Chapter 4- "Wait.. You're a.. What?!"

Author's Note: Hey guys! Just wanted to thank you for your reviews, I appreciate the feedback, keep 'em coming! =) I might be editing, and adding/changing things for this story every so often, so please, bear with me as I try to make this story as interesting as I possibly can.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Twilight in any way shape or form; All credit goes to Stephanie Meyers. However, Ray is all mine. The title 'Love Story' doesn't belong to me either, it belongs to Taylor Swift. I love that song. Ha-ha!

-xxx-

A month went by pretty quickly. Most of the time I spent with Jacob in his garage putting up the finishing touches to my car. We had become pretty close in that little time, and I had gotten to know him well. I even met his group of friends a couple of times in between.

There was Embry, and Quil who where his best friends. Then there was Sam, whom I sensed the same type of authority as my grandfather, and the more I got to know Jacob, the more I felt the same about him too. And Emily, I liked her. She was like the mother hen of the entire group, and Sam's fiancé. Jake, and I spent a lot of time at Sam, and Emily's when we weren't at his house.

Then there was Paul, and Jared, and the one who seemed to be the youngest of them all. Seth Clearwater. A person who reminded me of a younger Jacob. He most definitely looked up to him, and was always trying to impress him.

Then there was the most bitter of them all, Seth's older sister, who's story I had learned just a few days ago by Jacob. Leah Clearwater. She was more difficult to talk to. It was as if she envied me. I never really pushed anything with her. I generally steered clear when she was around. I had my own bad temper, and I really didn't want to start anything. The others seemed to take well to me. I liked them all. It felt like there was a blanket of security with them. Like they were family.

I observed them all carefully every time I hung out with them. Sam seemed like he was the leader of their group. He also seemed to be the oldest. Jared, and Paul seemed to follow him around more often. Jacob generally gravitated towards his friends Embry, and Quil. Leah always did her own thing, and was never usually around when we were all together cluttered in Emily's small living room. Seth just tried really hard to fit in, and I always found myself gravitating towards him. He had become my best friend in the short time I was spending with them.

I sensed something more from them. A huge secret they seemed to be keeping from me, but I didn't bother. I usually never did. If I needed to know, they'd tell me. Though there was this one time I felt Jacob's skin. It was like sticking my hand in an oven. I freaked out, thinking he was sick, but he simply laughed at me, and told me it was nothing. He still hasn't told me the reason for his 'fever', but somehow they all kept hinting. Another time I overheard Sam telling Jacob he'd have to tell me eventually. Jacob just answered with. "It's too dangerous, I won't tell her just yet."

I heard that on my way to the bathroom. Like usual, I ignored it, though the curiosity was at its highest peek now.

Emily was a sweetheart. I knew from the beginning I could come to her for anything I'd ever need, and she seemed relieved to have another girl in a group of all guys. Then there was Rachel, Jacob's sister who was dating Paul, and Kim who was with Jared. I didn't see them often, Rachel every once in a while when I stopped by Jacob's home, but I generally spent a lot of time with Emily. Billy Black was Jacob's father, and we had seen each other a lot. He often teased Jacob about me, and always asked about my grandparents, and sometimes my mother. I felt like I had formed a family in the short time I had been here, and I really liked the distractions.

I had yet to see that mysterious man I had briefly encountered at the car store, though. As much as I tried to put him out of my mind, he seemed to be permanently stuck there. I'd looked for him those random times I stopped by to get extra things for the Camaro, but he never seemed to show again. I now knew the cashier by name. Riley. He was a cool guy.

The final product of my '69 Chevy Camaro was amazing. It's slick, metallic black paint glittered in the dim sunlight. A thick white racing stripe slid up the middle of the car. I was in love with it. Now it was more like me. Not to mention it had brought Jacob, and I much closer in the short period of time. I still wasn't sure exactly what I was feeling for him, but he seemed patient about it.

-xxx-

I spent my Friday afternoon in the woods alone. Hiking. I didn't exactly know how far I had gone, nor did I bother to check. I liked being lost. It gave me more time to myself. With all the time I had been spending along side Jacob Black, and his friends, I didn't have much time to think on my own. I was actually happier than I had ever been since my dad's death, and I was pretty greatful. I was just a bit afraid that I would start to forget him.

Jacob knew about that now. My dad's noble death. I felt compelled to tell him everything about my life this passed month I spent with him. I was an open book around him, and it was comforting to know that he was genuinely interested in my boring life story, though I was a lot more interested in his, and everyone elses.

When I was good, and lost I found myself a spacious clearing with a thin stream running through it. Just the perfect place to think, but somehow I had a feeling this was no longer La Push. Maybe Forks? I shrugged off a small backpack, and took my seat beside the small stream.

My legs were kind of sore from all the walking, and I was suddenly very tired, but just as my eyes began to drift closed, I heard something crack a couple of thin branches on the floor. Footsteps? I was quickly on my feet, eyes in the direction of the sound. I don't know why I suddenly felt uneasy, but my stomach began to twist, and turn into intricate knots. Yes, I was suddenly feeling terrified, and I had no idea why.

Out of the brush came a pale figure, and instantly I recognized him, but there was something terribly different about him. His eyes were dark. Not the golden brown I remembered them to be. I was frozen in my spot as he neared me. Naturally I took a few steps back, and without noticing, was nearing the edge of the small stream.

"Do not be afraid." He told me as if he could smell the sudden fear that had engulfed my system.

I didn't know why I was suddenly so fearful of the male edging closer towards me, but I could feel my hearts start to work a bit harder than usual, and my breath start to kick up in pace. A small smile formed on his purple lips, and as beautiful as every action he made was, I still couldn't help but feel danger.

"I am not hear to hurt you." His voice was the velvet soft melody I remembered from the store, but this time, it held a hint of hysteria to it. A bit of an edge that kept me on my toes.

"What brings you out into the woods?" I asked him sternly, surprised that the tone of my voice completely contrasted what I was really feeling.

"I should ask you the same." He said with a soft chuckle. "I was just wandering. I find the forest a most fascinating asset. It's a quiet place. A good place for hunting." Like I had sensed with my grandfather's words, he was hiding a message in his sentences that sent a shiver down my spine.

As if he continued to sense my emotions, he edged forward. I took one step back.

"You know. When we met, I never introduced myself. I am Blake. Blake Barnes."

"I-It's nice to meet you, Blake." I replied still a bit suspicious of him.

"And you are?" He inquired when after a few moments I was silent.

"Raven... Monohan."

"Ah, such a beautiful name. Well, it's nice to officially meet you Raven."

He spoke as if he was from a different time. It went well with the old fashioned way he dressed.

"So.. Hunting, huh? You don't look like much of a hunter."

"Don't let my looks deceive you, love. I am capable of many things."

The subliminal message kept hitting me like a ton of bricks, and still I couldn't pick up on it. As we talked, another rustling came from the trees. A breeze blew passed us, ruffling my hair. I watched him lift up his nose, and sniff the air.

"Oh that smells wonderful." His eyes met mine, and he gave me a sort of cynical grin, edging forward once more as he slightly crouched down.

Before I could blink, or even move, Blake was standing directly in front of me. His dark eyes peered down at me, the smile still on his lips. His pale hand came up to stroke my hair. His fingers brushed against my skin, and I shivered. He was.. Cold as ice.

I couldn't move. I was frozen in my place like a stone statue. His touch was intoxicating. His sweet smell tickled my nose. I was lost in the dark pools of his almost black eyes, and yet.. As drawn into him as I was.. I could still feel my fear peaking around the edges of my desire for him. I was utterly terrified. And at the same time, I was wanting him.

"What are you?" I whispered breathlessly, my eyes unable to break away from his gaze.

He realized my question, and the smile grew a bit wider. "What do you mean?"

I shook my head, trying to rid myself of his dizzy spell I knew I was under, but I couldn't tear my gaze from him. "You're skin is cold, and really pale…" I began to explain. "Just a second ago.. It was as if you flew to me.. You were so fast. Your eyes are a different color from when I met you. There's something different about you. Something. Inhuman."

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, and for a moment, I felt as if I were crazy to assume that he was different. But the smile that changed into a sneer made me quickly think that I may have been right.

"You're quicker than the others." He muttered.

I stared at him incredulous, and wide eyed. "Others?"

Blake's eyes stared hard into mine as if to scratch deep into the surface of my fear. He was enjoying it.

"Blake." Another smooth voice echoed in the trees, and from another corner came a golden eyed male. He was taller, older than Blake, and very handsome. His expression was calm, almost carved onto his face was a tight scowl on his lips. "That's enough."

The male soon turned his eyes to me when Blake had backed away a few steps.

"My apologies young miss. Blake doesn't seem to know when he's crossed his boundaries." Their eyes met for a moment. Blake's expression was hard. I could tell he was fighting something.

"I am sorry, father."

"We'll talk about this later. You'd better be on your way. The others are waiting for you."

Nodding his head once at his father, he turned his gaze back towards me. "Sorry.." He muttered before he turned on his heel, and within moments had disappeared into the trees. My gaze had been hindered after a few miles, but I could've sworn he was jumping in the trees.

"You'll have to forgive him. Blake is somewhat of a.. Rebel. " The other voice broke my gaze, and my eyes flickered to him.

"There's nothing to forgive. " I said with a shrug, still not sure at what exactly had happened, or even why he was apologizing.

He bowed his head slightly, and gave me a small smile, and soon disappeared as well. I stood there frozen in place or a long while before the feeling returned into my legs once more.

-xxx-

I quickly picked everything up, hiking trip over, and was on my way back to La Push. When I felt a little more at ease, I stopped to catch my breath. I hadn't realized I was running. Another rustling of the trees, and I inwardly groaned. What now?

What my eyes saw though made my heart feel less squeezed, and the tension in my body dissipated. "Jake.." I muttered relieved to see him.

He was scowling at me. "Where have you been?"

"Hiking…" I replied a bit taken back by the roughness of his tone.

"Your grandparents are worried about you. You've been gone for a while." I could tell that my grandparents hadn't been the only ones worried about me.

"I just needed some time alone."

"You're out of breath.. Were you.. Running?" Suddenly, his expression changed as he neared me. Grabbing my arm, he began to pull me out of the woods. He was on edge, and it seemed like he was making a decision in his head.

It wasn't long before we reached my car, and Jacob had turned to me with his hand out. "I am driving."

I stared at him incredulously before I snapped out of it, and grabbed the keys from my pocket to hand it to him. We both got in, and before I could even buckled my seat belt, Jacob was peeling off towards the direction of my grandparent's home.

"What's going on, Jacob?" I asked after a few moments of very uncomfortable silence. His tension was so great, it had practically become my emotion as well.

"You tell me, Ray." He barked at me, and I felt my chest tighten.

"What are you talking about?" My voice was bitter this time, my eyes narrowing slightly.

He glanced over at me, his foot pressing harder against the gas pedal of my car. He was speeding, but had full control of the vehicle. I was too upset by his attitude to be afraid of crashing, or even being stopped by the authorities.

"There's something you need to know, Raven."

The use of my full name shocked me. Jacob had always used my nickname. He was quiet when we reached the house. The anticipation build up was so painful, I felt suffocated. My car idled in the driveway for about five minutes before his tight grip loosened on the steering wheel. He turned off the engine, and pulled the keys out of the ignition.

My grandfather came up to my window, his face hard to read.

"Inside, now." He ordered, and I felt compelled to obey.

Both, Jacob, and I got out of my car, and followed Ben to the living room. I was shocked to see Jacob's group of friends all clustered in there. Sam, Quil, Embry, Seth, Jared, Paul, and even Leah, Emily, and my grandmother all with a mixture of worried, and tensed expressions on their faces.

"Jacob wanted to wait for the right moment to tell you this," Ben spoke up.

"But we figured now's as good a time as any." Sam finished as he moved over to me.

Jacob let out an irritated growl as all eyes, including mine landed on him. When his eyes met mine, his shoulders slumped, and he gave in with a defeated sigh. I found myself relaxing a bit myself.

"Raven, there's something you need to know about us. About our tribe." He began.

I was so confused, and the expression must've been clear on my face because my grandfather also moved over to me, placing his large hand on my shoulder, and gave it a light squeeze. It was the first time that I actually registered his skin was as hot as the sun's rays when they touched mine. It reminded me of Jacob's skin.

"Remember those legends? The one where we're supposedly descended from wolves?"

His voice broke my train of thought, and I nodded.

"They're true, Ray. Sam, the others, and I…. We're all.." He hesitated for a moment. His eyes turned to Ben, and my grandfather nodded. "Werewolves."

The word was like a boulder slamming against my gut. I felt winded, and dizzy. Emily quickly moved over to me, and pulled me onto the couch. It took me a moment to register that everyone was starting at me, and another moment to realize that I wasn't being Punk'd.

"Wait.. You're a.. what?!"