Chapter 17 – Human

Now it kind of feels like I'm back on track, which is good for the readers! It makes me happy to know so many people read and appreciate this story. Although, if I was a reader, I'd be mad that it's already Chapter 17 and they haven't even told each other their true feelings…yet, ha-ha! Keep on reading and reviewing please!

EDWARD'S POV:

Lightning crackled in the distant sky, black clouds rolling through and overtaking the clear blue that once was as I stared in shock at Alice. Neither of us said a word, neither of us moved. Feelings from the pit of my stomach were surfacing – anger, rage, a bitter one that I couldn't quite describe, but none of it was as strong as the twinge of pain in my chest. The beat may not be there anymore but my heart felt everything that had just taken place.

"I…I didn't know this would happen…" Alice whispered, more to herself than me. My hands were balled into fists, yet I couldn't bring myself to yell at her any more. She'd taken the force of my problems enough.

I turned in the same direction Jacob had taken off in, feeling the damp grass under my feet as I neared the back of the yard. A strong hand holding mine stopped me in my tracks.

"…Don't go…I can see it, Edward, don't go. You won't like what you find."

A sigh escaped my mouth as I tugged my hand away from her, for a second time that day, and brought it back down to my side.

"It's too late." I sprinted, full force, in the direction of the scent that belonged to Jacob, a mix of wolf with something very earthy, and even though the moisture was heavy in the air I was still able to track it very well. It became stronger the farther I went, staying in a perfectly straight line until a large boulder blocked the path, and then it spiked to the left. Through the clearing of trees I could see the tall body of an Oak, where all edges of the forest seemed to lead.

Coming to a halt at the tree-line, I was about to step into the clearing when the sharp scent of blood took me by surprise. It was fresh, like the blood of an animal, spilled not too long ago. I rubbed my forehead, trying to calm the raging urges, before walking out of the shadows. Everything was silent, much like back at the house, but this was eerie. The large tree towered over the entire forest it seemed as I glanced up amongst its branches, making sure Jacob hadn't gone up there to escape the storm. Knowing him, he'd do something like that.

I stopped dead in my tracks as soon as I walked to the other side. Thin trees were lying on the ground, leaves were scattered all over, and branches were snapped in half. That trail lead deep into the woods, and I carefully followed, keeping my guard up incase it had been made by other vampires. Whatever did make it, it seemed like a fight was the cause.

As I expected, the path went back far away from the Oak tree. There was a place up ahead where the dirt was kicked away, leaving a bare area, but when I got closer the smell of blood intensified. It was splashed all across the grass, even against the bark of a tree, and I had to close my eyes to calm myself again. No doubt I was getting closer to the source of this mess.

. Inch by inch I made my way closer, reaching one hand tentatively out only to withdrawal it instantly when a blade came whirling down right in front of me. Thunder rumbled again, deeper this time, as I scanned the tree lines to find my attacker. There were no different smells in the air, and that threw me off. Whoever this was, they were good at hiding. A blur of green was all I saw before I felt the dirt against my back, sliding all the way back to the tree-line. I glared up again, ears picking up the faintest laugh from up above. He was trying to play with me – this was a game. Rolling to my right I just barely avoided another fling of that blade, but as it was retracted I caught sight of the enemies pale skin. The lightning could be used to my advantage. As the next flash set off I could see his eyes, bright and blood red, up among the leaves. I stood, brushing off my shirt, and asked the only thing appropriate for this situation, "What do you want from me?"

He laughed again, much louder this time, and jumped down gracefully on the other side of the figure still lying on the ground, kneeling to touch over the cheek area. My head started to swim again as he rose, blood on his fingertips.

"Come now, Eddy, this is fun" he commented while stepping over the body. I didn't budge, even though I wanted to get away from the smell. His fingers were out stretched, like he was offering the blood to me, but I turned my head. That earned me another chuckle.

"You're not the monster I thought you were after all, Cullen. But it's a shame, I was hoping for a more interesting fight. All I see is a coward. A freak to his own kind. Know what that reminds me of? Your little wolf friend."

My head snapped back, eyes wide, "How do you know about that?"

He licked the blood off of his fingers, and then ran his thumb against the blade of the knife.

"I have my ways. Just wish you coulda been here when I ripped him open like the worthless mutt he is."

That couldn't be possible, there was no way. I put one hand on my head, closing my eyes. Jacob's face came into view then, his smile so full of life, but this time he was covered in blood, ripped apart. I opened my eyes back up, staring directly into the other males.

"You're a bad liar."

"Oh I'm not lying, but I guess I'll have to let you see for yourself" he yelled before lunging, barreling directly into my chest. We both went down but in that moment of impact I managed to get my arms around him, lifting up and over me. He flew into the trees, cracking their trunks the same time the thunder roared. I got up, sprinting over to the figure lying there.

I felt a claw slice into my cheek as I grabbed the figures shoulders, landing on my side. Another shaking blast came from the cloudy sky, reverberating through my arms. He blurred to my right and gave a hard kick to my back before shifting directly in front of me. In his hand I saw the flash of the blade again, but as he raised his arm I didn't lose my gaze. Our eyes stayed locked, even if the fight was lost. I looked away then, off at the trees, thinking of what I should have done with Jacob.

Maybe just giving him a chance from the start would have been better, but in my world, sense wasn't something that came often. He was smart, stronger than I'd ever thought, just different than most. Who'd have thought my stone cold heart could ever feel the heat it craved once again.

Just as the thought crossed my mind I felt a hot liquid splash against my face, causing me to snap back into reality. The sear of the blade I expected to slice through my throat never came; instead I was blinded by brown. I was brought to my knees by the scent of blood once again, the same blood from the oak tree and trail leading up to here. A large russet colored wolf slammed into the ground, grass stained the deep shade of red pouring from its stomach. Jacob. I was up in an instant, running over to him only to be stopped by a vicious snarl. He looked at me, shaking his head and standing very slowly. At least the figure on the ground had been a decoy…

James hissed at Jacob, throwing his blade to the ground and cracking his knuckles. I growled in response, stepping forward only to be stopped by a large paw. I was knocked back a little by Jacob leaping forward with such force dirt was sent flying. His fangs dug into James' shoulder, sending both of them against the trunk of the other large tree.

JACOB'S POV:

The blood that filled my mouth was sour and tangy. It made me want to hurl, to be honest. But I didn't lose my hold, this bastard had to pay, and I forced my jaws tighter until I heard the snap of his bone. He was slashing my neck over and over, and down my back, yet I didn't let up. Couldn't let up. I shut my eyes tight as one clawed hand sliced its way through my stomach, but slowly felt the wound healing when he pulled away. I was lightheaded, tired, bloody, and sore.

Edward walked up then, hands on James' cheeks. I watched, wide eyed, as in one hard tug the head was taken right from the body.

"Finish it" he mumbled, grabbing a small stick and striking it against a rock so fast it sparked and caught fire. Shaking my head I did as he commanded, putting one paw on the torso and ripping the arms off, coughing as more blood entered my mouth. He threw the stick onto the pile I had pushed together and I backed up, shifting. As soon as I stood up on my human legs a searing pain traveled up my spine to my chest, causing me to stumble.

A strong hand caught my shoulder as Edward held me up, glare centered on my face. I looked down, surprised but silent as the wool of his jacket scratched over my bare skin. He walked over a few steps, staring up toward the sky from under the tree; lightning flashing once more before I felt a tiny drop of water hit my nose. The rain was coming down in sheets in no time, causing the leaves to blow as gusts of wind flew through the woods. Our fire was put out in seconds, leaving behind nothing but a pile of ash that was blown away.

My heart was pounding, so afraid that Edward would be more upset than anything right now. He usually was so broody, so it never bothered me, but now I had a chance to take a good look at him. The clouds rolled with the wind, and as soon as the moon was visible I noticed he wasn't looking at the sky. He was looking at me, gleam bright in his eyes, and I braced myself for the worst.