Jacob and Bella Story

Chapter Nine

Bella's P.O.V.

From the depths of darkness, a ghostly silhouette materialized among the trees. It was a colossal black wolf, towering like a horse, yet more formidable. Its elongated snout contorted into a menacing grin, showcasing razor-sharp teeth. Like distant thunder, a chilling snarl rumbled from its jaws and filled the clearing.

The colossal wolf was undoubtedly the architect of the chaos. From afar, one might easily confuse it with a bear. What other creature boasts such an impressive size and strength?

Oh, to be lucky enough to witness it from afar! Instead, it silently moved through the grass, only ten feet away from me.

"Don't move an inch," his voice said.

A low growl rumbled from its throat, sending shivers down my spine. Panic danced in Laurent's eyes as he skittered backward toward the sheltering trees. Confusion swirled inside me like a tempest. Why had Laurent chosen to flee? Yes, the wolf was a terrifying beast, but ultimately, it was a creature. What could unsettle a vampire so profoundly? His broad, horrified gaze mirrored my fears.

The colossal wolf, like a mind reader, wasn't alone. Two majestic beasts entered the meadow side by side. One boasted a deep gray coat; the other wore rich brown fur. The deep gray wolf's imposing presence overshadowed the others. From the shadows of the trees, a gray figure emerged. It was close to Laurent, eyes locked onto him, a silent sentinel.

Out of nowhere, two wolves burst onto the scene, slicing through the trees like a formation of geese heading south. I was so close I could nearly brush my fingers against the rusty brown beast as it crashed through the brush.

I gasped and stumbled backward—a blunder in a dangerous moment. My heart raced, and I froze, dreading the wolves' imminent strike, fearing they might feast on me instead of Laurent. For a split second, I wished Laurent would quickly handle the wolf pack. In that tension-filled pause, one thought echoed: being eaten by wolves was the last thing I wanted.

The reddish-brown wolf closest to me shifted its head at my gasp. Our eyes met, and its dark, almost black orbs drew me in. It held my gaze for an instant and an unspoken, strong connection formed between us. Those deep eyes seemed to carry wisdom far beyond a wild creature's.

A gravitational force tugged at my core as the wolf gazed back at me. My thoughts drifted to Jacob. Here I stood in this enchanted meadow, where shadows danced. At least I faced these dark monsters solo. At least Jacob's fate wouldn't join this tale. At least I wouldn't carry the weight of his demise.

Another low growl from the leader eventually caused the russet wolf to look away from me and whip his head back toward Laurent.

Wide-eyed, Laurent stood frozen, staring at the menacing wolf pack. He was shocked and terrified, his face reflecting his fear. His fear was clear to me. Instantly, he turned and disappeared into the trees, escaping.

The wolves charged, a tempest unleashed upon their prey. They raced across the emerald grass carpet with elegant ferocity, leaping effortlessly. Their snarls and snaps formed a wild symphony, leaving me clutching my ears. Suddenly, the uproar faded, devoured by the forest's gentle embrace.

Solitude wrapped around me, dense as a winter fog. My knees buckled beneath the weight, and I tumbled to the ground. Sobbing uncontrollably, tears swelled in my throat like storm clouds. A fierce urgency gripped me; I needed to leave, and fast. How long did the wolves chase Laurent and get back to me? Would Laurent abandon them, or would he turn his sights on me?

I couldn't move for a moment, paralyzed by uncertainty. My arms and legs quivered, lost in disarray. Fear gripped my mind, a tidal wave of panic rushing in. Confusion blurred my thoughts, making understanding impossible. The sight I had encountered felt like a haunting riddle, unsolved.

A vampire should not have run from overgrown dogs like that. How could their teeth possibly harm his granite-like skin?

The wolves should have steered clear of Laurent. Despite their hulking size that oozed confidence, pursuing him was an act of folly. His skin, cold and marble-like, offered no allure. So why forsake warm-blooded prey like me for the icy allure of Laurent?

I couldn't make it add up.

A gentle breeze danced through the meadow's blades, coaxing a soft sway. Suddenly, I leaped to my feet, retreating from the playful gust. Panic surged as I stumbled, then dashed unquestioningly toward the trees.

The following hours stretched on like a slow drip of despair. Each step through the twisted trees took three times as long as reaching the serene meadow. At first, I was consumed by thoughts of escape, oblivious to my destination. I had lost myself in a foreboding forest when I checked my compass. My hands shook like delicate leaves in a restless breeze, forcing me to set the compass down in the mud to steady my gaze. Anxious about my northwest course, I monitored the needle's twitching every few minutes. Despite the wet squelch of my footsteps, murmurs of the forest seeped into my awareness. Rustling leaves whispered of hidden creatures, heightening the chill of uncertainty in the air.

Finally, a clearing in the trees calls to me. I've veered off the lonely road, a mile from my truck's resting place. Exhausted, I jog up the lane. Relief floods over me as I reach my destination. Once inside the truck, I couldn't hold back my sobs. Fumbling with the stubborn locks, I'm determined to break free. My fingers dive into my pockets, searching for keys. At last, I found them. The engine's comforting roar wraps around me like a warm embrace. It steadies my quaking heart as I speed toward the main highway.

Jacob's P.O.V.

The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster. First, I uncovered the shocking truth: I'm a werewolf. At first, I felt off—my body burned like a furnace. Then came the mood swings, flipping my emotions like a light switch. One second, I was fine; the next, I erupted angrily in front of Dad. And like that, I transformed into a wolf.

That's when Sam found me, a beacon in my confusion. He guided me back to my human self and taught me to rein in my anger. I needed to keep my cool to avoid hurting anyone, especially Bella. Speaking of Bella, she's been on my mind nonstop. I miss her like the sun misses the moon. I miss holding her somewhat chilly hands. The memory of her hand in mine ignites an electric spark that dances through my veins. I can't quite name this feeling, but it's clear: I have feelings for her and think I'm in love with her.

I have yearned to reach out, to share my secrets, but there is a heavy weight of silence on my shoulders. I'm not allowed to reveal the truth about my kind, and Sam insists I stay away from Bella. He fears losing control and putting her in danger.

Sam recounted his tale of Emily and how his lack of control hurt her. What if I can't handle being around Bella? What if I don't get to see her again? That thought twists my heart, leaving an ache that won't fade.

My dad laid it all bare, revealing the truth woven into my DNA. He said I was destined for transformation on my 16th birthday. Yet, I couldn't fathom why the change didn't hit me immediately. He explained I would phase only when the scent of vampires wafted near, driven by the tribe's instinct for protection.

Vampires? The word echoed in my mind—startling and surreal. I had never known they roamed the Earth until now. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. The so-called gang wasn't a gang at all. Sam and his crew—Paul, Embry, and Jared—were a pack of werewolves, sworn guardians against their eternal nemesis, the vampires.

The secrecy made sense. The pack kept some distance to shield the hidden truth. Paul struggled the most with these changes. His fiery temperament made it hard for him to manage such heavy revelations.

Also, it made total sense why Sam kept looking at me so weirdly. It was because he was waiting for me to turn and join him. It was in my blood to kill vampires. Thinking of them made my blood boil. Learning that the Cullens were vampires and that the treaty was made, my blood boiled even more. Knowing that Bella dated one and kept it a secret from everyone made me furious. I can't believe she dated one of those bloodsuckers. I'm so glad they left, though, and I hope they never return.

I took the plunge and chopped off all my hair. I even got the same tattoo as the other Quileute shapeshifters. Joining the pack felt right, and Sam shared our mission to protect the woods. A few days later, crisis struck. We spotted a red-eyed vampire with black dreads lurking among the trees. Surprised to see Bella by his side, I remembered she had been hiking. She was searching for the meadow, and I figured she'd eventually find this place. It bothers me that she had to trek alone; it's too dangerous.

Emerging from the woods, we burst into the meadow and startled the vampire. It darted back into the trees, with our pack in hot pursuit. Beside me, I caught a fleeting gasp. Turning, I discovered Bella standing a breath away. Our eyes locked, and in that instant, gravity flipped on its head. It wasn't Earth anchoring me anymore; it was her. I would morph into whatever she needed—friend, protector, or lover. Reeling from the moment, I glanced away and dashed off, my heart racing.

I can't believe it; the girl I have fallen in love with is my imprintee—the one I'm supposed to be with for the rest of my life. I suddenly have this deep need to protect her. I follow the others into the woods to kill that bloodsucker.

Bella's P.O.V.

When I got home, I was calmer but still a mess. Charlie's cruiser was in the driveway, and I hadn't realized how late it was.

"Bella?" Charlie called out, his voice echoing through the suddenly silent house. I had shut the front door, turning the locks with a definitive click.

"Yeah, it's me," I responded, my voice unsteady.

Charlie appeared through the kitchen doorway with an ominous expression. "Where have you been?" he asked.

I hesitated. Charlie probably called the Stanleys. I'd better stick to the truth.

"I was hiking," I responded.

Charlie's eyes were tight. "What happened to going to Jessica's?" he asked.

"I didn't feel like calculus today," I responded.

Charlie folded his arms across his chest. "I thought I asked you to stay out of the forest," he said.

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't do it again," I said.

Charlie looked at me for the first time. I remembered I had spent some time on the forest floor that day. I must be a mess.

"What happened?" Charlie asked.

Again, I decided the truth, or part of it anyway, was the best option. I was too shaken to pretend I had spent an uneventful day with the flora and fauna.

"I saw the bear," I responded. "It's not a bear, though—it's a wolf. And there are five of them—a big black one, gray, and reddish brown."

Charlie's eyes widened, transforming into saucers of dread. He rushed to my side, firmly gripping my arms. "Are you all right?" he inquired, concerned.

My head bobbed in a weak nod.

"Tell me what happened?" Charlie asked.

"They didn't pay any attention to me. But after they were gone, I ran away and fell a lot," I responded.

Charlie let go of my shoulders and wrapped his arms around me. For a long moment, he said nothing.

"Wolves," Charlie said.

"What?" I asked.

"The rangers said the tracks were incorrect for a bear---but wolves just don't get that big...."

"There's were huge."

"How many did you say you saw?"

"Five."

Charlie shook his head, frowning with anxiety. He finally spoke, "No more hiking."

"No problem," I said.

Charlie dialed the station, eager to unveil what I had spotted. I danced around the details, hinting that wolves roamed the northern trail. My secret sanctuary in the forest had to stay hidden. The idea of Charlie discovering my reckless escapade sent shivers down my spine. The nagging worry of someone poking around where Laurent might search for me made my stomach churn. The very thought was enough to leave me feeling queasy.

"Feeling hungry?" Charlie asked, glancing at the still-warm phone.

I shook my head, though I must have been starving. I hadn't eaten all day.

"Just tired," I said.

I turned to the stairs.

"Hey," Charlie said. "Didn't you say Jacob was gone for the day?"

"That's what Billy said," I responded, a puzzle swirling in my mind.

Charlie studied my expression for a minute and seemed satisfied. "Huh," he said.

"Why?" I asked.

He implied I had lied to him this morning about something besides studying with Jessica.

"Well, it's that when I went to pick up Harry, I saw Jacob out in front of the store down there with some of his friends. I waved hi, but he... Well, I guess I don't know if he saw me. I think he was arguing with his friends. He looked strange, as if he were upset about something. And... different. It's like you can watch that kid growing. He gets bigger every time I see him." Charlie responded.

"Billy said Jake and his friends were going up to Port Angeles to see some movies. They were probably waiting for someone to meet them," I said.

Charlie nodded his understanding, a silent agreement glowing in his eyes. "Oh," he said, his voice a whisper, and he went to the kitchen.

In the hall, I lingered, mulling over Jacob's animated debate with friends. Had he finally summoned the courage to confront Embry about Sam? That would explain his silence today, abandoning me for a heart-to-heart. I was all on board as if sorting things out with Embry brought him clarity.

I checked the locks one last time before heading to my bedroom. It's a silly habit. What good would a lock do against the monsters I faced this afternoon?

I sank onto my bed, but sleep danced out of reach. Shaking like leaves in a storm, hope felt like a distant dream. Curled beneath my quilt, I cocooned myself in a tight ball, confronting the terrifying truths looming over me.

I steadied my thoughts by picturing the unthinkable. Enormous wolves raced through the woods, their eyes set on Laurent. They would shred the immortal like he was mere prey. Though it felt ludicrous, this bizarre vision strangely soothed my soul. His capture by the wolves would silence him, keeping my secret from Victoria. If he vanished, she'd believe the Cullens still shielded me. I wish those wolves would win. My good vampires weren't returning, so thinking the others could vanish felt nice.

I slammed my eyes shut, yearning for the sweet darkness of oblivion. I'd take nightmarish shadows over that hauntingly beautiful smile lurking behind my eyelids.

Victoria's eyes sparkled with an insatiable thirst for adventure. A radiant smile lit up her face, showcasing a dazzling set of pearly whites. Her fiery red hair, wild and untamed, danced and flickered like flames in the breeze.

Laurent repeatedly wore on my head. If you knew what she had planned for you...

I pressed my fist against my mouth to keep from screaming.

Each morning, sunlight bathes my room in a warm embrace. The initial shock fades, yet my heart races; my palms are slick with sweat. I jump out of bed, breathless. Urgency drives me to check on Charlie. I notice he's worried. He watches me flinch at the loud sounds and go pale for no reason. His occasional questions suggest he holds Jacob's continued absence responsible for the changes.

Dread often danced in my mind, casting shadows over my thoughts. A week passed, and Jacob's silence echoed like a ghost. Whenever I tried to stick to my routine—if I ever honestly had one—I felt his absence was like an aching void. With every moment, my unease grew, feeding on the unwelcome quiet.

Now, I miss Jacob more than I ever thought possible. It's a sharp ache that cuts more profoundly than any past hurt, even more than when Edward betrayed me. Something inside me stirs with urgency, a desperate need for him I can hardly bear. I crave his presence, even if he doesn't want to see me. I long to hear his carefree laughter and how it lights up the room. His warm smile—a beacon of joy—calls me like a siren. I treasure the safety of his garage, where sanity feels tangible. The gentle touch of his hand in mine sends delightful shivers through my stiff fingers. Without him, I feel fragmented, like a ship adrift at sea.

I'd half expected him to call on Monday. If there had been some progress with Embry, I wanted to believe that worry for his friend was occupying all his time, not that he was giving up on me.

I called him on Tuesday, but no one answered. Were the phone lines still having problems? Or had Billy invested in caller ID?

On Wednesday, I called every half hour until after eleven p.m., desperate to hear the warmth of Jacob's voice.

On Thursday, I sat in my truck, keys in hand, contemplating freedom. Having locked up, I entertained the idea of a spontaneous getaway. La Push called to me, a siren's whisper promising adventure, but reason reigned supreme. An hour passed as I wrestled with the urge to break free. Ultimately, I couldn't justify the risk, and indecision caught me.

I knew that Laurent had gone back to Victoria by now. If I went to La Push, I would lead one of them there. What if they caught up to me when Jacob was nearby? As much as it hurt me, I knew it was better for Jacob that he was avoiding me. It was safer for him.

The pressure pressed down like a heavy fog; nighttime was creeping closer. The vampires would scour the shadows for me. How could I persuade Charlie to stay inside? The truth? It would land me behind bars in his gaze. I'd have embraced that fate if it shielded him. But what if Victoria beat me to him during her midnight hunt? She would show up for me, then vanish into darkness's embrace.

Escaping wasn't in the cards. Even if it were, what then? Would I seek Renée? Revealing my perilous secrets would shatter my mother's tranquil life. The thought made me shudder. I could never put her in harm's way.

My anxiety was intensely troubling me. Matching punctures will soon be mine.

That night, Charlie came through again and dialed Harry. He wanted to check if the Blacks were out of town. Harry said Billy was at the council meeting on Wednesday. Harry mentioned nothing about leaving. Charlie cautioned me against being a bother—Jacob would ring when he had a moment.

On a Friday afternoon, inspiration struck like lightning while driving home from school. My mind drifted away from the well-known road. The engine's hum silenced my thoughts and eased my worries. Suddenly, my subconscious unveiled a decision brewing beneath the surface, unbeknownst to me.

The moment I considered it, I realized how obvious it was. I had a lot on my mind: revenge-seeking vampires, enormous mutant wolves, and a chest wound. Yet, the evidence made it obvious. Jacob has been dodging me. Charlie reported that Billy seemed odd and distressed, and Billy's responses were unclear and unhelpful.

I unraveled Jacob's predicament in a flash. Sam Uley was the culprit. Even my dreams whispered secrets of that truth. Sam had ensnared Jacob in his web. The turmoil engulfing the other boys on the reservation had taken my friend hostage. Jacob is entangled in Sam's cult, yet hasn't forsaken me.

I left my truck purring like a restless beast outside my house. What's my next move? Weighing the risks was my first task. If I ventured out for Jacob, the thrill of danger awaited. Victoria or Laurent might stumble upon us, and that would be wild. Yet, if I stayed put, Sam would drag him deeper into his dark gang. I'll find it's too late if I hesitate any longer.

A week slipped by, vampire-free and eerily muted. The vampire's absence stung; I wasn't atop their priority list. I expected them to arrive at night, like shadows creeping in. Tracking me in La Push seemed less likely than losing Jacob to Sam's watchful gaze.

A secret, enchanting forest path beckoned, daring me to plunge. This was far from a leisurely walk; secrets pirouetted around me, revealing their stories. My quest was a thrilling rescue—one woven with tension and urgency. I had to find Jacob. A cure lay concealed somewhere, just waiting for its moment to shine. I called Charlie first. Whatever was going on down in La Push was something the police should be involved in. I dashed inside, in a hurry to be on my way.

Charlie answered the phone at the station himself. "Chief Swan," he said.

"Dad, it's Bella," I said.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm worried about Jacob."

"Why?"

"I think... I think something weird is going on down at the reservation. Jacob told me about some strange stuff happening with the other boys his age. Now he's acting the same way, and I'm scared."

"What kind of stuff?"

"First he was scared, and then he was avoiding me, and now I'm afraid he's part of that bizarre gang down there, Sam's gang. Sam Uley's gang."

"Sam Uley?"

"Yes."

Charlie's voice held a soothing calm as he responded. "You've got it twisted, Bells. Sam Uley's a remarkable young man—no, a fine man now. An exceptional son too. Listen to Billy sing his praises; it's heartwarming. He's working wonders with the youth on the reservation, inspiring them like no other."

Charlie stopped mid-sentence, implying he was about to mention the night I got lost in the woods. I moved on quickly.

"Dad, it's not like that. Jacob feared him," I said.

"Did you talk to Billy about this?" Charlie asked.

"Billy is not concerned."

"Well, Bella, then I'm sure it's okay. Jacob's a kid; he was probably messing around. I'm sure he's fine. He can't spend every walking minute with you, after all."

"This isn't about me."

"I don't think you need to worry about this. Let Billy take care of Jacob."

"Charlie...."

"Bells, I have a lot on my plate right now. Two tourists have gone missing off a trail outside Crescent Lake. This wolf problem is getting out of hand."

I was momentarily distracted, stunned by his news. There was no way the wolves could have survived a match-up with Laurent...

"Are you sure that's what happened to them?" I asked.

"Afraid so, honey. There was...there were tracks again, and... some blood this time," Charlie responded.

"Oh!"

Fortunately, it didn't spiral into a showdown. Laurent eluded the wolves, but for what purpose? The meadow's surreal nature and unfathomable charm deepened with every moment I watched.

"Look, I have to go. Don't worry about Jake Bella. I'm sure it's nothing," Charlie said.

"Fine," I said. "Bye."

I then hung up. I stared at the phone for a long minute and called the Blacks again. Billy answered after two rings.

Billy spoke. "Hello?"

"Hey, Billy. Can I talk to Jacob, please?" I asked.

"Jacob's not here."

What a shock.

"Do you know where he is?" I asked.

"He's out with his friends," Billy responded, sounding careful.

"Oh yeah? Anyone I know? Quil?"

"No, I don't think he's with Quil today."

I knew better than to mention Sam's name.

"Embry?" I asked.

Billy seemed happier to answer this one. "Yeah, he's with Embry," he responded.

That was enough for me to know because Embry was one of them.

"Well, have him call me when he gets in, all right?" I asked.

"Sure, sure. No problem," Billy responded before hanging up.

"See you soon, Billy," I muttered into the dead phone.

I cruised toward La Push, resolute in my mission to wait. I'd camp outside his house, guarding the night like a loyal sentinel. The school could wait; this was more important. The boy would eventually return home, and our conversation would unfold when he did.