Jacob's Pov
I followed Layla to her car, where she propped open a door and tried to tie the top of her shirt.
She sniffed, getting frustrated when the knot only tore more while trying to fix it.
"Here." I took off my shirt and gave it to her. Layla took as I turned around for her privacy.
"Thank you." I heard her mumble. I used my body to block Layla from view of the road.
"I'm still mad at you," Layla grumbled, relief edged in her voice.
I turned back around to see her tucking the baggy shirt into her jeans. "Likewise." I agreed.
Her lower lip jutted out as she pouted about that. We had a brief stare-down until Layla's expression softened first.
"Are you alright?" Layla looked up at me with genuine concern and touched my side where a welt was supposed to be.
"I just beat the crap out of a guy, and you ask me if I'm okay?" I laughed, enjoying her fingertips grazing my skin.
"I guess so." She faintly smiled. "I'm good. What about you?"
The red marks on her neck were fading, but her going through something like this twice had me concerned.
"Can I hitch a ride or-" "I'm not so mad to leave you stranded." Layla grinned, releasing me.
"Oh! Wait." She trudged behind the building towards a car tucked in the brush. It must have been Logan's.
Layla used the bottom of my shirt to grip the car handles and started searching for the unknown vehicle.
"What are you looking for?" Bags of junk food and a backpack were in the back seat.
She took it and shoved any spare papers inside. "Any clues." Layla checked the trunk and paled when she saw a rope and hatchet.
"Let's go. We shouldn't be messing with evidence." "Yeah." Layla agreed.
On the way to LA Push, Layla drove deep in thought.
"So, are you going to tell me what this stuff is for?" I questioned. "I need to look through it." She answered as if that was obvious.
"Why?" "If I left it for the cops, I couldn't look through it." "That much was clear. For What?" I probed again.
"Look, Jake, can't you just trust me on this?" "No."
Howls arose in the forest. A vampire was encroaching on our territory.
"Jake!" Layla called after me. I had dipped out of the car while it was still moving, taking the backpack with me.
Fortunately, I was by my house, so my actions weren't completely misplaced.
"Come by tomorrow, and we'll go through it together."
She drove off, shaking her head and swearing something under her breath.
(Hours Later)
Layla's Pov
"Logan's been caught!" Brianna enthused. "You can come visit us now!" Ashely piped in.
My friends had called to inform me of the news I was about to share with them.
"Yeah, I know. Check your text." I sent them a picture of my neck and a text explaining most of what transpired. As predicted, they were peeved that I didn't call them sooner.
"Oh my God!" Ashely squeaked. "Are you alright?!" Brianna questioned.
I texted out my response, then went downstairs to make some hot lemon ginger. I still didn't want to tip off Syd, who had just come home about the severe situation I found myself in, until absolutely necessary.
I eyed Syd in his armchair, who was buffing out small pieces of leather and watching his favorite hunting special.
My friends would want all of the tea after I pressed send. '...And then Jacob and his friends saved me. Again.'
"Details! Now." Brianna demanded. 'Give me a minute.' I texted back.
The last bit of honey disintegrated into my mug, and I scurried back upstairs to the privacy of my own room.
"Ugh, you could've told Jake to throw in a few extra jabs for me." Brianna gushed. "He did a good job." I coughed as the sweet mixture coated my throat.
"I've never seen so Logan scared." I muffled a distorted laugh. "Speaking of, How are things going with Jake?" Ashely fished.
I spit out some tea, and they heard it. They waited. No sense of hiding it now. "Um...we might have kissed?"
"What?! When?!" "Brianna! Come back here and sit down!" It sounded like B ran off with the phone to pace around the room.
Nothing like good gossip to get her moving. "My prude is living proof anything can be salvaged!" Brianna sighed longingly.
"Tell us!" Ashely demanded just as impatiently. I told them about the make-out session on his motorcycle.
"That. Is. So. Hot." Ashely commented. "Tell me you are marrying this man or having his babies," Brianna added.
"Guys!" I groaned, sidestepping their follow-up questions.
"Calm down. Our girl is moving on, and that's all that matters." Ashely placated Brianna. "You guys are no fun." B groaned.
"Hey guys, I got to go." I thought I heard a knock on my door, so I hung up for any damage control if Syd overheard something he shouldn't have.
Jacob's Pov
Layla closed her bedroom door and adjusted her appearance in the warped rectangular mirror behind it.
I knocked on the window again. "Jacob? How long have you been out there?" She asked anxiously.
Her sweet dulcet whisper soothed my nerves like aloe to a burn. Sam had called the wolves to the woods shortly after we handled Logan.
The vampire stench was on the back side of town again. This time, the trail ended on a road where a car could've picked up the bloodsucker. This ever-present burden was more than concerning. How many leeches were out there and why?
Sam was almost considering Seth's suggestion of contacting the Cullens. He had been holding off because he wasn't sure if the pack was ready to handle a broken treaty. And he was also worried I couldn't manage to protect Layla while possibly working with the Cullens if they agreed to help us. He was right. Why would I want to involve myself with vampires after what they did to my friend and ex-love, Bella Swan?
I tested to see if the window was locked. It wasn't, so I hiked it up.
My breath caught in my throat. Layla was wearing a two-piece pajama set with sheer lace down the sides. At first glance, the pajamas seemed modest, but when she turned, there was exposed flesh behind the lace. She bounded onto the bed and held the window from opening all the way.
"I don't remember inviting you in," Layla stated, a bit breathless."Why not? It's not the first time or the second."
It was cute, the way her blush burned the tops of her ears, poking through her hair.
"It's not raining, so you're not coming inside." "Fine," I grumbled.
"And you should call me before climbing up here. What if I was changing?" She whispered more harshly.
My eyes swept over her form like it was an open invitation. "I don't mind."
"Jake!" Layla hissed, embarrassed, covering herself up with a shirt she found on the floor.
"Oh, this is yours-" She realized, holding it out to me. "Keep it." I insisted, watching her put it on.
Then, she joined me, sitting along the window frame while I was on the roof.
"What's up?" "I wanted to see you. I didn't like how we left things." I admitted.
"Don't worry about it, Jake. I'm not upset anymore." Layla tried to reassure me, but I could sense her uncertainty.
"You're not?" I leaned in, enjoying the scent radiating off her skin tonight.
"No, but I'm not going to admit that I'm wrong either." She countered. I clenched my jaw to keep me from saying something stupid.
"I-I don't need you running around saving me." Layla shivered when my nose grazed her cheek.
Her throat caught, breathing stopped, and heartbeat broke into a sprint.
"Why? Because you have a handy dandy crowbar?" I teased with a throaty laugh.
I liked poking fun about the incident. Maybe it was a little cruel, but Layla's guilt let me know how much she cared.
"That's not funny! I could have really hurt you. And you've done so much for me already; there's no way I can repay you for everything. It's all starting to add up and spill over." She rambled off her anxious thoughts.
"I don't need you to repay me for everything." I could feel the magnetic pull through our gaze and over each accidental graze of our skin as if our nerves were ready to ripple at the seams.
Layla's Pov
"Then tell me, what am I supposed to do?" It felt like my heartbeat had a mind of its own again. It was so loud I could hardly hear myself think.
"Let me be with you." His husky voice reverberated. I was at a loss for words.
Jacob's nose rubbed against the bridge of mine, and his lips were a breath away.
I held still, not moving, holding the tension and resisting the urge to lean towards him. Resisting was like trying to grip sand or hold static.
"Please, don't." I gasped. If he kissed me again, anything like he did before, my walls wouldn't stand.
And if he kissed me better than before...I was afraid of what might happen next.
Just as Jacob's lips hovered over mine, the doorknob to my bedroom jiggled. Jacob nimbly removed himself and jumped off the roof.
I opened my eyes when I heard the thud of him landing in the grass. At the same time, the door creaked open.
My lips felt naked, and my tongue was robbed of the taste I was eager to remember. It wasn't fair.
Syd came in to check on me after having a concerning call from Charlie.
Needless to say, aside from school-related activities, I was grounded.
The following day
Jacob's Pov
"Why's Layla sitting all the way over there?" Embry asked at lunch.
"Back to goo-goo eyes, I see." Quil snickered, setting his tray down.
I ignored both of them, caught up in my thoughts as I fondly watched my imprint from across the cafeteria.
"She's upset Syd grounded her," I explained. "Ah." Embry returned to his food.
"Hey, Jared." I didn't speak above a whisper, but he heard me. "Has your imprint smelled so ridiculously good that you can't think straight?"
I couldn't help but ask to see if it was just me or if I was torturing myself by giving Layla the necessity of personal space.
"What? Does Billie have to explain the birds and the bees again?" Jared laughed. "No idiot." I rolled my eyes.
"There's a key reason why imprints smell better more times than others." Jared hinted again.
"Wolf pups." Quil pretended to sneeze. "Right." That made sense—another weird wolf thing to be mindful of.
Layla's Pov
"Look, I didn't ground you; why are you mad at me?" Jacob stopped me in the parking lot after school.
I looked around to make sure no one was listening and lowered my voice.
"You can't just kiss me and run away like that." I could hardly sleep last night because of his stupid stunt.
His beautiful, broad white smile widened. "But I didn't kiss you, Layla." His tone was equally playful as it was mocking. "And unlike some people, I don't run away."
I scoffed at that.
"It's the principle! You think you can do whatever you want with me without asking. What happened to manners, flowers, and going on dates?"
"I've already asked you to go out with me." He pointed out. I could feel my face heat up again.
"Do you think I'm some cheap trick, Jacob?" I had to keep calm because Molly and friends a car over were watching us now.
"What? No. I already told you I like you." His confession took all the fight out of me.
It was getting harder to cling to the reasons why this, us, wouldn't work.
"I like you too." I huffed."But as a friend." I instantly went to correct the sentiment to mask my affection.
"I'm sorry, but I have to go to book club. My momentary freedom." I slammed my car door, not purposefully, and when I turned the ignition, the radio blared.
Jacob, seemingly unbothered, crossed his arms and appeared to be almost smugly satisfied I was willing to admit some of my feelings for him.
Book club wasn't what I thought it would be today. With October coming closer, I was paired off with Chad to go over which vampire content we'd be consuming.
EJ and Iris sat at their table, going over their werewolf findings. EJ seemed encaptured entirely by what she was saying, as Chad had to fight for my focus.
"So I was thinking, the new Dracula Untold movie, then there's the underworld-" "Don't forget Interview with a Vampire," I interjected, turning back to him.
He was going to compare all the vampire content to succubi, while I wanted to dig deeper into the folklore and stick to the classics. Not that the newer movies weren't fun to watch; I didn't see the thrill of black leather and bad wigs as sexy—the obsession with loving someone so deeply that you want them to physically need you. That I might be able to understand.
In the end, our content and books were decided.
My invitation to the Cullen manor was revoked. EJ's Godparents had him on lockdown for the time being.
"Did they hear about what happened in town? Is that why I'm not allowed over?" I questioned.
"No. It's not you." EJ's bright green eyes were wide and pleading. "Okay." I didn't believe him.
"Really, it's not you. I will see you again soon." He gave me a squeeze and ran off to meet Esme.
Later that Evening
I knocked on Jacob's door to find a helpful Billie and a busy Rachel.
"Layla! It's good to see you." "Likewise, is Jacob home?" I questioned.
"Jacob!" He called, but he had already heard us. "Layla, what are you-" "I stopped by because you have something of mine." I hinted.
"Oh, the backpack." I followed Jake to his room in the far back of the house. Jacob shut his door for our limited privacy.
We could hear Rachel giggling on the phone with Paul in the other room.
"Why did you need this thing again?" He asked, lifting the backpack from Logan's car. "Did you already look through it?" I asked, deflecting.
"No, I was waiting for you, remember." I tugged on the bag. Jacob sat on the bed with me on the floor and dumped it out between us.
"What are you looking for?" "I'm not sure," I mumbled. Clothes, stacks of cash, and Logan's expensive cologne spilled onto the floor.
"Ew." I covered my nose. Jacob hopped up to grab a towel to wipe it up. I turned on the box fan and cracked the tiny window.
I dug through the wrinkled receipts as Jacob mopped until I found a formal invitation. 'Hellzburg and Hammerstein.' I read, flipping over the back—some foreign fundraiser. The name sounded familiar. I remember some fancy fundraising ball that the adults went to annually. Was this a potential lead to the people my mom had over in July?
"What's that?"Jake asked. "You might have to throw away the towel." I shook my head and went to shove the paper in my jeans.
There wasn't much else to go through.
"Thanks, Jacob, but I should get going." I had to research or see if Bethany had any answers for me.
Jake pulled the crimson invitation from my rear pocket and read it aloud. "Hey, give it back." I missed reaching for it. "I don't know what it is, but I need it."
"Relax, I want to know so I can help you." Someone stood eavesdropping at the door.
"Walk me home?" I asked. "Sure. The smell is giving me a headache." Jacob complied, catching onto a nosy Billie.
We wove through the trees at nightfall, taking the trail that edged towards the beach and back inland again.
Even at a distance, being by the salt water helped clear the smell of pungent cologne from our nostrils.
Jacob and I stopped to watch the sunset reflect off the wave caps in the distance.
"I didn't want to say anything, but I think my mother is missing, or something bad happened to her."
"Why wouldn't you want to tell me? Oh..." He answered his own question. "Because I don't have a mom."
"Yes," I whispered. Jacob lifted my chin. "You don't have to worry about that. It's been a long time."
"Still." I stepped into him, pressing my forehead to his chest. I wrapped my arms around his core when he didn't move away.
"I'm fine." He hugged me back, standing there like a personal pillar of strength.
"My mom, Lily, had been missing since I left. The last time I heard from her, it sounded like a goodbye."
I pulled away to look at him or to continue walking, whichever he preferred.
Jacob held me in place; looking into my eyes, he brushed back strands of hair taped to my face by the ocean breeze.
"This is the longest I've been without her. We were close. Why would she disappear from me? And Bethany, her assistant, keeps gaslighting me..."
"Do you have any idea where she would go?" He asked.
"Logan said something. I'm not sure how much of it I can trust."
"And you think this old invitation will help?" "Maybe." I sighed, discouraged.
"What makes you think this invitation is useful?" Jacob quesitoned.
I was quiet again, dangerously close to telling him the truth about my sweet sixteen; we were closing in on Moon Ranch, wading through the tall grass.
"Because I knew Logan wasn't lying this time."
Later that week
Layla's Pov
I passed through the halls of La Push High, grateful to know my way around the school and unhindered by former curious students.
It was like I was invisible in the best way—no longer the shiny new object to poke and prod.
Perhaps it was the way Jacob acted as a natural deterrent. Or maybe it was because the jam-packed schedule I carefully created that made me 'too stuck up' to hang out with. Either way, it didn't matter. I was getting what I needed.
One day this messy mirage of dangerous events would even out into a sunny oasis.
"Today's the day! Are you nervous?" Tiffany bounded up to me. "What day?" I asked, alarmed.
"The posters are going up." Paige popped up on my other side. "For the play?" I gawked.
"Yeah, and costume fits are ready for final touch-ups." Tiffany grinned enthusiastically.
How was she excited? Tiff was going to be my granny in the play.
I groaned. Practice in an all-black outfit and my maroon sweatshirt was one thing. Dressing up in all the costume garb somehow felt utterly embarrassing.
"Too bad. I heard we're getting headshots tomorrow and everything!" Tiffany went on.
"And Daniel said they'll let you use it in the yearbook if we want." Paige continued.
"You've got to be kidding," I muttered. "Headshots are professional audition pictures, Layla. And Mr. Thompson hired some high-end French photographer."
I knew what it meant, but yearbook pictures? I didn't want to leave my mark here. This was supposed to be like some Marvel blip, then back to real life.
The next hour was full of hair pulling, fabric tugging, and layers of makeup. The main cast had several try-ons for several scenes and backup costumes.
The community college students responsible for our look couldn't decide on the final products, which dragged on the process.
I washed my face in the back bathroom to scrub off the irritating layers of makeup. I avoided my eyes to prevent messing up my contact and dabbed my face with a paper towel.
It was well past the final bell. I had stayed behind to help the fashion students make 'one more adjustment' five times over.
This was their project to be graded on, too. I didn't want to jip them off their hard work.
"Hurry up. We're locking up Layla." Paige reminded me, poking her head in the back.
"We're going to put up posters and head out," Tiffany mentioned in passing.
"Mr. Thompson had to leave. Don't kick the door jams out unless you want to be locked inside." Paige warned.
"Okay!" I went to change out of my costume and into my regular clothes.
Only the seamstress students had swiped every piece of fabric from the floor, including my clothes.
I was stuck in an ivory-laced corset, white off-the-shoulder cuffed slip dress, charcoal overskirt, and the iconic crimson cape.
"Crap." What was I going to do? I couldn't run around the school for Tiffany and Paige; any lingering students would see me, and word would get around that much more quickly.
Imagining Jake and his friends stumbling upon me like this set me in a panic—no freaking way. No one would see me like this until they absolutely had to.
I grabbed my bag and peeked out of the emergency exit next to the mini broken-down stage.
Running to my car was a no-go. All the students liked to linger in the lot after school. I'd have to wait here until everyone was long gone, or better yet, Tiffany came looking for me. Hopefully, she would be willing to let me borrow her gym clothes.
Then, with a violent shove, someone threw me outside. Locking me out.
"What the hell?!" I banged on the door, and a devious laugh echoed on the other side.
I cursed, fumbling to my feet and looking around me. No one saw. That was good.
Behind me was the meadow that stretched into the woods.
I booked it for the tree line, where the trails veined out in multiple directions. I took the path that would wrap around the neighborhoods in the deep woods.
All I had to do was follow this path a couple of miles until it ended. Then, I would keep going through the thick woods until I found my grandfather's house.
I groaned at the comparison and focused on my feet to keep from falling and hopefully avoid any potential embarrassment.
Jacob's Pov
"Jake!" Seth ran up to me from the treeline. "Sam wants you in the woods."
"Why? What's up?" I started to jog with him. "He wants to show you something." He grinned impishly.
"You'll see." Seth stopped running with me, letting me phase first. He helped wrap my clothes with a cord onto my back leg.
"Hey, Sam." "You're imprint's out here. Keep a better eye on her." Sam pointed his nose in the direction I should go.
His smug, humor-filled expression left me wondering. What was Layla doing out here? I picked up the pace.
It wasn't more than two miles from the school when I found her.
"Just keep moving. No one will catch you. No one will see you." I heard Layla whisper in a chant as if motivating herself through the thicket.
I snorted a laugh and caught up to see her decked in a ridiculous costume. Okay, it wasn't bad, but it was most ironic.
Layla was running through the woods dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.
Layla's Pov
I continued running over rocks and tripping over roots; I think I was off trail.
I thought I saw something big, black, and furry, running alongside me for a while. It scared me, so I dipped in a different direction than I probably should.
Now, I couldn't tell where I was, and the backside of any house was out of view. I didn't know what was worse.
To be found like this, walking through someone's backyard or escorted out of the woods by forest rangers when I didn't return by Syd's curfew.
My thigh-high sheer stalkings were chaffing. At least these ankle boots were stable enough for the trek.
The sound of rapid, heavy footfalls approached. I took off sprinting faster, not wanting to find out what the black blur of fur could be.
Oh my gosh. What if it was a bear?! Or worse, and more likely, a wolf. I couldn't climb to save my life. What was I going to do?
I stopped to catch my breath when the corset crushed my heaving lungs.
The familiar large reddish-brown wolf stared down at me from higher ground.
I was heaving air rapidly; my corset strained against my flesh with each breath uncomfortably. Good wolf? Or bad wolf? Which was it today?
I broke into a sprint again, not taking my chances. When I thought I lost him, I slowed again.
"Phew, I need to work on my cardio." I coughed and gasped.
The bush rustled next to me, and something leaped out.
"Ah!" I screamed in surprise and fell into a thorny bush.
"Ow." I groaned. "Layla!" Great, Jacob found me.
I'm mortified, struggling to get up only to get caught in more snares. When I looked up, I saw that my hair was caught in the tiny branches above me.
"I got you." Jacob helped detangle my hair while I tugged down my skirt. "What are you doing here, Jake?"
"I was on a run. What are you doing?" I blushed at the amusement in his voice. Jacob leaned in closer to work on the snares behind me.
"I was on my way to my grandfather's house, of course." I decided to make a joke of things. It would be easier to laugh this off later.
"Of course." He grinned, exposing his toothy smile. "Run into any big bad wolves yet?" He played along.
"Not yet. Ow!" I went to stand up too soon. "Sorry, last one." He assured me.
I gripped his bare shoulders to stabilize myself as he worked on the last bits of my hair.
When released, I stumble into him. He caught me, then tugged up my hood for the full effect.
"Need some help getting home, Red?"
Jacob's Pov
She blushed deeply and then stomped past me.
"I thought Red wasn't supposed to walk with strangers." She mumbled, continuing our banter.
"But I'm not a stranger." I chuckled, catching up with her. "Well, How do I know you're not a wolf?" She teased.
"I don't know," I smirked. I wondered if I told Layla my secret now, if this would be one big laughable moment, or if I'd absolutely scare her out of her mind.
"Why don't you check to see if I have a tail?" I said instead. Layla giggled, circling me. "No tail, but you are big. And I think bad is subjective."
"Have you eaten any sheep or little old ladies recently?" Layla climbed over a fallen tree, gripping a branch above her. I laughed at that.
"No, I'm more of a steak and potatoes kind of guy..." I let her get ahead of me before I tried something devious. "But I'm not against devouring a beautiful brunette."
I snatched Layla up in my arms, and she screamed playfully. "Jake!" She smacked my back.
I ran with her, grazing my teeth on her neck when I pretended to nip at her. She wrapped her arms around me and squealed.
"Don't let me fall!" Layla struggled for balance in her stiff corset.
"I won't." I ran faster than an average human to show off.
Layla's Pov
"We made it." I breathed, pressing a hand to my core. I've worn a lot of dance costumes, but this corset was the worst.
"Of course, I kinda know where I'm going." Jacob rolled his eyes.
"Thank you, Jake. I guess you are not a bad wolf after all." I winked, heading to the house. It was locked.
"No." I hissed. "What?" He followed me to the back door to check that latch, too.
"Syd locked me out, and the keys are in my locker." I groaned, sitting down for a rest.
"Hold on, I'll be right back." "Jake, wait!" He was already gone. I was stranded and stuck in this stupid, uncomfortable costume once again.
I sat in the grass plucking clovers, looking for a four-leaf, when I heard Jacob's motorcycle pull up.
"No luck; the school's locked up tight." I looked up at him in defeat. "Don't worry, I brought you some clothes."
He handed me some jeans before his growth spurt, a basic shirt, and a baggy flannel.
Jacob waited by his bike while I changed on the side of the house. The corset didn't want to come off, and without a bra, I kept it on under the clothes and rolled up the waistband on the jeans a few times.
I tied up my hair and the flannel around my waist. Jacob gaped at me, approaching.
"What?" I took the extra helmet from his hands. "Nothing."
I went to hide my face with the helmet. It bounced off my ponytail and fell to the ground. "Oops." I had to curtsy to pick it up.
He gently tugged my hair tie down so the helmet would fit.
"Come on, I know a place we can hang out until Syd comes back." Jacob revved the engine and took off.
We continued on a dirt path in La Push, where the rivers met the sea.
The leaves were starting to change color, and a few fluttered down in the slight breeze. We spread ourselves on a boulder slab, and Jacob pulled out some snacks he picked up from the convenience store.
"This is where The old men like to go fishing." Jacob pointed up to the mouth of the river.
"Not so close where the catching is easy, and wide enough for other species besides salmon can be caught."
I picked at the spread of snacks between us. "I like salmon. It's the only meat I'll eat." I bit into a chocolate bar.
It was hard to eat and breathe in this corset, pinching me under the t-shirt.
"We'll have to catch you some on the next salmon run so you don't freeze this winter." He pinched my waist and frowned at the hardness.
"I couldn't get it off," I mumbled. "Let me see." "No." I swatted his hand away.
"You want Syd to help you?" He asked. I bit my lip. "Maybe you could loosen it." I turned around and hiked up the shirt.
"It's making your skin red," Jacob mumbled disapprovingly. "Well, it's not exactly comfortable," I admitted. He plucked at the tight strings.
"Wrong way. Do you have a pocket knife or something?" I gasped. "Hold on." He got up, shuffling around his bike.
"Here." He handed me the knife, and I hiked up the borrowed shirt, letting it hand around my neck so that I wouldn't cut it.
"Must be the front." I fidgeted with the knot, only making it tighter. "You're going to cut yourself," Jacob complained. I fumbled the knife.
It skidded across the boulder. When I reached out to catch it, the knife plopped into the water and sank.
I grumbled a sigh as Jake turned me around by the waist.
"Sorry, I'll get you a new one." "Don't. It's bad luck to gift a knife." He tugged the shirt off from around my neck.
"What do you think are you doing?" I questioned. "Helping you." Jacob found the knot and bent down towards my chest.
I held my peace as his sharp teeth grazed my cleavage. I gripped his shoulders for support. Then I heard a snap.
"How many do you need to cut?" He mumbled, the cord was between his teeth and his hot breath sent goosebumps down my arms.
"Two, maybe three?" He slowly severed the following cords, one at a time, nuzzling my chest with his nose as he moved.
"Can you breathe?" His husky voice broke my bated breath and made my heart race.
"Um, yes, sorry." I tugged the sides open wider, then re-tied the laces less taught.
"Don't be." He just watched me with fond, admirable eyes. There was a hint of lust, but that didn't make me uncomfortable.
Jacob brushed my messy, low ponytail over my shoulder. I think he wanted an excuse to touch my bare skin. "I meant it before."
I was so focused on him that when Jake spoke, he startled me. "What?" "When I told you you're beautiful."
"I'm not that-" "Hey, Jake!" Quil called. He and Embry were climbing up the rocks to see him.
I hurried to grab the shirt Jacob lent me and failed to cover myself up in time.
"Oh, interrupting something, are we?" Quil wiggled his brows. I about died of embarrassment, hiding my face in the shirt within my grasp.
"Get out of here." Jacob chucked a rock at him. It nailed his cousin in the shoulder. "Ow! Okay, okay!" He backed off.
"What did you want?" Jacob called after him. "We'll tell you later!" Embry left with Quil, who retreated, making childish kissy noises.
I stayed still until Jacob removed my feeble barrier. "Ignore them. They're just being nosy jerks." Jacob spoke gently, but he was deeply irritated.
I pulled on the shirt and flannel for extra cover. "Can you take me back?" I asked.
He didn't resist my request and quietly assisted me onto his bike.
Jacob's Pov
I was contemplating all the ways I was going to kill Quil or embarrass him in front of Claire the next chance I got.
Layla wrapped her arms around me and leaned into my back like she was hugging me more than she was holding on.
"You should be wearing a helmet, Jake." I heard her mumble behind me. "I've got a hard head."
"I'm not sure we should put that to the test."
She hopped off my bike and handed back my spare helmet at a distance.
"Layla, when can I see you again?" "You're looking at me now, aren't you?" She dug the toe of her boot into the gravel.
"You know what I mean." I quieted the engine and leaned over on the handlebars.
"If you want to hang out again, we can." The promise sounded non-committal.
"You'll hang out with me as long as it's not a date." I pointed out. Layla nodded with a solemn resolve.
"What's the difference between us hanging out alone and going on a date?" "Do I really have to say it?" She dug her boot in the ground again.
"Yes, I need to know how things would change if we were to date," I asked Layla to explain these invisible boundaries; once I was on the same page, I could knock them down or prove her wrong. And if I were right and there wasn't much of a difference, Layla would have to admit her feelings for me.
"You know, flowers, getting dressed up to go places, paying for things, like dinner, and... I don't know. Jake, what else do you want me to say? Holding hands and taking long walks on the beach?" Layla questioned self-consciously.
"I just need to know for future reference." "Jacob, no. It's not happening." She made a pathetic attempt to argue.
"You need your crowbar?" Syd leaned against the threshold. "What? No!" Layla flinched at the mention.
"I'll forgive you IF you go on a date with me this weekend," I smirked, restarting my bike.
"Afraid she can't," Syd spoke up for her. "Why not?"
"I'm taking Layla up to the Makah Rez for the last public Powow of the season. I thought it would be best for Layla to get in touch with our roots."
"I have theatre, Grandpa." Layla defied. "I'll call your teacher. I'm taking you on Saturday, and we're joining the Uleys and Clearwaters." Syd spoke with finality.
"Then I guess I'm going too. See you later, Layla." I revved the engine. She watched me take off into the tunnel of trees.
Layla put up a good front, but I saw the undeniable interest sparkle in her eye.
Elsewhere, last night
Greta's Pov
"You had one job! One! Kidnap the girl and be on your way." I snarled, pacing the cold concrete floor.
"If you're so great, why didn't you do it? I only had two days to-" "This is the thanks I get for breaking you out of jail? Maybe I should let you rot in prison most of your life, and the day you get out, I'll kill you so that you'll never be a free man again. How does that sound?" I hissed in his face.
"Damn, lady." Logan cringed back. I removed myself from him, glaring at him harshly.
"New deal," I announced. "I won't kill you if you kill the girl. A life for a life."
"I won't have much of a life if I still Wind Up In Prison!" He snapped back. I used my ability on him, removing all his senses as he ate the food I stole for him.
All nerve endings were blocked—no sense of taste, touch, smell—every sensation besides sight. The numbing effect wasn't noticeable at first. No. But when I stopped, all of it would come rushing back. Physically and emotionally. It works better when I enticed fear, but I'm short on time here.
"How much does your life truly mean to you?" I spoke in a cold voice, letting a smile creep across my face as I said this.
I released my ability, and he screamed, twisting on the ground. When the pain subsided, Logan panted. "I'll try again! I'll succeed."
"No. I. Want. Blood." I grabbed his scalp and twisted his head back, exposing his neck. "Preferably hers." I let my icy breath hit his skin.
"Okay! Okay, okay. We'll do it your way." I lowered him to the ground and kneed him in the side. Not hard. Just enough for it to hurt.
"Why can't you kill her?" He asked. I hissed at him again. "It's a fair question!" He held his arms up for protection.
"My master might end up eating her, but she's a distraction to the plans we have as a coven. The sooner the human girl is out of our way, the better."
"Does Layla deserve to die? She's just a fucking girl, like you said, a distraction." "You'd vouch for a girl who rejected you?"
"Hey, I didn't want goody two shoes dead. I wanted to use her." Logan rolled his eyes. "I've had way hotter, but she's still a dime a dozen." He rambled on.
"Seems like you can't forget her." I crooned. "Everyone likes a challenge."
"I'm so glad you said it." I hissed. The fear in his hate-filled eyes was piercing. "I almost want to turn you. You'd be such a good vampire."
"What's stopping you?" Logan's voice trembled.
"Hm. I have too many others to train at the moment, but I'll let you know if a spot becomes available." I made my way towards the door.
"What am I supposed to do? Rot in this warehouse?!" "Hurry up, flesh bag. I'll hide you, house you, and feed you. But you'll do as I say until I have no use for you."
Friday, current day
Layla's Pov
"Hey, Red," "Got the goods, Red?" Embry grinned.
"I think Jake got a peek at those yesterday." Quil chortled.
The guys were relentless in teasing me the next day. I didn't understand why my part in the play was so funny to them.
Okay, so I thought their fun would last maybe fifteen minutes or the whole morning, but it stretched on all day.
"I guess Layla couldn't help being out of the spotlight for long," Molly muttered as I passed her in the hall.
I couldn't forget my car keys in my locker this time.
"Looking deadly, Jake. Working out is paying off." Molly's flirtatious tone made me gag, and it infuriated me more than it should.
Jacob didn't acknowledge her on his way to me.
"Ew, is that nits?" Quil pointed at her head as they passed. "Shut up, short stack." Her friend hissed.
"Want to hit the diner before Port Angeles?" Jacob asked me. It was Friday, and that meant our obligations in the tourist port town.
"I'm not sure we can swing it. Mr. Thompson hired some fancy photographer for headshots. Maybe on a break, I could bring you something?" I amended.
I wanted to pay Jacob back for everything and prove I wasn't this major danger magnet, but I was unsure if anything I could say or do would fully repay his constant kindness.
But I was determined to do something. Or maybe I was lying to myself and was determined to spend more time with him before I couldn't anymore.
"We'll figure it out. I'll meet you out front when you're done." Jacob assured me.
The girls in class huddled around the door frame, peering into the theater room.
Mr. Thompson was speaking with one of the most attractive people I've ever seen. A cold shiver slid down my spine.
This man belonged on the cover of Vogue or a couture runway rather than behind a camera in the middle of nowhere.
"Come on in class. This is Mr. Jean Augustine; he will be taking your headshots today. Go take turns getting dressed in all black in the back, and then line up for your pictures."
Mr. Augustine's ashy blond hair was tied back with golden ringlets. His brow and cheekbones were prominent, and his violet eyes, rimmed in a tired red, seemed to hone in on me as I passed.
It was creepy how enchantingly gorgeous he was. I looked away when he flashed his pearly white teeth. Something about him felt predatory.
In all black, I wore a high necklined quarter sleeve shirt and matching pants. I waited behind all the others, strangely nervous. The other girls didn't seem to mind the direction and attention he gave. Jean was an excellent photographer, working with each person with polite precision and not wasting a moment or frame.
"Miss Moon. Don't waste Mr. Augustine's time." Mr. Thompson called my name when Tiffany hopped off the stool.
I was the last to be photographed; most students had filed out of the room to prepare for rehearsal in the next town.
"Pleasure to meet you." He helped me up on the tiny stage. His touch was ice-cold and marble-like.
"Layla." I introduced. His friendly smile was unsettling. I sat on the stool as he made the adjustments to my curls. Tiffany helped hot roller my hair and pinned it into a half-updo. After a few test shots, Mr. Augustine directed me.
When I saw Embry peeking in the door, I smiled genuinely for the first time.
"Good, but look here. Hm, no. Try this." Mr. Augustine stopped to pull out a makeup palette from his bag.
"A little rouge." His accent slipped from his lips. Jean caressed my jaw and painted a crimson color before blurring it out with his cold finger.
"Perfect."
I heard a commotion in the hall as the last few shutters of the camera clapped.
Moments before
Jacob's Pov
"Are you sure?" I questioned Embry. "Yes," Embry answered.
"A bloodsucker, here?" Jared met us in the hall, smelling the sickly, sweet stench that lingered in the halls and burned in our lungs with every step.
Seth popped out from the adjoining hall as we converged. "Go get the imprints out of here, Seth," I ordered.
"Take them to Emily's." Jared agreed. Seth did what we said, alerting wolves on the way.
We followed the scent trail towards the theater room. My nerves rippled, and my hair stood on end. "Jake. Don't flip." Embry warned me.
The bloodsucker was on the platform with Layla, his hand wrapped around her jaw. It took everything in me not to barrel through the door.
That and the Paige girl who was blocking our way. "You have to wait." Her threatening tone wavered under our intimidating glare.
"It's okay. We're about done." Tiffany swooped in next to her friend to pull her out of the way.
Layla slid off the stand. The purple-eyed freak led her down the steps and grazed his lips against her knuckles, inhaling as he did.
I took a sharp intake of breath, and I was forced to control a tremor that rocked my body.
"Thank you so much for your time, Jean." Mr. Thompson asked the remaining students to help him pack up props and file out of the room.
"Layla, if you see Seth in the hall, follow him," I ordered her. My eyes never left the monster.
"Is Seth alright? Does he need a ride?" Layla blinked at my sudden hostility.
"Please." I gritted my teeth. "What's wrong Jake-" When she came close enough to us, Embry looped an arm around her and escorted Layla out of the school.
It was just Jared, me, and the leech posing as a photographer. He was latching up his box of items when he turned around.
"Can I help you?" The strange purple-eyed vampire faced us. "Your kind are not welcome here," Jared growled.
The male sat up straighter and adjusted his cardigan. "I'm not sure what you mean." His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
"Leave and don't come back." I matched Jared's animosity. "Ah, I see." He picked up his luggage and walked towards the door.
He paused by the exit. "I've already come and sought what I've been looking for. You won't see me again."
We glowered at him. "But, If I may give you a word of advice." He barely turned toward us, looking at me out of the corner of his eyes.
"Stay away from that girl, Ms. Layla Moon. My master is quite taken with her. If you cling to her, you will surely die, too."
"What did you say?" I marched toward him, but the purple-eyed vampire's form camouflaged away, melting into the background like a blurry chameleon.
He moved like a ghost and bolted out of the room. "Shit!" Jared ran out after it or the exit to shift.
I searched for Layla. Desperate to know what he meant. She was outside with Embry, upset.
Tiffany and Paige were with them, complaining about the wait.
"Let's ride," I stated. Keeping them in the public eye was safer than protecting them in La Push.
Layla's Pov
The car ride was awkward. Why didn't Embry take his car and drive his sister and Paige? I needed to be alone with Jacob.
I exchanged loaded glances with him. Tiffany and Paige wouldn't shut up about the good-looking man who totally creeped me out.
When he led me down the steps, the photographer said he would 'see me again soon.' Was I overreacting, or was that weird?
"Don't leave the theater without me or one of the guys." Jake pulled me aside. "Okay? Sure. Am I still stopping by on break or driving you back?"
He and Embry looked so jittery, like he could bolt at any second. "No, I can't. I'll be out late."
Jacob wasn't kidding, and he didn't pick up his phone or loiter on my rooftop like he usually did.
Saturday, Makah Rez
Layla's Pov
Syd unloaded leatherwork from the back of the truck. Sam kissed Emily, taking her woven blankets to the stall he was setting up.
We were at Emily's sister-in-law's house preparing for the powwow that was already going on. Dressing in traditional garb wasn't required, but it was encouraged— most girls my age dressed casually with only a few heritage items.
Emily was expected to go all out. I think Sam was announcing his chief status this evening to the other local elders on council once the public space was closed.
I watched in awe of her attire: A long white embellished dress, pretty intricately beaded moccasins, hair tassels for her braids, and a beaded headband. Emily's shawl was much like the tapestry blankets she made. Instead of the Makah tribe colors, the red and black pattern represented the Quiluete. She hung it over a chair while completing her look.
As I braided Claire's hair, Emily's niece, I kept stealing glances at her.
"All together, you look wonderful, Emily." I complimented. I could tell she was nervous about going into public with her marred body.
Those who knew her were used to the scars. Most of us didn't see them for what they were anymore, but here in Makah, I wasn't sure she had returned since her accident with the bear over a year ago.
"Thank you, Layla. You know Syd left your grandmother's attire here. Why don't you try it on?" She suggested.
"I took a peak. Why didn't you tell us she was a Yakama dancer?" Emily unzipped the bag cover.
I didn't have an answer. I haven't attended an event like this since I was small, and the dances I knew lingered in the far recesses of my mind, but I could recall my grandmother teaching me some things.
Emily and Claire helped me put it on. This dress was pale, bleached tan with tassels on the hem and top by my arms for movement. Colorful beadwork dawned on the neckline, the boot's plain sparse with beading.
I didn't intend to wear my grandmother's beaded headband or the attached two feathers because I hadn't earned them.
"It's okay; this headdress is specific to dance and special occasions. Today is both." Emily assured me.
"Thanks." I suddenly felt as nervous as Emily.
"I hope Syd will like it." "He wouldn't have brought it if he didn't want you to." Claire piped in.
After the hair ornament and painting my eye makeup, I picked up the colorful, rainbowed, tasseled shawl from the bag.
"You look lovely, Layla." Emily wrapped her red and black decorative blanket like a cloak, ready to go. I smiled in thanks.
"What about me?" Claire giggled and spun around in her colorful blue tasseled dress. "Do you plan to dance?" I asked.
"Maybe. If you'll come with me." She gave me a cheeky grin.
"Let's go then." I walked behind Emily and the elder women in the household with Claire.
The drums were heard in the distance, along with the announcer.
Much like a town fair, merchant stands, and tents were facing each other, Surrounding an open space where I assumed the Powowow was taking place.
Emily peeled off to look for Sam while Claire and I continued to browse.
"Do you think Quil is coming?" Claire, the little thirteen-year-old girl, timidly asked me.
"I'm sure if Jacob is coming, then yes, he'll be here," I assured her. It was cute the way she had a crush on him.
We surveyed a jewelry stand set up a ways away from the others. Not many people gathered by it, but it had the most beautiful designs.
Claire trailed behind me, almost wary. The shop owner, Ashkii, was helpful, showing me all sorts of his craftsmanship.
A leather woven bracelet with tiny embedded sea glass beads caught my eye. It was simple and adjustable, with one black stone with thin red lines running through it.
"How much?" I had to get it for Jacob. It seemed fitting to him; he could put it on anything if he didn't like it.
After the purchase, the merchant threw in a necklace for free. It matched my grandmother's dress. Woven white with tiny unnoticeable beads again, but with an oval turquoise pendant in the middle. Claire made a face when I let him put it on.
"Don't worry about it. It's a gift. I don't sell much and want you to have it." He insisted.
"Oh, okay." I tried to give him more money, but he told me to come back another time.
When we were far enough away, Clair spoke up. "You know, in some tribes, guys only give necklaces to girls they want betrothed."
"He's just being a good salesman." I dismissed her. "I'm sure your boyfriend won't like that. You know why no one will go towards his stand, right?"
"No, Claire. Why?" I rolled my eyes. "He may look young, but Ashkii is a weird hermit, and his Aunt is scary. Paler than us."
"Maybe it's not right to hate on those who keep to themselves."
Claire dismissed the conversation when she caught sight of Quil in the distance.
I stuffed the bracelet up my sleeve to hide from Jake, who clustered around Emily's stand with his friends.
"Looking extra trad-ish." Embry complimented. "It's my grandmother's. I promised Syd to try it on." I explained, feeling self-conscious now.
"You look great. Right Jake?" He elbowed Jacob, who wouldn't stop staring.
The distant drums pounded in rhythm as the announcer asked for the men to step up for their fancy dance.
"Come on, Quil!" Claire tugged on his arm. He relented to the young girl.
"Is it that bad?" I asked Jacob, who intertwined his hand with mine. "You look perfect." Jacob's smile melted away my fear.
We watched the men's fancy dance at a distance. "Next up, in a few minutes, we have a few visitors with the Praire Chicken dance." The announcer sounded.
"A chicken dance?" Claire giggled, questioning Quil. "They say it's a magical mating dance." Quil laughed.
"Like to asking someone on a date?" I giggled. "More or less courtship."
An idea struck Embry as he said that, and then he grinned ear to ear. Embry elbowed Quil. They huddled together, conspiring in whispers.
"Hey, cut it out," Jacob called over to them. "Not if it works," Quil called over.
"Hey Layla, if Jacob dances for you, will you go on a date with him?" Embry asked. Jacob rolled his eyes.
"If the chicken dance is sexy enough. Sure." I snickered, playing along. "And if he wins first prize?" Quil asked.
"I'll kiss him in front of everyone." I was totally kidding. I couldn't imagine Jake dressed up in all those bells and whistles.
Jacob nearly choked on his own spit. "Yes!" Quil hissed, conspiring with Embry again.
"You can't be serious," Jacob asked me. "I don't know. Who knows, maybe a magical chicken dance does it for me." I smiled and walked away.
"Layla!" Embry ran up to me, grabbing my arm. He dragged me out to the open space where dancers waited to begin.
Out there, Jacob was decked out in colorful streams and ornaments.
Jake looked absolutely embarrassed and entirely focused.
"Looks like we have a first-time dancer. Trying to prove something to a lady today. Let's see if the ancestors are with you Aho." The announcer spoke, and the drums began.
"What did you guys do? You're going to get him into trouble!" I watched wide-eyed and worried.
"We may have borrowed the traditional grab, but we tipped off the announcer to our scheme." Quil joined us.
Most people laughed along in good fun, while others seemed a little offended.
Jake tried to repeat what the other dancers were doing, although he wasn't taking this too seriously.
I couldn't hold back the laughter when he came closer, bobbing the headdress at us.
I wasn't making fun of him or the prairie dance that didn't come from local tribes, but the fact Jacob was willing to go this far out of his element for me.
Embry and Quil were hooting with laughter, and soon enough, all three of them were caught by the garment's owner and were pulled out of the ring.
I waited for Jacob behind a tent as he changed back into his regular clothes.
"How'd I do?" Jacob smiled down at me. Seeing him again brought back the fit of laughter.
"You're no chicken. I'll give you that." "Impressive enough for a first date?"
"Sure, Jake." I wiped the stray tears of laughter away. I was smiling so hard my face hurt.
"Promise? Hey, you got something there..." Jacob caught something wet and gummy on my cheek.
My colored contact rolled off the tip of his finger. I couldn't cover it up.
"Layla?" My smile faded, and the joy was fleeting. I looked at the ground to evade his gaze.
My monstrous, glaring abnormality was out there raw and naked for him to see.
"Layla, look up at me." Jacob caught my wrist as I went to run away. The fringe and beads on my outfit swayed noisily.
"Please?" He asked.
I held my breath and lifted my head in stiff fragments until I met his encapturing black eyes.
Something intangible in me snapped into place.
It was challenging to put into words...the magnetic warmth melting through me.
I almost felt so light-headed I thought I could faint. Maybe that was because I was still holding my breath.
I gasped for air, and Jacob steadied me in his arms.
If I could compare this strange feeling to anything, it was like I was sitting in the dark for a long time, unable to find a light switch or see where I was going.
Then, someone comes along and finds the switch. Instead of an expected lightbulb dangling from the ceiling, it's a spectacular light show.
Jacob's Pov
Was it possible to imprint twice?
I gently cupped her face in my large hands and stared into her eyes: one dark brown, the other bright silver. It was magnificent, like starlight or the full moon.
So this is what she had been hiding?
My eyebrows shot up. Catori Nokomis. The third wife's legend popped into my mind.
"What is it? Jacob?" Layla breathed. The pull was too strong.
"The love of my life. The night of the wolf chasing the moon." I spoke in my native tongue, and the meaning of Layla's name.
Then I leaned down to kiss her. Firmly planting my lips to hers.
Layla didn't squirm or pull away; she leaned into the kiss. Her heart thrummed almost as loud as the drums behind us.
The magnetic pull was quenched in satisfaction with the kiss, and the electric warmth spread, delighting every nerve with this new level of dopamine.
"Ooooh." "Looks like our little wager worked." Embry and Quil returned.
Layla jerked in my arms and pulled away, frantically looking around for the contact I dropped in the grass.
"Whatcha looking for?" Seth found us. It seemed everyone was converging in on our moment.
Layla ran away, dodging and weaving through the crowd.
"You guys have terrible timing." I scoffed, chasing after my imprint, my moon.