Jacob
Bella and I woke up blissfully wrapped in each other's arms. We got up, made breakfast, and got ready for the morning patrol run.
The early morning sun was filtering through the evergreens, the not quite yet steady creek was trickling with the melting snow from the mountains, and the animals were being to stir from their months of hibernation.
I could feel the softening moss, the soft crunch of sticks and soggy squish of wet leaves under my paws.
Even though I am not typically a morning person, this morning seemed especially beautiful.
Everything seemed to be normal.
Until I came to the border between our land and where the Cullen's territory began and a familiar scent assaulted my nose.
*Cullen*
Bella
*Cullen? I thought we weren't supposed to see them until later.*
Suddenly, a low growl sounded from the other side of the border.
"What the FUCK have you done you mangy mutt?" Edward's icy voice snarled threateningly as panic slammed into my chest.
*Edward?*
"How can I hear her voice in your head Jacob?"
*Well, if you can hear her voice in my head, don't you think that could be because she is IN my head? And how else would someone's voice be in the mind of a wolf if not from being a wolf themselves?*
"That's impossible. Bella's human. She can't be a wolf. I would have known. She's not even Quileute. So, again I ask, what have you done?"
Quickly, before my decision can make it to Jacob's mind, I pad off behind a tree, shift and then grab the clothes from the string at my leg and slip them on. Stepping out from behind the tree, I watch as Edward's eyes grow and he takes a step forward.
"No, Edward, Jacob hasn't done anything except do what you couldn't. He loved me through my pain. He stood by me when my world went to shit. He was the one to help put me back together. He was the one to save my life when all I wanted was to end it. Then, when I was ready, he was the one to take my broken heart and give me his in return. Over time, I watched as he healed my heart and now, my life is bright, thriving and wonderful. You however, you left me without so much as a sorry, explanation or reason. You lied to me. You left me. Being as old as you are, I THOUGHT you might know how to treat a girl. How to love her, but I think the decades living as a teenager have warped your mind... because you never grew beyond your childish, self-centered, manipulative 17 year old self.
When I came to the Rez, Jake healed me. Then, when I accepted him into my heart and my life, I discovered a side to me that I never would have had you and your cult stayed. I am grateful they came back to warn us, and even to help us, but after the battle, I want nothing more to do with ANY of you. In fact, if any of you come around here again, I may just have to use my instincts as a wolf."
"But how are you a wolf? You don't belong with the mutts. You belong with me. You've always been mine, and I refuse to let you go."
"HAHA! Edward, you gave me up when you left. You have no claim over me anymore. I don't want you. Jacob is not only my boyfriend, but he is my mate. My imprint. He is my sole reason for living. Where you offered death and chill, he has shown me life, love and heat beyond my wildest dreams. I chose to stand by his side as not only his partner, but also his mate and the mother of the pack. I will stand with him, fight with him and for him. I will never be with you again."
Not realizing it, I had been taking steps toward Edward as I spoke and finally, I stepped over the invisible line and Edward reached out and grabbed my hand. When his hand came in contact with my skin, it was as if I had been burned by a poker and then had acid poured on the burn. I snatched my hand back with a sound coming from my lips that was a cross between a hiss and a growl.
Looking down at my wrist, there was an angry red handprint that was already beginning to blister and bubble. "What the hell?" I said as I touched the spot gently with my other hand. I looked up at Edward and he had a horrified look on his face.
"Well, Edward, I guess that just goes to show not to lay your hands on a wolf's imprint." I jumped as Jacob's voice rumbled behind me.