Chapter 5- Breathing Underwater
Author's Note:
Warning, strong language used later on in the chapter.
To quote Bella 'Holy Crow!' This is a wopping chapter! Sorry! I really can't shut up it seems. It's like double the effing length. To be fair, it's because I did promise Jake would be in this chap. Aha. People are gonna HATE how sneaky I am in incorporating the Jake character in this.
Do let me know if you have any problems understanding anything – if the latter half of the chapter (I'm not telling you what it's about for fear it'll ruin it or you…) is confusing. I briefly referred back to BD, to see how sm wrote certain interactions…but yeah…the interactions via thought between certain characters may be confusing to follow. I tried to clarify as much as I could, but I don't wanna make it obnoxiously clear, you know?
Also, a smexy thank you to my delish beta, pinkpower. thanks, bud. ;)
***
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Edgar Allan Poe,
"Eleonora"
***
Briefly I was floored, as the sudden recognition simply overwhelmed every rational thought.
In that moment I was literally consumed by the very real fact I may've inadvertently stumbled on something my family were struggling to find for weeks now.
My face felt permanently set into a visor of focus.
Though my concentration was total, I knew all too well how I wasn't as strong as my parents, my family. I wasn't going to let that stop me. I was strong enough to propel myself with a hungry, heated force, pushing myself.
Quileute land was familiar to me. In a way, it felt like a home away from home. I grew up commuting across the old 'treaty line' since we left to live a quiet life in New Hampshire eight years ago. I could smell the hint of wolf in the breeze blowing feverishly from the east and desperately darted in my search to find the unmistakable sources.
Only consciously aware of overtaking Nahuel in only a few bounds, I left him all but in the dust with a few more strides. We had no time to waste. I'm sure now, noticing my absence, my family was a blur of action.
"Wait! Nessie, not on your own!" he called back, forcibly pushing himself, and trying to catch up.
It was interesting for my family to notice out of the five known living hybrids, Nahuel was the strongest out of us all –though that could be purely because he's the only known male in our species; it also appeared I was the fastest.
Carlisle theorized that as Damphir children exhibited a strong tendency to take after their Vampire father, they often inherited diluted attributes of their powerful fathers. Edward was the fastest in our family. Possibly fast even by vampire standards. This apparently was enough evidence to provide an explanation as to why I displayed an innate ability to run so fast –faster than any of the others, leaving them to eat my dust.
"I'm just getting started." I responded, my lungs feeling a blaze, painfully disagreeing with my sheer force of will. I was really pushing my limits.
I raced through the thick forest, pushing, diving, leaping bounds and taking the liberty to occasionally breathe and ensure I was on the right track. Their scents were largely potent, captivating my senses in the thick, heady Forksian air.
"Nessie, wait. We have to think in line with this killer." Nahuel said, his voice small and in the distance.
This was certainly true, I silently conceded. It could be a trap. No, it most likely was.
I had heard of my Mother's attempts to save my human grandmother Renee, from a sadistic Vampire named James long ago. Of course, a ploy I actually had nightmares about often. My human mother facing a Vampire sent a chilling sense of utter dread.
So now, I wasn't as naïve enough to not think that at the end to this trail, I'd most likely be facing my own demise. This rather morbid thought had occurred to me, but as reckless as it was going to sound, I just didn't care. If it meant stopping this man-eating, self-obsessed narcissist from killing more innocence, then it was a chance I'd take to do what was right.
Call it bravery, or utter stupidity on my part –I'm inclined to go with the latter as I'm sure Edward will do if I'm ever confronted by the wrath of my father, but I couldn't explain why I simply had to see Jacob. Something inside of me just couldn't let that need subside. It was something I knew all too well about addiction. It never ends well. And it certainly wouldn't allow me to.
"This could be a trap." Nahuel called from behind again.
"Maybe." I said, not stopping. "But there's no other scents other than Embry and Seth's so far."
This was true. Why were they on their own?
Only now had I noticed we were closer to the river- not far from my parent's cottage. Had we just ran back in a circle?
I was so unbelievably absorbed in our recent finds, that I hadn't really taken note of where I was actually running to. In fact, Seth and Embry's trail I noticed, had curled into a wide arc, stretching first westwards before heading south on the other side of the river…
Where were they going?
Nahuel caught up with me then and yanked me back east again for another few miles. I realised now, we were involuntarily circling Cullen land. "What are they playing at?" Nahuel asked, sounding as confused as I felt.
I was about to answer with an 'I haven't the slightest inkling' but abruptly got caught off guard with another overwhelmingly familiar scent. "Did you catch that?" I asked, gesturing to the northwest.
Another trail.
Leah.
"Let's just focus on these two." Nahuel ordered tersely. "No running off. We have to remain together."
We slowed down momentarily and I observed as Nahuel took the opportunity to be extra vigilant. His head swept from side to side, waiting for the trail to turn again.
Then like a rain of bricks, the potent smell of wolf suddenly became decidedly stronger, ensuing Nahuel's cautious eyes to snap up and narrow. We both came to a sudden stop.
We stood in a familiar arrowhead shaped clearing.
And then a sudden spout of recognition -a sense of deja vu consumed my scattered thoughts. The place we stood in front seemed grossly familiar to me. I was sure we came here long ago. In fact it was snowing –the first time I had witnessed such a thing. The fallen flakes held a one-and-a-half-year-old looking me captivated. I was completely mesmerized -fascinated with it. I remember playing in the snow. Jacob was there.
Jacob.
My Jacob.
Honestly, the unrelenting need for him -the silent anguish was almost becoming unrecognisable to me now. Was this even an addiction anymore? A guilty pleasure turned so very wrong? Wrong. This was so wrong.
I was in agony. Was that even possible to feel? To feel physical pain when you're away from your best friend –your mother's best friend? This wasn't normal. I was sure my body reacting the way it was -permitting my mind to recognise and distinguish physical pain was just that: in my mind.
I thought back to my previous thoughts regarding this dependency I had recognised only recently over Jacob. Often- too often- things that start out as just a normal part of life, at some point cross the line. They cross the line to an obsessive…compulsive… out of control dependency.
Out of control
…like an addiction.
Certainly this was true. My need, it was simply unbearable. Overriding everything. Every lone thought, every dream away from home, every forlorn night spent staring longingly at the waning moon…
He was all I could think about.
So now, I knew whatever this was, it was no longer, merely a bodily reaction. It was now a part of me –an extension of who I was.
The pain, the dependency – I couldn't control the fresh, all-consuming tsunami – the avalanche of waves that threatened to crush me. To drown me over and over again.
Because in reality, this is precisely what this was. A natural disaster. An attack. And I was drowning. Drowning because I couldn't fight the current, the crushing swells, the deluge of sapphire... I couldn't breathe anymore. I was lost.
"Are you okay?"
Nahuel's curious voice had a similar effect to ice cracking as its melts. It drew me back to the here and now. I fractured slightly from the rigid stance I was unconsciously in. I softened. I could breathe again. Abruptly I cleared my throat, silently aware of him staring at me, half curiously amused, half concerned.
"I'm fine." I lied.
I was only now partially aware of how unnaturally quiet it had become. Indeed the silence was almost deafening. Barely breathing, we were simply frozen, fixed in place and waiting for whomever it was to show themselves.
I scanned the surrounding space and took a hesitant step forward. Where were the animals? The wildlife?
Only then had I noticed a large arm force me back as I took in the tranquil scenery before me. Nahuel took a careful, cautious step in front of me, a protective stance held as he took in the approach.
"Show yourself." He ordered. His voice was low and even, potentially threatening, and impressively dangerous.
Er…what the hell are you doing, nimrod? I shrieked in my barely processed thoughts.
There was a fresh nous of excitement splintering the caution that was previously on his face. My friend's handsome features were alive, his suddenly wide eyes held a fresh wave of… anticipation?
What the eff?
"What does it look like, little girl?" he teased a little tersely.
Before we could argue further on this, we were interrupted by something within the dense foliage surrounding the clearing. Immediately, our innate senses took over and our need to detect approaching threats was paramount.
Our aberrant ears caught the unmistakable resonate of a twig snapping in the distance.
As if instinctually, Nahuel narrowed his eyes again, sweeping the clearing once more. "We're not alone." He observed quietly.
Even in my crapping-my-pants-induced state, I couldn't help it: No shit, Sherlock.
He shot me a death glare, "Do you want my help or not, Wench?"
I pursed my lips, not looking away from the clearing.
"I swear Maya is never this difficult. And that's usually saying something…" he trailed off.
I stifled a snigger, recalling Nahuel and Maya's many sibling-rivalry-spurred squabbling. Truth be told, I envied that a little.
Observing the unusually quiet surroundings before us, I walked around him to step closer into the empty clearing, all the while, shrugging in nonchalance.
He caught my wrist and yanked me back.
I simply looked at him my eyes, no doubt huge. What was he playing at? Did he not know we simply had no time to dawdle?
"Back up. We wait until they show themselves." He ordered curtly. "Don't you know anything about the rules of warfare? Let them make the first move."
Suppressing the impulse to recite Sun Tzu's The Art of War, I merelynodded in mock obedience.
Men…
I decided to share a piece of my mind through projection. Fine. I thought, equally as succinct. Never mind that Jasper – a veteran of a war that shaped American history- tutored me most of my life…
He ignored me. "I don't get you. I mean, was it not you who literally hauled me out of the house -in the rain- just to find your pet?" he continued in a murmur, not taking his eyes away from the shadows under the foliage opposite us.
I fought the urge to groan. "Technically, it wasn't raining. And even if it was, does it really matter?"
"Yes."
Slowly, I smiled impishly. "You afraid of getting your hair wet, pretty?"
Still not taking his eyes away from the source of the noise. "As hard as it must be for you to get, whelp, but most people actually take pride in their appearance." He briefly looked me over then, a weird smirk flickering across his fat, smug face. His eyes lingered a few seconds longer on my windswept net of curls I noticed.
With his patent scrutiny of my rat-nest hairdo, I didn't bother suppressing the eye roll this time. That, and secretly I just didn't want to know what the humidity and the running were doing to my naturally wild tresses anyway. "Clearly you don't?"
I didn't choose to say anything. That always annoyed him.
"And did you just call me pretty?" he asked, humour harbouring his tenor.
Again, I chose to ignore him and instead, gestured towards a patch of darkened woodland on the very edges of the glade. I could've sworn I saw something move.
***
I detected his scent before I could truly see him.
"Uncle Seth?" I asked at the open space curiously. "What is this?"
Why was he hiding?
Nahuel turned to ask in a flat voice. "Seth?"
His almost-black orbs were the first things I noticed as Seth's wolf form appeared slowly through the darkened mesh of trees a few hundred yards away, walking strangely towards us. He was flanked on either side by two newer, younger wolves.
Less than a decade had passed since the original pack members had fought alongside my family. I had heard the stories, of course. Sadistic nomads, neurotic, vengeful mates, an army of newborns, and of course the Volturi seemed like just another chapter in my parent's stringent love affair of a story.
My morbid curiosities and bedtime stories with Jasper and Emmett were never a comfortable mix for Edward. For a three-year-old-looking child, I simply found my family's life prior to me enthralling. Things certainly got interesting for them before I came along.
Memories of my uncles' telling me hilarious stories of Edward aside however, Sam Uley, the first amongst them all to've changed into a shifter over a decade ago, was now happily married, a father, and ageing alongside his wife, Emily Young. I witnessed in my brief yet customary visits to La Push, that it took Sam two years to avoid his instinctual need to phase. Going against the grain -one's instincts, particularly when vampires come and go, was a difficult feat in itself.
Once a Quileute shifter chose to stop phasing, that was it for him –or her, as the case may be for Leah. They could never return to what they were- their former wolf selves. They would forever remain a normal human, with the shifter gene to pass onto the next generation of warriors.
Next to follow the same premise in life was of course his beta and Jacob's brother-in-law, Paul. Paul's transition was an interesting one to observe from an onlooker like myself. Sometimes I even felt sorry for the guy actually. For one thing, his temperament was usually always so taught, compared to the others. Rachael certainly helped calm him down of course. Actually, she was the only thing he really ever cared to listen to. She had this amazing skill to just be there, and he would just immediately calm himself, a gooey look of affection on his face every time he looked at her.
This was always the case unless I was around. I say this, because for reasons I've yet to fully grasp or comprehend, Paul taking the constant piss out of me, seemed to make him feel better too. I was only happy to oblige if it meant I wouldn't be stuck with Paul's idiot jokes for all eternity. That, and I just didn't want Rachael to look older than him.
Strangely, in a much more broader context, my being there had no affect on the wolves. My presence didn't spur on a new generation of shifters. It was only ever my family –full vampires- that they had a natural aversion towards. Though this was interesting to say the least, equally it was an uncomfortable truth I had to accept. Regardless of the fact there were now no ancient wars or treaties to follow, regardless of everyone now being genuine friends and even family as the case may be for the Swan and Clearwater's, there was always an innate aversion neither side could really ignore in the long term.
In fact, over the years, rarely did my parents visit Charlie in Forks for fear a proliferation of newer wolves would ensue with their coming advents. They didn't want to ruin anymore Quileute lives.
It was always Edward sending tickets for Charlie and the Clearwater's to come visit us in New Hampshire. The fact we recently moved to Seattle was of course, a blessing for my biological grandfather.
Alongside Sam and Paul, Jared soon followed suit, wanting to live a life with Kim. And before long it gave rise to a trend of sorts for a few of the older one's.
As each year passed, fewer and fewer wolves were left. The previously existing wolf packs that were distinctly two, were now slowly meshing into one. And this lone pack was now Jacob's responsibility.
I never got to find out why there were two packs in the first place. Whenever I asked, I got the impression Jake just didn't want to tell me, so I didn't poke and prod the matter.
It took Seth a while to reach us, even in his wolf form. It was almost as if a crushing weight -too overwhelming, was making him physically struggle with each diffident step.
Worrying, as it was to observe Seth like this, I was equally getting impatient and took a few cautious steps to meet him half way. Nahuel didn't stop me this time.
Initially all I could really feel was relief. Relief at the fact that all this wasn't just a strange dream. Relief that I wasn't going mad and that being inside the house for the passed two days, wasn't somehow damaging me.
I approached the sandy coloured wolf; distantly aware Nahuel refrained from doing the same. The sheer relief came in pummelling swells enveloping me momentarily, until I noticed they stood strangely rigid as we approached.
I swallowed hard. "Uncle Seth?" I asked hesitantly, "What's wrong?"
No longer did I want to think. I wanted to be in motion. I wanted my arms around Jake. I wanted to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was safe and in my arms.
Seth whined, his wolfish face grim. It was an unusually broken, distressing sound.
I didn't like this one bit.
"What's wrong with him?" Nahuel asked pointedly from behind. He scrutinized Seth's belligerent form a little brashly as he came to stand by my side.
I turned to look back at my struggling uncle.
His neck was noticeably stiff as he tried to look me square in the eyes as if he were trying desperately to communicate something to me.
I didn't hesitate to use what came naturally to me, and carefully placed my hands on his trembling face. I would attempt to extract the last few moments of his life. It wasn't the first time I tried this out- extracting memory. Growing up, I learnt how to reverse my inborn gift of sharing myself, my memories, feelings...
Instead, I learnt how to extract and enjoy another's thoughts, their feelings and memories. This was obviously prior to me finding out the full capacity of my capabilities.
With concerted effort, I pushed away the boundaries that clearly separated our minds. I closed my eyes, my concentration total. With careful persuasion, I attempted to open up the mind of my mother's stepbrother, asking him for entrance.
In my mind, I felt him oblige. And then the cognitive floodgate opened for me to sift through. The memories were like songs on a play list. I had to sift through them all to get to the right one. Usually, to make things easier, I would sometimes place images to trigger the memories I was looking for.
My eyes were firmly closed, but what I came to find inside my werewolf uncle's psyche however, rendered me speechless. It floored me, for I didn't just enter the mind of Seth Clearwater, but the mind of the entire packs.
The babble in my head was complete chaos. How can Dad stand it? Everyone talking, shouting, thinking at once.
I found something interesting. Something recent:
We met up about ten miles out of La Push, in a clearing left by the loggers. It was wedged between two spurs of mountain, where no one would see us.
I witnessed through Seth's eyes, Embry's hackles were sticking straight up. He was growling in an unbroken stream as he paced back and forth alongside Jacob.
Both he and Leah moved like shadows behind him, their ears flat against the sides of their heads. The whole circle was noticeably agitated, on their feet and snarling in low bursts.
Their anger was undefined.
Was this in reaction to Quil's attack sometime two days ago?
Oops. Wrong memory. I decided to sift through and fast forward...
Finally:
Jake started moving everyone into formation. I felt the energy, the fear, the excitement from some of the younger wolves.
My hammering heart literally leapt into my mouth at the very site of his massively powerful wolf form. But I had to concentrate.
So many scattered thoughts…
He had sent them all an agenda. The pack was pacing in synchronization now, thinking in unison. Jacob stood tall and was by far the largest there, leading the way and orienting the younger ones to follow Embry and Seth.
I struggled to focus, to pick out individual voices.
Leah, through the babble: Narcissistic bitch. She's everything a woman shouldn't be.
Embry responded with: Gotta admit, she's hot though…as blood suckers go...
Leah snarled in disgust.
There's no way we can do this without castrating ourselves, Jake, Embry thought, ignoring Leah's evil eye.
She snorted: Everyone's in danger here.
As I was seeing all this through Seth's eyes, I turned to face Jacob.
A mesmerising site stood before me. How long had it been since I saw him last? Four days? Looking through Seth's eyes, I was so close to him.
The immediate flood of warmth I felt inside was indescribable. Actually I was simply staggered at how readily my body seemed to reeact at the mere site of him – even through Seth's eyes. It was quite pathetic.
But then he was just so beautiful. So powerful a wolf in fact that he simply left me breathless. His usual russet pelt was darker I noticed, damp from rain.
I felt my voice- Seth's voice- say: Any word from the Cullen's?
The russet wolf, who was formally pacing, immediately stiffened with the mere utterance of our family name. No. I ran into Bella before. They've had no luck either. His thoughts were clipped and he sounded so unbearably sad.
I knew I was in Seth's head, but I just had the need to hold onto Jake's fur and let him know everything was going to be okay.
How is this possible? Leah asked.
I winced, hearing everyone try and answer at the same time. How can they stand each other like this?
This thing…it's clever, Embry thought. It knows how we think as a pack. It knows Leah's the only one that has a fighting chance with her. And it knows we're slowing Leah down, he stated.
Don't think like that, Leah disagreed.
What? It's the truth! If the Cullen women are struggling… Embry replied. What chance do we have as men?
Shut up! She snapped, gesturing towards the younger wolves, who I noticed had eyes like saucers, watching the senior members' 'discuss.' Seth found this a little amusing.
Er, guys, why don't you all take a break and phase back for a couple of minutes? Embry suggested, clearly wanting some privacy.
They stood fixed in place.
Collin, Brady, take the others and go for a run or something? Jake recommended.
We're not kids anymore, Jake, Collin protested.
Leah ignored this, For fuck sake, we're a pack. She's just one sick bitch.
Coming from you? Embry teased, sniggering.
I think we can handle it.
Like we've been doing for the past three weeks now? He retorted. Like Quil could?
She flinched as the memory of Quil's attack replayed in all their minds.
We can do this, idiot. She said, more quietly.
What's the plan then? Seth asked turning to Jake again, desperate to shut those two up.
Tracking her. And killing her. Jake answered flatly, taking a few choice steps away from them all.
That hasn't really worked in the past, Bud. Embry thought.
We need a strategy, Leah piped up.
No. I don't like it, Leah, Jake murmured.
It makes sense!
He said nothing for a moment. It was clear to Seth his mind was elsewhere right then, still on the conversation he had with Bella earlier that day.
She told me Nessie was upset, he said, quietly responding to Seth's curiosity. Worried. She's worried about me? She wants to make sure I'm okay… Jake laughed a little indifferently.
How's that a crime? Leah asked.
Leah… seriously? Embry thought.
Well, let's get this slut, and you can run back to her! Leah encouraged, ignoring Embry's criticism.
Jacob looked unresponsive for a brief moment. Seth thought back to the conversation with mom, resulting in Jake cringing a little with the quick flashes of her words, still fresh in Jake's mind. She was so worried –worried about me, about us- that Jasper had to get her to fall asleep, he said, his thoughts barely audible.
Poor kid, Leah sympathised. Must be annoying to be the only one able to sleep in that freaky household.
Seth nodded thoughtfully; She'll be okay, man.
Yeah, Jacob thought bitterly. No thanks to me...
You can't think like that, Leah replied crisply, moving closer to Jake.
Why not? It's all my fault, Leah, Jacob responded, his voice uncharacteristically small. If anything happens to her… he groaned awkwardly, struggling to keep his voice even. I won't be able to live with myself. I just…I can't-
We know, man. Embry interrupted, his voice surprisingly soft. We get it. She means a lot to us too, you know.
They were all in completive silence for an indefinite moment. A weird feeling when they could still listen to each other's thoughts.
If I hadn't crossed paths with this thing, Jacob thought, breaking the eerie silence once more, -if I didn't have Nessie on my mind -worrying about her, wondering what she's doing, how she is- this leech wouldn't even know she existed. I'm an idiot.
Yeah, you kinda are, but quit it, Jake. Leah insisted again. This… feeling-sorry-for-yourself, is getting old. And I'm sure Nessie won't appreciate it either.
Nice, Leah. Embry reproached sarcastically.
Jacob ignored them both, Bella's been so careful to keep her out of this. Edward mentioned that if this leech knew Nessie existed, there's no doubt it'd go after her to get to them too. I had to go make things a hundred times worse, didn't I?
Aw, hell. Stop being so hard on yourself, Jake. I mean look on the bright side, at least you know she's the one! That's how this chick works, right? She let's you see what you want most in this world? I mean…we kinda already knew this about you two, but-
Shut up, Seth.
Sure, Jake. Sorry.
Jake groaned inwardly. Sorry. I just-
Don't worry about it, Jake.
Stop that! Why'd you have to bring that up before? I don't even wanna think about –about what it all means. I didn't even know I... She'd freak so bad. If she ever found out…God, I'd hate to think what she'd think of me.
You never know…
No, I know. I know she'd hate me.
I doubt that.
Seth, seriously. Shut up.
What? I'm being serious here! The kid's always been crazy about you! She could never hate you, Jake…
Jacob forced a smile, reminiscing. I don't know about that. She's so stubborn. She gets that from them both. So she's what? Double the stubborness? He smiled then, completely lost in his own reverie whilst the other's patiently waited for him to finish. I wouldn't put it passed her.
She's a little OCD too, I've noticed. That's gotta be all Edward, Embry mused, more to himself. Arrogant too. But she can pull that off 'cause it actually looks cute on her.
Edward again, I suppose? Leah questioned, humouring him.
Embry barked a laugh. Probably.
Jake looked up at the brilliantly plated waxing crescent, She's grown up so fast… he thought quietly.
Haha. Yeah, but I bet that's exactly why you're not in Ed's good books right now eh, buddy? Embry sniggered. Don't care what anyone says, this is waaay better than any Disney crap Claire makes us watch, and you know it!
Yeah... thanks, Em. Jacob replied his voice small. His eyes reluctantly tore away from the darkened, starless sky and he plopped himself down on his hunches. Man, I can't believe I lost it.
Images of my father's indifferent face was at the forefront of everyone's thoughts then.
He knows you didn't do this on purpose, Leah said, fighting the urge to laugh.
This wasn't lost on Jacob. Glad you find my misery funny!
Quit being so melodramatic.
Jake shook his head. I lost it. I blew the cover. I can't blame him for feeling the way he does. Hell, I would, in his shoes! She can't know about any of this. At least that's something we can both agree on I suppose.
Leah snorted. Yeah. Good luck with that one.
Thanks, Leah. His thoughts took a more serious path, his mind literally swimming with anxiety over my safety. I just can't let anything happen to her. I just… can't. I need to finish this.
Don't make this fight your battle, Jake. Embry thought. You're not alone in this.
I know, but we all know it's turned into just that, though. She wants me. And she wants Nessie to get to me, he said sounding so bitter.
We don't know that for sure.
Who're you kidding, Seth?
No one.
God, I just hope they can get Nessie out of here in time.
They will, Leah insisted. If it's one thing I know, the bloodsuckers are quick and efficient. Right now though, we have to focus, Jake –for Nessie's sake, for everyone's sake- we have to focus.
Yeah, head in the game, bro. Embry nodded.
Yeah. You guys are right.
We can't let this thing influence all of you. Leah continued, I'm the only one immune from whatever this self-absorbed, attention-seeking killer can do.
Leah, we already know this. Embry thought. What's your point?
If you let me finish, idiot, I'd tell you, she snapped, turning to now face Jake. You guys go home. Let me run with… Leah flashed images of the women in my family.
No. Seth argued. Hell no. Mom would kill me.
Jacob, the plan? Leah persisted, ignoring her younger brother.
Jacob was distracted again. He paced around the three of them.
We have to protect the tribe. Our families.
You don't think I want that? Jake snapped.
You seem a little distracted, Jake, Embry said.
In that moment, everyone seemed to be assaulted with quick flashes of ...me, ranging from when I was a small child to more recent images. There were memories, brief words i'd said, things i'd done. Everything was flavoured with such overwhelming, unconditional adoration.
We know you're worried about her, Seth said thoughtfully.
Jacob sighed, You don't know the half of it, kid. This has nothing to do with her, and everything to do with me. God, I can't believe I was stupid enough to let that thing get to me. She knows everything. And now she's after the one thing I can't live-
Yeah. We know it all… Leah interrupted.
Wait! What was Jacob about to say?!
Before I could dare to hope –dare to dream, things turned ugly pretty quick.
Everyone's minds came to an abrupt, collective silence. It was an unnaturally eerie feeling. What was this?
Jacob… a velvety voice whispered beguilingly. How bizarre. She sounded acutely familiar. Where was it coming from?
Jacob Black… the distinctively female voice held again -almost a seductive whisper. Come find me, Jacob. I'm in the garden... Jacob, I need you.
Strangely, Jacob let out a dangerously vehement snarl in response.
Woah. Jake, calm it, Kermit. Brady suggested from the sidelines, standing alongside his twin, Collin, and some of the younger wolves who were dispersed further away in the forest.
Shit, it's happening again, Leah groaned as realisation finally dawned on her.
I'm still pissed we can't hear what she's telling him, despite us being in sync. It's kinda bugfuck crazy actually, Embry observed.
Seth can. Leah responded, as if reminding him. And this chick is crazy.
True. But then why can't we hear Seth?
She's playing with us, she answered.
Yet but, why Seth?
I don't know, Embry. She wants us to know she can control the pack's mind? Likes watching us squirm? Go ask her. I'm not a sick nymphomaniac.
Hah! Yeah. Sure.
Dude, she's my sister.
Wait. We need to think more like her, Leah thought abruptly, a new less-than-fleshed-out thought forming.
Well, what do you suggest 'cause, honestly, I'm all out, Jake asked.
Leah looked up. Give her what she wants.
Give her what she wants? A few of the other's asked in unison.
What do you mean? I've tried running on my own. Hell, I've even tried running it all-human. We've tried everything, Jacob responded, sounding confused.
Not everything, Leah thought quietly.
And then thoughts of me were at the forefront of everyone's minds.
Hey, now -Leah, don't. Seth cautioned, as realisation hit him. How can you even think that?
No one took notice of Seth reproaching his sister.
A low, menacing snarl threatened to rip through Jake's chest. His eyes visibly darkened, raw with undefined irritation. Don't even go there, Leah.
But think about it… If we use Nessie and pretend she's on her own…
I said No. She's not getting involved.
You're not thinking clearly. It makes sense. This thing is after her.
He let out a low, warning growl. If you know what's good for you, you'll stop. Right now. Jacob cautioned, his voice disturbingly composed.
The thing was circling the Cullen house! Watching. Biding its time. If it wasn't for Embry –the Cullens, we don't know what would've happened! We need to control this now, while we still can!
Jacob began to visibly shake, a blood-curdling snarl resonated from his massive chest. Stop it.
Leah, I'd stop if I were you. Now. This isn't fare. Seth advised, slowly situating himself between Jacob and his sister. She's our niece, Leah. How could you even go there? You think Bella or Charlie would ever forgive us? Putting Nessie in potential danger on the off chance we might catch Nayha...it's not worth it.
You don't think I know that? I love her just as much as you do, Seth.
You've got a funny way of showing it, Jacob spat.
All I'm saying is... we use Nessie to just lure her-
Leah, enough, Seth cautioned again, interrupting his sister.
She ignored her brother's warning however: She'd want to help, Jake. If she knew what was happening...she'd want to help.
Jacob's breathing was haggard now. It was clear to see he was exhausted, yet the aggressive stance he held refused to falter. I know. That's part of the problem. She'd want to help in any way she can.
Because she knows it makes sense. It's the right thing to do.
Another powerful snarl resonated through the forest, waking the quivering wildlife.
Leah ignored this, Jake, she's my niece. You honestly think I'd want her hurt in this? You think I'd let anything happen to her?
Jacob closed his massive eyes shut, concentrating on keeping his breathing steady -his anger at bay.
Listen to me, Jake, it makes sense for us to use her as bait for just a little while. To tease this leech-
Be very careful what you say next, Leah. He interrupted flatly, his voice dangerously low.
I know it's difficult to imagine this…considering you've only seen it played out in my head…but no harm would come to her. We'd all be there…waiting for the bloodsucker. Nessie would just have to stand there… waiting. Not doing anything.
Jacob's eyes immediately shot open then, his onyx orbs a fiery blaze of black fury as he lunged at Leah.
His quick movements were lithe and fluid. Seth didn't see him coming. Jacob towered over her as he shoved his face right against Leah's, their muzzles almost touching.
He was physically trembling as he bared his massive teeth. His breathing was heavy -uneven, struggling to contain the horrific snarls threatening to rip through him. Leah, I swear to God, if you value your life, you'll stop with this crap. Wh- why? There's no way in hell I'd let you go through with this.
Jake, calm down, bro Embry interrupted, careful in preventing the situation escalating further.
Seth stood frozen in place, in a state of shock.
Jacob continued to stare her down, It's not going to happen, Leah. I won't let it happen. End of.
Okay. I'm sorry. I shouldn't've brought it up.
He remained towering over her, his face indifferent, yet the clear hostility was evident in the way he continued to carry himself.
It was stupid. I shouldn't've thought it up.
The remaining pack observed with baited breath.
A tension filled moment of awkwardness had passed. Still visibly shaking, Jacob finally and somewhat reluctantly backed away. His cold, indifferent eyes were unmoving as he continued to stare the female wolf down. No, he eventually conceded, moving towards Seth.
Things grew dissonantly silent again. Everyone visibly stiffened, turning to look at Jacob who stood frozen.
Jacob… the mysteriously enticing female voice held again. It was like an eerie echo. Why did she sound so familiar? Jacob, why are you taking so long? Come to me now, please. I really need you...
***
Abruptly, Jacob blinked, his tail twitching nervously. Get the hell out of here. All of you.
She's close? Leah hissed, desperately scouring the surrounding thicket surrounding them.
In that moment Embry's howl filled the air, placing the young one's on red alert now.
When we do catch her, I'm soo going to enjoy ripping her into little pieces. My finals are coming up, and she's ruined this whole month for me.
That apparently did it. Jacob leaped away from Seth, towards his sister with his massive teeth bared.
Leah, go! Embry thought. For all you know, we might be next!
No. No way. I'm not leaving you guys here likes this.
Leah. Do it. Jacob thought, with his breathing haggard, struggling to maintain his haunted stance.
Is that an order, Jacob, or is that what the bitch is telling you to say?
Without thinking, he dived again, Don't talk about her like that, He snarled, about to catch her left hind leg when both Embry and Seth lunged, cutting into his flank with their teeth.
I winced as Jacob howled in pain and fury and turned on them both now.
Jake, she's not the real deal, man Seth reminded, a little cautious. Ignore it and tell us where it's coming from… C'mon, concentrate.
Jake made an unusual sound, a mixture of a whimper and a snarl.
Dude, fight it. The real one's waiting for you back home, Embry thought tersely.
She sounds so real… Jacob whispered, sounding so exhausted in his confusion.
I know, Jake, but it's not her...
Jacob… the velvety voice whimpered now. Jake…help me! I'm on my own…she continued, feigning a new panic, I'm scared, Jake. I don't know where my family are… and she's after me! I can hear her, Jake. She's coming. I'm so scared, Jacob. I need you right now. Please help me…don't leave me here on my own..
Aw, hell, that's playing dirty! Seth said sounding floored.
All of you go! Jacob choked, visibly shaking again. I can't control this. I need to go to her.
Leah let out a frustrated growl of her own, backing away reluctantly. I need to find her and stop this.
I'm not going anywhere near you. Embry responded, backing away from them all. Lets go with your original plan. Go find the Cullen's, Leah. They can help you.
Make sure Nessie's not on her own. Jacob interrupted. I didn't miss unmistakable desperation, the nervousness in his carefully controlled voice.Leah, I'm trusting you with my life, here. Don't let me down.
I frowned in confusion. What?
Leah nodded grimly again, what about you guys? She thought, turning to face her brother and Embry.
We're just gonna complicate things. They both thought in unison.
I knew exactly what this meant. The same conversation took place not long ago at the Cullen house when I observed Esme disappearing into the forest on her own and Emmett didn't choose to follow, knowing full well it would most probably make things worse.
Leah dipped her head once more, briefly looking at Jake and then longer at her brother before ducking into the darkened thicket.
Seth stood fixed in place however, joined by the younger wolves that flanked either side, growling at nothing. He watched on with anxious eyes as his Alpha was physically struggling to control himself. Go Seth! Jacob's exhausted voice desperately ordered.
No.
Fine. He growled, clearly struggling. I'll go. If she's messing with me, it won't take long for her to do the same to you guys.
Jake, we can't just leave you like this. This is exactly what she wants. She wants you alone.
Jacob… the alluring voice was back. Jake visibly stiffened. Jacob… the voice cooed, you said you'd meet me after work. Why haven't you come? Don't you want to be with me anymore?
Jacob shook his head weakly, as if trying to fight it. I don't care. If it means she can't get to you guys and Ness- He cut himself off, a broken groan of longing barely audible between his exhausted breathing. Just…do me a favour and tell her I love her. Tell her I'm so sorry for not meeting her after work.
My heart literally melted with those words. As if I cared about that! He's an idiot.
Tell her I'm sorry for not-
Tell her yourself, Embry retorted.
Yes! Exactly, I thought.
Jacob didn't have the time or patience to argue it seemed. Seth, Embry, all of you -don't follow me! He ordered in a strange tone. I'm inclined to think the double timbre of the Alpha was used. You got that? No following. No trying to save the day.
As if to confirm my suspicions, immediately I felt Seth's legs buckle under him –as if they weren't his own anymore. It was a surreal experience. Seth jerked to a halt, barely managing to keep himself on his feet. Will power wasn't enough.
Jacob turned his gaze away from Seth, walking away. Jacob, don't do this. Think about what this'll do to her! She'll be devastated if she loses you.
Jacob's powerful bounds faltered in that moment, as he turned to face them both again. With his words, his tormented face contorted further still, in a mixture of hurt and silent misery.
Just tell her what I told you.
You're gonna break her heart, Jake. Seth's knees trembled, struggling to pull himself upright. I could feel the voice of the Alpha lashing at his will.
She'll get over it.
She won't.
Make sure she gets over it.
She won't forgive you for this.
Just protect her. Do whatever you need to, to keep her safe -and don't follow me.
Seth's front knees folded, his head fell forward under the weight of the Alpha's command. Embry too, was struggling, as were Collin and Brady and the others.
Jacob wheeled himself back around and darted into the darkness.
I need to finish this. For her…I need to end it.
Author's Note- Breathing Underwater –Marie Digby
…is my girl crush! Alongside Mandy Moore and Lucy Griffiths.
I added a few last minute things without pinkpower's knowledge. Lol.
I was revising it, and couldn't help it! So after i got it back from pinkp, I read through her advise...and then I wrote this interesting conversation between Leah and Jacob –but… my laptop decided to eff me over and it got deleted. ALL OF IT. so then I tried to think over what I wrote, but you know how it is... You can't get all of it exactly as it was. :
Anywho, it's Leah suggesting using Nessie as bait. As arrogant as it may sound... the original convo was so much better. :S
'I'd have to disagree with Embry. Ariel/Eric will forever be my favourite couple.' Oh, pinkpower... tut, tut.
Also, a special thanks to ElOsoDelNieve for your comment! Made my day ;)
RnR peeps!
