Hey Guys!

So I know it has been a while but I wasn't getting any inspiration but today the little bug showed up and here it is the newest rewritten chapter!

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Read and Review!

Bye and till the next update (which will be hopefully soon :P )

Chapter Eighteen

(Jacob's POV)

White snow started falling from the sky and the landscape soon became deadly yet ethereal. Edward and Bella were still inside but she must be freezing from all that teeth chattering. I tried to fall asleep but I was concerned about Bella's health so I decided to check up on her. I opened the tent and closed it immediately so the crisp cold wouldn't get in.

- I can't sleep with all that teeth chattering going on. – When I stared at Bella she immediately look away.

- So you're not going to talk to me ever again?

She remained silent.

- It's not like I have a CHOICE! – I yelled but still nothing.

I sighed defeated. Although she was mad at me, Bella was freezing to death and could get hypothermia and I still cared about her. But every since I kissed Gwen things have become different, more crystal clear. I have feelings for her. Edward eyed me curiously and smiled knowingly. Stop reading my thoughts leech!

I walked closer to Bella and opened her sleeping bag. I looked at Edward for any kind of discontentment but he didn't seem to mind. I slipped next her and she immediately embraced my torso. Bella stopped shaking and finally fell asleep. Well at least she is not going to die!

- Thank you.

- There's no need. She is my… - I was speechless. Friend, crush, the love of my life!? I felt confused and betrayed at the same time by my feelings. When I looked at Bella, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing! But when I thought about Gwen…it was different. I hope she's okay. She has to be. I'm so stupid! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!

- You really do love her, don't you? Gwen? – Edward smiled at me.

- You must feel really good about yourself now that I'm out of the picture and you can have Bella all to yourself. So…what know? You're going to turn her into a bloodsucker demon like you? – I snapped at him but he nodded his head in denial.

- I don't want that. I never wanted that. – Edward seemed genuine about his response but I looked to him warily.

- So stop her.

- I tried. I left.

- But you gave up too quickly. If you'd stayed away another six months, I could have made her happy. Trust me.

- I know that. You could have given her a life, a human life and that's really all I want for her…but I'm not going to leave her, ever again unless if she tells me to. Last time we almost got killed. – Edward whispered and I gulped in fear. I don't know what I would do if Gwen died tomorrow. Edward looked at me. He must have read my thoughts.

- When you thought that she was gone…that you lost her…how did you…cope?

- Never knew worse. But I wouldn't wish it on anyone, Jacob. – I nodded and tried to mask my feelings. I was so worried about tomorrow. What if a newborn got to her, or worse! What if Riley hurt her and I couldn't save her in time. I could never forgive myself.

- Why are you so afraid Jacob? – Edward asked me intrigued.

- What? – My voice cracked and I cleared my throat. I tried to avoid his steel gaze but I knew that I couldn't get away that easily.

- Why are you so afraid? – He repeated the same question and I gulped and closed my eyes in deep thought.

- She deserves someone better than me. I've hurt her…so many times that it has reached an uncountable number and yet, she has always been so forgiving and kind to me. She's too good to be true. Gwen has one of the purest and bravest hearts that I've ever known. She doesn't ask for anything in return and she's always there for you…even if you're mean to her, she's always there.

- You've hurt her.

- I know but I didn't mean it! You're right! I am afraid! I'm afraid of falling in love with her.

- Why?

- Because I'm afraid I won't be able to ever forgive myself for the awful things that I did to her! - I raised my voice and started shaking but Bella's soft sigh brought me back from my reverie.

- You're not selfish Jacob. You're a good person. I know exactly how you feel. When I left Bella I thought it was for the best! If I wasn't in the picture I thought that she could be happy! But when I saw her so broken, so miserable I felt responsible, I felt…selfish.

- You did what you thought it was the best for her.

- And that is why you have to tell Gwen that you love her.

- She doesn't love me.

- And how do you know that!?

- I just…do.

- If she gets into trouble tomorrow and you're not around…I'll protect her.

- Thank you. And the same with Bells. I'll protect her, you know, if you're not around.

We nodded in unison to each other and a treaty was formed that very night. We would protect the ones that we loved in the upcoming battlefield.

(Gwen's POV)

- Thanks Seth. I really did have a nice time. – I turned around facing Seth.

He smiled and said:

- Yeah me too.

We remained quiet for a couple of seconds…how awkward!?

- Well I better get going. Tomorrow's a big day! Goodbye! – As I was opening the door Seth grabbed my wrist and spun me around. He kissed my cheek and whispered a goodnight before walking away.

- How strange… - I whispered. As I was closing the front door I heard Seth yelling, which caught my attention.

- No I'm sorry! I'm just gonna say it!

- What are you talking about? – He strode towards me and held my arms.

- I like you.

My eyes widened. Seth's face was dead serious and I knew at that moment that he saw me as more than a friend.

- What…!? Like, like me!? – I whispered.

- Yes. – Seth's voice seemed more confident by the second but my mine felt small, frail. I was shocked for never have I thought that someone, especially Seth, would care about me in such way.

- Hum…I don't know what to say Seth. You are my best friend and you…

- Please. Don't finish that sentence. Forget this. I will see you in the morning. – His eyes grew cold and his face completely transformed. He kissed my forehead and walked away. For Good.

I woke up at seven o'clock. I don't think I slept at all last night. Today I could live or die. Edward said that everything would turn out all right but, I don´t think it will. Jake is god knows where in those high mountains waiting for this battle to commence and I don't think I want to see him afterwards this battle. As for Seth, dear Seth, he is my best friend but nothing and it kills me to hurt him so. It seems wherever I go, I hurt someone. Maybe I should just leave. I sighed and walked downstairs.

I took a quick breakfast but I didn't eat much for I was too nervous to even think about eating. Charlie was still asleep because I could still hear his loud snores coming from his bedroom. The door bell rang. That was strange! It was still 7:30 am and Seth said he would be here by 8:00! Who could it be?

- Grams! What a surprise! Come in and I will make you some tea! - I smiled at my grandmother and gave her a quick hug.

- Well I hope this is a pleasant surprise! How are you? - I knew what she meant by how are you?

We both sat down in the table and I served some green tea to her. She thanked me and I served myself. I sighed and drank some tea before I answered her question.

- Things with Jake aren't going so well, as usual, and yesterday Bella discovered that I'm his imprint which made her mad! I think that Seth likes me but I just see him as a friend and in…an hour and a half I'm going to meet with my psycho stalker! Oh and might I add that we can ALL DIE!?

Lucinda flinched and looked away nervously, like she was hiding something from me.

- Did you see the future? Tell me! – I took her hand and squeezed it tightly demanding for answers, a hint, anything! I needed some reassurance.

- I don't think I should tell you what will happen. Besides, we never know if it will happen. The future is uncertain. Remember that Gwendolyn.

- Is someone going to get…hurt? - I wanted to remain strong but my voice cracked in fear. She didn't say anything, rose from her seat and walked towards the front door. I followed her silently but my heart quickened.

- I can't do this! I can't… - I started nodding in denial, in numerous times.

- Gwen! You are the strongest most powerful and bravest witch I have ever met in my life! You can do this Meliai!

The door bell rang. It was already eight o'clock and Seth was right outside. I wiped my tears and opened the front door.

- Hey. Are you ready? – Seth asked with a bored tone.

- Yeah I'm just going to so say goodbye. – I pointed at my grandma and Seth nodded.

- Okay. I'll wait outside. Goodbye…huh…

He looked at my grandma.

- Oh it's Lucinda dear! Nice to meet you! - They both shook hands, smiled at me and went outside.

- Everything will turn out all right Gwen! Be careful! - She hugged me and gave me a peck on the cheek.

- I want you to have this. - Grams took my hand and placed a necklace. It was a silver locket. I opened it and it had engraved these words: Don´t cry because it is over, smile because it happened. It was beautiful.

- Grams…I can't accept this.

- Sweetie I want you to have it! Besides it is not mine! It was your mother's. She would want you to have it! - She smiled.

- Thank you. I love it. - I whispered and looked down.

- Now off you go! There is a young handsome boy waiting for you outside and I think I should also probably go before your uncle wakes up.

- But…

- Goodbye sweetie! - And just like that she disappeared in thin air. I grunted…why all the lies and secrets? I sighed and wrote a note to Charlie saying I was going to spend the day with Bella and the Cullens, which was sort of true.

I closed the front door and Seth was there waiting for me.

- Took you long enough. - He started walking away and I followed him. We walked in silence for five whole minutes. The forest was awfully quiet today.

- I need to transform myself into my wolf form… - Before he could run away I caught his arm. He was stunned by my touch and stopped.

- Seth.

- What?

Suddenly my bravery faltered and I looked away sheepishly.

- Huh…never mind. Go.

- No, tell me! What is it? – Seth took a hold of my shoulders and shook them lightly, trying to get my attention. As I stared into his warm kind eyes I decided to say what was in my mind.

- I'm sorry. I am sorry if I have hurt in any way. Believe me, it was unconsciously done. You are my best friend and… – Seth tried to interrupt me once again but I held my ground. - No please let me finish! This might be my last time of saying what's in my mind and goddammit I'm going to say it!

I realized that I was flustered and took a few deep breaths. Seth's eyes softened and he nodded his head in understanding. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and continued.

- Seth, you are my best friend and you will always have that special place in my heart but I am afraid I can never return the feelings that you have for me. I feel so confused right now about…well, about everything! The battle, vampires, werewolves, Bella…Jacob…it's just too much and I…I am sorry. Please be my friend. I need you.

Seth caressed my cheek and wiped a few glistening tears from my face and I smiled and shrugged it away and laughed.

- Look at me! I am such a mess! I am…

- Stop apologizing Gwen. I am here for you as a friend and I'm never going to let anything happen to you. - He gave me a small smile and hugged me. I returned the gesture happy to know that we were still friends. Seth seemed like the only true friend that I had, besides Rox and Darcie, and I didn't want to lose him.

He let me go and gave me one of those goofy smiles, which made me smile and laugh. He walked a few steps away from me and turned into his wolf form. He was so much smaller than Jacob but he seemed strong nonetheless. I climbed slowly to his back and he immediately took off. A scream erupted from my mouth. We were running so fast that the trees seemed an immense green blur. I closed my eyes as I was feeling dizzy. Moments after the dizziness stopped we were on the top of the mountains looking at the horizon.

- That was…awesome! - I screamed in pure delight and a loud howl followed my outburst. We were near the campsite so I climbed off from Seth's back so he could change into his human self.

We walked side by side on the rest of the way.

- So what's up? Do you think that Bella is still mad with you? But why did she react like that?

- Probably because I said that I would never lie to her ever again, and I did. – I sighed.- What should I say to them? Bella…and Jake?

- If you don't want to talk to them then…don't. You're not to blame.

- Seth's right. – Ed's voice came to my ears. He smiled and I ran to him and gave him a hug.

- Hey Ed! Ready to kick some ass? – I asked him.

- Yeah. – He nodded and smiled down upon me.

- Hey man! – Seth and Edward shook their hands cordially and smiled.

My heartbeat picked up the pace when I saw Jacob's back turned to me. Ed squeezed my shoulder and smiled encouragingly as I stared at Jake. He turned around and looked relieved to see me but I remained in the spot. I didn't know what to do, what to think! Was he mad, should I be mad at him!?

- I think I'm going to patrol the area. - Seth said and transformed in his wolf form.

- I'm going to check on Bella. – Edward's hand fell from my shoulders and I wasn't feeling confident anymore.

- No that's okay she's not even awake. Edward. Stay. – I whispered nervously and begged. He smiled knowingly and stared at both of us. Jake and Edward nodded in unison and then Ed walked away leaving us alone.

I slowly turned around and met Jake's eyes. My heart was beating pretty fast and I gulped nervously. Was he listening to my heartbeat? Jake walked slowly towards me and smiled.

(Jacob's POV)

- Hi. – I walked towards Gwen and smiled at her. She seemed nervous and I could hear her beating heart pounding rapidly.

- Hi. – She whispered.

- How are you? – I asked.

- I'm…I'm fine. Just a little bit nervous, you know with the whole battle thing and Riley. – Gwen's voice was frantic and she wasn't looking directly in my eyes which made me feel upset, hurt. My own imprint can't even look me in the eyes, probably because of what I said to her yesterday. I wanted to apologize to her, to at least tell her how I really feel about her. And now I've just realized how much I care for her, how much I've…fallen in love with her. She's everything.

- Gwen I want to apologize for yesterday I didn't mean it. – Gwen's eyes widened and she gaped once she realized that I was actually telling the truth.

- You don't have to apologize. I mean…if that's how you really feel about me then there is nothing that I can do. I mean…do you mean it? Are you serious? This is kinda…weird. I mean…not that you are weird! I mean… - I chuckled at her rambling. I think it's so cute when she is nervous and rambles away. Gwen's face reddened from embarrassment and she looked down.

- I'm telling you the truth. I…care about you. Truly. – Her blue mysterious eyes bore into mine and she smiled! She actually smiled!

- I guess I have to apologize to you also.

- What for? – I was confused. She didn't have to apologize, not to me!

- I've also hurt you. I told you several times that I hated you and despised you but I also…didn't mean it. I hope you can forgive me. Can we try again and…be friends!? – When Gwen asked me if we could be friends and I have to say I was kind of disappointed but if she wanted us to be friends then so be it! I just wanted to be part of her life.

- Yeah. We can be friends. – Gwen's smile widened and suddenly she hugged me. Her tiny arms were around my torso and her head rested on the crook of my neck. I tensed when she held me this way because I wasn't expecting this but I soon relaxed and held her strongly in my arms. We stayed like this for a few moments and I felt complete. She sighed and her warm breath tickled in my neck which made me shiver. We separated from each other and smiled but her smile faltered when she heard the howls. The pack must be preparing for battle. I don't have much time with her. What if I die? Or worse! What if she dies? I couldn't forgive myself. I have to tell her.

- Gwen, there's something that I need to tell you… - I grabbed her shoulders to get her attention again but we were interrupted by Edward and Bella exiting the tent.

(Gwen's POV)

- So where's everybody? – Bella stopped dead in her tracks when she saw us. I brushed his arms off of me and Bella walked straight to us.

- I thought you wouldn't show up. – Bella's voice was dry and she seemed jealous!? Did she have…feelings for Jacob? No. That wouldn't be it. She was in love with Edward! They are going to get married for god's sake, Gwen! Sometimes you're such a drama queen!

- Why wouldn't I show up? I care about the town's safety. – Bella snorted and crossed her arms as her eyes rolled. - Please, let's just call it a truce! We need to stick together in this battle and I don't even know why you are so mad with us!

Bella didn't respond and walked away from us. Jacob seemed pretty down, he tried to smile to me reassuring that everything would be okay, but I just can't afford to think like that. Who knows what's going to happen today!? Edward sighed and he was about to follow her but I stopped him.

- I'll go talk to her. – Ed nodded and I followed Bella to the circling woods.

I tried to locate her but I couldn't seem to find her. I walked for a good five minutes but there was no trace of Bella. How odd. I began to feel worried about my cousin's well being and started calling her several times but I didn't seem to get a response. I decided to return to the campsite and ask for help before anything could happen to Bella. What if a newborn killed her? Or worse…what if Victoria kidnapped her?

But now I've realised…which way is the campsite? Right or left!? I felt completely lost. Suddenly I heard a twig snap and I froze.

- Hello…Bella!? Are you there? – My voice was shaky and I looked everywhere for a sign but I saw nothing. I gulped loudly and tried to remain calm but my body was still shaking.

I heard another twig snap but this time it was behind me. What if it was Riley? I hid behind a tree while peeking through the rest of the forest. I opened my left hand and created a ball of fire. I could already hear silent footsteps. My adrenaline was running high and as I took a deep breath, I walked away from my hiding spot and prepared myself for the worst.

- Don't shoot!

I lowered my hand and my heart decreased its pace.

- Seth! Don't ever do that again! You gave me the creeps! – He looked bashful and that made me smirk. Aha!

- Sorry.

- That´s okay. Do you know where Bella is? I've been looking for her but I just can't seem to find her.

- Yeah don't worry about her she already is in the campsite safe and sound! – Seth smiled knowingly.

- Thank god! I was beginning to think that I had to explain to Charlie that vampires and werewolves are real! Just imagine his face! He would totally lose it, and then I would be send to the loony house and I would live the rest of my days locked in a cell. And imagine Edward, or Jake! They would be so…

- Okay, okay, okay stop! Take a few deep breaths! Breathe! – Seth laughed and touched my shoulders. I closed my eyes and obeyed him, trying to calm myself down.

- Thanks.

- Hey don't even mention it! Now come on!

We walked away from the dark wintry forest and soon found ourselves in the campsite. I sighed contently and smiled at Seth but my smiled faltered once I saw Bella and Jake kissing.

So what did you think? Sorry for the cliffhanger though :P

See you soon!

R & R