Jacob Black Pov
*Flashback*
16 Year Ago
"Can we hurry? I want to get there before everyone else." Daniel said impatiently, kneeling in the third row, staring at me as I put Chaste and Keusch bags in the back.
"How far is Lake Cress, mommy?" Caleb asked as Leah placed him in his car-seat.
"It's called Lake Crescent, and it's an hour away. Right, dad?" Daniel corrected.
"Yeah." I replied.
"Joshua William Black! Let's go!" Leah called to the side of the house where Josh was playing with the dogs. I continued pushing everyone's luggage out the way to make room for the dogs.
"You guys do know we're only staying for the weekend and not a couple of months, Right?" Josh said running to stand beside me holding on to the dogs.
"Yes. We know that the captain-obvious." I say taking the leashes out of his hands.
"Go, get in." I say for him to hop in the truck.
"Before we leave this driveway, does anyone have to go to the bathroom?" Leah said in her Beta voice.
"No." They all said together. Josh, Daniel and Caleb were all good for saying they need to use the bathroom while in traffic. I believe it's in the child-written-handbook.
"Are you sure?" She asked.
"Yes!" They all said again at the same time.
"Caleb? Are you sure?"
"Mommy, yes." He mumbled fast.
"It's only like an hour, mom. I'm sure we can last." Josh said sarcastically, jumping into the truck.
"Sure." Leah mumbled not believing them.
After putting the dogs in the back, I slammed the hatch, then walked to the driver's side of the truck.
"Yay, next stop... vacation spot." Daniel stated.
"Actually, the next stop is Officer Mason house." Josh stated as I got in and drove down the driveway.
"You locked all the doors, right?" Leah asked and I nodded without saying a word.
"The first thing I'll do when we get there is eat." Daniel said excitedly.
"I want to eat." Caleb stated.
Leah fed them breakfast this morning, I fed them lunch. They weren't hungry.
They clearly meant to eat all the candy in the giftshop.
"Can we listen to the radio?" Josh asked.
"No." Leah and I both said at the same time, then glanced at each other.
We haven't said much to each other since we agreed to disagree about things.
She cleared things up on why she's been sneaking around with Sam, but I still feel disappointed in her.
Sam has played a huge part in discovering her new found happiness, and a sudden change in wanting to make everyone happy. Which is very un-Leah-like. Her behavior in all seems weird and I'm not all for following her along or doing as she wishes just to keep her pleased.
Going back to the lake for a getaway may help. It's still summertime, we should enjoy the woods better.
I cannot forget the fact that she asked for a break from me. A break as if it has been suffocating to be around each other, around me.
Which I can admit has been frustrating though not once did I ever have the thought of taking a break from her. What the hell did that even mean?
We have three boys together, there's no such thing as a break. We may not be married but I assumed we would never have the guts to back out of us.
I knew all along that the shop is not her ideal occupation, but I hate that she felt obligated to stick with it because of me when it was killing her.
I mean I'll admit I'm hurt that she doesn't want to be there with me, but I don't get why she's making such a hassle over it.
Maybe I will take Charlie up on the offer to rent out the lot in Forks. I could always build some thrift shop or something for Leah to have something of her own. It would mean more cash for me to get, but at least Leah won't have to constantly go to Sam for ideas. She needs something that'll keep her busy, and since she no longer does the art thing like in high school, she can find another interest.
"What type of job do you prefer getting into?" I asked Leah driving down the long dirt road towards our friends Mason and Elena's house.
He was at the lake yesterday but had to return without his wife Elena and son Shane because he was called into work at the sheff station.
Leah glanced at me as if she didn't hear me.
"Since you're on this road to new discovery. Have you discovered a new common interest like rock climbing or a job in feeding the poor?" I ask.
If she must work and work somewhere away from me, then I'd like to have an input.
"I'm on the hunt." She said fast.
"Can you elaborate?" I asked, glancing at her as she continued to stare down at her phone.
"Do you really want to know or are you just making conversation?" She mumbled.
"I would like to know." I say calmly.
I hated the way she says she can talk to Sam and not to me. After ten years I should have been better in the friendship-department with her.
She inhaled. "I don't have experience when it comes to normal jobs, other than the mall years ago. So whatever comes along, I'll give it a try." She says a bit insecure.
"I thought you wanted a career or something, you mentioned going back to school."
"Can we talk about this later?" She said slightly angry as I drove up to Mason's driveway.
"Fine." I said putting the car in park.
"Hey." Mason said, walking from his porch to the truck.
"How's it going? Elena still at the Lake?" I said jumping out the truck.
"Yeah. She and Shane are having the fun without me." He joked.
"Sure you're going to be cool with the dogs?" I say.
"Yeah, yeah. We'll be cool. They'll keep me busy on my lunch break." He laughed.
"Is Shane having fun without me too?" Josh said anxiously, sticking his head from the back seat, and out the window.
"Get back in there." I said pushing his head back in the car.
"I wanna see Shane." Caleb says fast, getting out of his seat.
"Just sit down." Josh stated.
"Shane's not home, Caleb. He's at the lake, jee." Daniel says annoyed.
"Buckle yourself back up in your chair." Leah added.
"Yes, listen to mommy and get back into your baby-boost." Josh mocked.
"It's a booster seat." Daniel clarified.
"Same thing." Josh retorted.
"No, it's not." Daniel argued.
"Both of you. Shut it, before I buy each of you pink printed baby chairs." Leah snapped.
Mason laughed. "I don't mind the company. Hope you guys enjoy yourselves." He said to us.
"They are really good dogs against the vampires." Daniel smiled at Mason.
"Yeah, and you should keep them in your yard. Chaste is gray and white, Keusch black and white. Try not to get their dog collars mixed up again." Josh stated and I laughed.
Last time Mason babysat was when we all decided to stay down in Canada for one weekend last year.
"Anyway," I said, walking towards the trunk where Chaste and Keusch were. "If you have any problems with them, feel free to phone us."
"Jake. Chaste, Keusch, and I already have an understanding. Even though it's been a year since they last came over, I'm pretty sure the sound of my rifle cleared up any hostility of any sort." He said and I laughed lifting the trunk.
Just when Chaste and Keusch jumped out I grabbed them fast and hooked both leashes on each of their collars. "Don't forget, when you walk them put-"
"Put their harnesses on and not just the leashes, I got it." He said cutting me off and I handed him the leash.
"Hopefully, We won't be gone that long. Three more days left of the weekend, then we'll be back." I said grabbing both of the bags out the back.
"Cool." He said, looking at my hands. "Two bags?"
"Yep. Full of their doggy stuff and food." I said handing them over to him.
"Wow. Alright, I didn't have this much stuff last time."
"Nope, and now you have two bigger babies to take care of. See'ya." I said slamming the truck trunk shut.
"Yeah, yeah." He mumbled walking towards his house. "See'ya, Leah, Bye guys." Mason said, waving to them, walking up the driveway.
"Bye." Leah and the kids retorted all at the same time, as I hopped in the truck.
*Thirty Minutes Later*
Sometime after getting on the highway, it wasn't long till everyone was asleep except for Leah.
To my surprise there wasn't traffic, and so far still an hour to go since I wasn't speeding.
I was in fact doing the speed limit because I wasn't in any rush.
I miss days like this, having road trips as a family.
"Love this song." Leah said, reaching over, turning the radio up.
I sighed. Boston 'More Than A Feeling'.
Of course, leave it to Leah to rock out to 70's music.
I glanced over my shoulder to the back-seat, checking to see if Josh, Daniel, and Caleb were fully asleep.
Looking back towards the road, I glanced over at Leah who was reading a food magazine.
"Have Aiden mentioned anything about the leeches to you this morning?" I asked, remembering what Billy said to me this morning over the phone about spotting Noah.
"No. Why would she?" Leah asked.
"My dad mentioned seeing Noah around. I had this dream this morning of them."
"What type of dream did you have?" She curiously listened.
"This recurring dream of Aiden in Italy, I barely recall the details. Anyway, for my dad who was always so buddy-buddy with her to suddenly be doubtful, just like you.. it's alarming." I stated.
"I can't keep her from Noah."
"Maybe not, though she can be persuaded after you talk to her about getting her on her own two feet."
"Hopefully, but persuade her into doing what?" Leah asked, confused.
"Being loyal to you no matter what." I noted. "I never trusted her, you know that.. but you should still try and see what you can find out before you put her up in some apartment. Just because she hasn't given everyone a reason to be suspicious doesn't mean she's not working with them." I say. Leah sighed, turning down the radio. "Just saying, It wouldn't shock me if they were here for years without us knowing. Aiden can easily keep secrets just as you did." I mumbled.
"Right. Well, It would have been more transformations if they were." She noted.
"Not if they stayed far enough." I stated.
"So what do you want me to do? Camp-out in front of her bedroom to track when she's seeking off to go see the leeches? She's smart and she would feel when my energy turned." Leah says.
"Not to underestimate her smartness but you somewhat raised her, she's a girl. Her emotions rule her. She's maybe capable of letting the leeches brainwash her." I said curiously glancing at the boys through my rear view mirror. "We shouldn't be oblivious, especially if things happen to turn on us. The boys will be our weak spots."
"Nothing moving away wouldn't solve." Leah mocked.
"Maybe we should have a meeting. With the town." I ignored her statement.
"That's council talk. Since when do you care enough to want to involve them? Thought you wanted nothing to do with meetings." She said looking at me, then out her window.
"I don't. Though what Aiden may or may not know about the hybrids, Could come to be bad for us if we ignore everything. Everyone should at least know of it." I stated.
"Whatever, I don't feel like getting into this right now." She said reaching over to turn the radio back up.
There she goes with her mood swings.
"Well what is it that you do feel like talking about? If it's not the job thing or the bloodsuckers then what?" I stated.
Leah made not a sound as she continued to glare out the window.
I sighed, glaring ahead at the road.
Imagining the thought of Aiden having her powers and us trying to control her use of them would be ridiculous.
Things are already hectic enough. If I was to agree to leaving town with Leah and the boys. Aiden would definitely indeed become our enemy.
It took me a while to accept her and now I'm doubting her all over again. Just when I was getting used to seeing her as another person to look after Josh.
Aiden takes on that shy distant stepdaughter role with too many secrets. Who knows what would happen, if everyone came to find that she knew this entire time about the leeches plan.
I give Leah her break, then I find out what Aiden knows about Nahuel.
*End Of Flashback*
...
Sitting on the couch between Sarah and Caleb. I wonder if Leah was awake in the bedroom yet.
After I came in last night, and she showered, I wanted to continue our nightcap -but all we did was cuddle and listen to indie music until we fell asleep.
Making love to Leah is all I could dream of doing this morning, so I had to get dress to keep from waking her up for sex.
Trust me, it's the hardest thing ever to have self-control with a wife as hot as Leah. It was like my inner-wolf was itching to bust out- I had to redirect my focus on Caleb not burning down the kitchen.
Must say, warm lasagna for breakfast is way better than cold pizza.
Hearing the sound of a phone-chime, Caleb and I looked over at Sarah.
She smirked before glancing at us, but didn't make eye contact. "Sorry, it's Embry checking-in."
Caleb and I didn't say a word, but I'm sure we both was thinking the same thing. Sarah and Embry are clearly in the googly-eyed stage of imprinting.
Aiden Clearwater Pov
*Flashback*
16 Years Ago
At Lake Crescent Lodge. Sitting beside my luggage on the outside logs, I waited patiently for Leah and Jacob.
I decided to take Cole's advice and do more family things with Leah.
Not sure what I was supposed to do other than wait for Sue to come back from the lobby.
Looking around I could see people from the reservation and people who weren't from La Push gathering in separate groups.
"Hey, Aiden." Adam, Leah's old coworker says walking towards me.
I wonder how sharing a room with Haylie, Amy, and Claire will turn out to be like for me.
"Hi." I mumbled glancing up to give him a wave.
"Sue wanted me to hand you the key to the room since Haylie went to the lobby with Rebecca." He said handing me the key.
"Thank you." I smiled at him.
"Emily and Sam just told me that Claire is in fact rooming with him, so it just might be you, Haylie, and Amy in the cabin."
That was strange, why is it that Claire is rooming with Emily and Sam and not Amy? Amy is his biological daughter.
"Oh okay. Fine with me." I stated. I honestly rather just be with Leah.
"Amy's already settled." He said and I glanced over my shoulder.
If I had known that then I would have already been up stairs instead of waiting down here alone with all my luggage.
"I believe Jacob and Leah are on their way now." He says.
I nodded.
"See ya in a little bit." He smiled nicely, and I watched as he turned to walk in the direction of Billy who stood with his wife Kelly and their daughter Keira.
Adam once had a crush on Leah, but when he met Jacob's sister Rebecca he fell in love.
Inhaling, I stood to my feet and grabbed my bags.
It didn't take me long to get to the cabin rooms, I glanced down to the number on the key and it read seven.
Before I reached the side, I heard loud laughter coming from the right side of the cabins.
Moving straight towards the room, the door was cracked open and I peaked in.
On one of the beds sat Amy, Jared and Kim. I pushed the door open without knocking, and was instantly met with a room full of gawking eyes.
"Hi." I glanced around as Amy, Jared, Kim, Taylor, Seth, Damon and surprisingly Lizzie all looked at me.
I narrowed my eyes confused. Lizzie broke up with Damon years ago, and moved away.
How is it that she's here?
"Oh, Aiden. I almost forgot you were rooming with us." Amy stated in a tone which was obvious that she hadn't forgotten at all.
"Did Sue tell you that Taylor and Kim are also rooming with us?" She said.
I couldn't help but look over at Seth's imprint Taylor. She has light brown wavy hair up in a thick ponytail and pale-tan skin. Like me she rarely speaks until someone is talking directly to her.
Since when does she sleep anywhere without Seth?
Damon, who stood silently against the wall beside Lizzie, I assumed wasn't looking to happy that his ex-girlfriend is back in La Push. Her grandmother must have passed away, that was the only reason she gave for leaving him.
I frowned as they seemed to have patched things up without anyone knowing. If I had any luck he would have come alone.
"Actually I changed my mind." Kim said fast, leaning up against the Television as she sat on the small dresser.
"I think I would rather room with Jared." Kim stated.
"Yeah, I thought about it too." Taylor said. "I'd rather be with Seth."
"Still, you guys are coming over tonight after dinner right?" Amy basically pleaded. She was a bit older than Josh, yet more kid-like.
"I don't know, It's better if Jared and Kim roomed with Taylor and I. You know, because of the two beds." Seth said as Taylor nodded, biting her lower lip.
"Oh." Was all Amy said. Amy was still a teen desperate for older company. At thirteen she didn't know anyone her exact age.
"Anyway, we should get dressed for dinner." Seth said, grabbing Taylor's hand.
"Fine. Bye." Amy said disappointed and I felt relieved.
As Seth and Taylor came past me, I awkwardly moved out the way.
"I'll be taking this one." Amy said, flopping back on the bed she sat on.
"So, Have you talked to Haylie? Last I heard she was riding with Sue and Charlie." Damon said to me and I looked over as he headed in my direction.
"Umm, I haven't seen her yet. She might be in the lobby." I told him honestly.
"Alright, cool. We'll see you later then." He smiled with a nod, and continued to walk past me in the direction of the door.
I knew he knew that not everyone is a fan of me, yet he spoke kindly to me always.
"We'll meet up with you later." Lizzie said to Amy, following after Damon.
Lizzie was only in her mid-twenties but still hung out with Amy because Amy is Sam's eldest child.
Jared and Kim just didn't say a word as they left, leaving only me and Amy in the cabin alone.
I didn't bother to lock the door, instead I leaned over to unzip my luggage.
"Well that went well." Amy mumbled and I glared over at her.
"Huh?"
"You sure do know how to clear out a room." She smirked.
"Sorry."
"Don't be, they only include me because of my dad. Seth, Taylor, Jared, Kim, and Damon are practically my dad's age. I'm a little kid in their eyes." Amy stretched out on her bed.
I only nodded already knowing that.
I can't wait until Haylie comes, was all I could think.
I didn't say a word. Looking down, I continued to unpack my clothes slowly.
*End of Flashback*
Leah Clearwater Pov
*Flashback*
16 Years Ago
"What can we do?" Daniel asked, jumping on one of two beds in the room. The room-suit we were in is as beautiful as it was yesterday.
"Can we please go sailing today?" Joshua asked.
I looked over at Jacob who sat on the side of the bed, beside Caleb who was still asleep.
"You can if Rebecca or Adam is going." I said already knowing Jacob hasn't been on a boat in a very long time. His fishing days with Billy haven't been a thing since Daniel was born.
Jacob just looked down at Caleb caressing his hair gently, with that treasured and incredulous look that I've seen before. It was also an apprehensive vibe he held.
I smiled to myself, what in the world could he be thinking. Of course Harry's face comes into view, in this light that's who Jacob resembles -my father.
When I think of my father, I think of how he was the most affectionate man I've ever known. Who was also very witty. He was the entire heart of the family. The day he died everything crumbled.
"Can I go ask them?" Joshua asks, walking towards the door.
"Sure." I instantly nodded. Feeling too tired to even worry about him, it'll be better for him to go bother someone else. "Take Daniel with you, and stay together. Please." I stated.
"No problem, come on, Danny." Joshua said happily opening the door.
Daniel jumped down from the bed hard, that practically shook the room and I looked over as Caleb startled awake.
Jacob glared over at Daniel, angrily. "Sorry." Daniel whispered, pausing, then continued out the door behind Josh. Out the window I could see them running straight to their aunt Rebecca and Adam.
Jacob sighed looking down at Caleb who just laid there tiredly, on the verge of falling back to sleep.
I continued looking into the boys' suitcases for outfits for dinner tonight. I placed a few shirts into the top nice brown double dressers.
When they come back to wash up, I'll easily point to their clean clothes.
Jacob leaned back, with his feet still touching the floor and I paused.
He hasn't spoken to me since we got out of the truck.
I know I was a bit snappy before, but he has no idea how hard things are for me right now. I just needed him to understand completely.
From what it looked like this morning nothing I said he understood.
Moving around the second bed, I slowly walked over towards him.
Despite our disagreements I can't ever say there wasn't a time that I feared he wasn't going to be a great father.
He's Jacob Black, there's nothing he can't overcome or master.
He never doubted it himself, not even for a second. He planned for Josh without speaking to me about it first, so it was refreshing when we discussed the birth of Daniel and Caleb first. He has always been there for all of them.
To me Harry was the greatest father ever. So of course I can't think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. It's good that Joshua, Daniel, and Caleb have themselves someone to admire as a person.
When you have a child, particularly a son you want him to resemble someone strong, loyal, trusting, determined, as any. A person who's protective, caring, and loving.
How many people can really say that there was someone like that who raised them? If I was to leave on my own, he'll be just fine with the boys.
I could retreat to a place like this, beautiful or go somewhere different like San Diego for a while if Jacob doesn't want to follow. Then again, who am I kidding... I could never leave my boys, even if someone threatened me at knife point. If Jacob was to say no to moving away from the trouble here, I couldn't go. I couldn't just leave my babies for a different scenery. I would hate myself.
"Let me ask you something?" I say, lowering myself beside Jacob.
He turned his head over to look at me, but didn't sit up.
Maybe Jeremiah was right. Me being unhappy has turned things upside down, and I've allowed things to crash and burn so badly I stopped being honest with myself. Years ago I left La Push for Makah Reservation for a month, I could do that again.
"What is it?" He asks normally, but is curious when I don't speak right away.
"Sometimes I lay wide awake at night imagining a different life with you. A different life period." I confessed. "After months I allowed it to make me sad. The last time I had these feelings was years ago." I stated.
He will never understand that when I look in the mirror, I don't see the person everyone else sees. I see someone with no future, no real purpose.
"Are you happy here?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" He whispered.
"I have this habit of putting myself down this horrible road, and things aren't going to get better or healthier between us if I don't take a timeout." I say.
"Wait." He said leaning to rest up on his elbows. "What are you saying? Time out from what?"
"This little getaway isn't going to cut this tight strain to keep pretending I'm happy." I admit, taking a deep breath. "I have a thought in mind of what I should do about it."
Jacob bit down on his bottom lip, with a perplexed look on his face. "Okay..." He said sitting up. "What do you think you have to do?" He asked calmly.
It'll be better to state the obvious. "I keep having this premonition. Maybe everyone leaving may not be the best, just me."
"What are you saying to me, Leah?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I think after we get back home, we should talk about me taking a break from La Push. Only me."
"Taking a break?" He said confused. "Alone?"
"Yes." I nodded. "It may be better to leave on my own, heal myself and stay on Makah Reservation for a few days."
Jacob stood up so fast shaking the bed, and I glared up as he turned to face me.
"Are you insane? You can't keep making these huge decisions and expect me to ride along with them."
"Jacob-"
"No. You're not thinking straight. I know we've mentioned leaving here a bunch of time, but suddenly this is what you want right this minute to go alone? To abandon your family? To abandon me?" He said loudly but carefully, and I glanced over at Caleb who was sound asleep.
I sighed, running my hands through my hair. "Jacob, I know this will obviously be heavy on you, but don't forget that you hated it here once too. I'm telling you we don't have to move and I won't go far."
"What?" He was getting ready to lose it.
"I need this. If I don't get out of this shitty damped cage, I'll explode." I said standing up.
"Then we'll take a vacation somewhere, don't all of a sudden decide to start over." He almost yelled.
I exhaled. "I'm not. I said a break. I haven't gone anywhere alone for years. Now that I think about it, the last thing that worked for me was staying with Jeremiah for a few weeks down on Makah Reservation. Alone. I need that isolation now."
"No! No, last time you were that unhappy those few weeks turned into years."
"That's not fair, and history will not repeat itself, alright?" I promised.
"Leah-"
"If you can't support my decision then help me figure something out." I say trying my best to keep my voice down. "I am asking for you to understand this."
"You don't have to do this. You have me. You have us." He said motioning to Caleb. "Do you know how many people would kill to be in your place? To have a family and have a home and life?"
"I'm sorry I'm taking it for granted, I know." I said low.
"Are you? Are you really? Because I don't believe you're sorry."
"Fine. Jacob. Fine. If it makes you happy, forget about it. Forget I said anything. I'm so tired of this." I said, throwing my hands in the air, turning away from him. "You don't get it."
"Wait." He whispered, grabbing my arm.
I glared up at him.
He exhaled.
"Can't we ever have a normal conversation without some type of combustion. Give me a second to think here." He said merely to himself, then looked towards the window. "We can figure it all out." He was obviously thinking it over calmly.
I sighed. "I want to be honest with you. Always, no matter what."
"If you ...really want... we can plan something, Alright?" He said more accepting.
"Are you sure? I know In due time, I'll figure out a plan to regain my sanity. I just need to take a break from here, like I did years ago. We'll be fine afterwards, trust that."
"Don't say that. The word fine is the worst expression for future outcomes. Besides, every time you say that, you get stuck on it and I have to apologize in a major way." He said humorously, smiling.
I glared over not wanting to look at his face, knowing I'd crack a smile.
Times like this I have to maintain a straight face. I needed him to be alright with this.
"I don't think I can ever really leave La Push again, Leah." He whispered honestly, pulling me into his arms. "It's my home."
I frowned at that. "It's mine too." I had no choice, but to look into those comely captivating brown eyes, as he placed both his palms on my face.
Forcing me to meet his glare. "I've always thought about the same things you've had. We talked more and more over the years, but things aren't as bad as they seem." He stated.
I rolled my eyes. "How bad do things have to get? We can't stop them. I don't want to die from being attacked by those crazed-leeches. One day you'll have to listen to me, before it's too late." I said and he instantly flinched at the thought.
"Don't think like that." He mumbled lowering his hands from my face. "I will protect you, always."
"In reality, Jacob, if something were to happen to me you'd have to do everything in your power to keep the boys safe. You know that, right?" I said, glancing at Caleb. "Even if that means going to a place where no one knows who you are." I say seriously. "When Harry died, sure Sue had helped take care of me and Seth. Though not enough, after I left Seth was a complete mess. I don't want our kids to experience any taste of bitterness or feel any touch of loneliness. Like we had."
"Of course, neither do I but...stop thinking like that. You can't think like this." He said worried, and I sighed, getting ready to turn.
"Leah." He said, grabbing hold of my arm once again.
"I already said what I needed. When we return back to La Push, I'm leaving to visit Jeremiah for a while. Alone." I stated.
Jacob nodded too fast. "Alright. Alright. If that's what you need, okay. I'll agree on one condition."
"What's that?" I ask.
"We work on us when you get back." He said and I nodded instantly.
"Okay. Yes. Deal." I agreed.
"Leah?" I heard from behind him, and I looked over his shoulder towards the door.
Aiden stood in the doorway obviously out of breath.
"Oh, Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." She glanced beside me at Jacob, then shook her head. "It's not too important. It can wait. Sorry." She started stuttering, backing out of the room outside.
"No, Aiden, it's fine. What's wrong?" I say moving towards her, and Jacob automatically dropped his hand from my arm.
Hurrying to follow Aiden out, I slowly shut the door behind me.
"What is it?" I asked as Aiden moved towards the steps, then turned to face me.
"I have to say something, and you can't be upset that I've waited to say this." She says sheepishly.
"Alright " I mumbled while waiting. "Spit it out." I stated.
"I lied when I said I had no idea what they had planned. I made a deal with Nahuel that if he left you, and the wolves alone, I would allow Isaac and Joham to live and form another vampire Coven away from Washington." She says it all way too fast.
"What?" I practically yelled in a hush tone.
"I'm so sorry. I just wanted peace."
"Aiden." I am disappointed.
"I know I lied, I didn't mean to. I just couldn't kill anyone. Even if they're evil. I had to make that deal with Nahuel. I just wanted you to be safe."
I sighed, running my hands through my hair for a second. She kept this secret for years.
"I'm so sorry for not saying anything."
"Alright." I said looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"I'll do whatever you want. I'll try to find out what Nahuel knows about the attacks if you want."
"Do whatever, just as long as you tell me everything from now on. The moment you start to feel that they're going to attack, you tell me. Don't keep quiet because you're scared of what I will think. Too much is going on for you to be picking sides, Aiden. Just because Noah or Rylan want to get to know you or whatever, doesn't mean you can trust them. Got it?" I said loudly.
"Yes, I got it." She nodded.
"We'll talk about this when we get back to the Reservation, though for now don't say anything about the hybrids to anyone, Alright?"
"Okay." She smiled understandingly.
"Can you go make sure Joshua and Daniel aren't raising terror with Rebecca and Adam?" I asked.
"Okay." She nodded, turning to walk away, as it was getting dark fast.
There were people around the camp, talking among themselves.
Watching Aiden's bright sky blue shirt as she ran towards the lobby I then turned to walk back into the room.
I opened it and was surprised not to see Jacob.
Caleb was still asleep on the bed that was closest to the door, and I could hear the shower running.
Not sure what to think about Aiden telling me about the bloodsuckers deal with her. This just proves she cannot be trusted, but a part of me has hope that she wants to be better than the rest of them.
Moving towards the opposite bed of Caleb, I just kicked my sneakers off and laid back, closing my eyes.
*End of Flashback*
I sat at the kitchen table eating lasagna that Caleb cooked this morning.
Jacob was on the sofa watching baseball on T.V with Caleb and Sarah. They haven't moved in three hours. I love how they are bonding right now.
Sometimes I think of Aiden, I wonder if she would have survived -how would our relationship be today?
Aiden Clearwater Pov
*Flashback*
16 Years Ago
Kneeling down by the fireplace, I joined the circle that was formed by Haylie, Taylor, Seth, Amy, Damon, Lizzie, Jared, Kim, and the new wolves Savannah and Rick.
Looking across the room I could see Daniel and Joshua playing with his friend Shane.
"Hey," I heard, feeling a chill down my neck- flinching I turned to look just as Cole sat in between me and Rick. "What did I miss?" Cole whispered to me and I glanced around a little confused.
Why was he talking to me? Not saying anything, I slowly shook my head.
"My plan was to stay behind with Embry, Brady, and Colin though they have enough wolves so I figured I'll just come." Cole stated, and I glanced around as almost everyone in the circle looked over at us.
"We have chips and soda if you want some." Amy said, holding up a bag of Doritos.
"Thanks, I ate before I came. Why aren't you guys outside?" Cole asked everyone and they looked around.
"Because it's freezing." Lizzie now said, zipping up the lime green hoodie she was wearing.
"Yes, not to mention -Why sit by the lake when there's this sweet fireplace, right here?" Damon added.
It was summertime, but once the sun went down it got chilly.
"It is beautiful." Savannah mumbled about the fireplace.
"Ah." Cole said and I instantly wondered why he was so amiable towards me. This could be some sort of diversion to make our relations appear to be casual.
Earlier Cole said he would tell me everything on how he came to be cozy with Nahuel. I doubt when we get back to La Push it won't seem weird that he's suddenly friendly towards me, then again the pack is leading to believe that he has a crush on me.
"Who are you sharing a room with?" Kim asked Cole.
"Um, Adam."
"Adam? Isn't he rooming with Rebecca." Haylie asked.
"So?" Cole spat. He's so arrogant.
I smirked, when Haylie rolled her eyes.
"Don't you think you're imposing?" Claire says.
"No." Cole said with a straight face.
"He's a very supercilious person, and he doesn't care much for others feelings. He is who he is." Savannah said about Cole.
"I'm not arrogant. I just don't kiss anyone's backside." Cole sneered over at Savannah.
"Of course." I mumbled.
Cole glared at me. "Trust, everyone can't be as sweet as you." He retorted.
"Oh, she's not that sweet." Haylie jokes.
I smirked over at her.
"Wait a second." Taylor started holding up one finger bewilderedly.
"Since when are you two so happy-go-lucky? You guys are usually-"
"Closed off?" Seth interrupted.
"Quiet?" Kim added.
"Anti-social?" Jared mumbled.
"Not so friendly?" Rick added.
"More like shy." Damon smirked.
"However you put it... . It's not you or you Aiden. It's cute." Taylor said, pointing between Cole and I.
"You too like each other don't you?" Seth says to us.
"Alright guys. They get it." Damon laughed.
I couldn't help but bite down on my lower lip, to keep from laughing at myself.
This was fun, and yes, everyone is correct about our behavior.
"I saw you two earlier together." Savannah noted.
"So." Cole said fast.
"You have been thinking about her a lot lately." Haylie noted and my smile faded looking over at Cole.
How does he manage to think about me around everyone without thinking about Nahuel? At any moment someone can find out that he's not who they think he is, and mainly that I'm still in touch with Nahuel also.
"He said so pretty fast." Damon said amused, and I smirked over at him.
"Jeez, this is why I would rather not socialize with you people." Cole spat.
The circle went quiet, until Damon burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Jared asked him confused.
"Nothing." Damon says, shaking his head. "I just remembered something that happened this morning." He added looking over at Cole, who bit his lip with a smirk.
"Must be an inside thing." Haylie mumbled leaning over to me.
"Anyway... " Amy stated. "Next subject."
"No, no next subject. I want to know what's so funny." Lizzie said tugging on Damon's shirt playfully.
"Obviously, there's no need to know." Cole mumbled.
"Hey, Aiden." I heard someone call from behind me, and I turned halfway to look.
Just then Adam closely kneeled down between me and Cole.
"Are you finished running around, Yet?" Haylie said to Adam turning to face him.
"Nope, not yet." He said, giving her a fake grin.
"Aiden, instead of you sharing a room with Amy, I'm going to move you with Haylie and Cole. I know you probably want to be near Leah but it may be better for you guys." Adam says.
"Oh?" I say, very disappointed. I told Leah the truth and she isn't upset at me.
"Cool, I don't mind." Haylie smiled at me.
I nodded suddenly, not caring as much.
"I do." Cole stated.
"Well, If you haven't decided to come at the last-minute you might have had a room to yourself!" Adam spat at Cole.
"So, who am I rooming with?" Amy asked.
"Who cares!" Cole said fast, and everyone including me laughed.
"Anyway, here's your keys." Adam said handing me, Haylie, and Cole keys with the number fourteen on them.
Adam then stood to his feet to leave.
"Thanks." Haylie and I said at the same time, then laughed.
"Great." Cole said, getting ready to stand up. "This should be fun." He said, faking a smile looking at both Haylie and I.
"Where are you going?" I wondered if he was leaving for good.
"To the cabin. Don't think for a second I'm sleeping on the floor." He said.
I would rather share a room with him and Haylie than anyone else.
After Cole stood I turned to face Haylie. "He should be an interesting roommate for the weekend." She said, rolling her eyes.
"I don't think he'll be too bad." I smiled honestly.
In a strange way Cole is the type of person to say things no one else wouldn't dare to. Of course when you're around him you feel like you have to speak up or he will hurt your feelings. Yet, you can leave it to him to always be honest.
"I sure hope not. He's always moody." Haylie mumbled.
"Not around Aiden." Rick chimed in, and I turned to look at him.
"He doesn't like me." I said to Rick, his wolf intellect off balance. Cole has them all fooled.
"That's what he wants you to think." Savannah said to me. "Tell her, Haylie. Didn't he mention earlier how he wanted to imprint on her." She grinned.
Haylie snorted. "He didn't exactly think that way, He just ...I don't know." She said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Though he is always thinking about you." Savannah smiled.
Haylie was always so nice. I shook my head. It's a pretend, Cole isn't interested in me and I'm not interested in him.
The guy I like has no idea.
I glanced over at Damon who was already looking at me, and I knew he was wandering along with everyone else if me and Cole planned to date. For anything that's the one thing I hope isn't going through his mind.
I sighed, looking at Haylie to keep from staring at him.
Damon and Lizzie are clearly back together. No matter how many times I've had dreams about him kissing me. He wasn't for me. Damon was made for a person who also has the wolf-gene, which will never be me.
"Come on, let's grab Josh and Daniel and head to the rooms." Haylie said, standing at her feet.
I took one more glance around the circle. Everyone was quiet and I knew as soon as Haylie and I left, they would start gossiping about us.
Merely they'll gossip about me, and how they truly feel.
It's embarrassing. Not sure if Damon will take in for my defense, or join in along with them but after all this time I don't think he will engage with their gossip. He never had before, I can only hope it hasn't changed.
"See'ya tomorrow." Haylie said to everybody.
"Bye." They all say together.
Not saying a word, I just waved and followed behind her to where Joshua and Daniel still continued to play with Shane.
*End of Flashback*