Chapter 18

I found a spot as far away from the reeking vampire lair as I could but close enough so I could hear what was going on. I lay down and dug my nose under my paws, trying to filter the air. I heard the distinct roar of our vehicle as it pulled into their driveway. I quickly located it and watched as they walked into the house. I listened attentively, for anything out of the ordinary. It sounded like a normal wedding, which I admit surprised me. I don't really know what I expected vampire weddings to sound like.

I think you're gonna miss the ceremony Jacob but you'll defiantly make it in time for the reception. I thought to Jacob. Sam, Embry and Quil were getting closer with some clothes for him.

Kay, I guess that's fine.His thoughts muttered.

Sam, Embry and Quil pulled to a stop next to me. I lifted my head to greet them and the stench stung my nose again. You'll get used to it by the end of the night. Sam thought.

I don't think I want to get used to it.I grumbled.

I listened closer to the wedding trying to decide where they were in the ceremony. The clapping signaled to me that they were probably done. I'm almost there. Jacob thought.

I watched as the guests flowed into the backyard. Sam thought, stepping back. Edward? We're not here to crash the wedding, Jacob is on his way.

Do you think he can hear you? Embry thought.

He probably can. Jacob replied.

We stepped farther back into the trees but I could still clearly see the party. I watched as Seth, Mom and Billy said their congratulations to the happy couple. I couldn't help but notice how timidly my mom approached them. Why had she gone? I wondered to myself.

Same reason you're here. Quil thought. Keep an eye on your odd brother.

Odd was right. I cringed as I watched him hug the mind-reader. The others also shuddered. That boy isn't right. Sam muttered.
The reception had all the normal events, the bouquet throwing, the garter, stuffing cake in each other's faces – we all stared in awe as the leech swallowed his piece – and the first dance. That's what they were doing when Jacob showed up. I looked away as he and Sam phased and Jacob got dressed.

"Here I brought some scissors too, you're getting kinda scraggly." Sam said handing him a pair of kitchen shears.

"Rusty, nice." Jacob muttered. I glanced at Jake. He had on Sam's black button down shirt and some black slacks, the first three buttons of his shirt were left open over his muscular chest.

I'm gonna tell Jake you thought he was muscular! Embry teased.

Do it and die. I thought back, using all my strength to keep from snarling.

Sam was also dressed up, wearing a white button down shirt and some tan slacks. I couldn't help but admire him, under his clothes his muscles stood out. His hair fell in locks around his handsome face.

Shut up Leah!! Gosh! Quil thought.

Jacob dropped the scissors and trotted towards the party. Sam turned and whispered to us. "I'm gonna go talk to Seth. You guys watch him, he's gonna get the leech to take Bella off to the side so no one sees. At the first sign of trouble Quil and if I don't see it Embry you jump in too. Leah, just come in close and act if they need help. We don't want a fight, just keep the peace." We nodded in response, accepting his commands.

I watched as he too trotted off to find Seth. Sure enough, the leech brought Bella off to the side out of everyone at the party's line of sight. I could barely make out what he was saying. When Bella caught site of Jacob she ran into his arms and started crying.

What a jerk! I thought. First she is the one that dumps him and when he comes back she is overjoyed! I felt my hair stand on end.

I know what you mean, Leah. I don't know why Jacob wanted to come. It only causes him pain. Quil thought.

I don't have a good feeling about this. Embry muttered.

The two were dancing off to the side, sharing small talk. Seth went and stood with the leech and Sam came back to us, stripping and phasing. Ok, how's it going?

Well beside the leech-lover acting like a total ass its going fine! I thought. Embry and Quil snickered.

We listened to their conversation, Jacob was treading in some dangerous waters.

"I just didn't want to spend my honeymoon writhing in pain." Bella said.

"How would you rather spend it? Playing checkers?" Jacob laughed.

"Very funny."

"Kidding, Bells. But, honestly, I don't see the point. You can't have a real honeymoon with your vampire, so why go through the motions? Call a spade a spade. This isn't the first time you've put this off. That's a good thing, though. Don't be embarrassed about it."

"I'm not putting anything off," She snapped. "And yes I can have a real honeymoon! I can do anything I want! Butt out!"

I nearly threw up. Is she serious!? She's gonna have sex with that . . .

Crap this isn't good. Sam interrupted, stalking forward. Jacob froze and started yelling at her. When he grabbed her arms Sam and Quil leaped forward. Embry and I followed but stayed in the shadows. Jacob was shaking her, yelling at her.

"Take your hands off her!" The leech bellowed. Seth came in with him, grabbing Jake.

"Jake, bro, back away, you're losing it." Seth was too close, he should have phased. If Jake exploded he'd get hurt. Jacob was ignoring him. "You'll hurt her, let her go."

"Now!" The leech snarled. Jacob let go and the leech pulled Bella behind him. Sam and Quil jumped up between them.

"C'mon Jake. Let's go." Set said tugging at a fuming Jacob.

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!" Jacob yelled, as he started shaking.

Sam sent a warning snarl to Jake, stepping closer. "Seth, get out of the way." The leech hissed.

But he didn't "Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon." Sam stepped in and started pushing Jacob backwards. With both of them, they were able to drag him back towards us.

You're lucky we were here or he would have tore you're head off leech. Quil thought, before chasing after Jacob.

Once they pulled Jacob into the woods he phased, exploding out of his clothes. Let me kill him! They're gonna break the treaty anyways!

We're not going to break the treaty, let them make the breech. Sam thought back.

But he's gonna kill her! Jacob snarled. He looked at each of us then tore off deeper into the woods, fighting a fit of painful howls.

I looked Seth in the eye and motioned back towards the party. "I'll bring mom and Billy home." He agreed, heading back.

Even though he was far off the pain echoed through us all as Jacob let out a long, mournful howl.