Chapter 6: The One When I Tell the Truth, Well Part of It

The minute we hit the tree line we phased. Being back on four legs felt like breathing. The wind through my fur, thoughts focused on what the pack needed.

"What's up?"

"Just got news."

I snarled, "How'd he do it? Freak accident I bet. I'll take care of him, don't worry."

"Calm, Jake. He didn't."

"Then what?"

"Apparently she's changed her mind on college."

"I call BS."

"Jake, it's true. Even Charlie said she's enrolled in Seattle."

"How can you be so sure it's not a trick?"

"We're keeping an eye on the situation."

"I got it."

"No."

"Sam-"

"Jake, no. We will continue to watch. At the moment, the treaty still stands."

"This is crap Sam & you know it."

"They're here, stay to our side-I mean it."

I phased back and headed for home. I couldn't take it. Figured I'd try to fall asleep before Paul made it back. Sleep. Right. With his snores all I tend to do is stare at the ceiling. That...and then she'd come into view. Not Bella, no not her but this girl my brain says I love more than, scratch that. Not love. Not yet. Kelly. What the hell. I barely even know her. Screw you Universe! Aren't I messed up enough already? Now you want to throw this at me? I'm barely making it as is... Worse still what did she do to deserve me? What good comes from a heartbroken wolf like me?

I must've drifted for a bit only to have the rattling of the walls pull me back awake, Dammit Paul. Wish he'd just stay home. His own, not mine. Slowly I dragged my 7 foot frame from my tiny twin size bed. On the couch lay Paul. Not gonna lie, was half tempted to smother him with the pillow until Rachel popped her head from the kitchen.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Hey," I replied, running a hand through my disheveled hair.

"Thought you were sleeping?"

"Me too," I sighed, "Too bad Paul's here."

"Oh shush," she replied, "You should give him a chance."

"Not today."

"You hungry?" she asked, scrambling some eggs.

"That's a silly question."

"Well," she said, pushing some on a plate, "Have some before Paul gets up. Bacon and toast are on the counter."

I grabbed a plateful and scarfed down the bacon.

"We can cook you know," I said.

"You mean Emily can," she replied with a grin.

I shrugged.

"I like doing it. Makes me feel useful," she said, "So- how are you?"

"Fine."

"And what about-"

"Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't you start on me about her."

"She is really nice…"

"I know kay?," But you don't know Bella," I said, taking a bite of toast, "She's great too."

"Okay," she replied, looking at me for a sec before turning away.

I sighed, "Please Rach, no guilt trips."

"None," she answered, looking back at me and putting her hands up, "It's just-"

Suddenly the familiar beep went off for my texts. I picked it up from the counter and I unlocked the screen.

"Who is it?"

"The one who's not guilting me."

Rachel rolled her eyes.

"It's Kelly, says she needs to see me. Something important."

"Maybe...maybe now's your chance to-"

"Stop. It's probably something small. I'll see you later -kay?"

"Sure."

I shot Kelly a text back then turned to Rachel, "Don't let Paul eat everything before I come back."

"No promises," Rachel chuckled.

I lumbered out the door towards Kelly's window. What could be so important? I mean it's pretty early... The text was so vague too. Short and to the point but vague. I was at her house in a minute. I looked inside at the bed from outside her window. Geeze it felt like moments ago we were there, her next to me...First the movie then the sunrise...her smile...STOP. Damn blood. what to I gotta do to forget her?

I tapped the glass before climbing inside seconds later. "Hey," I said, "What's going on? You okay?"

She stood a few feet away from me, arms crossed, staring. The normal sparkle in her eyes gone and her lips formed a straight line. "I was curious as to when you were going to stop lying to me."

My jaw practically dropped. Holy crap. Wh-what-How-Who? My eyes grew wider as she added," It's bad enough the entire town's in on it and hell, I am honestly amazed that Emily and Rachel, my two closest friends since I got here, were in on it too," She stepped toward me, staring up to me, "But the worst," she said, gritting her teeth, "the worst is that I've finally let people in, which honestly has been the hardest thing to do these last few months and now suddenly every single person is betraying that trust. And even more than that," She stood on her tiptoes, keeping our eyes locked, "for some reason I trusted you since the moment we met. I've been so..sure, stupidly now, that you couldn't, wouldn't ever lie to me. And now...now I find out that you're part of a group that thinks you can turn into wolves and fight off vampires...but still didn't have the guts to tell me no matter how incredibly insane it sounds," she paused a second. I swallowed, eyes drifting away from here momentarily to focus on anything around the room. Anything to get me from seeing her angry...and hurt. When I met her gaze again she said, "So, tell me, are you going to stop lying to me? or...or is this 'friendship' over?"

I swallowed. I felt glued to the spot. Her eyes still focused on me and all I could hear was my own heart beating furiously against my chest. I was a little relieved to be honest that she didn't know how I-my blood felt about her. The rest though...How? How could she know? What all does she even know? Who told her...it's a gag order no way anyone could…I balled my fists, backing away and shaking my head, "I'm gonna kill Seth."

"Don't kill Seth," she sighed, "What's he got to do with it anyway?"

Kelly sat back on her bed, raising her brows at me, "Or was he supposed to get me to join or am I not on the mailing list?"

"That's not it," I groaned, looking at her. She's making it harder…acting like I want to keep her in the dark….which okay I partially do but not this part... "Then how did you-"

"How'd I figure it out? she answered, pushing herself off the bed and standing toe to toe with me, "Easy, I remember the stories my dad used to tell me and Eric when we were growing up. So when I heard Eric and Leah talking outside my door I knew exactly what they meant. I never for a second thought that this entire town thinks they're true because really...who would? It's crazy. Yet it does explain why everyone acts weird around Eric and I..well just me now. And why all of a sudden him and Leah are inseparable and he's acting like a lovesick puppy when normally its the other way around…" she paused, shaking her head, "I know why you couldn't tell me...because you know as soon as you did I'd tell you exactly what it sounds like. insanity. You're all insane...and now you've dragged Eric into it!"

I didn't know where to start. She's right, it's crazy. To everyone else, it sounds like that. Right as I began to say so she threw her hands up and said, "You know what? Forget this. I can't do this right now."

She hopped out her own window and disappeared, leaving me alone. How the hell did this happen? It is crazy...hell some days I can't even believe it. She should be mad, she doesn't deserve the lies. Part of me even thinks maybe this is good, if she can't handle it then she can't be my soulmate right? But too bad that's not the side that's winning out. The other side wants to go after her, beg her to forgive me and fix it. I groaned. Only one person could help me do that, only one person knows how to deal with her angry.

I knocked on Eric's door. Leah opened it with a glare, "What do you want?"

"To fix the problem you two just made."

"What are you talking about?" Eric asked, setting down the controller.

"Kelly heard you two," I sighed, "She knows the secret."

"She should anyway," Leah scoffed, "She's your imprint."

"Wait-What?" Eric said, turning to me with widened eyes, "Jake's going to be my brother-in-law?"

"Slow down," I said, "I didn't tell her...yet. but right now she's pissed cuz she thinks everybody lied to her."

"As opposed to just you?" Leah glared.

I ignored Leah and turned to Eric, "She'll listen to you...just, "I swallowed, "Please let me tell her...the imprinting thing... myself."

"Pssh," Leah sighed, "When's that gonna happen? He should tell her now., "She slid her hand in Eric's, "Look how happy we are."

I gritted my teeth, "Just because it's the right time for you doesn't mean it is for us."

"You mean for you," she scoffed, "You don't want to say anything because you're holding on to that leech loving-"

I shoved her against the door, "Don't even think of finishing that sentence."

"Enough!" Eric said, sighing then looking at me, "I can talk to her but you're coming with. You need to be there for her."

I nodded as he turned to Leah, grinning at her, "I won't be long."

"Okay," she smiled as they kissed. I had to turn away. I felt like I was going to hurl. I stepped outside the door.

"Same spot she always goes to?"

"Probably."

We didn't talk much on the way there. Both too focused on the task at hand I guess. I was just wondering how the hell to get myself out of this. You know, without telling her the imprinting thing.

Once close, Eric turned to me, "Stay close but let me do the talking okay?"

I nodded. I would hear everything anyway. Wolf thing.

"If you've come to tell me it's not as crazy as it sounds, you might as well head back," I heard her say.

"Look," Eric began, "I know you're probably pretty pissed-"

"I AM pissed," she cut him off.

"But-it's not their fault."

"Not their fault? Seriously? they're all buying into delusion.I can't believe you are!"

"It's not thought. Ask Jake. He can show you."

"I don't care if he thinks he can turn into a wolf…"

I didn't hear the rest, couldn't. I had to step away. The way she said it...it cut and cut deep. I wanted to be her friend still but-Damn. She really is mad. Again my brain keeps telling me that this is good, this means more time to focus on Bella and getting her back. But then that stupid other side keeps chiming in that I should make things right, that she won't be that mad if I just talk to her. I wish it'd shut up.

Next thing I knew, Eric started walking back toward me.

"Well?"

"She's still mad but," he sighed, "Just be honest. It's the best thing you can do."

"Thanks."

He nodded, walking back toward town.

I turned toward the tree off a little ways where she sat. Shit. I gotta do this.I have to. I don't want to. Or do I? Damn brain. Why can't it all be simple. At least with Bella, it's easy. Kill the leeches and make her happy. But this? Why the hell did it have to get complicated? I stepped toward the tree slowly. My hands twitched. When I saw her I gulped. Even looking away, I felt the tension in the air. Her golden curls fell just right across her shoulders, blowing slightly with the breeze. I felt my breath catch when she turned to face me.

"I don't bite."

"Wouldn't blame you if you did at this point."

She looked at me for a second then sighed, facing the water. What's she thinking? That I'm crazy. She said as much. And yet...suddenly I never wanted anyone to see me, the real me as much as I wanted her to right this second. She has to see me. I phased without another second going by. When she turned back I watched her jump slightly in surprise. Her eyes widened and then...she jumped down. Our eyes locked as she stepped towards me. Her eyes sparkled as she took in all of me yet she hesitated before coming closer. She bit her lip, cautiously reaching out her hand to touch me. The minute her hand touched my fur, ran her fingers through it...I almost had to step back. It I wasn't wolfed out it'd be like her running a hand down my arms, my chest. The contact...like a caress and she just kept doing it. Her lips had upturned into a slight smile...She has no idea what she's doing to me...can she? When our eyes met again she gasped, taking a step back.

"So...it is true."

She reached out again but I knew if she touched me again I'd be done for, begging at her feet to have me and end this torture. I shot to the tree line and phased back, throwing on my shorts in the process. I came back slowly but she rushed to meet me. Within seconds her hands touched me from my forearms to my chest...Good god she has to stop…

"You really are a wolf."

I gulped, meeting her eyes. "Does it freak you out?"

"Honestly? Yes…"

Well damn. Even though I don't think we should even be meant for each other that just...stung. I felt my stomach drop and looked away, backing up but she came right back in front of me. "But that's normal," she said, gently running her hands up my forearms again, "I mean who wouldn't if they thought werewolves and whatnot were fiction and one suddenly came to live before their eyes. Anyone would take a long time to process that." Smiling at me she added, "But that doesn't mean I'm going anywhere it just means...it'll take a little bit of...adjusting."

Suddenly part of the weight fell off my shoulders. I smiled, "So you don't mind me being a werewolf?"

She beamed up at me, "As long as your not going to change me into one I guess I can handle it."

I laughed, "It doesn't work like that."

She stood quiet a sec then said, "Then I guess you're more of a shape-shifter unless I'm wrong with the lore….oh now I sound crazy….do you change into anything...else?"

"Not as far as I know," I chuckled.

Within seconds she wrapped herself around me, hugging me tight. I hugged her back, squeezing her close to me.

"Just promise me something."

"Anything" I said. If she's cool with this what else could there be?

Our eyes met again. "No more lies," she said, "I don't care what it is. From this point forward we will always be completely honest with each other no matter what. Deal?"

Honesty. She wants honesty. That's not too much to ask is it? If I say yes, I acknowledge I'll have to tell her she's my imprint. But...I'm still being honest if it's not right way...right?

"Deal."

We both smiled and I walked her home. When we got back to her house, I just sat by her on the bed when she asked, "Will you explain it all to me? Everything? I don't want to be missing out anymore."

"Thought you had to make food?"

She bit her lip, thinking a second. Damn she has to stop that. She looks so-

"How about I give you some if you tell me?"

I smiled at her. I couldn't help it. We headed downstairs and I talked. I told her how the pack got started, how everyone else changes and even about my turn. But when I talked about Bella-I could barely do it. I knew if she just gave me a chance I could fix it and get rid of that good for nothing-"

"Hey," Kelly said, looking up at me, "If you don't want to talk about her you don't have to. I get it. She picked a vampire and there is a treaty that deals with them which will break any day now when he changes her right?"

I nodded. She sure can boil things down into a nutshell.

"So when can I kick some vampire ass? I'm in," she grinned.

"We'll kick the vampire ass," I said, "You'll stay here."

Last thing I need is her life in danger. Why the hell do they always want to help out?

She gasped and grabbed her chest in fake shock," It's insulting that you think I can't."

I laughed. Who is this girl? "I don't think you can't," I answered, "I know. Besides, it's our job. Piece of cake."

"Fine," she whined.

I couldn't help it. I can't even explain why. I just couldn't resist the urge. I pulled her into my arms, squeezing her gently. I swallowed. How can I want her right here, just like this but also want her as far away as possible? "I was worried," I whispered, "That if you ever found out you'd...run away...as far as you could…." I paused, looking down at her, "And even though I'm glad you didn't...maybe you should."

"I'd never leave," she answered, squeezing me back, "I'll still be your friend not matter what. Even if you were a leper...which if you are please stop hugging me."

We laughed and stood there, still partially hugging. I didn't want her to move and yet it felt so wrong. This is where Bella should be. Shouldn't she? And yet the girl in front of me...it just felt right, natural. Damn blood.

A howl pulled me out of the daze. Her brows raised, looking at me. "We've been out each day and night trying to get any news. Guess it's time to go again."

"Will you be back tonight?"

Damn. Those eyes. They have me stuck to this spot. "Or are you going to try and brave Pauls snoring?"

I didn't say anything. Seconds ticked by. I'm playing with fire. The flames are licking at my feet. No way any good can come from this...Still, I hear myself say, "Is is okay to come back here?"

I swallowed. Say no. Please. Say you don't want to see me. Don't give me a reason. No excuse to come back.

"You're always welcome here."

Crap.

"Keep your window open."

Lock it. Forget me. Please. Oh I am so screwed.