A/N: Thank you so very much to brightglo, kiki, RANDOM COOKIE NINJA, TempusSimia and Twilight saga for the reviews! Love you all!

Chapter 8: ...Lov…

How godly awful were mornings after a blissful night's sleep? Very awful, bordering on down right cruel, is the appropriate answer, I think. Dinner last night had turned into something kind of awkward. Tasha kept asking 'innocent' questions about mine and Jacob's day, along with sending me strange smiles. I'd even caught Sam giving Jacob's direction a glare at one point and Emily was obviously trying to act as if everything were perfectly fine.

As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as sunlight flooded in through the window, I still couldn't figure it out. And I wasn't sure that I really wanted to, anyway. With a dejected sigh, I rolled over and looked at the digital clock on the bedside table. 8:16 am shone at me in taunting, red numbers. Great, at least I'd gotten a fair amount of sleep; hopefully it would be enough to banish my weariness for a while.

It had all been catching up to me, and I doubt my over thinking, caused by Black, was really helping things.

Dragging myself out of bed, not bothering to get changed out of my simple blue and purple checked boxers and grey three quarter sleeved shirt that I wore to bed, I made my way down stairs. It was noisy, and full of people. Seriously, what is this place, a club house?

My leg was un-bandaged, leaving my stitches in clear view. The wound was healing nicely, already having shrunk a couple of centimetres in length, and the red of the first day was replaced with my normal, tanned skin tone. I weaved wordlessly through all the people, ignoring anyone who greeted me, and bee lined for the coffee pot. This morning, I was in sudden and desperate need of a caffeine fix.

Georgia, whom I had learned was Vincent's girlfriend, was just filling a cup of steaming fresh coffee when I entered. She was shorter then me, by a couple of inches, and had lighter skin then me to. Her ginger hair was up in a high ponytail and she raised an eyebrow at me as I approached.

"Want some?" Her voice was normal, not soft like Kim's or hard like Leah's or overly bubbly like Tasha's. Her hazel eyes regarded me like I wasn't getting around in my pyjamas with a massive cut on my leg and probably a scowl on my face.

I nodded and tried to give her a smile. She was probably younger then me, finally there was someone, but my current mood seemed to have washed over her completely. "Yes…please."

She gave me a smile back and got another cup. "And here I was thinking you'd set yourself to mute this morning."

I grunted and accepted the simple light blue mug from her delicate hand. She really stood out against the rest of us. "I thought about it….Aren't half of you lot supposed to be at school today?"

She laughed and shook her head. "Good luck getting them there, but no, not today. Some idiot busted the pipes and flooded the whole school."

I rolled my eyes, 'some idiot' probably meant one of these idiots. "Right, so you just all…congregate here?"

She smirked. "Emily makes the best food, and these guys are always after food. You missed breakfast, by the way. Tasha told them to leave you sleep."

Shrugging, I leaned against the bench and watched the chaos around us. "That's alright, I don't feel like it anyway." I frowned. "Where's Leah?"

"Out with Kev, I think."

Leah was out with Kevin O'Harn? …Out killing him maybe. "What are they doing?" I highly doubted that my Leah would be out voluntarily with any of this lot, let alone Kevin, who was almost as bad as the dynamic duo when it came to stupidity and pranks.

Georgia shrugged her small shoulders and took a sip of her black coffee. I hated black coffee. "Dunno."

Someone should tell her she's a horrible liar, and I was instantly annoyed with being lied to, but I couldn't find it in me to challenge her on it. I just took a calming breath and sipped my own white, heavily sugared, coffee.

"Morning, Evie!"

I groaned at the upbeat happy voice and dropped my head onto the bench top with a soft 'thunk'. Totally knew I should've stayed in bed. "Do you ever do anything besides harass me?"

Jacob replied immediately, and I could hear the sadness seep into his voice. I frowned at the light pain shoot across my chest. The same as yesterday, only not so bad. "I just said good morning, no need to get snappy."

I stood up and downed my coffee, which was a stupid thing to do since it was hot and burned my throat, but I was able to hide the pain and walked out of the kitchen to the veranda. I fell into the empty lounge and pulled my phone from where I'd stashed it in my bra, an ancient trick, I know, and texted my girls who I was missing worse then before.

Several of the boys were rolling around out on the ground and for the first time I noticed my baby was parked neatly and was shinning so bright you nearly had to wear sunnies. I beamed, remembering to hug Seth later. I gazed at the red shine for a while, going over every inch of the exterior and had the urge to go for a spin bubble inside me.

Without any second thoughts to how much I'd probably get yelled at. I slipped over the veranda rails and tip toed past the wrestling boys, Maxwell and Brady, and jogged silently to the car.

Throwing open the door and sliding in, I started the engine, and even before the door had closed all the way I'd thrown it into reverse and accelerated. Yeah, Tash was gonna kill me. But like always, and such was my biggest problem, I think, the danger only made me more inclined to do it.

I giggled, realising I was going for a totally pointless 'hoon session', in Tam's words, in my pyjamas. Shaking my head, I whipped the car around and sped forwards, racking my brains for the closest and most deserted stretch of road.

"Cause I feel the need," I muttered to myself amusedly. "The need for speed," Ah, I was a retard this morning. This must be what good sleep does to me…no wonder I never get any.

My phone vibrated wildly several times but I ignored it. The rest of the world could just wait. Damn Jacob Black, damn him to hell for making me feel like this, confused, twisted, hurt…so undeniably broken. How the hell had I slept last night? I shook my head as I guided the Enzo over the winding road through the forest. I must have made myself that emotionally exhausted…that I just, passed out.

The road was deserted, and I was glad that something was on my side this morning. One more corner and I opened her up. The roar of power lightened my mood and I felt myself pushed back into my seat by the pressure of acceleration.

It woke me up better then a million of the strongest cups of coffee would. My speed climbed dramatically, and ridiculously fast, though I wouldn't have it any other way. My reaction time had to be spot on, or I'd miss the turns and send myself to my death via tree-impalement.

Everything was perfect for those blissful moments. All that mattered was the car, the road and my timing, nothing else. I couldn't hear my phone, though I'm sure it was still ringing. The dash dials all lit up as I neared the maximum speed, there was a new blue one, flashing at me. 'Power jump' it read, and I racked my brain, trying to remember why that sounded familiar.

It hit me then and a slow grin spread over my face. As the winding road turned into a straight-ish stretch I floored it again, spun the wheel so I was drifting side on, dropped it into neutral and hit the flashing 'power jump' button.

Things seemed to glide into slow motion, I could almost picture the springs shooting out from the bottom on the car. Hitting the bitumen and springing up, launching me up into the air. I rolled once, twice…and finally four times before touching back on the road at a stand still. The springs, made from Ty's new metal, had stretched as soon as the ground was in sight and made my landing smooth.

I was still and quiet as I let the adrenaline corse though my veins and waited to calm down. It worked. Tyler had actually done it. I'd asked him for this modification after an attempted jump from one battleship to another outside Japan had gone a little wrong. But it worked, and I'd discovered it on a whim, and in my pyjamas!

I laughed. I don't know why, but I did. And while laughing I turned around and drove back to Sam's, to buoyantly happy to care if I was in trouble. I was a big girl, all grown up. I could handle anything. I dunno how I got this revelation from my new toy, but it made me feel so much better anyway.

I could take anything life could and probably would throw at me. I could do it.

I put music on and looked at my phone, it was showing missed calls from Sam's home number and Tasha's mobile. What I'd expected, but also one from an unknown number. I frowned slightly and rang it back.

It was answered after the first ring. "Evie?" The voice exclaimed.

I groaned. Bloody Jacob Black! How had he gotten my number? Tasha…the bitch! I hung up and dropped it back on the other seat. Not even this would ruin my suddenly good mood, though, nope. I turned the music up and went faster, the smile finding its way back to my face.

I skidded to a halt in front of Sam's and people literally poured out of the house. I paid them no mind though as I turned the ignition off and leapt out, straight into Leah's arms, laughing like an idiot.

"It's alright, she's just gone insane!" My best friend yelled over her shoulder, she turned back to me with raised eyebrows and a small smile. "What was that?"

"It worked!" I squealed excitedly. "I didn't even know he'd done it! But it works! And it's so effing awesome! Seth!" I pulled out of Leah's grip and threw myself at him. I hugged him fiercely and kissed his cheek repeatedly. "You did a brilliant job! I can't wait to show you this! Ohmygod it's mad as, you'll love it."

He laughed and hugged me again. "I thought you'd taken off."

There it was, that hurt that he thought I'd leave him again. I pulled back so I could look him in the eyes and became completely serious. "I'll never leave without saying goodbye, at least. Then it'll never be goodbye because I'll see you again, okay?" I gave Leah a bright smile. "Besides, seriously people, why would I leave without taking any of my stuff, and in my pyjamas?"

Jacob was standing just behind us, fidgeting nervously, unsure about what he should do. Lucky, Tash filled the void that threatened to fall on us. "You scared the hell out of us! Don't ever, ever do that again, alright?" She pulled me into another of her bone crushing hugs.

I groaned, but was still in to good of a mood to fight, which was uncharacteristically happening a lot lately, so I gave in and hugged her back. "Yeah yeah, whatever," I threw my arms around Sam, too, surprising the hell out of both of us. "Sorry I left you to her hell." I mock whispered playfully, smiling from ear to ear.

He chuckled and grinned, only hesitating for a moment before dropping a kiss on my forehead. "I'll forgive you so long as you don't do it again…she's scary." I laughed as Tash glared at us.

"Are you being…nice?" Vincent asked unsurely, looking between us. From his side, Georgia elbowed him.

"It does happen." I said dryly, and then winked at him. "Don't tell anyone, it'll ruin my rep."

They laughed. As we turned to go back inside I heard my phone go off in the car. Groaning and muttering bad words to myself I removed my hand from Sam's and jogged back to get it. "Hello?"

"Hey, baby girl." Said Jay's bright, comforting voice on the other end. His endless smile could be heard in his voice even over continents. "How are you, beautiful?"

"I'm good, actually." I smiled. "I'm missing you though, where have you got your sorry arse this time?"

He laughed. "I miss you to, ever the one with the compliments, Madam Moody. I'm down under, riding kangaroos and jumping off famous bridges, you still in Washington?"

I really didn't know how to describe Jay and I. Our relationship wasn't romantic, and neither of us harboured those feelings, but it wasn't quite like brother/sister either. It was more then that, we were tight. "Really, Jay, kangaroos? What's wrong with you? But yes, I'm still in Washington." I plonked into the lounge chair next to Leah and tucked my legs up underneath me.

"I thought you would have been a million miles away by now….their not holding you captive are they?"

"No," I chuckled. "Though I'm sure Tashie would be madder then a bee-stung bull if I tried to leave now. I've managed a truce with my seven foot tall, wall of muscle cousin…And I think she's trying to set me up."

"Set you up? As in, with a guy?" He didn't sound very convinced.

I rolled my eyes. "No, with a tree, you fool." Beside me, Leah snorted and mouthed. "Close enough."

He laughed, always taking my comments in good humour. "She'd have better luck with a tree. What's this guy's name, then?"

"There's no need to get all protective, it's not like I'm going to agree. He's a bit of a psycho."

"EVA!" Tasha yelled from the adjoining room, from where she, and no doubt everyone else, appeared to be able to hear me. "Don't be rude!"

"Yes mother, sorry mother, I won't do it again, mother!" I yelled back then scowled into the phone as Jay laughed loudly. "Shut up, you."

"Good to know your trip hasn't affected your personality. Behave and stop stirring, Evie."

"Urgh, what is it with everyone and parenting me? Huh, Dad?" I accepted the plate of fresh cookies Emily was handing Leah and me with a grin.

"Watch your mouth, young lady. I'm far too young to have such a troublesome daughter your age."

"Funny," I muttered dryly, taking a bite out of the still warm cookie. "So, how long are you gonna be down under for? You know ol' Shamus's party is Saturday, and Tams will kill you if you don't turn up."

"I know I know, don't worry about me. Tammy is a sucker for my endless charm…"

I scoffed, interrupting him, and said in a mocking cheerful tone. "Yeah, that's why she showers you with such endless distaste and annoyance!"

"…It's a sign, baby girl, that she loves me. But never fear, I'm flying home on Thursday and I'll be at the lodge in plenty of time on Saturday. Do you want a lift up there?"

"Yeah, please, that'd be great. You just want me to drive you home 'cause you'll be smashed." I teased. "I might have a friend with me, you've gotta meet her, she's amazing. I'm still talking her into coming back with me though."

"Ah, wonderful, is she hot?" You could always count on the male womanising gene, they all had it.

Leah glared at me menacingly and I chuckled amusedly. "Very, you'll like her."

"Shut up." Leah growled, kicking my thigh.

"Leah!" Jacob snapped immediately, his voice low and dangerous. He was out in the kitchen somewhere. Did he have super hearing or what? "Don't. Do. That."

I causally flipped him off. Leah smirked at me and rolled her eyes.

"What on earth is going on?" Jay asked, sounding confused. "Who was the angry male voice? What happened?"

"It's nothing, just the psycho, who is really starting to piss me off." I said the last bit a tad louder so it wasn't missed. "It's…so strange."

"Why? You've had plenty of admirers before."

"This is…different, creepy. You wouldn't like him." Having Jay on my side, the only male older then me that I really trusted, was something I liked to have happen as much as possible. And I really wanted him on my side this time. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been having this conversation where apparently everyone could hear me, but I really couldn't have cared less.

"Do you want me to pummel him for you?" I heard the 'smack' of his fist slapping against his open palm. He must be on the hands free. "Is he bothering you? Maybe you should come home, baby girl. I'll meet you in Seattle if you want."

I smiled. "Meet me there Thursday. I want to spend some more time with my family. Two more days hopefully won't kill me."

"Alright then, beautiful. Text me, call me, whenever you want. I'll call you when I know what time my plane will land in Seattle. Don't let anyone give my girl shit, alright?"

"Yes, Dad, I promise. Don't hit your head on passing ferries or anything."

"Very funny, talk to you soon."

"Of course, love you, bye."

He laughed. "I love you too, enjoy your biscuits."

I scowled into the phone and hung up. How had he known I was eating biscuits? Know-it-all idiot…why do I love him? I should just stay away from males in general. Speaking of males…Jacob was standing above me, glaring down at me with his fists clenched at his side and every muscle in his anatomy taught and tense.

"Can I help you?" I asked stupidly, looking at him like he'd gone insane-er.

"Who was that?" He spat, with a million times more venom then the day he had flipped over Seth. "I thought you said you didn't have a boyfriend."

"Jacob." Sam warned, also appearing out of nowhere and grabbing his arm firmly. "Come away from her, calm down before you do something you'll regret."

"No, Sam, leave him." I butted in, my eyes narrowing as my own temper riled up. "Are you calling me a liar, Black?" I slipped off the lounge, handing the half empty cookie plate to Leah and stood to my full height. Still shorter then him by a mile, but I liked to think I was getting the general point across. "Do you really want me to break your jaw? Because if you do keep going along this path, and I'll be more then happy to oblige."

"Evie…" Leah said tentatively. "Maybe you should just leave it…"

My eyes didn't move from Jacob's blazing brown ones. "No, I'm sick of this ridicules carry on. There's something wrong," I poked his forehead and he growled. "Up here. It's none of your business, as I've stated before, what or whom I do, or spend time with, in my life. You have no right…"

"I have every right!" He retaliated. Taking a step closer to me that my cousin was to slow to stop, I instantly took a step back, favouring reasonable distance between us.

"Why?" I demanded through clenched teeth. Everyone else in the house had gone tense and was watching our show down with concerned eyes.

He still looked furious, but something in his eyes changed. "Because I lov…"

I saw Sam open his mouth, but before he could speak or Black could finish his sentence, I brought my hand across his cheek. The slap echoed through the room and I could hear sharp intakes of breath. He turned his wide brown eyes back to me in complete shock, his body started to shake and his tanned knuckles turned whiter then snow.

"JACOB!" The tone Sam used made him flinch while I stared at him, half in shock at what I'd done and how he was reacting, and half in terror as the full meaning of his sentence echoed around in my head. "Outside now." Sam commanded.

Jacob's jaw clenched but after half a second he turned and stomped outside, Sam on his heels. I wasted no time in bolting up the stairs and shutting myself in my room. 'Calm down.' I chanted mentally. 'He might not have been going to say what you think he was going to say.' I wracked my brains for other words sounding and starting with 'lov', but helplessly, came up with nothing.

'…Shit.'

The knocking at my door about fifteen minutes later was really persistent and even more annoying. "Eva?" My sister's soft voice muffled by the wooden barrier, called to me pleadingly. "Eva, are you alright?"

"Peachy," I snapped. "I'm just suffering from a series of panic attacks. What do you think?"

"I'm sorry…sorry for what Jacob said, sorry for pushing you to spend time with him, sorry for everything I've done wrong this trip." She said earnestly. "Please come out, he's not here, Sam made him leave…..The bonfire is tonight, you're still coming, right?"

"Well I'm glad Sam has finally come to his deranged senses. Bonfires…hmm, will it be as insane as everything else around here?" Okay, so I was being a tad sarcastic.

She tried to open the door, but I'd locked it. "It's just another chance to catch up, I promise Jake won't annoy you. He's just…"

I slid the magazine into my hand gun with a click. "Just mad?" I continued running checks over my weapon dutifully, taking it apart and putting it back together smoothly as my sister continued to try and negotiate. It calmed me, doing this.

"Nothing will be about Jake anymore." She sighed, almost disappointedly. But she knew what I was like with guys now. The Adam situation had been explained, minus my being pregnant and engaged part, and I was utterly shocked that she had tried anything to set me up at all. "This is just for the fun of it, spending time with everyone, before you go home."

I blinked and got up, gingerly opening the door. Tasha smiled at me thankfully, her eyes flicking between the gun in my hand and my face worriedly. "You're not going to fight me leaving, now?" I asked softly, hopefully. I rolled my eyes at her apprehensive glance towards the gun again. "Don't worry, I'm just checking it." I tucked it back into the safety of my bag.

She nodded, though I don't want to know what she thought I was doing with it. "I won't fight you; I just want us to be a family again. And it's so hard when you're never around. I thought this would be our time to bond again, with Sam, with Emily…"

I sighed and sat on my bed, moving over so she could sit next to me. I lent my head on her shoulder and she wrapped me in a side on hug. "I'm sorry I'm not around for you, but I love what I do, Tashie. Even though it causes me so much pain, I'm doing it so you can be safe and have your own family one day. When I go home this time, I'll come back. I won't mess things up between me and Sam this time, it won't be like before. But Black is...I can't handle that, Tash."

She chuckled softly. "You've no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. We'll keep Jake in check, I promise."

I smiled slightly, shoving her playfully. "You'd better, or else I'll have to kick his scraggly butt…actually, that might be fun." I gave her a wild grin that showed my teeth. Making everything all better, burying my feelings and thoughts deep, in hopes that I wouldn't be able to find them.

She shook and head and rolled her eyes. "You're unbelievable."

I smiled brightly. "Why, yes, I am. Thank you."

A/N: Ta dar! Chapter 8, done and dusted :) Things are sure getting stirred up for the pack. Oops….hehe. Anyway, it's now 2am and I am supposed to have school in, well, a few hours, so I will be off to bed now :)

Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, or even if you didn't, I'd really appreciate it if you'd review and tell me.

REVIEW! Lol, :)

~Meg xx