OMG, I just left you guys hangin didn't I? I told you I'd be moving soon.. and I just now, today, like five hours ago go the internet… so here's the chapter I meant to post before I disappeared. And I have tons more where that came from!
Drea's POV
If Adryen wanted a fight, I was gonna give her a fight.
She's going to learn not to mess with me.
I knew she could hear anything I said at this moment, and I knew she'd be listening.
I wondered if she'd go as far as to peak through the window to see what I was doing.
Well I'll make sure she gets a good view, just in case…
Quil jumped off the porch and I followed quickly shoving my arm through his.
"Oh wow Quil, I didn't realize just how nice of an upper body you have." I said smiling, seductively. "Makes me wonder about the rest."
I heard Jasper laugh inside the house, and that let me know that my comment served its purpose.
Take that shit Adryen.
Quil didn't say anything as we walked through the opening in the trees and he stayed quiet for awhile.
"What's wrong Quil?" I finally asked.
"No offense, Lexi but you're kinda making me uncomfortable." He mumbled as he pulled his arm from me.
"I'm sorry Quil, apparently I'm having a whore day." I said laughing. He wasn't at all amused and continued to walk. "So… what can I do for you today, Quil?" I asked totally not trying to make some sort of whorish pun. He made some sort of noise that amused me greatly as he started walking faster. "You don't have to walk so fast!" I called as I caught up with him, grabbing his arm again. "Talk to me Quil."
"I'm trying to talk to you, but you keep distracting me and confusing me." He said moving his arm. "And don't touch me." I just stared at him. "Or look at me."
Well all right then…
It had never occurred to me just how amusing a man's reaction to me was.
And considering all the shit going on today, I sure could use something to keep my mind occupied.
It won't hurt anyone if I continued to make him uncomfortable. .
"Do you think I'm sexy, Quil?" I asked moving beside him.
No answer. Just kept walking.
"Do you want me?" I asked trying to keep up with him.
No answer.
"I know you do, I can see it in your eyes, you totally want me. You want me to-"
"Shut up!" He yelled.
His outburst made me stop in my tracks as he just kept on walking.
"What? I can't even talk?"
"No!" He called as he got further away from me.
God he's no fun.
I started walking faster, keeping him in my view. Soon he turned a corner and I heard him yelling.
"I will never, ever do that again!" He yelled. "Don't you ever make me do that again!"
I walked around the corner, laughing.
"Oh you know you liked it." I said looking up to find Jacob, Embry and Seth standing around him. "Wow what a surprise." I said looking at them.
"Yeah I bet it is." Quil said staring at me. I laughed.
"What the hell did you do to him?" Embry asked looking at me and then at Quil.
"I didn't do anything." I told him. "He wouldn't let me talk to him, look at him or touch him." I smiled at Quil. "Even though I really wanted too..." I reached for him and he quickly pulled back. "Oh don't be so shy Quil." I said smiling. "It's only natural."
"Damn it, I knew I should have been the one to go to the house!" Seth exclaimed.
"Shut up Seth." Jacob said quickly and then turned to me. "You trying to piss Adryen off?"
I loved how he knew me so well.
"She's being such a bitch today!" I said walking towards him.
"You were just trying to piss Adryen off?" Quil asked. "Why?"
"Hello… she's being a bitch... did you not just hear what I said?" I asked.
"We have bigger issues to tend to today then pissing Adryen off." Jacob said putting his hands on my shoulders.
"Oh but it's so much fun…"
"I know baby." He whispered. "Maybe you can finish up later."
He certainly seemed to have his mind elsewhere…
"I sent Quil to get you for a reason." He told me.
"Yes and why did you send your minion after me? Why not just come to the house yourself?"
"Because I wanted to see you outside." He said taking a deep breath. "Ya know we always come out here if we need to be alone…"
"We come out here to have the sex." I told him looking at the others. "And judging by the three extra werewolves standing around me, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that's not what I'm here for." I made a face and looked at Jacob. "And if it is, that's kinda creepy. And by kinda creepy, I mean not gonna happen."
"Oh come on Lexi, don't be shy…" Quil said mocking me. My shocked expression disappeared as I smiled at him.
"All right Quil bring it." I said stepping toward him.
"I was... uh... I was just joking…" He mumbled.
"You're so sad…" I said laughing. Seth laughed as well but Jacob and Embry stood idly with their arms crossed. "Okay, all joking aside….what's going on?" I asked looking at Jacob who lowered his head. "Jacob?"
"There's something I need to tell you and I'm not sure how you're going to react." He said softly.
"Is it bad?" I asked looking at him.
"It's pretty bad…" Embry said. "Though I suppose there are worse things…" He closed his eyes and looked away.
"Just tell me." I said looking at Jacob. "You've never had a problem telling me anything before."
"Well this is not something you really want to hear." Jacob replied. "I really don't even know where to start…" He looked into my eyes.
I wondered if this had anything to do with Edward.
That thought got my mind racing.
Maybe I was wrong, maybe he really did care.
Maybe he can't forgive me and now he's going to leave.
Maybe it's just too much to handle.
Oh my God…
"Jacob…I'm so sorry." I said taking a deep breath. "I thought you didn't care, it was in the past, you said so yourself… I didn't realize it bothered you so much. Please don't leave me!" I said shoving my arms around his waist.
"What are you talking about?" He asked. "I'm not going to leave you." I looked up at him and he smiled.
"You're not?" I breathed.
"Of course not, I love you, I'd never leave you." He said putting his hand on the side of my face. "No matter what." He kissed me softly. "Why would you even think that?"
"Well … Edward…" I mumbled. "He told me… that..."
"He told you I'd leave you?" Jacob asked angrily.
"No no, he just told me that... that ..." I really didn't want to say it. "That you knew the truth… I just assumed... that… it was too much and you-"
"I don't care about that." He said as his breathing became rapid. "That doesn't matter to me, I love you, Lexi."
"But I lied to you." I said softly.
"Lexi please, I don't want to talk about this right now." He said pressing his forehead against mine. "It doesn't change anything."
"Oh Jacob." I said pulling him to me and kissing him. "You are truly amazing. I feel so grateful to have you in my life."
"You might change your mind about that." Seth said staring at Jacob. Jacob took a deep breath as I waited for him to speak.
"I… uh… I kinda made a mistake…." He said trying to find the words. "Bella…she…" He stopped and put his head down.
"She knows!" Seth screamed. I looked at him and then at Jacob, not quite understanding.
"Bella knows?" I asked.
The reality of what it could be wouldn't even register in my mind.
"Knows what?"
Jacob just stared at me, not able to speak.
"That you fucked Edward." Seth said nodding at me. My eyes widened and I looked at Jacob.
My breath caught in my throat, I couldn't think straight…
This can't be happening….
Not today, not now.
"How?" I asked almost inaudible. Everyone pointed at Jacob, who backed away from me slowly.
"Lexi, I had too…"
"You told her?" I asked, not believing him. "Why the hell would you do that?"
"She's my best friend Lexi, she asked me, I couldn't lie to her." He said staring at me, guilt written all over his face.
I wanted to hit him, but I knew better.
"Why… why would she even ask such a thing?" I said starting to pace back and forth. "How was it brought up?"
"Well…" He said clearing his throat. "Um…this morning... she was really … um... upset... because … she had..." He stopped and looked away. "…done something she shouldn't have… and without thinking I explained it was okay because Edward had done far worse…." He cleared his throat. "With you." I stared at him unable to say anything.
This is so not happening…
"What did she do?" Embry asked looking at Jacob. Jacob shook his head and glared at him, like he didn't want to say.
What could she have done that would upset her so much?
She pretty much matched my drinks last night, so her mentality wasn't very high.
A better question… why was Jacob with her?
"What did Miss Perfect do that upset her so much?" I asked, staring at Jacob. "And what do you have to do with it?"
"Rene said some shit that got her thinking last night. She asked me to come over to talk."
"Last night?" I asked. "You said she was upset this morning…." I couldn't even go on with my sentence, as my mind began to make accusations.
"Lexi, it's not what you think…." Jacob said before I could even react.
"I don't think anything Jacob." I lied. "I trust you, Jacob. Should I not?" He sighed and looked away from me. "What happened last night? Why all of sudden do you look so guilty?" He looked at his friends and then at me, his eyes showing signs of doubt.
"Bella…" He took a deep breath. "… kissed me."
It took me a moment to understand what he had said.
"Way to go Dude." Seth said grinning. Jacob shot him a look.
"You kissed her?" I asked softly, my mind was clouded as I tried to process his words.
"She kissed me." Jacob defended. "She asked, I said no, she did it anyway…"
"I never quite pictured Bella as the dominant type." Seth said lost in his own thoughts.
"Did you kiss her back?" I asked after a few minutes.
"Well kinda…" He mumbled.
I felt dizzy now, all the thoughts in my mind jumbled together in a messy mass.
"Lexi, it was an accident… It didn't meant anything, I-"
"Don't." I said raising my hand. "Just don't."
I couldn't sit here and listen to him apologize for what he'd done.
Not after all I've put him through.
Edward's image was forced into my mind.
The events from my past… leading up to last night….
I'd done the same thing….
It was nothing, it wasn't important…
"It's not important." I said trying to smile. "I'm not mad. Everything's fine." I was trying to tell myself that. "She's okay… right?"
Everyone was silent and I looked at Jacob.
"Right?" I asked. He looked down at his feet. "Right?" I demanded that he tell me that.
"Lexi…" Jacob started. I grabbed his shoulders and pushed him as hard as I could.
"Tell me she's not upset about this, tell me everything will go as planned today Jacob, tell me!"
"I wish I could…" He whispered.
I felt weak then, I wanted to crawl under a rock and die.
"She's not going to marry him." I said more to myself than anyone else.
"She wanted me to tell Alice…." Jacob said softly.
Alice.
She knew this was going to happen….
"Oh God…" I said falling to my knees. "This can't be happening…"
Edward's POV
I really am the biggest idiot on earth.
Here it was my wedding day and I kept myself holed up in my room.
The one time I left the safety of my room, I was met with such guilt.
I couldn't think of anything to say to Sunshine.
Her mind was blank, as she stared at me on the stairs.
This wasn't going to just go away.
The awkwardness of it was just maddening.
People were going to start asking questions.
And there was no doubt in my mind that Sunshine would blatantly discourage the question, which in turn will only make people ask more questions.
Case in point with the conversation that had just occurred downstairs.
Adryen's commentary was useless and uncalled for.
Though I couldn't quite figure out if her vengeance was directed towards me or Drea.
Either way, her comments wouldn't be quite so subtle for much longer.
Though I didn't have much longer before Bella was my wife and that's all I wanted.
In time I would have enough confidence to reveal the truth to her on my own.
I was probably the most arrogant, vindictive, self centered asshole that ever inhabited the earth, but I was in love and the thought of losing her terrified me.
Adryen threatened to make that happen, maybe not intentionally but her actions practically screamed revenge.
I knew she was only trying to protect her brother, but as she planned it, he was aware of everything. And just as Drea expected, he didn't seem to care.
So it seemed such a threat was only intended to harm me.
Adryen was just being spiteful as she ridiculed Drea's character and Drea accepting the challenge fell in line.
Poor Quil didn't know what he'd gotten himself into.
Of course I didn't see this as a good idea, considering Adryen had the ability to seriously mess things up today. But Drea was relentless.
I wondered then, what it was that Quil wanted with her.
I could sense Jacob and the others nearby, so I assumed Jacob had something to do with it. Though, I couldn't think of any reason why Jacob wouldn't have just come to the house, himself.
Drea hadn't asked any questions either. She was way too eager to run off with Quil, leaving Adryen standing there, no doubt with a look of pure hatred in her eyes.
Drea was defiantly not helping matters.
"The whore's coming back." I heard Adryen say from downstairs.
Sure enough, Drea was just outside the house, her scent masked with werewolf.
"You better not have touched him." Adryen warned the moment I heard the front door open.
"Oh fuck off Adryen, you know damn well Jacob is out there." Drea snapped.
She didn't seem to be the least bit happy about it.
"And Embry!" Sunshine squealed. "Oh my God…." I could only imagine the face she was making at that moment.
I was defiantly not looking forward to seeing him today.
"I need to talk to Edward." Drea said bitterly.
"Of course you do." Adryen snapped.
"Seriously Adryen, I'm not in the mood for your bull shit."
I heard Drea's footsteps as she began to walk up the stairs. Alice was out of her room and at the stairs within seconds.
"Just where do you think you're going?" She asked Drea.
"I need to talk to Edward, it's very important, don't give me none of that bull shit either." Drea snapped.
"Edward, come down here!" Alice yelled. "Drea needs to speak with you, in the living room in front of lots of people on your wedding day."
I couldn't see Drea, but I knew the look she was probably sharing with Alice.
"Edward!" Drea called to me. "Please come down here." Her voice sounded distraught, almost heartbreaking. I moved hesitantly towards the door and started for the stairs.
"What's wrong Drea? You sound so-"
"The world's about to end…" She whispered, her eyes locked on mine.
It was times like these that I seriously wished I could read her mind.
She was obviously upset. Something must have happened while she was out.
Did her and Jacob have an argument?
"What do you mean?" I asked. Alice moved over to allow me to face Drea. Her expression showed so much pain. Her breathing picked up and she closed her eyes, as tears began to fall. "Drea's what's wrong?"
"It's Bella." She said softly. My eyes widened.
"Is she hurt?" I asked, my mind starting to force thoughts that I didn't want to see.
"She's supposed to be on her way here. Did something happen?" Alice asked, a worried look on her face.
"She's not coming." Drea breathed the words. She turned to walk away but I grabbed her arm.
"What are you talking about?" I asked angrily. "Why?"
"You know why." She said, her voice breaking. I let go of her then, bowing my head as her words hit me.
The world's about to end.
Bella wasn't coming.
She knew the truth.
"She isn't going to marry me?" I asked softly. Drea's expression changed as she shook her head slowly. She bit her lip as more tears came and I stared at her willing it all away.
The pain was almost unbearable.
I wanted to fall to my knees, to beg Drea to take back what she said.
To tell me it wasn't true…
"Why!" Alice screamed as I felt her grab my shirt and pull me backwards. "What did you do?" Her eyes burned into mine. I couldn't bring myself to say anything. "Did my vision come true?"
I couldn't answer her.
I couldn't even think straight.
My mind was a jumbled mass as everyone's frantic thoughts came at once.
Tell me I'm wrong, Edward.
Alice begged.
What vision? There was a vision?
Esme's thoughts matched her worried expression.
Fuck….Bella knows.
Emmett and Jasper's mutual thoughts only confirmed my own.
Once a whore always a whore.
Rosalie's thought as she stared at Drea
Being clueless is a lot harder than one might think.
Sunshine's face toggled between concern and confusion as Cullen looked content in her arms.
Ain't Karmah about a bitch?
Adryen shook her head, trying to push away the smirk that was forming on her face.
"Why aren't you telling me I'm wrong, Edward?" Alice said clenching her teeth.
"What vision?" Esme repeated her own thoughts.
"I know nothing about a vision or what said vision is about." Sunshine said shaking her head. "By that I mean that I am totally clueless… yep that's me….totally clueless."
"Alice?" Esme asked, practically demanding an answer.
"I had a vision that Edward would do something deceiving and that Bella would find out." Alice said not explaining any detail. "It's true isn't it Edward?"
"Is what true?" Esme asked crossing her arms and staring at me. "What did you do this time?
I forced myself not to look at Drea as she made her way to the bottom of the stairs.
"The correct question would be, who?" Alice said shaking her head at me. "Though, I think we all know the answer…" She glared at Drea, who looked to Esme before bowing her head.
"Drea?" Esme asked wide eyed.
"Don't just assume it's Drea." Sunshine said trying to come to her defense. Everyone looked at her. "It could have been me." I'm sure the look on Drea's face is what prompted her to retract her defense. "It wasn't, but it could have been…. I'm just saying…" Her mind wandered to last night's events and she started fidgeting. "Oh look Cullen… Embry's here." Without another word, she took off out the front door.
"Is it true?" Esme asked overlooking Sunshine's comment and looking at Drea.
"Yes it's true… Embry is here." Drea answered, knowing Esme didn't like a smartass.
"You know damn well what I mean." Esme snapped. Drea looked to her feet.
"Given Drea's track record, I'd vote yes on that." Rosalie said crossing her arms. "Looks like there is only one more brother to go." She gave Emmett a cold stare before smiling evilly at Jasper.
"Over my dead body." Alice snapped and started down the stairs.
"I would never mess with Jasper, Alice." Drea defended. "No offence Jaz." She added quickly.
"Much obliged, Drea." Jasper said sighing.
"It's not what you think." Drea said, trying to figure out how to explain. "Edward say something." She looked at me pleadingly.
My thoughts were of Bella and what I'd done to her.
I could barely process what everyone was saying as my own thoughts flew frantically through my mind. I had to know who was responsible for this.
"How did she find out?" I asked softly.
"I expected you to say something like, it really isn't what you think, I did not cheat on her, you know some kind of defense!" Drea said throwing her hands up in the air.
I didn't feel the need to defend my actions, but I wanted answers.
"It really isn't what you think. I did not cheat on Bella." I said slowly to Alice and then turned to Drea. "Now tell me how the fuck she found out."
"Great defense, Edward." Drea mumbled.
I growled in response, extremely irritated that she wasn't answering my question.
"I can't believe you Edward!" Alice screamed. "Cheating on Bella and then lying about it?" She walked closer to Drea. "And you….I thought everyone was just overstating your abilities, but apparently you really are a whore." Her eyes blazed and she shoved Drea. "How dare you-"
"Blaming Drea is not the answer." Emmett said stepping between them and eyeing me.
What the fuck are you doing, just standing there? His mind screamed.
"Yeah it takes two." Esme said stepping in front of Emmett, forcing him to take a step back. His expression changed as he braced himself for contact. Just as Drea held her hands up to block him, Jasper grabbed her wrist and pulled her aside.
Emmett backed into the wall, quite loudly and everyone turned to stare at them. Alice eyed Jasper's hand on Drea. She shook him off quickly.
"I was just…she was…" Jasper stammered, trying to sort his thoughts. "Emmett would have….well…you know…I just…fuck…" He finally gave up and looked towards the front door. "Oh look, Quil's back…maybe someone should… ya know… go see what's up." He nodded frantically. "Allow me." He called as he ran out the front door.
"Drea…" I said stumbling down the stairs. Emmett blocked me before I could get to her.
"You really are a fucking prick, Edward." He said glaring at me. "You're just standing there letting people talk about her like that when you know damn well it was your fault."
He didn't even know just how true those words were.
"How would you even know that?" Rosalie asked staring at Emmett.
"I'm assuming…" Emmett mumbled.
"Why?" Rosalie asked crossing her arms. "Most people would assume it was in fact Drea's fault… why would you assume otherwise?"
"There is no need to defend me, Emmett." Drea said trying to take the attention off of him. "I appreciate it, but this is my problem, not yours."
"You defiantly have a problem." Adryen said, finally speaking.
"I can't believe either of you." Alice said looking at me and then at Drea. "How can you stand there and claim to be in love with someone, and then turn around and sleep with someone else?"
"It happens." Rosalie said glaring at Emmett.
"Edward didn't cheat on Bella." Emmett said not looking at Rosalie. "It happened a long time ago…." Drea looked at him and he cringed. "Again... just assuming…"
"You knew about this?" Rosalie snapped. Emmett sighed and looked towards the front door.
"Oh wow, look…Jake is here." He said running out the front door.
"Why are they even here?" Alice asked looking at Adryen.
"I don't know maybe they heard the news and wanted to watch Edward cry." Adryen said smirking.
"They were here before..." I said more to myself than anyone else.
Jacob didn't come to the house, he'd sent Quil for Drea.
I looked towards the front door.
And now none of them will come in.
My mind was clouded, but I was certain I'd finally found my answer.
"Jacob." I said clenching my teeth. Drea's eyes lit up as she started for me.
"Edward, please, don't-" She begged, but it was too late, I was already out the door.
Jacob's POV
We stood just outside the opening in the trees, waiting as Lexi took on the chore of explaining things to Edward and Alice.
I planned on staying away from the house, I didn't want to hear what she'd say.
I didn't want to see her face when she spoke the words.
I didn't want to watch Edward's reaction, as the rest of the pack prayed they could.
I knew how this was going to go, I'd already seen the pain on Bella's face and I knew damn well that his would match it perfectly.
The regret was overwhelming, as my guilt increased with every passing minute.
My past fantasies of Edward wallowing in pain at my own hands were finally coming true. Though I didn't feel good about it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd feel sorry for that bloodsucker.
But I did. I felt grief stricken, almost sick to my stomach at what I'd inadvertently done to him.
He would see this as a form of revenge, even though my actions were meant only to prove my loyalty to Bella.
The memory alone, made me want to kick myself. It was the biggest stupidity leak of my life.
I knew the only way my actions would be justified was to allow Edward into my mind to witness the entire conversation and the events that led up to it.
He'd blame me. He'd blame me for everything.
"I wonder if she's told him yet?" Embry asked breaking my thoughts.
"Yeah, I wonder if he's crying…" Quil said smirking.
"Man, I'd kill to see that." Embry said laughing. I glared at both of them. Quil's smirk faded, but Embry continued on. "Come on Jake, he fucked up. If he would've been honest with Bella in the first place, this wouldn't have happened. It's his own damn fault and I don't feel the least bit sorry for him."
"So you're saying, I shouldn't feel sorry for you either?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. He winced like I had slapped him. "I mean you're the one who fucked up, it's your own damn fault." He backed off then and I smirked. "Besides, vampires don't cry."
They get even.
Everyone grew quiet at that and I stood still listening for a break in the silence, a sound that told me people were still alive at the Cullen house.
I wanted desperately to go to Lexi, to make sure everything was okay. But she asked me to wait here, told me she'd come back as soon as she could.
I think she feared for my safety.
"God, what the fuck is taking so long?" I asked sighing heavily.
"Maybe she's trying to figure out how to tell him?" Quil suggested, trying to ease my tension.
"Or she's already told him and he's so devastated, she had to stay to comfort him." Seth added.
"Seriously Seth, today is not the day to mess with me." I said glaring at him.
"I didn't mean it like that Jake." Seth said putting his hands up in defense. "Seriously…. I'm not that big of an asshole."
"Sometimes I wonder." Quil said glancing at him.
Suddenly Embry perked up and stared through the trees.
"Sunshine. He whispered.
She was outside the house. Her scent was getting closer
"I can't do this right now. I can't see her. I don't know what to say…I..."
"Don't worry Embry, I'll handle this." Seth said walking towards the trees.
The three of us moved closer to the opening as we watched Seth disappear through it. We each held our breath, trying to keep quiet, why I wasn't sure it wasn't like she couldn't sense us. I'm sure the whole house knew we were out here.
"What is up fair Sunshine?" I heard Seth ask.
"Nothing's up!" Zoee squealed. "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Are you okay?" He asked confused by her outburst.
"Feeling a little suicidal, but otherwise, okay would be the word to use." She answered quickly. "And you?"
"Just curious to know what's going on with Edward." Seth answered truthfully.
"Nothing is going on!" She screamed. "People make mistakes, things just happen! It's all in the past now, so it doesn't matter, right? Like when Embry kissed Midnight… it was just a stupid kiss, it's not a big deal! The past should stay in the past."
"So you think Bella is being overdramatic?" Seth asked.
"Bella?"
"That is what you're talking about isn't it?"
"Of course…it is. What else would I be talking about?" Zoee said nervously.
"So what did Old Eddie have to say for himself?" Seth asked.
"He hasn't really said anything. He's just kind of standing there with this awestruck face, like he just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar." She laughed. "I suppose Drexi would be the cookie jar."
Quil and Embry laughed quite loudly at her grotesque metaphor.
Zoee's eyes went to the trees and she cocked her head.
"What's going on out there?" She asked. "What's Embry doing?"
"Oh he's just hanging out…" Seth answered quickly
"You mean hiding out?"
"No... he's just um… chatting with Jake and Quil... ya know about.. wolf things."
"Wolf things, huh?" Zoee asked. "Why aren't you out there with them?"
"Well... I… was…" Seth stammered. "…worried about Edward. Yeah."
That was a lie if I ever heard one…
"No need to worry about Daddy, he's taking it better than Alice."
"Oh is she pissed?"
"Royally." Zoee replied. "She's blaming Drexi for everything."
"Well it's not Lexi's fault, that bloodsucker started it." Seth said hatefully.
"He did not!" Zoee defended. "It was completely mutual…as anything Daddy does should be…."
"That's not what I heard."
"Yeah well you heard wrong…" She paused, I was sure she was staring at him oddly now. "How do you know about this anyway?"
"People talk." Seth answered smoothly.
"Does Jakey know?" She asked quietly. Seth must have nodded, because her voice became frantic. "Jakey knows! Oh my god, is everything okay? How the hell did he find out?"
Made me a little irritated that she knew before me.
"Is that why he's in the woods? Is he angry with Drexi for lying? Did they have a fight? Are they breaking up? What the fuck is going on!"
"No Sunshine, everything's fine. He's not mad, they're not breaking up…." Seth tried to soothe her.
I caught Jasper's scent before the front door slammed shut.
"My god, it's getting crazy in there…" He said joining Zoee and Seth.
"What's going on?" Seth asked.
"Everyone's ganging up on Drea and then Emmett stepped in to defend her cuz Edward is just standing there like a fucking prick… then Esme jumped in on the defense and knocked Emmett backwards and he woulda smacked right into Drea, but I grabbed her, cuz I knew if she touched him, all hell would break loose… but it didn't help anything because there I was with my hand on Drea and Alice didn't seem the least bit happy.. so I did the only thing I could think of."
"Which was?" Seth asked.
"Run… duh..." Jasper answered. I could imagine him gesturing around the yard with his hands.
I felt myself starting to shake, just thinking about what Lexi was dealing with.
"Calm down Jake, she can handle this." Quil said softly.
"Why's everyone hiding out in the woods?" Jasper asked. "Maybe we should join them... might be safer…"
"They are not hiding." Seth said.
"Jakey's a tad bit pissed about Drexi's little lie." Zoee told him.
"No he's not." Seth defended.
"Then why isn't he in there defending her?" Jasper asked.
Made me feel like a fucking loser, asking Lexi do the dirty work, while I hid out in the woods.
"Because... the guys are having a chat about … ya know... wolf things." Seth explained yet again.
"Yeah that's so much more important than taking care of your girlfriend when she's upset."
"Well Alice is upset, I don't see you in there tending to her." Seth snapped.
"Yeah well Alice is capable of killing me, it's kind of different."
"Don't you have some sort of calming powers?" Seth asked. "Can't you just ya know... calm her down or whatever…"
"Calming Alice is about as effective as feeding steak to a giraffe. It's just pointless."
I heard the front door slam shut again as Emmett joined the others.
"My God Edward is such a fucking prick!" He yelled.
"What's happening now?" Jasper asked.
"He's just standing there like a fucking idiot, letting everyone blame Drea for this and everyone knows damn well it's his fucking fault."
"It wasn't Daddy's fault!" Zoee said defending him yet again. "Jakey has no right to be pissed off about it."
"Jake's pissed?" Emmett asked.
"For the last time… Jake is not pissed!" Seth screamed.
"Is that why he's here? Did he come to talk to Drea?"
"Yes he came to talk to Drea…Lexi…whatever..." Seth replied.
"Why did he send Quil to get her? Why didn't he just come to the house?"
"Maybe he wanted to talk to her alone…."
"So he brought half the pack?" Emmett questioned.
"By alone I meant away from Edward."
"So basically he wanted to tell her something he didn't want Edward to read from his thoughts?"
"Well maybe… I mean... I don't know…."
"Oh shit." Emmett gasped. "He's the reason Bella knows."
"That's really sad, I was starting to like Jake." Jasper said sighing.
It was then I heard the slamming of the door again, but this time I heard the whole house rattle.
"Where is he?" Edward asked before I even caught the scent.
No one said a word.
"I know you're out there Jacob Black." Edward called. "Come out and face me like a man, don't make me drag you out."
I could hear Lexi's frantic voice screaming for me to run.
"I think you should listen to her." Quil whispered.
"Yeah being a man is nothing, if you are in pieces." Embry told me. "Come on, I'll go with you, we'll go to Utah, never look back."
"I'm not going to Utah." I told him. "This is my fuck up and I'm going to handle it."
"We'll miss you Jake." Quil called as I started towards the opening.
Adryen's POV
It all happened within seconds.
At first everyone was motionless staring off as Edward practically flew out the front door, Drea running after him.
I realized what was happening before anyone else did.
Edward assumed that Jacob was responsible for Bella's knowledge and apparently he planned on confronting him.
I followed after them immediately, coming onto the porch as Edward called for Jacob to show himself.
Within minutes, Jacob appeared in the yard, his face was firm as his eyes locked on Edward. Everything went silent as Edward started towards him, walking ever so slowly. Drea took off in a mad dash towards Jacob, as Edward continued his slow approach allowing Drea to reach him first.
She stood in front of Jacob with her arms spread wide as if she were trying to block him.
"Edward please." She begged as he stepped in front of her. "It was an accident. Accidents happen, remember? Everyone makes mistakes…"
"Not every accident is a mistake." Edward snapped.
"Blame me, Edward, it's my fault, blame me, please…." Drea begged.
"It's not your fault!" Edward screamed stepping closer to her. "Get out of my way, Drea."
"No." She said, her eyes filling with tears.
"I can handle this Lexi, get out of the way." Jacob said grabbing her arms and moving her out of the way. She scrambled back to him instantly and cupped his face in her hands.
"Jacob, please you don't have to prove anything. Please just leave." Drea pleaded.
"I'll have him on the ground before he can even think of turning around." Edward said, his eyes blazing. "And you can't stop me." Drea swung around to face Edward then.
"The hell I can't." She breathed as she shoved him. He didn't even flinch. Drea tried again and he grabbed her wrists and spun her around. She slammed hard up against him and her breath caught as he held her in place.
I could tell by the look on Jacob's face that he was not too pleased with how Edward was handling her. His eyes glazed over and his jaw clenched.
"Calm down Jake." Quil said stumbling out into the yard. Jacob looked at him before turning back to Edward.
"Take your hands off of her." Jacob warned. Their eyes met briefly, as Edward released his hold on Drea and she stayed in place before him. Edward mockingly held his hands up. Jacob reached out and grabbed her, twirling her around behind him.
"Jacob!" She said grabbing his shoulders from behind.
"Someone get her." Edward demanded. No one moved. "Emmett. You been wanting to play grab ass for a while now, get to it."
Emmett and Drea looked shocked. Rosalie looked pissed and everyone else looked slightly amused. Jacob grabbed Drea just as she was about to pounce on Edward.
"I'll hold the fairy." Seth said walking towards them. Jacob glared at him. "What? Somebody's gotta do it, might as well be me." Jacob nudged Drea as Seth held his arms out to her.
"I'll claw the shit out of you Seth." Drea snapped as he grabbed her.
"I'm looking forward to it." He said spinning her around and crushing her against his chest. She tried to fight him off, but he pinned her arms down. "All is secured, let the fighting begin."
"Yeah I think it's time to put the mutt down." Rosalie said smirking.
"All right Edward, let me have it" Jacob told him, spreading his arms out. Edward stared at him momentarily, more than likely, trying to read his thoughts.
"Why are you blocking me?" Edward asked, eyeing him.
"Just hit me and get it over with." Jacob said ignoring his question.
"No!" Drea screamed. "Edward, let him explain why he did it."
"I don't want to explain." Jacob snapped. "I'd rather have my ass kicked. I deserve it."
"What?" Drea asked. "Jacob, just explain everything. He's not going to care that you…" She stopped and looked at Edward.
"That he what?" Edward asked looking at her. Jacob turned quickly giving her a stern glance.
"…I don't remember..." Drea whispered. Edward narrowed his eyes at her and then stared at Jacob.
For quite a long time.
Apparently he had refrained from blocking his thoughts.
"Not fair! I wanna know what's going on too!" Zoee yelled.
"We know what's going on." Alice snapped. "Edward's a prick, Drea's a whore and apparently Jacob is a tattletale."
Edward's POV
I stared at Jacob as he remembered this morning's events.
It wasn't just a kiss, was it?
Bella had asked.
He tried to redirect her questions but she was relentless.
He couldn't lie to her.
I watched as he explained with little detail that she was in fact correct with her assumption.
I saw her face, her eyes wet with oncoming tears, heard her words to him.
She felt betrayed by us both.
She refused to see me and she wanted him gone.
His mind went blank and he looked down at his feet.
"And what is it you're leaving out?" I asked, sensing there was more to this story.
He made no move to answer.
"Answer me." I said stepping closer to him.
Jacob stood there shaking his head, his mind was full of contemplation.
Suddenly I heard Bella's voice in his mind.
A frantic phone call, claiming she needed him.
The images flashed to him inside her bedroom.
Her voice became more frantic as she explained Rene's suggestive scenarios about me.
Jacob tried to keep her focused, explaining that it was nothing.
I heard Bella bring up the kiss between Drea and myself. How she thought it meant something.
Jacob tried to explain that it was the same as the kiss he'd shared with Bella not so long ago. She refused to believe that.
Will you kiss me?
Her sweet voice rang out. I could see the coy look on her face as seeing it from Jacob's point of view.
The thoughts stopped there.
I looked at him, my eyes narrowing, I felt my body tense up.
"Did you?" I asked almost in a whisper.
"Did you what?" Zoee asked looking at Jacob. Everyone looked at him.
"He did nothing wrong." Drea said eyeing me. Jacob looked at her momentarily before his thoughts continued.
He denied Bella.
She asked again.
He tried to get her to go to bed.
She asked again.
And again he denied her.
She went to sit on the bed and slipped, but he caught her before she hit the ground.
My mouth dropped open as I watched Bella force her kiss on him.
And he didn't stop her.
His thoughts stopped and his eyes turned towards the ground.
My hands balled into fists at my sides as my anger rose. I couldn't look at him anymore or I'd rip his head off. I turned away from him, taking my hair in my hands, trying to calm myself down.
I wanted to kill him where he stood, but I knew that wouldn't make things better.
Bella would only hate me more.
I knew I shouldn't be mad, it wasn't like I hadn't indulged in such a situation.
Or two…
"You kissed my Bella." I said, not turning around.
"She started it." Drea snapped, still restrained by Seth, who smiled happy with his task.
"Seems Bella's not quite as innocent as she seems." Jasper said grinning. "Congrats Jake, bout time." Jacob bite his lip to keep from smiling.
"I am shocked." Zoee said shaking her head at Jacob. "Drexi, you're okay with this?"
"Well I really can't say much... now can I?" Drea replied.
"I suppose I can't either." I said turning around to face everyone.
"Yeah but you didn't cheat on Bella…it was in the past…Bella kissed Jacob last night, you didn't kiss Drexi last night…you are…uh…okay…yeah …I suppose you can't…" Zoee trailed off as her mind caught up with her words.
"Wait just a minute…" Adryen said looking at Zoee. "Are you saying he did kiss Drea last night?"
"No, she's not saying that." I said defending her. "That's not even what she's talking about."
"Then what is she talking about?" Adryen asked eyeing me. I shrugged realizing I was an idiot. "Sunshine?"
"I don't remember." Zoee said looking at the ground.
"Okay, it's apparent that Edward kissed someone last night." Adryen said looking at Zoee and then at Drea. "I got my vote."
"Me too." Rosalie said looking at Drea.
"I'm not voting…." Emmett muttered. Jasper agreed.
"You know!" Rosalie said pushing Emmett.
"Okay." Drea said loudly. "It was me, okay... Edward kissed me."
Jacob looked at her wide eyed.
"Let her go Seth." Jacob demanded.
"No that's okay, I'm fine here… very warm." Drea said nodding her head. Seth didn't move.
"I said let her go." Jacob said speaking a true Alpha command. Seth dropped his hands immediately. "Lexi, is that true?"
"You can't really get mad…" Drea said looking around uneasily.
"The hell I can't. It's completely different."
"How the fuck is it different?"
"Because Jacob never fucked Bella." Rosalie said then looked at Jacob. "Correct me if I'm wrong."
"Exactly." Jacob said looking at Drea. "And you are correct Rose, thanks for the defense."
"Don't get used to it." Rosalie said shaking her head.
"It was just a fucking kiss, just let it go Jacob." Drea snapped. "It wasn't a big deal."
"Then why didn't you tell me?" Jacob asked.
"I'm sorry Jacob, but it didn't cross my mind at the time. I was too busy trying to figure out how to tell my best friend that his life was over." Drea said crossing her arms. I closed my eyes and looked down at the ground. I heard Drea sigh. "Oh Edward…" She crossed the distance between us, her arms outstretched.
"Don't." I said putting my hands up before she could touch me.
"Edward we can fix this."
"This can't be fixed Drea." I snapped at her. "It's over."
"Don't give up so easily Edward, that's so not like you." Drea said trying to sound positive. "She loves you, she'll forgive you…me on the other hand she'll hate for the rest of her life... but I can live with that."
"This isn't funny, Drea."
"I didn't say it was, Edward." She mocked my tone. "I'm just saying it could be worse."
"How the hell could it be worse?" I asked. Jacob eyed me, his face expressionless. His thoughts were of me and how I repulsed him.
It was only then that I realized what Drea meant.
Of all the people to tell her, it was the one person who knew the entire story.
"What exactly did you tell her?" I asked looking at Jacob.
"The truth." Jacob replied. "Aside from one minor detail."
"What minor detail?" Jasper asked. "I didn't get any details."
"Me either." Adryen said and they both looked at Emmett and Zoee.
"I got some deets." Zoee answered nodding. "Ha I'm special."
I looked at her, waiting on her thoughts to come.
Oh you wanna know... don't you... sorry it's a secret.
She told me, smiling widely.
"It's not a secret anymore, Sunshine you can tell me." I said smiling at her.
I've often wondered exactly what Drea had told her.
"Don't you dare." Drea snapped at her.
"I got a detail too." Emmett said, grinning.
And I aint telling either.
Came his thoughts.
"I didn't give you any details." Drea said looking at him questioningly. He smiled at her and she looked away. "Oh."
Oh? What does that mean?
"I'd like to know when you had the time to get the details and where the hell was I?" Rosalie said crossing her arms. That knocked the smile off Emmett's face real quick.
"I'd like to know that as well." Jacob said looking at Drea.
"Yeah well I'd like to know why Embry's still hiding in the woods." Zoee asked trying to change the subject.
"He's not hiding!" Jacob, Quil and Seth yelled at once.
"That was great." Adryen said smiling. "The three of you saying that at the same time, defiantly not suspicious."
I looked between the three of them, waiting on their thoughts to give them away.
I wonder if he'd believe he was doing wolf things?
Quil thought.
Wolf things…apparently.
Jacob thought.
He's just angry, and can't face Sunshine right now.
Seth thought, then looked at me wide eyed.
"Damn you Edward Cullen... " Seth said running off through the trees and disappearing.
"What's going on?" I asked looking at Jacob.
"None of your business." He snapped.
"Something's going on." I announced. "Why wouldn't Embry want to face Sunshine?"
Not that it really mattered… I didn't want to face him either…
"He doesn't want to face me?" Zoee squealed. "Why? Did he find out that-"
"Embry's done something wrong, hasn't he Jake?" I asked, cutting Zoee off.
"What do you mean, did he find out?" Jacob asked looking at Zoee.
"Don't try to change the subject." I snapped.
"It's not my place to say anything." Jacob said looking at me.
"Oh but it's your place if Bella's involved?" I asked, not believing he'd just said that.
"That's different."
"It's not different." Drea told him. "And you need to tell me what's going on."
"It's really not your business either." He told her. Her mouth dropped open and then she glared at him.
"I think I've made it known that Embry is my business."
"Well… you… weren't… there." He said each word slowly.
"What do you mean?" She asked. He just stared at her, his mind blank not letting me see whatever it was he was trying to tell her. "I wasn't there? Of course I wasn't there or I'd know what you're talking about." He nodded. Her eyes narrowed at him, getting angry with his little game, then suddenly her expression changed. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. "Is he still out there?"
"Nope, he ran off with Seth." I told her. "Is it that bad?"
"Did he just come to watch Edward cry?" Adryen asked. I looked at her and she smiled.
"He'll be back." Drea said looking at Zoee. "Either that or I'll find him."
"Lexi…" Jacob started.
"Until I speak with him myself, I'm going to pretend this isn't happening."
"What is it Drexi?" Zoee asked. "Did something bad happen? Is Embry okay?"
"He's fine." Drea said quickly. "He's fine, Sunshine, don't worry."
"But-"
"We'll worry about this later, okay?" Drea said heading towards the house. "There's more important things to tend too right now."
"Where are you going?" I asked, wondering what the hell was going on.
"I'm going to call Bella."
Everyone exchanged glances and took off after her.
Embry's POV
The moment I heard Sunshine ask about me, I froze. The only thing I could think to do was run. The moment I heard Seth curse Edward, I phased and within seconds he had phased with me.
I am such a fucking idiot.
You are not an idiot. A coward? Yes. A hypocrite? Absolutely. Maybe even a complete loser, but you are most defiantly not an idiot.
Gee thanks Seth, I feel so much better now.
Seriously dude, you are not going to feel better about anything until you tell Sunshine the truth.
I can't tell her the truth Seth, I'm afraid of the truth..
You're not afraid of the truth, you're afraid of the consequences.
Damn right I am, she's going to rip my head off. Both of them.
I can see how that is scary for you…but dude…
I don't even know how to bring it up, Seth.
Well maybe you won't have too, I mean she knows something's wrong.
Yeah thanks for that.
Come on dude, it was an involuntary thought. There should be a law against listening to people's thoughts. Eddie should be arrested for breaking and entering. Give me alittle credit here dude, I ran as soon as I realized what he heard.
I suppose that should count for something.
And besides, it's not like Sunshine wasn't already suspicious because you weren't out there. Just face it Embry, she may be a little bit slower than the rest of us, but she's not stupid.
Did you just insult my girlfriend?
No way… dude...that was totally a compliment
Didn't sound like it to me.
Dude look, seriously, I don't have any advice on how to go about doing this, but you gotta get your shit together and tell her the truth before someone else slips up.
Quil and Jake have their own issues to deal with, I'm sure my fuck up is the furthest thing from their mind.
That may be true, but do you honestly think that Jake isn't going to tell Lexi if she asks?
She wouldn't ask.
Okay maybe you are an idiot. Of course she'll ask! Edward will make sure she asks and Jake will tell her. You know damn well he can't deny her.
Even if you're right, Lexi wouldn't tell Sunshine, she'd want me to do it.
That's right, she would want that, and she'll be the one to convince you to do it. And by convince I mean force and that's only if she doesn't decide to put you out of your misery.
I'm sure she's too preoccupied trying to save Edward's wedding to even worry about me right now.
That's true, which is why you should take this time to get your ass over there and tell Sunshine the truth.
I can't, Seth! Not now…
Yes you can Embry, you have too! It will be less painful coming from you then someone else.
No one is going to tell her.
You honestly believe that, Embry?
Yes. It's no one else's business.
Yeah sure, your boys got your back, and yeah Lexi knows Sunshine would rather hear it from you, but there is one person who knows about this, that doesn't give two shits about Sunshine's feelings.
Midnight.
Exactly. And I'm fucking amazed she hasn't already gone over there to claim her victory in front of everyone. Do you even realize how painful that would be for Sunshine? To hear it from her own sister?
What the hell has gotten into you Seth? Earlier you were telling me to deny everything. Why all of a sudden do you want me to speak the truth?
Because…. I saw how withholding the truth affected Edward. I mean yeah the bloodsucker deserves it, but it's not funny and don't you dare repeat this but I feel bad for the guy. And I… I just don't want to see the same thing happen to you.
I do appreciate your concern, but that's not going to happen to me. I will tell her, eventually.
Eventually? What, after you say your vows and she's your wife? So that way she's less likely to leave? That's quite a plan, Embry but I think we all know how it ends.
It's not going to be like that.
Yeah I'm sure Eddie Senior thought the same thing. Ya know what's sad, Embry? As much as you despise Edward Cullen, you two are exactly alike.
Take that back.
The hell I will. I guess maybe that's what's your going for, huh? Trying to be like the bloodsucker your girlfriend lusts after.
Before I could stop myself, my paw shot out across his face, my claws digging in to his skin ruthlessly. He shook me off, and faced me, his eyes narrowing.
Okay…. I take it back. I don't believe you're anything like him, but you are so close to making the same mistake, Embry. I'm only trying to make you see that. You saw how Edward's secret unfolded piece by piece. You were a part of it, you should know damn well how quickly it works. You even said yourself how stupid it was for him not to be honest with her, don't be a hypocrite, Embry, be a man.
My rage faded as I realized just how right he was. I withdrew from him, slumping to the ground as my mind reeled in the painful truth.
When I said that I didn't realize how much the truth would change things. Besides lying about your past is nothing compared to what I did to Sunshine.
While that is true, lying isn't going to help. It didn't help him and it won't help you. You have to tell her, Embry, waiting for the right moment is only going to make the outcome worse.
What if she leaves? I can't lose her Seth, I just can't….
Maybe she'll leave and maybe she won't, but you won't know unless you take the risk.
I afraid to risk it. I'm afraid of hurting her. Even more afraid of losing her forever. She's my life, Seth.
It's not like you could control it Embry. You'd never purposely hurt her, I know that, she knows that. But, the longer you wait to tell her what happened, the more it's going to hurt.
I totally get what you're saying and you are totally right, but I just can't do it. I couldn't control it, but that won't lessen the blow. I still betrayed her and I can't bear to see her cry over it.
Do bloodsuckers even cry?
How dare you use that term!
Sorry, totally random thought there…. What I meant was does someone as beautiful as Sunshine even have the ability to cry?
Thank you for rewording your question…. But seriously I have no idea... and that's not really the point.
Right, the point is…you need to get your shit together before it's too late. Eventually Edward's little issue will be resolved and the focus will be on you.
Do you think Bella will forgive him?
Hell no, he's totally fucked... but that's not the point. You my friend, still have chance.
I appreciate your faith in me.
You gotta get in there and let Sunshine know that her trust in you is way more important than some selfish act to save your dignity.
You've been watching Dr Phil again haven't you?
No…. well maybe a little…
Thanks Seth. You really are a good friend, not quite as big of an asshole as everyone says you are.
Don't tell anyone that, I don't want to ruin my bad boy rep.
Of course not….
So what are ya gonna do?
Tell her the truth
When?
Soon
When is soon?
Soon enough. I mean I really don't think now is the time, considering what's going on with Edward.
Of course, don't want to take the focus off Eddie just yet, he needs to be publicly humiliated a little bit longer. It's so admirable of you to think of him.
Yeah well he'd do it for me.
Yeah I suppose he would, I mean his past with Lexi deems so much more exposure than your little tryst with Midnight
Oh Fuck…
Seth thought before I was able too. .
What tryst with Midnight?
Leah asked joining in our thoughts.
What the hell did you do?
Dun dun dun… stay tuned… Please Review!