BLUE MOON
CHAPTER TWO – Werewolves
I was talking with Alice, when suddenly, her face went blank, and I could see she wasn't paying attention. It was as if she were sleeping, her eyes lost focus. Then, her expression went back to normal and she continued our conversation normally. I saw Edward's gaze lock with Alice's. His expression was blank, but something in Bella's face told me he wasn't at all happy. Bella was looking intently at him. He growled
-Filthy dog
I saw the changes in Bella's face as she took in what he had said. It passed from curious to surprised, from there to fear, until it finally settled in anger. Her hands were balled up in fists on the table; her whole body was shaking in rage. I looked at her, surprised.
I looked around at the others and what I saw surprised me even more. Edward had a similar expression to Bella's on his face; his blank expression long gone. Alice's face was filled with disapproval, Emmett was smiling widely at Edward, Jasper seemed tense and Rosalie was completely unbothered. Alice shot her a dirty look. Chelle seemed just as confused as I was.
I noticed how everyone was looking at Alice. I followed their gaze and listened in
-…they just decided it, Edward… they'll be here by sunset
-They?! – Bella shrieked – Oh, I should have known he was too much of a coward to come
alone… he would need his guards… - she continued muttering under her breath. She huffed angrily.
Edward smirked approvingly at her words.
-He wants to talk to you, Bella… alone – Alice whispered
Bella's eyes straightened in to slits
-He'll have to keep on waiting then – she murmured
Edward looked extremely pleased with that
-The entire pack? – Emmett asked, his eyes glowing in hope
-No. Only him and two others.
Emmett's face fell a little
-Quil and Embry? – Bella guessed
-Yes.
-A… pack…? – I stuttered
All eyes turned to me.
-Three werewolves – Alice told me
I tensed and heard Chelle gasp next to me
-They shouldn't cause any trouble… - Edward reassured me
-That's not true, Edward. You broke the treaty. – Bella reminded him softly – and Jake always wanted any reason to fight with you… well, now he's got a good one…
-True.
-…but he won't be fighting with you.
-What? How do you mean he won't be fighting with me?
-He'll fight with me – she said simply
Edward snorted
– Bella, I truly doubt he'll lift a finger against you.
-Even better. I must say there won't be much fun if he doesn't fight back, but it will make things much simpler for me
-You will not fight him, Isabella.
-Neither will you.
-Stop me – he challenged
-Edward. You keep forgetting I'm not human anymore. You keep forgetting that now I can stop you. And I will if necessary.
He scowled.
-And don't start that, - she warned him – I will not have the two of you fighting over me like I'm a prize or something. Like two immature schoolboys. When the subject was Jake, you always showed much more maturity than him. I expect you to keep that up. You two should know better than even try to do such a thing as to fight over me. I'm your wife, not his, Edward. And, in case it hasn't sunk in yet, I'm a vampire now. Not human. So, even if I wanted to stay with him, something I can assure I don't want, I wouldn't be able to do so. – She then turned to me – would you like to be there too, Mandy?
-I… - I shot a glance at Chelle. Her eyes were bright with curiosity – Yes… if it's okay…
-It's fine. – She smiled at me – And how about you, Chelle?
-Yes! Can we?
Bella looked at Alice.
-Yes. But you two must promise to behave yourselves. We know it'll be harder than being around humans. The very smell of the werewolf makes you want to kill them. Only Bella can get along reasonably well with them, and that's only because of how strong she is concerning the humans.
I nodded my understanding to Alice.
-Good. How do you come to school?
-We come running – I replied, confused with the question
-Good – she smiled – meet us by our car, at the end of school
-Which is your car? – Of course I should have known then… I guess a part of me knew it already
-You'll be going with me and Edward, so you have to look out for a silver shiny Volvo – Bella told us two between giggles.
Alice rolled her eyes at Bella.
-Sorry – she mumbled, sobering up. – That's just how I saw the car… before… - she left her phrase unfinished, lost in thoughts that made her giggle every now and then.
I looked astonished at them. I had seen that car this morning. Me and Chelle had been wondering who its owner was. But that car had nearly lost its significance next to the red BMW convertible that was parked next to the Volvo. I didn't need to think very hard now, to know that the Cullens were the owners of both cars.
Me and Chelle were rich… but not that rich… because every time there was some competition worth a lot of money for throwing things around, or races, we'd always win. So we were better off than anyone else in the school… till now. Not that we ever bothered much about money… money was just a helpful thing to have. Both of us lived in huge properties, where we grew chickens and cows. The chickens were just for pretending. The cows, however… that way, we hardly ever had to leave town for hunting. And cows were animals that wouldn't raise suspicions, so we could invite friends over without worries. Or we could… till Larry and Ruff became vampires. It had been five years since I'd called someone over to my house…
-Alice… will they come to the school? – Edward asked, worried
-No. They're heading for our house
Just then, the bell rang and we all got up to go to our classes. Edward, however, remained sitting. Bella looked at him, curious.
-I don't think. – He said slowly – I'll go to biology today…might be healthier to skip some classes sometimes.
-We have biology now too, Edward – Chelle told him, pointing at me and her.
-Then I suggest the two of you stay too
-Why? – Chelle asked, confused
-Because…
-Blood type day – Bella groaned and seemed unsure
Edward only nodded
-Oh! Well, I guess I'll stay then… - I grinned at Bella. Next to me, Chelle nodded
Edward smiled at Bella
– It's your decision, love. You know how strong you are.
She nodded, thoughtful.
– I'll stay – she said, finally.
He gave her a huge smile. She smiled back and both of them got up and walked out. I looked at Chelle and she nodded lightly. We followed the two at some distance.
The couple headed towards the Volvo. They got in and left the two back doors open for us. The rest of the Cullens were at their classes. They didn't have biology. When we entered the car, the two were talking softly.
-…you know that, Bella.
-Yes. And you know my choice, Edward. I did my choice back then and it hasn't changed one little bit.
-But you can still change your mind, Bella…
-No, Edward, I can't
-Bella… I know it would be hard… for both of you, but if he really loves you, he'll manage
-I'm not referring to the fact that I'm a vampire and he's a werewolf, Edward. I'm referring myself to the simple fact you seem to have forgotten.
-And what would that be?
-That without you, Edward, my life has no meaning.
-But you love him, Bella…
-But I chose you
-Because he was stupid
-No, because I love you.
-You love him, too – he reminded her
-Dammit! Edward, why are you so oblivious to the fact that I love you more than I love him? I can live without him. I can't live without you.
-Nonsense, Bella
-Nonsense?! Do you have any freaking idea of what I'd do if I got separated from you again? When I was human, I held on for Charlie. Now, Charlie already thinks I'm dead. I'd go straight to Italy, Edward. And I wouldn't wait till noon to do something stupid either. I'd do it as fast as I could!
Her words made his face pained.
– I'm not a good example for you to follow, Bella – he grimaced
-I don't care – her voice was soft now – Edward, without you, I just can't survive. Is that so hard to understand?
-It just seems too good
-To me, too. – She smiled
I left my last class anxious. I had hardly paid attention to any of my classes after lunch. I only had one class with Bella and Edward. I also had one with Alice. Me and Chelle had exactly the same schedules.
I practically grabbed Chelle's hand and dragged her out of History. We ran – trying not to run too fast, so as not to raise suspicions – towards the parking lot. I saw the BMW convertible maneuvering out of its spot. It was full. We got to the Volvo and, as soon as the doors were shut, Edward stood on the gas and we sped out of the school.
We sped for about fifteen minutes. I was sure he was driving faster than me. I liked speed, but Edward drove crazily, even to my eyes. And I scared the hell out of Chelle when I was driving. Their house was in the countryside, just like mine. Just like Chelle's too. I usually took half an hour to get home with a car. He took fifteen.
As Edward maneuvered in to the garage next to the red BMW convertible, I caught a smell. It was a horrid stink. My hands flexed themselves.
-Yes. They have a strong scent, don't they? – Bella commented lightly
-Is this smell… them?
-Yes, – she replied grimly
She turned to face the forest on the right side of the house.
-How far, Edward?
-Five minutes away, and running.
-How are they?
What a strange question to ask, I thought. Edward, however, seemed to have understood it.
He smiled
-Transformed
Bella tensed and nodded grimly, her eyes darkening. She walked slowly forward, towards the forest, Edward, me and Chelle followed.
As we reached the fringe of the trees, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and Alice came from the house, followed by two other vampires. One man and one woman.
-Mandy, Chelle… these are our parents: Carlisle and Esme Cullen – Alice presented us
-Hello Mandy. Hello Chelle – Esme greeted us. Carlisle smiled at us two.
-Hi Mrs. and Mr. Cullen – the two of us said politely
Then the ten of us turned to look at the forest again. I saw Bella straighten herself. The rest of us backed two steps, keeping behind her. Her eyes never left the forest.
Suddenly, something huge stepped out from the shadows of the forest. As my eyes fell on him, I felt an urge to pounce forward and fight the creature down. I wanted to kill it. And I wanted to do so now. And badly. I remembered my promise to Alice, however and restrained myself.
Bella's face was calm, but her posture was tense. But not with the same tension I felt.
From behind the first, two other wolves appeared. The first one was the biggest one and seemed to be their leader. Its fur was of a red-brown color and shaggier than the other two. As I watched, fighting my instincts, I saw the first wolf, the red-brown colored one, transform and disappear right in front of my eyes. In its place, stood a tall, muscular man. He was wearing only pants, leaving his broad, strong chest bare. He must have been in his twenties. The two other wolves followed their leader's example. They too, were big and muscular men.
-Jacob, – Bella greeted curtly – Quil, Embry.
-Bella! – The first man's face split in to a smile. Bella's eyes narrowed slightly.
-Edward. – He greeted with less enthusiasm
-Hello Jacob – Edward's reply was educated, but with a thick edge to it – Would you mind telling us why you gave yourselves the trouble to come all the way from Forks to here?
-I… I wanted to talk to Bella – the one called Jacob muttered
Edward said something darkly. I didn't hear what it was, but it sounded pretty offensive to me.
-Speak along, Jake – Bella answered
-Actually… I was thinking… alone, maybe? – He seemed hopeful
-They are my family, Jake. Anything you need to tell me, they can and must know
-Please, Bella?
-Cut it out, Jacob.
-Bella… why don't you talk to him? We'll be in the house if you need us – Edward told her
She looked panicked, but then her face calmed.
-Okay.
The Cullens, followed by me and Chelle, retreated back to the house. It was huge. We all sat down on the sofas in the living-room and waited.
-Jake, what do you want? – Bella asked as soon as everyone was out of sight
-I wanted to talk to you… about something
-I figured. What is it?
-I well… I just wanted you to know… that my feelings for you haven't changed. At all.
-Well. That's too bad, isn't it?
His eyes narrowed.
-Are you telling me you don't love me anymore, Bella? – He growled
-Did you hear me say that?
-No…
-Well then.
-But you meant it
-Did I, Jake? Did I really? Or did I just mean that my feelings towards you and towards Edward haven't changed at all either?
He stopped walking. She stopped too.
-Do you mean to say… that you actually like being a bloodsucker? – He sounded incredulous; doubtful, even. Of his own words. How pathetic. Bella seemed to agree, because she rolled her eyes at him, impatient.
-No. I'm telling you I like being a vampire who's a member of the Cullen family – she retorted
-All comes down to the same in the end – he muttered
-Actually, I think you'll find it doesn't
-Well then… I guess you like being locked up in the house for the entire day. Not leaving at all…
-What the hell are you talking about, Jacob?
-You can't be allowed to get close to humans yet.
-You think – she scoffed
His eyes widened in shock
-But I thought this took time…
-And it does. It usually does. I'm a happy exception to that rule
He was too shocked to answer
-Are you done now, Jacob?
-Not even close – he grumbled
She saw it in his eyes. Just like that time in La Push. But this time, she was ready for it. As soon as his face was in good distance from hers, she shot her arm forward, hitting him straight on his jaw.
There was a crunching sound.
Jacob let out a howl of pain, and immediately took his hand off Bella and put it to his chin. Bella smiled, pleased with herself.
-That was for the last time. And for this one too, - she added, pleased
Half a second had gone by and Edward was there, followed closely by the rest of us. He took in the scene slowly.
This was what we all saw: Jacob holding his chin and whimpering in a low tone, while Bella stood to one side, smiling softly.
Edward raised an eyebrow at her, then directed himself to Jacob
-I thought I'd told you not to kiss her unless she asked you to do so, dog.
Jacob scowled
-I didn't even get close to kissing her, leech
-I keep my words. – He went on as if Jacob hadn't spoken, making the other growl – And more. I promised that if you ever kissed her forcefully again, I'd break your chin for her. Since that is no longer needed, seeing as she has taken care of that herself, I'll keep my other promise: have you running with three legs. – He smiled
Bella rolled her eyes at him.
-Edward… none of that.
-No, Bella. Let him try – Jacob sneered
-Don't you dare to direct yourself at me, mongrel! – She hissed, furious
Her words hit home. He looked at her, his face contorted in pain. He looked taken aback by her reaction.
-Aw Bells. Don't be mad at me
-I think she told you not to speak to her, dog
Bella's eyes narrowed menacingly at Jacob.
-You know what, Edward?
-What, love? – Edward turned his gaze to her
-He's yours – she hissed through her teeth
Edward looked like he was about to explode with joy.
-Are you sure, honey?
-Absolutely – she smiled – See you in the house. Have fun! – She then, promptly turned her back on Edward and Jacob and stomped her way towards the house. The rest of us followed. Emmett kept looking back, with a jealous look on his face.
Once in the house, Bella took me and Chelle on a tour of the house. It was absolutely huge. It had three floors. Once that was done, she took us back down to the living-room and went back upstairs to change from the school uniform.
Yelps could be heard from the forest.
A few minutes after Bella came down again, Edward came in the door, looking pleased. Bella flung her arms around him and he whispered something to her. She tensed
-Why, Edward? Now he'll come back with the entire pack for revenge!
Emmett's eyes seemed to shine at that.
-Don't worry, love. He won't. I kept well my promise. – He smirked
-You broke his leg? – She asked, amused
-Yep – he said, studying her face to see if he wasn't supposed to have inflicted any harm. Her face wasn't showing anything but pure amusement and fun. Her lips looked as if they were twitching; giving the impression we were losing a personal little joke.
-By the sounds coming from there, you couldn't tell it was only a leg – she rolled her eyes dramatically.
He laughed soundly at her words.
-He's such a cry baby – He said, still laughing.
Emmett's booming laugh joined Edward's.
-Tell me about it. And also a very bad loser – She grimaced – now… Mandy, Chelle… - she said,
turning to us – do you want us to take you home or…?
-There's no need, Bella – I smiled
-Yeah. We live very close by. We can run – Chelle smiled
-Oh… Okay, then.
-See you guys tomorrow! – I waved from the door already
-See ya! – Chelle agreed, as she headed to the door.
-Bye, Mandy! Bye, Chelle!
We waved once, then turned and ran all the way home.
A.N.: Okay! Chapter two! I'll admit that, not being a Jacob fan myself, I was kind of avid for a scene in which Jake got what he deserved ;P.
Chocoholic4eva: Girl, you rock! Thanks so much for reviewing here too! I'm glad you liked it ;). This goes a completely different way from Hurricane, since it was written before Breaking Dawn came out…