Disclaimer: This story is rated T/ M (Mature) Content may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. It will most likely contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, suicidal ideations, and strong language.
Part 1
Layla's Pov
I jiggled the handle of the metal filing cabinet, prying it open for my cell phone.
I didn't realize until days later that I shouldn't be without it for the sake of a certain someone.
I had been right, and too late. Niccolo messaged me several times. The vampire was sending someone to check on me.
"Mel's here," Syd called up. "Coming!" I shoved my phone into my pocket and joined my Aunt for our Sunday Port Angeles trip.
I wasn't particularly looking forward to it, but I had to get out of town before the vampire found me.
Mel took pity on me over Wren's restrictions and allowed me to skip mass and walk downtown with Iris.
"Where is he?" I asked. " Rowan's Recovering. He's fine; muscle and bones heal faster than other stuff," Iris informed me.
"I don't think he should pursue my personal crusade anymore," I said, rummaging through the thrifted bookstore.
"I don't think he has a choice. Werewolf creed and all that." Iris shrugged.
I knew she had to be deeply worried about him, too, but I had the feeling she knew more than me.
"Is it true that he'd rather go home to Ireland, for you know?" I asked.
"I'm sure Row wants both. He can't be everywhere at once, doing it all himself." Iris seemed distracted by her novel selection.
"What do you think would it take for him to leave?" I questioned, mostly to myself.
"Why do you ask?" Rowan appeared behind us. I threw my arms around him, clinging to him out of relief.
"Now, this is a reception." He held me to himself. "You're okay."
"Thanks to you two and the full moon," he said. "And a doctor," Iris jabbed.
"Speaking of. Don't do that again. Toss me in the river where I'll recover better and faster. I wouldn't have to wait for my guts to fall back in place."
I shuttered, pulling away from him. "Let's grab a bite to eat." He said.
The Corner Cafe, Port Angeles
"Now, why are yah getting rid of me?" Rowan questioned; he was eavesdropping before.
"After what happened, I've been thinking, maybe you should be fighting your own battles, not mine."
"And what? Leave you in the clutches of an evil vampire. Are you delusional?" He scoffed, biting into a blackberry scone.
"It's your life on the line, Rowan. I want you to win where it matters. What happens to me is my problem."
He and Iris stopped eating and shot me a stern look.
"Look, Layla love, I'm touched you're finally coming around to finding a soft spot for me, but this is werewolf business."
I silently disagreed. I wasn't sure I regretted asking for Rowan's help, but I didn't want to be responsible for his death.
I couldn't stand to see him torn up like that again, and I was certain I didn't want Jake in that position either.
I sighed, so much for help. My eyes caught Caleb scanning the cafe for me. "Hold on, stay here."
I got up to visit Caleb outside. Rowan's eyes followed me through the display window.
Caleb was sent to check on me. Turns out Niccolo was concerned and almost came here himself.
The recent attacks on his newborn vampire recruits and the two guards Rowan dismembered and burned were worth Niccolo's investigation.
He was considering the Voltori or something along those lines.
I assured Caleb my blood and hair were left behind due to platform boots on cobblestone streets.
He frowned, still speculating. I wasn't sure he believed me. "Tell me, is there something else we should know about?" Caleb inquired.
"No. Why?" I intentionally made my eyes widen with innocence.
"Stay safe. A paranoid Niccolo isn't what we need or what anyone likes." When Caleb disappeared, Rowan was outside with me.
"What was that?" he hissed. "They're scared and looking for the target." I relayed the information.
Rowan's grim smile had me worried.
We were about to part ways, and Aunt Mel was expecting me.
"Could you cool it on the hunting front for a while? I have to wait until restrictions are lifted to join you two." I requested from Rowan.
"We'll talk about that later," he said. "No, let's talk about it now," I demanded.
"You're not coming with me anymore. Neither is Iris." He said with finality. "You can't be serious."
Rowan and I were supposed to be working together. Suppose I was on my own again.
If I were, I might as well be dead.
Jacob had found us on the downtown strip. He was picking up on our usual meet-up spot. Rowan's sharp silver eyes narrowed.
"Hey, leprechaun," Jake greeted. Rowan was maybe six foot three inches in height, and Jacob was a good six-seven, making it much funnier.
"But out, big foot," Rowan retorted, displeased at my humored expression.
"Layla," Jacob called my name. After greeting, I zoned out, missing pieces of their conversation.
"Come on, let's spend the day together like we used to," Jacob said. Rowan crossed his arms and looked smug about whatever their bet was.
"How about if you give back my charm, I'll consider it," I said, knowing it was hidden and in my possession.
"Okay. It's a date." Jacob's determination jilted Rowan's confidence. My fake boyfriend feigned a realistic look of betrayal.
"What? You can't say Valentine's Day was very...romantic?"
"Fine. If you want me to charm the pants off yah. I can and I will. Just you wait." Rowan stole a quick peck on my cheek and left with Iris.
Later
Jacob's Pov
I only found four stray beads. I've done everything except pull up the baseboards to find the charm.
"Jake." Billie's chair was unable to move around the furniture I flipped into the hallway.
"What? I'm busy." "Syd's taking Layla to Seattle. They left not too long ago."
I tossed over a couple of planks and stood up. "Have Paul fix this, or I'll get to it later."
Layla's Pov
I paced the hallway of Seattle Hospital. Wren had a seizure at the office, and his co-worker brought him here.
Aunt Mel, and Syd sat at his bedside in the cramped room as the Doctor debriefed them.
My father was confused and full of anxiety. It was difficult to watch, let alone calm him down.
According to the assessment, this wasn't the first one. While they were occupied with this negative news, I called Niccolo.
"My Bella. Caleb spoke with me concerning you." He sounded relieved.
"Layla," I said curtly, correcting him. "I thought you were taking care of my father."
"Yes, his addiction was rather strong. You know there are repercussions to alcoholism." Niccolo spoke casually. "Meaning?" I pressed.
"Either way, his health is declining. Wren can either drink until his body quits, or he can go into recovery and experience withdrawals." Niccolo explained.
"Will it kill him?" I questioned. "Who's to say?" His voice echoed. As I hung up, he was right there in the hospital wing.
"I've set up a space for you." Niccolo led me into another room for a private blood draw to feed.
That's right, I didn't pay February dues.
"How was your Valentines, my Bella?" "Stop calling me that," I spoke with the hidden venom I had for him.
"Why not? You don't like to be called beautiful in my home language?" His compulsion was sneakily woven in.
"The boy I like, he's in love with someone else and her name is Bella."
Niccolo's brows shot up, and he licked his lips at the juicy information or perhaps it was my blood siphoning into the IV bag.
"Is this Rowan not over a past love, or is she a new fixation?"
"No. I don't know that either, actually." When I realized this, I felt more concerned about it than I should.
Was I being used by both of these boys to get over their ex-girlfriends? Was I all but second place holder?
"Is this boy you like not Rowan?" He questioned. I bit my lip, feeling guilt turn in my stomach.
"You don't strike me as the manipulative, vengeful type. But who would you go to such great lengths for? "
"It wasn't intentional. Rowan started things, but Jacob-" Niccolo reached around me for the blood bag to drink it.
"Rowan is the one I met. Yes?" "Yes," I answered. "Hm. What about this, Bella, and where does this leave Jacob?"
"I don't know, she's with another."
"Distance does make the heart grow fonder. It's hard competing with a fantasy." Niccolo combed his icy fingers through my hair.
He seemed to enjoy my floundering pain and the perfume of my scent when he wafted my hair.
"Humans are so fickle. Tell me what Rowan thinks of this development." "He doesn't know." I stammered.
"A man always notices a rival. So I think he's well aware of something. You should have seen the look he gave me." Niccolo laughed.
Niccolo's interest in me was something I never wanted, and now he was gleaning too much.
"I'll leave you to your family. However, I will have one of my men watching you in the city at all times from now on. I can't leave you unattended."
He finished the blood bag and tossed it in the trash. "You will tell me if you notice any new vampires outside of the coven you've met."
"Yes." "Hm, It's too bad. Bella would have made a wonderful vampire name for you." Niccolo swooped out the door without a trace.
I sat in the IV chair, overthinking about the future. What did Niccolo mean by 'vampire name'?
If he was still planning to change me in eight years, did that include wiping away my identity completely? These thoughts frightened me.
Yanking down my sleeve, I grappled with that destiny. I couldn't imagine becoming a vampire, not just then, but ever.
'Are you going to do something or die trying?' Rowan's words from the gym echoed in my head.
Dizzily I stood up too quickly. I leaned into the wall, walking back to my dad's hospital bed. "Layla!" Jacob jogged down the hall.
"Jake?! What are you doing here?" I stood up straight. "I heard what happened."
"Thanks, but you shouldn't have come." "Why not?" He asked.
"It's a delicate situation. Wren had a seizer, and-" I trailed off, distracted by the vampire watching us from around the corner.
Jacob turned to see what I was starting at. His face twisted in disgust, just missing it.
"We should check on him," I said. "Sure." His black eyes became ever-vigilant, and his body shielded me as we walked. No doubt he could smell them.
Jacob refused to leave my side the entire time. I appreciated his thoughtfulness, but he couldn't be here amongst the vampires lurking about.
After we had situated my dad at his apartment, Mel offered to stay with him.
Syd drove us back to La Push. I sat silently, fumbling with the phone in my pocket.
I considered calling Niccolo to use his compulsions to aid Wren again. What would it take to help my dad?
AA meetings, therapy, a life coach? The list went on in my head.
"Stop stressing, kid. It's not your fault," Syd said from the front seat.
But it was, and they didn't know it. I was forcing my dad to get clean with a vampire's compulsion, and it was hurting him.
Jacob gently took and held my free hand in his lap as if he sensed my stress bubbling over.
His warm, magnetizing touch was my only relief. I didn't pull away, watching dusk descend into darkness.
Rowan was waiting at Syd's place, flowers in hand.
"Oh no," Syd grumbled. "Ugh," Jacob groaned. "Be nice." I hissed to them.
"I'll see you later then." Jacob gave me a prolonged hug, which I greatly needed in spite of my secret circumstances.
"Yeah." I pulled away to see Rowan impatiently waiting for me and ignoring Jacob's presence entirely.
"Let's get this over with." Syd didn't like the surprise visit, probably because my grandpa wanted more preparation time to intimidate Rowan away.
Syd still tried, but Rowan, being himself and a werewolf, couldn't be bothered by a cranky old man.
His main struggle was not to be disrespectful or crack an inappropriate joke at the wrong moment.
"I apologize for not coming here sooner. Just know I'm crazy about her." Rowan attempted sincerity.
"More like you make me crazy," I mumbled lowly, knowing he could hear me. I saw the corners of his mouth twitch up with humor.
"If you want to see her, you'll prove it." Syd lit his cigarette and pointed towards the barn with his lips.
Something told me he was going to extort Rowan for physical labor, and I was right.
Syd had him move some of the most heavy equipment to see if Rowan would wimp out. Not expecting superhuman strength, he made up some additional tasks.
I waited inside the house, debating my father's fate and whether I should call off Niccolo's compulsion.
Rowan washed his hands in the kitchen sink an hour later. "She's still grounded until the end of the month." Syd reminded him grumbling ot his office.
I walked my more official phony boyfriend out.
"How'd it go?" I teased. "I think you're worth a few splinters."
"Oh, that's good." I rolled my eyes. "Hey, I'm doing a lot more than that." He said, stepping closer.
Rowan was taking down an entire coven of vampires for me and for whatever werewolf creed he had been promised.
I wondered which was his greater motivation. Not that it mattered.
"I was thinking about our next steps concerning—" he started. I averted my eyes.
"You didn't." Rowan stared, reading me perfectly. He observed how tired I was after giving a liter of blood.
"I'm sorry, we were returning from the Seattle hospital. My father had a seizer." I explained.
"You're not supposed to leave without me, and you didn't bother to call?" He scowled. "Oh, so it can't go both ways?" I retorted.
"You almost got killed." Rowan's raspy voice lowered, and his eyes scanned the woods behind us.
"So did you." I hissed back. "Because of you." The weaponized guilt took me back. That wasn't like him.
Maybe I wasn't free from endangering others, and I was lying to myself.
"I should have never involved you two." Rowan continued to his motorcycle.
"Then don't. I'll do this on my own." I said. "Let's talk about this later." He straddled his bike, lifting his chin.
I kissed his cheek for show. "Later." I reminded him.
In the tree line, we had an audience, the gleaming eyes of a familiar group of wolves.
What was the point of the dating facade with Rowan if we were going to butt heads and go our separate ways?
I sighed, watching his tail lights disappear in the tunnel of trees.
The week dragged on, and the grounding made me want to rebel. I wanted to see Rowan. At any moment, he could be hunting down vampires without me.
One day, I hatched a plan to hide a dirt bike in the woods close to a trail that ran into Forks.
I'd have to skip across the highway here and there, but it was my only plan to escape my limitations.
As I returned from planting the dirt bike in a ditch, covering it with leaves, I passed Jacob's house.
Curious and missing him greatly, I peered into his window.
His room was wiped clean with no furniture, even the walls were cleared of posters and the closet was cleared.
"You've checked everywhere, Jacob. Give it a rest and talk to her." Rachel peered in from the hallway.
"Easy for you to say," Jacob said. "Why don't you take a break and come visit Mom's grave with me? Paul and I are going-" "No Thanks." Jake declined abruptly.
"Why not? We're going as a family." Rachel demanded. "I don't need this right now." Jacob stormed out of the house.
I rounded the small red home and stood in the driveway, catching a glimpse of russet fur in the woods.
I hadn't noticed it, but I reappeared in their driveway.
"Layla! I didn't see you there. Can you call Jake for me? He's being stubborn about visiting our Mom's grave." Rachel requested.
"No," I answered flatly. Paul stopped short, almost dumping Billie from his chair.
"Why not? He's a part of this family he needs to be there." "Where were you when Jake needed you?" I questioned.
"Excuse me? That's rich coming from you." Rachel stepped up to me, becoming heated.
"I understand death is a heavy burden, but what did you and your sister do when Sarah passed? You skipped town, and Jacob stayed. He faced the hard thing alone and supported your father, who was busy mourning his wife and worrying about his girls."
"He was too young to remember-" Rachel denied.
"No, he wasn't. Jacob remembers everything. Why do you think he tinkers on cars? He wishes he could fix it." I was getting teared up defending him.
"So no. I'm not going to make him do anything." I said when Rachel had nothing to say.
Billie smiled and patted Paul's hand. "Let's go." Paul grimaced, gathering him and his fiance towards the car.
Later
Jacob's Pov
After blowing off some steam, I waded around the woods. I watched Layla from afar, near her usual spot on the riverbank.
Paul approached me. "Are you going to roast me about Rachel?" "No, she's waiting for you to come home so she can apologize."
"What, why?" My sisters didn't do that. Okay, sometimes, but they'd buy me a car part or bring me some food instead.
"You should be asking who." Paul showed Layla defending me through the pack's mind.
"I may not have enjoyed her talking to my imprint that way, but I thought you deserved to know about yours."
Layla really saw me. I wasn't fully conscious of the whole car thing with my mom's accident, but it made sense.
I lifted my head to look at Layla pacing the bank and throwing rocks until she grew weary. "Shoot." Layla rolled up her sleeve and rubbed her arm.
I crept towards the river until she saw me across the water. I was about to wade through to her when Sam's howl ripped through the air.
"Embry's sister thought she saw a skinwalker." Seth piped in the pack's mind. "That can't be right." Quil thought. "I didn't see anything," Embry said.
"I saw something—a funky-looking scrawny wolf." Joseph speculated. "That's what Leah saw before in October! What color was it?" Seth questioned.
"Grey-ish white?" Joesph answered. We scoured our lands and found a fresh scent that looped the mountains.
That was another thing to look out for.
The elusive wolf wanted nothing to do with us. Not that we found it, but there were whispers dancing on the edges of the pack mind only Sam and I could hear.
'There's so many of them.' 'If only there were a way around.' Those were the two indistinct thoughts we captured.
Sam kept to the woods with a few pack members while I attended school.
Every day, it becomes more difficult to see Layla whither away.
As my frustration grew, I moved on to something new. I was going to find out who or what Rowan was.
I stalked his every move outside of school; I hid in the woods behind his house, watching the windows and waiting in the brush, listening in with my heightened hearing.
Once the lights were out for the night, I heard giggling—Layla's laughter from Rowan's room. She was supposed to be grounded.
Seth hadn't seen her leave the property, and her car was parked in my garage.
If this wasn't her, Layla was about to get hurt. That earned me a fraction of hope and immense guilt for wishing that to be true.
"Why don't we give the charades a rest for tonight?" Rowan questioned. "And do what? Argue?" No, that was Layla's voice.
"No, I can think of something else we can do." My heart sank. I didn't know how physically involved they were or where this would lead.
"Be for real, Rowan. It's late. I need to get home before Syd notices I'm gone." She said.
"Do you need a ride?" "I brought the dirt bike; I'm taking Zach's back, so you better have gas in it."
"Can you reach the pedals?" Rowan chuckled at his lame joke. "I do just fine." Layla lightly jabbed his core. He dodged it and pulled her in.
"Rowan, I really have to go. Oh, and Iris is keeping tabs on you for me so if you skip town-" "You can't stop me." He is said almost mockingly.
"Please, for me?" She pleaded. "I'm doing this for you."
I followed Layla as she left the house, entered the forest, and crossed the highway to ensure her safety.
I crouched low to see where my imprint carefully stashed the dirt bike.
I had to admit that was a good plan, but I wasn't going to allow Layla to accidentally get hit by a car in the night for Rowan to have any extra opportunities with her.
The bike was coming with me.
The Following Night
Jacob's Pov
"The weird white wolf is back," Embry announced in the pack's mind. "How'd it cross our boundary?" Sam questioned.
"What's it doing here? They keep running away." Seth said.
"Those who run have something to hide," I said, running into the crisp air and dodging between birch trees.
We chased the scent toward the trails behind the neighborhoods. Then I saw it, the whole thing, not a glimpse like the others.
It was skinny, hairy, and shaped like a wolf but it had longer, leaner limbs. The white fur was iridescent in the moonlight as it moved making it look silver.
The white wolf turned its head and caught sight of prey, a rustling in the woods in the side ditch where deer liked to gather.
Layla sat up in the pile of leaves and looked for the dirt bike I had stolen from her hiding spot. 'No.' I thought.
"Jacob, wait until we have it surrounded!" Sam warned.
Layla saw it too, her brown eyes going wide, staggering to get up. The strange wolf didn't move, lowering itself further, probably to pounce.
I let out a warning growl. It hissed disturbingly at me, getting closer to my imprint. Layla stumbled back, ready to run.
The wolf chased her, and I ran after it. 'Stay away from her!' I growled at it.
'She's mine,' a female voice echoed. Turning to snarl back at me, baring sharp monster-like teeth, she stood up on her hind legs.
"Is that? A fucking werewolf?" Embry questioned in my head. They were unable to hear it as I did
"Whatever it is, it won't touch Layla." I barreled for it, encouraged my size and strength would be in my favor.
But the weird wolf caught and threw me into the trees. I rolled over, blocking the path toward my imprint.
"She's after Layla," I informed the others. They surrounded the thing, and it hissed menacingly.
We enclosed on it. "State your business, monster," Sam ordered. "I've come for what is mine. Then I will leave." She said.
The hackles on my neck raised instinctually. "I know you're not taking my mate." I clawed the ground, ready to fight.
Embry and Quil snapped at her from the sides first.
She used the trees to swing above us to escape our circle. When it landed, the white wolf roared possessively in my direction.
Layla's Pov
I sprinted through the woods, hearing nothing but snapping and snarling behind me.
I had to make it to the house.
The sounds were getting closer, so I turned myself invisible. I sat at the base of a tree attempting catch my breath and stretch out a charley horse.
The white werewolf was silent and so graceful, combing through the forest. It sniffed, looking for me.
Oh no, could it smell me like this?
Its large head peeked between the trees. I held my breath, holding very still.
If I wasn't so scared I would have admired how beautiful this monster was.
It sniffed again, narrowing its eyes to where I was. I gripped a rock beside me and chucked it farther from my spot.
It skidded down the hill, mirroring footsteps.
When the werewolf moved, I ran again.
I narrowly dodged the Jacob wolf, sprinting after it. I rolled under his paws, down the hill into the lawn of Syd's property.
I called Rowan from inside the house. "There's another werewolf. The pack is after it." I informed him, peeking outside.
"Are you alright? What did it look like?" Rowan questioned. "I'm safe. I don't think it saw me."
"Good. I'll let them take care of it then," he said. "Okay," I whispered, not wanting to wake Syd.
I guess I couldn't ask Rowan to come over with so many wolves out. The pack could mistake him for the other enemy.
"I'll pick you up from now on. I don't want you risking it in the woods." "Okay," I said again.
"I can see you first thing tomorrow," Rowan assured me. "What do you think it wants?" I asked.
"Who knows? The Pacific Northwest meets most of our environmental needs. Perhaps it's testing the territory to see if it's taken."
I let out a breath I was holding.
"Worst news could be cross-hunting a vampire."
I was able to relax now. "Thanks for picking up." "That's what your unfriendly neighborhood werewolf is for."
"Yeah, see you later, Row." I laughed humorlessly, hanging up.
Within the hour, he was throwing rocks at my window. "I thought a good boyfriend would be here tonight."
I smiled, opening my window for him.
Rowan's Pov
Layla leaned into me. I draped an arm around her soft body, holding her to my chest.
The girl clung to me, twitching in her sleep and making undecipherable mumblings.
I chuckled, watching both the window and the door to ensure nothing else would surprise us tonight.
All was quiet. The howling bowed out not long after I arrived. "Rowan." She breathed. "Yes?"
"Don't leave me," Layla whispered. "The sun is almost up." I tucked my head over her's, securing my arms.
When Layla registered my voice through her sleepy stupor, I felt and heard her heartbeat jump and thrum faster.
I wove my fingers through her hair, enjoying its thick, silky texture.
"Forgive me, little lamb." I slowly removed Layla from me, laid her on the bed, and kissed her forehead before I left.
The following morning
Layla's Pov
Jacob wasn't answering my calls.
I waited for someone to answer Billie's door, but no one did. I rounded the small red house.
They had to be home. I thought. I turned invisible to peer into Jacob's window.
In his room, all his things were mostly put back in place.
Billie, Quil, Embry, and Seth stood blocking the bed. I waited for some of them to move.
When they did, Jacob was lying naked across his bed, covered by the sheets he was tangled up in.
Claw marks dragged down his chest. I gasped silently at the sight.
"The wounds won't heal." Quil scowled. "He is; look, it's slow." Embry pointed out. Seth touched the wound, and Jacob grunted.
I gripped the window sill at his pain.
Seth's fingers held up a silvery-lined liquid mixed with Jacob's blood. "It's like a poison. Ow." Seth shook his hand as if the substance stung.
"No." I breathed. Their heads shot up, and Quil opened the window. I stepped aside despite being invisible.
"Leave the window open. I'm fine; it will pass. I can feel it dissolving." Jacob winced. Embry left a Pepsi on his nightstand for him.
"We'll be back to check on you. I have to see Joseph; His hip and leg should be ready to reset." Seth left with Quil to assist him.
"Sam got bit by the beast. He was completely paralyzed, so I'll see if he can move his toes." Embry ducked out.
Billie was left alone with his son. He laid warm, wet cloths over Jacob's wounds stuffed with a herby paste.
"A werewolf, huh? It's not like our brothers to harm us."
"It's not the first," Jacob coughed. "True, are you sure you'll be alright?" Billie spoke seriously.
"Let me sleep it off. I'll be fine. The edges are stinging, so it's finally closing."
When Billie wheeled away, I climbed in through the window to sit at his bedside. Jacob's eyes were closed, forehead profusely sweating.
"Jake?" I whispered. He didn't respond. I lifted the edges of the rags to see his wounds closing on their own.
"I'm so sorry this happened to you." I switched out the old rags for new wiping away the unabsorbed medicine.
"Layla," he muttered in his feverish state. "Yes, I'm here." I gently laid the new rags where I saw Billie place them.
Jacob faintly smiled. "You know I'd do anything for you." I wiped his brow clean and brushed his black hair away from his face.
"I know. That's what I'm afraid of. I can't have you getting hurt," I whispered.
He cracked his eyelids open. "I must be fever dreaming," Jacob muttered. Unable to see me, he closed his eyes again.
"Well, as long as I am... Layla, will you kiss me?"
I waited for his breathing to deepen and remain even before leaning over and lightly brushing my lips against his.
"Of course, my love." I stepped aside; he lazily reached off the bed for me. I fought the urge to stay, but Billie returned.
He placed his son's limb on the mattress. Then he gauged the wounds, noticing clean rags.
Billie looked around suspiciously.
As I escaped the house, I found my brother's dirt bike propped up on the siding.
It seemed that Jacob had found my hiding spot. I would have to find a new place to stash it.
I took it for a spin, driving along the main road and avoiding the forest to visit my friend EJ.
Part 2 Truth Teller
We walked along the Cullen property line between the tall trees. He climbed over a fallen log and claimed a spot for the final vision he wanted to show me.
"This one is pleasant and precious to me," EJ said, holding out his hands. I smiled at the good news and entered his grasp.
The vision was beautiful: Bella's wedding. Fresh freesia flowers draped from every direction, especially the ceiling, and everything Alice did for the event was amazing. If I'd ever seen a perfect day, it was this one, and it was refreshing to see someone receive their happily ever after. At least Bella and Edward's love would last.
Towards the end of the evening, Edward spun his new wife off the dancefloor for a surprise. Jacob made it in time for one last dance with Bella. It was a sweet and sorrowful goodbye. Eventually, Jacob went without much grace, and Edward collected his bride for the remaining reception. Altogether, minus the minor infraction, it was a perfect one-of-a-kind wedding for the unique couple embracing an eternity together.
"I'm glad you think so." EJ grazed his finger under my eye. "A happy tear this time." He delightfully tasted it out of curiosity.
"This next part, I wanted to share aloud." EJ pulled away from me, and I rested my hands in my lap. "Okay," I said attentively, adjusting my posture.
He took a deep breath. "Edward and Bella... are my biological parents. I'm half-vampire."
Confusion flooded my face, and he rested a hand on my knee to gauge my thoughts.
"How can that be? The timing doesn't make sense." I stared at his features, picking apart which belonged to Bella and others that were Edward's.
I had to admit that EJ was almost a carbon copy of Edward if you traded bronze hair for light brown and gold eyes for green.
"I grew up quickly. Months were like years for me." When I was too stunned to say anything, he continued to babble.
"According to Carlisle, I was born with a fully developed adult brain, so I'm not effectively 'young' as I am naive."
"Oh, so you have Bella's memories because she's your mother?" I spoke my thoughts aloud.
"I absorbed them unintentionally, and a few of my father's too..." He frowned.
"What about your name? I never asked. I always thought it was Emmet Jasper."
He cackled at that. "I wish. Rose would have loved it. No, my name is Edward Jacob Mason." EJ explained.
"Well, Eddy, the half-vampire, it's nice to meet you." He grinned, shook my hand, then yanked me into a vice-tight embrace.
"I do have one question, though. Are you a vegetarian vampire, or should I be worried?" I teased breathlessly.
"I can eat human food, but when I use my gift too much, I need blood." He winced, letting me go.
"I don't like to hunt deer too often, so sometimes, I steal the blood bags Carlisle buys for safekeeping in the basement," he confessed.
Somehow, it didn't bother me that EJ did this. It was almost responsible for them to keep some blood bags around.
"I don't have venom coating my teeth like normal vampires either." EJ exposed his sharp teeth to me. I leaned in to see.
"Huh." "You're taking this surprisingly well," he noted with a smile. "Well..."
You're not the first vampire I've met. Compared to them, you're a dream. I thought.
"What?" EJ gripped my shoulder harder.
"I guess it's my turn to fill you in." I wasn't sure how much I could show him or how the compulsion would backfire.
I didn't want to scare EJ if he was just a—" I'm not a baby. I need the truth, too. I was honest with you," Eddy reminded me.
"Maybe tomorrow." I stood up. "I can handle it." It was clear he wasn't going to let me leave.
"How much time do you have?" I asked.
We climbed to his treehouse to escape the spritzing rain.
"There's nothing you can do, Eddy. Even if you know what I'm going through. It's best that you don't, and the only reason why I'm showing you this-"
"Is for me and my family's safety," he repeated. "Yes. Exactly." I leaned against the plywood wall with EJ, wrapping my fingers with his.
"Tell me when to stop," I said, closing my eyes. I reached as far back as to when I first encountered Niccolo and his coven.
Brianna and I went out to a rave with friends at that Seattle warehouse. Where I met Caleb and Tessa, vampires who were obligated to lead unsuspecting victims, including myself, and have their blood-tapped. The wine cellar lined with IV chairs. The conference room where all the vampires did a blood tasting. Caleb attempting to help me and my friend leave unnoticed. Niccolo claimed me as 'his singer' and forced me into a contract to be fed on regularly against my will. The power of his compulsions, Vitalys mind wiping abilities... October, with the stalking, shooting, and the newborn vampires being trained in the basement with Niccolo's compulsions and Greta's dark gift to remove the senses and allow them to return to a powerful degree. Someone like her was made for torture.
"This Niccolo Froscari has been feeding on you without permission?" Eddy's emerald eyes darkened, and his teeth protruded from his lips.
"I've shown you how he is, how he treats and kills his own kind." "He doesn't treat you like a person; it's like you're his pet." Eddy's eyes narrowed into slits.
"Its only gets worse. You'll see," I whispered. "He won't let you go. If we can help-"
"You can't. That's what I've been trying to tell you. Just think what Niccolo would do to you and your family."
I touched Eddy to tell him what I couldn't say.
'Niccolo collects vampires with abilities and enslaves them to his coven. I doubt he'd respect the way the Cullens drink from animals either.'
EJ frowned, mulling it over. "Why is he doing this?" "Some people are just monsters, Eddy. But-"
'He wishes to rule North America like the Voltori do with Italy. I'm sure Niccolo would eventually like to destroy them, too.'
"Does he know about your ability?" He said, concerned."No, not yet."
'One day, he wants to turn me. If he doesn't bleed me dry first.' I explained in my mind.
"Is that something you want?" EJ questioned, skeptical. "No, not really."
'I can't imagine forever. Let alone with him. Then there is this other thing, EJ. I come from a lineage of werewolves: my brother and maybe my mother. I don't think they'd be okay with it, either.'
I could sense all the questions bouncing around in his head. "That's a long story in itself," I said.
"I thought you said you were Fae?" he asked, latching on to that question first. "That's what they call humans with strange abilities like mine."
'Will you turn into one day?' He thought. "No, it's usually just the men," I said.
Unless one is bitten under a full moon, I mentally noted.
EJ turned his head, hearing Emmet call for us.
"I'll give you time to think things over. If you wish to hear more, I'll try to see you again soon." I whispered.
"And share the Seattle stuff with the Cullens if you wish. I don't want you guys to be sitting ducks with a werewolf on the loose." I said, climbing down from the treehouse.
Eddy jumped down with ease before my feet touched the ground. "I want to know everything before making any rash decisions."
"Sure, but be careful." I touched his wrist.
'No matter where you are or what happens, we will always be friends, Eddy. It's okay to put yourself and your family first.'
"But what about you?" EJ's expression was grave.
"I have Rowan," I said hesitantly. If we were still working together. He was still touching me, so he sensed my doubts—all of them.
EJ's Pov
"You've been consuming more blood lately." Rosalie caught me rummaging through the cellar cooler.
"I'm too tired to hunt." I popped off the cap and sipped it like a juice box. My adoptive mother scrunched her nose at the scent.
"It's best to stick to animal blood and human food, EJ. You'll grow too fast." Rose complained.
"It's Eddy, and I've never had a problem before. I'm not even tempted by the kids at school."
I hopped down from the cooler. Sticking to one bag was enough. "Can I have steak and potatoes for dinner?"
"Sure." Rose smiled and wrapped an arm around me.
The next day at school, I noticed Rowan and Iris arguing at the lunch table. It was odd since they normally parted ways to hang out with different crowds.
Girls tend to gather around the werewolf for some odd reason, and Iris was an intellectual born in the wrong era who kept to herself.
I sat down, eavesdropping in my usual spot, waiting for Iris and the few friends we shared.
"Another werewolf is in town?" Iris hissed. "Chased off." Rowan corrected.
"Okay, so what about your plan? Find the new werewolf or leave for the city?"
"I don't mind another werewolf if it will keep the shifters busy. The next full moon, I head for the city. Every bit helps." He shrugged.
"Right. I don't like lying to Layla; she has more right to go with you than I do." Iris picked at her sweater.
"I can handle myself better with her away from the action," Rowan informed Iris. "Even if that means being in the hands of shapeshifters?" She questioned.
Rowan's face twisted sourly. "I hate it, but yes."
"Okay, and when will you tell Layla you have real feelings for her?" Iris pushed. "Goodbye, the great moral pumpkin has spoken. Pain in my arse." Rowan groaned.
"If you plan on blurring any lines, Layla won't do it. She's respectful, unlike you." Iris said, knowing he could hear, walking away.
"Sorry about that." Iris sat next to me.
Close enough for a touch. Her mental commentary was humorous until her dry observations of other things dissipated her knowledge.
On the front lawn after school, someone I didn't expect showed up.
Seth Clearwater, and he wanted to see me.
He wished to know what Layla and I were up to, brushing the edges of the actual conversation he wanted to have. I could tell this without my ability.
Although I found the wolves fascinating, I didn't trust any of them. Seth was the only one I'd speak with or consider befriending.
"Would you tell us erm if-" "Layla is my best friend. I'd never do anything to hurt her if that is what you are implying."
"No, no, it's just she's not acting normal." "As opposed to what?" I questioned. He sighed.
"We're worried since she's been through so much, you know?" Seth handed me a slip of paper with a phone number on it.
In that touch, I gathered his suspicion about me and that he didn't want to bridge the treaty by finding out if I was a real Cullen.
"Just in case you wanna reach out." He turned to leave.
"I'm sure she'll speak with you in her own time. Give Layla some space to figure things out."
"Thanks, EJ." "Clearwater." We nodded in truce.
Layla's Pov
It felt so liberating to shed a fraction of the heavy truths I've been carrying.
Now, if something happened to me, at least one person would know the whole truth.
I was glad it was Eddy, being a secret and a secret keeper he knew the gravity of things.
In the coming days later, I caught myself contemplating over Jacob again.
Every day at lunch, I made it a point to sit alone at my own table, but he would silently join.
He'd given up probing details about Rowan and I's relationship, but he made it a point to make his presence known.
Like a stable rock in the storm, Jacob Black wasn't going anywhere.
I saw how it hurt him when restrictions were lifted, and I road off with Rowan.
I couldn't stop seeing my werewolf, fearing he'd start hunting vampires alone without me.
I knew I had little to offer. I could be a distraction again; Niccolo's vampires were compelled not to harm me.
So, being a human meat shield could help in an emergency, or by occupying Niccolo's IV chair, I could buy us more time.
"We've translated more of the manuscript." Anne and Iris had pages spread out over their dining room table.
"We think some of this could be linked to your invisibility," She said, explaining some translations.
"It's the only thing besides myths of tricksters." Iris sighed, rubbing her eyes. "We'll let you know if we find any connections." Anne got up to make dinner.
Driving past Jacob's house, I couldn't stop thinking about him. My cell phone rang on queue.
"Hello?" I answered, hoping it would distract me. "Hey, Layla, don't hang up." It was Jake.
The despairation to see him was almost as intense as Niccolo's compulsions. I kept driving.
"We have a History presentation next week; the study group is coming over my place tomorrow.-"
He gave me the details; I thanked him and hung up.
What if I reached out to Jacob anyway? Told him what I could about the truth.
I selfishly wanted to improve whatever our relationship was. I couldn't stand his unhappiness more than this, and prolonging Jacob's pain made me feel cruel.
The heavy weight in my chest ached, agreeing with me that the relief was needed. I weighed my options to measure the domino effect of this decision.
What if the La Push pack ran off Rowan? He'd be pissed and feel betrayed, but it would save him from the Seattle coven.
The cost would endanger everyone else, though, including Jacob.
But didn't he deserve answers? Like Iris, who was indirectly involved. She deemed it worth it to be warned.
And since I wasn't his imprint, Jacob would have to let me go. I justified it in my mind.
I would live or die on my own accord. A lump gathered in my throat.
I've avoided this conversation for so long out of fear of rejection, but it must be done.
I spent the night writing a note my hands wouldn't tear upon compulsion.
'Dear Jacob, I'm sorry for avoiding you like this. When you have the time, I'd like to try to explain myself.'
There, it could be that simple.
If I arrived early enough before our study session, he have to listen to me.
Rowan was going to kill me. I ran up Billie's ramp, eagerly rapping on the door before intruding.
I couldn't help it; I didn't want to fight this anymore.
Dumping all my books on the tiny table, I smoothed my hair from the drizzling rain in the tiny mirror above the key ring holder.
I took a deep breath. "Jacob?" I called, walking towards his room. Jake—"
Out of his room, Molly emerged unclothed, covered by a spare shirt of Jacob's tied around herself like a towel.
The sound of the shower running became more apparent in the narrow hallway.
It looked like I had caught the tail end of something I wasn't supposed to see.
"Layla?" He opened the bathroom door, and steam rolled out.
If I weren't so stunned by the situation, I'd probably be in awe of his physical form: flawless copper skin and pure muscle wrapped in a thin white towel.
My mouth fell open, and my face grew hot, twisted in disgusted betrayal. Molly overshadowed her shock with smugness.
"Nice, Jake. I see how it is." I hissed with as much venom as I could muster.
He double-took between Molly and me, who I think dropped his shirt to expose herself.
I marched out the door, only stopping to grab my jacket and keys.
"Layla! Wait, its not what it looks like!" His heavy footsteps thundered after me.
"I don't care! Finish fucking, I mean finish your fucking project on our own."
I'd take the failing grade if it meant never seeing them again.
"Layla!" He yelled as I drove off. I whipped my car so hard I nearly took off Billie's bumper.
Jacob's Pov
I ran inside for clothes. I had to clear things up immediately before she hated me forever.
"We don't need her." Molly grabbed my arm, pressing herself into me. I shoved her off.
"What do you think you're doing? Get the hell out!" I snapped. Tears flooded her dark eyes at my harsh rejection.
"I better not see you again when I get back." Dressed, I turned to leave. Our classmates were blocking the door.
Molly did her best to cover up with our new spectators. The guys whistled and laughed while the girls gasped.
"Get lost and go somewhere else," I growled, leaving them in a bind.
The Turstin's House
Iris's Pov
I was curled up for a perfect evening. Watching my favorite murder mystery TV show, eating choice snacks, and covered in a warm blanket.
Out of nowhere, Layla burst into the living room. I screamed out of surprise when the door slammed against the wall and bounced closed.
"Jaysus, Layla!" I gasped, picking up the popcorn bowl I kicked across the room. She was having a full-on meltdown.
Rowan bounded down the steps at full speed, forearms extended and claws abnormally out.
Layla threw herself melodramatically onto the couch where I was.
"Um? There, there?" I patted her head. "What happened?" Rowan retracted his claws.
She blubbered about Jacob not loving her and how she should hand herself over to the vampires in Seattle.
"There will be none of that. Calm down, and tell me what's really going on." Rowan said. I mouthed thank you as my cousin pried her off me.
"I should have known this would happen. He's not over his monster-loving ex-girlfriend, and I kept pushing him away." Layla whined.
"The what now?" 'Monster' was Layla's interchangeable code word for vampire, the word she couldn't speak aloud.
I looked to Rowan, who seemed just as lost as I was.
Layla's Pov
I plucked some tissues from the coffee table to clean up.
"What vampire?" Rowan clocked it. "Um...this girl's boyfriend was one. She chose a monster over Jacob." I rushed out the words in casual unimportant.
"I told you you couldn't trust shady shapeshifters." Rowan rasped heatedly.
"They left, so there's nothing to worry about." I rushed upstairs to the bathroom, avoiding interrogation.
I lost my contact and ripped it when picking it up. I should've called Ashely instead; she would have understood and been a better comfort.
Splashing cold water on my face, It took a few minutes to realize how embarrassing my outburst may have been.
"Let me talk to her." Jacob had followed me here. "Get lost!" Rowan snapped.
"Hey, hey, boys. Let's not break my front door." Iris's mom came to the rescue.
"I need to speak to Layla," Jacob demanded.
"I don't think that will be necessary. Please leave before I call the police." Anne shut the door and locked it.
"I need you to explain to me exactly what happened." Rowan met me.
I had my heart-to-heart with him on the end of his bed.
"If it comes down to it I'll-" "Please don't fight. I'll talk to him, eventually. I just need some time." I shivered and bent over, holding my core.
I started to disappear on the bed.
"What about this vampire lover girl? How did you learn about this?" Rowan was asking all the right questions. Why did I have to open up my big mouth?
"When you are invisible, you can glean a lot of things." I deflected to spare EJ and his family.
"Have you ever visited me invisible?" Rowan's grin grew, breaking up the tension.
"Why would I spy on you?" I began to reappear. "I've been told I'm quite handsome to look at," he said.
"Thanks, but that distraction won't work." I shook my head. "What about this one?" Rowan leaned in to kiss me.
"No, Row." I shoved him off, turning invisible again.
"Why not? Your man and Molly did the dirty deed so thoroughly that they had to rinse off or maybe round two was the shower."
Bile rose in my throat and my eyes stung. I didn't want to think about that, and I didn't want to retaliate.
This was so out of left field for Jake; perhaps I hurt him too much, and he was trying to move on. I only hoped I wouldn't be here to see it.
Rowan leaned in again, but I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. He paused, then held me in a tight embrace.
"I can't hurt him back," My voice cracked into his shoulder. Rowan heaved a heavy sigh.
"You don't have to pretend to make me feel better either," I added.
"Who says I am?" Rowan shifted me to where I was almost in his lap. "I can't-" I laid my head in the nook of his neck, closing my eyes.
Anne had called Syd. He wasn't happy about the arrangement, but she convinced my grandpa that Rowan was staying elsewhere at a friend's house.
I slept in his bed while Rowan took the couch. The scent in his sheets comforted me enough that I slept in longer than I had in a good while.
Iris overheard the drama and was more sympathetic toward my outburst in the morning.
"I'll drive you." Rowan handed me a helmet. "I don't think that's a good idea," I said.
"He won't see yah." Rowan winked. I hesitantly put it on and followed him to the garage.
"It's been almost two months, and still no date to support our claim. What do yah say?"
"Okay," I breathed shakily.
I disappeared on the back of Rowan's bike, slipping past Jacob, who was waiting patiently on the curb beside my car.
We road on the scenic route all the way to Oregon and back, silently keeping company and enjoying the wind pulling against us.
Eventually, Rowan dropped me off at Syd's place right at curfew. I'd pick up my car at his place another time.
Then, I was alone in my bedroom. The small string of twinkling fairy lights meant to warm the small space suddenly felt cold.
I turned them off and closed my eyes, listening to the distant sound of thunder from my bed.
Part 3 The Fight
La Push High
Layla's Pov
"You said you wanted to talk to me. Please, Layla." Jacob pulled out the note and the books that I had left at his house.
I ripped up the note I wrote. "There's nothing to talk about. Not anymore." I turned my attention to the teacher, giving him the cold shoulder.
"It was an accident-" I got up and moved to the front next to Molly in the empty seat. "Go sit with your new snag." I hissed.
She scoffed and moved to the back of the class. Jacob's malevolent glare kept her from still near him.
"Not my business." I hissed to myself, breaking the pencil in my fist.
Later that day, I had an epiphany before lunch.
If I somehow got expelled, I could attend Forks High School with EJ, Iris, and Rowan.
I smiled at my plan in the making. I knew how to do it.
Molly was gabbing in the middle of the crowded lunch hall. I threw down my things.
"Awe, done crying about Jake yet? Or is your second boyfriend going to show up?" Molly crossed her arms. I invaded her personal space.
"It's good to see you've picked up a better hobby. Spreading rumors about me instead of your legs."
The cafeteria went silent. You could almost hear the steam spewing from Molly's ears.
Rage flashed over her face, turning it red, and fury flooded mine.
Insults flew from her mouth, and my fist made first contact. After a few good punches, Molly went to pull my hair.
I stomped on her foot and shoved her as hard as I could to the ground. Molly cried out in pain and brought me down with her.
If she wanted to go low, I'd go lower. "Break it up!" "Separate the crowd!" The teachers fought to come forward.
I straddled her; Molly held her arms up to block her face from my rapid punches.
"Calm down, killer." Jared separated me with Kim behind him, and Molly's friends pulled her up. "Put me down," I demanded.
Faculty stepped between guiding us to the main office.
I allowed Molly to tell her side of the story first.
She limped with a harsh, black-eyed glare. I stared back through the glass, flipping her off. I bet Rowan would be proud.
"You didn't have to do that. Though I'm flattered, you would fight for me." Jacob appeared behind me.
"This isn't about you." I glared up at him, half expecting him to flinch. "Sure it isn't." He went to wipe the blood from my bottom lip.
"It isn't." I slapped his hand away. "Molly had it coming since last fall when she pushed me."
The principal came to collect me.
"Molly here says you hit her first." Mr. Redbird began.
"Yes, I did." I smiled proudly. "And Molly here says she is sorry for provoking you."
"What?" Was my plan failing? "We are willing to overlook this one incident.-"
"No way, I hit Molly first. I provoked her." I claimed. "I appreciate you trying to take accountability." Mr. Redbird continued.
This wasn't fair. I was supposed to be expelled. Suspension for a day wasn't what I wanted.
Fuming, I exited the office. Jacob was still there when I marched out. "I don't want to talk to you," I stated.
"You're not going to tell me what that was about?" he asked. "Go check on your girlfriend." I dismissed him.
He caught me up under his arm like a toddler, throwing a tantrum, and walked out of school.
"Not even close. You're going to hear me out and hear what I have to say." He set me down in the grass.
"I had no idea Molly was in the house. I was in the shower when I heard you calling my name." Jacob explained.
I rolled my eyes at the lame excuse.
"You were home alone with a naked girl. What the hell am I supposed to think? That Molly was just that bold to put the moves on you."
"Yes," he said, exasperated. "No, I'm done Jacob." "Why are you so upset if you have a boyfriend, Layla?" Jacob argued.
"Because I didn't think someone so close would lie to me!" I felt the sting of my hypocrisy as it left my mouth. I needed a bar of soap.
Jacob knew it, too, and his stern expression hurt worse than anything I could do to myself. He let the silence bend my words full circle, slapping me in the face.
"Well, what do you want?" I struggled to hold up my hardened shield. "I want the truth," Jake said, arms crossed.