Okay… so It's been just under a year since I last updated… did not realise it had been so long which means you probably all have no idea what happened before this chapter any more.
I'll give you a bit of a summary:
Cat and Sophie were fighting cause Cat was helping Bella keep the baby.
Jacob disobeyed Sam as in the books and is pissed at Cat.
Sophie is sad because she's against Embry and asked her mum for help as she cried.
The twins made up and are good again… kinda… for the moment… we'll see what happens.
Leah and Seth turned up.
The twins haven't had an angel fiasco yet, only so many dramas should occur at once in my opinion but I've still got four months while Renesmee grows up so I'm gonna need something interesting to put there so look forward to it. (Yeah remember the twins' parents are angels and they were kidnapped because of their powers and now they're remembering things from their past slowly and Cat can see peoples memories like her dad did.)
I only remember all this because I spent the last week reading all 584 pages (yeah it's the longest story I have) while I should have been studying for the two exams I've got this week. But other then work I'm free after that so hopefully I'll post more. (We know me though, I'm not always that reliable when it comes to updates).
Because I read through it I've fixed and changed some things which I'll fix on here in the next few weeks, if I think it's something important that I've added I'll write it as a note at the end of the chapter. (There's one at the end of this chapter)
Right I hate having these long authors notes at the beginning or even on the chapters at all so I'm gonna shut up now.
Chapter 56:
The two twins walked up to the Cullen house to find Carlisle and Jacob sitting on the front stairs.
"The foetus isn't compatible with her body." Carlisle answered a question the two twins missed as they approached. "Too strong, for one thing, but she could probably endure that for a while. The bigger problem is that it won't allow her to get the sustenance she needs. Her body is rejecting every form of nutrition. I'm trying to feed her intravenously, but she's just not absorbing it. Everything about her condition is accelerated. I'm watching her — and not just her, but the foetus as well — starve to death by the hour. I can't stop it and I can't slow it down. I can't figure out what it wants." His weary voice broke at the end.
Jacob's hands clenched into fists as he began to shake. Cat left Sophie's side and had an arm around him in comfort, but he shrugged out of it. Cat frowned a little though she wasn't surprised. Instead she just put a hand on his knee as Sophie stood frowning. Cat did understand her but in a different way, Sophie was separated, Cat was being rejected.
It wasn't enough for the monster to beat her from the inside out. No, it was starving her, too. Probably just looking for something to sink its teeth into — a throat to suck dry. Since it wasn't big enough to kill anyone else yet, it settled for sucking Bella's life from her. Sophie and Cat both glanced at him as they heard the thoughts, Sophie reaching the stairs now.
I could tell them exactly what it wanted: death and blood, blood and death. Both their eyes widened. That's what it wanted, that's what it needed.
If we feed the baby… Cat began
We can feed Bella. Sophie agreed smiling just a little, at least if she could get some nutrition into Bella, they could buy more time to help her.
Carlisle and Jacob hadn't seemed to notice the twins revelation as they continued to talk on.
"I wish I could get a better idea of what exactly it is," Carlisle murmured. "The foetus is well protected. I haven't been able to produce an ultrasonic image. I doubt there is any way to get a needle through the amniotic sac, but Rosalie won't agree to let me try, in any case."
"A needle?" Jacob mumbled. "What good would that do?"
"The more I know about the foetus, the better I can estimate what it will be capable of. What I wouldn't give for even a little amniotic fluid. If I knew even the chromosomal count…"
"You're losing me, Doc. Can you dumb it down?" Sophie chuckled at that quickly as she moved up the stairs.
Carlisle chuckled once — even his laugh sounded exhausted. "Okay. How much biology have you taken? Did you study chromosomal pairs?"
"Think so. We have twenty-three, right?"
"Humans do."
"How many do you have?" Jacob asked surprised
"Twenty-five. The twins have twenty-six." Jacob glanced at Cat who smiled slightly before he turned away without changing his expression. She sighed and looked down at her knees as Jacob continued.
"What does that mean?"
"I thought it meant that our species were almost completely different. Less related than a lion and a house cat. But this new life — well, it suggests that we're more genetically compatible than I'd thought." He sighed sadly. "I didn't know to warn them."
Sophie walked into the house and saw Bella with Edward close to her side, Rosalie watching over with a very close eye. Bella lay flat on the hospital bed, her belly a mountain under the sheet. She looked like wax — colourless and sort of see-through. You'd think she was already dead, except for the tiny movement of her chest, her shallow breathing. Esme was humming in the background while Alice, Jasper and Emmett were talking in hushed whispers.
Sophie paced slowly and Edward's eyes quickly moved to her as she thought. What the foetus wanted, if it was like the vampires, was blood.
How did we miss that? she demanded to herself annoyed. If Bella got that into her system… but what was the best way?
Sophie shuddered. She'd have to drink it…
"I'll be right back, Bella. I want to speak with Carlisle for a moment. Actually, Rosalie, Sophie, would you mind accompanying me?" Edward suddenly spoke up, catching Sophie's attention. She knew he'd heard her thoughts and she heard the conversation from outside come to a halt as well. Sophie could hear that there was a little life in his dead voice. A spark of something. Not hope exactly, but maybe the desire to hope.
"What is it, Edward?" Bella asked hoarsely.
"Nothing you need to worry about, love. It will just take a second. Please, Rose, Soph?" Sophie nodded and headed for the door.
"Esme?" Rosalie called. "Can you mind Bella for me?" Esme flitted down the stairs instantly.
"Of course," she said.
Cat, Jacob and Carlisle all turned to the door as the three walked out. Edward walked through after Sophie who looked with understanding and Rosalie looking suspicious.
Edward shut the door behind his sister as Sophie looked at Jacob and smiled slightly.
"Carlisle," Edward murmured.
"What is it, Edward?"
"Perhaps we've been going about this the wrong way. I was listening to you and Jacob just now, and when you were speaking of what the... foetus wants, Jacob had an interesting thought." Edward admitted "Not only that but the twins thought it was a smart idea also." Edward looked at Sophie as she glanced at Cat who nodded in understanding.
"We haven't actually addressed that angle," Edward went on. "We've been trying to get Bella what she needs. And her body is accepting it about as well as one of ours would. Perhaps we should address the needs of the… foetus first. Maybe if we can satisfy it, we'll be able to help her more effectively."
"I'm not following you, Edward," Carlisle said.
"Think about it, Carlisle. If that creature is more vampire than human, can't you guess what it craves — what it's not getting? Jacob did."
"Blood." the twins chorused causing Jacob, Carlisle and Rosalie to understand.
"Oh," Carlisle said in a surprised tone. "You think it is… thirsty?"
Rosalie hissed under her breath. She wasn't suspicious anymore. Her perfect face was all lit up, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Of course," she muttered. "Carlisle, we have all that type O negative laid aside for Bella. It's a good idea," she added, not looking at Jacob.
"Hmm." Carlisle put his hand to his chin, lost in thought. "I wonder… And then, what would be the best way to administer…"
Rosalie shook her head. "We don't have time to be creative. I'd say we should start with the traditional way."
Sophie pulled a face as Jacob's crumpled in disgust.
"Wait a minute," he whispered. "Just hold on. Are you—are you talking about making Bella drink blood?"
"It was your idea, dog," Rosalie said, scowling at Jacob without ever quite looking at him.
"It's unpleasant for us Rose," Cat said with a sigh "You can't blame us for not liking the method."
Jacob ignored Rosalie and looked at Carlisle who's lips were pursed as he also held the spark of hope Edward had gained.
"That's just…" Jacob cut off as he tried to find the right word.
"Monstrous?" Edward suggested. "Repulsive?"
"Pretty much."
"But what if it helps her?" Edward whispered.
"What are you gonna do, shove a tube down her throat?"
"No." Cat said immediately "I don't think we need to get that far…" she whispered
"I plan to ask her what she thinks. I just wanted to run it past Carlisle first." Edward admitted. Rosalie nodded.
"If you tell her it might help the baby, she'll be willing to do anything. Even if we do have to feed them through a tube."
Baby — that Blondie would be in line with anything that helped the little life-sucking monster. Was that what was going on, the mystery factor that was bonding the two of them? Was Rosalie after the kid?
Cat, Sophie and Edward all shared a distinguished look at his thoughts and the three of them nodded subtly. Jacob glanced at Rosalie seeing them all from the corner of his eye.
"Well, we don't have time to sit around discussing this," Rosalie said impatiently. "What do you think, Carlisle? Can we try?"
"We'll ask Bella." Carlisle said after taking a deep breath.
Cat was first out of her seat and into the house, quickly followed by Sophie. Rosalie had a spring in her step and Edward and Carlisle's face both matched the glimmer of hope.
"What's going on?" Bella demanded in a scratchy whisper. Her waxy hand twitched up —like she was trying to protect her balloon-shaped stomach. Cat moved to her side, Sophie leaned on one of the couches pushed to the side while Rosalie, Carlisle and Edward followed Cat. Jacob lagged in behind, watching them all.
"Jacob had an idea that might help you," Carlisle said. "It won't be… pleasant, but—"
"It might help you both." Cat said with a slight smile as she looked at Bella, glancing at the girl's swollen stomach. Bella ran a hand over it subconsciously. Despite her smile though Sophie could see the disgust in her sister's eyes at the idea.
"But it will help the baby," Rosalie interrupted eagerly. "We've thought of a better way to feed him. Maybe."
Bella's eyelids fluttered. Then she coughed out a weak chuckle.
"Not pleasant?" she whispered. "Gosh, that'll be such a change." She eyed the tube stuck into her arm and coughed again. Rosalie laughed with her and Sophie pulled a scowl at the twos jokes.
Edward stepped around Rosalie, no humour touching his intense expression. He took her hand, not the one that was still protecting her swollen belly.
"Bella, love, we're going to ask you to do something monstrous," he said, using the same adjectives he'd offered Jacob. "Repulsive."
"You probably wont like it." Cat muttered and Bella looked at her as she pulled a face again.
"How bad?"
"We think the foetus might have an appetite closer to ours than to yours. We think it's thirsty." Carlisle explained. She blinked.
"Oh. Oh."
"Surprised we didn't think of that?" Sophie asked offering a tiny smile though it vanished as her eyes hit the bulge again.
"Your condition — both of your conditions — are deteriorating rapidly. We don't have time to waste, to come up with more palatable ways to do this. The fastest way to test the theory—"
"I've got to drink it," she whispered. She nodded slightly — barely enough energy for a little head bob. "I can do that. Practice for the future, right?" Her colourless lips stretched into a faint grin as she looked at Edward. He didn't smile back.
"I wish you wouldn't do that Bella." Sophie sighed with a frown. Bella looked from Sophie to Cat but the sun-twin couldn't disagree with her sister this time.
Rosalie started tapping her toe impatiently. The sound was really irritating.
I wondered what she would do if I threw her through a wall right now. Jacob thought
Very angry Emmett. Cat answered and Jacob glanced at her.
"So, who's going to catch me a grizzly bear?" Bella whispered.
Carlisle and Edward exchanged a quick glance. Rosalie stopped tapping.
"What?" Bella asked.
"It will be a more effective test if we don't cut corners, Bella," Carlisle said.
"You can't take a grizzly." Cat muttered her expression twisting again.
"If the foetus is craving blood," Edward explained, "it's not craving animal blood."
"It won't make a difference to you, Bella. Don't think about it," Rosalie encouraged. Bella's eyes widened.
"Who?" she breathed, and her gaze flickered to Jacob and then to the twins.
"I'm not here as a donor, Bells," Jacob grumbled. "'Sides, it's human blood that thing's after, and I don't think mine applies—"
"Ours isn't the same either." Sophie said
"Plus we don't need a donor." Cat assured glancing at Carlisle.
"We have blood on hand," Rosalie told her, "For you — just in case. Don't worry about anything at all. It's going to be fine. I have a good feeling about this, Bella. I think the baby will be so much better."
Bella's hand ran across her stomach.
"Well," she rasped, barely audible. "I'm starving, so I'll bet he is, too." Trying to make another joke. "Let's go for it. My first vampire act."
"That's really not funny Bella." Cat sighed though a slight smile touched the corners of her lips and Bella smiled a little seeing it.
Carlisle and Rosalie were off in a flash, Edward stayed holding Bella's hand, the hope he held before had gone already, as though it was hard for him to keep it there. Edward and Bella were just staring into one another's eyes. The look they held caused Cat to look at Jacob with a frown. He caught her eye and after a minute she gave a very small smile that vanished and dropped her gaze sadly.
If this continues… I don't know how I'll last. Cat admitted, Sophie glanced between the two with a frown and Jacob removed his gaze noticing.
Something Rosalie did caused Edward to mutter before shaking his head to Bella who looked curious.
"This was your idea?" Bella whispered, her voice rough as she strained to make it loud enough for Jacob to hear. Forgetting that he could hear just fine. He moved a little closer
"Don't blame me for this one. Your vampire was just picking snide comments out of my head." She smiled a little.
"I didn't expect to see you again."
"Yeah, me, either," he answered. Bella glanced at Cat who was looking out the window, trying not to look at Jacob.
"Edward told me what you had to do. I'm sorry."
"S'okay. It was probably only a matter of time till I snapped over something Sam wanted me to do," Jacob lied, causing the twins to glance at him.
"And Seth," she whispered.
"He's actually happy to help."
"I hate causing you trouble." Jacob laughed once — more a bark than a laugh. She breathed a faint sigh.
"I guess that's nothing new, is it?"
"No, not really."
"You don't have to stay and watch this," she said, barely mouthing the words.
"I don't really have anywhere else to go," Jacob told her, Cat glanced at him as he was trying to keep the emotion out of his voice. "The wolf thing is a lot less appealing since Leah joined up."
"Leah?" she gasped.
"You didn't tell her?" Jacob asked Edward. He didn't bother glance at the twins as they hadn't been here. Edward just shrugged, not really caring.
The wolves aren't his top priority.
You'd think it'd help keep her mind off of things though. Sophie offered
No cause now she's going to worry for causing Leah trouble. Cat admitted
True.
"Why?" she breathed.
"To keep an eye on Seth." Jacob said simply, it was the truth, just not all of it.
"But Leah hates us," she whispered.
"Us…" Cat whispered with a nod looking down.
"Leah's not going to bug anyone."
But you. Cat thought.
"She's in my pack" — Jacob grimaced at the words — "so she follows my lead." Bella didn't look convinced. "You're scared of Leah, but you're best buds with the psychopath blonde?"
There was a low hiss from the second floor. Sophie rolled her eyes, if the two were going to be in the house together they'd better just get used to it.
Bella frowned at Jacob.
"Don't. Rose… understands."
"Yeah," Jacob grunted. "She understands that you're gonna die and she doesn't care, s'long as she gets her mutant spawn out of the deal."
"Stop being a jerk, Jacob," she whispered. She looked too weak to get mad at, so Jacob didn't try.
"You say that like it's possible." Bella tried not to smile back for a second, but she couldn't help it in the end; her chalky lips pulled up at the corners.
Cat released a chuckle and Jacob smiled slightly at the sound, but tried not to. Despite his anger to her, he couldn't help his reactions to her.
Carlisle and Rosalie appeared back into the room, Carlisle with a white plastic cup in his hand—the kind with a lid and a bendy straw.
Cat wrinkled her nose at the smell and Jacob pulled a face. Carlisle hesitated, the hand with the cup half-extended. Bella eyed it, looking scared again.
"We could try another method," Carlisle said quietly.
"No," Bella whispered. "No, I'll try this first. We don't have time…"
"Don't force yourself Bells." Cat smiled slightly, eyeing the cup dissatisfied.
Bella reached out and took the cup from him. Her hand shook a little, and the liquid sloshed inside. She tried to prop herself up on one elbow, but she could barely lift her head.
Cat moved around and helped Bella sit up, sitting on the end of the bed behind her to allow Bella to lean on her for support.
"Thanks," Bella whispered. Her eyes flickered around at everyone. Still aware enough to feel self-conscious. If she wasn't so drained,she might have blushed.
"Don't mind them," Rosalie murmured.
Bella lifted the cup to her face and sniffed at the end of the straw. She flinched, and then made a face.
"Bella, sweetheart, we can find an easier way," Edward said, holding his hand out for the cup.
"Plug your nose," Rosalie suggested. She glared at Edward's hand like she might take a snap at it
"Some sensitivity wouldn't hurt Rose." Cat muttered annoyed, Rosalie didn't react.
"No, that's not it. It's just that it—" Bella sucked in a deep breath. "It smells good," she admitted in a tiny voice.
"Urgh." Cat couldn't help but groan and Rosalie immediately moved to support Bella for her, the sun-twin not being able to take the idea of Bella enjoying blood as a human.
"Sorry." she muttered, though with a slight smile as Cat moved to the window.
"Each to her own." Cat waved "As long as you get better." she smiled
"That's a good thing," Rosalie told Bella eagerly. "That means we're on the right track. Give it a try."
Try not to break into a dance. Sophie rolled her eyes at the vampire as Bella shoved the straw between her lips, squeezed her eyes shut, and wrinkled her sipped at it for a second, and then moaned quietly with her eyes still closed.
Edward and Jacob stepped forward at the same time. He touched her face while Jacob clenched his hands behind his back.
"Bella, love—"
"I'm okay," she whispered. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. Her expression was... apologetic. Pleading. Scared. "It tastes good, too."
"That's good," Blondie repeated, still jazzed. "A good sign."
"How is that good?" Sophie asked, her expression creased in disgust
She's probably so hungry anything does taste good. Cat thought
Edward just pressed his hand to her cheek, curling his fingers around the shape of her fragile bones.
Bella sighed and put her lips to the straw again. She took a real pull this time. The action wasn't as weak as everything else about her. Like some instinct was taking over.
"How's your stomach? Do you feel nauseated?" Carlisle asked.
Bella shook her head. "No, I don't feel sick," she whispered. "There's a first, eh?"
Rosalie beamed. "Excellent."
"I think it's a bit early for that, Rose," Carlisle murmured.
Bella gulped another mouthful of blood. Then she flashed a look at Edward. "Does this screw my total?" she whispered. "Or do we start counting after I'm a vampire?"
"No one is counting, Bella. In any case, no one died for this." He smiled a lifeless smile. "Your record is still clean."
"Of all the things to worry about though." Cat rolled her eyes
They've lost me. Jacob thought
"I'll explain later," Edward said, so low the words were just a breath. "What?" Bella whispered.
"Just talking to myself," he lied smoothly.
"Sign of madness." Cat warned and Bella chuckled
If he succeeded with this, if Bella lives, Edward isn't going to be able to get away with so much when her senses are as sharp as his. He'll have to work on the honesty thing.
Edward's lips twitched, fighting a smile and Cat chuckled, everyone but Edward and Sophie thinking it was to do with her comment.
Bella chugged a few more ounces, staring past us toward the window. Probably pretending we weren't here.
Edward chuckled once. Bella's eyes flicked to him immediately, and she half-smiled at the humour in his face.
"Something funny?" she breathed.
"Jacob," he answered.
"Shock horror." Sophie rolled her eyes
She looked over with another weary smile for me. "Jake's a crack-up," she agreed.
Great, now I was the court jester. "Bada bing," Jacob mumbled in weak rim-shot impression.
Cat laughed and Jacob couldn't help but smile slightly before trying to mask it, even if Bella was better and there was a slight bit of hope, he still believed she was wrong in her choice to help her.
Bella smiled again, and then took another swig from the cup, however the straw pulled at empty air, making a loud sucking sound.
"I did it," she said, sounding pleased. Her voice was clearer—rough, but not a whisper for the first time today. "If I keep this down, Carlisle, will you take the needles out of me?"
"As soon as possible," he promised. "Honestly, they aren't doing that much good where they are."
Rosalie patted Bella's forehead, and they exchanged a hopeful glance.
And anyone could see it—the cup full of human blood had made an immediate difference. Her colour was returning—there was a tiny hint of pink in her waxy cheeks. Already she didn't seem to need Rosalie's support so much anymore. Her breathing was easier, and her heart beat sounded stronger.
Everything accelerated.
That ghost of hope in Edward's eyes had turned into the real thing.
"Would you like more?" Rosalie pressed.
Bella's shoulders slumped.
Edward flashed a glare at Rosalie before he spoke to Bella. "You don't have to drink more right away."
"Yeah, I know. But... I want to," she admitted glumly.
I might be sick…
Don't be a baby. Sophie rolled her eyes at her sister
Right cause this is normal.
It is in our world. Cat rolled her eyes
Rosalie pulled her thin, sharp fingers through Bella's lank hair. "You don't need to be embarrassed about that, Bella. Your body has cravings. We all understand that." Her tone was soothing at first, but then she added harshly, "Anyone who doesn't understand shouldn't be here."
Cat walked forwards and placed a hand on Rosalie's arm.
"Rose." she turned to her and her smoothing expression she'd had vanished as Cat's eyes were red. "Shut up." and the girl walked around Rosalie and out to the kitchen. Everyone but Bella heard her open the fridge and grab a drink, stored there for Bella and the twins benefits.
Carlisle took the cup from Bella's hand. "I'll be right back."
"Jake, you look awful," Bella suddenly croaked.
"Look who's talking."
"Seriously—when's the last time you slept?" Jacob paused for a second.
"Huh. I'm not actually sure."
"Aw, Jake. Now I'm messing with your health, too. Don't be stupid."
She's allowed to kill herself for a monster, but I wasn't allowed to miss a few nights' sleep to watch her do it?
"A few nights?" Cat questioned walking back in and looking at Jacob with a raised eyebrow "You probably haven't slept more then four hours in the last week.
"Not true." he argued
"Fine. Six." Jacob rolled his eyes and Cat had a grin.
Maybe he'll lighten up to me as time goes… Cat looked at Bella and frowned, If we have time…
"Get some rest, please," Bella went on. "There're a few beds upstairs—you're welcome to any of them."
The look on Rosalie's face made it clear that Jacob wasn't welcome to one of them.
"Thanks, Bells, but I'd rather sleep on the ground. Away from the stench, you know." She grimaced.
"Right."
Carlisle was back then, and Bella reached out for the blood, absentminded, like she was thinking of something else. With the same distracted expression, she started sucking it down.
She really was looking better. She pulled herself forward, being careful of the tubes, and scooted into a sitting position. Rosalie hovered, her hands ready to catch Bella if she sagged. But Bella didn't need her. Taking deep breaths in between swallows, Bella finished the second cup quickly.
"How do you feel now?" Carlisle asked.
"Not sick. Sort of hungry... only I'm not sure if I'm hungry or thirsty, you know?"
"Carlisle, just look at her," Rosalie murmured, so smug she should have canary feathers on her lips. "This is obviously what her body wants. She should drink more."
"She's still human, Rosalie. She needs food, too. Let's give her a little while to see how this affects her, and then maybe we can try some food again. Does anything sound particularly good to you, Bella?"
"Eggs," she said immediately, and then she exchanged a look and a smile with Edward. His smile was brittle, but there was more life on his face than before.
Cat placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder as his eyes stayed shut for a minute, scared he'd fall asleep standing and topple over.
"Jacob," Edward murmured. "You really should sleep. As Bella said, you're certainly welcome to the accommodations here, though you'd probably be more comfortable outside. Don't worry about anything—I promise I'll find you if there's a need."
"Sure, sure," Jacob mumbled.
"I'll tell you if he doesn't." Cat assured and Jacob gave her a look before nodding. He then put his hand on Bella's. Hers was icy cold.
"Feel better," he said.
"Thanks, Jacob." She turned her hand over and squeezed his.
"Get her a blanket or something," Jacob muttered as he turned for the door. He kissed Cat on the cheek as he passed and the girl looked surprised. She looked at Sophie as if asking if that happened who nodded, but then frowned.
Neither got to say anything though as two howls ripped through the night. Everyone turned and Jacob was gone from the porch with a curse, they all heard his clothes rip as he phased.
"Oh crap, those were the only shorts he had on him." Cat groaned as he turned for the door and ran, Sophie quickly with her.
"Stay here." the blonde ordered "We'll find out what happened." Everyone nodded and the twins were gone and after Jacob through the trees.
"There's four." Cat muttered as they twins moved though the trees. Jacob was still running and so was Leah, though she was closer to Seth then Jacob was.
"Who?"
"Quil, Jared, Paul… and Brady?" Cat said confused. Sophie frowned
"Brady?" her voice was soft, clearly disappointed. "Why not Embry? Wouldn't that be smarter?"
Cat thought, confused herself.
"Why would Sam send Brady instead of Embry…?" she paused "Jared changed."
"Have Jake, Leah or Seth?"
"No." Cat shook her head as they approached before she put her finger to her lips and Sophie nodded. The twins jumped up into the trees and moved quietly.
Jared's not gonna be wearing anything.
We don't want them knowing we're there anyway. Sophie thought, ignoring Cat's comment.
The stood in a tree and listened to the conversation, to nay normal person it sounded one sided, but the twins were able to hear Jacob, Seth and Leah's thoughts.
"White flag of truce, Jake. We're here to talk."
Think it's true? Seth asked. Makes sense, but…
Yeah, Leah agreed. But. We didn't relax.
Jared frowned. "It would be easier to talk if I could hear you, too."
Jacob didn't move.
"Okay. I guess I'll just talk, then," Jared said. "Jake, we want you to come back."
Quil let out a soft whine behind him. Seconding the statement.
"You've torn our family apart. It's not meant to be this way."
What did they expect?
Think they've remembered about us?
Cat gasped.
I bet that's why Embry's not here! Sophie looked at her confused Sam can't afford to loose any more members and if EMbry came and saw you, or even spoke to jake, he'd switch immediately.
But what about Quil?
Quill has Claire to hold him to La Push, Embry has nothing, you're here.
Sophie looked away from her sister and frowned. But that quickly turned into a glare.
Sam's trying to keep his power and keep us apart. she was pissed and the leaves around them froze.
Soph, you need to calm down or they'll know were hear, get angry later or we'll run down and see EMbry, that way Sam looses and it's pay back and you get Embry back. Cat thought. Just hold out for a second.
"We know that you feel... strongly about the situation with the Cullens. We know that's a problem. But this is an overreaction."
Seth growled.
Overreaction? And attacking our allies without warning isn't?
Seth, you ever heard of a poker face? Cool it.
Sorry.
Jared's eyes flickered to Seth and back to Jacob.
"Sam is willing to take this slowly, Jacob. He's calmed down, talked to the other Elders. They've decided that immediate action is in no one's best interest at this point." Translation: They've already lost the element of surprise, Leah thought.
"Billy and Sue agree with you, Jacob, that we can wait for Bella… to be separated from the problem."
Cat ground her teeth.
"Killing her is not something any of us feel comfortable with."
Jacob snarled.
So they didn't quite feel comfortable with murder, huh?
Jared raised his hands again.
"Easy, Jake. You know what I mean. The point is, we're going to wait and reassess the situation. Decide later if there's a problem with the… thing."
Ha, Leah thought. What a load.
You don't buy it?
I know what they're thinking, Jake. What Sam's thinking. They're betting on Bella dying anyway. And then they figure you'll be so mad...
That I'll lead the attack myself. Jacob had his ears pressed against his skull as he agreed. What Leah was guessing sounded pretty spot-on. And very possible, too. When... if that thing killed Bella, it was going to be easy to forget how I felt about Carlisle's family right now. They would probably look like enemies—like no more than bloodsucking leeches—to me all over again.
I'll remind you, Seth whispered.
I know you will, kid. Question is whether I'll listen to you.
You'd listen to Cat.
I'm surprised those two didn't turn up… Leah muttered, turning her ear towards the house.
You must've been distracted then, they're in a tree no three metres from here. Jacob admitted
Oops… Cat muttered
How do you know?
He'd know Cat's scent anywhere. Seth grinned.
"Jake?" Jared asked, breaking the three and reminding them of the situation.
Jacob huffed a sigh.
Leah, make a circuit—just to be sure. I'm going to have to talk to him, and I want to be positive there isn't anything else going on while I'm phased.
Give me a break, Jacob. You can phase in front of me. Despite my best efforts, I've seen you naked before—doesn't do much for me, so no worries.
I'm not trying to protect the innocence of your eyes, I'm trying to protect our backs. Get out of here.
Leah snorted once and then launched herself into the forest. Leah glanced up and the twins waved as she ran past, just managing to catch the she-wolf roll her eyes as she sped past.
Jared and the others were staring at the place where she'd disappeared into the brush with wary expressions.
"Where's she going?" Jared asked.
No one even bothered to answer as Jacob phased, pulling himself back within his body and returning to his human self.
"Oh," Jared said. "Hey, Jake."
"Hey, Jared."
"Thanks for talking to me."
"Yeah."
"We want you to come back, man."
Quil whined again.
"I don't know if it's that easy, Jared."
"Come home," he said, leaning forward. Pleading. "We can sort this out. You don't belong here. Let Seth and Leah come home, too."
Jacob laughed. "Right. Like I haven't been begging them to do that from hour one." Seth snorted behind me.
Jared assessed that, his eyes cautious again. "So, what now, then?"
There was a pause.
"I don't know. But I'm not sure things could just go back to normal anyway, Jared. I don't know how it works—it doesn't feel like I can just turn this Alpha thing off and on as the mood strikes. It feels sort of permanent."
"You still belong with us."
Jacob raised his eyebrows
"Two Alphas can't belong in the same place, Jared. Remember how close it got last night? The instinct is too competitive."
"So are you all just going to hang out with the parasites for the rest of your lives?" he demanded. "You don't have a home here. You're already out of clothes," he pointed out.
Right cause our house is so far away. Cat complained
Jake wont want to leave…
He will is Leah and Seth are here. Plus he's still got us, no matter how mad he is at me.
He's lightening up.
Slowly, besides, you and Embry are a more pressing matter. Cat admitted as they listened
"You gonna stay wolf all the time? You know Leah doesn't like eating that way."
"Leah can do whatever she wants when she gets hungry. She's here by her own choice. I'm not telling anyone what to do."
Jared sighed. "Sam is sorry about what he did to you." Jacob nodded.
"I'm not angry anymore."
"But?"
"But I'm not coming back, not now. We're going to wait and see how it plays out, too. And we're going to watch out for the Cullens for as long as that seems necessary. Because, despite what you think, this isn't just about Bella. We're protecting those who should be protected. And that applies to the Cullens, too." At least a fair number of them, anyway.
Seth yelped softly in agreement.
Jared frowned. "I guess there's nothing I can say to you, then."
"Not now. We'll see how things go." Jared turned to face Seth, concentrating on him now, separate from Jacob.
"Sue asked me to tell you—no, to beg you—to come home. She's brokenhearted, Seth. All alone. I don't know how you and Leah can do this to her. Abandon her this way, when your dad just barely died—"
Seth whimpered.
"Oh no he— !" Cat started and all the wolves turned as Jacob shook his head. Sophie had placed her hand over Cat's mouth and looked at her irritated but Cat just shrugged. That was low of Jared.
"Ease up, Jared," Jacob warned.
"Just letting him know how it is."
Jacob snorted.
"Right." Sue was tougher than anyone they knew. "Sue's known about this for how many hours now? And most of that time spent with Billy and Old Quil and Sam? Yeah, I'm sure she's just perishing of loneliness. 'Course you're free to go if you want, Seth. You know that."
Seth sniffed.
Then, a second later, he cocked an ear to the north.
Leah's coming back.
You feel something about her seeing Jake? Sophie smirked and Cat looked at her surprised by the comment.
She's seen him before… I'm surprised you made a dirty comment…
Sophie rolled her eyes.
Two beats, and Leah skidded to a stop in the brush a few yards away. She trotted in, taking the point in front of Seth. She kept her nose in the air, very obviously not looking in Jacob's direction.
"Leah?" Jared asked.
She met his gaze, her muzzle pulling back a little over her teeth.
Jared didn't seem surprised by her hostility. "Leah, you know you don't want to be here."
She snarled at him. Jacob gave her a warning glance she didn't see. Seth whined and nudged her with his shoulder.
"Sorry," Jared said. "Guess I shouldn't assume. But you don't have any ties to the bloodsuckers."
Leah very deliberately looked at her brother and then at Jacob.
"So you want to watch out for Seth, I get that," Jared said. His eyes touched Jacob's face and then went back to hers. Probably wondering about that second look.
"But Jake's not going to let anything happen to him, and he's not afraid to be here." Jared made a face. "Anyway, please, Leah. We want you back. Sam wants you back."
Leah's tail twitched.
"Sam told me to beg. He told me to literally get down on my knees if I have to. He wants you home, Lee-lee, where you belong."
Leah flinched when Jared used Sam's old nickname for her.
Cat removed Sophie's arms from her, an angry expression on her face.
And then, when he added those last three words, her hackles rose and she was yowling a long stream of snarls through her teeth. No one needed to be in her head to hear the cussing-out she was giving him, and neither did he. You could almost hear the exact words she was using.
Jacob waited till she was done. "I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Leah belongs wherever she wants to be."
Leah growled, but, as she was glaring at Jared, it was assumed it was in agreement.
Cat tapped Jared on the shoulder and he turned to look at her surprised, despite having heard her slip up before. As soon as Jared turned to her Cat swung her fist and slammed it into Jared's jaw, causing a deafening break to sound through the trees.
Everyone stared surprised, except Leah who made a huff of approval.
"I do't care if Sam told you to do this or if you're deciding too, that punch is for you all." she said slowly, hoping he words swung in. "You dare guilt trip them so Sam can have his power back again or I swear I'm gonna wreck havoc."
Jacob looked at the girl shocked as Sophie sat on a branch with her head in her hands, shaking it.
Jared's jaw fixed itself and he looked at her.
"Not that I'm unhappy to see you guys, but right now, you're pushing on my sharp limit." her eyes turned to Brady and Jared followed before looking at her, she had a knowing look on her face which confused Jacob and the Clearwaters.
Jacob however looked between them all before he decided he needed to end this, before Cat went and really lost her temper.
"You're not helping Cat."
"I had to express my disproval to Sam's tactics somehow and this might be the easiest way to get the message across." Jared was staring down at her as she didn't remove her eyes from him.
"I can't believe Sam would sink so low to try and convince Seth and Leah back with tragic memories. So desperate to build his power again huh."
"You don't know what you're saying." Jared hissed
"I have a rather good assumption." Cat's voice was low before Jacob grabbed her arm and moved her away from Jared and over to Leah's side where she couldn't cause claymore harm.
Jared looked at Jacob.
"Look, Jared, we're still family, okay? We'll get past the feud," he glanced at Cat who tuned her nose away "but, until we do, you probably ought to stick to your land. Just so there aren't misunderstandings. Nobody wants a family brawl, right? Sam doesn't want that, either, does he?"
"Of course, not," Jared snapped. "We'll stick to our land. But where is your land, Jacob? Is it vampire land?"
"No, Jared. Homeless at the moment."
"He has my land. Which is rather large remember." Cat snapped and Jacob give her a disappointed look in which she turned away from, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Don't worry—this isn't going to last forever." Jacob had to take a breath. "There's not that much time... left. Okay? Then the Cullens will probably go, and Seth and Leah will come home."
Leah and Seth whined together, their noses turning my direction in synchronisation.
"And what about you, Jake?"
"Back to the forest, I think. I can't really stick around La Push. Two Alphas means too much tension. 'Sides, I was headed that way anyway. Before this mess."
Cat looked at him with wide eyes before Jacob pulled her into his side.
"I'm sure we could think of something." he looked down at her and Cat smiled
"Shall I start looking at plane tickets?" she asked, earning a smirk.
Jared eyed them both.
"What if we need to talk?" Jared asked.
"Howl—but watch the line, 'kay? We'll come to you. And Sam doesn't need to send so many. We aren't looking for a fight."
Jared scowled, but nodded. He didn't like me setting conditions for Sam. "See you around, Jake. Or not." He waved halfheartedly.
"Wait, Jared. Is Embry okay?"
Surprise crossed his face. "Embry? Sure, he's fine. Why?"
"Just wondering why Sam sent Collin."
Jared's reaction was suspicious that something was going on before knowledge flash in his eyes
"That's not really your business anymore, Jake."
"Guess not. Just curious."
Cat smirked at Jared who looked at her and grimaced slightly as Quil twitched behind him, he was reacting to the subject and from his thoughts Cat knew Jacob had noticed it too.
"I'll let Sam know about your... instructions. Goodbye, Jacob."
Jacob sighed. "Yeah. Bye, Jared. Hey, tell my dad that I'm okay, will you? And that I'm sorry, and that I love him."
"I'll pass that along." "Thanks."
"C'mon, guys," Jared said. He turned away from them, heading out of sight to phase because Leah was here. Paul and Collin were right on his heels, but Quil hesitated. He yelped softly, and Jacob took a step toward him.
"Yeah, I miss you, too, bro."
Quil jogged over to them, his head hanging down morosely. Jacob patted his shoulder. "It'll be okay."
He whined and Cat placed her arms around him in a hug.
"It'll be all over and alright before you know it." Cat assured "Say hi to Claire for us." she then lowered her voice "I know she's the reason you're staying there." she breathed and a shiver when down Quil's spin as he whined slightly.
"Tell Embry I miss having you two on my flanks."
He nodded and then pressed his nose to Jacob's forehead. Leah snorted. Quil looked up, but not at her. He looked back over his shoulder at where the others had gone.
"Yeah, go home," Jacob told him.
"We don't want you to get into any more trouble." Cat sighed
Quil yelped again and then took off after the others as Cat released him. Jared probably wasn't waiting super-patiently. As soon as he was gone, Jacob suddenly phased and was on four legs again.
A second later Sophie walked over to Cat and placed her head on her shoulder, frowning. Cat placed a hand around her shoulders, knowing it was Embry that caused the frown.
Thought you were going to make out with him, Leah snickered and Cat joined her, earning a smack from Sophie.
"What?" she asked innocently
Was that okay? Jacob asked them. Did I say anything you didn't want me to? Did I not say something I should have?
You did great, Jake! Seth encouraged.
"True alpha." Cat agreed, patting his head.
You could have hit Jared, Leah thought and she looked at Cat Guess that's what she's for.
Cat placed a hand on Leah's shoulder.
"You're welcome. He was being an ass."
I guess we know why Embry wasn't allowed to come, Seth thought.
Not allowed? Jacob asked and the twins shared a look in which he noticed What? he asked
Jake, didya see Quil? He's pretty torn up, right? I'd put ten to one that Embry's even more upset. And Embry doesn't have a Claire. There's no way Quil can just pick up and walk away from La Push. Embry might. So Sam's not going to take any chances on him getting convinced to jump ship. He doesn't want our pack any bigger than it is now.
"You're forgetting about the most important part." Cat said and they looked at her before she looked at Sophie who was still staring off to where the wolves had vanished. "Embry come's here, Sam's lost him. In order to keep his power Sam's gonna keep them apart." her expression was furious and the three wolves saw her eyes flash red. Her right hand hook suddenly made a lot more sense.
Yeah… but I doubt Embry would mind shredding some Cullens. He looked at Sophie, treading lightly
But he's your best friend, Jake. He and Quil would rather stand behind you than face you in a fight.
Well, I'm glad Sam kept him home, then. This pack is big enough. Jacob sighed and looked at Sophie.
"She's got it bad enough," Cat muttered to him "Don't begin to pity her."
Leah nodded in complete agreement.
Okay, then. So we're good, for now. Seth, you mind keeping an eye on things for a while? Leah and I both need to crash. This felt on the level, but who knows? Maybe it was a distraction.
No problem! Seth was only too eager to do whatever he could. You want me to explain to the Cullens? They're probably still kinda tense.
"We got that." Cat then yawned "Then I'm going to sleep too."
"You at least slept yesterday." Sophie said turning. She wiped her face to hide her tears and Cat frowned, but she knew Sophie didn't want to talk about it.
"Yeah, till Seth woke me up cause Leah turned up." Cat complained
Sorry.
"You're just doing your job." Cat waved the thought away and began laced an arm around Sophie's shoulders before dragging her away and back towards the house.
Hang on, I want to check things out anyway. Jacob admitted before following them.
They caught the whir of images from Jacob's fried brain. Seth whimpered in surprise.
Ew.
Leah whipped her head back and forth like she was trying to shake the image out of her mind.
That is easily the freakin' grossest thing I've heard in my life. Yuck. If there was anything in my stomach, it would be coming back.
They are vampires, I guess, Seth allowed after a minute, compensating for Leah's reaction. I mean, it makes sense. And if it helps Bella, it's a good thing, right?
Leah, Jacob and the twins stared at him.
What?
Mom dropped him a lot when he was a baby, Leah told Jacob and the twins.
On his head, apparently.
He used to gnaw on the crib bars, too.
Lead paint?
Looks like it, she thought.
Seth snorted. Funny. Why don't you two shut up and sleep?
Cat placed her hand on Seth's head.
"Seth, your heart's in the right place but you're still messed up." Sophie chuckled "It is disgusting whether it helps her or not." and Cat nodded her head as if that was final before trotting off.
BTW I added a bit to chapter 54, I've marked where it is but it's a memory Cat remembered. As I read through it all I changed some bits that I'll fix at some point.
Hopefully there'll be more of this but it wont be for a week at least.
PS If you didn't read my annoying note at the beginning suggest you read at least the last three bits.
Hope you enjoyed my update, sorry it took me literally forever… :)