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Chapter 6: I Still Love You
With that, Edward started to turn away, but his for went rigid when a low grumbling echoed from deep within the green forest. "What is it?" I asked, the first thought on my mind was Victoria for some reason. But then, lumbering through the trees came Jacob's large frame. He was shaking his head, droplets of water cascading into the already wet air around him. He paused on the edge of the road, taking in a deep breath with a grimace plastered to his russet skin. When he took another step closer, I noticed the small tremors moving up his arms. It almost like he was shivering from the cold, but I knew that even in his old jean shorts Jake was plenty warm in the rain.
Edward shifted into a crouch, a defensive stance taking over his body. I could tell he thought he was protecting me, but I also knew there was no reason for my ex to be protecting me from my boyfriend. So I quietly stepped around Edward, who looked quite taken a-back at my behavior. Apparently he did not trust Jake's control like I did. I stopped by Jacob's side, and reached out to touch him but let my hand drop when I saw he was still shaking quite a bit. "Jake, take it easy, what's wrong?" I searched his face for an answer, and only found him still giving Edward a glare seething with rage. His dark eyes looked like they just might be bordering on insanity. "You…" He spat through clenched teeth, the words barely making it out of his tense lips. Edward's lips curled back into a snarl in what I assumed was a reaction to one of Jacob's thoughts. I could tell both of them were trying to keep their cool right now, and Edward seemed to be winning that battle more than Jacob right now. His entire body was trembling now, the shivers running up his spine like a sort of spasm.
The silence only disrupted by rain and a few quiet growls finally got to me. Whatever was going on, Jacob was just using his thoughts to get to Edward. "Guys, what the hell is going on?!" I rarely yelled, but I could hear my voice a note higher than usual, and if it not for the rain it would have echoed. Edward immediately snapped out of his trance, and straightened up his posture. Jacob however continued to border on phasing, not the least concerned by my uproar. I knew he had heard me though. Anyone else would have said Jake ignored me, but I knew he heard every word, and was just a little lost in his own emotions right now. Jacob would never have the practiced control over himself that Edward had, but it was just another thing I loved about him. Jake had the ability to just get lost in the moment, and in his own feelings. Edward had always been too worried and far to in control of himself for anything like that.
"He's" Jacob grunted the first word, and I knew I had been right thinking he heard me. "He's trying to change you!" Jacob's eyes never left Edward who had become silent, only staring at me right now. I looked over at Jake, and this time grabbed his arm. The feeling of my cool skin seemed to grab his attention, and he finally turned to look at me."Jake, cool it. Edward just wanted to talk, to tell me he wasn't going to be the one to change me. Two minutes ago he promised he would not touch me unless I said so." I pleaded with him, and could see his dark eyes soften. But then Jacob did the wrong thing, he looked at Edward, and saw the loving gaze he was giving me in that moment. That was it, Jacob snapped. "Please, leech! I see how much you want her back! Your just lying to get her to trust you enough so you get the chance to bite her!" He never actually ripped his arm away from me, but the shaking tremors turned into an explosion that threw me backwards. I assumed Jacob was phasing, and somehow hit me as I felt a blow to my stomach before I smashed into a tree and slumped on the forest floor. My now hazy eyes tried to find their figures, and I managed to make out a large wolf chasing after a vampire clearly trying to avoid him.
They looked so far away though, could I really have been tossed so far? I decided I had to get up and stop this nonsense. But when I tried to lean forward I was only shocked by a terrible pain flashing through my body. The pain was enough that I almost blacked out, but fought to keep conscious. I opened my eyes again, and could still feel the rain pouring down on my now still form. I must be lying in a puddle, I could feel dampness pooled around my face and soaking through my shirt. My eyes traveled down to the cool, smooth rock I was laying on, and noted the puddle was a disturbing crimson red.
Then it clicked. This was it; this was the moment Alice had been seeing. The reason she could never really lock onto it was because Jacob was involved. I could hear voices around me now, and the dim shuffle of steps across the dirt. First I heard Edward, then a snarling sound that slowly transformed into a very human sob. Jacob, my Jacob, sobbing with despair at the sight of me. As soon as I heard the sound, remorse flooded through me, and my decision was made. I could not allow myself to die, and let Jacob believe it was his fault. My eyes searched for Edward, finding him leaning over me now. My voice came out in a rough croak, it was much harder to speak than I suspected. "Do it, go ahead, I'm telling you to." I watched his face crease with sadness, and indecision. He shook his head slowly, murmuring softly to me "No Bella, you don't want to be a vampire, remember?" I shook my head with as much force as I could will into my body. It felt like I was crying, but I was unsure if the streams of dampness were blood or tears. "Please Edward, change me now, before it's too late." I could see it in his honey eyes, he was arguing with himself now. Probably debating the morality of such an action, and also if I would be able to survive him biting me. None of us knew if Edward had the control Carlisle did, the control needed to bite a human and not feed.
My vision started to go, but I could feel Edwards cool lips brush against my neck. I barely heard him whisper "I'm so sorry Bella", and then his sharp teeth sunk into my neck. I screamed, but after a few seconds quieted down, ragged breaths shaking my body. I kept telling myself this was for Jacob, so he would not live the rest of his life in guilt. I had to live so I could tell him I was not mad, that I did not blame him. The fire like pain seared through my veins, and I had no idea if Edward had stopped or not. The pain consumed every corner of my mind, and I found I lost the image of Jake's face I had been clinging to dearly to.
While I was lost the burning inferno that wreaked havoc on my body, my mind regained some control. I wondered if Jacob was okay right now, or if Edward had been tempted to drink my blood which was spilt across the rock beneath me. Also, since I was becoming a vampire, what would happen to my relationship with a particularly loveable werewolf?
The time had passed, it felt like an eternity but it was over. The volcanic heat had left my body, and now I found the rock beneath me felt like silk brushing across my skin. My eyes slowly opened, and viewed the forest canopy with such clarity I took in a shocked breath. Then there was the taste of the air over my tongue. I could taste dust, bits of dirt in the air, the dampness of a drizzle in the air, and a tangy animal taste that almost was unwelcome to my new senses. I peered around, noticing I was not on the same rock I had been when I fell. They must have moved me to a safer place, deeper in the forest it seemed, since the cars I could hear on the road sounded at least a couple miles off. Oh no…. But what if only Edward brought me? What if Jacob could no longer bear the sight of me?
I dreaded sitting up and letting reality smack me in the face, but it had to be done. I leaned forward, and noted how body reacted the instant I thought of moving. Every movement I made felt so smooth, and easy, without the least bit of strain. I smiled, unable to contain a tiny bit of joy at my new found grace. I stood up, and carefully examined my surroundings. My brain sought out any dangers first, before it allowed me to focus on the fact that Edward was standing a few yards away, next to a thick cedar tree. "Bella? Do you feel all right?" His velvet soft voice flowed perfectly through the air, the musical notes hitting my ears with unfamiliar clarity. "Yes I-" I started to speak but was shocked with the sound that escaped my lips, that certainly was not me. No, it sounded so much better! "I'm okay." I responded with a sheepish grin. Edward stepped forward, nodding slowly. He still looked gloomy, knowing the now difficult state of my relationship with Jacob.
"Ja-" Edward started to say something, but I did not even listen when I heard the rustling of leaves behind me, and found a scent in the air that I knew to recognize as the enemy. The scent was heavy, almost animal like but far too strong for anyone with good taste to enjoy. My body whipped around, facing the opposite direction. My body was crouched, my muscles tense and ready to spring. I did not mean to do it, but I felt my lips curl back from my teeth in a silent snarl. Then my eyes locked onto the hulking frame of Jacob and I immediately stopped. I stepped backwards, shaking my head. "Jake I-" I could see his body trembling, but he was trying to keep himself under control, fighting his instincts. I wanted to cry, but for some reason the tears just would not come. He did not say anything, just stared at me for awhile. He probably hated me now. I tried to not think about what my new physical state meant for us, I just could not deal with all of this right now.
So I turned and ran, ran as fast as my new strength would take me. Soon enough I was flying through the forest, but nothing appeared as a blur as I ran. I could heard the distinct sound of foot steps behind me, and knew it was Edward. Except I wished to heard the steady beat of paws following me instead. I moved faster, and strangely the sound of Edward faded as well. I assumed it was impossible that I could run faster than he… although I was a newborn if that helped. Alice had told me if I changed, my human blood would make me stronger for awhile, did that mean strong enough to out run Edward? I was unsure of that fact until I heard the clear sound of water running. I slowed my pace, still surprised at my own smooth movements, I looked down to make sure the feet moving were really mine. They were, and when I looked up I could see the stream Jacob had taken me to. This was why Edward stopped, I was on Quileute land now, breaking the treaty. But had it not already been broken by Edward changing me?
I could hear no oncoming pack of wolves to tear me up, so I pushed the muddled thoughts aside. I settled myself on the rock Jacob and I had sat upon, which now felt strangely silken. I peered into the black waters of the stream, and gasped at my own reflection. My eyes were blood red, as Alice had foreseen. My face was a shade paler than before, and any imperfections on my skin were gone. The eyes I found disturbing, sinister, a good reason for Jake to hate me…. They told the tale of the monster I had become. It was odd now, to see being a vampire from Edward's point of view. Except deep down I knew I only felt this way due to Jacob, because he must think I was evil. So this was the future Alice had seen, the one I could not outrun. Here I was, a vampire, alone, and sitting by the stream she had seen. It had all come true no matter how hard we fought it.
"What am I going to do?" I whispered, not able to raise my voice higher for fearing Sam or Jared might hear me. But right now I prayed Ephraim Black's wise voice would speak through the gurgling sounds of the small waterfall, and tell me what to do. I listened closely, confident my new hearing would find a voice if there was one. Surprisingly enough, I heard a low rumble, and felt a wave of awe rush through me. So the spirits were here? The rumbling noise became louder, rougher, and angrier. I realized my own mistake and in an instant I was on two feet and backing away from the werewolf I knew was going to appear. My eyes scanned the thick forest, eventually falling on a large black canine pushing through the bushes, with a brown wolf at one flank and a grey and black one at the other. It was Sam, along with Embry and Quil. I recognized them easily in their wolf form from spending so much time with Jake and the pack since we had started dating. However our closeness when I was human did nothing for Sam now, as his muzzle curled up into a malicious growl. His large fangs were gleaming, clicking together in angry snaps and ready for use. Quil and Embry growled quietly at his sides, but I could see they were slightly more sympathetic to me, maybe they could actually tell I was still in here somewhere.
"Sam, please…. I didn't mean for this to happen. Just let me explain, and I promise I'm not going to hurt anyone I swear." My voice was oddly steady even though I felt my gut twisting with nerves. Sam shook his massive black head, his ears laying flat against his skull. I knew what he was thinking, he figured I was a crazed newborn with no control… no matter what. The tribe came first for him, and sadly I understood that. I braced myself for their attack, giving in now because there was no way I could hurt any of them. I supposed I could sacrifice myself for the greater good….
Sam sprang forward, but then there was a flash of rust red and a loud crack. My eyes followed the blur of motion, and my jaw dropped as I recognized Jacob. He had countered Sam's attack, coming out of nowhere and throwing himself against his own alpha. And for what? To protect me, a blood sucker? They were wrestling with one another now, but Jake seemed to be winning. His paw swiped across Sam's shoulder, his claws dragging down his fur while his jaws locked on right behind the black wolf's ear. I heard a yelp, and then Sam backed off, his fur still raised along his spine. They stared at one another, and Jake seemed ten times bigger as he snarled and snapped at Sam. To my surprise the trio turned tail and took off into the woods, running until I could not even hear them anymore.
My mind was going crazy now… what the hell just happened? Had Jacob really just jumped in a fought off his own brothers to save a vampire? Part of me desperately hoped he might still love me, but I pushed that emotion down. No, Jake probably just saved me out of guilt or a remaining affection he felt for the human Bella. He was probably going to tell me to leave now, and never return. Who wanted to see the face of one they had loved, turned into everything they despised? I still loved Jacob though, even if he had hurt me before, he had just saved my life for the second time. I stared at the russet wolf, who was now gazing at me with a look I could not identify. His face was even with mine as I stared into his black eyes, wondering what he thought of my own crimson pair. I did not see any hatred there, confusion and sadness maybe. The joy over him defending me made me bold, as I slowly reached out to brush my fingers against his fur. I knew his was watching my every move, but he did not step away.
My hand smoothed the reddish brown hairs along the side of his face where Sam had managed to get a hit in, and then Jacob took off. I was left with my hand still in the air, wondering where he had gone. I slumped down on the rock, maybe it was too much for him…. I should not have done that. But then Jake pushed back through the trees in his cut off sweat pants, stopping a few yards away from me. I could feel a burn in my throat now, his human smell making through the musky wolf scent. It was not too bad though, and I did my best to ignore it. "You came back, you saved me." I said quietly, wanting to go over and hug him but I stayed put. Jake ran his fingers through his floppy black hair, shrugging his shoulders. "I had to Bella, after all I was the one who killed you. If I hadn't lost it, you… you wouldn't have been hurt. You wouldn't have...." I shook my head. "No, Jake I asked Edward to change me, to not let me die so I could tell you I wasn't mad at you. I forgive you, just like Emily forgave Sam. " Jacob looked a little shocked now, he edged closer, and sat down on the forest floor only a few feet from me. I was glad to see he was not entirely afraid of me. "Bells, you really asked him? God I thought I put this on you because….once I saw you laying there like that in your own blood… because of me…" Jacob looked entirely disgusted with himself, and reminded myself to ignore his mention of blood. "I kept screaming in my mind, telling Edward to change you, to not let you die." I let out a shaky breath before I responded."Wait, so… you don't hate me for what I've become? I knew I wanted to change so I could tell you it was all okay…. I always thought you would rather see me dead than like this." I let my eyes stare at the rock beneath me, analyzing each tiny crevice my expert eyes could see. I could hear Jake's heart pounding in his chest, and thought of how silent my own was. "No, god no. I know I said some bad stuff about vampires before but…. When you woke up Bella, I knew you were still there. You are not some psycho newborn like Alice was telling us about, your still Bella. It's just the packaging is a little different." He said, a quiet determination in his voice.
I just stared at Jacob, speechless. The fire in my throat had faded some, seeming to realize it would not be satisified for now. A million questions were in my mind. How did Jake make Sam go away? Was the treaty broken? Would a war start? Did he still love me? I decided on which was most important, and focused on that for now. "Jacob" I wanted my voice to be louder, it was barely a whisper but I could not find the strength to increase it. "What would you say if I told you, that I still love you?" I licked bit my lip in anticipation, nervously waiting for the rebuff I was sure to get. Jacob reached over, and took my hand in his. His large hand felt soft, but hot as a fire around my cool marble skin. His dark eyes gazed upon me with a look I found I could recognize as he whispered back "I'd say I still love you to Bells. No matter what."
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THE END……
A/N: Okay, that's it. I hope everyone enjoyed this story. Please please review and let me know any of your thoughts and comments! Also in your reviews let me know if you would like to see a sequel to this story! If enough people want me to write more, I will!
Thanks for reading!