We hiked up the mountain. Oliver and Jackson were faster than me of course as I kept tripping on branches, rocks, and my own two feet. The walk was mostly silent and awkward because I didn't want to be all over Oliver in front of Jackson and I didn't want to upset Oliver by conversing with Jackson so casually. I was between a rock and a hard place, or worse a vampire and a werewolf. But the silence didn't really bother me, what really had me shaking in my boots was the fact my vampire and werewolf family were out there right not waiting for Maya and her army. The thought caused me to wince.
It was freezing on the mountain and it a thin sheet of snow covered the floor. Oliver and Jackson pitched the tent while I waited sat on a nearby rock.
"I wonder if everyone is ok." I said so silently to myself it was almost a whisper. But of course, Oliver heard me.
He stroked my hair "They're going to be fine Lil, don't worry." he kissed my forehead. His cold lips sent a shock through my body "I'm here."
His soothing voice calmed my nerves until I looked up at Jackson who was glaring with two angry eyes at the public display of affection from Oliver and I.
"Tents up, let get in. Lily you look like a human popcicle."
I looked at him with narrowed eyes while he smiled jokingly. He was right though, between the 20 degree weather and the cold of Oliver's body against mine I was surprised I wasn't already frozen in place like a caveman.
I got in the tent with Oliver and Jackson each on opposite sides of me. Now the awkwardness was hard to ignore.
"I'm freezing!"
Oliver looked at me with sad eyes knowing that he couldn't touch me or I might freeze to death. But I didn't care I wanted him to hold me tight against him, I longed to feel his arms around me, protecting me.
"Jackson" he said "your body runs at a high temperature right?"
He nodded
"Lily, let Jackson hold you."
Jackson smiled and looked at me holding out his arms. I was reluctant.
"Oliver-"
"Lily, you're cold just come here and let me hold you." Jackson said.
I crawled over and nestled into Jackson's embrace watching Oliver's hurt and pained eyes. This was the worst I could hurt him.
"I think that's good." I tried to pull away but Jackson held me in a hard lock against him.
"Lily don't be so stubborn! Just let me warm you."
"Seriously, I'm fine." I said really trying to release myself from his grasp.
He still held on tight and I looked at Oliver's pained expression.
"I'm going to go check the forest, make sure its safe." Oliver said getting out of the tent.
I called after him. "Oliver"
But he kept walking trying to escape the image of Jackson and I intertwined together. I turned to Jackson and punched him as hard as I could shouting in pain.
"OW! YOU BROKE MY HAND!" I screamed.
"You broke your hand Lils, what was that for anyway?"
I looked at his unscathed face and grew even angrier. Here I was with a broken hand and he sat there in perfect condition.
"Why are you doing this to me? To Oliver?"
Jackson smiled and looked at me "Why should it bug Oliver or you? Unless you actually did feel something for me...?"
I rolled my eyes and looked away from his smug grin. I was in no mood to start this up when the people I loved most were fighting a crazed vampire and her newborns for me. But as I let the words marinate in my head I began to ask myself if Jackson had a point. I shook my head to clear the absurd thought.
I could hear a ruffling in the snow and my heart skipped a beat as I froze with fear. Jackson held me closer which actually did help.
"It's just your bloodsucker." he said
Oliver walked back in the tent and saw the new developed closeness between Jackson and I. He ignored it, as pain, fear, agony, and rage all came across his face at once.
"Someones' out there, she's out there. She brought a friend too."
I nearly threw up with the fear boiling up in the pit of my stomach.
"How do you know its her?"
"I can smell her, and I know what she's thinking." he looked down at me and I could hear a low growl sounding from behind his clenched teeth.
"We'll scan the perimeter, she can't be to close." Jackson finally released me as I began to sweat from the heat. I got out of the tent with the boys and watched Jackson take on the form of the giant wolf.
"We'll be back Lily, stay here." Oliver said in haste.
Jackson began running in one direction to find Maya. As Oliver was about to run I grabbed his hand and looked into his perfect gold eyes.
"Come back to me." I whispered to him. The tears welled up in my eyes and he brushed one away with his thumb.
With this stone cold hands he took my face and kissed me with such passion and heat that I began to sweat again. I felt like I could fly but also cry because I knew this could be the last kiss I shared with Oliver. I just couldn't think that.
Oliver finally pulled away then sprinted into the dark forest after my stalker.
I was alone, afraid, and freezing again. My vampire and my werewolf where now out there in the danger. I sat back down on the rock and tried not to count the infinite seconds ticking by. Their going to be right back...Right back...Right back...I said in my head over and over.
Tears of fear began to fall, and I was beginning to lose it. It had only been a minute or two but it felt like an eternity. I wanted to call out for them but if I did Maya might hear me.
I suddenly felt a shiver down my spine as a new burst of cold consumed me. It was uncomfortable and eerie then I got up onto my feet. I turned and realized I was face to face, eye to eye with her.
"Hello Lily,"
I froze with fear, my feet glued to the floor. I looked at her with fear in my tearful eyes.
She sniffed the air blowing through my hair. "You still smell so delicious." I winced "Where's your Oliver? This seems to easy."
I couldn't answer, the words were locked in my throat and all my senses had shut down.
She shrugged "No matter, I can finish him later. But now..." She ran her finger through my hair than down the side of my neck. I shuttered with chills "I'm starving." She then opened her mouth wide and I could feel her cool breath on my neck and could feel her arctic lips on my skin...