~A/N Of course, being the constant, second guessing, type of person that I am, last chapter got me worrying. I hope I haven't lost you. This fic has taken many different twists and turns and it's about to once again. Hold tight, I really think the rest is an enjoyable ride, sometimes tense and crazy, but Bella and Paul will get their HEA. I promise.
Jacob's POV
Chapter 45
School was in full swing and Jacob was just as relieved as any of them to be doing something normal for a change. It had been a hell of a summer. Last summer, he spent his days fleeing his troubles as a rogue wolf. This year was completely opposite. Jacob had to manage an expanding pack through the most tumultuous few weeks they'd ever faced. An army of newborn bloodsuckers had been nothing compared to the tragedy his friends, Paul and Bells suffered. They'd logged countless hours searching for the leech to dole out the revenge he was so deserving of, but so far nothing. Jacob couldn't help it, when he thought her name, he still repeated his Bells in his mind.
He knew where he stood and he accepted the true nature of their friendship, but there was a space deep in his heart where she'd always remain. He learned to deal with it and didn't anticipate it keeping him from leading a full and happy life or even finding love himself. Jacob wasn't quite there with Holly, but it didn't mean he couldn't be one day. He got the idea she felt that way about him, but was too afraid to say so just yet. The summer proved rocky for their young relationship as well. He had to put Bella and his pack first, but he was lucky to reconcile with Holly after all the distance he created. Part of him felt a twinge of guilt because the leech was still at large and something in his gut told him, he'd be back. When that happened, Jacob would once again choose Bella over Holly and he doubted she would be as forgiving a second time.
It was the second week of classes, Jacob's day to give Bells a ride to the design center. He usually looked forward to their drives, not because he was delusional. She genuinely was still his best friend and it did his heart good to see a smile on her lips again. The marriage had been great for both her and Paul. Jake wasn't sure that she'd ever be the same after losing Aaron, but at least she was living again. He'd continue to be the friend she needed... always, like it was the most natural role he'd ever been given.
Holly had her arm looped through his. She knew there was a schedule and that Jacob's turn was up every few days to watch over Bella. Holly and Bells got along just fine even if his girlfriend never fully understood just how dangerous her stalking ex was. She didn't give him any grief about giving her rides or taking her home. Sometimes, the three of them even ran out for a pizza together after a late night study session. Bella always insisted on giving them a brief moment of privacy before they took off. Jacob had given Bella plenty of instructions in private. "Don't you dare step out of my line of sight."
She'd roll her eyes and cross her heart with two fingers, "Kiss your girlfriend goodbye, Jake, but I'm not going to be standing right next to you when you do it. Boundaries, bro. We have to have them."
Holly was in the middle of telling him about Friday night date plans. He didn't want to rush her, but Bella told him she had a lot of work she wanted to get done, so Jake was ready to give Holly a quick kiss and tell her to text him later. Balance and boundaries, he was careful when it came to pleasing two women at once, in very different ways. Holly's voice completely ceased to exist when the scent appeared out of nowhere, he had no time to waste.
He yelled, "Stay there," to Holly and ran full speed to Bella who was barely yards away, waiting in front of the Rabbit.
A campus full of students, late in the afternoon gave him little opportunity of phasing, but Jacob was in between the petite leech and Bella before she could bat an eyelash. He shielded her with his large body. Jacob felt the adrenaline surge in Bella. She was caught off guard just as badly as he was and she was petrified. He, honestly couldn't believe the pixie had the audacity to show up where Bella went to school with four wolves that couldn't wait to rip that bitch apart. He sucked in a deep breath just in case she brought others. At least he had backup nearby. Jacob witnessed, Quil, Leah and Embry running full speed ahead towards the stand-off.
"Back the fuck up, leech."
"Ugh, Bella can you please call off the dogs. I'm here with urgent news."
"Alice, I can't believe you. Are you're seriously this stupid? Leave, I never wanted to lay eyes on you ever again, you miserable bitch." Jacob was already anticipating how they'd handle it. He could push Bella into Leah's arm and then the rest of them could pursue Alice Cullen. He didn't think it was feasible to try and follow her in hopes she'd lead them to the most wanted tick. If they got away from the audience, they'd launch a full scale attack instead. It wouldn't get them any closer to Edward, but she could not get away again. He always suspected that deceitful leech and her twisted visions were equally as dangerous. She'd proven her alliance was strictly with her brother. She didn't give a shit about anyone else. She even lost her mate over it.
"Please, you all must listen. We have news. This is crucial for everyone here."
"Shut up. I don't believe anything that spews out of your mouth."
"No, you shut up, Jacob Black. How'd an untrained puppy like you become the leader of a pack?" Jacob felt Bella's entire body tense up and her fist clinch. He rubbed one hand down her arm. She couldn't go hitting a bloodsucker no matter how bad she wanted to. He admired her inclination to protect him no matter what. That's how deep their friendship ran. He nodded to Embry who'd already pulled his phone out. They had a system. Paul would be getting the text by then and he would drop everything to be on the way, with the rest of the pack following.
Alice dug out a piece of paper. She shoved it towards him. "What's this?"
"It's the whole reason I'm here. Bella's life is in danger."
Bella interjected, "Yeah, from you and Edward. You already killed my son, what more can you do to me?"
"Oh Bella, that was a tragic accident. Edward didn't want to hurt you, but even you can admit your overreacting is why you fell. It wasn't his fault."
He had to literally pick Bells all the way off the ground to restrain her after Alice blamed her for what happened to Aaron right there in front of all of them. It wasn't just their small group anymore. A few bystanders were paying attention. People were always on the hunt for some type of drama in their lives. Holly hadn't listened to his urging, so she was right there witnessing all of it as well.
"Jake, what's going on? Should I call campus security?"
"No, I'm handling it. Go home, Holly." He didn't want her anywhere near this part of his life, so he got a little more blunt, "This doesn't concern you."
That didn't go over well and it was a bit intentional on his part. "Bella has a husband, Jake. You are not her personal hero."
But in a way, he was. He had to be. Bella turned him around and faced him. "Jake, don't. I'm fine with Emb, Leah and Quil. We won't move from this spot. Go talk to her."
"No, not until Paul has his arms around you. I won't walk away. You know I can't."
Holly threw her hands up in surrender. She didn't understand what was happening. Jacob wouldn't walk away but she sure as hell did. Leah snatched the paper, an email and read it out loud.
"See, I told you. This is life and death for Bella. Aro is sending a team. The jig is up. I need to take her to safety. We have it all planned out."
Jacob actually started laughing. "We? Who's this 'we' you speak of? Didn't you hear me, Bella only goes with her husband, no one else. Start talking because nothing you've said so far makes sense. How long do we have?"
Alice started telling them everything. Once she started talking, she didn't shut up. Of course, Edward had done it again. Why the fuck did he tell them she died? Didn't those Volturi leeches believe the fake marriage stuff?
She finally got to major details. "Three days. Edward and I are ready to take her. We have everything set up: travel itineraries, passports, all that we need to keep her hidden. Carlisle will do his best to help out the pack. He has a plan he'll share later, but there's no time. Bella's flight leaves tonight."
Carlisle's plan could go to hell. The entire population of Forks knew Bella broke up with Cullen over a year ago and had just married Paul Lahote. It was in the newspaper for crying out loud. Also, Charlie told everyone, even whipped out the pictures for anyone that would stop to look. There was no way to erase people's knowledge as far as Jacob knew. The fake death would be proven a hoax the minute those bloodsuckers drifted into the city limits.
Everything was happening all at once, he was getting a damn headache listening to Alice's shrill voice. He looked away to see that just as he predicted, Paul was running full speed down the road in a pair of cutoffs, no shirt or shoes. Seconds later, Jacob did exactly as he promised, he released Bella into her husband's arms. Paul was ready to take her out of the leech's presence. Jacob had no idea how he was keeping himself restrained. He knew how bad Paul wanted revenge.
"Wait, you can't. I know you all hate me, but I only wanted Bella to be my sister. I don't want her dead. Okay, we get it now. She wants to be with the pack, but Edward and I still care. I'm not lying. You can't protect her on the reservation. You'll all die, Bella first. We have to get her out of the country."
Jacob spoke up with the only feasible solution. "If Bella has to go into hiding, it won't be with any of you bloodsuckers. Tell Paul where to go, because I can promise you, he's not going to separate from her. The pack and I will take care of this creepy enclave from Italy. We've fought an army before, we'll do it again."
Bella shook her head side to side. Her shaky voice explained, "It's not the same, Jake. They're much more dangerous."
Alice argued and agreed with Bella. She was still pleading to be Bella's rescuer.
Bella silenced her, "No, Alice. The Volturi can come to me right this minute and kill me where I stand. That's how serious I am about not going with you or Edward. I stay with Paul only. If you really mean it and you still care, then tell us what to do next, where to go. If you want me safe, then you'll abide by my wishes. If not, then this is just another ploy of Edward's to kidnap me."
"I'll have to send a picture of this one to our contact. He'll need his own ID. Plus, I'll need to send Emmett out to purchase clothes. You obviously can't hop an international flight with him barely dressed. You sure as hell aren't giving me much time to work magic."
"Do it, bitch. I'm not abandoning my wife for a second."
Jacob just realized something. "Wait, you mean to tell me, you're back with the family and no one called me. What the fuck is wrong with you bloodsuckers? I knew I couldn't trust any of you, even Dr. Fang."
Alice stumbled over her excuse, "Oh no, it's all happening in fast motion. We just warned the others when Edward received the bad news." He studied her facial expression and knew without a doubt, that was a lie. Some of this story didn't add up, but he still had no choice. He had to get Bella evacuated, he couldn't take the chance that some of the outlandish story was accurate. There wasn't any time for hesitating.
The pixie demon whipped out her phone and started making the necessary calls in front of them. Bella grabbed his hand, "Jake, you can't face them."
"I don't have a choice. If they're coming, we have to. We're prepared, you know we've been training nonstop since the pack expanded."
"Not for this. They have special powers. I don't even know what all they possess."
He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Everything's going to be fine. You go with Paul, he'll keep you safe."
"My parents, Mitch? Please, protect them."
"I'll keep them safe. I'm moving them all to the reservation. Don't worry, Alice said she will make sure we can get word to you after the crisis passes." He couldn't help but wonder when that might be. After another round of arguing, it was decided, Paul would drive the car Alice showed up in. They were headed to a private air strip and then to Sea-Tac. Jacob wasn't aware where they'd go from there. From what he gathered, they would frequently change locations, no phones, fake names and cash only.
Jacob shook Paul's hand and patted him on the shoulder firmly. "You take care of her, man. We'll be fine and we'll get you back as soon as possible."
He could tell Paul worried for their pack. He asked for protection for Cy too. Jacob promised him, he would protect the parents and the mates. He even had an inclination to send for Rachel. As mad as he was at her, she'd gotten mixed up in this mess out of selfishness, but he couldn't forgive himself if something happened to her. Bella was Paul's first priority and all he could do was make them a promise that he sure as hell hoped he could keep.
"We will protect everyone."
"I wish I could help you kick ass, but you know I have to keep her safe."
Bella hugged him tightly. "Please, be careful Jake. I love you," she turned around to the others that had gathered. "I love all of you. Tell Mom, Dad and Mitch too and we'll be back soon." Bella probably wished like he did, this was some sort of hoax and it would blow over before Bella and Paul landed on another continent. Then, he could finally kick Cullen ass once and for all. They could return and all of them live happily ever after.
He nodded, stood still and quiet as he watched the three of them climb into the red Alfa Romeo. Leave it a Cullen to show up in the least conspicuous vehicle possible. Bella put her hand to the window. A lump stuck in Jacob's throat. He was putting some of his faith in a leech which went against all his gut instincts. The pack never expected to be faced with this type of unknown that could possibly annihilate them. The entire res could be in danger, not only his pack, but his family, possibly even the city of Forks. It all rested on his shoulders. He looked back at the college campus, the place he wouldn't be returning to. Moments, pretending he was a normal guy wouldn't exist until the threat was snuffed out. Jacob knew he wouldn't even answer Holly's calls or texts. The more angry she became, the less likely she'd try and see him which was for the best.
He watched until the taillights disappeared around the corner. He would always love Bella more than he should and his heart literally ached in his chest watching her leave. What if that was the last time he ever saw her? The others were all coming out of the shock they felt after being blindsided with the dramatic news. They were asking him a million questions at once... questions, he didn't have the answers to just yet. Jacob had one question of his own, one that he kept to himself. The surprise arrival and subsequent bad news had been too chaotic for him to concentrate, but something was different. He could sniff out any Cullen for miles. Today, she managed to get the jump on him. How and why came to mind, but the most important question was, What the hell was the unique scent Alice had on her because it sure as hell wasn't stinking bloodsucker?
~Thanks for reading.
Please hit me back with your thoughts. We should be moving forward quickly from here on out.
