AN- Once again this chap is for Razzi coz I lover her so very much thankies for the reviews everyone! I love you all!
Standard Disclaimer Applies
Chapter 4. NegotiationsThe events of the past day had left me so drained I was barely able to contain my anticipation. But even in my zombie like state I was able to feel something. At first shock struck me; surely this was not my Jacob. He was even bigger than before, if that was possible. Next came a pang of heartache. His face was so serious, so somber. He looked as if he hadn't slept in weeks. His jaw was set in a fierce expression, no doubt considering what he would do to Paul after he had dealt with me, the vulnerable element.
I wanted to see him smile; I wanted to see him laugh. Would my wishes ever be for filled? Tentatively, I stepped towards him.
"Jacob." I couldn't think of what else to say. Exhausted and fed up with containing my feelings I gave myself over to my irrational impulses. I ran towards and threw my arms around his waist. Tears began to silently streak their way down my cheek.
"Jacob I missed you so much." I imagined what I must look like to him, practically half his height and incredibly fragile. Slowly he put his arms around me, rubbing my back soothingly and resting his head on mine.
"You smell awful," he commented, causing me to giggle; yet he burrowed his face deep into my hair.
"I missed you," he stated simply.
We simply stood there, comforted by each other's presence until Embry caught our attention, making a sound as if to clear his throat. Jacob sighed.
"I better get you home," he sounded almost as disappointed as I felt as he pulled away.
But I couldn't leave. Not now. I might never get another opportunity to be with him, to feel his comforting warmth, or make him laugh. I racked my brains for a method to stall our departure.
"If you don't mind," I began hesitantly, but as I continued my voice filled with a confidence and authority I never imagined I possessed.
"I would like to see Sam before I leave."
Jacob looked bewildered, before his brow creased suspiciously.
"Why is that?" he asked cautiously.
I quickly formulated a plan in my mind. I knew that becoming a vampire and remaining friends with Jacob would be impossible at this point. But to be hunted by my best friend was a prospect I couldn't come to terms with. Did Jacob really have the heart to kill me? If I could become a vampire and remain on peaceful terms with the Quileutes maybe I could save my future family the trouble of being hunted by a pack of werewolves. I knew organizing a peaceful meeting for both tribes would be impractical, yet here I was, talking with two wolf boys who meant me no harm. I had the opportunity to help.
Yes, I decided. I was sick of being the damsel in distress. This time I would fight my own battle. This time I would save myself.
"Considering I was just abducted by one of your fellow tribe members, taking me to Sam is the least you could do. I do believe your leader owes me an apology," I stated bluntly. Jake looked uneasy, but he didn't press the point any further.
"As you wish," he sighed as he took a step away from me. I moved to follow but he extended his stone hard arm to stop me.
" I will call Sam. He will meet you here." And with that he disappeared into the forest, leaving me once again in an awkward silence with Embry.
But this time I had something to occupy my mind. I had barely begun formulating a speech in my head before I was interrupted by a wolves cry. I jumped.
"Don't freak," Embry laughed. "What, did you think Jacob was referring to a phone when he said he'd 'call Sam'?"
I looked away from his mocking gaze, blushing of course. I tried to latch on to my previous preparation development, but the sound of Jacobs return distracted me. Frustrated I blocked out my surroundings. I didn't want to be caught off guard.
After what seemed like seconds, two barefoot boys, no, men emerged from behind the forests leafy curtain. Sam stared at me passively.
"I sincerely apologize for the treatment you have received on account of my tribe," he began. His tone was neutral, and angrily I realized that he meant none of his words.
He waited for my response. My mind reeled wildly, unsure where to begin. Jacob looked at me expectantly and I could feel Embry's questioning gaze on my back.
"I wish our meeting was under kinder circumstances," I began glaring harshly, my focus set purely on the leader before me.
"I am here to negotiate your tribes hostility towards the Cullen's in relation to the treaty."
"Predictable," Embry smirked. "You never give up do you?"
"The treaty is non-negotiable." Sam stated flatly, turning away.
"Not even when the safety of this settlements occupants is at risk?" I asked, amused.
Sam stopped dead in his tracks.
"Is that a threat?" he asked calmly. His lack of emotion disturbed me.
"Yes it is, but I'm not the one presenting it."
He turned back, his gaze was questioning yet submissive at the same time. I decided it was time to unleash my weapon. All it would take was one name…
"I'm don't know if you've ever heard of the Volturi before?" I asked casually.
I felt all three werewolves stiffen. I smiled as I took in their rigid forms. It was obvious by their reaction that they had heard of the Volturi before.
"Perhaps there is more at stake than you thought," I smiled mockingly.
For the first time since I had met him, Sam looked furious. His hands were trembling slightly. Jacob didn't even attempt to hide his disappointment in me, and I heard Embry catch his breath behind me. He moved to stand beside Sam, facing me threateningly.
Satisfied, I decided to back off. I had made my point clear and the wolves obviously weren't going to ignore my offers anymore.
" I hope we can enter into further discussion regarding this issue. I do not wish to enrage the Volturi any more than you do." I sounded smug as I turned away, but Sam was having none of that.
"You mean to tell me that you plan to bring the wrath of the Volturi-" he spat the name. "-On your own friends and family?"
I turned around, realizing what my wording had mistaken them to believe.
"That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid," I explained, trying to hide the desperation in my tone.
"Perhaps you should explain to us…. your proposition," Sam said sitting down; his fury and confusion was not well concealed.
As he sat so did his two inferiors. He had initiated a meeting. I sat down facing them, feeling uneasy with no one beside me for support.
Sam began formally. "Please present to us the conditions under which we can avoid a confrontation with these friends of yours."
"They are not my friends," I laughed. This only confused Sam further. I decided to tell them everything, hoping they would not use the information against me.
"I met the Volturi some time ago, when I was in Italy if you remember. I was deemed the human that knew too much," I inhaled, unsure where I was heading.
"I was given three choices; to become one of them, to become one of the Cullen's, or death." I realized I was looking at my hands in my lap, which were fidgeting nervously. I looked up to meet Sam's eyes.. His gaze softened slightly as he read the terror in my eyes. I was reliving memories I would rather forget.
"I did not want to die and I did not want become one of the Volturi."
"Understandably," Sam stated flatly. His face had lost its hard edge and now stared back at me, probing and calculative.
"Becoming one of the Cullen's was the only option in which I did not become a murderer or be murdered. But the Volturi swore they would come to Forks, to check that what they had asked had been done. They are not forgiving creatures, and I don't think I need to remind you that their eating habits are unlike those of the Cullen's. A visit from them could end in a massacre." I was whispering now, fearful as I realized the truth in my own words.
"And when I was in Italy I saw it…Hundreds of people… they all filed into a dark room to their death… I heard them scream…" I was shaking now. Sam's face had turned slightly pale. I struggled to get a hold of myself, and get back to the real point of this conversation. I had scared them and myself enough.
"The only way to avoid a visit from the Volturi is if I go back to Italy and show them I am a vampire, but the Cullen's cannot change me and remain on peaceful terms with you. We do not wish to aggravate you, yet I implore you, for the safety of this town and every other on the way give me no reason to anger the Volturi. Let me be the one exception to your treaty." There I had said it. I breathed a sigh of relief and waited anxiously for their response.
All three seemed relieved as they realized that I meant the town no harm, that I was just like them, trying to protect it. I watched them as they ran through the options in their mind. When they seemed to find no alternative Sam spoke.
"It seems there is more at risk than I had realized, but this is not a decision to be made lightly. The Quileute elders will have to be informed and their thoughts considered before a final decision is made." I nodded in understanding.
"I agree, however I fear that once the Cullen's have returned from their trip it will be difficult to organize a means of meeting you peacefully. I believe they trust you as much as you trust them and they would not let me meet you unprotected." Embry raised an eyebrow.
"You mean to say that they don't know you're here?"
I nodded before adding:
"But don't get any ideas. I will not neglect to inform them if any further hostilities are forged against me."
"Of course, though none shall be made." Jacob spoke with authority, eyeing Sam cautiously. When Sam nodded Jacob continued. "And Paul will be dealt with," he growled, his eyes narrowed into threatening slits. I shivered. I never wanted to be on the wrong side of Jacob or incur his wrath in any way. Sam nodded again, this time in agreement rather than encouragement.
"But for now, if you would walk Bella home Jacob. I'm sure her father is worried."
Everyone stood and I realized the meeting had closed. I had done all I could, I only hoped it would be enough.