Were I Go Again

I hopped the first flight out of New Hampshire, back to LaPush. I told Bella and Edward not to tell Nessie where I was going. I had to try and get Nessie back and help her the only way I can, as a werewolf. I arrived in Port Angeles early evening. I called and had Sam pick me up at the airport. Sam hadn't always supported me in my choices, but he was a man in love as well, and he understood the power of imprinting. He was sympathetic in that way, although my choice in imprinting was dumbfounding. As soon as I arrived in LaPush I went to my father for advice. He consulted with the elders. Seth's grandfather agreed to help me. We met with Seth and his grandfather at the chairman's meeting room in town. My father joined me. Seth's grandfather was a majestic man with his long white hair and weathered face. He shook my hand and father's hand as we met. Seth gave me a short hug and hand shake.

"Good to see you again Jake." Seth said.

"Thanks. You too."

Seth's grandfather took my hand in his and closed his eyes. I looked to Seth and my Dad, and they nodded to me.

"Jacob Black. The wolf is sleeping in you still. You have not lost it." Seth's grandfather spoke.

"What? Well, how do we wake it up? I need the wolf spirit now." I spoke surprised.

"I will attempt to wake it. I sense great heartache in you, Jacob."

"That is why I need the wolf. I need to get my heart back."

"You are attempting to reclaim what is yours?"

"Yes, sir. I can only protect the one I love with my wolf spirit, otherwise I will surely die."

"It will be a long journey back to your heart, son. It will be a perilous one." Seth's grandfather warned me.

"I am willing to do anything for my true heart."

"Very well. I shall begin."

Seth's grandfather pushed me to my knees quickly and said a chant, putting his hand on my chest. I pulled open my shirt. He chanted more, and I felt heat searing through his hand onto my skin. His hand vibrated and the heat increased. I started to wince and groan as the pain intensified. Then I felt this shock go through me like I was being electrocuted. I felt my body shake uncontrollably, and Seth's grandfather stepped away from me as I felt an increase in my blood flow. My muscles tensed up like I was going to explode. I shook so hard everything around me was a blur. Then the shaking stopped and I was seeing everything in a new eye. My senses were heightened. I looked around cautiously. Everyone was still here, Seth, my Dad, and Seth's grandfather. They were all grinning at me. My father was cheering and Seth was whistling at me. I tilted my head at the sounds. I went to speak, but only a howl came out. I was wolf again! I walked up to my father and he patted my head and rubbed my ear.

"Good to see you again, Jake."

I rubbed my nose on his hand.

I went to Seth's grandfather and gave him my paw. He gladly shook it.

"You're welcome, Jake. I hope you are able to recover what you have lost."

I nodded at him and yelped. I felt a calming. I was ready to reclaim my fate. I exited the town center. Seth followed me out and we quickly went to the woods where Seth phased.

Man, Jake, I am so glad you decided to do this. It sure is great to have you back.

Thanks, Seth. I'm not back permanently. I need to get back to Nessie. She needs me. She's in trouble. Can we go back to your place? I'm going to need a change of clothes.

Sure, Jake. Can I help you with Nessie?

I appreciate that, Seth, but I need to do this on my own.

Okay. But if you need someone to back you up, I'm your man, or wolf.

Thanks.

We headed back to Seth's and we phased back into human form. We entered his house, and I was surprised to see Leah there. Her hair was longer than before. I quickly covered myself with the closest thing I could find, a throw pillow.

"Well, look here, the prodigal son has returned. You still modest around me? That's sweet."

"Hey, Leah. Good to see you again."

"You're not looking too bad yourself, Jake." She shrugged her eyebrows and smiled.

I always knew Leah had a thing for me.

"Thanks. I guess." I looked to Seth for help with the awkward moment.

Seth quickly ran up the stairs and yelled for me.

"Come on, Jake. Let's get some clothes for you."

I could feel my cheeks getting hot. I nodded to Leah, and ran past her in a flash up to Seth's room. I could hear Leah cackling in the living room. As soon as I was dressed I called Edward and let him know I was on my way back.

"Edward it's Jake. I will catch the next flight back there to help."

"No, Jake. It's too late." I started to panic. Was I too late? Did that evil SOB kill my Nessie?

"What do you mean? What happened? Where's Nessie?"

"She ran away. She left with Leo."

What the hell? "What do you mean? Why didn't you stop her? Are you crazy?" I was screaming at Edward.

"Calm down Jake. Let me explain. Demetri from the Volturi showed up. He's the Volturi's personal tracker. Demetri led us to believe our suspicions were right about Leo. But he lied. Alice couldn't see it until Nessie had left. Somehow she was shielding and we couldn't see through his lies. Demetri was the one who killed all the half-vampires, not Leo. Demetri was hunting down Leo and Nessie. He must have been following them this past week. After Nessie took off, Demetri got away from us, and went after Nessie and Leo. He must have followed her scent, because he followed her to a remote part of the beach. We followed right behind him and got to Nessie and Leo in time. I told her to run away with Leo, and we would track her later after we took care of Demetri. We fought with Demetri, but he was a lot stronger than we thought. He escaped us and went to track them. They are on the run in Canada. But Demetrie is not far behind them."

"She's with him though, right?"

"Yes, Jake. I'm sorry. I don't know what else to tell you. I can keep you informed as to where she is heading next if you like."

I took a deep breath, trying not to cry. He was with her! God knows what they were doing. I know what they were doing. She loved him. But she was running for her life from this Demetri. How can I protect her still when he was with her? He could surely protect her. But that was my job! She is mine!

"So what do we do now, Edward, just sit and wait until this hunter catches them? That Leo can't protect her like I can. I can destroy that Demetri, and you know it. Leo's only half vampire. What can he do?"

"Jake, are you saying you are werewolf again?"

"Yep. Turns out it was just sleeping. Go figure."

"That's great, Jake."

"Thanks. But what do we do?"

"Leo maybe stronger than we give him credit for. You know how strong Nessie is and he is her male counterpart."

"Don't say that." I frowned.

"Sorry. You know what I mean."

"I'd feel better if I was the one to protect her."

"I know, Jake. What do you suggest?"

"I don't know yet. Let me know when she gets close to Vancouver. If that Demetri catches up to them, they're dead. Have Alice keep tabs on him, and let me know."

"Don't worry, Alice is on it. She has him located in the mountains of New Hampshire still."

"I hate sitting here worrying. I need to do something."

"I know what you mean. I wish I could have gotten hold of Demetri and taken him down. I've waited a long time for that."

"You don't like the guy much, do you?"

"Not at all. Demetri is pure evil in the sense, and the best vampire tracker in the world. He has the keenest sense of any one of us."

"I hate to say it, but how did he let Nessie and Leo escape him for so long?"

"He's conniving in that way. He was probably waiting to catch them together, and waiting for the perfect opportunity."

"Well, I'll take great pleasure in killing him for you, Edward, if I get the chance."

"I appreciate that."

"I owe you anyway."

"What do you mean, Jake?"

"You saved me from Leo, remember. He could have ripped my throat out at your house."

"Oh, yeah, right. I guess you'll be gunning for him too?"

"I don't know. There's no doubt, I would take great pleasure in ripping his head off. But Nessie would be upset with me if I did that. Maybe I can convince him to leave quietly."

"I doubt that. He seems enamored with her."

"Unfortunately I know what that is like. Hey, Edward, do me a favor and don't mention to Nessie that you know about me being a werewolf again. As far as she's concerned I'm still human."

"Okay. I will. And Jake, I will keep you informed of her whereabouts and Demetri's as well."

"Good, thanks Edward. I will talk to you soon."

I hung up with Edward and slumped on Seth's bed. Great, now I have to wait. I need to run. I need to go somewhere, anywhere. I sat up and looked to Seth.

"What's up Jake?"

"I need to get out of here for awhile. Can you do me a big favor?"

"Sure."

"If Edward calls, let me know as soon as possible. Could you relay messages to me from afar?"

"What do you mean? Are you taking off?"

"I have to. I need to. Could you do that for me, Seth?"

"Sure. I will relay any messages Edward will have for you."

"Thanks. You're a good friend Seth." I patted him on the shoulder, and took off out of his house. I waved to Leah on my way out. As soon as I got to the woods, I tied my sweatpants to my leg and phased into wolf form. Then I ran. I ran until I reached the Canadian Border, and ran back again. I kept running back and forth for hours, into the night and until the break of dawn. Then I found a cave to settle in and fell asleep curled up into a ball. It felt good to be wolf again. The feeling was incredible.

Three days had passed and I hadn't heard from Seth. On the fourth day I was nearing Olympic State Park when he called for me.

Jake? Can you hear me?

Yes, Seth. What's up?

Good. I finally got you. You must have been out of range. Edward called. Nessie is in Calgary and the vampire tracker is hot on their trail, maybe only half a day behind them. He suggested they come to LaPush. He wants to meet with Sam and the pack tomorrow. Will you come?

Tell Edward I will head towards Calgary and catch up to them. I will cut off Demetri's path and try to intercept him. I will continue to follow Nessie all the way home. If Demetri happens to get past me tell Sam I will lead the pack in taking him out. I will lead the attack on Demetri. No one is to act until I say. Got it?

Sam won't like it. Are you sure you want to do this?

I have to. I need to protect Nessie. I can't allow that blood-sucking tracker get to her. Make sure you tell Sam. He must let me lead the attack.

Okay Jake. I'll let Edward know your plans, and I will tell Sam your intentions.

Thanks Seth.

I followed my scent back to the Canadian border and crossed over. I ran as fast as my legs would take me. I was nearing Calgary and checked to find Nessie's scent. I caught her scent outside a gas station, and followed it from there. I also caught the brief sickening sweet scent of that vampire killer. He was on her trail only a few miles ahead. I ran faster following Demetri's scent. My nose curled as I was getting closer to him. Then I saw a glimpse of him running ahead of me in the forest that lined the highway. He must have caught wind of me. He started to run faster, not veering from his mission. I sped up, and was only less that a few yards from him. I saw him look to the road, and I saw what he spied. I could see the bright whiteness of his evil grin in the moonlit night. I saw a small green SUV on the highway ahead. It was speeding at nearly 100 miles per hour. Oh, no you don't you bloodsucker! I caught up to him and tackled him. We tumbled through the woods and wrestled all the while. I got a few scratches in him, but he got loose out of my tracks and went in pursuit. I continued to follow, and jumped ahead of him. I looked back at him and growled at him. He seemed to slow in his running. I continued to follow the green SUV. The sun was rising. We passed a sign, Vancouver City Limits. They were heading straight through the city. I couldn't follow and chance being seen. I decided to run along the outskirts of the city, and catch up to them on the other side. I hoped the blood-sucker would take the same approach. As the city passed by me, I caught sight of the green SUV again. I followed closely. I tried to catch Demetri's scent again, and he was a half mile behind us, following. I stopped following the SUV and waited for Demetri to catch up. I headed him off, and led him away from the road. We circled each other until we reached Washington State border. I continued to circle him for hours, but he must have gotten frustrated with me, and broke my circle. He dashed ahead of me, so I pursued him. Day had turned to dusk, and he was heading straight to LaPush.

Jake, where are you? Sam was calling me. That bloodsucker is here!

Don't move on him until I get there. I am almost there.

What about Nessie?

That Leo will protect her until I get there. I am taking out Demetri. Do not act!

You better hurry!

I rushed through the forest of LaPush and could see the bonfire on First Beach through the trees. I could barely make out my Nessie and that Leo on the Beach, facing Demetri. Then Leo was fighting with Demetri. Then I heard a blood curdling scream that I knew was Nessie. I'm coming Nessie! I streaked past the bonfire and saw the vampire going for Nessie who was on her back trying to crawl away. I jumped over her and lunged at the bloodsucker. I snarled loudly and bit the vampire on the side of his neck piercing his tough skin and nearly biting his head off. He gurgled loudly, as he was dying.

Okay guys. Let's finish him. I told the guys to join me in tearing Demetri into bits. My brother wolves joined me, and our teeth gnashed and tore him to pieces. Then we tossed the parts into the bonfire and purple flames lit up the sky. Okay boys, our job here is done. I was proud of our accomplishment. We dispersed back into the woods. I looked back at Nessie before leaving. She was in shock. I saved her life. I was her knight in wolf armor.

"Jacob?" Nessie called to me.

Yes, my love. It is I, the wolf that loves you 'til the day I die. I grinned at her in my "wolfy" way. She knew it was me. You will come back to me someday, my love, and you will be mine again.

When I reached the woods I phased back into my human form and started slowly back to my Dad's home. I was almost to the front door when Seth came running through the woods and phased human in one swift move. He was panicked and panting.

"Jake, come quick! The Volturi has Nessie!"

Panic came over me, and I phased into wolf again, and followed Seth. We ran to the beach, and I saw the Volturi gathered on the beach. Seth pointed to the cliff that reached like a hand out of the sea.

"Up there! One of them has her. Edward and Bella went after him."

I looked to the cliff and could barely see a struggle. Leo was fighting with the white haired Volturi leader. Nessie was too close to the edge. I was going to run up there, but saw Edward approaching the cliff, and then I heard Nessie scream again. Leo and the white haired vampire fell off the cliff and were tumbling and fighting still, all the way down to the murky choppy water. They sunk fast, and I didn't see anything else of them.

Noooo! Oh, god. Are they coming up? Can vampires drown? They're not coming up.

Jake. They're gone.

No. Wait we have to get out of sight.

I tugged at Seth and we ducked into the woods. We watched as Edward carried Nessie back down to the beach. Bella was following behind them. Edward looked over to the woods where we were. He knew I was there. Nessie was crying.

What are they doing here anyway? They're not allowed here. I spoke to the pack.

You're right. We will give them notice. Sam announced as he howled.

We as a pack formed a line and marched out of the forest, and encircled the Volturi around the bonfire. They were clearly outnumbered by us now. They seemed intimidated.

"What do they want, Edward?" Aros asked.

They are trespassing on Quiluete land, and it is forbidden. We have every right to destroy them. Sam relayed.

"They say you are on Quiluete land which is forbidden to vampires. And they have every right to attack and kill every one of you." Edward informed them.

"We did not know. The children of the moon have rules? How is that possible?" Aros spoke.

"They are a strict run pack." Edward continued.

"But your family is here."

"We are allies with the Quiluete pack. We were invited. You were not." Edward confirmed. The Volturi grouped together in their cloaked hoods.

"Then we go in peace. Peace to you my friends. Edward, Bella, always a pleasure. Renesmee may your heart heal from its wounds. You will find love again." I perked up at what he said.

"Go in peace, Brother Aros." Carlisle spoke.

The Volturi slithered away through the woods like black snakes.

Alright! That's right you Italian bloodsuckers, go home where you belong! Sam and the others cheered in a howling song.

I started back towards the woods, feeling for Nessie and her loss. I realized she did love him in a way. I only want her to be happy. I only wished she could love me again the way she used to. I looked back to her. She was watching me. I'm sorry my love, for not being there in time. I hope you can forgive me. I love you still, and I hope in time you will love me again. I miss you. I will never forget you. I nodded to her and howled once. Then I took off running. Seth was not far behind me.

Jake, where are you going?

I need to go.

Are you coming back?

Maybe. Don't follow me Seth. I don't know when I'll be back. Tell my father I will talk to him soon.

Okay. Take care Jake.