing," I boasted, "She could be lying there dead. Did you enjoy watching me destroy her? Breaking her as though she were a human,"

I circled further so I could see where Ara was lying lifelessly in the forest. Will tightened his precarious hold on Matthew's arms and I heard the deplorable snap of a bone. I flinched as the quiet serenity of the lake filled with Matthew's bloodcurdling cry of pain. The green that coated his skin deepened and the sweat balled on his forehead as the pain intensified.

"Do you feel better now you've hurt the weakest person in the group?" I asked sarcastically trying to fight my concern and guilt. "You don't want to fight someone with your strength?"

Will pushed Matthew to the side forcefully, Matthew stumbled and fell to the ground, his arms instinctually reaching out to break his fall. He howled in pain as the bone in his arm gave another slight crack. He rolled onto his back holding his limp arm with the other. I felt so guilty, but I didn't have much time to think about it.

Will marched towards me his eyes murderous. I snarled and lowered myself trying to keep my eyes on the three points of focus. Ara, as far as I could tell was still out. Matthew was now kneeled on the ground holding his broken arm to his chest, and Will was closing in on me quickly.

I danced past him quickly and ran to Matthew, I pulled him to his feet with his good arm and pointed him in the direction of the car. "Run, stick to the shore, when you reach the mill there's a red car in the lot, wait by it. Someone will come by to help you. Now go!" I pushed him in the direction, fighting his scent that was assaulting every part of me, before I turned to fight off Will. Matthew's eyes widened as I pounced towards Will but he took off along the shoreline quickly; running in the direction I had pointed him in.

Now, I had to get myself out of this mess.

I dropped to the ground as Will projected himself at me, he was large and moved quickly with an agility that resembled Jasper's, his slender form sailed over me as I flattened myself to the sand, there were mere inches between our bodies, the air disturbed by his moving body brushed my hair into my eyes. While I pushed the stray locks from my face, I jumped up quickly and turned to meet him straight on.

He was on his feet quickly and lowered himself once again into crouch so he could propel himself at me. I backed away slowly keeping my defensive situation. Zafrina had taught me well; and I knew what to look for in a fight. My battle partner had always been Kachiri; she was large and very intimidating, yet graceful in her movements. Will wasn't close to her size so I hoped it would give me the advantage I so desperately needed.

I knew I was quick; I had to use that ascendancy to gain the upper hand. In Will's supposition that I had destroyed Ara, he would be looking for revenge. He would be looking to kill me as redemption, his emotions would betray him, make him maladroit and ungainly. His emotions were going to work to my benefit. I knew Ara was alive but he didn't; and he was using every effort to eliminate me.

I danced out of his clasping arms and spun around leaping onto his back as he passed me. I let my teeth dig into the granite like skin covering his neck. It was the part of my anatomy that correlated completely with a full-bodied vampire. It was a direct inheritance from my father genes.

The high-pitched metallic keening filled the space as I pulled a small part of his flesh away from his body. It was loud and shrill as it rang throughout the space. I cringed at the sound but continued to pull until a large lump of granite flesh disengaged from his neck. I spat it out to the ground with repugnance.

"You bitch," he growled and flailed his hands and arms to try and reach me. He reached over his shoulder fighting and flailing to get a good grip on me, but I was ahead of him. I planted my feet in his back and used it as a springboard as I pushed away. I landed neatly on my feet and turned around falling into crouch.

Will was tall, he would expect me to go for the jugular, but I needed to hit low and hit hard, bring him down to my level. His angry eyes watched my movements as I sidled to the side. My breathing was deep and ragged with the energy I was exerting in our little battle. My heart hammered in my chest with nerves and contemplation. With one last esoteric breath, I took off towards him as quickly as I could. I knew he was expecting me to pounce so I feigned the movements, knowing I would go in low. I dropped my legs and slid on the sand as I reached his towering form. As I passed through his planted legs, I pulled them both out from underneath him.

He landed face first in the sand; the ground trembled beneath us on impact as I scrambled to get the advantage again. I pounced at him with all of the speed I could push from myself. As I passed over him, I picked up his arm and pulled while I continued to run. His body followed behind mine and I could feel him struggling to find his footing. I couldn't give up my advantage; I needed to act quickly.

I turned around planting my feet between his shoulder blades and pulled again. The metallic rip was deafening as it passed over the calm water and resounded off of the trees. The limb was coming apart from his body and I would only need one last pull before it was completely detached.

His cry was as deafening as the keening sound of the detachment. I held the severed limb in my hand and threw it into the surrounding trees hoping it would take him a while to find it when he had the chance. I jumped from his back and span on the spot to look at him. His features were contorted with pain and I could see the anger bubbling to the surface again.

He would be easier to deal with missing an appendage. His lips peeled back over his teeth and a ripping snarl poured through them.

"You're going to suffer for that." He growled, as the pain gave way to his anger.

I raised my eyebrows and watched him closely. Something in him changed quickly, his snarl turned into a smile and I could feel the chills running down my back. He was looking at something behind me.

I danced out of his range and looked over my shoulder. My heart sank when I saw what had caught his attention.

Ara stood at the edge of the trees; her eyes were darkened with her anger at what I had done. Beside her, stood Matthew looking even paler than he had, he was still holding his arm against his chest. I should have kept a better eye on her. I should have known she would go after him.

I let my shoulders slump, all hope had just disappeared, it was over, and there was no more talking. Ara would try and get her own way by force, and whether I conceded or not I was going to die. Will would not let me walk away after what I had just done.

A/N: Ah back on track :) . . . It's a little later in the day than I would have hoped but I slept till almost one so . . . lol :P . . . You're almost caught up with me, I have been procrastinating :) I think it will make it a little easier to write now though . . . I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was fun to write this one, there's something satisfying about the destructive side of Nessie, and the fact that she can look after herself, even with a full blooded big bodied Vampire like Will. Let me know what you guys thought :)

The song for this chapter is TRUNK by KINGS OF LEON. I love those guys and this is one of my favorites :). If you've never heard it before you can listen to it on my website, there's a link on my profile :)

Thank you to Vicki, she always read the stories for me and makes sure I am on track. Oh and goldentemptress and I's story Socks for Sex will be updated on Monday, there is a link to her profile where we are posting on my profile.

Thank you for the alerts and faves, and THANK YOU TO THE REVIEWERS WHO COMPLETELY ROCK! AND ALWAYS ENCOURAGE ME WITH THEIR FANTASTIC WORDS. I LOVE YOU GUYS :) YOU ROCK!!!

TILL MONDAY - MUCH LOVE AND BIG HUGZ - L -