Chapter 18 – You Found Me

Thunder pounded in the sky as the rain fell over our bodies, drenching me from head to toe. Edward stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight, skin shining; something I was always fascinated by. As the lightning flashed our silhouettes were cast against the trees, and he chose that moment to move closer.

"I don't know what to do…" I whispered, icy water cascading down on my burning skin.

"Edward…I don't know what to do." He stopped in front of me, face to face, and put his freezing hand on my arm. I looked up, the unspoken words between us needing to be let free.

He took in a deep breath, leaning his head back, and let go. "It's complicated."

"Well then explain to me!"

I felt so much emotion from him in the next look he gave, it took my breath away.

"What's there to explain, Jacob? I could tell you everything, all that I'm feeling, and it wouldn't be enough. You almost died tonight, trying to save me. Your pack turned their backs on you, your own father is disappointed, and yet you're still here, still trying to help me. Why? What have I ever done that's so important besides put you down?"

"I-I don't know…" Was the only thing I could mumble, all his words having an impact. "Just…I know that, when I'm around you…I feel different. Sure we've fought, who doesn't, but this feeling is much stronger than anything else. Much stronger than I've ever felt for even Bella, and I can't explain why. Edward I just want you to know that…that I…"

All was silent, the ending of my sentence cut off by his movement, pressing his body against mine. "That you love me?"

I was sure he could feel the pounding of my heart against his diamond-like chest. It was such a rush, to have this overwhelming sense of protectiveness coming from him. Slowly, I leaned my head forward until it rested on his strong shoulder.

"Yeah."

He smiled against the top of my head, putting his hands on my back, near where the scar from the battle with James was healing.

"Never in my one hundred years have I met anyone like you…" Edward whispered in my ear, sending slight shivers down my spine. Even his breath was cold. "But you know it might not work out the way we want."

I nodded, closing my eyes tightly, trying to shove away doubtful thoughts. So what if it didn't work out completely, at least I'd be with him, which was strangely what I wanted.

"So…the lion fell in love with the wolf."

"What a stupid wolf" I commented, moving one of my hands to brush the hair off of my forehead.

"What a sick, masochistic lion."

He put one hand on my cheek, which were red hot with a sudden shyness that engulfed me. I'd never been this way around anyone. The second his lips touched mine I forgot my own name. I expected his lips to be like kissing a boulder but they were soft, albeit cold. When he pulled back I was shivering, body temperature soaring yet chilled at the same time, but I smiled. And for once, he did too. Something only I would get to see. Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay…