Layla's Pov
I made a quick trip into town to collect a proper windbreaker from Newtons before the bonfire. The store was huge and full of stuffed game and more camping gear than I knew what to do with. Once I found a generic grey waterproof jacket that fit I travelled to the front to ring it up.
"EJ?" I saw his light brown head bob next to a beefy-looking guy.
"Layla!" He ran over and wrapped me up in a nearly bone-crushing hug. "Hi, EJ, I can't breathe." He let me down immediately. "Oops sorry."
"So you're EJ's little friend." A burly young man with alabaster skin and dark curly hair greeted me.
"This is my da- the Uncle Emmet. He's taking me camping this weekend." He made a displeased face at that.
"Nice to meet you. It's supposed to be sunny all weekend. I'm sure it will be more fun than sitting out in the rain."
"It's the squirt's first time." Emmet ruffled his nephew's hair playfully.
"I haven't been either. I don't blame you." I peeked at their cart full of supplies.
"You might want to pack some mosquito repellant. I hear they get pretty bad this time of year." Emmet sounded like he was choking back a laugh or clearing his throat.
"Mosquitos?" EJ arched a brow like I started speaking in a foreign language. "Bloodsuckers," I repeated.
EJ looked to his Uncle for an explanation.
"They're bugs. Forgive him, we move back from upstate New York. They're not many up there due to the uh, cold temperatures." Emmet flashed a pearly white grin.
"Oh. Where are you guys headed?" "Goat rock." EJ frowned again.
"Can I have who's next?" A blond woman with hot pink acrylic nails waved them down.
"Why don't we get that for you?" Emmet offered, taking my waterproof coat off my arm.
"You don't have to." "It's our pleasure, right Emmet?" EJ answered.
"Yes." With one swipe of his platinum card, he tossed the jacket back to me before moving on to their items.
"Don't forget to sign up for the book club!" "Of course. See you EJ. Thanks, Mr. Emmett." He saluted in my general direction.
When I drove up the gravel lane through the tunnel of trees leading to the open space of Moon Ranch I peeked around the bend for Syd's truck.
He was loading something in the back of his Chevy when I pulled up. I hopped out and walked around to see what he was up to.
No doubt finding busy work to skip out on the bonfire.
I wondered if Jacob did good on his part and if the elders had reached out to Syd yet. There was less than an hour to find out.
Syd seemed to be in a decent mood loading pounds of frozen elk meat that had stored up in the outside freezer.
"What's the occasion? Did the wolves run out of food?" I teased.
"We're going to your potluck party thing." "You mean the bonfire." I watched him heave another load into the bed of the truck.
"Sure. You'll be there for that part. Billie and Sue came by insisting it was good for you young people to learn about your heritage. I couldn't disagree with that."
Wow, whatever Jacob said to the elders must have worked.
"I'm making a quick trip over to the Uley place to drop this off for smoking." Syd patted the large lump of meat. The jiggle of fat made me gag.
"I'll come back to pick you up." "Don't worry about it. I'll take my own car." He looked at me skeptically.
"I doubt anyone knows how to cook moose butt." I teased. "It's Elk, but you have a point. They probably don't know." Syd climbed into his truck.
"Don't be late. This is your shindig. Not mine." He reminded me jerking his chin up in my direction as he drove off.
"Sure thing." I agreed and ran inside to get cleaned up.
I felt at ease knowing Syd had community again. But I was nervous for myself. I didn't know what to expect aside from what Seth told me in class. Lots of food, games, and some old legends based on historical events.
I also didn't want to give Jacob any ideas. What qualified as a date here? It's not like there were any fancy restaurants, museums, or clubs around.
I dug through my dresser to find a nice enough blouse to pair with the jeans I was already wearing. The little time I had left I used to pull back my hair in a partially braided ponytail.
When the doorbell rang I skidded in my socks across the hardwood to greet him. Jacob was early.
"Hey, Jake. I'm just grabbing some shoes." I opened the door preoccupied. "No problem." He took in the open floor plan not having to duck in the frame. It was more spacious than most houses around here.
"You're old man has a nice place." "Syd built the place himself so there are a few odds and ends that don't match up. Like the hot water limit, and insulation upstairs is a little iffy." I grunted pulling on my ankle boots. They would give me a little lift while I stood around the pack of boys tonight.
"Mind if we take your car? My bike is acting up." "You have a motorcycle?" I asked intrigued. He grinned at my enthusiasm.
"Yeah, an old Harley. Once I flush out the old fluids and top them off I can stop by."
"I'm sure Syd would have an opinion on that." I snagged my keys off the hook above the coat rack. "Who says he has to know?"
That sounded daring, and fun. I bit back a smile. "We'd have to time it right." Jacob's smile broadened.
"It's a date then." "Maybe." If that term was taken loosely.
There was something about being free from the confines of school that made me relax and open up to Jacob more. He seemed more at ease too.
I followed Jacob's directions weaving through the woods up toward the beach.
"So I take it the elders were cool with it?" I asked clutching the wheel tighter as we closed in on a small yellow house.
"Yes, you're fine." He pointed to the line of cars parked out on the lawn. The drive was all but invisible after we curbed off the main road.
Jacob got out first and opened the driver's side.
"Thanks again for saying something. Syd seems... happy. I think." "Of course." He held out a hand for me to take.
I guess this was the requirement of the so-called 'date'.
I placed my hand in his letting him lead me through the large weeping willow trees. They surrounded the area enclosing over the house and other inhabitants. The canopy of moss and vines blew in the breeze towards us like strands of hair. The leaves clattered softly gracing over us as if waving us over in welcome.
We passed the house abundant with potted plants framing the misshapen stone walkway.
"This is Emily's place. Fiancé to Sam Uley." "Oh." So this was the house of the La Push gang leader and his soon-to-be wife.
"It's the go-to hang-out spot the guys are always talking about," Jacob reminded me. I nodded.
I became increasingly aware of how his hot hand was as it covered mine. A strange electrical current tingled between my laced fingers with his. The heat crept up my arm. I slowed my pace deciding on whether the sensation was my imagination or not. He looked down at me as to why I was dragging my feet.
"Sorry." I picked up my pace again.
"I forget you have baby feet." He teased. My nose crinkled in defiance.
"Not all of us can be big foot." I bantered back thoughtlessly. Then I looked up apologetically. He laughed unoffended.
"Don't push yourself twinkle toes." I had another good rebuttal when Embry snagged me from Jacob's grasp.
"Hey Moon girl!" He picked me up and swung me around in a hug.
"Embry, you're crushing me," I grumbled embarrassed. I'm not sure how much more my ribs could take, twice in one day.
"Hey, Jake. Layla! You made it." Quil took his turn doing the same.
"Hey!" I squeaked. Jacob grumbled at them and re-collecting my hand when my feet touched the Earth. I staggered a bit dizzy.
"You got to come meet everyone." Quil waved us over to a larger group.
"They've been itching to meet you." Embry grinned back at us holding hands. I looked down wondering if I should take my chances with gravity by letting go.
"Hey, Sam! Guess who's here." Embry called for a young man similar in height to Jacob.
This was the ring leader everyone spoke of.
Sam Uley. He had cropped black hair, a wide face with strong cheekbones, and an impossible-to-read stoic expression. If not in this relaxed environment, he wouldn't exactly be someone I'd approach. A willowy woman stood next to him hugging his side. She had darker crow black hair pulled up into cute double braids. Festive striped feather earrings brushed her cheeks as she turned to greet us.
One side of her body was revealed to be completely scarred. It was hard not to stare.
"Jacob!" She greeted him as if not seeing him for ages.
"Check her out." A boy I didn't know whispered to Sam. I observed everyone hiding behind Embry, Quil, and Jacob too.
They parted ways exposing me to the hosts of the party.
"You must be Layla Moon." Sam greeted. His smile cracked his stern façade and made him almost look friendly. "Syd's granddaughter? Emily perked up.
"Hi, thanks for having me." I shook their hands briefly.
"Welcome to the tribe." He affirmed glancing over Jacob and me appraisingly.
"I can't wait to get to know each other." Emily gave me a quick warm hug before stepping back to study me. "They weren't kidding."
"About what?" I asked nervously imagining my clumsy misfortune with week and the stories they could have told. "You're gorgeous."
"Um, Thanks?" I could feel my ears burn with embarrassment. I wasn't good at receiving compliments, and definitely not used to being the center of attention unless it was on a stage where words didn't exist. I retreated a couple of steps back I ran into Jacob.
Embry rolled his eyes. "Are the burgers done yet? I'm starving." Quil raced over to the grills salivating.
"Should we save you a seat or a plate?" Emily asked us. "Thanks but we're going to greet the elders," Jacob announced pulling me away with him.
"She looks kind of like her? Don't you think?" "You mean Bella Swan? Kind of." I heard a couple of guys whisper as we passed through.
Jacob's grip tightened to where it almost hurt and picked up the pace where I stumbled to keep up.
We approached a group of elders like Jacob said.
They stood off to the side of a meat smoker Syd was tending.
A tall old man that wore a cowboy hat with dangling white braids checking the temp of the meat reminded me of an aged Quil. Then he hunched over the cast iron devise to lift the lid enough for a look. A few feet away was a smaller woman in her early forties. Her dark hair turned gray at the roots had grown into a long bob that skimmed her collar bones. The beaded turquoise necklace swayed over her Patagonia sweatshirt as she walked forward to greet us.
That reminded me of my jacket that I conveniently forgot in my room. Beside her was an old man wearing a plaid red shirt sitting in a wheelchair.
"Hey Dad," Jacob called out to the group. I double took at Jacob and yanked on his hand.
"Your father's on the council?" I hissed in a whisper. Jacob's grin widened so I know he heard me.
The man in the wheelchair pivoted to face us. He beamed when he caught sight of us, or more particularly, me with Jacob.
"This is Layla." He proudly introduced. His humorous smile remained plastered on his face. I resisted the urge to glare at him and forced a pleasant smile. It felt like I was some sort of long-term girlfriend brought home to meet the family for the first time.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you. Jacob's told me so much about you." He reached out grasping my free hand in his. "Dad." Jacob clipped in a warning.
My smile became genuine at Jacob's embarrassment. It was funny to see such a childish expression on top of his tall frame. It almost made him look like a sixteen-year-old. I mean he was, but physically he did look older.
"It's nice to meet you." I felt like a robot regurgitating the same phrase over again. "Call me Billie." He released his two-handed shake and gestured to the others to introduce them.
"Stop hogging her Bill. Sue Clearwater. Welcome." The woman interrupted introducing herself first.
"She reminds me a lot of Ruth." An Old Quil glanced back at Syd who seemed proud of that fact.
"Ruth was a good friend of mine. Let me know if you need anything." Sue's smile crinkled her eyes.
"Last but not least-" Billie introduced with a drum roll on his legs. "Quil Ateara Senior." He tilted his hat at me. Wow, a man of fewer words than Syd. They should get along great.
"Enjoy the cookout Kowlieshkah." Syd waved me off. They closed their circle as if getting back to a previous conversation.
They laughed amongst themselves along with a few other members of the tribe lingering within hearing distance. My face burned from embarrassment and I yanked my hand free from Jacob's.
"What did he call you?" Jacob asked me. I marched out ahead of him peeved and embarrassed. Syd needs to stop using my middle name outside of the house. I mean it wasn't like I was in trouble. It was so uncalled for.
"Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. That wasn't cool."' Jacob apologized. "What? Oh right, your dad is on the council."
"Yeah." "It would have been nice to know. You don't know how worried I've been." I crossed my arms facing him.
"I'm sorry." He gave me an earnest look like he wanted me to forgive him. "Don't worry about it."
"Thanks, Lay." "Please don't call me that." I clipped heading off without him again. That term of endearment was off-limits to everyone, but one person. Who may or may not think of me at all anymore.
"I keep making you mad." He complained more so to himself. "No, its not you. Maybe I'm just a little hangry."
"Let's get you some food then." We headed back to his friends gorging themselves on the spread laid out for them. Emily lectured them on letting the others go first before they took thirds for themselves.
When Kim and April arrived I sat with them outside of the splash zone of messy munchers.
Kids and adults alike played games like cornrow across the lawn. Some others brought some instruments to play as background. With all the formalities out of the way, it seemed like a nice neighborhood klatch.
Almost an hour later Sam called the guys together for a mini meeting. April ran off to find Collins while Kim linked arms with me bringing us over to watch the commotion.
"I just wanted to formally invite our brother back after his long journey." Sam's deep voice boomed. The boys yipped and cheered while Jacob stood in the center of the circle looking awkward and embarrassed. Billie even rolled around the thick grass with, who Kim pointed out to be, Jacob's sister Rachel.
"Dad?" Jacob looked at him questionably. "Go on." Billie waved his hand to Sam who gestured for Seth.
He pulled out a large box from under a table and walked over handing it to Jacob. "Go on. Open it."
Kim unlinked her arm from mine to drift towards Jared. I lingered in the back as everyone egged Jacob on to open his gift.
It seemed to me that his time hiking up to Canada and back had some greater significance I wasn't aware of.
Jacob reluctantly opened the white box. Out of it, he lifted up a leather jacket fitting for a motorcyclist. On the shoulder was a La Push patch and on the back was an embellished face of a snarling wolf in the black leather. There were letters above and beneath that I couldn't read from how far I was. Were they a motorcycle gang too? I had almost ridden off the notion of them being some group like that but...
"We hope it fits yah. Sam was our model. If not Ma will help size it." Seth encouraged. Jacob held it up appreciatively then draped it over one arm.
"Thanks, guys."
"No problem." Quil handed him the next gift. Jacob looked like he'd rather die than open up another present.
An unwrapped black skull cap helmet was shoved into his arms.
"Guys." He detested. "Last but not least." Billie handed him an envelope.
"A partial scholarship for the mechanic apprenticeship you signed up for."
That was nice of them. I retreated from the crowd feeling like I had intruded upon a private moment amongst friends.
Wanting to give him some time with his loved ones I drifted towards the shore undetected.
I wish I would have known it was Jacob's homecoming party. Maybe I would have picked up a gift card at Newton's while I was out today. Or perhaps I wouldn't have come at all since I didn't know him that well.
I headed towards the shore to explore what I could. I expected a beach of beige granules but the ground remained rocky the farther I traveled. Multicolored pebbles made up the shore after a while. I reached down to pick up one that caught my eye. A deep green almost black stone with turquoise specs in it. After studying it in the golden haze of twilight I stuffed it in my pocket as a keepsake for my limited time here.
The crashing waves tumbled down into a calm stretch as the sky split into pink and purple hues behind me.
A quickened crunching of rocks approaching caught my attention.
"Layla!" Jacob ran towards me. "Sorry about that." His sprint didn't cost him a shred of breath.
"For what? There's nothing to apologize for." I craned my neck up at him. "I didn't know they were going to do that. How embarrassing." He mumbled.
I laughed to myself as I watched his russet cheeks darken a tint. It faded when he thought of something else.
"That and I left you alone. I'm being a bad host." "No, no, you're fine," I assured him.
"What are you doing out here? The stories are about to begin soon." "I was just checking out the beach."
"We can walk down it later if you'd like." "Sure." I shrugged committing loosely. I silently walked back with him.
"What's up? Do you not want to hear the histories?" He observed the wider space between us I kept. We stopped short of the path leading back up toward the others on higher ground.
"I just wish I knew to get you something. I feel so rude." I fumbled over my words.
"You don't owe me anything." The sentiment felt genuine. He held a hand out toward me to take.
Jacob must have seen my apprehensive look in the eclipsing light. "You being here is more than enough."
The last light refracted off the water lighting up his face, and his black eyes seemed to capture the last glimpse of the day even after the sun had set. His gaze solidified something wavering within me.
"Are you sure?" I whispered. "Absolutely." His beautiful smile made my heart flutter.
I found him in the dark. Catching his core instead of his hand he chuckled. "I got you." He replaced my hand into his grasp leading me deeper into the nightfall.