Jacob could feel the curious gazes of his crewmates as he forced his body through the motions of the day's work. Three days. For three days, his skin boiled too hot, his wolf circling just beneath the surface, trying to force its way free. Jacob fought back, using every ounce of energy he had. He couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't work.
"Black," Stanley stepped away from a group of loggers watching over the saws. "You look like shit, man."
"I'm fine." If he'd had the energy to laugh, he would've. His voice sounded so flat and weak, even Stanley wouldn't believe him.
"Call in," Stanley offered. "I'll let Danjo know." Jacob shook his head, and swayed, his wolf springing at him. "Hey, Jacob, are you—"
"Don't touch me."
Stanley flinched back, like he'd been bit. Alpha commands didn't affect humans the same as wolves, but they still felt them. Jacob didn't even have the energy to absorb the command he'd just given. He turned and stumbled into the woods. home. He couldn't lose it now. la push. Not now. run. He wouldn't lose control. protect. He kept moving until the sun began to sink below the tree line, the cool night air washing over his too hot skin. bella. He broke through the trees into a little clearing, the night sounds deepening. mine. He threw himself onto the ground, tossing his arm over his eyes. mine!
"No."
He was losing his mind, talking to his wolf again. Only this time he tried an Alpha command, which was so backward, it made his head hurt. Jacob tried to laugh but his wolf jumped at him, snarling, and baring its teeth.
Jake.
He almost sprang to his feet, as if he'd been bitten.
"Bella."
mine. mine. mine!