CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Zora could smell them before she could see them, a scent so sweet that it nauseated her permeating the whole clearing.

She and the pack had arrived at exactly three o'clock, and though they'd yet to move from the dense cover of the trees, she could clearly see the seven members of the Cullen clan. Much like the wolves, they stood in line formation, the oldest-looking vampire in the center. He was blond and strikingly handsome, the exact words her mom used to describe her superior at work – Dr. Carlisle Cullen.

She recognized the overtly large vampire, Emmett, and his booming laughter as it reverberated through the trees. Next to him stood a woman with hypnotic beauty and golden hair, her face contorted in a grimace of disgust as she sniffed the air. Zora's eyes found another blond, though he looked more terrifying than the other two as almost every inch of his skin was covered in crescent-shaped bite marks. He was accompanied by a small woman who reminded her of a fairy, her foot anxiously tapping on the ground as she smoothed her pixie cut. Her gaze finally landed on the last three figures: a woman Zora could automatically sense was the motherly figure of the coven, her smile gentle and kind; the handsome and dramatic Edward Cullen; and underneath his arm stood an exhausted Bella Swan.

"You think he's handsome?" Leah asked, her tone of voice extremely perturbed.

"Well, it's not like he's ugly."

From a distance, she heard a light huff of laughter escape him. He was watching her and Leah with a slightly amused expression.

"Oh, god, now he's looking over here."

"Would you two stop with the fangirling?" Jacob interjected. "Besides…he's not even that good looking."

"Someone sounds a little jealous."

"You know what, Leah? Why don't you go shove—"

"You three, knock it off!" Sam commanded. "This is a serious matter. Be respectful."

Zora, Leah, and Jacob grumbled in annoyance, following Sam and the rest of the pack. They stood tall and threatening at eleven members, the largest in their wolf history.

Emmett gave a low whistle as they stepped out of the shadows. "That's amazing."

The rest of the Cullen's echoed his sentiments, staring at them with intrigued eyes.

"Welcome," Carlisle began. "Thank you for meeting us here this morning."

"And thank you for inviting us," Sam and Edward said, the latter acting as a translator. "Do you know how many are coming?"

"As of right now, around twenty-one. We expect the number to go down, though. They fight amongst themselves."

"How are they different from you?"

Carlisle smiled at this question. "We are more civilized than them. The most important difference, however, is that we have regard for human life. We wish to coexist peacefully without any casualties or bloodshed."

Zora had to commend him for his speech abilities. He was easily able to convince her that he and his coven meant no harm.

"My son, Jasper"—the bite-covered vampire stepped forward—"has more experience with newborns and would like to lead this gathering."

Jasper eyed the wolves analytically, gauging their body language. His gaze fell on Collin and Brady who hadn't stopped trembling since they arrived. One moment, Zora could feel their nervousness, and then it was gone suddenly, a peculiar wave of calmness washing over them. She stared at Jasper curiously, who was watching the young wolves with the slightest hint of satisfaction.

"Does he…manipulate emotions?" Zora questioned.

"Yes," Jacob answered.

"Holy shit. Do they all have unique abilities?"

"Yeah, the unique ability of fucking reeking," Paul quipped.

Sam gave a low growl, silencing them.

"Newborns fight without strategy, but have an immense amount of strength on their side," Jasper said, revealing a slight southern drawl. "We are at our strongest in the first year and the most dangerous. Still, they are not impossible to defeat."

He waved Emmett forward, who looked pleased at being chosen first. "My brother, Emmett, is a good example. He relies mostly on his strength"—the large vampire snickered—"but he is still one hell of a fighter. He will demonstrate how the newborns will attack, and I will show you how to counter them."

With a cocky grin, Emmett charged, though Jasper was easily able to defend himself. As he fought with his brother and then the other members of his family, he gave several pointers, the two most important being not letting them get their arms around you and not approaching with a predictable attack.

Watching the vampires fight was captivating and admittedly, impressive. They were fast, their movements fluid, yet aggressive. They struck without hesitation, knowing exactly how their blows would land. Zora was most interested in Jasper's spar with Alice. He seemed so much like a hunter, and she was his prey. Only, she was able to dodge his advances every time, moving like a ballerina as she pirouetted away from him.

"We will end here for now," Carlisle finally said, looking pleased. "You are more than welcome to join us again tomorrow."

"Thank you," Sam and Edward replied. "We'll be here."

Zora was so caught up in the fighting that she hadn't noticed the sky change colors. The night had been replaced by a mix of dark blue and pink, the sun slowly rising over the horizon of trees. Although she could see the Cullen's in the darkness, they seemed more beautiful in the light. And having watched them laugh and interact with one another, she could see that they weren't just a bunch of vampires living together - they were a real family.

"It would be a good idea for us to memorize your scents," Sam said to Edward. "So that we won't confuse you with the newborns."

Edward nodded his head, relaying the message to the others.

Zora's mind was as loud as a concert hall as the wolves complained about having to sniff the leeches. The hackles on Leah's neck were raised and stiff as Sam led them down the line of vampires.

"It'll be less painful if you make it quick."

"Doubt it," Quil chided.

They all took turns smelling then recoiling. Zora felt on the verge of vomiting, but was surprised that there was variation in each scent. She thought they'd all smell like death covered in sugar.

Edward chuckled again, earning puzzled looks from his family. When she reached him, he smiled, and it wasn't so hard to see why Bella had fallen for him.

"That's the grossest thing I've ever heard," Leah remarked.

"I second that," Jacob added.

Zora rolled her eyes. "Oh, bite me, you two."

"Gladly," he replied smoothly, and she certainly didn't miss the flirtatious undertone in his voice.

Neither did the rest of the wolves.

"Ugh," Embry sneered, "please stop before I barf all over the place."

"Yeah, same."

"Like you can talk," Zora interjected, glaring at Jared. "You're the one who's constantly thinking about Kim's"

"Enough," Sam intervened, exhaling a long, wearied sigh. "Seriously. You're all going to drive me insane."

A chorus of laughter - followed by a faint laugh from Edward - erupted throughout the pack mind. As they finished sniffing each vampire - Paul was still grousing about how much his nostrils burned - they retreated back to their observation spot. Only Jacob lingered, remaining a few feet away from Edward and Bella, the latter gazing at him curiously.

"Let's go, Jacob. It's time to head home."

"I wanna talk strategy with Cullen," he said to Sam. An image of protecting Bella flashed through everyone's thoughts, and while Sam was apprehensive about letting him stay in the company of seven vampires, he conceded.

"Fine. Embry and Quil will stay with you, though."

A quick thanks was heard before he took cover behind a nearby tree and phased, dressing himself so that he could talk to Edward face-to-face. Zora stared after him as he jogged over to the couple, a twinge of annoyance stirring in her gut as she watched Bella's face light up at the sight of him.

"I want to stay, too," she told Sam.

"He'll be fine. He's got Embry and Quil to look after him."

"But I can also look after him. Three's better than two"

"I said no, Zora." She heard the finality in his words and the authority in his voice, and despite her efforts to not let his command overpower her, she could feel her body preparing to follow his orders. It was a sensation that was both mystifying and infuriating. "We're going home, and you need to get back in bed before your mother notices you're missing."

"We'll make sure he doesn't get into any trouble," Embry reassured her.

She looked between him and her alpha, and then glanced over at Jacob one more time. He was in the middle of discussing whatever plan he had concocted when he paused, looking over his shoulder to meet her eyes. He smiled at her, and though she was still uncomfortable leaving him behind, the small gesture was enough to calm her unease. Letting go of her resistance, she followed after Sam and the others as they ran back to La Push.


"Sweet, sweet freedom at last!" Quil shouted, pushing the doors of their high school open with a dramatic shove.

He, Embry, Jacob, and Zora had survived their last day of finals, the day officially marking the beginning of their summer break.

"How do you think you did in algebra?" Embry asked Zora. They all walked side-by-side with empty backpacks slung over their shoulders.

"A definite A-plus," she said confidently. "But my English final…I'll be happy with anything above an F."

"Oh, come on," Jacob began. "There's no way you did that bad. You're one of the smartest people I know."

She gave a beaming smile at his compliment. "Thanks, Jacob."

"As for me, I'm hoping I pass chemistry or else I'll have to take it again next year. Billy probably wouldn't be too thrilled about that, either."

"Oof, yeah, chemistry with Peterson again would be rough," Quil replied, "but I bet our wonderful Zora could you help you out since, y'know, you two have..." he paused for dramatic effect, winking suggestively, "...chemistry."

She rolled her eyes while Embry and Jacob burst into a fit of laughter. "You're hilarious, Ateara."

"I know, I know. Your lives would be dull and sad and pathetic without me."

"I think he's right, though," Jacob said, his words and playful tone directed at her.

"About which part? Because I think we'd all be fine without him."

"Oh, I agree," he replied, grinning as Quil responded to their statements with two middle fingers. "I meant the chemistry part."

At that moment, Zora wished she had longer hair to hide behind so that none of the boys would see her flushed face. After Jacob's flirtatious comment, he nudged Quil out of the way and took his spot beside her, throwing a burly arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer to him. While she didn't mind flirting with him when they were alone, doing it openly around the others made her feel embarrassed and exhilarated. It shouldn't have been a big deal - after all, Sam and Emily, and Jared and Kim, engaged in public displays of affection frequently and they didn't care. Still, she found it weird to do it herself, mostly because she couldn't believe it was actually happening. It was happening, though, and as strange as it felt, she was happy about the progress they had made and were continuing to make. So she relaxed against his touch and fell into step with him, her arm winding around his waist.

The four friends continued strolling down the street, engrossed in conversation as they reached Quil's house first, then Embry's, until it was just Zora and Jacob. The pair arrived at her house last, idling at the front door.

"Thanks for walking me home."

"You're welcome."

"So..." she paused, shifting her weight from each foot as she averted his gaze. "About that date…"

"You don't want to go anymore?"

"No, that's not it. I still want to go. I just wanted to ask…if you were serious about it."

His brow furrowed in confusion. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

Because you have a history of being uncertain danced through her thoughts. Instead, she replied with, "I don't know. I just - I wanted to make sure."

His frown softened then, and he stepped closer to her, taking one of her hands in his. "I'm not going to change my mind. I like you, Zora."

I like you, Zora.

Those four words were like music to her ears, enrapturing her with a pleasant string of melodies. He liked her. He was actually admitting his feelings, and there was no hesitance in his voice. He was smiling, and there was no doubt in his eyes. He was holding her hand, anchoring her to the ground because she felt light enough to float away.

He liked her. And finally, finally she was able say it back. "I like you, too, Jacob."

It was no guess that she felt the same way, but her confession made his heart flutter anyway. Elated, he placed both of his arms around her and scooped her into a tight hug. "I'll plan the date," he said eagerly. "All you have to do is bring your magnificent self."

"Alright," she chuckled. "Just don't ask Quil for advice. The kid is hopeless when it comes to romance."

He nodded in agreement, laughing with her and admiring the way her lips curled into a smile - a smile that was quickly becoming one of his favorites. The longer he stared, the more his desire grew to lean in and kiss her, but he decided he wouldn't do so until they went on their date. He would wait for the right moment this time.

Growing quiet, both contemplated what to say next; Zora wondered if she should invite him into her home, her stomach churning at the thought of being alone with him, and Jacob was unsure if he should explain that he was expecting company at his house, company he knew she wouldn't be happy about.

Be brave, Zora told herself, and taking a deep breath, she said, "Do you want to come inside?"

His expression was one of surprise. Being invited in was something he hadn't expected, and though he would've preferred to stay and spend time with her, he shook his head, regretting his response before even saying it aloud. "I'd love to, but I promised Bella I'd hang out with her today."

She tensed, the hopeful smile she wore falling. "She's coming to see you?"

"Yeah...her leech and his family are trying to stock up on blood fuel before the fight. She called last night and asked if she could come visit me today, so I said yes."

"Oh."

Both could feel the change in atmosphere, the earlier excitement carried away with the breeze. In its place was an uncomfortable silence, one Zora could easily - and would be delighted to - fill with all of the negative thoughts she had about Isabella Swan.

"I know you don't like her," he began, "but she's my friend. I think it would be a good idea if you two had a chance to talk."

"We already have," she retorted, remembering their first unpleasant meeting at the bonfire.

"I meant under better circumstances. Who knows…maybe you and her could get along?"

"I don't think so," she grumbled, ignoring the pang in her chest at his look of disappointment. "Just…call me later, alright?"

"Sure, sure."

She managed a half-smile in response to the hug he pulled her into, his tall figure quickly retreating as he strode down the road and towards his home. Once she could no longer see him, she pushed open her front door and stepped inside. Still clutching the door knob, the brass cool against her warm skin, she repeated he likes me, he told me himself and I have nothing to worry about until the unsettled feeling in her stomach disappeared.


(Revised 12/15/2020)