A/N : Are you guys curious to see what Jakey poo is up to?! I AM! I wanna know why the hell he hasn't been pressing Bella anymore… Give me a pat on the back for the longest chapter EVER! I wanted to cut it in half, but I just couldn't find a good point to sever at. So you get it ALL.
Haha, my number 8 reviewer, Jess, you're such a cheater! A one word review! But it works!
Thank you for all my reviews, guys! They mean a lot to me. I wouldn't put restrictions on you all for my putting out chapters, but I want to make sure you guys think it's going well before I post the next chapter. So this is all just for feedback!
Chapter 15 – Attacks
Jake's POV
The four days that had gone by without getting to see Bella were driving me un fucking believably insane. I don't know how much longer I could go without seeing her smile. The night I had come back from her house, Sam had been waiting for me. It had started off simply enough.
"Jake, I need you to keep calm," he said. I had scoffed. What could possibly upset me when I'd just had the most amazing night of my life? I nodded my agreement. Still, he saw it fit to stay outside to tell me the news. I understood why.
"Victoria's been back. While you were over at Bella's. She snuck by us, because no one was on guard. When I shifted, and went for my run, it hit me in the center of the forest. She had been by Bella's, but I think she knew she wasn't alone. Instead, she attacked a hiker in the woods," Sam finished.
I was already shaking. How could this happen? Had we really gotten so careless to not have anyone patrolling? How close had she come to Bella's house? If I hadn't been there, what would have happened?
Sam's hand was on my shoulder and I immediately calmed. She's ok now… Nothing's happened to her. She's saf- SAFE.
"Sam, what about now, what if she's there-"
"I already have Quil over there. I'm surprised you didn't hear him in your head while you ran back. Or even run into him," Sam said, guessing why I hadn't been so perceptive to the scent of a vampire, let alone the thoughts of my own pack member. I could make an excuse for the vampire scent. I had spent the whole time in a room that smelled like Edward. I had confused the scents. But I hadn't heard Quil's thoughts?
It hit me then how intoxicated by Bella I had been. I had been so taken by her, I couldn't protect her. I felt weight crushing down on my chest. What would have happened if Quil wasn't waiting outside with her now? Would Victoria have returned? I was shaking, uncontrollably. Sam's hand was still on my shoulder. He realized it wasn't going to do anything. He got to his feet.
"Come on, let's go to the forest. We can shift and talk there," he said. I got to my feet and tried my best to make it to the forest, but I knew I wasn't going to make it. The thought of losing Bella, because of my own stupidity, I couldn't handle it. I was glad I left my shirt at her house, because it would have gone to shreds. I barely had time to tumble out of my pants. My boxers were a lost cause. I burst into a wolf and hit the ground immediately, my head between my paws.
"The forest, Jake," Sam said, still human. I whined and scampered towards the trees, my belly low to the ground. I felt like a beaten puppy. I made it beyond the tree line and then started rolling against a tree. It was the closest I could get to bashing my head into the ground. I felt like my skin was crawling. Suddenly, I didn't know if I wanted to imprint on Bella. If this is how it was when she wasn't my intended, what would it be like if she was? The thought made my ears perk. I heard Sam shift behind me and turned to him. His thoughts gave me a crash course.
The girl? The one who was attacked? I asked. Before Sam could even think to shield his thoughts, an image of a blonde lying on the forest floor skipped through my mind. Her throat was ripped out, her legs at odd angles. I cringed and buried my nose into the dirt again, slamming my eyes shut. As if that would help. I whimpered.
This isn't time to fall apart, Jake. That leech is back and she's lethal. We need to keep two mutts out on the hunt at all times-
I'll do it. Every waking moment I have, I'll be here I thought, lifting my head from the ground. Sam sat in front of me.
I don't know if you can, Jake-
I'm the only person I trust to care enough to get her if she comes near Bella. Sam, please. I trust you all, you're my pack, but this girl is my life right now. I can't imagine life without her. Think of Emily I pleaded, sitting up now. Trying to speak to him like an intended alpha should. It was hard. All I wanted to do was roll in the dirt, thank whatever God was watching over Bella and then die. Sam seemed to hunch over and give in.
Ever since then, I hadn't been home enough to catch all of Bella's calls. I knew I had to be there for the first one though. What would have happened, what would she have thought if I hadn't answered her call? Would she have run down to the res? Would she have put herself in danger the whole ride over, just to see if I was acting weird?
That next day, the very next morning, she had called, and I had been there. I needed to tell her I wasn't going anywhere. I was always going to be there for her. I couldn't tell her what was going on. The selfless creature she was, she probably would have tried to stop me. She might have sought out Victoria, even. But she seemed to understand. She was ok with not being able to see me. She played it off just as cool as I had.
Inside, I knew both of us were squirming, begging to be in each other's arms.
Seriously, Jake, I don't want to think about you and Bella squirming right now. Go to bed Paul growled out in his mind. I lifted my head tiredly. I had been trudging around the past hour or so. The sun had reached the horizon a while ago, leaving us in darkness. I tried to grin as I glanced at Paul.
I thought of when I had gone down on Bella, remembering the images as explicitly as I could. He dropped to the ground and buried his nose, throwing his paws over his ears. I barked and laughed, taking off as he charged after me.
You're a sick, disgusting bastard, Jake! Call Jared. He's bound to be better company then you he spat. I laughed in my head once more and then stopped to throw my head back and howl. Whoever felt like doing duty next would surely shift.
Sure enough, I felt Quil, Embry and Jared's thoughts press forward.
Jake's a fucking horn dog and he needs to pass out to wet dreams of Bella. Who's up for the next shift? Paul's voice steamed through our heads. I tried not to bark out another laugh. Quil Embry and Jared were already laughing.
Damn, Jake. Are you still obsessing over that night with Bella? I think you need to see her again Quil said. He has his nose to the ground, already searching for any whiff of vamp.
Haha, yeah. See her. Good one, Quil, Embry laughed. I could feel Paul heating up and I padded to the edge of the forest, feeling exhausted already.
Just keep an eye out, guys. You know what she means to me. I thought, already feeling hesitant about going. There hadn't been another sniff of the leech anywhere, in the last four days, but I wasn't letting this go.
No prob, Jake. Get some rest. I'm going to stick around and make sure Paul and Jared do their jobs Embry said and I let out a breath. If anyone could set my mind at ease, it was Sam and Embry. I shifted and stretched out, groaning. God, I didn't know how much more of this I could handle. I pulled on a pair of shorts I left at this particular tree then jogged home. My muscles ached, everywhere.
My dad was in the kitchen. I stopped by.
"Bella?"
"Hasn't called yet. I'm sure she will though. She's probably out having some fun with her friends. Get some rest, kid," Billy said. I smiled a little at the thought of her out with people. It warmed me. I knew my pack would watch her for the few hours I'd be out. I trudged to my room and flopped onto the bed, face down. I couldn't even drag myself into the shower. Before I knew it, dreams of Bella's face were swarming around me. I felt her tender hands and lips, everywhere. I needed to see her, soon. I didn't know how much longer this could last.
But I couldn't take the chance that I would be caught distracted with her. If the leech struck while I was with Bella, I couldn't make a guarantee that I'd be able to fight her off. It was apparent I couldn't handle the two things at once.
Bella's POV
I stretched out my legs, my arms. Everything seemed to ache. Apparently I hadn't slept well last night. I hadn't talked to Jake all day yesterday. It was my first thought. I couldn't wait through my routine today to call him. I ran straight down the stairs, without even brushing my teeth.
"Hey Billy, is he home?" I asked, still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. I heard him chuckle.
"He's sleeping. He should be up round seven tonight, if you want to head over then. He's been sleeping since he got in last night, around eight." I gaped.
"Is that normal?" I asked, running my hand through my hair. Billy laughed again.
"He's been really busy, Bella. Don't worry, he's been fine. Come on over later," he said.
"I'll be there," I said, then hung up the phone.
"Dad, I'm going to Jake's tonight!" I called towards the living room. I barely heard him grunt in response as I climbed the stairs. I went to the bathroom and shut the door.
I emerged an hour or so later. Hair, make up and showered. I went to my room to find some clothes. I picked out a pair of leggings I had bought with Angela the day we had gone out. I found a sun dress I had also bought with her.
I sat on my bed and finally looked at the clock. Holy Jesus I thought. It was already two. I must have slept in until past eleven. I glanced around my room and realized I could already clean it again. Apparently I had tussled through my clothes since the day before. I spent an hour cleaning my room, and then laid down with a book.
Time passed. I wasn't aware how much.
I rolled around, my eyes starting to flutter open. What in the world? I thought, as I sat up a little. I looked around, disoriented. I glanced at the clock. It was ten to seven. I jumped out of bed and panicked. I had fallen asleep. I tossed my novel to the floor and ran to the mirror, appearing decent enough. I cleared up my eyes and then flattened out my dress. I slipped into my shoes and ran.
I was downstairs in record speed, grabbing my keys off the counter.
"See you in a while!" I called. His grunt wished me farewell.
I think I also made it La Push in record time. I jumped out of my car and then slowed my run to a jog as I climbed the porch steps. I took a moment to clear up my appearance again before I tapped on the door. I was greeted by Emily's bright face. I couldn't help smiling back. The thought of seeing Jake was the only thing to make me feel this way.
"Hello, Bella. Come on in. I was just helping Billy make some food for when Jake wakes up," she said, leaving the door open to allow me in. I closed it behind me and then followed her to the kitchen. Billy was sitting at the table, seeming to pout. I couldn't help but laugh.
"She won't let me help with a damn thing," he grumbled. I rested my hand on Billy's shoulder and rubbed it.
"It's ok, Billy. Leave it to us girls," I said, glancing at Emily again. She smiled at Billy encouragingly. He grumbled and rolled himself into the living room. Em turned while rolling her eyes.
"That man's going to burn down the house for his kid one day, mark my words," she said, placing bread into the toaster but not pushing it down yet.
"He means well," I said, coming up to her side. She had eggs, green pepper, red pepper, bacon, onions, tomatoes and tortillas spread all out over the counter. "Egg omelet quesadillas? For dinner?" I asked. She nodded.
"Basically, it's the quickest thing to cook. And that's going to be one hungry boy when he wakes. You want to cut up the peppers and onions while I do the tomatoes and start the eggs?" she asked, handing me a knife.
"Absolutely. It's incredibly nice of you to come over and help Billy like this," I said, feeling a lot warmer towards the woman at my side then I had last I saw her. She really was an amazing person. Very maternal. Extremely maternal. She grabbed my wrist.
"Bella, what is this?" she asked, dropping her knife on the counter and bringing my wrist to eye level.
Shit. I'd forgotten to cover the bruise up. I had planned on wearing an oversized bracelet of some sort. In my hurry to get here, I'd completely forgotten it. I tried to pull my hand from Emily's gentle embrace but she refused.
"Bella-"
"I'm fine, please… Don't worry about me," I said, softly. She was looking over my wrist, tenderly. She poked and prodded, asked me if it hurt, grumbled beneath her breath and then let my wrist go. Her eyes were trying to find mine but I hid them beneath my hair.
"Bella, honey… This isn't healthy," she said. The smart mouth in me, the part that still loved Edward and didn't want to hurt him, wanted to scream at her. So what Sam did to your face was normal? I thought. I smacked that part of me down immediately. The part of me that loved Jake, the larger part, the part that thought Emily was an extremely smart, sensitive, sweet, caring woman caved. I had tears in my eyes. Her arms were around me the next moment.
"Bella, if you're ever afraid of him, Jake is there for you. He'll help you with anything. That boy would throw himself in front of a runaway bus for you," she said, cradling my head. I felt a tear leak to her shirt. Two.
"Emily, I can't let Jake see this… I need to break things off with Edward in my own way. He can't know," I begged, pulling away to look up at her. She cleared up the makeup that was slipping down my cheeks. Then she took my face in her hands and looked into my eyes. I pleaded with her. I begged her to see that I did plan on breaking it off with Edward; I just needed a little more time. Just one more day. Maybe two. She seemed to understand me and let go of my face.
"I don't think I have anything that will match your outfit," she said softly, rummaging through her purse. I let out a deep breath I didn't know I had held. I walked over to her. She turned to me, with a large bracelet. It was at least two inches thick and was woven with a beige reed all around it. I didn't care if it didn't match the short baby blue dress I was wearing. Guys didn't know about matching items with outfits. She helped me slip it on and then tilted my chin up to look at her.
"Get out of this, Bella… Before it kills you," she said. I bit back the tears that threatened me again. She gave a short nod and then turned away, back to the food. "And I'm warning you, I can't hide this from Sam. And as you know, the pack has no secrets. Jake will know by the next time he sees you. Be ready for that," she said. She didn't mean it in a horrible way. And I would never make her keep a secret from her soul mate. I would never be able to do that. I came back to her side and helped her chop up the food. Within five minutes, the whole kitchen smelled of food. Within ten, I was sure it was down the hallway.
"God, how long has it been?" I heard Jake call down the hallway. I heard his footsteps coming closer.
"Son! You're in the presence of ladies, put your clothes on!" I heard Billy yell. Emily and I busted up laughing as we heard Jake go running back down the hallway and slam the door to his room. We finished up dinner, talking about placement, bowls, spatulas and so on. Jake's door opened, but I heard another door close down the hall. The shower started.
Emily and I worked to draw out the cooking process, but it wasn't long. Jake took quick showers. He was out within ten minutes. We heard the door open and I took the large bowl of eggs to the table. I peeked down the hallway. He managed a glorious smile, even though I felt embarrassment still flying off him.
"How long have I been out of it?" he asked, glancing at me, then peering into the living room to see his father rolling toward him.
"Just under 24 hours," Billy said, coming into the kitchen. He rolled up to the table and I went back to helping Emily bring the food over. Jake was rubbing his hand over his face.
"Jesus, I didn't even get to patrol," he said. I brought over the bacon, still sizzling in the bowl. Jake reached over and snagged a piece before I placed it on the table. Emily brought the toast over. "This looks great, thank you Em. Bells," he said, looking at both of us. His gaze lingered on me. I felt a blush heat my cheeks. Unlike Jake, I turned red at the slightest notation.
We all sat down and enjoyed the quick make dinner. There was mindless chatter between Emily and I, Billy and Jake. Billy brought up how we cleared him out of the kitchen and Jake scolded him for trying to cook in the first place. Billy grumbled under his breath about not being five years old. Emily and I had finished before Billy. And of course, Jake finished last, polishing off the eggs inside the bowl within another tortilla. I took the dishes off the table, helping Emily.
"You guys don't have to do that, I'll help," Jake said, though it was a little more garbled. He still had a few bites worth of food tucked inside his cheek. Emily and I both laughed. I went over to him and stood behind him, reaching for a bowl over his shoulder. I'm sure he didn't miss how my chest brushed against his back.
"You just keep eating, mutt," I said softly, pulling away from him. I think I saw a few crumbs slip out of his mouth. I helped Emily with the dishes. By the time we were done, Jake brought the last plate over to us. Emily shooed us away.
"Go play, or do whatever teenagers do nowadays. I can handle the last dish," she said, smiling at us both. Jacob turned away and she gave me a weak, pleading smile. I gave a little nod and then followed him. He went outside, calling over his shoulder.
"We're gonna go for a walk, dad! Be back later!" The same grunt Charlie left me with came from Billy. I laughed at how alike the two were. As we reached the bottom of the steps, Jake put his arm around me, tucking me into his warmth. I appreciated it. A sundress with no coat wasn't made for mean evenings in Forks and La Push.
We strode down to the beach and then slowed our pace as we walked. We didn't have to talk. Just being in each other's presence seemed to be enough. Jake's arm tightened around me, pulling me closer. I tucked my head into his shoulder, breathing in. He smelled like Jake. I had missed the way he smelled. I had missed his warmth. I had missed everything about him.
Jake's POV
Bella snuggling into me was the best thing I'd felt in four days. Five, now. I couldn't believe I'd slept so long. I hadn't been able to help the pack. I hadn't protected Bella. The thought made me pull her even closer. I wrapped my other arm around her too, walking sideways. She giggled and I smiled, kissing the top of her head.
She started veering off and I followed her. I looked up and saw where she was heading. There was a little hollow off in the distance, a tree acting as a seat. We reached it and I sat down, pulling Bella into my lap. She threw herself onto me a little harder than I expected and we tumbled backwards. I immediately reached for her, making sure she wasn't hurt. On the contrary, she was laughing. It was contagious and I joined her. She curled up into my arm. I was laying on my back, with my legs over the log.
We started talking about nothing. After a long time, we started mentioning how the last few days had gone. She was avoiding asking me why I hadn't come around. I was grateful. I didn't think I could talk about it without nearly shifting and scaring her. I, in turn, didn't ask her anything about Edward.
An eye for an eye.
She told me she had gone out with Angela the day before and I found myself happy she had gone out. I liked that she wasn't spending all day inside. Her day seemed to end abruptly though. I prodded her about it, but she didn't want to go any further.
Her hand was on my chest. Her fingertips were tracing little circles all over me and I wanted to shudder. I remembered the way her nails felt. I let out a breath. She lifted her head to look at me. My hand that wasn't wrapped around her came up to her face, stroking her cheek.
"You are so beautiful," I whispered, caressing her face with my eyes. I smiled down at her. I stopped smiling after a moment. I couldn't help it. She was looking at me with eyes so intense, I almost wanted to cry.
"What's up, Bella?" I asked, curious about her thoughts. What made her look at me like that? She let out a deep breath and tilted her head down, her fingers still working over my skin.
"We need to talk, Jake," she whispered softly. I think my heart turned to ice. In all the stories, movies, songs I'd ever heard those words spoken, it was never a good thing. I tried to keep my breathing calm, but I knew she could hear my heart beat quicken. I sat up a little, leaning up on my elbow. She straightened up a little too, her eyes still turned from mine. I made her look at me.
"What is it, Bells? I'm listening," I said. Even as I said the words, my heart was building its walls, afraid of her words. What was she going to say? She was biting on her lip.
"Jake, I…" she stopped, trying to pull out of my grasp. I sat up now and faced her, taking her face in both my hands.
"Bella, what is it?" I asked, almost desperate now. I could feel my throat catching. Tears were threatening to shatter me. This could not be happening.
"Jake, I'm leaving Edward. I can't be with him anymore, I-" she started, but I let out a quick half sob. There were no tears, just the deep emotion that came barreling out of me. She wasn't leaving me. She was leaving Edward. She was going to get away from the slime ball leech. I wanted to cry with joy. She needed to go on though; she had meant to say more. I gave her all my attention, bringing her hand up to my mouth. I caressed it with my lips, shutting my eyes so I could listen to her.
"Jake, I've been so stupid… This whole time, ever since we kissed in the kitchen, all I've wanted is you. I can't stand not being around you, and Edward just isn't you. I want you, Jake. I love you," she whispered. I glanced up at her.
Suddenly, I felt like my heart was exploding. My breath caught in my chest and everything shifted. I almost saw stars. I think I nearly passed out. Love inched its way through every part of my soul. I couldn't focus on anything but Bella. There she was, sitting right in front of me. There was no beach, there were no vampires. Even in the dark, the moonlight hit her face and etched it into my head. I blinked after a moment and finally let out a deep breath, trying to take it all in.
Gravity had shifted and made her my center.
"Bella… Oh my god," I whispered. It was too much to take in. My head was spinning.
"If it's too much, I can wait… You waited for me. You waited so long Jake, and I'm sorry," she started. I shook my head. I shook my head violently. I was shaking. But not because I was going to shift. I wanted to tell her the last damn thing I needed was space.
I grabbed her wrists and pulled her close to me. She let out a little cry and immediately I let go of her wrists. She fell into me and I glanced down at my hands. Did I hurt her? Did I not realize what I was doing? Did I pull her too fast?
"Bella, are you ok? I'm sorry, please… Let me look," I said, pulling her up a little. I grabbed her one wrist but there was nothing. I reached for her other wrist but she yanked it away.
"Bella?-" I started but she shook her head. A pain went through me I couldn't explain and I felt my heart lurch forward. Why wouldn't she let me see her wrist? "Bella, please, I'm worried," I whispered, reaching for her arm again. Finally, she complied. Reluctantly.
I swallowed, something rising in my throat. What the hell was going on? I pulled her wrist to my face and glanced at her. After a moment, I pulled the bracelet off of her hand.
Even in the night sky, I could see the damage to her wrist. It had colored too fast for me to have done it. She started sobbing.
"Oh God," I cried out, bringing my free hand to my mouth. I felt bile turning in my stomach. That fucking leech. That thick, pastel, parasitic, scum bag! I tried to take in deep breaths. He had hurt her. Physically, he had caused her pain. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her tight to me. No… No no no no NO! I yelled in my head, feeling the edge of sanity starting to slip away from me.
"Bella, Jesus… I'm going to kill him," I growled. I was shaking, but there was no way I was going to shift. Not with her this close to me, not with her aching in my arms. I wanted to sob with her. I wanted to break down and cry. What had happened? What made him do this to her? I didn't care why he did it. He had no right. He had no fucking right to touch her, to hurt her. She was shaking in my arms. Her tears were soul wracking.
"Bella, please… Stop crying, or I'm going to go after him right now. Right this second, I'll tear his head off-" I started. She pulled away and interrupted me.
"No! Jacob, no! Please, I need to take care of this! You can't say anything to him! You can't do anything! If he finds out you know something, he'll read your mind. I can't have him find out that way-"
"You're still worried about him?! Bella, stop! That ass doesn't deserve a goddamn thing from you!" She covered her ears.
"Jake, please. I told you this to help. When he comes over-" she broke off, her hands falling from her ears. She paled, and went completely silent. I almost thought she'd died. I grabbed her shoulder and shook her.
"Bella?"
"It's late. What time is it?"
"Why does it matter-"
"Jacob, what time is it?!" she cried, jumping to her feet. She was running back to the house. I went after her. My feet were sluggish. For some unknown goddamn reason, I, Jacob Black, the werewolf, couldn't outrun an overeager, clumsy little teenage girl. She jumped into her truck as I hit the side of it, coming to a halt.
"Oh fuck me, it's already ten," she whispered. I pulled on her door.
"Bella, where are you going?" I felt a frantic pull on my chest. A voice called out inside me. She's leaving? Why's she leaving. She can't leave. I'll die without her. Keep her here, you idiot!
"He's going to be so pissed off. Please, Jake, I have to go. I'll be lucky if he's not there-"
"Bella, just stay!" I yelled, trying to get her attention. She wasn't listening. It was like she couldn't hear me. I grabbed her hand and pulled her attention to me. "Bella, stay, please," I felt tears choke me. She couldn't leave me. Not to go back to that leech, that wife beater. I didn't know how else to keep her there. I didn't know anything else that I could do.
"Jacob, I can't! You don't understand, I can't! I'll be back tomorrow," she said. With that, she threw the truck into gear and punched the pedal. I backed away from the car as she sped off. I felt myself start to shake. I felt, with every second she drove away, my heart shred into an extra piece.
"No… Bella, come back," I whispered, to nothing. I slipped to the ground, on my hands and knees. I was shaking. Completely and utterly broken apart.
"Jacob?!" I heard my dad cry. He was on the porch. He had come out. I tried to control myself but I couldn't. I shifted right there, unable to do anything about my pants. Even as I lay there in the sand, in wolf form, I shook. I felt like I was falling apart, in every way.
I had imprinted on her. She was right in front me the whole time, all it took was a confession. I tried to breathe, but I felt I couldn't. Someone was touching my side.
"He's not hurt," they said.
"He's imprinted," I heard Sam say. He must have just shifted back into human form. He had read my thoughts. He knew what was going on. I couldn't move. I lay there, a broken, shattered mess.
I had imprinted.
And my imprintee was running to her death.
A/N : OH MY GOD, right? Right?! Give me 10 reviews now, tell me what you friggin think! I have the next two chapter written and ready. You guys wanna know what happens? Do you?! Do you want to see if Edward's at her house?! Want to know what he thinks?! Then review!