Jacob Black Pov
*16 Year Ago*
"Can we hurry, I want to get there before everyone else." Daniel said impatiently kneeling in the third row, staring at me as I put Chaste and Keusch dog bags in the back.
"How far is Lake Cress?" Caleb asked as Leah placed him in his car-seat.
"It's called Lake Crescent, and it's an hour away." Daniel corrected.
"Joshua William Black! Let's go!" Leah called to the side of the house where Josh was playing with the dogs. I continued pushing everyone's luggage out the way to make room for the dogs.
"You guys do know we're only staying for the weekend and not a couple of months, Right?" Josh said running to stand beside me holding on to the dogs.
"Yes. We know that the captain is obvious." I say taking the leashes out of his hands.
"Go get in." I say for him to hop in the car.
"Before we leave this driveway, does anyone have to go to the bathroom?" Leah said in her stern voice.
"No." They all said together. Josh, Daniel and Caleb were all good for saying they need to use the bathroom while in traffic. I believe it's in the child-written-handbook.
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Yes!" They all said again at the same time.
"Caleb? Are you sure?"
"Mommy, yes." He mumbled fast.
"It's only like an hour, mom. I'm sure we can last." Josh said sarcastically, jumping into the truck.
"Sure." Leah mumbled not believing them.
After putting the dogs in the back, I slammed the hatch, then walked to the driver's side of the truck.
"Yay, next stop... vacation spot." Daniel stated.
"Actually, the next stop is Officer Royce's house." Josh stated as I got in and drove down the driveway.
"You locked all the doors, right?" Leah asked and I nodded without saying a word.
"The first thing I'll do when we get there is eat." Daniel said excitedly.
"I want to eat." Caleb stated.
"Can we listen to the radio?" Josh asked.
"NO." Leah and I both said at the same time, then glanced at each other.
We haven't said much to each other since we agreed to disagree about things. She cleared things up on why she's been sneaking around with Sam, but I still feel disappointed in her. Sam has played a huge part of her discovering her new found happiness, and a sudden change in wanting to make everyone happy. Which is very un-Leah-like. Her behavior in all seems weird and I'm not all for following her along or doing as she wishes just to keep her pleased.
I cannot forget the fact that she asked for a break. A break as if it has been suffocating to be around each other, which I can admit it has been frustrating though not once did I ever had the thought of taking a break from her. What the hell did that even mean? We have three boys together, there's no such thing as break. We may not be married but I assumed we would never have the guts to back out of us.
I knew all along that the shop is not her ideal occupation, but I hate that she felt obligated to stick with it because of me when it was killing her. I mean I'll admit I'm hurt that she doesn't want to be there with me, but I don't get why she's making such a hassle over it. Maybe I will take Charlie up on the offer to rent out the lot in Forks. I could always build some thrift shop or something, for Leah to have something of her own. It would mean more cash for me to get, but at least Leah won't have to constantly go to Sam for ideas. She needs something that'll keep her busy, and since she no longer paints she can find another interest.
"What type of job do you prefer?" I asked Leah driving down the long dirt road towards Royce's house. "Since your on this road to new discovery. Have you discover new common interest like rock climbing or something?" If she must work and work somewhere away from me, then I'd like to have an input.
"I'm on the hunt." She said fast.
"Can you elaborate?" I asked, glancing at her as she continued to stare down at her phone.
"Do you really want to know or are you just making conversation?" She mumbled.
"I would like to know." I stated.
She inhaled. "I don't have experience when it comes to normal jobs, so whatever comes along that I won't mind trying I will do." She says.
"I thought you wanted a career or something, you mentioned going back to school."
"Can we talk about this later?" She said slightly angry as I drove up to Royce driveway.
"Fine." I said putting the car in park.
"Hey." Royce said, walking from his porch to the truck.
"How's it going? Are you guys heading out?"
"Yeah." I said jumping out the truck.
"Sure your going to be cool with the dogs and the kid?" I said remembering he was now raising his one year old son alone, as his wife ran off on them.
"Yeah, yeah. We'll be cool. Dorian loves animals." He laugh.
"Is he here? Can we see him?" Josh asked anxiously, sticking his head from the back seat, and out the window.
"No, get back in there." I said pushing his head back in the car.
"I wanna see." Caleb say fast, getting out of his seat.
"No, you sit too." I stated.
"Yeah, buckle yourself back up in your chair." Leah added.
"Yes, listen to mommy and get back into your baby-boost." Josh mocked.
"It's a booster seat." Daniel clarified.
"Same thing." Josh retorted.
"No, it's not." Daniel argued.
"Both of you. Shut it, before I buy each of you pink printed baby chairs." Leah snapped, annoyed.
Royce laughed. "Dorian and I both don't mind the company." He said to me.
"They are really good dogs against the vampires." Daniel smiled at Royce.
"Yeah, and you should keep them in your yard. Chaste is gray and white, Keusch black and white. Try not to get their dog collars mixed up again." Josh stated and I laughed.
Last time Royce babysat was when we all decided to stay down in Seattle for one weekend last year. "Anyway," I said, walking towards the trunk where Chaste and Keusch were. "If you have any problems with them, feel free to phone us."
"Jake. Chaste, Keusch, and I already have an understanding. Even though it's been a year since they last came over, I'm pretty sure the sound of my rifle cleared up any hostility of any sort." He said and I laughed lifting the trunk.
Just when Chaste and Keusch jumped out I grabbed them fast and hooked both leashes on each of their collars. "Don't forget, when you walk them put-"
"Put their harnesses on and not just the leashes, Yeah. I got it." He said cutting me off and I handed him the leash.
"Hopefully, We won't be gone that long. The entire four day weekend, then we'll be back." I said grabbing both of my old sports bags out the back.
"Cool." He said looking at my hands. "Two bags?"
"Yep. Full of their doggy stuff." I said handing them over to him.
"Wow. Alright, I didn't have this much stuff last time."
"Nope, and now you have three babies to take care of. See'ya." I said slamming the car trunk close.
"Yeah, yeah." He mumbled walking towards his house. The first time I meant Royce was a few months ago when his car needed a tow truck, and I happened to be headed towards the garage. He had just moved from San Diego.
"See'ya Leah, Bye guys." Royce said waving to them, walking up the driveway.
"Bye." Leah and the kids retorted all at the same time, as I hopped in the truck.
*Thirty Minutes Later*
Sometime after getting on the highway, it wasn't long till everyone was asleep except for Leah.
To my surprise there wasn't traffic, and so far still an hour to go since I wasn't speeding. I was in fact doing the speed limit because I wasn't in any rush. I miss the days like this, having road trips as a family.
"Love this song." Leah said, reaching over, turning the radio up.
I sighed. Boston 'More Than A Feeling'. Of course, leave it to Leah to rock out to 70's music.
I glanced over my shoulder to the back-seat, checking to see if Josh, Daniel, and Caleb were fully asleep.
Turning back towards the road, I glanced over at Leah who was reading a food magazine.
"Have Aiden mentioned anything about the leeches to you?" I asked, remembering what Billy said. "No. Why would she?" Leah stated.
"My dad mentioned the council and that you told him that one of Nahuel's hybrids contacted her. I don't find it odd that you didn't tell me because I could care less, but I had this weird dream and I've come to realize maybe she's more aware of them then we know."
"Maybe." Leah stated which was a huge disagreement. "What type of dream did you have?"
"Just this recurring dream of her and I in Italy, I barely recall the details. Anyway, for my dad who was always so buddy-buddy with her to suddenly doubt, it's alarming. Maybe she can be persuaded since you also doubt her."
"Are you second guessing Aiden because of some dream and something Billy said?" Leah asked confused.
"I never trusted her, you know that.. but you should still try and see what you can find out before you put her up in some apartment. Just because she hasn't given everyone a reason to be suspicious doesn't mean she's not working with them." I say. Leah sighed, turning down the radio. "Just saying, It wouldn't shock me if they were here for years without us knowing. Aiden can easily keep secrets just as you can." I mumbled.
"Right. Well there would've been more transformations if they were." She noted.
"Not if they stay far enough." I stated.
"So what do you want me to do? Camp-out in front of her bedroom to make sure she's not seeking off to go see the leeches? Aiden wouldn't give too much away, she's smart." Leah stated.
"Not to underestimate her smartness but you somewhat raised her, she's a girl. Her emotions rule her. She's maybe capable of letting the leeches brainwash her." I said curiously glancing at the kids through my rear view mirror. "We shouldn't be oblivious, especially if things happen to turn on us. The kids will be our weak spots."
"Nothing moving away wouldn't solve." Leah mocked.
"Maybe we should have a meeting. With the town." I ignored her last statement.
"That's council talk. Since when do you care enough to want to involve them? Thought you wanted nothing to do with meetings." She said looking at me, then out her window.
"I don't. Though what Aiden may or may not know about the hybrids, Could come to be bad for us if we ignore everything. Everyone should at least know of it." I stated.
"Whatever, I don't feel like getting into this right now." She said reaching over to turn the radio back up. There she goes with her mood swings.
"Well what is it that you do feel like talking about? if it's not the job thing or the bloodsuckers then what?" I stated.
Leah made not a sound as she continued to glare out the window.
I sighed, glaring ahead at the road. Imagining the thought of Aiden having her powers and us trying to control her use of them would be ridiculous... things are already hectic enough. If i was to agree to leaving town with Leah and the kids. Aiden would definitely indeed become our enemy.
It took me a while to accept her and now I'm doubting her all over again. Just when I was getting used to seeing her as another person to look after. Aiden takes on that shy distant stepdaughter role with too many secrets. Who knows what would happen, if everyone came to find that she knew this entire time about the leeches plan.
Aiden Clearwater Pov
*16 Years Ago*
At Lake Crescent Lodge. Sitting beside my luggage on the outside logs, I waited patiently for Leah and Jacob to arrive.
Not sure what I was supposed to do other than wait for Sue to come back from the lobby.
Looking around I could see people from the reservation and people who weren't from La Push gathering in separate groups.
"Hey, Aiden." Adam said, walking towards me.
I wonder how sharing a room with Haylie, Amy, and Claire will turnout to be like for me.
"Hey." I mumbled glancing up to give him a wave.
"Sue wanted me to hand you the key to the room since Haylie went to the lobby with Rebecca." He said handing me the key.
"Thanks." I smiled at him.
"Sam just told me that Claire is in fact rooming with him, so it just might be you, Haylie, and Amy in the cabin." That was strange, why is it that Claire is rooming with Sam and not Amy? Amy is his biological daughter.
"Oh okay. Fine with me." I stated. I honestly rather just be with Leah.
"Amy's already settled." He said and I glanced over my shoulder.
If I had known that then I would have already been up stairs instead of waiting down here alone with all my luggage.
"Everyone should be here in an hour or so. I believe Jacob and Leah are on their way now." He says.
"Alright." I nodded.
"See ya in a little bit." He smiled nicely, and I watched as he turned to walk in the direction of Billy who stood with his wife Kelly and their daughter Keira.
Inhaling, I stood to my feet and grabbed my bags.
It didn't take me long to get to the cabin rooms, I glanced down to the number on the key and it read seven.
Before I reached the top, I heard loud laughing coming from the right side of the cabins.
Moving straight towards the room, the door cracked open and I peaked in.
Sitting on one of the beds sat Amy, Jared and Kim. I pushed the door open without knocking, and was instantly met with a room full of gawking eyes.
"Hi." I glanced around as Amy, Jared, Kim, Taylor, Seth, Damon and Lizzie all looked at me.
"Oh, Aiden. I almost forgot you were rooming with us." Amy stated in a tone which was obvious that she haven't forgotten at all.
"Did Sue tell you that Taylor and Kim are also rooming with us?" She said and I couldn't help but look over at Seth's imprint Taylor.
Damon who stood silently against the wall beside Lizzie, i assumed wasn't coming due to their breakup. I frowned as they seemed to get back together. If i had any luck he would have come alone.
"Actually I changed my mind." Kim said fast, leaning up against the Television as she sat on the small dresser.
"I think I would rather room with Jared." Kim stated.
"Yeah, I thought about it too." Taylor said. "I'd rather be with Seth."
"Still, you guys can all come over anytime." Amy basically pleaded.
"I don't know, It's better if Jared and Kim roomed with Taylor and I. You know, because of the two beds." Seth said as Taylor nodded, biting her lower lip.
"Oh." Was all Amy said.
"Anyway, we should get going to unpack." Seth said, grabbing Taylor's hand.
"Fine. Bye." Amy said disappointed and I felt relieved.
As Seth and Taylor came past me, I awkwardly moved out the way.
"I'll be taking this one." Amy said, flopping back on the bed she sat on.
"So, Have you talked to Haylie? Last I heard she was riding with Sue and Charlie." Damon said to me and I looked over as he headed in my direction.
"Umm, I haven't seen her yet. She might be in the lobby." I told him honestly.
"Alright, cool. We'll see you later then." He smiled with a nod, and continued to walk past me in the direction of the door. I knew he knew that not everyone is a fan of me.
"We'll meet up with you later." Lizzie said to Amy, following after Damon.
Jared and Kim just didn't say a word as they left, leaving only me and Amy in the cabin alone.
I didn't bother to lock the door, instead I leaned over to unzip my luggage.
"Well that went well." Amy mumbled and I glared over at her.
"Excuse me?"
"You sure do know how to clear out a room." She smirked.
"Sorry."
"Don't be, we'll catch up to them later." Amy stretched out on her bed and I can't wait until Haylie comes.
I didn't say a word. Looking down, I continued to unpack my clothes slowly.
Leah Clearwater Pov
*16 Years Ago*
"What can we do?" Daniel asked, jumping on one of two beds in the room. The room-suit we were in was beautiful.
"Can we please go sailing?" Joshua asked.
I looked over at Jacob who sat on the side of the bed, beside Caleb who was still asleep.
"You can if Rebecca or Adam is going." I said already knowing Jacob hasn't been on a boat in a very long time. His fishing days with Billy haven't been a thing since Daniel was born.
Jacob just looked down at Caleb caressing his hair gently, with that treasured and incredulous look that I've seen before.
I smiled to myself, what in the world could he be thinking. Of course Harry's face comes into view, in this light that's who Jacob resembles my father. When I think of my father, I think of how he was the most affectionate man I've ever known. Who was also very witty.
"Can I go ask them?" Joshua ask, walking towards the door.
"Sure." I instantly nodded. Feeling too tired to even worry about him, it'll be better for him to go bother someone else. "Take Daniel with you, and stay together. Please." I stated.
"No problem, come on Danny." Joshua said happily opening the door.
Daniel jumped down from the bed hard, that practically shook the room and I looked over as Caleb startled awake. Jacob glared over at Daniel, angrily. "Sorry." Daniel said, pausing, then continued out the door behind Josh.
Jacob sighed looking down at Caleb who just laid there tiredly, on the verge of falling back to sleep.
I continued unpacking the kids' clothes from their suitcases and placed them into the nice brown double dressers.
Jacob then leaned back, with his feet still touching the floor and I paused. He hasn't spoken to me since we got out of the car. I know I was a bit snappy but he has no idea how hard things are for me right now. I just needed him to understand, because from what it looked like this morning nothing I said he understood. Moving around the second bed, I slowly walked over towards him. Despite our disagreements I can't ever say there wasn't a time that I feared he wasn't going to be superb as a father. Not even for a second I know he did not doubt it either. I mean come on he's Jacob Black. There's nothing he can't overcome or master. To me Harry was the greatest dad ever. So of course I can't think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. It's good that Joshua, Daniel, and Caleb have themselves someone to admire as a person. When you have a child, particularly a son you want him to resemble someone strong, loyal, trusting, determined, as any. A person who's protective, caring, and loving. How many people can really say that there was someone like that who raised them? If i was to leave on my own, he'll be just fine with the kids. I could retreat to a place like this, beautiful or move somewhere different like San Diego for a while if Jacob doesn't want to follow. Then again, who am I kidding... I could never leave my boys, even if someone threatened me at knife point. If Jacob was to say no to moving away from the vamps and hybrids. I couldn't go, I couldn't just leave my babies for a different scenery. I would hate myself.
"Can I ask you something?" I said, lowering myself beside Jacob.
He turned his head over to look at me, but didn't sit up. Maybe Jeremiah was right. Me being unhappy has turned things upside down, and I've allowed things to crash and burn so badly I'm never in the mood to be honest with myself. Years ago I left La Push for Makah Reservation for a month, I should do that again.
"What is it?" He ask normally, but curious.
"Sometimes I lay wide awake at night imagining a different life with you. A different life period." I confessed. "After months I allowed it to make me sad. The last time I had these feelings, was years ago."
He will never understand that when I look in the mirror, I don't see the person everyone else sees. I see someone with no future, no real purpose.
"Can you honestly say that you're happy here?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" He whispered.
"I have this habit of putting myself down this horrible road, and things aren't going to get better or healthier between us if I don't take a timeout." I say.
"Wait." He said leaning to rest up on his elbows. "What are you saying? Time out from what?"
"This little getaway isn't going to cut this tight strain to keep pretending I'm happy." I said, taking a deep breath. "I have a thought in mind of what I should do about it."
Jacob bit down on his bottom lip, with a perplexed look on his face. "Okay..." He said sitting up. "What do you think you have to do?" He asked calmly.
It'll be better to state the obvious. "I keep having this premonition. Maybe everyone leaving may not be the best, just me."
"What are you saying to me Leah?" I asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I think after we get back home, we should talk about me taking a break from Washington. Only me."
"Taking a break?" He said confused. "Alone?"
"Yes." I nodded. "It may be better to leave on my own, heal myself and maybe if I find somewhere great you and the kids can come."
Jacob stood up so fast shaking the bed, and I glared up as he turned to face me.
"Are you insane? You can't make this huge decision and expect me to ride along with it. You're not thinking straight. I know we've mentioned leaving here a bunch of time, but suddenly this is what you want right this minute to go alone? To abandon your family? To abandon me?" He said loudly but carefully, and I glanced over at Caleb who was sound asleep.
I sighed, running my hands through my hair. "Jacob, I know this will obviously be heavy on you but don't forget that you hated it here once too. I'm telling you we don't have to move and I won't go far."
"What?" He was getting ready to lose it.
"I need this. If I don't get out of this shitty damped cage, I'll explode." I said standing up.
"Then go take a vacation somewhere, don't all of a sudden decide to start over." He almost yelled.
I exhaled. "I haven't gone anywhere alone for years. Now that I think about it, the last thing that worked for me was staying with Jeremiah for a few weeks down on Makah Reservation."
"No! No, last time you were that unhappy those few weeks turned into years. History will not repeat itself."
"Then help me figure something out." I say trying my best to keep my voice down.
"You don't have to do this. You have me. You have us." He said motioning to Caleb. "Do you know how many people would kill to be in your place? To have a family and have a home and life?"
"I'm sorry I'm taking it for granted." I said low.
"Are you? Are you really? Because I don't believe your sorry."
"Fine. Jacob. Fine. If it makes you happy, forget about it. Forget I said anything. I'm so tired of this." I said throwing my hands in the air, turning away from him. "You don't get it."
"Wait." He whispered, grabbing my forearm.
I glared up at him. "Can't we ever have a normal conversation without some type of combustion." He said merely to himself, then looked towards the window. He was obviously thinking it over.
"I want to be honest with you. Always, no matter what." I stated.
"If you really want we can plan something, Alright?" He said more calmly than before.
I exhaled once more. In due time, I'll figure out a plan to regain my sanity and take a break from Washington, like I did many years ago. "Fine."
"Come on, don't say that. It's not fine. Every time when you say that, you get stuck on it and I have to apologize in a major way." He said humorously, smiling.
I glared over not wanting to look at his face, knowing I'd crack a smile. Times like this I have to maintain a straight face.
"I don't think I can ever really leave this La Push again, Leah." He whispered honestly, pulling me into his arms. "It's my home."
I frowned at that. "It's mine too." I had no choice but to look into those comely captivating brown eyes, as he placed both his palms on my face.
Forcing me to meet his glare. "I've always thought about the same things you've had. We talked more and more over the years, but things aren't that bad as they seem." He smiled.
I rolled my eyes "And how bad do things have to get? Would you rather me ask you to move away when I've died from being attacked by some crazed-leech for you to really listen to me?" I said and he instantly flinched as if I slapped him.
"You shouldn't think like that." He mumbled lowering his hands from my face.
"In reality, if something was to happen to me... You'd have to do everything in your power to keep them safe. You know that, right?" I said talking about the kids. "Even if that means going to a place that no one knows who you are." I say seriously. "When Harry died, sure Sue had helped take care of me and Seth. Though not enough... after I left Seth was a complete mess. I don't want our kids to experience any taste of bitterness or feel any touch of loneliness. Like we had."
"Of course, neither do I but...stop thinking like that. You can't think like that." He said worried, and I sighed, getting ready to turn.
"Leah." He said, grabbing hold of my arm once again.
"I already said what I needed. When we return back to La Push, I'm leaving to visit Jeremiah for a while. Alone." I stated.
Jacob nodded too fast. "Fine. Fine. If that's what you need, alright.. I'll agree on one condition."
"What's that?" I ask.
"You take Aiden with you, or ask her to move out." He say and I should have known he wouldn't want her in our house without me there.
"Leah?" I heard from behind him, and I looked over his shoulder towards the door.
Aiden stood in the doorway obviously out of breath.
"Oh, Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." She glanced beside me at Jacob, then shook her head. "It's not too important. It can wait. Sorry." She started stuttering, backing out of the room outside.
"No, Aiden, it's fine. What's wrong?" I say moving towards her, and Jacob automatically dropped his hand from my arm.
Hurrying to follow Aiden out, I slowly shut the door behind me.
"What is it?" I asked as Aiden moved towards the steps, then turned to face me.
"I have to say something, and you can't be upset that I've waited to say this." She says sheepishly.
"Alright " I mumbled while waiting. "Spit out." I stated.
"I lied when I said I had no idea what they had plan. I made a deal with Nahuel that if he left you, and the wolves alone, I would allow Isaac and Joham to live and form another vampire Coven away from Washington."
"What?"
"I'm so sorry. I just wanted peace."
"Aiden." I say disappointed.
"I know I lied, I didn't mean to, I just couldn't kill anyone. Even if they're evil. I had to make that deal."
I sighed, running my hands through my hair for a second. She kept this secret for years.
"I'm so sorry for not saying anything."
"Alright." I said looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"I'll do whatever you want. I'll try to find out what Nahuel knows about the attacks if you want."
"Do whatever, just as long as you tell me everything for now on. The moment you start to feel that they're going to attack you tell me. Don't keep quiet because you're scared of what I will think. Too much is going on for you to be picking sides. Just because Noah or Rylan want to get to know you or whatever, doesn't mean you can trust them. Got it?" I said loudly.
"Yes, I got it." She nodded.
"We'll talk about this when we get back to the Reservation, though for now don't say anything about the hybrids, Alright?"
"Okay." She smiled understandingly.
"Can you go make sure Joshua and Daniel aren't raising terror?" I asked.
"Okay." She nodded, turning to walk away, as it was getting dark fast.
There were people around the camp, talking among themselves. Seeing Aiden's bright sky blue shirt as she ran towards the lobby.
Watching her, I saw Adam sitting in a fold up chair talking with Claire.
Surprisingly I've seen him talk with many people, but never Claire. It looked as if they were having an intense conversation. As if he was giving her insightful information. Claire nodded, not taking her eyes from Adam's with an admiration expression. Suddenly Adam glanced across the lake at me, and I turned to walk back into the room.
I opened it and was surprised not to see Jacob. Caleb was still asleep on the bed that was closest to the door, and I could hear the shower running. Not sure what to think about Aiden telling me about the bloodsuckers deal with her. This just proves she cannot be trusted, but a part of me has hope that she wants to be better than her siblings.
Moving towards the opposite bed of Caleb, I didn't bother taking the clothes that Jacob had unpacked off. I just kicked my sneakers off and laid on top of the clothes, closing my eyes.
Aiden Clearwater Pov
*16 Years Ago*
Kneeling down by the fireplace, I joined the circle that was formed by Haylie, Taylor, Seth, Amy, Damon, Lizzie, Jared, Kim, Savannah and Rick.
Looking across the room I could see Daniel and Joshua playing with his friend Shawn.
"Hey," I heard, feeling a chill down my neck- flinching I turned to look just as Cole sat in between me and Rick. "What did I miss?" Cole whispered to me and I glanced around a little confused. Why was he talking to me? Not saying anything, I slowly shook my head. "My plan was to stay behind with Embry, Brady, and Colin though they have enough wolves so I figured I'll just come." Cole stated, and I glanced around as almost everyone in the circle looked over at us.
"We have chips and soda if you want some." Amy said, holding up a bag of Doritos.
"Thanks, I ate before I came. Why aren't you guys outside?" Cole asked everyone and they looked around.
"Because it's freezing." Lizzie said, zipping up the lime green hoodie she was wearing.
"Yes, not to mention ...Why sit by the lake when there's this sweet fireplace, right here?" Damon added.
"It is beautiful." Savannah mumbled.
"Ah." Cole said and I instantly wondered why he was so amiable towards me. This could be some sort of diversion to make our relations appear to be casual. Earlier Cole said he would tell me everything on how he came to be cozy with Nahuel. I doubt when we get back to La Push it won't seem weird that he's suddenly friendly towards me, then again the pack is leading to believe that he has a crush on me.
"So, Who are you sharing a room with?" Haylie asked Cole.
"Um, Adam."
"Adam? Isn't he rooming with Rebecca." Haylie asked.
"So?" Cole spat. He's so arrogant. I smirked, when Haylie rolled her eyes.
"So... Don't you think you're imposing?" Amy stated.
"No." Cole said with a straight face.
"He's a very supercilious person, and he doesn't care much for others feelings. He is who he is." Savannah said about Cole.
"I'm not arrogant. I just don't kiss anyone's backside." Cole sneered over at Savannah.
"Of course." I mumbled.
Cole glared at me. "Trust, everyone can't be as sweet as you." He retorted.
"Oh, she's not that sweet." Haylie jokes.
I smirked over at her. "Thanks." I said sarcastically.
"Wait a second." Taylor started holding up one finger bewilderedly.
"Since when are you two so happy-go-lucky? You guys are usually-"
"Closed off?" Seth interrupted.
"Quiet?" Kim added.
"Anti-social?" Jared smirked
"Not so friendly?" Rick added.
"More like Shy." Damon smirked.
"However you put it... . It's not you." Taylor said, pointing between Cole and I.
"Neither of you." Seth smiled at us.
"Alright guys. They get it. They keep to themselves." Haylie laughed.
I couldn't help but bite down on my lower lip, to keep from laughing at myself. This was fun, and yes, everyone is corrected about our behavior.
"Are you guys dating?" Taylor asked curiously.
"I saw you two earlier together." Savannah added.
"No." Cole said fast.
"You have been thinking about her a lot lately." Haylie noted and my smile faded looking over at Cole.
How does he manage to think about me around everyone without thinking about Nahuel? At any moment someone can find out that he's not who they think he is, and mainly that I'm still in touch with Nahuel also.
"He said 'no' pretty fast." Damon said amused, and I smirked over at him.
"You have a crush on Aiden." Claire said disgustedly and I narrowed my eyes at her, instantly annoyed.
"You say that as if it's a horrible thing." Lizzie said, defending me a little.
"I'm just saying." Claire said under her breath.
"Why, because she's a hybrid?" Savannah asked.
"No."
"Or because he's a wolf?" Haylie said, cutting in. Claire rolled her eyes. "They're not so different. Even so they don't need your permission to like one another." Haylie says.
"Can't you guys just shut up! Jeez, this is why I would rather not socialize with you people." Cole spat.
The circle went quiet, until Damon burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Jared asked him confused.
"Nothing." Damon says shaking his head. "I just remembered something that happened this morning." He added looking over at Cole, who bit his lip with a smirk.
"Must be an inside thing." Haylie mumbled leaning over to me.
"Anyway... " Amy stated. "Next subject."
"No, no next subject. I want to know what's so funny." Lizzie said tugging on Damon's shirt playfully.
"Obviously, there's no need to know." Cole mumbled.
"Hey. Aiden." I heard someone call from behind me, and I turned halfway to look.
Just then Adam closely kneeled down between me and Haylie.
"Are you finished running around, Yet?" Haylie said to Adam turning to face him.
"Nope, not yet." He said, giving her a fake grin.
"Aiden, instead of you sharing a room with Amy, I'm going to move you with Haylie and Cole. I know you probably want to be near Leah but it may be better for you guys." Adam says.
"Oh?" I say, a bit disappointed.
"Cool, I don't mind." Haylie smiled at me.
I nodded suddenly, not caring as much. "I do." Cole stated.
"Well, If you haven't decided to come at the last-minute you might have had a room to yourself!" Adam spat at Cole.
"So, Who am I rooming with?" Amy asked.
"Who cares!" Cole said fast, and everyone including me laughed.
"Anyway, here's your keys." He said handing me, Haylie, and Cole keys with the number fourteen on them.
Adam then stood to his feet to leave.
"Thanks." Haylie and I said at the same time, then laughed.
"Great." Cole said, getting ready to stand up. "This should be fun." He said, faking a smile looking at both Haylie and I.
"Where are you going?" I wondered if he was leaving for good.
"To the cabin. Don't think for a second I'm sleeping on the floor." He said and I smirked. I would rather share a room with him and Haylie than anyone else.
After he stood I turned to face Haylie. "He should be an interesting roommate for the weekend." She said, rolling her eyes.
"I don't think he'll be too bad." I smiled honestly. In a strange way Cole is the type of person to say things no one else wouldn't dare to. Of course when you're around him you feel like you have to speak up or he will hurt your feelings. Yet, you can leave it to him to always be honest.
"I sure hope not. He's always moody." Haylie mumbled.
"Not around Aiden." Rick chimed in, and I turned to look at him.
"He doesn't like me." I said to Rick, his wolf intellect must be off balance.
"That's what he wants you to think." Savannah said to me. "Tell her, Haylie. Didn't he mention earlier how he wanted to imprint on her." She grinned.
Haylie snorted. "He didn't exactly think that way, He just ...I don't know." She said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Though he is always thinking about you." Savannah smiled.
Haylie was always so nice. I shook my head. it's a cover, Cole isn't interested in me and i'm not interested in him. The guy I'm fond of has no idea I exist.
I glanced over at Damon who was already looking at me, and I knew he was wandering along with everyone else if me and Cole plan to date. For anything that's the one thing I hope isn't going through his mind.
I sighed, looking at Haylie to keep from staring at him. Damon and Lizzie make a perfect couple, no matter how many times I've had dreams about him kissing me. He wasn't for me. Damon was made for a person who also has the wolf-gene, which will never be me.
"Come on, let's grab Josh and Daniel and head to the room." Haylie said standing to her feet. I took one more glance around the circle. Everyone was quiet and I knew as soon as Haylie and I left, they would start gossiping about us.
Merely they'll gossip about me, and how they truly feel. It's embarrassing not sure if Damon will take in for my defense, or join in along with them but after all this time I don't think he will engage with their gossip. He never had before, I can only hope it hasn't changed.
"See'ya tomorrow." Haylie said to everybody. Not saying a word, I just waved and followed behind her to where Josh and Daniel still continued to play with Shawn.
Jacob Black Pov
Outside the cabins, Leaning against a tree staring across the lake. My dad, Sue, Sam, and Leah sat close together, obviously having a small meeting. Being as far as I was, of course I couldn't hear anything that was being said.
"Jake?" I heard someone say a little too loudly, and turned to glare behind me.
Seth made his way to me and I turned back to continue gawking across the lake.
"What'cha doing?" He ask, stopping to stand beside me.
"Not much."
"I see you're eavesdropping on the council."
"Not even remotely." I stated.
"Really?"
"In case you haven't figured it out, I can't hear not one word." I noted.
"Oh, right." He mumbled.
"I went to your room, but no one was there."
"Haylie is looking over the kids until we head back in for the night." I say.
"That's good. You and Leah need a beak sometimes." He says. "Cole is sharing a room with Haylie and Aiden." He added and I nodded, not really caring. "Everyone was just joking about how he and Aiden have suddenly gotten pretty close. That's why it's best for them and Haylie to search for a room." He stated. I narrowed my eyes.
"Ironic since Claire and Aiden never got along." I shrugged turning my attention back to my Dad, Sue, Leah, and Sam.
"Hey, What's going on?" Seth and I heard from behind us, and we turned.
"Why are you guys standing out here?" Mason said, walking up.
"I'm going to headed back to the cabin. See'ya." Seth said to me.
"Mason." Seth said greeting him.
"Seth." Mason said back then looked over at me. "We need to talk." He said a bit uneasy when Seth was out of sight.
"Alright." I said oddly. He took one glance over my shoulder to where Leah, my Dad, Sue, and Sam all stood.
"Elena has been giving me the cold shoulder.. but sorry I had to be the one to tell you about Leah and Sam. It just didn't look right to me." He stated.
I nodded. "No need to apologize. I'm glad you told me, she wouldn't have."
"Jacob, I only told you because I know how you feel about him and It wouldn't be right for me not to as a friend. Our sons are best friends, I like to think we have a similar bond." He stated.
"I know thanks, bro-code type of thing." I say with a shrug. "Leah's going through something right now and I don't really know how to help her."
"What do you mean?" He asked. "Like depression?"
"More or less." I say glancing over at Leah. "She wants to move."
"And you feel the opposite?" He asked. Thinking back to Leah and I conversation over the last two days, we aren't seeing eye to eye.
"She asked for a break then recanted." I stared down at the ground trying to slow my heart-rate down a bit. Don't lose it. Don't lose it. In the cabin I seen what I haven't in a very long time in Leah's eyes... a lone wolf. She's been acting differently when it came to me and the boys, honesty it's obvious she needs a break. Home-life for ten years can be miserable.
"She said when we return to La Push she rather talk about her leaving for Makah reservation for a few weeks." I mumbled.
"Wow?" He said shock. "Just like that?"
I nodded my head slowly. "I can't lose her. I don't know what I should do to make her happy." I mumbled trying to keep my emotions in check. "The way she was talking... cannot be her way of saying she still has feelings for Sam. I couldn't stop thinking about them sneaking behind my back."
"You and I know she doesn't feel for Sam that way, she's clearly just using him." Mason said and I knew it.
"Or maybe she's fighting her feelings and wants to get away before she does something she'll regret."
"Jacob, you know I honestly believe her moving has nothing to do with Sam. It's clearly the vamps." He said and I turned to face him.
"Whatever the reason...What should I do?" I asked.
"Decide what's important. Your family? Or those woods?" He said and I turned around to look towards Leah and my Dad. My family is my life, my life is my family, but I'm comfortable here.