Author's Note: Typically when indicating thought I use italics, but I also use italics anytime the wolves are speaking to each other in wolf form. In this chapter I have moments when the wolves are thinking about a particular scene rather than speaking to distinguish that from speech, I have it both italics and underlined. Hopefully, that won't be too confusing.
A power, which Jake didn't know he had, started within his clinched fists and shook down his body until it settled over his chest. A low growl escaped his lips as he watched his friend in despair. "I am ordering you! Tell me now!"
Embry gave a final cough and took a deep breath. Quickly his breathing returned to normal and in a strong voice he said, "Sam knows… He knows about you and Emily…"
Chapter 15
"What?" exclaimed both Jake and Emily in unison.
"I'm sorry, Jake." Embry frowned. "I was patrolling outside of Bella's house and I was tired and didn't notice anyone phase in. So, I was just thinking of stuff to keep myself awake and, well… You two are kinda fascinating to think about…"
"Oh, my god. I need to find him." Emily's teeth found her lower lip nervously.
"Wait!" Jake reached towards Emily taking her hand, while looking at Embry. "And Sam ordered you to not say anything to me," Jake said.
"Correct." Embry sighed.
"How did you break the order?" Jake asked.
"I didn't, you did," Embry answered.
"What? How?" Jake's eyes widened in surprise. He remembered fighting Sam when he ordered him away from Bella and there wasn't anything Jake could do to stop the order. What had changed between then and now? He shook his head in confusion.
"Because you are alpha," Emily answered.
Jake's eyebrows raised and his eyes couldn't get any wider. "What are you talking about?"
"It's true, Jake. You know your great grandfather was the last chief, and he was chief because of being alpha and so technically you should be."
Emily added, "Sam was going to tell you, but then things got so confrontational he decided that you weren't ready."
"I could be alpha." Jake nodded his head, despite feeling surprised everything they said made sense. All along there was something more than teenage rebellion which made Jake fight Sam's leadership. For the first time Jake's wolf felt at peace, no longer being denied it birthright.
"You already are, Jake," Embry encouraged.
"I need to find Sam, he has some explaining to do." Jake felt a righteous fury settle over his soul until he felt a cool hand take his.
"We both do," Emily reminded him.
Jake nodded and took a deep breath and hugged her. "I know we do. Have you decided what you're going to do?"
"I don't want to hurt him." Emily frowned, looking sad.
"I think you are already past that," Embry said. "What are you going to do, Jake?"
"I'm taking back what's mine!"
A half an hour later Jake ran through the trees on four paws. Another set of paws ran towards him in equal determination and rage. The sun and clouds prepared for battle in the sky as the two wolves did the same on land.
You are not! Sam said, in response to Jake's declaration of alpha.
Yes, I am, and you know it.
Not unless I step down and that's not going to happen.
You do not have as much control as you think you do. Jake sneered. He purposefully shared Embry being released from Sam's order when Jake's order over trumped Sam's.
A defiant growl erupted from Sam as black fur collided with auburn. Both wolves clawed and bit at the other with patches of fur flying in all directions.
I am stronger than you, and I am finished following your leadership, Jake declared. He lunged at Sam, who was helped by a gust of wind to dodged out of the way.
The sky looked more gray than blue as clouds consumed the area.
The two wolves circled around each other, their ears back in determination. After completing another rotation, Jake slammed his head into Sam's shoulder in an attempt to make the wolf loose his balance.
Sam growled loudly. You are wrong about one thing, Jacob. His mighty paw slammed into Jake, proving that Sam's months of phasing had made him the stronger of the two wolves.
Jake growled, ignoring the pain in his shoulder and the blood which oozed down his leg. His sharp teeth found Sam's hind leg.
Sam whimpered in pain and darted from Jake's jaws, running through the trees with the auburn wolf hot on his trail.
The wind caused the branches of the trees to rub harshly against one another as one gust danced with another. As the clouds further filled the sky, the surrounding area grew darker.
It wasn't just the position of alpha the two wolves were fighting for, there was also Emily. The honor of his imprint was foremost in Sam's mind, which fueled Jake's exasperation.
You old fashioned prick, I have not defiled her. Good God… Jake shook his head and dodged the next blow which Sam attempted to land.
Why, Jacob? You know the importance of an imprint.
Jake didn't mean to answer Sam's question, but one of the annoyance of being in wolf form was sharing beyond what Jake really wanted to share.
Jake remembered how angry he felt after Sam ordered him away from Bella, not allowing Jake to see her. He wanted to hurt Sam in the same way. Before Jake could stop it a memory from Sam flashed across his mind, it was about Emily. What if Jake could somehow keep Sam away from her? No, it's impossible, Jake reminded himself. They are imprinted, nothing could keep them apart. Then Jake remembered the first memory Sam had shared with him. Before Sam had hurt Emily, she was pushing him away. It was possible! If she could do it once, then she could do it again!
You are such an idiot, Jacob!
It isn't like that anymore! I care about her.
Your "caring" is nothing compared to what I feel. I love her!
So do I! Jake declared.
Though Jake had yet to say the same to Emily, he knew it was true. Thinking about her brought a huge grin to his face, and he loved that she had come to see him today. He had grown closer to her with each conversation that they shared. When he saw Bella again and only wanted to be her friend, he knew the reason was because of Emily. Before Jake pursued Emily, he thought she was kind and the way she took care of everyone proved she had a heart of gold. But she wasn't just sweet, she was also full of passion. He enjoyed kissing her and feeling each of her curves as his hand roamed over her skin.
Sam released a howl, partly full of pain and agony over the betrayal of his imprint and brother and partly consumed with hatred and rage. Jake fell to his stomach feeling the same wave of emotion as his former alpha. Sam leaned over his adversary.
I would destroy you myself Jacob, but you have already done more damage than you realize. Emily will stay with me, and The Council will have you thrown out of the tribe for disgracing an imprint.
What? Jake asked.
I talked to Harry before he died. There is no possible reconciliation for a wolf who sleeps with another wolf's imprint. Sam sneered. He showed Jake his conversation with Harry.
"Sam," Harry said, his eyebrows raise, curious and surprised. "What can I do for you?"
"I need some advice."
"Name it." Harry turned, giving Sam his full attention.
"Well, I wanted to get your opinion on something," Sam said.
Harry rubbed his jaw and rested his hand on his chest waiting patiently.
"What should I do if," Sam felt the same rage, which had washed over his body as a wolf, tremor down his human form, "if a another wolf were to sleep with an imprint who is not his own?"
"Whoa, that is a very serious concern." Harry leaned towards Sam in interest and curiosity.
"I know."
"Assuming the wolf knows she is an imprint." Harry's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he waited a moment before speaking. "Then the offending wolf would be ostracized from the pack and tribe."
Perfect, Sam nodded silently. "Is there anything the wolf could do to be redeemed?"
"No." Harry took a deep breath, his face grimacing in what looked to be pain. "Do you have something you want to report to the Council?"
"Yes, but… Are you okay?" Sam asked.
Harry wasn't okay, said Sam. The pack has been busy with the addition of Seth and Leah so I have yet to go to The Council, but believe me Jacob, I will!
Jake shook his head unsure of how to handle this new threat. Was Emily worth being thrown out of the tribe? Would his father and sisters understand? No, they wouldn't. No one would understand.
I haven't slept with her, Jake clarified.
Yeah, right. Like I believe that. Sam growled in frustration, however for a moment he peered inside Jake's mind and knew that he told the truth. Emily was still Sam's in the way that mattered the most.
Sam had allowed Jake to see moments of Emily and Sam's life together, but he always stopped the memory short of giving him a peep show. However, not today. The alpha male was proud of his conquest and wanted anyone and everyone to know Emily belonged to him. The memories shared were intimate and passionate.
A bolt of lightning trailed across the sky as jealousy fueled within Jake. He lunged once again for the black wolf. She doesn't want you!
Jake growled. They rolled to the ground with one overtaking the other and then continued to tumble. A sharp fang sliced into the fur close to Sam's ear.
Another howl made Jake jump away from Sam and his head darted around. It sounded like one of his brothers, but he couldn't hear another voice in his head.
Where is she! Sam roared, bolting at full speed through the trees.
Jake followed as thoughts of Emily flooded Sam's mind. Panic, desperation, and concern filled him through Sam, but Jake didn't know why.
What? Jake questioned.
What do you mean, what? Can't you hear him? Sam growled.
No! Who?
It's Paul, he can't find Emily. Sam released a howl, its piercing shrill signaled to the other wolves they were to join him.
If she isn't at her house, then she is with Embry in my garage, Jake answered. What's wrong?
Victoria is back! Seriously! Why are you and Paul not hearing each other?
Both wolves were still frustrated with each other and knew that their fight was far from over, but the return of Victoria needed to be their priority.
I don't know. Where is Victoria? Jake asked.
Paul smelled her near the house then seemed to be following the trail Embry and Bella placed, but he wasn't sure. This is so weird... Sam mumbled, still confused on why Jake and Paul couldn't hear each other.
One tree after another whizzed past his head as Jake ran alongside Sam. The woods filled with more growls and howls as the rest of the pack phased in. Finally, Jake heard Embry enter his mind.
What took you so long? Jake scolded.
I wasn't sure what to do. Bella stopped by while Emily and I were still in your garage. When I heard Sam's howl, I took both of them inside your house. They are going to stay with your dad until I know what was going on. Which is, what exactly?
Victoria's… Jake's words trailed off as he came to a sliding halt in front of Jared, Seth and Leah. They were all in wolf form, yet he didn't hear a single word from any of them. Leah paced back and forth, angry growls erupting from her snout. She was certainly talking, but Jake didn't hear a thing. Something was terribly wrong!
Jake! Embry howled. Why can't we hear them?
You can't hear them either? Jake questioned.
Who are you talking to Jacob? Sam asked.
Embry, Neither of us can hear the others, except for you.
I don't hear anyone but you, not even whoever you are talking to. I'm guessing it is Sam, which means you guys are handling each other much better than I imagined—
Shut up! Victoria is more pivotal right now. The fight with Sam is far from over…
Suddenly, Leah snapped her jaws in Jake's face, her hair raised on edge. He didn't have to read her mind to know that she wanted answers.
I want them, too. Jake leaned towards Leah, nuzzling his head against her shoulder affectionately.
Paul and Sam both growled at them.
I think I know what happened, Embry said, capturing Jake's attention. When you ordered me to tell you and I did, then you became my alpha. There are two separate packs!
Two packs. Two alphas. It made sense, but Jake didn't know what to do. He didn't know about the possibility of being alpha and then suddenly, he had Embry as his responsibility. There wasn't anything Jake wouldn't do for his best friend, but was he ready to lead?
Do you still want me as your leader? Jake asked Embry.
I'll follow you anywhere. Either back to Sam or after this crazy redheaded leech.
Let's take her out! Jake released a deep howl, ready for action.
This way, assuming she is following the trail that Bella and I left.
Sam! We will figure the rest out later. For now I know that Embry and I are our own pack, but we are still united in the pursuit of Victoria. Let's go!
Alright, Sam agreed.
It felt strange to look around at his brothers and sister and not be connected to their head. Even Sam was quieter than he used to be. Communication with between Jake and Sam seemed like a walky-talky, which meant they had to purposefully communicate and send messages instead of an all access pass like it was before.
Seven wolves ran through the trees, the tension between them radiating around them. Leech scent quickly filled their nostrils as they approached her area. Jake scanned the area in search of blazing red which trailed behind her rocket fast legs.
The storm which had toyed with the angry wolves for the past hour finally arrived. Despite being the middle of the afternoon, darkness settled around them, except for the bolts of lightning which stretched across the sky.
Seth wants to know why he smells blood. Sam relayed the message.
It's probably Bella's, she kinda tripped and then started smearing it on the trees. I was going to have her stop, but, it was kinda a good idea, Embry answered..
Embry, lead us there. Her blood would capture her attention quickly.
Jake relayed the message to Sam and then the wolves shifted to all be following Embry. The wind tore through the trees making her scent difficult to follow.
I sure hope you know where you're going, Em.
After splashing through a wide creek they saw the first flash of red dart from one tree to another. Growls echoed through the forest as they veered closer to their conquest.
Suddenly a vicious howl turned into words as Leah joined inside Jake's mind.
Leah! What the hell!? Jake yelled.
If you aren't following him than neither am I! Leah declared.
Alright, fine!
And now you have Leah, too? Sam growled.
What? Are you saying you want her back? Jake taunted.
While the lines of communication were open between them, Jake saw into Sam's mind. Sam did want her back, but not only as his alpha. Before Leah phased he thought of her randomly, but since she joined the pack, he thought of her almost daily. It didn't help that he also knew about his unfaithful imprint and while he still considered Emily very much HIS he was also hurt and angry with her. Instead of trying to figure out why Emily would be interested in another wolf, his focus shifted to another. The love that he had for Leah festered and riveled with the love he had for Emily.
Sam, still loves Leah, Jake said.
God, can this day get any worse, Leah moaned. While she tried to appear annoyed, Jake could feel her curiosity. Since she knew of Jake and Emily being together, she also wondered about her and Sam, which made her even more angry at herself.
The wolves continued to chase the streaks of red, knowing that if they lost sight of her, they would lose her. Rain fell from the sky and the wind scattered her scent making it impossible to trace.
Like a torpedo falling from the sky, a blonde bloodsucker landed on a sandy brown wolf. Seth immediately bucked his back legs, but the leeches fingernails held on like talons.
Seth! Leah growled, but her brother couldn't hear her. He was in the other pack. Oh my god, what have I done!?
The gray wolf lunged towards the leech perched on her brother's back, fangs bared and ready to slice through ice hard flesh.
Call her back, Jacob! Sam yelled to him.
Hell no! Seth needs help.
Sam growled and Jake guessed he said something to Paul and Jared who sprinted ahead in pursuit of the red head. Sam remained back to help Leah.
Leah reared up like a horse pawing viciously at the blond bloodsucker and Embry rammed into Seth, causing the young wolf to lose his balance. Seth rolled to his side, and the vampire screamed as he fell to the ground.
Jake slammed his mighty paws against the leeches torso, his strong jaws crunched around his shoulder dislocating his arm. Within seconds Leah joined in the dismemberment until nothing remained but shreds of clothing and chunks of hard rotten flesh.
Sam being unneeded, he ran on with Paul and Jared. Howls from Sam's pack echoed around them and lightning streaked across the dark sky. Rain tore through the heavy clouds soaking them.
Are you alright, Seth? Leah cried, her snout searching over her brother. A whine left her throat as she remembered that Seth still couldn't hear her.
Sam! Jake yelled. Is Seth alright?
Yes, just hurting. It sliced deeply into his back, give it an hour or two and he'll be fine. I need you all up here.
While connected to Sam, Jake looked around at his brothers to find their location. Victoria had followed Bella's blood laid trail until she felt it leading her to a trap. Instinctively, she changed directions, running directly towards the ocean, but had to weave through the trees slowing her progress. Her typical escape route. From his location if he ran straight he might be able to reach the cliffs before her.
Let's go, Jake. Hopefully we can end this! Embry said.
I'm staying with my brother, Leah declared.
Okay, Jake agreed.
Within seconds streaks of russet and silver wove quickly through the trees towards their destination. Jake knew Bella was freaked out by this vampire and felt surprised she had told the same to Embry.
Has Bella talked about the Cullens to you? Embry asked.
Not really. I actually haven't talked to her lately. I need to be a better friend to her.
You are doing the best you can.
Why do you ask? Jake asked.
I guess I was just curious. She really dated a vampire? I don't get it. I started to ask her when we left the trail, but I chickened out.
I don't blame you.
You can see it in her eyes when she is thinking about them, Embry added.
And in the way she holds herself. Something in her spirit got wounded when they left. I don't get it. The Cullens are different or we wouldn't have a treaty with them, but I don't know how she was able to be around them without being creeped out. I guess Bella is just good with weird.
Yeah, that's for sure, Embry agreed.
Their paws splashed through puddles formed by the thunderstorm resting over them. Trees whizzed by as Jake ran with everything he had and Embry trailed on his heals.
Jake stayed connected to Sam to make sure she did not change directions.
I'm not sure we can make it before her, Jake, Embry said.
I know, but we have to keep trying.
The muscles in Jake's wolf protested and the fight earlier with Sam made him unable to function at his best. Ignoring the pain, Jake pushed his body harder.
Reconnecting with Sam, Jake saw flashes of red hair through the trees and felt the ground rumble beneath their feet. All the trees looked alike and Jake couldn't identify their specific location.
Where are you? Jake asked.
No one answered.
Jared had the best eyesight of the wolves and therefore Sam let him run in front, with Sam and Paul on either side. Their wolves ran together in perfect synchronization until Sam began to slow.
Jared, pull back, Sam ordered.
What are you doing? Jake questioned and at the same time lost contact with Sam. He tried to reconnect, but Sam felt guarded like he was keeping Jake out.
What's happening? Embry asked.
I don't know. I can't get in with Sam. It felt like he had a plan or something he doesn't want me to know about.
I thought we were together on this. We all want this leech dead.
I thought so, too, Jake said.
A low growl rumbled in Jake's chest as he wove through the trees. His thick wet fur felt heavy as the rain continued to fall from the sky. The trees thinned as they approached the cliffs, which gave way to the harsh ocean. Looking up into the trees, Jake looked for flashes of fiery red and listened to the rumble of paws thumping against the soil.
The rocky cliffs made it difficult for many trees to grow, however there was one branch of the forest that continued. Jake felt certain if she remained in the trees she would follow them to this cluster and then propel herself over the edge. There was only one way to stop her and that required Jake to be in the tree.
You can't take her human, Embry cautioned.
I have to try. It's my only option. Be ready down here for anything. The element of surprise is all we have.
Be careful.
Jake nodded and phased to human. He didn't care about clothes and immediately leaped for the first branch of the tree and began to climb higher. His left foot slipped on the wet bark and he felt the wood slice into his flesh.
"Ouch, crap." Jake winced and positioned his heel against the tree to keep his balance as blood pooled on the branch. Ignoring the pain, he continued to climb, but being more careful and slightly less rushed.
Perched on the last thick limb, Jake waited. The rain splattered against his skin. He used his hand to guard his eyes.
The thumping of heavy paws grew louder. Embry, down below hunched on his back legs ready for the unknown. Jake saw the branches sway as Victoria sprung from one tree to the next directly towards him. Fear tingled down his spine and his muscles froze.
What the hell was I thinking? It's too late now...
He knew she would be lightning fast and didn't trust his human eyes to be able to see her movement. Luckily, she appeared to have a rhythm to her jumping. Still three trees away Jake leaped from the tree towards nothing, hoping he had timed it correctly to collide with a racing vampire.
Jake and Victoria slammed together like two massive cannon balls exploding on contact. He felt the air get slammed from his lungs and his torso cave in on itself as ribs splintered inside his chest. The impact knocked him out, landing unconscious on the hard wet ground, tangled with a vicious vampire.
