Jacob and Bella Story

Chapter Eleven

Bella's P.O.V.

I woke with a start in fear, my mind so foggy from sleep that I couldn't tell reality from a dream. That high-pitched scratching sound came from something scraping against my window again.

Half-asleep and uncoordinated, I stumbled from my bed to the window, wiping away lingering tears. I opened my window, looked down, and saw Jacob.

"Bella!" Jacob yelled.

I gasped. "What are you doing here so late?" I asked.

Jacob was standing outside my house, shirtless and in shorts like earlier. Isn't he freezing?

"Move out of the way. I'm coming up," Jacob ordered.

My eyes grew wide in disbelief. "What?" I exclaimed, baffled.

Before I knew it, Jacob climbed the tree quickly and winged himself into the house, landing on his feet perfectly. My eyes widened even more.

We instinctively stared at the door, waiting to see if the noise had woken Charlie. There was a brief silence, and then Charlie's muffled snoring became audible.

Jacob's face broke into a wide grin. That wasn't the familiar grin I adored; instead, a mocking, bitter grin replaced the old sincerity on Sam's youthful face. It was excessive.

I crossed my arms and gave Jacob a stern look, and he noticed.

"Hey," Jacob said.

"Hi, why are you here so late?" I asked.

"I was waiting for the right time to come and see you."

I nodded. Jacob walked over to me and was very close to me. I placed my hand on his well-defined stomach to prevent him from coming closer—a jolt of electricity shot through my hands and body. I breathed deeply, my eyes fixed on Jacob's muscular form so I couldn't keep my eyes off him. For the first time, I saw him meaningfully. He was considerably more extensive and muscular than when I had my bike accident. He had become a serious bodybuilder, a beautiful one at that. Jacob tensed up under my touch.

I shook off the moment's weight and looked at Jacob's face. "So, are you going to tell me?" I asked.

Jacob sighed. "Yes," he responded.

A chilly breeze from the window made me shiver and feel uncomfortable. Jacob's skin felt feverish, reminding me of the last time I touched his burning head as if he were still frantic.

Jacob leaned over me so much that he blocked out the window, tongue-tied by my furious expression.

"Hum, alright," Jacob said as he walked over to my bed and sat down. "Have you ever had a secret you couldn't tell anyone?"

Jacob looked at me with knowing eyes, and I nodded. My thoughts jumped immediately to the Cullens. I hoped my expression didn't look guilty.

"Well, that's what I'm going through," Jacob said. "I've had this secret I'm not supposed to tell anyone, but I could tell you. Well, I'm not supposed to tell you, but I'm able to now."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Don't freak out, but I'm a werewolf," Jacob responded.

I blinked twice to comprehend this. "What?" I asked.

"I know what you're thinking, but do you remember the day we walked on the beach in La Push?" Jacob responded.

I nodded. "Of course I do," I responded.

I took a deep breath and tried to concentrate. Jacob took my hand in his warm one. "You asked about my truck," he said.

Jacob nodded, urging me on.

"We talked about the rabbit..." I said.

"Keep going," Jacob said.

"We went for a walk down the beach..."

"And?"

"You told me scary stories... Quileute legends,"

Jacob closed his eyes and opened them again. "Yes," he said. "And do you remember what the legends were?"

Even in the dark, he must have been able to see the change in the color of my face. How could I ever forget that? Without realizing what he was doing, Jacob had told me exactly what I needed to know—that Edward was a vampire.

"Yes, I remember," I said as I breathed.

"Do you remember all the stories, though?"

"All the stories?" I asked.

Jacob nodded mutely.

My head churned. Only one story mattered. My mind was too tired to focus. I shook my head.

"Do you remember when I told you that Quileutes are supposedly descended from wolves?" Jacob asked.

I thought hard for a second and remembered that part he told me. I nodded.

"Well, that's the legend of our tribe. We are wolves," Jacob said.

I nodded. This situation overwhelmed me; my sleepless nights had finally caught up with me. Exhaustion hit me so hard that I nearly fainted. I stumbled, fighting to stay awake.

Jacob's eyes darted to me, worry etched across his face. "Bella?" he whispered, his voice trembling with anxiety.

Jacob caught my arm and guided me back to the bed as I swayed. As I reached the edge, my legs buckled, and I collapsed onto the mattress.

"Hey, are you all right?" Jacob asked, worry painting his expression.

With a burning glare, I shot back, "Why on earth would I be okay, Jacob?" I asked.

Jacob nodded, understanding. Jacob walked away from me and looked out the window.

"Wait, Jacob, how is this possible?" I asked.

"It's in my blood. It only triggers when vampires are near. Remember when I told you about my great-grandfather, the chief?"

I nodded.

"Well, he was a werewolf. When the Cullens came to town, it triggered something inside him, and he said that supposedly, the bloodline was passed down to me," Jacob responded.

"Wait, if it was passed down to you, what about Billy? How come he's not one?" I asked.

"When my father was my age, there were no vampires around, so I guess he never phased into his wolf."

I nodded, gathering the pieces together now.

"Isn't there a way you can stop?" I asked.

"I'm afraid not, and I'm in this for life. A life sentence," Jacob responded with a bleak laugh. "Longer, maybe."

"No, Jake," I said with a moan. "What if we ran away? You and me. What if we left home and left Sam behind?"

"You would do that?" Jacob asked, surprised and dancing in his voice.

"I would do it for you."

Jacob let out a resigned sigh. "This isn't something I can run away from, Bella," he said, his eyes reflecting a deep conflict. "But if possible, I'd run away with you."

Jacob's shoulders quivered now, reflecting his inner turmoil. He drew a deep breath. "I have to leave," he said firmly.

Jacob got up and walked toward the window.

I frowned, a storm cloud hovering over my thoughts. The idea of Jacob leaving me tugged at my heart. I wanted him to linger, to remain. "Why?" I asked, curiosity dancing in my voice.

Jacob turned to face me, a smirk playing on his lips. "First off, you look like you're about to pass out. You need your rest, and I have to patrol," he responded.

"Patrol?" I asked.

"Yes, for vampires."

"Oh..."

All this was making sense now. Was that Sam's pack, and was he the one who attacked Laurent?

"Wait, was that y'all who attacked Laurent?" I asked.

Jacob nodded. "Yep," he responded.

I shuddered. "What were you thinking?" I asked. "He could have killed you! Jake, you don't realize how dangerous—"

Jacob laughed again. "Bella, one lone vampire isn't much of a problem for a pack as big as ours. It was so easy; it was hardly even fun," he said.

I nodded. "So Laurent is dead?" I asked.

Jacob's expression changed. "You're not upset about that, are you? He was going to kill you—he was going for the kill, Bella. We were sure of that before we attacked. You know that, right?" he asked.

"I know that. No, I'm not upset—-I'm..." I paused. "Laurent is dead. He's not coming back for me."

"You're not mad? He wasn't one of your friends or anything, was he?" Jacob asked.

"My friend?" I asked, looking up at Jacob, confused and dizzy with relief. I started babbling, and my eyes got moist. "No, Jake. I'm so. So relieved. I thought he was going to find me. I've been waiting for him every night, hoping that he's stopped for me and left Charlie alone. I've been so frightened, Jacob... but how? He was a vampire! How did you kill him? He was so strong, so hard like marble..."

"I know it's a lot to take in, but I better go," Jacob said.

I got off the bed and rushed to him. "Wait, why so soon?" I asked as I yawned.

Jacob smirked in amusement and spoke. "I snuck out of La Push—I'm not supposed to see you. They've got to be wondering where I am," he said. "And I should tell them."

"You don't have to tell them anything," I said.

"I have to."

I shook my head, with anger flashing inside me. "I hate them!" I said.

Jacob's eyes widen, surprised at my outburst. "No, Bella. Don't hate the guys. It's not Sam's or any of the others' faults. I told you before--- it's me. Sam is actually... well, incredibly cool. Jared and Paul are great, too, though Paul is kind of... And Embry's always been my friend. Nothing's changed there---the only thing that hasn't changed. I feel terrible about the things I used to think about Sam..." he said.

Sam was incredibly cool. I glared at Jacob in disbelief, but I let it go.

"Then why aren't you supposed to see me?" I asked.

"It's not safe," Jacob mumbled, looking down.

I looked at Jacob with a curious expression. What did he mean? Was it safe?

Jacob read my curious expression and spoke, "If I thought it was too risky, I wouldn't have come. But Bella...."

Jacob moved close to me, his warm breath ghosting my cheek as his eyes locked on mine. "I made you a promise. I did not know it would be so hard to keep, but that doesn't mean I will not try," he said.

Jacob saw the incomprehension on my face. "After that stupid movie," he said, "I promised you I wouldn't hurt you, and I'm not breaking that promise."

Jacob took my hand, fingers intertwining like delicate strands of silk. His warmth sparked a sweet shiver down my spine, making me quiver. Jacob's grin was a knowing smirk as he felt the magic. He brushed his thumb across my palm, sending delicious tingling sensations racing through me. I struggle against this pull we have, yet his touch weaves its spell around me. How can I complain? There's a delightful comfort in holding his hand.

"I'm going to do what I can to be here for you," Jacob said, grinning more. "And I'll try to see you soon, even if they'll try to talk me out of that."

"Don't listen to them," I said.

"I'll try."

Jacob shook his head as if he doubted his success and sighed. "Look, I have to go. Could you do something for me?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Call me if you don't want to see me again. I understand if you don't," Jacob said.

"That won't happen—" I said, but Jacob cut me off, raising one hand.

"Just let me know," Jacob said.

Jacob let go of my hand and headed for the window.

"Don't be an i***t, Jake," I said. "You'll break your leg. Use the door; Charlie won't catch you."

Jacob smirked and walked back over to me. "Are you worried about me?" he asked.

My heart thudded like a drum as he stepped closer to me, our faces a whisper apart. "Y...yes. You're my best friend. You're everything to me. I need you," I breathed, my hand gently pressed against his chest.

Jacob shot me a sly smirk, his gaze flickering from my eyes to my lips. "Bells, I won't get hurt," he whispered, a hint of boldness in his tone.

I nodded, and Jacob hesitated as he looked at me with lust. He shook it off and turned to dash to the window. He wanted to kiss me. I'm sure of it. I brushed it off as he stepped away from me.

As Jacob stepped away, he hesitated again and looked at me. He stared at me with an expression like something was stabbing him. He held one hand out, pleading.

Curiosity sparked in me as I reached for Jacob, but he yanked me roughly into his muscular arms, the sudden movement jarring. Jacob crushed me in a tight bear hug; I feared my ribs might break.

"Can't breathe!" I said as I gasped.

Jacob buries his face in my neck and inhales my scent. He then loosens his grip around me and continues to hug me.

A minute passed, and he pulled away, his eyes searching mine. Our faces were close, and I could smell his fantastic cologne, which I loved. Our lips would have touched if he had moved even a little closer.

Jacob pulled away, walked to the window, and jumped out before I could say anything. I ran to the window and saw that Jacob had landed on his feet, and I sighed in relief that he was okay. I then crawled back into bed and went to sleep.