Chapter Fourteen

I can feel a sense of danger

You stare at me like I'm a stranger

Paralyzed and you don't seem to care

The demons in my dreams

Demons - Brian McFadden

-0-

I awoke the next day feeling incredibly drained.

I hadn't slept. I had tried, but sleep had eluded me. My mind wouldn't shut off, there was too much to process and I was scared I wouldn't be able to. Vampires were real. Werewolves were real. Jacob was a werewolf and he hunted vampires with his pack. The man that I loved transformed into a wolf. It was unbelievable, something I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams. I wanted to believe that I could be okay with it, that I could accept that my life was completely altered and the supernatural existed. I wanted to believe I'd stop feeling so scared.

I wanted to believe. I really did.

Dad had left early to assist in the tracking party they had heading out into the woods. When he'd first told me I'd panicked, just the idea of him being out there when I knew there was a vampire hell bent on ripping out my sister's throat, hunting in said woods made me feel nauseous. But I couldn't ask him to stay, not without telling him why I didn't want him going and besides, part of me found comfort knowing that the pack was out there. They'd keep the hunter's safe…

Right?

So, when he left, the plan was to spend the day just not doing much at all. Jacob would come around later and we'd talk. I was ready for that but until then I was going to just hang out with Kitchi, studying my AP Biology notes. Bella was lurking upstairs, she hadn't been down since Dad had left and for that I was thankful. I simply didn't have it in me to have it out with my sister, not yet anyway and something told me she felt the same.

No matter what I tried, I couldn't get comfortable. I felt completely on edge, like I was waiting for something to happen. I tried distracting myself however I could.

As the day slowly ticked by into early afternoon, I'd migrated from the living room to the kitchen table, nursing a mug of hot chocolate as I studied my notes. College acceptance letters were due any day now, so that anxiety as well as everything else I was feeling, made me feel like a bomb just getting ready to go off. Kitchi had stayed on the couch, on his back oblivious to the world so I hadn't disturbed him…I had however taken a few pictures to show Jacob later.

It was only as I was reaching up to the top shelf for a pop tart that I saw a small figure dart passed the kitchen door. Frowning I lowered myself down from my tiptoes and followed, finding Bella putting on her boots at the door.

"Dad asked us to stay in." I reminded her. She didn't answer me though, her eyes only looked up briefly and I would gladly admit that what I saw startled me. They were wide, almost crazed and frantic. "Bella…?"

"I need to…there's something I need to do."

Before I could reply she was out the door, jacket being pulled over her shoulders. Cursing quietly, I debated just letting her go alone, there was no way I was being dragged into another situation like the one that had occurred in the meadow, but before I knew it, I was pulling on my converse and rushing out after her, forgetting my jacket in the process.

The truck was already beginning to move as I climbed inside, shooting my sister a dark look as she barely acknowledged my arrival. There was something off, something happening and I could feel that icy ball of dread in my stomach beginning to grow bigger once again. The whole situation was reminding me of Laurent but something about it this time was different. Bella seemed calmer but more desperate.

"Bella where are we going?" I asked, pulling on my seatbelt as the speed of the truck seemed to increase. Bella didn't answer me, instead she just continued to mutter under her breath distractedly as we began the familiar route to La push.

For a moment, I sank back into the seat, mentally rolling my eyes when I thought it was Jacob she was looking for. I couldn't deny this reliance she had on him grated, it was now the source of a lot of the issues between Jacob and I but she didn't care. As long as she was getting what she wanted, what she needed the rest of us be damned.

I expected us to be driving straight to Jacob's as we drew closer to the road that led to his, but instead we drove past that road and continued towards the beach. Now I was beyond confused and growing more and more concerned as the time seemed to drag on. Bella hadn't answered me once during the entire ride and I was worried, more so because I'd left my mobile on the table in the kitchen.

It wasn't long before she was pulling the truck over and climbing out. I considered staying put, I really did but concern for my sister won out yet again and I was already following before she'd gotten more than 2 metres from the truck. "Bella!" I called out for her again, hurrying after her even as she continued to ignore me, my frustration growing.

It was cold and the wind whipped through the trees wickedly, I was kicking myself for forgetting my jacket but I hadn't had enough time to think about it before chasing Bella. Dressed in a pair of leggings, my converse and an old 'Choose Life' t-shirt, I was freezing.

I did everything I could to keep up with her as we moved into the trees. Silently though I was making a mental note to stop running after my sister, nothing good ever seemed to come out of it. It was too late though when I realised exactly where we were headed. I stopped, tilting my head towards the small path I'd walked with Jacob, Embry and Quil when we'd gone cliff diving. Turning back to Bella I felt my stomach churn and my eyes widen in realisation.

She wanted to go cliff-diving and she was heading right onto the path that would take us to the very top cliff.

Finding my footing I chased after her.

"Bella wait!" I called out again, this time with more urgency. I ran out onto the cliff, caught slightly off guard by the fierceness of the wind as it hit. There was a storm rolling in and quickly. She was insane if she thought she was going to jump in this.

As she stepped closer to the edge I rushed to her side and grabbed her arm tightly, trying to pull her back but she shrugged me off with a strength I hadn't expected. Stumbling slightly I felt panicked, my hands trembling as I looked out over the edge of the cliff. The black waves raged against the wall of the cliff with such a violent force I flinched back and turned to face Bella.

"You wanted me to be human…well watch me."

"Bella what the hell are you talking about?" I asked, a frantic terror building up inside of me as she continued to stare down into the surf below, removing her jacket. She was talking to someone, someone who wasn't here because it certainly wasn't me. Again though, it was as if she couldn't hear me.

I didn't know what to do! I wanted my Dad! I wanted Jacob! I didn't know what to do.

"But you won't stay with me any other way."

Bella took a dangerous step closer to the edge and this time I reacted. Grabbing her arm I pulled her back and through the struggle of her fighting against me I found myself in front of her, my back to the cliff edge as I gripped her upper arms. "Bella snap out of it!"

"Let me go Grace!" Bella cried, shoving at my hands but I remained firm. I could feel the tears spilling over my cheeks due to the desperation of the situation and the absolute terror I was feeling for my sister at this point. All this time and I'd never been so terrified for my sister, I didn't know what to do to help her.

Was this my fault, for not reaching out. Maybe if I had, we'd still be at home, talking and trying to fix things. I had tried though, but I was beginning to doubt whether or not I'd tried enough. Maybe I could have done more.

"I'm not going to let you throw yourself off the damn cliff Bella! It's suicide, just look at what's happening down there!" I told her, having to raise my voice to make it heard over the wind. Bella shook her head, her eyes wide, frantic as she looked back at me. Only when she looked at me, it was like she was looking right through me. Like I wasn't there, not really.

"He won't stay with me! Edward…Grace get out of my way!" she yelled, this time her face became furious as I refused to budge. She yelled out and whacked her hands out against my arms, breaking my hold on her before violently shoving me against the chest in frustration.

I hadn't realised just how close to the edge I'd been.

And neither had Bella.

As her fists hit my chest, I stumbled back and felt the heel of my foot slip off the edge first. For just a moment it almost felt like I was falling in slow motion. Bella's eyes widened as my body began to fall back, and I reached out with my hand to her but she didn't reach out. She just stared, frozen in place, watching me.

I screamed as my feet left the ground below them and I was falling quickly through the air towards crashing waves below. My hands continued to reach out in vain, uselessly searching to grab a hold of something but there was nothing. Just the open air.

I hit the icy black water hard and fell beneath the surface. I felt winded from the impact and the coldness of the water, but kicked my legs towards the surface. Bursting out of the waves I gasped painfully, kicking my legs to try and remain above the surf. I didn't have time to even judge how dangerously close I was to the wall of the cliff before a huge wave from behind engulfed me and dragged me beneath the surface once more.

I kicked my legs as hard as I could but it was of no use, I couldn't even work out which way the surface was, as I found myself caught in the riptides. I felt my body being battered as it was flung around and around like a ragdoll. I fought my hardest to keep that last bit of breath I'd managed to steal before being pulled under.

It was so dark. I didn't know where to swim to.

I didn't know how long I was beneath the water before I felt the cold of it beginning to numb my arms and my legs as they continued to try and fight against the tides. My legs kicked harder than they ever had before.

I didn't want to die here. Not like this.

No!

I had so much left to do and what about my Dad, my Mom….Jacob! I couldn't leave them all now, I wasn't ready. This wasn't how my story was supposed to end, it wasn't supposed to be some freak accident caused by my own twin. I was supposed to die in my bed, surrounded by my children and their children….and maybe even their children. All the while holding onto the hand of my husband, happy with the long years we'd spent together.

Jacob!

I kicked harder or at least, I really did try to. However my muscles were exhausted from fighting against the unrelenting tides. My lungs burned painfully for more air and my legs were now beginning to cramp. I was beginning to lose the fight for my life and I'd never felt more terrified.

I couldn't bare this.

I tried to fight uselessly my mind screaming not to give up but my body was simply too tired and oxygen deprived to listen.

The current slammed me back into an invisible rock, slamming like an iron bar to my back and the breath rushed out of me. Water flooded down my throat and into my lungs as I involuntarily choked it in. My lungs burnt and I tried to scream but no sound came out. This time, I knew I was falling…I was being pulled closer to the ocean floor and darkness began to fill my vision.

As I was pushed back into the rocks again I choked, my body finally giving up its fight and succumbing to the darkness….

-0-

There was a hard, rhythmic pounding against my chest.

I felt a burning in my lungs, in my throat as the pounding forced the salt water up and out of my lungs. It gushed out of my mouth, out of my nose and that's when the pounding stopped and I felt myself being rolled onto my side.

The water continued to gush out of me. I tried to breathe but I couldn't. It hurt, even more than it had the first time around.

"Come on baby, breathe!"

I knew that voice.

I loved that voice.

It was Jacob, it was my Jacob.

That meant I was out of the water didn't it, the pounding on my chest had been him. I couldn't see him, couldn't open my eyes just yet but I could feel him and his presence comforted me.

"Keep her on her side!"

I knew that voice as well, but it didn't have the same effect as Jacob's had.

Coughing again I felt the water finally leave my lungs and I greedily gulped down the air I'd been deprived of, almost crying out from how painful the action was. My head swam, my vision slowly beginning to clear as I opened my eyes, I tried blinking against the black dots that threatened to cloud my vision once more. I was on my back. I could feel the grain from the sand beneath me, hear the crashing of the waves somewhere behind me…and then there was Jacob.

My hand flailed out to grab his arm and he quickly took hold, brining my injured hand which was now without a bandage to his lips before he bent his head, pressing his forehead to mine.

"You're okay…you're okay….you're okay…"

He was trembling. Or I was. Or maybe we both were. I wanted to comfort him but I was beyond exhausted. My head thrummed painfully, in fact my whole body seemed to pulsate painfully and I dreaded the idea of trying to move.

"Jacob I need to get back the hospital. You got this?"

I blinked. Letting my head turn slightly, as I realised for the first time Sam was on my right side. Jacob sat up and nodded, his hands never leaving me. "Go. I'm gonna get her home. Thanks Sam."

Sam was gone before I could blink again. I looked up at Jacob, my lips starting to quiver from the cold. Jacob gently caressed my face again before pressing a kiss to my forehead, a kiss that seemed to create a warmth from somewhere deep inside of me.

His strong arms slid beneath my body as gently as they could but I couldn't fight the wince as he touched my back. He lifted me effortlessly and tucked me tightly against his broad, warm, naked chest. I found myself curling into him even more, seeking out the warmth only he could offer me. My head rested against his shoulder as I fought the urge to drift into unconsciousness once more.

"Grace! Grace, I'm so sorry!"

I flinched away from the voice of my sister as she drew closer and Jacob's hold on me seemed to tighten, protecting me. I couldn't blame him, right now I felt like I might need it against Bella. Never had I feared my sister but today, what had happened on top of that cliff I was seeing her in a whole new light…and I didn't like it.

"Bella just get in the damned truck!" Jacob growled dangerously, his chest rumbling.

"Is she okay?"

"What the hell do you think? Now get in the truck." I pressed my face into his shoulder glad when I heard her hurrying on ahead. I didn't have it in me to deal with Bella, so I just focused on Jacob and did my best to ignore the excruciating pain I felt with every intake of breath, like my lungs were still on fire.

Finding myself unable to do anything else, I closed my eyes again trying to block out Bella and the sound of the crashing waves somewhere behind us. Jacob was somewhat walking fast, with Bella by the sounds of it trying to keep up as best she could. Curling my hands into my stomach and against Jacob's chest I felt the rhythmic pounding of his heart and let it lull me into an unavoidable sleep as exhaustion once again won out.

-0-

When I awoke, I was alone and freezing, curled up against the back of the drivers seat inside the truck. My clothes and my hair were still quite damp, so my body was shivering, gone was Jacob's welcoming heat now I found myself alone. Sighing I sat up but groaned almost immediately, my body was exhausted and ached painfully. My throat burned with every breath I took but I guess I preferred that to the alternative.

Blinking I turned my head to look out the window and saw Jacob and Bella having a heated discussion outside my house. Frowning, I watched as she snatched her arm away from him, her expression one of desperation and…excitement? I shifted in my seat and reached towards the door as she tore herself away from Jacob and all but fell over in her rush to get up the steps and into the house.

"Jacob?" I croaked as I climbed out the truck. In barely the blink of an eye Jacob was in front of me, his arms all but crushing me against his chest before he tried ushering me back into the truck. "Jake what's wrong?" I asked, standing my ground, I was cold, wet and tired I just wanted to go inside.

"Vampire." He spit out, trying again to gather me into the truck. I went dizzy and grabbed hold of his arm, my eyes following in the direction Bella had gone. Why the hell would she run into our house if there was a vampire inside?

Then it hit me.

"It's one of them, isn't it?" I asked, wincing with each word. It almost felt like someone was rubbing sandpaper all down the inside of my throat. Jacob looked down at me and nodded, his eyes were wild and it was only then I realised how badly he was body was shaking. He almost looked ten years older than me, and I had to reach out to him pushing my head against his chest as I held onto him.

I hated the idea that it was one of the Cullen's stood inside my house. Hated that they might be back but most of all I hated them for daring to show their faces again, after all the hurt they'd caused. I now knew what they were and whilst some part of me did believe that maybe, in some way they were different to the vampire that had attacked Bella and I in the meadow, they were still vampires and all of this that was happening now, was a direct result of their presence here.

I hated that they may be back, I truly did but I didn't fear them. I feared what they were of course I did I wasn't stupid, but I was also fully aware that they had to have some ounce of self-control, after all wasn't Carlisle a Doctor…and the kids were all in school…why I didn't know but, that had to account for something. I had no doubt they could kill in the blink of an eye, they were monsters, probably the very worst kind and I didn't trust them but I also knew they were different. They had to be right?

"I've gotta get you out of here." Jacob said, trying to urge me back again but this time I held my hands out to him and shook my head.

"Jacob, Bella's in there and…" I trailed off frowning, I shook my head. "Bella's in there and as insane as she acted today, as bad as she's been…she trusted them and they never hurt her or me…or anyone at school…"

"Grace they're vampires, I can't be in there. Me being here is a treaty violation, I need to go home and warn the others that they're here. That they're back." Jacob argued, his grip on my arms tightening. I frowned again, realising there was a lot we still needed to discuss about the whole werewolves and vampire things but was it possible he was talking about the treaty from the old legends? "…And I can't just let you walk in there."

His whole body trembled dangerously. Reaching out I stood on my tiptoes despite how much it hurt my body to do so and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, hoping to calm some of the anxiety now rippling off him.

"You're my boy-friend. Treaty or no treaty you have every right to be in that house with me, they're the intruders." I said softly, feeling his body start to calm under my hold. His strong arms encased my waist and held me tighter, warming me. "Go, tell the others if it has to be face to face fine, do that and come back to me or we have these magical contraptions called phones." I tried to tease at the end.

It seemed to work because the trembling subsided even more and I felt his chest rumble with the light chuckle he emitted against my shoulder.

"I'm not leaving you here alone with them. You're my imprint." He said with a finality as he pulled away from me.

I was really going to have to make him sit down and tell me what the hell an imprint was when we got a spare moment. I honestly believed I'd be more freaked out at the knowledge there was a vampire in my house, but Jacob made me feel safe. Something instinctual told me that he'd keep me safe, no matter what and that offered me a little comfort

His hand wrapped around my cold one and he tucked me into his side. His body tensed once again as he began leading us towards the house. My best guess was he'd decided the second option with the phone was his best bet and for that I was thankful. As much as I was sure the Cullen's weren't out to kill me, I really didn't like the idea of being alone in a house with any of them.

-0-

I wasn't exactly sure what we walked in on when we stepped into the living room, but just the sight of it made me blood boil. I felt Jacob's hand in mine tighten it's grip, his body angling towards me as if in comfort, as if he could sense exactly how the sight of my sister wrapped so closely with Alice Cullen wounded me.

Bella barely acknowledged our presence but Alice, to her credit did look up. Her eyes took in the sight of me before zeroing in on Jacob and inhaling. I watched from a distance as her eyes went black and she grimaced, her face contorting as though she'd smelt something bad. Instinct made me move closer to Jacob, feeling a protective need driving the move.

"Bella, I think you should move." Alice said and I'd almost forgotten how musical her voice sounded, even I had to admit it was beautiful. Beautiful or not though, she was still a vampire.

I watched with another stab as Bella straightened up, gripping the collar of Alice's jacket and pleading with her not to leave her.

"I've missed you so much, can't you stay a while I know Charlie would be okay with it. After all he loves you." Bella gushed, her eyes wide with panic at the idea of Alice leaving.

I stared at my sister in disbelief and felt the first traitorous tear spill over onto my cheek at the sheer disregard for me and what had happened. The affection Alice was getting now, Bella hadn't shown even an ounce of that towards me in God knows how long. I'd almost drowned, she'd almost killed me and instead of being my sister, I'm forgotten for Alice.

I hadn't even had an apology yet.

Opening my mouth to say something, I stopped and I shook my head. I felt Jacob's hand slip out of mine and wrap around my shoulders instead, pulling me into his side. Alice eyed me curiously and I hated that she was seeing me beginning to cry, so I turned my face towards Jacob, my safe place. Looking up at him, I watched as his focus shifted only a little from Alice and back onto me, his beautiful dark eyes softening.

"I have to shower." I croaked, wiping the tears off my cheeks furiously. Jacob nodded his head reached around into the kitchen for the phone before finding himself back at my side. I could see how much being in here with Alice was killing him, and I wanted to rip that disapproving look off Alice's face, like she had any right whatsoever to turn her nose up at him.

At my unspoken behest Jacob picked up Kitchi and followed me upstairs, already punching numbers into the phone. I reluctantly let go of his hand, grabbing a change of clothes before I headed into the bathroom, my entire body hurt and shivering against the cold I was still feeling. Jacob stopped me before I shut the door, leaning down to press a loving kiss to my forehead, after which he smiled softly and stepped back, raising the phone to his ear as he walked into my bedroom.

"Hey Sam, yeah…look, we gotta problem."

-0-

So there it is. This chapter, at the time was my most favourite to write. That whole cliff scene has been on the table since the beginning. I think I have to point out that it WAS an accident, but one that could have easily been avoided if Bella hadn't tried to risk her life just for a glimpse of a memory. That was always insane to me in the books.

However I'm sad to say, it's not going to be the only blow Grace is going to receive at the hand of her twin in the coming chapters. Our girl has gone through so much in such a short time and it's starting to catch up as you'll see. Bella's actions have huge consequences for her family and the worst part is, she doesn't seem to care as long as she gets what she wants.

Also, the song listed at the top played on my Jacob/Grace playlist when I was writing the drowning scene!

Thank you to my new follower! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! - Evie96

High Gaudian - Thanks for the review love. I'm sorry you're feeling that way right now, I really am! I'm also really happy you're enjoying this story so much, makes my day to hear people say that! Hope this chapter lived up to your expectations!

Chamberstanesbia69 - Thanks for the review! Yes, a lot of why he is fighting it is due to his not wanting to be a wolf, but there's also a lot more complicating his feelings. A lot of it has to do with the life he viewed for himself and Grace! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Kagz419 - Thanks for the review lovely! It's definitely a step in the right direction but there is still so much for them to talk about before they'll be 100% okay. If they can make it through this though, you're right they'll be so much stronger and able to handle anything thrown their way. Bella is...well Bella's a complication in more ways than one, her actions in this chapter are really only the tip of the crap she's bringing our couples way. She definitely used him and I hated that, strung him along for all the time she needed him, Edward returns and she dropped Jacob like he was nothing! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Twin268 - Thanks for the review love! She's definitely not ignoring the pain he caused her and they definitely will have to talk soon before things get more difficult. Jacob is going to do everything in his power to make it up to her I promise! These two have such a journey ahead of them, I'm looking forward to bringing you all along for the ride! How did you feel about Bella in this chapter and what happened to Grace? Let me know!

Nixie-Naajix - Thanks for the review love! Bella needs more than a slap back into reality in my opinion! Bella always had such potential to be an amazing character, but every single chance she lets everyone down and only cares about herself, despite how Edward calls her the most selfless person he knows! She's the most selfish person! Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Charlie'sLooney - Thanks for the review love! In Jacob's defence, he didn't choose to protect Bella, the whole point for him keeping Bella in La Push was to keep Victoria's focus there and not Forks where Grace was. Did you go about it wrong, yes he did but his intentions were definitely good. Plus, you'll soon find out there was a lot more going on and more reasons why he tried keeping her away! Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

HigherAngel - Thanks for the review love! She so used him and it was cruel, she knew how he felt for her and still strung him along on the promise of maybe someday she'll feel the same, knowing full well she wouldn't and then she dropped him when Edward showed his pasty face again! Like you I can't read or watch Twilight anymore but I always felt this way about Bella. I was always more drawn to the wolves and the potential in their story. Like you that's why I love fanfiction, it lets us fix all the mistakes that were obviously made in twilight. Why would you choose such a toxic relationship over a healthy one where you're not going to have to sacrifice you're life to be happy? Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

brankel1 - Thanks for the support love! So glad you love it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!