Summary: What if the Twilight Saga was re-written with Jacob as the Protagonist? What if instead of Bella being the new girl in Forks High it was Jacob? What would happen when the wolf warrior and the cold one parts crossed and their destiny was already written? Would the two of them be able to co-exist in peace? Or will they be torn apart.
Pairings: Jacob/Edward
Disclaimer: So I just got to thinking what if instead of the whole Twilight Saga being surrounded around Bella and Edward it was Jacob and Edward. To me it would be so much more drama. Vampire/Werewolf much more interesting that Vampire/Human. I take no credit for this work. It's all Stephenie Meyer ... I just decided to twist it. I own nothing.
Notes: This story was started on a profile Slash is the Way by my friend and it got nowhere. He said he was never going to finish and gave up on it completely it so he gave it to me. So I'm re-writing it and hopefully I will finish it. However, I am respecting his wishes to keep the plot as close to the book as possible. If it was me I would change it but a friend's a friend. So, there will be a lot of differences but as requested it will stick as close to the original Twilight plot as possible.
If I had to wait on my Beta this story would never get published so all errors are mine.
I hope it doesn't suck.
Thank you to all those who commented for me to update. It inspired me to actually find time to write this chapter (Blame work and school). Although it's not really what I want it to be I don't want to lapse any longer than I have (Again).
Chapter XII
The Crisis before the Storm
I could feel it was too early again when I woke, and I knew I was getting the schedule of my days and nights slowly reversed. I lay in my bed and listened to the quiet voices of Rosalie and Jasper in the other room. That they were loud enough for me to hear at all was strange. I rolled till my feet touched the floor and then staggered to the living room
"The clock on the TV said it was just after two in the morning. Rosalie and Jasper were sitting together on the sofa, Rose sketching again while Jasper looked over her shoulder. They didn't look up when I entered, too engrossed in Rose's work.
I crept to Jasper's side to peek.
"What's with the ballet studio?" I asked quietly.
They both turned to me suddenly.
"You know this room?" Jasper asked
"Not that one specifically. But the design, the bar, it's a ballet studio. My mom wanted me to be well rounded so I took ballet until I was brave enough to throw a tantrum." They were staring again "What?"
"This is the room Alice saw." Rosalie said. "She's trying to find out where the room is. You wouldn't happen to know this room?"
Rosalie pull out another drawing which must of been the dark room Alice mentioned. The walls were paneled in wood, a little too dark, out of date. The floor was tiled with the ugliest pattern you would every see. There was a large window against the south wall, and an opening through the west wall led to the living room. The focus of the room from this perspective, the TV in the southwest corner of the room. An well used sectional sofa curved around in front of the TV, a round coffee table in front of it.
"That's my mother's house." I whispered, pointing. "No one lives there anymore, obviously, since she died but that's her house."
Two pairs of eternal eyes stared at me.
Jasper was already off the couch, phone in hand, dialing. I stared at the precise rendering of my mother's family room. Uncharacteristically, Rosalie slid closer to me. She lightly touched her hand to my shoulder, and the physical contact seemed to quell the panic I hadn't realized was rising.
Jasper's lips were trembling with the speed of his words, the low buzzing impossible to decipher. I couldn't concentrate.
"Jacob," Jasper said gaining my full attention.
"Edward is coming to get you. He and Emmett and Carlisle are going to take you somewhere, to hide you for a while."
"Edward is coming?"
"Yes, he's catching the first flight out of Seattle. We'll meet him at the airport, and you'll leave with him."
Then the rest of his sentence sunk in.
"Hide for a while? What's a while? What about school? My friends? I can't just leave."
"Even if it means you live" Rosalie countered "You want to risk that for what? High school. That's what you want to bitch about"
I was wondering where the spiteful Rosalie who hated my guts went "Not everyone lives for eternity. This is my one shot. So yeah I'm bitching about High School" I shot back.
"We'll catch him, Jake," Jasper assured me. "I promise you that. It won't be forever. We'll catch him."
"And what if you get hurt? Do you think that's okay with me? I've become pretty attached to you guys. Even blondie"
Rosalie laughed "We don't break that easily. Jasper's right. We'll catch him."
The phone rang again. Rosalie answered this time, talking as rapidly as ever.
"They're just boarding their plane," Rose told me. "They'll land at nine-forty-five." Just a few more hours till he was here.
"I'm going to check us out" Jasper said "You should make sure you're packed" he said to me walking out the door
Then the phone rang again surprising both me and Rosalie. She answered her expression turning from confusion to completely blank in an instant.
She held the phone out to me without a word.
"Who is it?" I asked
Billy, she mouthed. I still couldn't read her expression.
"Hello?" I said tentatively
"So it's true. You are with the bloodsuckers." Billy replied
"I don't have time for this" I spat moving to hang up.
"WAIT JAKE!" I heard through the phone. Something about his tone made me stop.
"You have five seconds to convince me not to hang up this phone."
"Someone wants to talk to you." was Billy's reply. I heard shuffling as the phone passed hands.
"Be very careful not to say anything until I tell you to." The voice I heard now was as unfamiliar but I know who it was. It was a man's tenor voice, a very pleasant, generic voice - the kind of voice that you heard in the background of luxury car commercials. He spoke very quickly.
"Now, I know you don't care about what happens to Billy so I'm not going to waste my time with threats against him. What I do wonder is how much you value Seth. Little Seth. Young innocent Seth who has yet to live his life. And if he's not enough I took the privilege of taking his sister as well. Now I don't want to hurt them, I really don't, so please do exactly as I say, and he'll be fine." He paused for a minute while I was already trying to formulate a plan in my head. "That's very good," he congratulated. "Now repeat after me, and do try to sound natural. Please say, 'No, Billy, you're not going to change my mind.'"
"No, Billy, you're not going to change my mind." I spat, killing James 100 times over in my head.
"Oh the hatred. That sounded believable. You should be an actor." The voice was amused, still light and friendly. It made me growl "Why all the growly growly. I thought we were having a pleasant chat. Now, are you alone? Just answer yes or no."
"No."
"But they can still hear you, I'm sure."
Yes."
"All right, then," the agreeable voice continued, "Now I want you to listen very carefully. I'm going to need you to get away from your new friends; do you think you can do that? Answer yes or no."
"No."
I heard a scream that sounded like Leah followed by a whimper that souned like Seth. The bastard really had them
"I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping you would be a little more creative than that and that I wouldn't have to maime these poor young souls. I think you deserve another shot. Let's try that again. Do you think you could get away from them? Answer yes or no."
"Yes." Not that they psycho was giving me a choice.
"That's better. I'm sure it won't be easy, but if I get the slightest hint that you have any company, well, that would be very bad for your friends. New and old," the friendly voice promised. "You must know enough about us by now to realize how quickly I would know if you tried to bring anyone along with you. And how little time I would need to deal with your very human friends if that was the case. Do you understand? Answer yes or no."
"Yes." I said but the anger in my voice scared me. I really wanted to kill the bastard.
"Very good, Jacob. Now this is what you have to do. I want you to go to your mother's house. Next to the phone there will be a key and number. Call it, and I'll tell you where to go from there. And bring the key along if you think it would help." I already knew where I would go, and where this would end. But I would follow his instructions just enough to buy me some time to form a plan. "Can you do that? Answer yes or no."
"Yes."
"Before 48 hours, please, Jacob. I haven't got eternity," he said politely.
"Go to hell" I spat
"Ah, be careful now, Jacob. Wait until I ask you to speak, please. It's important, now, that you don't make your friends suspicious when you go back to them. Now repeat after me, 'Goodbye Billy' Say it now."
"Go fuck yourself" I said instead and then I hung up.
My anger was consuming me but I needed to break past that brick wall of pain. To plan. For I had no choices now but one, save Leah and Seth and if I go down make sure the bastard James went down with me.
"Jacob?" that was Jasper.
I focused on controlling my emotions. Jasper would know if I lied and said I was alright. I focused on me ripping James' head off. The thought made me calmer than it should. I pushed the terror. My decision was made. I wondered if Alice would see. How much time did I have before she called. It did no good to waste time agonizing over the outcome.
"I'm fine. Just a bit anxious" I answered finally.
He seemed to accept that. I found myself grateful that Jasper was an empath and not a telepath. I tried to concentrate on my escape but no full plan was coming to my head. I would just have to wing it when the time came.
"What did Billy want?" Rosalie asked pulling me out of my own thoughts.
For a moment I had forgotten she was in the room.
"The same 'Edward is a leech, you have disgraced the Black family name' shtick. Nothing I didn't expect. "
"Well you know you have a family with us. You're one of us now and we protect our own." She replied with conviction
"You make me blush" I said as I turned away. I couldn't let her see my face. Here I was trying to run away from these people when all they were trying to do was protect me. A part of me said I should let them know but another part of me - the part that cared for Seth and Leah - said that was a bad idea.
She laughed and moved into her room. Probably to pack her things
My eye fell on a blank page of the hotel stationery on the desk. There was an envelope there, too. That was good.
"Jasper," I asked slowly, without turning, keeping my voice level. "If I write a letter for my Edward, would you give it to him? "
"Why would you need to write a letter to Edward? He's coming here." he asked confused. I could see him studying me closely. Probably trying to get a read on my emotions but I had them under control.
"You'd do anything - ANYTHING - to protect Alice right. Whether or not it was the smart thing to do. Whether or not you had people on your side. You'd do it?" I asked instead of answering
He didn't hesitate "Yes."
"Would you give him the letter?"
"Sure, Jacob." His voice was careful and he was still studying me but he didn't question me and for that I was grateful.
I went into the bedroom again, and knelt next to the little bedside table to write.
"Edward," I wrote. My hand was shaking, the letters were hardly legible.
I love you. I am so sorry. He has Seth and Leah. I don't know how he got pass Sam and the others but he did and I can't let them die. I can't, and I have to try. Don't worry. I'm pissed. I'm so pissed you won't believe. It feels like the wolf is trying to claw its way out of me. I can shift. I can kill James. I know it's not a must because I've been close to shifting before and I haven't yet. I know it may not work but I have to try. I am so very, very sorry.
Don't be angry with Rosaile and Jasper. If I get away from them it will be a miracle. Tell them thank you for me. Jasper especially, please. I know he knows something's up and I am so fucking flattered that he trusts me enough to let me do what has to be done
And please, please, don't come after him. That's what he wants. I think. I can't bear it if anyone has to be hurt because of me, especially you. Please, this is the only thing I can ask you now. For me. And I know - don't think I don't - that you are going to come after him. To come after me but by then I hiope I would've been the hero and everyone will be fine. By then I hope I'll be a wolf.
I know you're scared of me shifting but Edward I promise you it will change nothing. I love you. More than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. Whether I'm human or a shifter. The pack could never keep me away.
I love you. Forgive me.
Jacob.
I folded the letter carefully, and sealed it in the envelope and walked out into the living room to hand it to Jasper. Jasper would give it to him. I only hoped he would understand, and listen to me just this once.
It had taken much less time than I'd thought - all the terror, the despair, the shattering of my heart. The minutes were ticking by more slowly than usual. Rosalie still hadn't finished packing when I returned to Jasper. I was afraid to be in the same room with him, afraid that he would read my panic and stop me and my non-existent plan.
The phone rang again breaking the silence
"Alice?" Jasper's voice was confused. He obviously wasn't expecting a call. He face was void emotion so I couldn't guess what Alice was saying.
"What's wrong?" I asked when Jasper ended the call.
"Rosalie" he called out voice barely above a whisper but she was in front of us before he finished her name.
"Jasper! What is it?" I tried again "Did Alice have a vision?"
He nodded slowly.
"What was it?" Rosalie asked.
"Nothing" he replied.
"What do you mean nothing!?" I asked "You just said she had a vision."
His blank expression didn't match his panicked tone "That's just it. Her vision was nothing. She searched all out futures and it's blank. It's all blank."
"And that means what exactly?" I asked already fearing the answer.
"It means we don't make it out alive." Rosalie said with a sigh and then she smiled. "Did you want breakfast?"
It was way too obvious of an attempt to avoid the topic but I let it happen "No, I'll eat at the airport." I couldn't help but wonder if it was my decision that led to this ending but it wasn't enough to make me change my mind. I couldn't risk Seth or Leah and Alice always says the future is subjective.
I went to the bathroom to shower. I got ready methodically, concentrating on each little task. I left my hair down, swirling around me, covering my face. The peaceful mood Jasper created - I felt way to calm for it to just be my own personal emotional control - worked its way through me and helped me think clearly. Helped me plan. I dug through my bag until I found my sock full of money. I emptied it into my pocket.
I was anxious to get to the airport, and glad when we left by seven. I sat alone this time in the back of the dark car. Rosalie leaned against the door, her face toward Jasper but, behind her sunglasses, shooting glances in my direction every few seconds.
We got to the airport. Luck was with me, or maybe it was just good odds. Edward's plane was landing in terminal four and it was the terminal I needed: the biggest, the most confusing.
We parked on the fourth floor of the huge garage. I led the way, for once more knowledgeable about my surroundings than they were. We took the elevator down to level three, where the passengers unloaded. Rosalie and Jasper spent a long time looking at the departing flights board. I could hear them discussing the pros and cons of different countries - whether to stay in the US or leave entirely.
I waited for my opportunity, impatient, unable to stop my toe from tapping. We sat in the long rows of chairs by the metal detectors, Jasper and Rosalie pretending to people-watch but really watching me. Every inch I shifted in my seat was followed by a quick glance out of the corner of their eyes. It was hopeless. Should I run? Would they dare to stop me physically in this public place? Or would they simply follow?
The minutes passed and Edward's arrival grew closer. It was amazing how every cell in my body seemed to know he was coming, too long for his coming. That made it very hard. I found myself trying to think of excuses to stay, to see him first and then make my escape. But I knew that was impossible if I was going to have any chance to get away. One look in my mind and he would find away to tie me to himself and prevent me from leaving
Several times Rosalie offered to go get breakfast with me. Later, I told her, not yet.
I stared at the arrival board, watching as flight after flight arrived on time. The flight from Seattle crept closer to the top of the board.
And then, when I had only thirty minutes to make my escape, the numbers changed. His plane was ten minutes early. I had no more time.
"I think I'll eat now," I said quickly.
Rosalie stood. "I'll come with you."
"I love you blondie, I do but do you mind if Jasper comes instead? Give us some bro bonding time" I asked.
Jasper stood up. Rosalie's eyes were confused, but - I saw to my relief- not suspicious. Jasper walked silently beside me. I pretended a lack of interest in the first few airport cafes, my head scanning for what I really wanted. And there it was, around the corner, out of Rosalie's sharp sight: the level-three men's room.
"Do you mind?" I asked Jasper as we passed. "I'll just be a moment."
"You're not coming back are you?," he asked so calmly that I wasn't even sure that I heard him correctly.
"I won't be long." I said but I let some of my fear slip through and I saw the understanding on Jasper's face.
"If I was you I'd run. Rose will come looking." he turned to walk away then paused "Oh and Jacob. If you die I'll bring you back to life just to kill you myself" and then Jasper was gone.
As soon as the door shut behind me, I was running. Jasper was helping me. He didn't know everything but he wasn't dumb. I knew there was no way I'd escape with at least one of them knowing I was trying to. I wondered how upset Edward would be with Jasper but I knew Jasper could handle himself.
Outside the far door it was only a short sprint to the elevators. I didn't look behind me as I ran. This was my only chance, and even if Rosalie happened to see me, I had to keep going. People stared, but I ignored them. Around the corner the elevators were waiting, and I dashed forward, throwing my hand between the closing doors of a full elevator headed down. I squeezed in beside the irritated passengers, and checked to make sure that the button for level one had been pushed. It was already lit, and the doors closed.
As soon as the door opened I was off again, to the sound of annoyed murmurs behind me. I slowed myself as I passed the security guards by the luggage carousels, only to break into a run again as the exit doors came into view. I had no way of knowing if Rosalie had gotten suspicious and was looking for me yet.
I would have only seconds if she was following my scent. I jumped out the automatic doors. A shuttle to the Hyatt was just closing its doors a few feet behind me.
"Wait!" I called, running, waving at the driver.
"This is the shuttle to the Hyatt," the driver said in confusion as he opened the doors.
"Yes," I huffed, "that's where I'm going." I hurried up the steps.
He looked askance at my luggage-less state, but then shrugged, not caring enough to ask.
Most of the seats were empty. I sat as far from the other travellers as possible, and watched out the window as first the sidewalk, and then the airport, drifted away. I couldn't help imagining Edward, where he would stand at the edge of the road when he found the end of my trail. My luck held. In front of the Hyatt, a tired-looking couple was getting their last suitcase out of the trunk of a cab. I jumped out of the shuttle and ran to the cab, sliding into the seat behind the driver. The tired couple and the shuttle driver stared at me.
I told the surprised cabbie to take me to the other airport on the opposite side of the country. "I need to get there as soon as possible."
"That's too far," he complained.
I threw eight twenties over the seat.
"Will that be enough?"
"Sure, kid, no problem."
I sat back against the seat, folding my arms across my lap. The city began to rush around me, but I didn't look out the windows. I exerted myself to maintain control. I was determined not to lose myself at this point, now that my plan was successfully completed. There was no point in indulging in more terror, more anxiety. My path was set. I just had to follow it now.
So, instead of panicking, I closed my eyes and spent the hour drive dreaming of Edward. When the cab stopped I didn't hesitate and I ran through the double doors and before I knew it I was on a plane. It was the fastest I had ever moved through an airport. It helped that I didn't have any luggage. I flew out of the airport and into another cab rattling off my mother's address.
I dreamed of Edward again. I wondered where we would have gone if I had met him at the airport. North somewhere, so he could be outside in the day. Or maybe somewhere very remote, so we could lay in the sun together again. I imagined him by the shore, his skin sparkling like the sea. It wouldn't matter how long we had to hide. To be trapped in a hotel room with him would be a kind of heaven. So many questions I still had for him. I could talk to him forever, never sleeping, never leaving his side.
I could see his face so clearly now... almost hear his voice. And, despite all the horror and hopelessness, I was fleetingly happy. So involved was I in my escapist daydreams, I lost all track of the seconds racing by.
"Hey, what was the number?"
The cabbie's question punctured my fantasy, letting all the colors run out of my lovely delusions. Fear, bleak and hard, was waiting to fill the empty space they left behind.
"One Twenty Eighty Five." My voice sounded a lot braver than I felt.
"Here we are, then."
"Thank you," I said.
I ran to the door, reaching up automatically to grab the key under the eave. I unlocked the door. It was dark inside, empty, normal. It brought back a rush of memories I didn't need. I ran to the back room. If I was a psycho that's where I would keep my victims but the house was quiet. Too quiet. It was almost too easy.
Sure enough when I entered the back room there was Leah. She was tied to a chair by her arms and legs, her mouth was duct taped. It was all very lifetime. I moved towards, first taking off the tape then releasing her hands.
"Where's Seth?" I said by way of greeting.
"I don't know." She mumbled. I had only now realized Leah was crying. "Jake who was that guy?"
"No one" I answered stiffly.
"No one!" Leah shouted, hitting me now that her hand were free "That no one has my brother!"
"I'm handling it Leah" I said as I finished untying her legs.
"He said to call him." She said
"Well I don't exactly have him on speed dial do I" I spat back harsher than I should. I wasn't angry at Leah. She didn't deserve this.
"Here," she said shoving a little device in my hand "He said press one"
I didn't waste anytime
"Hello, Jacob," that easy voice answered. "That was very quick. I'm impressed."
"Hey asshole. How's the weather?"
"You know it's that cheeky attitude that has you in this mess. I was all for meeting you at your mother's place but then you had talk all smart so I just had to take Seth with me." Light, amused.
"Where is Seth?"
"I told you - With me."
"I swear to God James …" I was trembling from anger
"Now now there will be no swearing. Seth's alive. But that can change. So how about we both play nice okay. Now, do you know the ballet studio just around the corner from your home?"
"Yes. I know how to get there."
"Well, then, Seth and I will see you very soon."
I hung up.
"Where's Seth?" Leah asked, voice trembling as soon as I hung up
"With James" I replied. "Look I need to go."
"I'm coming with!" she said moving to follow me
"No you are not. Stay here. Edward is probably tracking me. It won't be long till he finds you. He'll help you get back home. I'll get Seth."
"And why can't I come?"
"Cause you can get hurt."
"So what? So can you. I'm coming."
"No you're not!"
"I can help!" she screamed
"How the FUCK are you going to help against and FUCKING VAMPIRE!" I screamed back "You'll just get in the way. And you're wasting my time. I need to get Seth! Stay here Leah."
"Vampires aren't real Jacob" she said but her voice was unsure "That's just a story."
"Leah stay here."
I ran from the room, through the door, out into the baking heat hoping she'd listen to me. There was no time to look back at my house to make sure she did. I raced away from them, toward the corner, leaving everything behind me.
I felt so slow, like I was running through wet sand - I couldn't seem to get enough purchase from the concrete. In reality I was moving faster than should be possible. The adrenaline was flowing through my veins.
When I rounded the last corner I could see the studio. The parking lot in front was empty, the vertical blinds in all the windows drawn. I couldn't run anymore - I couldn't breathe; exertion and fear had gotten the best of me. My anger was fuelling me allowing me to take one step after the other.
As I got closer, I could see the sign inside the door. It was handwritten on hot pink paper; it said the dance studio was closed for spring break. I touched the handle, tugged on it cautiously. It was unlocked.
The lobby was dark and empty, cool, the air conditioner thrumming. The plastic molded chairs were stacked along the walls, and the carpet smelled like shampoo. The west dance floor was dark, I could see through the open viewing window. The east dance floor, the bigger room, was lit. But the blinds were closed on the window.
"Jacob! It's a trap" Seth screamed. He was in front of me. He had a cut on his forehead that was bleeding but besides that he looked relatively unharmed. Still the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I didn't need to turn around to know James was behind me.
Without looking I knew he was standing very still by the back exit, so I hadn't noticed him at first.
"Hello Jacob. You look more beautiful than the last time a saw you" His voice was courteous, kind and light. The bastard was flirting.
I couldn't help myself; I genuine laugh bubbled out of me until I was laughing hesterically.
I gained enough control to talk to Seth, the laughter still in my voice "Get out of here kid. Leah's just around the corner."
"But …" he hesitated.
"Seth! I came all this way for you. That will defeat the purpose if you die. Go!"
He moved slower than I liked but soon Seth was out the door. He was safe. Both Leah and Seth was safe. Whatever happened now was just details.
"You seem clam. Not even a bit afraid"
I finally turned towards him "I'm not." And I found that I meant it
"How odd. You really mean it." His dark eyes assessed me with interest. The irises were nearly black, just a hint of ruby around the edges. Thirsty. "I will give your strange coven this much, you shifters are quite exotic. I guess I can see the draw of observing you. It's amazing – to be so close to the enemy."
He was standing a few feet away from me, arms folded, looking at me curiously. There was no menace in his face or stance. He was so very average-looking, nothing remarkable about his face or body at all. Just the white skin, the circled eyes I'd grown so used to. He wore a pale blue, long-sleeved shirt and faded blue jeans.
"I'm not a shifter. I'm human."
"You don't smell human." He tilted his head and inhaled deep "Not even a little bit. But here you are in front of me on two legs. So you're telling the truth. Strange."
"Stranger things have happened."
"It's disappointing though."
"How so?" I was honestly interested in his answer
"I was hoping you'd put up a fight." He said nonchalantly
"Is that why you didn't kill Leah or Seth. Not enough of a game for you?"
"Precisely."
"Well I'm sorry to disappoint."
He smiled "I suppose you're going to tell me that your boyfriend will avenge you?" he asked, hopefully it seemed to me.
"No. At least, I asked him not to."
"And what was his reply to that?"
"I don't know." It was strangely easy to converse with this genteel hunter. "I left him a letter."
"How romantic, a last letter. And do you think he will honor it?" His voice was just a little harder now, a hint of sarcasm marring his polite tone.
I smiled and snorted "Not in the fucking slightest."
"Hmmm. I do hope you are right. You see, this was all just a little too easy, too quick. To be quite honest you're right, I'm disappointed. I expected a much greater challenge. And, after all, I only needed a little luck."
I waited in silence.
"When Victoria couldn't get on the rez to your father, I had her find out more about you. There was no sense in running all over the planet chasing you down when I could comfortably wait for you in a place of my choosing. It was just pure luck that Victoria saw Leah and Seth off the rez. There's a reason why the elders tell you not to leave you know. Once I had them it was all too easy to get you here. And here you are and not even a growl from you. Completely human." He sighed
"So, you see, I'm hoping your boyfriend. Edward, isn't it, comes to avenge you"
I didn't answer.
"Would you mind, very much, if I left a little letter of my own for your Edward?"
He took a step back and touched a palm-sized digital video camera balanced carefully on top of the stereo. A small red light indicated that it was already running. He adjusted it a few times, widened the frame.
"I'm sorry, but I just don't think he'll be able to resist hunting me after he watches this. And I wouldn't want him to miss anything. It was all for him, of course. You're simply a human, who unfortunately was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and indisputably running with the wrong crowd, I might add."
He stepped toward me, smiling. "Before we begin I would just like to rub it in, just a little bit. The answer was there all along, and I was so afraid Edward would see that and ruin my fun. It happened once, oh, ages ago. The one and only time my prey escaped me. You see, the vampire who was so stupidly fond of this little victim made the choice that your Edward was too weak to make. When the old one knew I was after his little friend, he stole her from the asylum where he worked - I never will understand the obsession some vampires seem to form with you humans - and as soon as he freed her he made her safe. She didn't even seem to notice the pain, poor little creature. She'd been stuck in that black hole of a cell for so long. A hundred years earlier and she would have been burned at the stake for her visions. In the nineteen-twenties it was the asylum and the shock treatments. When she opened her eyes, strong with her fresh youth, it was like she'd never seen the sun before. The old vampire made her a strong new vampire, and there was no reason for me to touch her then." He sighed. "I destroyed the old one in vengeance."
"Alice," I breathed, astonished.
"Yes, your little friend. I was surprised to see her in the clearing. So I guess her coven ought to be able to derive some comfort from this experience. I get you, but they get her. The one victim who escaped me, quite an honor, actually.
"And she did smell so delicious. I still regret that I never got to taste"
He took another step toward me, till he was just inches away. He lifted a lock of my hair and sniffed at it delicately. Then he gently patted the strand back into place, and I felt his cool fingertips against my throat. He reached up to stroke my cheek once quickly with his thumb, his face curious.
Of all the times to be calm I chose now. But I was. Calm. Scarily calm. I wasn't shifting. Not today at least. I wasn't angry. I wasn't scared. I wouldn't give James that satisfaction.
"No," he murmured to himself as he dropped his hand, "I don't understand." He sighedand I didn't ask him to clarify. "Well, I suppose we should get on with it. And then I can call your friends and tell them where to find you, and my little message."
He stepped back, and began to circle, casually, as if he were trying to get a better view of a statue in a museum. His face was still open and friendly as he decided where to start.
Then he slumped forward, into a crouch I recognized, and his pleasant smile slowly widened, grew, till it wasn't a smile at all but a contortion of teeth, exposed and glistening.
I still didn't move. He face morphed from pleasant to angry. He didn't like that. He expected a reaction. He wasn't going to get one.
He was in front of me in a flash. I didn't see if he used his hand or his foot, it was too fast. A crushing blow struck my chest - I felt myself flying backward, and then heard the crunch as my head bashed into the mirrors. The glass buckled, some of the pieces shattering and splintering on the floor beside me.
I was too stunned to feel the pain. I couldn't breathe yet. But I was still calm.
He walked toward me slowly.
"That's a very nice effect," he said, examining the mess of glass, his voice friendly again. "I thought this room would be visually dramatic for my little film. That's why I picked this place to meet you. It's perfect, isn't it?"
I ignored him.
He was over me at once, his foot stepping down hard on my leg. I heard the sickening snap before I felt it. It hurt. It hurt like hell but I didn't scream. I smiled. It angered him more.
"Would you like to rethink your last request?" he asked. His toe nudged my broken leg trying to get a reaction. The less I reacted the angrier he got. I was proud of myself
"Wouldn't you rather have Edward try to find me?" he prompted.
"Edward has a mind of his own" I croaked. I may not physically feel the pain but my body was under stress. James didn't like my response. I could tell by the fact something smashed into my face, throwing me back into the broken mirrors.
I felt the sharp rip across my scalp where the glass cut into it. And then the warm wetness began to spread through my hair with alarming speed. I could feel it soaking the shoulder of my shirt, hear it dripping on the wood below. The smell of it twisted my stomach.
Through the nausea and dizziness I saw something that gave me a sudden, final shred of hope. His eyes, merely intent before, now burned with an uncontrollable need. The blood - spreading crimson across my white shirt, pooling rapidly on the floor - was driving him mad with thirst. No matter his original intentions, he couldn't draw this out much longer.
Let it be quick now, was all I could hope as the flow of blood from my head sucked my consciousness away with it. My eyes were closing.
I heard, as if from underwater, the final growl of the hunter. I could see, through the long tunnels my eyes had become, his dark shape coming toward me. My eyes closed, and I drifted.
Notes: Chapter 12 everyone. It's not as good as I would like it to be (it never is) but I didn't want to take any longer than I already did to update and if I really waited until I found it was perfect who knows how long it would take.
The original plan was for Jacob to shift in this chapter ... this this happened. Oooppss?
As I said before, and I will continue to say I'm trying to keep it as close as the book as possible but yet different. Jacob isn't Bella. He isn't as shy or reserved or as dumb. He's also a werewolf, which he now knows - though he hasn't shifted yet. Poor boy doesn't even know the legends. Well he knows part.
Chapter 13 is on it's way. I have learnt not to make promises about time frame but know that I will finish this story.
Thanks a lot to all of you who are reading and those of you who favored and followed this story. Love to all my wonderful reviewers and those who are patiently waiting for updates. I hope it doesn't suck.
I was aiming to update weekly but obviously that hasn't been happening and I apologize for that. So as soon as possible chapter 13 will be up.
Also if anyone has an idea they would like to see in this story that was not in the plot of the original Twilight feel free to leave a comment or message. :)