Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Summary: what if Charlie had confronted Bella two months early? What if Bella had gone the movies with Jacob instead of Jessica? What if she never saw heard Edwards voice or jumped off that cliff alone? Would she still end up with Edward or would she finally be able to move on with Jacob?
Chapter 15: The beast inside
So what if you can see the darkest side of me
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
We were driving for a long time and I couldn't stand the suspense anymore.
"Can you please tell me where we are going?" I begged.
Jacob smirked. "You'll see when we get there." He said.
I pouted. "Just give me a hint." I pleaded.
Jacob grinned. "We're going to a carnival at the pier." He said.
I was confused. "What pier?" I asked.
"It's an annual thing. My family used to go every year but after mom died and dad diabetes getting worse -" he paused and looked sad for a moment before forcing a smile. "It's nice to have someone else to go with." He said.
"Well as long as I'm around you'll never have to go to one of these things alone again." I promised.
Jacob smiled. "Yeah, I'll hold you to that." He said.
We saw the glow of lights from the carnival as we approached the entrance. A huge Ferris wheel stood proudly in the middle of the pier. A colorful rainbow of lights and neon rides. Jacob wasted no time in finding a ticket booth and getting tickets for the many rides the fair had to offer. When we got to the front of the line Jake pulled out his wallet and stepped in front of me.
"I got it." He smiled and proceeded to buy our tickets. "Two all day ride passes." He told the woman in the booth.
The woman took his money and handed him two red paper bracelets. He took his change and turned back to me. He reached out for my hand and gently fastened the bracelet around my wrist with the softest of touch.
"Let the fun begin." He waggled is eyebrows.
When we got inside I squealed. It looked very exciting with its giant Ferris wheel and there were familiar game machines and there were plenty of activities, food vendors, hot dogs to buy, caricature artists, and cheap souvenir shops and there were lots of shops, cafe, bars and sites along the way.
"Oh, and my personal favorite is the "Hotdog on a Stick" that's on the boardwalk just off the pier. The pier itself is not that long and mostly has those people who paint your portrait or those hand bands with names on it." He said.
"What about over there?" I asked pointing to where People were swimming and sunbathing.
"It's not that special but if you want we could rent an umbrella and relax later." Jacob said.
South of the pier, there was an outdoor gym.
"My dad and I always went for the rings course. You are definitely to see people trying to complete the length of the course without touching the ground. There are also beach volleyball courts." Jacob stated, excitedly.
Chess players could also be seen in deep study, at the permanent chess boards located next to the outdoor gym. There was also place where you could rent Basic mountain bikes for $7.50 - $10 per hour, up to $22 - $30 per day.
"That would be fun to do later," Jacob suggested.
I nodded. "Yeah, I guess," I wasn't really a big fan of bike riding.
With my clumsiness, bike riding wasn't a very safe activity for me.
When I looked over Jacob was as bouncy as a little kid. "I haven't been here since I was seven before dad got his chair," he said. "And the weather is great today!" he exclaimed.
It was bright and gorgeous; the temperature was warm enough to be comfortable despite the cool breeze. It was almost march and seeing as it was a week day it wasn't overly crowded.
We walked around, and got two 'Hot Dogs on a Stick' (which made Jacob very happy.
"This is just as great as I remembered," he said, taking another bite.
I didn't respond. My mouth was being used more productively, as I was already eating my second hot dog on a stick.
"Good, huh Bells," Jacob said with a chuckle.
I nodded and swallowed. "Best snack ever!" I said, excitedly.
As we walked around, I realized I had smiled the entire time. I couldn't remember a time I had been this happy. Not even with Edwar- I paused and felt a rush of anger.
Jacob looked at me concerned.
"You okay, honey?" he asked.
I looked away from him, ashamed of myself. I was having a good time. I wasn't going to let Edward ruin it! I looked to my left and noticed a tent.
"Hey, Jake, can we go there?" I asked.
Jacob nodded. "Sure, Bells" he said.
He held the flap open for me as we went inside. There was a lot of old stuff but it all looked so interesting.
"Hey, look at this!" Jacob said.
I turned and found him holding a Darth Vader helmet.
"You're such a nerd." I said, laughing. "How is that even an antique?" I asked.
Jacob shrugged. "I don't know, but I'm buying it," he said.
I giggled. "You such a boy," I muttered, walking off.
I decided to see if I could find any books when I noticed something off to the side. It was a forest, green music box with a picture of a white wolf watching the ocean on it. I opened it and a beautiful melody played. It was so pretty and very familiar. I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me. When I opened them I found Jacob watching me with an unreadable expression on his face.
"It's nice," I said, blushing.
I tried to put it back, but Jacob took it from me and smiled.
"Allow me," he said.
I shook my head.
"No, Jake, you're always spending so much money on me." I said, trying to grab the music box from him. "I don't need that." I said.
Jacob chuckled. "Consider it a gift," he said, taking it to the sales woman.
"But, Jake," I tried again.
"Stop worrying, Bells," he said, giving me a sideways hug.
"Thank you," I finally said.
Jacob grinned. "No problem, Babe" he teased with a wink.
As we left the tent, I looked at Jacob. He meant so much more to me than he would ever know. He was always looking after me. Always making me feel safe, and strong, and…warm. I loved him so much.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked, concerned.
"Nothing," I lied.
Jacob smirked. "Sure, whatever," he said, letting it slide.
"Hey you want a hat?" he asked, seeing a vendor selling baseball caps.
"No, but you should get one," I said. "I bet it would look real good on you,"
Jacob smiled. "Sure, sure," he said, walking over to get one.
He came back with his beautiful, long, dark, black hair, covered by his new red cap which he'd put on backwards. It didn't go with his outfit completely but he looked more like the Jacob I had met on the beach. I liked him better this way.
He was giving me that familiar open, attractive grin that made my heart skip a beat.
Maybe eating that whole bag of cotton candy was a bad idea. I was so hyper I could barely keep still.
"So, where to next?" Jacob asked, tossing an arm around my shoulders.
I blushed as heat spread through me. It was hard to resist the urge to snuggle closer to his warmth as my stomach flipped.
"How about the arcade?" he suggested when I didn't respond.
"I've never been to an arcade before," I mumbled.
While all the other kids had run off to arcades and stuff, I'd had responsibilities at home. I'd mostly found my peace curling up with a good book late at night before bed.
Jacob grinned.
"Well, first time for everything," he said, leading me toward the arcade.
"Oh, I see street fighter over there!" he exclaimed. "Come on!"
We played two rounds of Street fighter before moving on to the claw game. Jacob won me two stuffed bears. Then we played air hockey, which he beat me at. Then we shot hoops.
"Watch I land this basket!" Jacob shouted as he dribbled the ball.
He made the shot but the ball bounced off the rim and landed in my hands. I threw it at the basket and the ball went in.
I laughed. "Jealous?" I asked.
Jacob grinned and picked me up, spinning me around.
"You are so amazing!" He exclaimed.
We played a car game next, which I won.
"You only won that one because I sneezed," he said.
I nodded. "Sure, sure," I joked.
Three ping-pong games, one round of basketball, and four car games later I was standing in the crowd watching Jacob kick some kids butt at 'Dance Dance Revolution', he was telling the truth when he said he'd been practicing. He only stumbled twice.
"Go, Jake!" I hollered.
He sent a smile in my direction then went back to dancing. "I'm going to win this for my girl Bella," he said.
I blushed. He called me his girl.
After the 'Dance Battle of the Century' ended, Jacob took off his hat and plopped it on top of my head with a wink.
"Thanks Lucky charm," he whispered in my ear before walking over to the boy he had defeated.
"Good job, Kid," he said, holding out his hand to the boy.
The kid was a 14-year-old boy, with fair hair, and a gorgeous, slender face. He had serious dark eyes and a slightly hard, narrow mouth. He was also well-built and slim, and had an extremely pale skin.
"The names Jamie," he said, as he shook Jacob's hand and smiled.
"You were really good," Jamie said.
Jacob chuckled. "Thanks I've practiced my moves," he said.
Jacob and Jamie talked for a while, discussing dance moves and games.
"Well, Jamie, I've got to go," he said suddenly. "Don't want to keep my girl waiting," he stated.
Jamie looked around. "Which girl is yours?" he asked.
Jacob pointed towards me. "That beautiful young maiden right there," he boasted.
Jamie looked at me. "Your girlfriends really pretty," he said.
Jacob smiled. "I know," he said. "Come on, I'll introduce you," he stated.
I wondered if they knew I could hear them. I should probably correct the kid about the girlfriend thing but seeing the happy look on Jacob's face I decided to let it slide.
"Hello, I'm Jamie," he said. I held out my hand.
"I'm Bella," I said then I gasped.
His skin was ice-cold. I snatched my hand back. The boy chuckled nervously.
"Sorry, bad circulation," he said.
I forced a laugh but mentally I was taking in the signs. The dark bruises under his eyes, extremely good-looking for a child, cold skin. There was no doubt in my mind: This Kid Was a Vampire.
His eyes weren't red like James and Victoria but they weren't gold like the Cullens either.
So was he a vegetarian or did he drink from humans?
I wanted to ask but Jacob was next to me.
But this could be my chance. Standing in front of me was my link to the supernatural world; my last link to Edward.
I flinched.
"It was nice to meet you Jamie," I said, grabbing Jacob's hand. "But we should be going now," I said.
Jamie smiled. "Okay, that's fine." He paused and looked sad. "I've got to meet up with my uncle any way," he said.
I could tell by the look on his face he didn't like his uncle. Was his uncle a vampire too? How many of them were at this event? I looked outside at the nice weather. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he was a normal kid. I mentally shook my head. He was a vampire. I was positive.
"Bye, Jamie," Jacob said. "See you around," he said.
Jamie nodded. "Okay, sure!" he said before running off.
I stared after the kid watching my last chance disappear. Had I made the right choice? Should I have tried to talk to him?
Jacob took his hat off my head and put it back on his head.
He smiled "I heard you cheering for me," he said.
I laughed. This was where I belonged, with my best friend, my sun.
Screw Edward! He Was Gone and I had everything I needed right here.
"Of course, who else would I cheer for?" I asked. "You looked like you could play for hours and not get tired." I said.
Jacob pretended to slump over. "I don't know about that." He said. "I'm a little tired. Maybe I need to work out more?" he joked.
I shook my head fiercely. "You have a great body," I blurted.
I stared at Jacob shocked. I couldn't believe I said that out loud. I turned bright red and looked at my feet.
"You really think so?" he asked.
I nodded as my face turned darker than a tomato patch.
"Hey," he said, lifting my chin up and looking me in the eyes.
"Thanks, for the compliment," he said.
"It means a lot coming from you," he stated.
He let go of me and smirked. "Want to head out and get something to eat?" he asked.
I gave him a look. "We just ate an hour ago. How can you still be hungry?" I asked.
Jacob shrugged. "I'm always hungry," he admitted, sheepishly.
"Okay," I said, before noticing the photo booths in the corner. "But can we check those out first?" I asked.
Jacob nodded. "Sure, honey," he chuckled. "Whatever you want," he said.
Suddenly I felt a little nervous. "You don't have to if you don't want to," I said.
Jacob laughed and slung his arm over my shoulders. "I can't let you take photos alone. Besides," he said pulling me closer. "I love taking photos with you," he said.
I was confused. "Why?" I asked.
Jacob grinned. "Because we look good together." He said.
I raised an eyebrow. "We do?" I questioned.
Jacob nodded. "Oh, yeah," he said. "Separately, you and I are ridiculously hot. But when were together we look so freaking dangerous. We should come with a warning label." He said.
"Really?" I asked.
Jacob nodded. "There is no one hotter than Jake & Bells. We even beat Angelina, Brad Pitt, and Hale Berry combined." He boasted.
I couldn't help but smile. I had never felt as attractive as I did right at that moment.
"I mean look at you," he said. "You're sexier than a Victoria Secret model on the runway," he said.
This was so strange. When I was with Edward I always felt like I wasn't good enough and he looked better than me. Not once do I remember Edward ever saying we looked good together. He'd assure me that I was pretty but he never said I was sexy.
"That's enough Jacob," I said.
He smirked. "What are you embarrassed?" he asked.
I shook my head. "No," I said.
We made our way to the photo booth and got inside. Jacob adjusted the stool for his height. There wasn't a lot of room in the small space.
"You can sit on my lap," Jacob said waggling his eyebrows.
I felt my stomach flutter but I wasn't going to back down.
"Okay," I said.
I tried to get myself comfortable as he fed quarters into the machine. I was enveloped by his warmth and his smell. It was the smell of soap, motor oil and something earthier that I couldn't name but it was amazing. I felt really nervous for some reason but I told myself I was being silly. But then I thought about that kiss in the woods.
Jacob hadn't mentioned it at all. Maybe he'd forgotten about it.
"Say cheese," he whispered, huskily, directly in my ear.
I felt his hand on my side. My eyes widened. He wouldn't! I felt his fingers wiggle and I laughed.
"Stop it!" I exclaimed, as he started tickling me.
I squirmed, trying to get away, which was difficult because I was still in his lap.
"Jake, quit it," I yelled, trying to push his hand away.
"I'm not doing anything," he teased.
I stuck my hand under his shirt and started tickling him back. He let out a loud bark. It soon turned into an all-out tickle war, until Jacob grabbed my arms and held me pinned.
"Okay, I give! I give!" I said laughing, unable to take anymore.
Jacob smirked. "Who's your daddy?' he asked, triumphantly.
"Charlie!" I shouted.
He stopped tickling me and looked confused. I started laughing again at the look on his face.
"What?" he asked.
I grinned. "You asked who my 'Daddy' was. It's Charlie, remember?" I asked, getting off his lap and out of the booth.
Jacob shook his head and followed me.
"That's a lie," he said and gave me a serious look.
"Bella," he said, making sure to look in my eyes.
"What?" I asked, worried.
"I am your father," he said in his best Darth Vader voice, holding the helmet I had forgotten about.
I slapped his arm. "You're a jerk." I said.
Jacob laughed, before pulling me close. "As long as I'm your jerk," he said.
I blushed, but didn't pull away.
"You're such a child," I said, looking away.
Jacob took off his hat and tipped it. "It's part of my charm," he said, letting me go.
Jacob grabbed the picture and laughed. He handed them to me and I smiled. In the first picture we were both smiling. In the second, I was smiling and Jacob was smirking. In the third, I was laughing as he tickled me. In the fourth, we were both laughing.
"It really captures us," I said.
Jacob shrugged. "I think you look prettier in person," he said, with a grin.
"You too," I said, taking his hand in mine.
An older couple passed by us and smiled.
"Ah, young love," the older woman said to her husband.
He nodded. "Remember when we were that cute, Jen?" he asked.
She laughed. "Yeah, those were the days, Blake," as they walked away.
I blushed and started to correct them but Jacob stopped me.
"You think one day that will be us?" he asked quietly and hopeful.
I looked at him speechless. What could I say?
I opened my mouth but Jacob interrupted me.
"You've got to be hungry now, right?" he asked, changing the subject.
I felt bad. A part of me wanted to tell Jacob that I loved him and that one day we would be even more in love than that couple. But the other part was scared. Was I ready to take that leap from friendship to boyfriend/girlfriend? Was I 'healed' enough yet?
Finally I settled on an answer to both questions. "I will be," I said. "Soon," I added.
Jacob smiled, confused. "Okay, let's go," he said.
We paused to buy matching Mickey& Minnie mouse T-shirts. Mine said 'Mickey's Girl' and Jacob's said 'Minnie's Guy'.
"I can't believe we brought these," I said blushing.
Jacob smiled. "I love these" he said, proudly showing off his shirt.
"Besides, I'm surprised you aren't thrilled." He said with false shock.
I looked at him wondering what he was talking about.
"I mean, you were the one who used to have a crush on Mickey Mouse," he teased.
I blushed, embarrassed, and kicked him in the leg…hard.
"Shut up!" I exclaimed, looking around to make sure nobody heard that. "I was seven and I just thought he was cool. I admired him," I hissed, through clenched teeth.
Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you carved 'Mrs. Mickey Mouse' on the tree in my backyard?" he asked.
I stomped my feet and turned away from him angrily.
"I hate you, Jacob Black!" I pouted, crossing my arms.
Jacob let out a loud booming laugh that racked him frame. I glared at him.
"Come on Bells, don't be mad." He said, still chuckling.
I continued to glare at him.
"Hey, would it make you feel better if I told you my childhood crush?" he asked.
I looked at him curiously, my anger fading. I didn't remember Jacob ever having a crush on anybody when we were little.
"Who?" I asked.
Jacob grinned. "I used to have a crush on a girl named Belle," he said.
I blushed. Jacob liked me way back then.
"From beauty and the beast," he added.
I laughed. "So, that's why you made me watch that movie 10 times!" I said.
"That's a lie, we only watched it nine times!" he defended.
I raised an eyebrow and Jacob chuckled, his cheeks turning red.
"Fine," he huffed. "Well at least my crush was human." He said.
I looked at my feet, thinking of Edward. My first crush was a mouse and my first boyfriend was a vampire. What was wrong with me?
"Let's go somewhere else," Jacob said, slinging his arm around my shoulders.
I shivered, wondering if he knew how I was feeling. Was it just me or was Jacob being extra touchy-feely today. There'd been a lot of hand-holding, hugs, brushing of fingers, and tickling. He seemed to be doing these things without thought but every time his warm skin brushed mine I felt heat spread throughout my body. I kept finding myself snuggling closer to him. A cold breeze blew past us and I shivered for a different reason. Jacob paused and took off his jacket, placing it on my shoulders.
"Cold, again?" Jacob asked, putting his arm around me before I could answer.
"You're not?"
He shook his head.
"You must have a fever or something," I grumbled.
I was freezing. I touched my fingers to his forehead, and gasped. His head was HOT!
"Whoa, Jake—you're burning up!"
"I feel fine." He shrugged. "Fit as a fiddle." He boasted.
I frowned and touched his head again. His skin blazed under my fingers.
"Your hands are like ice," he complained.
"Maybe it's me," I allowed.
Jacob smiled. "Hey look, a Karaoke club," he said.
"What is a Karaoke club doing on a pier?" I asked.
Jacob shrugged. "Who cares, let's go check it out." He said.
I sighed. "We're not old enough to go into a club." I said.
Jacob pointed to the sign. "It says sixteen and up," he read aloud.
I touched his forehead one last time. He still felt like he had a fever.
"You sure, you're okay?" I asked, again.
He sighed. "I'm fine," he groaned.
"Alright," I said.
We went inside and I was surprised by how crowded it was.
"Wow, I guess a lot of people like Karaoke," I said.
Jacob smiled. "Cool! We should perform too!" he said.
I shook my head.
"I'm not good at singing in public," I said.
Jacob gave me a pleading look.
"Please?" he asked.
"No," I said, firmly.
"Come on," he said.
I shook my head.
"For me?" he asked, giving me the puppy dog eyes.
I could feel myself caving.
"Bells?" he asked.
"Fine," I grumbled.
"Great!" Jacob cheered, pumping his fist in the air triumphantly.
"I'll go sign us up!" he said.
I stood up. "I'm going to the restroom." I said.
Jacob smiled. "Okay, I'll be sure to pick us an awesome song," he said, walking away.
After using the bathroom I walking down the long hallway to get back to where our table was when a figure stepped out from the shadows. A dizzying array of emotions shot through me in a second.
The first was surprise; I was far from the crowd back here, and I didn't expect company. Then, as my eyes focused on the motionless figure, seeing the utter stillness, the pallid skin, a rush of anger rocked through me. I suppressed it viciously, fighting against the equally sharp lash of agony as my eyes continued to the face beneath the black hair, the face that wasn't the one I never wanted to see again. Next was fear; this was not the face I had once grieved for, but it was close enough for me to know that the man facing me was no stray hiker.
And finally, in the end, recognition.
"Laurent" I said, angrily.
It was an irrational response. I probably should have stopped at fear.
Laurent had been one of James's coven when we'd first met. He hadn't been involved with the hunt that followed—the hunt where I was the quarry—but that was only because he was afraid; I was protected by a bigger coven than his own. It would have been different if that wasn't the case—he'd had no compunctions, at the time, against making a meal of me. Of course, he must have changed, because he'd gone to Alaska to live with the other civilized coven there, the other family that refused to drink human blood for ethical reasons. The other families like the Cullens.
Yes, fear would have made more sense, but all I felt was an overwhelming anger. This was supposed to be a normal day with my best friend. Why did vampires have to keep showing up? I mean, here was the connection I'd sought. The proof, however remote, that—somewhere in the same world where I lived— he did exist. But now I didn't want it. I didn't want to go down that road again.
It was impossible how exactly the same Laurent looked. I suppose it was very silly and human to expect a change in the last year. But there was something… I couldn't put my finger on it.
"Bella?" he asked, looking more astonished than I felt.
"You remember." I said coldly. It was ridiculous that I should be so bitter because a vampire knew my name.
He grinned. "I didn't expect to see you here." He strolled toward me, his expression bemused.
"Isn't it the other way around? I do live here. I thought you'd gone to Alaska." I asked, irritated.
Why was he here? Something about this felt wrong. He stopped about ten feet away, cocking his head to the side. I studied his features with a critical eye. Something didn't fit. What did he want?
"You're right," he agreed. "I did go to Alaska. Still, I didn't expect… When I found the Cullen place empty, I thought they'd moved on." He said.
"Oh." I bit my lip as the name set me on edge. Just hearing his name made me angry. It took me a second to compose myself. Laurent waited with curious eyes.
"They did move on," I finally managed to tell him.
"Hmm," he murmured. "I'm surprised they left you behind. Weren't you sort of pet of theirs?" His eyes were innocent of any intended offense.
I chuckled bitterly. "Something like that," I said.
"Hmm," he said, thoughtful again.
At that precise moment, I realized why he looked the same—too much the same. After Carlisle told us that Laurent had stayed with Tanya's family, I'd begun to picture him, on the rare occasions that I thought of him at all, with the same golden eyes that the Cullens had. That all good vampires had.
I took an involuntary step back, and his curious, dark red eyes followed the movement.
"Do they visit often?" he asked, still casual, but his weight shifted toward me.
I had to think fast. How do I keep him from eating me?
"Now and again." I lied, making my voice light, relaxed.
"Hmm," he said again. "The house smelled like it had been vacant for a while…"
I raised an eyebrow, a move I had perfected in the last couple of months.
"Really?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. "I was just there a couple of days ago," I said. "I'll have to mention to Carlisle that you stopped by. He'll be sorry they missed your visit." I pretended to deliberate for a second. "But I probably shouldn't mention it to Edward, I suppose," I hated having to use that bastards name for protection.
"He has such a temper… well, I'm sure you remember. He's still touchy about the James thing." I rolled my eyes and waved one hand dismissively, like it was all ancient history, but there was an edge to my voice. I wondered if he would recognize what it was.
"Is he really?" Laurent asked pleasantly… skeptically.
I kept my reply short. "Mm-hmm."
Laurent took a casual step to the side, gazing around. I didn't miss that the step brought him closer to me.
"So how are things working out in Denali? Carlisle said you were staying with Tanya?" I asked in a panic.
The question made him pause. "I like Tanya very much," he mused. "And, her sisters, Irina even more… I've never stayed in one place for so long before, and I enjoy the advantages, the novelty of it. But, the restrictions are difficult… I'm surprised that any of them can keep it up for long." He paused and stared at me, his red eyes filled with hunger.
He smiled at me conspiratorially. "Sometimes I cheat."
I couldn't swallow. My foot started to ease back, but I froze when his red eyes flickered down to catch the movement.
"Oh," I said in a faint voice. "Jasper has problems with that, too."
I stood still, careful not to make any sudden moves.
"Really?" Laurent seemed interested. "Is that why they left?"
"No," I answered honestly. "Jasper is more careful at home."
"Yes," Laurent agreed. "I am, too."
The step forward he took now was quite deliberate.
"Did Victoria ever find you?" I asked, breathless, desperate to distract him. It was the first question that popped into my head, and I regretted it as soon as the words were spoken. Victoria—who had hunted me with James, and then disappeared—was not someone I wanted to think of at this particular moment.
But the question did stop him.
"Yes," he said, hesitating on that step. "I actually came here as a favor to her." He made a face. "She won't be happy about this."
"About what?" I said eagerly, inviting him to continue.
He was glaring at the walls, away from me. I took advantage of his diversion, taking a furtive step back. He looked back at me and smiled—the expression made him look like a black-haired angel of death.
"About me killing you," he answered in a seductive purr.
I staggered back another step.
"She wanted to save that part for herself," he went on blithely. "She's sort of… put out with you, Bella."
"Me?" I squeaked.
He shook his head and chuckled. "I know, it seems a little backward to me, too. But James was her mate, and your Edward killed him."
"He's not my Edward," I growled, losing all hints of casualness.
If I was going to die then what was the point. Even here, on the point of death, Edward's name filled me with anger. This was his entire fault!
Laurent ignored me. "She thought it more appropriate to kill you than Edward—fair turnabout, mate for mate. She asked me to get the lay of the land for her, so to speak. I didn't imagine you would be so easy to get to. So maybe her plan was flawed—apparently it wouldn't be the revenge she imagined, since you must not mean very much to him if he left you here unprotected." He said with a laugh.
"Look," I said, taking a step back. "I'm not Edward's mate," I said.
Laurent's weight shifted slightly, and I took another step back.
He frowned. "It doesn't matter." He said. "She'll be angry, all the same."
"Then why not wait for her?" I choked out.
A mischievous grin rearranged his features. "Well, you've caught me at a bad time, Bella. I didn't come to this place on Victoria's mission—I was hunting. I'm quite thirsty, and you do smell… simply mouth-watering."
Laurent looked at me with approval, as if he meant it as a compliment.
"Your nose is lying to you," I said. "I taste terrible, ask anyone!" I said.
Laurent grinned. "I shall find out for myself," he said.
"You won't get away with this." I threatened.
"And why not?" Laurent's smile widened.
He gazed around the small hallway. "Who will know it was me? This place is crowded. No one will notice you're gone. No one will find your body—you'll simply go missing, like so many, many other humans. There's no reason for Edward to think of me, if he cares enough to investigate. This is nothing personal; let me assure you, Bella. Just thirst."
"Look, you don't have to do this," I pleaded.
Laurent shook his head, his face kind. "Look at it this way, Bella. You're very lucky I was the one to find you."
"Am I?" I mouthed, faltering another step back.
Laurent followed, lithe and graceful.
"Yes," he assured me. "I'll be very quick. You won't feel a thing, I promise. Oh, I'll lie to Victoria about that later, naturally, just to placate her. But if you knew what she had planned for you, Bella…" He shook his head with a slow movement, almost as if in disgust. "I swear you'd be thanking me for this."
I stared at him in horror. "No I won't," I said, fearfully.
He sniffed at the air. "mouth-watering," he repeated, inhaling deeply.
I tensed for the spring, my eyes squinting as I cringed away, my eyes squinting. The memory of Jacob waiting for me at our table came to mind. His name burst through all the walls I'd built to contain it.
Jacob, Jacob, Jacob.
I was going to die. I was never going to see Charlie or Jacob or Leah again. I was never going to make up with Angela and Jessica. I was never going to see my mother or Phil. I felt regret fill me. I was never going to be able to tell Jacob how I felt.
"Jacob, I love you," I thought. 'I'm so sorry. I won't be coming home, Dad,"
Through my narrowed eyes, I watched as Laurent paused in the act of inhaling and whipped his head abruptly to the left. I was afraid to look away from him, to follow his glance, though he hardly needed a distraction or any other trick to overpower me. I was too amazed to feel relief when he started slowly backing away from me.
"I don't believe it," he said, his voice so low that I barely heard it.
A nasty growl rumbled, the sound of a boulder rolling down the side of a mountain. I had to look then. My eyes scanned the hallway, searching for the interruption that had extended my life by a few seconds.
I gasped. "Jacob?" I exclaimed.
My gaze flickered back to Laurent. He was retreating more quickly now, backing towards the exit. Jacob smirked, eyes darkened with anger, as he stalked deliberately towards us. He walked with a confidence and aggressiveness that he had never showed before. He wrapped his arm around me, his eyes never leaving Laurent.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked.
Laurent flinched. "I was just leaving," he said.
I was so confused. Why was Laurent retreating? It was just Jacob. What reason would a vampire have for fearing a human? He could kill us in a second. But, Laurent was afraid. His eyes were wide with horror.
"Bella," Jacob said, bringing my attention back to him.
"You know this guy?" he asked.
I shook my head. I needed to get Jacob away from here before it was too late.
"Then how about you take a hike?" Jacob's voice was nothing more than a growl. A grizzly snarl rolled out from between his teeth, rumbling through the hall like a prolonged crack of thunder. I gave an involuntary gasp and jumped back.
Laurent shifted, Jacob's chin went up and from the set of his jaw and the flare of his nostrils, to the baring of his teeth and the dark look of pure hatred in his eyes. I knew he meant business. Jacob started trembling and he pushed me behind him, slightly. Jacob's hands curled into fists and he let out a blood curdling growl that made my hair stand on end.
What was wrong with Jacob?
Laurent's eyes widened and I felt as though I was in the middle of a documentary on animal planet about a lion and his prey. As Jacob snarled like an angry animal, Laurent was staring at Jacob with unconcealed shock and fear. The first I could understand. But I was stunned when, without warning, he spun and disappeared.
He ran away.
Once Laurent was gone Jacob turned to me all traces of the beast he had once been gone.
"You okay?" he asked.
I stared at him with wide unblinking eyes. What was happening to my Jacob?
Author's note: sorry it took so long to update. I wanted to get this chapter perfect. So, something is going on with Jacob. Why did he act that way towards Laurent and why wasn't he affected by Jamie? Victoria is after Bella. Please review and tell me you're thoughts.