Chapter 7
Jake ran behind his garage, ditched his shorts there, and instantly phased to have four legs under him. With his sensitive wolf ears he heard the growls and howls just past the hot springs.
Where the hell have you been Jacob? Sam yelled.
I distinctly remember you telling me to GO HOME! What do you mean where have I been? Use your freaking brain and figure it out!
Sam roared out a ferocious growl. Get here now!
Jake angrily looked through his brother's thoughts to figure out what was going on. They had all been chasing the red head. As Jake watched, he noticed a distinct pattern, and he instantly realized she was distracting them from something..
Dammit, he's right! Paul growled.
So then, what has she been keeping us away from? Embry asked.
Jared did the same thing Jake did and mentally retraced their path. The resort, each time we have gone that direction she has given us a clear trail to follow in another direction.
To the resort! Sam declared.
Thank you, Captain Obvious, Jake mumbled.
Together the wolves raced towards the resort. Due to the red head misleading the rest of the pack, Jake was actually closest to the resort and began sniffing through the area. He smelled her scent in the air, which meant she was staying high in the trees, making it difficult to track her.
There is something else here, Jake reported.
Let's all stick together, I'm not really sure what the new smell will mean for us. So everyone pay attention, Sam ordered.
Their eyes searched through the trees as they allowed their nose to lead their feet. Sam, Jared, Paul and Embry caught up with Jake, flying together like one massive bullet, streaming through the air.
Jake hated they were so close to the resort because it made him feel vulnerable and exposed. They made sure to pass by each of the small cabins. The leech's smell was throughout them, thankfully there weren't any campers around. The reports of missing people were really hurting the tourism and hiking businesses in the area. Jake guessed the resort was not doing any better due to it being surrounded by forest and ocean.
They went past the A-frame rental houses and headed towards the RV Park when the leech scent hit them in the face. It followed the road and headed toward the beach.
I see a tent just up ahead, Jared announced.
Through Jared's eyes, Jake saw a two room tent and the glimmer of the ocean ten feet to the left. Inside the tent he heard someone snoring. The average camper might find the setting of woods and water beautiful, but people were getting attacked. What ever happened to self-preservation?
Jared can you see the bloodsuckers? Sam asked.
No, Jared responded.
I smell blood, Embry added. Its heavy rusty scent filled the air.
I can see them, Sam stated.
She was crouched on the ground in a protective position as another was bent over the body of a man, about three yards from the tent.
Sam, what do we do with two of them? Paul asked.
We just have to watch our backs more carefully. We still easily outnumber them. Paul and Jared stay together and Embry and Jacob do the same. I'll help whoever needs it, Sam instructed.
They all nodded, appreciative of the partnership. There was no doubt they would work best as small teams. They stayed together, slowly approaching the pair, not wanting to divide unless needed.
Surrounding the leeches were several railroad ties, used for people to sit on while enjoying the ocean. It didn't take long before the female caught their scent and knew they were near. The other was fully distracted with its kill, which Paul and Jared were closest too. They thought they would try to take advantage of the distraction blood lust naturally caused.
Together, they leaped closer, but the female grabbed a thick railroad tie and she threw it into Paul and Jared. The pair of wolves grunted.
You guys, okay? Sam asked.
Bitch! Paul growled, his paw taking most of the hit and was sore, but he wasn't planning on stopping any time soon.
The male leech immediately dropped his meal and the dead man's head slumped to the ground next to his hunting rifle and nighttime goggles.
Well at least the rifle explains what he is doing out in the middle of the night, Jake said.
Do you think he is hunting us? Paul asked
Possibly the town is pretty freaked out right now. It won't surprise me if half of them are out soon, Sam answered.
The leech looked up with blood pouring down his chin and his eyes were as bright as rubies compared to his young pale face. He was clearly terrified as his eyes took in all five of them and he began to scream.
As his screams filled the air, someone stirred inside the tent, and they heard the person inside ruffle their sleeping bag and it sounded like they were coming out.
"Shut up, you idiot." She hissed at him.
"I'm sorry, Victoria." He cried as he cowered behind her.
"I told you I would always keep you safe." She reached out and brushed her fingers through his blond hair, it seemed to be such a loving tender gesture. "You're too important to let a bunch of mutts get in the way." Her hand rested on his chin, cupping his cheek with her fingers. He looked into her eyes with such devotion, like he trusted her with his life.
Victoria, I know that name, Jake said to himself, temporarily forgetting his brothers could hear his thoughts. Bella, thought someone was after her named Victoria. It's her!
The leech is after Bella? Embry asked.
That is so disgusting. Paul said, watching the display of affection between the two leeches.
Where do you think her little rug rat came from? Jared asked.
Maybe she made him. Embry suggested.
Probably. Sam agreed, secretly watching Jake's thoughts. When did you talk to Bella, Jacob? Before Jake could think of a lie, he thought of Bella visiting him earlier. Dammit, Jacob. Sam snarled, exposing his teeth.
I didn't go to her, she came to me! Jacob growled in return.
Then, from inside the tent, they heard the zipper and a messy head of long brown hair came out. Both of the leeches sniffed the air and the red head's eyes went completely black. Jake guessed the one in the tent was meant to be hers.
Sam? Jared asked, indicating towards the tent opening.
I see it, Sam affirmed. Jacob, we are not done with this conversation. Embry I want you to keep your eyes on the person, protect her no matter what.
What if he gets seen? Jake asked.
Shut up, Jacob! Paul sneered.
Stop it! Everyone! Protection is more important than secrecy, and she won't know that we are human, but just rather large wolves, Sam explained.
And thanks to Bella the whole area already knows about freakishly large wolves, Paul added.
A low growl rumbled in Jake's throat. What did you expect her to do when she saw us? Maybe if someone had let me talk to her, then I could have stopped her from saying anything.
Cut it out guys. Sam ordered. Paul, Jared and Jacob keep your eyes on the pair of leeches I fully expect them to run to the water. They are already moving that direction.
Together the pack all growled fiercely, and the sound echoed all around them as Embry flung himself directly in the path of the woman to keep her safe from the leeches. Jake circled within the trees right behind Paul.
"Take the body! Run!" The red head screamed. The young blond leech reached out and grabbed the body in front of him, and like Sam predicted they headed straight for the ocean. Sam, Paul, and Jake chased after them, but knew their efforts would be worthless with the water so close. Vampires do not have to breathe, which gives them a huge advantage in the water.
The woman from the tent yelled, and a look of horror went across her face as it was clear she saw the streak of gray across in front of her. She ducked back into the tent, and they heard her fumbling with what sounded like her rifle. The chamber clicked as she put the bolt in place and the long barrel poked out from the tent.
Ah, crap she's loaded, Embry called.
Jared, I want you to stay with Embry and keep your eyes on her while the rest of us patrol the water's border. Both of you, be extremely careful we have no idea how good of a shot she is, Sam ordered.
One bullet rang out into the night, she didn't seem to be aiming at anything in particular, which made her more dangerous than if she were aiming. Silently, Jared and Embry stayed out of sight and Sam, Paul, and Jake spent the next few hours going up and down the coast.
Jacob, what was that about Victoria? Sam asked.
It was something Bella told me. She thought someone would be after her. Sam, she needs protection, Jake answered.
Why didn't you mention this before? Paul asked.
I did. At the bonfire, I said that we should be protecting her.
You didn't say that Bella was the leech's target, Sam clarified.
I didn't know that then.
How were you able to see her? I ordered you away from her, Sam said.
I already told you, SHE came to me. It is not like I asked her to, but once again, I told you that it needed to be ME who talked to her. She needed to hear it from me that we couldn't be friends, and that is what I told her.
Anything else? Sam questioned.
I wasn't able to say anything else, Jake answered and showed them him coughing and trying to speak.
Paul barked out a laugh.
Jake remained calm and was able to keep from mentioning anything about a secret or his hints to help Bella figure it out. However, he could feel Sam poking around in his brain, searching for clues.
I don't trust you, Jacob, and until I do, I want you to stay at my house instead of yours, Sam instructed.
Excuse me? Jake questioned. I don't need a babysitter.
I disagree, Sam interjected.
What about my dad? I can't just leave him.
Harry told me that he would help with him any time. All I have to do is ask, Sam countered.
Fine. Jake agreed. But what about Bella? Someone should be watching her, and it might as well be me.
NO! Sam roared. I don't want you even close to her!
Jake growled in frustration.
I'll do it! Embry volunteered.
Why? Paul asked him.
Because I think Jake is right. If Bella is the target, then she should be protected.
If Bella is the target, then shouldn't that make capturing the leech easier. We now know where she is trying to go, Jared said.
Bella is not bait! Jake interrupted.
That is not a bad idea, Paul admitted.
Sam listened, his mind racing with different options. Jake watched Sam's thoughts, until it became clear he hadn't reached a decision yet.
Another gun shot ricocheted through the night.
I need more time to think. Embry and Jared, are you guys still okay? Sam asked.
Yes, Jared answered. She's been calling out to the man for half an hour and just made it back to her truck. I think that will be her last shot fired.
I heard her mumbling about going back to town for more help, Embry added.
We need to get out of here, it is not safe. It won't take long for the forest to be full of people. If that is the case, the leech might not return because of it being harder for her to hide. Everyone go home, except Jacob. You are going to my house.
Jake released a deep sigh and figured there could be worst places for him to stay for a while. He started to think of Emily and quickly shifted his mind to food. It made sense, right? Emily was always making food and there wasn't a single wolf who didn't enjoy her cooking. He remembered thinking there might be more to her cooking than just taking care of them and figured living there might help to figure it out.
Alright, Jake reluctantly agreed.
Go home, get some clothes and whatever else you need and I'll see you at my house in an hour.
The pack said nothing more as they each scattered to their own home. Once back at his house, Jake went inside and began to gather some clothes and other necessities, cramming them into a random sack. He thought about waking up his dad to tell him what was going on, but honestly didn't know what to say. Sam would have to explain the messed up situation.
It didn't take Jake long, and he carried his stuff out to the Rabbit and drove it to Sam and Emily's home. "Well, this should be interesting," Jake mumbled to himself. He left his car parked in front of the house and held his bag.
As he walked past the kitchen window, he saw Emily and Sam together. Jake looked through his mind of memories of Sam and Emily and realized he had very few memories that didn't come from Sam. It made him curious about their relationship and he watched them.
Sam's hair appeared wet, so Jake assumed he had come home and then showered and hadn't been out for very long. Emily's soft robe came down to her knees, covering the rest of her body. Sam's arms were around her waist as she moved her arms over the counter. Jake couldn't tell what, but assumed she was preparing something to eat.
It made him smile to think of how well she took care of them. He wondered if Sam had told her they were expecting a house guest. Maybe it was the reason the two of them weren't already in bed. Some of the memories Sam had shared were rather intimate and Jake felt thankful he wasn't walking in on something else. He shuddered at the thought and took the few additional steps needed to get to the door and open it.
Immediately, Sam looked at the door and then Emily did as well. Neither looked surprised to see him.
"Welcome, Jake," Emily said with a smile.
"Thank you," Jake replied.
Sam silently took his plate of food to the table and sat down. Emily held two plates and followed Sam. "This one, is for you," she said to Jake setting the extra dish across from herself.
"Okay, just a minute." Jake took his bag of clothes to the spare room and removed his shoes to be more comfortable. Then he returned to the table, took his seat, and began to eat. He still wanted to observe Sam and Emily together. They were mostly quiet as they ate. Emily finished first and leaned her head on his shoulder. Sam smiled at her and kissed her head. Everything about them appeared to be a perfectly happy couple. Then why had Emily kissed him? It didn't make sense.
While sitting at the table, Jake thought of another time when he had shared lunch with them and a playful game of footsie had been fought. At the time, Jake assumed it was Emily's way of making him feel better for stepping on her. Or maybe, she was simply being friendly. However, there was something about her, after thinking about it, seemed flirty to him.
Curiously, Jake moved his foot to be closer to Emily's. Under the table he found her ankle and wiggled his toes against her. A slow smile crept across her face as her lips were pressed tightly together to keep the giggle at bay. Her eyes found Jake, and he admired their coffee brown color and the spark of mischievousness, which made her fun. Jake had no doubt she enjoyed their playfulness, but was she just having fun? Was there nothing more to it?
Emily released a deep sigh and her head still rested heavily against Sam's shoulder. There was no clock in sight, but Jake could see the sky, starting to awaken. He knew Sam had been up most of the night with the other wolves and he wondered about Emily.
"Do you normally get up so early?" Jake asked her.
"No, but in this case I was already awake. I couldn't sleep."
"Why is that?" Sam asked.
"It just happens sometimes, usually when you are away."
Jake watched and listened to them. In Sam's eyes, he could see how concerned Sam was for her. Or maybe, Jake just assumed Sam felt concerned because it was how he felt.
"I can have someone stay with you. Maybe Jacob here, it'll keep him from doing something stupid."
"Sam!" Emily reprimanded, at the same time Jake frowned.
While Jake liked the idea of getting to know Emily better, living with Sam was proving to be quite difficult and it had only been a few minutes. After a few weeks, Jake would lose his mind.
"Exactly how long do you want me to stay here?" Jake asked.
"Until the red head is destroyed."
"That could take forever at this rate," Jake said with a sigh.
"Not with your new information. We can do this."
"What new information?" Emily asked.
Jake started to answer her, but Sam beat him to it. "Bella came to see him earlier this evening. Apparently, she knows the leech and thinks she might be coming after her."
"That's terrible," Emily said.
Jake gave her an appreciative smile. So few people understood him and Bella, and their awkward stage between friendship and something more. Bella was important to Jake, even if she never became more than his friend.
"I'm serious about her not being bait," Jake told Sam.
"I know," Sam acknowledged, "but no promises."
