I stop cold at his words.
"What do you mean?! Who has been here? Am I even safe?"
I start to tremble in fear and wrap my arms around myself to seek comfort.
He looks at me concerned and takes a tentative step towards me with his arms outstretched. With no hesitation I run into his arms and am immediately filled with a sense of calm.
"We need to tell Sam so he can fill you in, seeing as you're clearly not safe."
I made a sound of agreement while still burying my face in his chest.
Calling my dad on the way explaining that I was going to spend the night at Emma's because I was creeped out since he and Bella were gone.
We make it to Sam's house and thankfully most of the pack is there. Only Jacob, Leah, and Jared were missing.
"What's going on, Embry?"
Sam asked concerned, taking in my frazzled appearance and Embry's tense one.
"There was an unknown leech scent in Nicole's room. I didn't stop to check the house but from what the leeches have already told us we should be concerned."
Sam nods wearily and sighs.
"We'll have to call a meeting with them. Isabella told us that she was the main target, and we shouldn't have to worry about Charlie and Nicole."
I flinched at that statement. The more they talked the angrier I got.
"That's just stupid! Why wouldn't a vampire that wants revenge on Bella for killing her mate not try to kill her family for more revenge. If anything, Bella is the safest surrounded by all those vampires. Charlie and I have no protection."
I vent and cross my arms as I look at the pack. Who in turn are looking at me shocked.
"The best thing to do is to send Charlie away with Billy on a fishing trip or something and I stay with the pack while you supernatural beings sort this out."
After agreeing with me the pack leaves to meet with the Cullens.
Over the next couple of days some major things happen. Unfortunately, Bella and Count Creepzilla came back. They plan to take down some sort of army. They have come to an agreement and are training together.
Sighing I come to sit on Sam and Emily's porch with my homework. Despite suggesting that I stay with the pack for protection it is a little much. The pack is in and out the house making so much noise all hours of the night I'm surprised it hasn't drove Emily insane. I'm startled out of my musings as someone opens the door to leave. Looking up I lock eyes with Jacob. Our relationship being almost nonexistent, there is a hello here and there. Other then that if we are talking, we fight.
Flashback
Curling around a pillow on the couch I hear the door slam open.
"What happened I heard there was a vampire in Bella's house!"
Despite him saying my sisters name my heart did beat a little faster when he talked. I sat up and looked only to see him staring right at me.
"What are you doing here?"
It wasn't asked rudely just abruptly.
"I didn't want to stay alone with the scent of an unknown vampire in our house.
Rolling his eyes and crossing his arms.
"The vampire is not after you. She wants Bella you shouldn't be worried."
"Well unfortunately things and people who want Bella have hurt me in the past, so I'd like to be extra sure."
Okay that was mean… I cringe a little at the faces the pack made to my statement. I'm not going to apologize because its true. Looking at his face I can tell one thing, he was pissed at me.
"I am not going to let the ancestors force me into a relationship with you! You're not even my type. The only reason I stayed friends with you was to get closer to Bella and that didn't even work! She hates you almost as mush as I do for ruining my life!"
I stood there in shock. It was completely quiet in that moment.
"At least I'm not chasing someone who would rather date a corpse then you"
I didn't feel the least bit bad when they had to pull him out before he phased and hurt me again. Excusing myself to the bathroom I walked away with my head held high. It wasn't until I was in there that the sobs started. I tried to ignore the fact that they could hear me as I tried my best to put back together the heart Jacob kept slowly breaking.
Shaking my head to clear that memory as I watch Jacob walk away. We haven't spoken much after that incident. I have been spending most of my time with Embry. I try to stop the smile on my face as think about him. He really has been a life saver during this time.
A knock sounds on the door and I honestly try to stop the tears.
"One second I'm almost done"
"Nicole let me in."
My heart pounds as Embry's voice comes through the door. I put my hand on the doorknob about to open it when I freeze. I met Embry through Jacob so if he said he pretended to be my friend. More tears come down as I figured that Quil and Embry were also pretending. I pulled my hand away from the door like it burned me.
"Go away! I don't need your pity or excuses. I know the truth now so you can go and tell Quil and you three can shove your friendships up each other's assholes!"
I hear his footsteps walk away from the door and my heart drops. It was true our whole friendship was a lie. I start sobbing harder because this hurt worse the Jacobs betrayal in a way I am not willing to think about. I am crying so hard that my whole body is shaking. I jump when I feel arms wrap around me with a blanket.
A hand grabs my chin gently and forces me to look at him. Embry. He looks like an avenging angel and through my tears I can make out his own eyes watering.
"I have always been your friend Nicole. That first day I met you with your two little braids and your constant talk about Harry Potter I knew we would be best friends."
"Jacob said- "
"I don't give a shit about what Jacob said! The way he's treating you is wrong. He was blessed with a gift I wish I could have! Someone so perfect for him that the ancestors deemed you his other half."
He was speaking so passionately that I was entranced.
"I would give anything to have the chance for a soul mate. Nicole you are loved, and you have friends, never doubt that. He does not deserve you."
We stood there in silence staring into each-other's eyes. My heart pounding out of control as I glance down at his lips wondering what it would be like to kiss them. Shutting my eyes tight I bury my head in his chest and hug him as tightly as I can and thank him.
After that Embry and I were pretty much inseparable. He made me feel safe and protected. The day before the battle comes and I'm sitting on my couch watching dad pack some things for his trip.
"You seem excited." I smile as he nods shyly.
"Billy and I haven't taken a weekend fishing trip in a while kiddo. I'm ready to catch some fish and maybe even have Sue fry some up."
I chuckle at his excitement. It's good to see him smiling.
"Please don't let Bella hang out with the Cullens all weekend and don't hang out with Embry every day. Maybe you and Bella can find something to do."
Rolling my eyes as he turns around, I scoff and agree. With that he makes his way out and pulls off.
Bella is already gone and I'm just waiting for Embry to come take me to Sam's house. Smiling as I think of him. He's literally been amazing these past couple of days. My heart races just thinking about him.
I quickly stop that line of thinking. He is my best friend and besides I'm irrevocably linked to someone else. A knock sounds on the door and the butterflies flit around in my stomach. My smile fades when I open the door and see Jacob standing there stoically.
"There's been a change of plans you need to come up the mountain with us. The newborns have your scent, and we don't want to risk leading them to Sam's house with all the imprints."
I inwardly groan. It makes sense but now I'll be stuck on a cold ass mountain with Bella and her boy toys.
I run upstairs and grab some blankets and more clothes. Jacob looks at me weirdly.
"We are literally going to be on a mountain in Washington. It's going to be freezing tonight. Have you not checked the temperatures?"
He just shook his head, and we were off. Meeting up with Bella and Edward. I try to calm my heart, but it is not working,
"Okay so I will carry Bella and you carry Nicole we will meet at the top."
My eyes get wide as Edward steps closer to me.
"Woah woah woah. I did not sign up for this. Why can't you carry me?"
I asked petulantly while crossing my arms. I know I am upset at Jacob but I'm not trying to be a gusher snack for this dude.
Jacob starts shaking a little and I take a step back. It seems like all I do is provoke him.
"Never mind." I mutter. Its not like he cares if a vampire eats me.
"Calm down before you touch Bella. We do not need another accident to happen."
Edwards says and kisses Bella in the head before picking me up and running. It was sweet that Dracula wanted to make sure Bella was okay. Not that she deserves any brand of kindness. While he ran, I couldn't help but wonder what I did in a past life that would cause this life to have so much misery.
We make it the campsite quick, and I see two tents. Scrunching my face in confusion I reluctantly ask the vampire.
"Am I sharing with Bella?"
"No, you will be sharing with your mutt."
I flinched a bit at his tone. Sighing I'm sure Jacob will not be too happy about this. Turning away from him I feel panic fill my system as I remember Jacob attacking me.
"He knows already. It was his idea."
I swiftly turn towards him and ask how he knows what I was thinking. He looks confused at first and then smirks.
"I can read minds. I thought the mutts told you we have special abilities."
My jaw drops of course they told me, but they didn't tell me the exact powers. I start to blush remembering all the bad things and names I thought about him when he was around me.
"I am so sorry! I didn't know that you could read my mind."
Still smirking he asked. "Are you sorry because I overheard or are you sorry you said them?"
My blush deepens, we both know the answer.
"Look I am terrified of vampires. I am sorry that you heard me say those horrible things about you and I will try to curb my thoughts in the future."
Nodding his head, he starts to walk away.
"I think everyone knows I'm not the biggest fan of Bellas, but I find it very admirable that you are willing to go through all of this shit to be with her. I will deny this if asked but I honestly think you are too good for her. She uses you until she can't any longer, you seem like a decent kind of vampire so I'd thought I would tell you."
He hissed at me, and I jumped away in fear.
"You know nothing of Bella! She told me about your little power games and how you like to seem like you are this innocent girl, but you are the cause of all the drama. Just stay away from Bella and everything will be fine."
I look up to him in shock before I could say anything Jacob and Bella finally made it. I just turn and go into the tent It was starting to get dark anyway.
On the ground I see two sleeping bags and my mountain of blankets. I smile softly as my phone rings.
"Hey, did you guys make it up okay?"
"Yeah, thanks for the heads up" I say sarcastically.
His chuckles fill the air before he gets serious.
"I'm glad you're going to be out of the way and safe. I don't know what I would do if you got hurt."
He stops suddenly and takes a deep breath. My heart is beating so fast it's a surprise I'm still standing.
"Embry"
I don't even know what I was asking for.
"That night at Sam's house when we were in the bathroom, I- "
He stops and I press my phone even closer to my ear.
"I think about it every day but Embry we can't. The ancestors- "
"I know"
We both sigh sadly, and I wipe a tear off my cheek.
"You're going to find someone great that completes you. There is no way the ancestors won't reward you just be patient."
I force the words out even though the thought of Embry with someone else brings me pain that is not surprising at this point.
"You need to focus on the fight. Kill those baby vamps and everything else will work itself out."
He lets out a watery chuckle and my heart breaks even more for him.
"You are right of course. Stay safe I will get you as soon as we finish. I promise."
Ending the call was anti climatic. I sat on the sleeping bag and just stared at the tent wall before I was startled out of my thoughts when Jacob came barreling in with a grin on his face that promptly fell when he saw me. I said nothing and just covered myself with my blankets and tried to fall asleep.
I do not know how long I was asleep before I was jolted awake by someone shaking me. It was Jacob with a barely concealed grin on his face.
"Bella is joining us in the tent so she can stay warm. Who would have guessed a leech would be cold."
I was out of it. Between the lack of sleep and Jacob grinning at me for the first time in months I just nodded my head and allowed him to take some of my blankets. Sitting up slowly I saw him lie down with Bella and wrap both in it while he was spooning her.
"You have no idea how loud your little fantasies are. It's like you are practically screaming them at me."
I jumped in fear as I saw Edward sitting in the corner of the tent.
I roll my eyes as I lay back down. The blankets he took made a difference because now I was shivering. Pulling the covers around me tighter I vowed to just get through it because I'd be damned if I ask Jacob form anything. Before I fell into a fitful sleep, I wondered why the thought of Embry with someone else made me angry yet Jacob cuddling up to Bella was just annoying.