Embry, Paul, Sam and I walk back through the woods in silence. A thousand different emotions are running through my body and suddenly I notice tears running down my cheeks. I hurriedly wipe away my tears and quietly sniff, I don't want Embry, Paul or Sam to notice. But they do. Of course they do. I am not surprised when Paul puts his warm hand on my shoulder.
"Are you sure that you are fine walking?" Embry asks worriedly.
"I'm fine" I snap.
I'm angry. Not with Embry, but with Jacob. One moment he acts like he cares about me and treats me like I am made of glass. I think of the way he held my trembling body in his arms minutes after I had been taken by a vampire but then still leaves me to be with Bella. I need to stop myself from feeling whatever it is that I'm starting to feel for Jacob. It will always be Bella.
"I don't want Jacob to make decisions for me ever again, he has no right to order me around like that" I say with a shaky voice. The guys look at each other.
After a while we arrive at Sam and Emily´s house where Sue is waiting. Emily gives me a warm hug.
Sue cleans my wound and tapes it, luckily I don't need stitches. After Sue has left Sam asks me thoroughly about what happened and I tell him everything. Quil, who arrived at the house after Sue, flinches when I tell them about Victoria's plan and how scared I was.
"Stephanie, I am so sorry for this happening to you. You were very strong and brave. You are safe now, I promise you" Sam says sincerely.
Then he turns to the crowded room.
"We need to be more careful, all of us. Victoria is dangerous and incalculable. She could get through at any time and hurt people we love".
The guys nod seriously.
"Maybe we should talk with the Cullens. We could work together?" Seth voices up.
"That´s a stupid idea Seth, I dont want to be collaborating with my enemy" Paul says.
"They are not our enemies Paul, they want the same as we want. Our territories free from dangerous vampires. And remember that they saved Stephanie" Seth replies.
"They are dangerous vampires Seth" Paul says sourly.
Sam contemplates.
"I´ll think about it. I need to talk with the elders about it. In the meanwhile, let's take care of each other."
Quil needs to get back to patrol but arranges for Paul to drive me home. I am touched by how the guys in the pack have become like my brothers and Kim and Emily like my sisters. We have just said our goodbyes and are walking to Paul´s car when I hear someone shout my name.
"Steph! Please wait!"
It´s Jacob. He hurriedly walks up to me.
"I just wanted to check on you, how are you feeling?" He asks with a soft voice.
"I really don't want to talk with you right now, please leave me alone" I say as I turn around.
"What? What do you mean? I am sorry that I left but I just really had to go talk to…"
"You just really had to go talk to Bella, I know. I understand. So leave me alone"
"Stephanie"
"Dude, she said that she didn't want to talk with you" Paul sticks in.
"Don't get involved in this, Paul" Jacob replies with a sigh.
"No!You can't treat her like this, she isnt your property. You can't have her only when it fits you. It's hurting her, can't you see that? "
I look down.
I almost expect Jacob to start shaking and become upset so I am surprised when Jacob stays quiet and looks down. He almost looks remorseful. But I know he isn't. He loves Bella. No matter how often I, if even only for a second, think that he has love for me, it will not change the fact that it will always be Bella.
I open the car door and get in. As Paul starts the car and drives off I can't help but throw a glance in the rearview mirror and I see that Jacob is still standing in the same spot. I sigh and concentrate on not crying. This day has been a lot. The fear, the shock, the hurt. As we arrive at the house I thank Paul and hurriedly get out of the car. I burst into tears seconds later.