Chapter 7

A howl echoed off in the distance. Seth and signaled for Embry to change.

"The area is clear," Embry said quickly before changing back into his wolf form. Quil had ran ahead to make sure that I was safe from being attacked while I hunted.

"Do, you, uh, mind if I…" I trailed off nervously. I never really liked being watched as I drank or hunted. It was just strange having a pair of eyes follow you while you are focusing on the kill.

"Go ahead," Seth waved me off nonchalantly. "We'll be here when you're done. If you need us," I nodded in understanding and took off. It felt exhilarating running. I realized I hadn't been running since Edward left. When he was called to fight, I stopped doing anything that might remind me of him; including running. We had run together often. Now, feeling the air lift my hair and the scenery pass me by, I felt free. Something I hadn't felt in awhile.

After a few miles, I realized I was being followed. I ran faster and then whirled around in a circle to confront my assailant. I turned to see a lanky, sandy Lycan stunned.

"Seth," I started to complain. He bowed his head, ashamed. I tapped into my telepathy so I could speak with him. Luckily, the bond was a just strong enough to communicate simply. Why are you following me?

Seth jumped, startled by the extra voice in his head. Then he realized something and relaxed. That's what Jacob was talking about.

Yes, I am telepathic. Now, pray tell why you are following me.

Jacob's orders are to make sure you stay in sight. We can't have you running off, Bella. As much as I didn't like the plan, he had a point. So I made a compromise and said I would follow behind you. I hoped you wouldn't be that objective with ME following me. Seth's eyes were pleading.

Fine, you can follow. But give me space when I find my prey. I don't like being watched while I'm hunting. I get really rapacious. If I feel like I have a competition for my meal, I won't think twice about attacking. So, please be careful around me. I warned. I didn't even want to imagine what could happen if Seth happened to cross me during the hunt. I grimaced at the thought.

Seth seemed to catch my drift and nodded his head in understanding. Okay, just don't go running off. That would be on my head and I would be in big trouble. I nodded and took that as a go ahead. I left quickly and was glad that Seth stayed out of my peripheral vision.

A delicious smell crossed my path. I changed course and followed it. My vision turned red and I took everything in predatorily. I scanned the area for dangers, even though I was probably the most dangerous creature there. My senses brought me to a clearing. Perfect. A black panther was drinking from a stream. Completely unaware it was being stalked. I circled around the clearing, hidden in the trees. I picked one and climbed up it. I crawled down a branch that loomed perfectly over the panther. Still undetected, I crouched and prepared to spring on my prey. I coiled, and then sprang. I landed on the panther's back. We rolled a few times until I was hovering over it, pinning it down with my hands by the shoulders. It growled and I decided I wanted to have a little fight. I haven't gotten one lately, thought it would be good for me. I jumped off the large cat. We circled each other. The cat seemed to think I was an easy target. It obviously didn't recognize my movements were far different than any human it had ever come across before. I snarled when the cat lunged, I dodged it easily. The black cat stood quickly and spun around to find me across the clearing. It cocked its head to the side in confusion. Probably not grasping the idea of me being able to move that quickly. The panther shook its head and then stalked towards me again. I got a little bored of its antics so I jumped over the cat and grabbed its head in my hands, twisting it while I leaped. It made a cracking noise, and then the cat fell limp to the ground. I smiled victoriously and leaned down to drink. I finished up the cat and then discarded it behind some bushes. Some other animal would come across it and finish it.

What's next? I thought comically. I laughed at out and then ran off to find my next meal. I quenched my thirst after two deer and a small lioness. After cleaning up the mess, I looked down to see if my attire had been messed up. I had a few leaves and I needed to dust off some dirt, but other than that, nothing. I loved this outfit! (A/N watch either Underworld or Underworld Evolution or just look up Kate Beckinsale or her character Saline.) I remembered Seth was following me after my vision cleared and I was back to myself. "Seth, I'm done," I called out. A sandy Lycan can into view a few seconds later. Hello, I greeted when I tapped into my ability. Seth snorted in acknowledgment.

Um, we have to get back now. He informed me. I nodded my head and we raced off. As we reached a comfortable pace, two other Lycans came from the sides and trailed us. We reached the camp after a few minutes. The sun was high in the sky and my skin was alight with rays of mini rainbows. A few Lycans turned their heads at our arrival. A tent was set up on a hill and Seth moved in that direction. I followed him quietly, keeping my head held high though through the harsh stares. I heard voices coming from the tent as we neared.

"I'm trying, just give me time," I was able to catch just before the voice was hushed.

"They're back," a girl's voice spoke. I recognized it as Jacob and Leah talking. A tent flap flew up and a grey Lycan stepped out. Leah gave me a look then trotted down the hill and out of sight while flicking her tail back and forth.

"Bells," Jacob exclaimed happily from the tent entrance. I stored the encounter in the back of my mind to study later. I returned the smile as Jacob held the flap up so I could step inside. The tent was large enough for about two Lycans and vampire. Seth squeezed himself in as we crowded around a makeshift desk. Jacob quickly covered something, but not before I caught a glimpse of a map of my kingdom. I looked up before he could notice my wandering eye. "I'm hoping your hunt went okay?" Jacob asked nonchalantly.

"It went well," I decided not to dive into details. Seth would probably fill him in later if Jacob hadn't been watching through his eyes anyways, which I'm sure he was. There was something off about this whole thing, but I couldn't place a finger on it. I need to sit down and lay out everything I had gathered in the time I had been with them and ponder over it. Something was missing; the pieces just didn't all fit together. I pushed my thoughts aside for later.

"Glad to hear that," Jacob motioned for me to sit on the ground with him. Seth had lain down by the tent's opening as a sort of guard. He looked as he was about to fall asleep any second. "So, I've talked to everyone and we decided tonight we would just relax. Tomorrow we can start making plans. How does that sound?"

"Perfect," I really was hoping I could steal time to myself to figure out what was going on.

"Great, why don't you go clean up and rest a bit. I'll send for you when we're ready for the night's festivities," Jacob instructed. Seth stood and stepped outside with a silent order.

"See you then," I waved and followed Seth to a stream behind the hill that was hidden by trees and thick bushes. "Thanks Seth," I shooed him off for privacy; even though I knew I wouldn't get it. I felt at least one pair of eyes on me the entire time I bathed. I cleaned my clothing as well so they wouldn't smell and let them dry while I washed down. I grabbed a piece of cloth that was left for me and covered myself when I stepped out of the water. My hair was left to dry down my back. I pulled my pants and top on. I was having trouble tying my corset with you when I heard steps behind me.

"Need any help," a voice startled me. I spun around, my fangs at the ready. Jacob held his hands up quickly. "I come in peace," he smiled wearily. I retracted my fangs and relaxed.

"You shouldn't do that," I scolded him.

"I know, but it was so tempting," Jacob laughed and came closer. "But do you need any help?" How did he know I was having trouble with my strings? That just confirmed my suspicions of being watched.

"Uh, sure," I raised my long hair so he could tie the strings together. His long fingers worked quickly and pulled tightly. I gasped when he pulled a little too hard around my rib cage. It didn't hurt, but it made me lose the unneeded breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"I'm sorry, did I pull too tight?" Jacob's voice had something I couldn't quite place. Was he smug? He was smug about hurting me; well at least, he thought he hurt me.

"No," I answered shortly. Jacob just tugged tighter on my strings. When he finished the last one on my waist, his fingers lingered and slid down around my waist. Jacob dug his nails into my sides and spun me around to face him.

"Bella, can I ask you a question?" Jacob asked curiously.

"Sure," I replied, not sure where he was going with this.

"I have feelings for this girl, right. And I know she has the same ones. But she is too stubborn to realize it," Jacob rambled off. He never actually asked a question.

"And the question would be?" I prompted.

"I'm getting there," Jacob muttered. "What do you think she would do if I kissed her?" Jacob's eyes grew darker as the seconds ticked passed when I didn't answer. I had an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Luckily, we were interrupted by Seth.

"Hey, their ready," Seth informed us before running off.

"Let's go," Jacob was suddenly normal. He took my hand and pulled me towards a camp fire. I hadn't realized I had been gone that long. The sun was setting and the stars were starting to twinkle above.

"It's twilight," I whispered, gazing at the sky.

"Yeah," Jacob raised an eyebrow.

"It's the easiest time. But also the saddest, in a way… the end of another day, the return of the night. Darkness is so predictable, don't you think?" I asked Jacob. (A/N Twilight quote!)

"Yeah, I guess," Jacob responded, a little thrown off by my musings. "Let's sit down," Jacob motioned to a spot at the head of the circle that surrounded the fire. "Tell me," Jacob sat down and pulled me down next to him, "do you like scare stories?" There was something in his eyes that twinkled with mischief.

"Of course."

"Good," Jacob winked then turned to the rest of the group. Everyone was in human form except for a few Lycans spread out sporadically outside the circle, keeping watch. "I thought tonight would be a good night to honor our ancestry. The full moon shines bright above our heads. It smiles down on its children." Jacob's voice had risen and commanded the attention of everyone in hearing distance. I found myself truly captivated in his words. "The first werewolf," Jacob continued. I found myself falling deeper into his voice. Jacob's words pulled me into elaborate, detailed pictures of the legends he spoke of. The pictures seemed so real. It was as if I could reach out and touch it. The pictures came to life and danced around to Jacob's soothing voice. The story telling continued until the fire's embers dwindled. Jacob's lulling voice called for the last story. "The first Lycan," I instantly knew he was speaking of himself. "Fell in love. He was foolish for doing so. It only brought destruction to his kind and hers. The girl had a father. He was the king. He was like a father to the Lycan. He taught him everything he knew. How to fight and how to protect the kingdom. The Lycan secretly met with the princess. He mused his thoughts of escaping, even showed her the key that would free his chains. She told him he was foolish for thinking of leaving the kingdom. That the King would hunt him down and kill him. He asked her to leave with him. She said she couldn't because it was her home. Her father would stop at nothing to have her return. One day, the princess went off to escort guests into the kingdom. They were ambushed by werewolves. The Lycan tried to warn the guard, but they ignored him. He left the kingdom to help his love. There were too many werewolves for them to fight off. He pulled out his key and unlocked the collar around his neck that bound him to remain human. He changed into his wolf form. He howled into the night in anger. The princess was about to die. A werewolf was over her ready for the kill. The wolf backed off when the Lycan howled. The approaching wolves quickly retreated back to where they came from. As did the wolf that was going to kill the princess. The King soon arrived. He was furious. He ordered for the Lycan to receive thirty lashes and held in prison with the other Lycans that he had helped change. The princess was distraught. It was said that the Lycan would be killed the next day. She met with the Lycan and warned him. He rallied the other Lycans together to rebel the next morning. They made their escape quickly. But the Lycan wanted the princess. Little did he know that she was held captive by her father who knew the relationship between the two. He returned to the kingdom to steal the princess away. It was a trap though; there was no way out of the city. The princess was forced to fight her own people. Her father came and fought her. During the fight, she revealed she was pregnant with the Lycan's baby. The Lycan was stunned. He lost concentration for a second and was quickly captured. The King ordered her to death. He made the Lycan watch as she was ripped apart by her friends and then burned. Her last words were 'I love you'. The Lycan was so furious he broke from the chains that bound him. He fought of the guard and made his escape. He vowed that he would have revenge. And he did. He killed the leech that ordered his own daughter's death." Jacob finished solemnly. He had lost the voice of a leader. He just sounded like a scorn man. One who lost everything. I felt the urge to wrap my arms around his form and hold him till all the pain subsided.

The circle was quiet. Dead quiet. It wasn't awkward. Just respectful.

"I believe it is time for most of you to turn in," Jacob realized and stood. Several of them went in different directions. After a minute, I heard ripping noise and several yowls that were meant as yawns. I smiled. A few stuck around and picked up the area. "You should get some sleep, princess," Jacob cracked a wide smile. His term 'princess' usually would make me angry. But now it shocked me. He had just told a story and used that term to describe his love. I stored this for later reference.

"Yes, I am a bit tired," I yawned for emphasis. The sooner I was away from him, the better. I didn't know why, though. It was just a little unnerving.

"Well, we were in a little of a hurry when we left. So we weren't able to grab much," Jacob rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.

"It's okay, I would prefer to sleep in the trees," I shrugged. His eyes widen in astonishment.

"What?" Jacob's tone was one of bewilderment.

"I love sleeping in trees. It's so calming. The swaying of the branches and the rustling of the leaves," Jacob just stared at me like I had two heads. "I know you like sleeping on the floor," I pointed out.

"Touché," Jacob laughed.

"Well, I'm off," I waved and headed to the edge of the forest. I knew I had several eyes on me as I scaled a tree and found a comfy looking branch. I circled around a few times, finding a good spot and laid down. "Perfect," I whispered before falling into a peaceful sleep.

"BELLA," a voice called behind me. It was Edward. I spun around to meet him this time. He brought me into his arms, smiling my favorite crooked smile. "I missed you," he whispered before kissing me. But his lips were different. They were bigger and more urgent. They were forceful and demanding. I opened my eyes to be met by a pair of chocolate ones. I screamed and pulled back. But Jacob held me closer. He threw me against a tree. Before I could escape, he was upon me again. "Bella," Jacob whispered in my ear. He kissed down my jaw and neck. I heard a growl from behind him. I glanced up to see my favorite emerald eyes.

"Get away from her," Edward snarled. Jacob ignored him and went back to kissing my neck. "I said," Edward grabbed Jacob's shoulders and threw him off me, "to get away from her." His voice was menacing. I was scared for Jacob. He was a good friend. And murder was in Edward's eyes. He didn't deserve that.

"No!" I cried out and jumped in front of Edward's attack. I hovered protectively over Jacob. "Don't hurt him," I begged Edward. He gave me a confused look.

"Bella, he hurt you," Edward gestured to my arms. I looked down and saw scratch marks up and down my arms. I shrugged off the slight pain and looked back to Edward.

"But he's my friend," I pleaded.

"You love him!" Edward accused.

"I do, but as a friend," I argued but it was too late. Edward threw me aside. He bent down to pull Jacob up, but he pulled up a crying baby that kept changing from wolf to baby and back again.

"What is this thing?" Edward spat with as much venom as he could muster in the two syllables. I growled and lunged at Edward.

A/N Okay, what do you think? Review and tell me! Please? Oh, shout out to edwardsince1901! She has been awesome! A huge supporter of all of my stories. She reviews each chapter and gives me a lot of help and ideas! I wanted to just say thank you! XD