M I S T A K E N

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, or any of the characters.

Duh duh DUH! Chapter seven. Enjoy the read.

7) chihuahuas aren't killers) JPOV )

"…I find myself watching you when I don't mean to. You're everything, everywhere, everyone. It's not the least bit romantic – no offense – just…passionate. I want to know how you feeling, what you're thinking… Jacob – I'd jump in front of a bullet for you, these feeling are that strong. I barely know you."

I ran my hand through my hair, sighing softly. She was right – we barely knew each other. All we knew was that we were bonded together by the strongest of ties. We were stuck with one another – strangers even though we each determined our existence and vice versa. If Ari wanted to move to New York, I'd follow her. If I wanted to move to San Francisco, she'd follow me. I thought it was funny, considering we'd only known each other for two days.

"The bloodsucker said that all they know is that the Volturi is coming within the next few weeks. They won't be on the reservation, but they'll be close enough for us to intercept them. That's all we know, but that's enough for us to take action."

"The Volturi only cares about concealing the fact that vampires are interacting with humans, right? Why would they care about us?"

"Maybe they know we assisted the Cullens last time. Maybe they think we're a threat to their existence."

Sam turned to me, his face drawn. I knew he had been thinking of the best way to train Ari since he had witnessed her change. It took days, even weeks for us to control this. I was amazed that Ari had been able to change back in under an hour.

"Jacob, you'll have to take her around, show her the trails. Keep her under control."

Keep her under control? What was I supposed to do, put her on a lead? I felt my anger rise, but forced it down. I nodded. "Yeah, I can do that."

"Some of it's going to be hard. If we come face to face with this…Volturi – her life will depend on whether or not you've made her aware of the dangers."

"I can do it, Sam."

"If you don't think you can handle it, I'd be happy to do it. She's a part of the pack, now."

"Sam – Jacob said he could handle it."

I turned to Leah in surprise, as did Sam. She glared up at him, her arms crossed over her chest. "I'll help, too, so don't worry about it. Just come up with a plan, all right?"

I held my breath, waiting for Sam to do something. He just smiled and nodded. Our meeting was over, dismissed by a wave of Sam's hand. I started back towards my house – sure that Ari would have pushed aside Billy if she had woken. He had barricaded the front door after I left, but I didn't think it beyond Ari's capability to simply remove him from the doorway.

"Hey, wait up!"

I stopped to glance at Leah. I sighed when she caught up to me, not in the mood to talk. "What is it?"

"I said I'd help. It's noon, she should be awake by now."

"Don't remind me."

"Is something wrong?"

I shrugged, trying my best to lose her as I wound through the trees. "Not really… I'm just not sure how angry she'd be if she found out I went to a meeting without her. Dad wouldn't be the best person to wake up to in her case… Maybe she strangled him."

"Jacob, would she really do that?" Leah gaped.

"She tried to once… Great, the door's open." I waved at Billy, who waved back. "Where's Ari?"

"She woke up and left. I tried to stop her, but she climbed out the window. Hey, Leah. How's Sue and Seth?"

"They're good," Leah smiled then turned to me. "I'll see you later. Call me when training starts."

"Sure, sure," I watched her leave then sighed. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed some rope off the table. Billy watched me, his face unreadable. "What is it?" I asked him, slightly panicked. "Was she mad?"

"Not as much mad as confused. She said she'd go look for you."

"I'll go find her," I murmured, going into the bathroom to change. I made sure the knot was tight around my calf before I opened the door and ran. I changed as soon as my foot left the doorway. Ari's familiar scent was the first thing I smelt. I took off after it, following it down to the beach. The wind shifted and I realized the scent was old. There was a fresher one coming from the woods. I followed it, loping cautiously once I entered the thick blanket of trees. I barked, hoping she'd hear me.

Jacob?

I lunged for her throat, growling madly. She rolled away, barking angrily.

Jacob, what's the matter with you?

You've got to fight back.

Do you have rabies or something? Why do I have to fight back?

I snapped at her fur, feeling her shift positions so she scuttled past me. She started to run away, the scent of her fear so strong that it almost knocked me senseless.

So you'll be able to protect yourself.

This is stupid – I don't know what you're talking about. Would you quit it?

Ari, the bloodsuckers are going to be here… Any day, we don't really know. You have to be able to protect yourself.

So you ripping out my throat is how to protect myself? She snorted, turning to face me. Her teeth glistened in the noon sun. How about I rip your throat out?

Don't be mad at me. It's for your own good.

She lunged, knocking herself headfirst into my side. I spun, my claws dragging in the dirt as I tried to right myself. She growled, biting my shoulder. I howled in pain, but she didn't let go, her eyes narrowed in a silent fury.

Ari.

She bit harder. I rolled onto my side, pinning her to the ground. She yelped, letting go of me. I felt a fury rise within me. I was mad at her for hurting me when I was just trying to teach her how to fight. I was mad at the bloodsuckers for being here. I was mad at Ari's curiosity. I was mad at her for bringing me back and turning herself into this. I was mad at the Volturi for coming to make sure the pack wasn't a threat. I was mad at Bella for willingly wanting to become one of them. I was mad at myself for being mad at Bella. I was mad at myself for attacking Ari when it was obvious she was just confused, as I had been when I had first changed. I was mad at her for imprinting on me. I was mad at her and I was mad at myself, I was mad at-

Ow.

I rolled off of her. I hadn't even been aware that I had been crushing her against a tree. She sat up and shook her head, pawing at the ground. Sorry, Jacob! I didn't mean to, but I – you wouldn't stop. I'm sorry, how bad does it hurt?

I shook my head, turning from her. What was I thinking? Was I even thinking anymore? I flinched as Ari came to my side and pressed herself against me. I instantly calmed, smelling her and feeling her beside me. I licked the blood from her muzzle and nuzzled her shoulder, showing her that I had forgiven her. I stood up and started to pad through the forest. She followed me silently.

Jacob…

Images of Emily's scarred face entered my mind. An overwhelming feeling of guilt was rolling off of Ari's mind into mine. I could hear my own voice as my words went over in her brain.

"Sam did that. Getting involved with werewolves is dangerous. Sometimes, we just can't help ourselves, even if we love someone, even if we've imprinted on him or her. They tend to get hurt the most."

Ari whined, turning her head from me. I suddenly understood how awful she felt. I stopped walking, planting myself on the ground.

Don't feel so bad, Ari. I drove you to it. I laughed. My shoulder's already healing and I'll be as good as new. Besides, I doubt you have enough power to hurt me.

I'm really sorry.

My attempt of a joke didn't make her feel any better. I sighed and started walking again. It only took a matter of seconds for me to start to feel disgust towards myself. I shook my head as an image of my crippled, bleeding body in the middle of the forest appeared. I stared at Ari, shocked.

Jeez, woman! What are you thinking? Ari, you're not capable of that! You're not a monster.

I am a monster, She argued. I could kill you.

I doubt it. I seriously doubt it.

She didn't say anything for the longest time. I followed her as she turned away and started trotting through the trees.

I'll just take it one step at a time, Ari mumbled. Want to race?

I knew she had been shifting through my thoughts, recalling the meeting the pack had had earlier. She didn't say anything about me not bringing her, and neither did she comment on my anger towards Sam for making me train her. Instead, I felt her change in mood. I snapped playfully at her ear. She swerved to the side, dodging me. I lost her in the trees, but followed the sound of snapping twigs and shuffling leaves.

Last one to the beach is a Chihuahua!

Was that a tiny joke?

Lol, I'm glad you didn't get in trouble. Another chapter – done. Next one shall be in Ari's POV. I'm not sure I'm doing this Ari POV and Jacob POV in any exact order…((mumbles about disorganization of mind)) Anywho, I'm off to type the next one. Please drop a review!

--Blessed.