Jacob and Bella Story

Chapter Fourteen

Bella’s P.O.V.

Huddled close to Jacob, I nervously watched the forest for the other werewolves. Their appearance, emerging from the trees, wasn’t as I had expected. The image of the wolves was stuck in my head. Four huge, half-clothed boys were present.

They were like brothers, yet also like quadruplets. They stood across the road, almost in unison. Beneath their red-brown skin, each had identical long, round muscles. Both had the same short black hair, and their expressions mirrored each other.

Curiosity and caution set in. The pack’s fury erupted when they spotted me partially concealed by Jacob.

Although Jacob was catching up, Sam remained the biggest. Sam wasn’t considered a boy. He didn’t look old traditionally, but his expression spoke of maturity and patience.

“What have you done, Jacob?” Sam demanded.

Paul barreled past Sam, cutting off Jacob’s chance to respond. “Jacob, why can’t you stick to the rules?” he bellowed, frustration etched in his voice. Throwing his arms skyward, he radiated exasperation. “I’m curious—what’s going on in that head of yours? Does she carry more weight than the entire tribe? What about those who are perishing?”

“Of course she is important. She needs to know. You guys should already know that by now.” Jacob whispered.

Before he scoffed, Paul sneered, “Whatever. I bet you haven’t told her yet.”

What...what is he hiding? I looked at Jacob with a curious expression.

“Not now.” Jacob said.

“Is this about what we’re talking about earlier?” I asked.

“Bella... not now.” Jacob exclaimed, frustration dripping from his words like rain.

I could feel Jacob’s body tense beside me, his trembling palpable.

I sighed, knowing I would get nothing out of him.

“Anyway, she can help,” Jacob mumbled to the pack.

“Help!” Paul shouted—his arms quivering. “Oh, that’s likely! I’m sure the leech-lover is dying to help us out.”

“Don’t you dare talk about her like that!” Jacob fired back, his spirit wounded by the boy’s harsh words.

The other boy shuddered, the tremor moving from his shoulders down his spine.

“Paul! Relax!” Sam commanded.

Paul shook his head, not in defiance, but to focus.

“Jeez, Paul,” Jared muttered. “Get a grip.”

Paul’s lips curled back in annoyance as he turned to Jared. Then, his angry gaze turned toward me. Jacob stepped in front of me.

That did it. That made Paul even angrier.

“Right, protect her!” Paul roared in outrage.

Another shudder, a convulsion, heaved through Paul’s body. With his head thrown back, a genuine growl ripped from between his teeth.

“Paul!” Sam and Jacob shouted together.

Vibrating violently, Paul appeared to topple forward. As the boy fell halfway to the ground, a loud rip echoed, and then he exploded. Dark silver fur exploded from the boy, coalescing into a gigantic, hunched form five times his height, set to leap.

The wolf bared his teeth, a growl rumbling from his massive chest. He glared at me with dark, furious eyes.

At that moment, Jacob dropped my hand and rushed onto the road toward the monster.

“Jacob!” I screamed in terror.

As Jacob ran, a long tremor shook his spine. He dove headfirst into the empty air, leaping forward. Jacob also exploded with a sharp tear. He exploded from his clothes, sending black and white shreds flying. The transformation was so fast that I would have almost missed it if I had blinked. In a flash, Jacob was airborne, and then a gigantic russet brown wolf, too big to comprehend as fitting with Jacob, lunged at the silver beast.

Jacob directly confronted the other werewolf’s attack. Angry snarls echoed like thunder through the trees. The disappearing Jacob left behind black and white fabric scraps that fluttered to the ground.

“Jacob!” I screamed again, staggering forward.

“Stay where you are, Bella,” Sam ordered.

The fighting wolves made it difficult to hear him. They fought viciously, their sharp teeth bared in a deadly dance. Jacob’s wolf was winning. Compared to the other wolf, his size and strength were clear. He shoved his shoulder into the gray wolf, forcing it backward toward the trees.

Sam shouted to the captivated boys, “Bring her to Emily’s!” as they watched the unfolding conflict.

Not paying attention, I watched the gray wolf, shoved off the road by Jacob, disappear into the forest, its angry snarls still audible. Kicking off his shoes, Sam ran after them. He trembled from head to toe as he ran into the woods.

A stillness replaced the growling and snapping. The sound stopped abruptly, leaving the road eerily muted.

Embry Call let out a laugh. I fixed my wide, unblinking stare on him, my eyes frozen.

The boy burst into laughter at my puzzled expression. “Well, isn’t that something you don’t see every day?” he smirked, mischief dancing in his eyes.

“I do,” Jared grumbled. “Daily.”

“Aw, Paul doesn’t lose his temper often; it’s not that frequent,” Embry clarified, softening the statement. “Perhaps two out of three,” he said with a hint of uncertainty.

Jared stooped to retrieve a white object from the ground. Raising it towards Embry, he watched it dangle loosely from his hand.

“Totally shredded.” Jared said. “Billy said this was the last paid he could afford---guess Jacob’s going barefoot now.”

Embry held a white sneaker, its laces frayed and caked in dirt, and whispered, “This one survived. “Jake’s able to hop,” he chuckled.

Jared began collecting colorful fabric scraps from the ground. He asked, “Could you fetch Sam’s shoes? The rest is going in the trash.”

After grabbing the shoes, Embry jogged into the trees where Sam had left his shoes. He quickly returned with a pair of cut-off jeans slung over his arm. Jared balled up the tattered remains of Jacob’s and Paul’s clothing.

Embry’s eyes pierced through me as he assessed the situation. “Hey, you won’t faint, puke, or anything, will you?” he pressed, his tone a blend of concern and demand.

I inhaled sharply, eyes widening. “I don’t think so,” I shot back.

“You don’t look so good. You should sit down.” Embry said.

“Okay,” I mumbled.

I sat down and put my head between my knees.

“Jake shouldn’t have brought his girlfriend into this. What did he expect?” Jared said.

“If only he hadn’t... you know... but the secret’s out now.” Embry sighed. “Good job, Jacob!”

I cast a curious gaze at the duo, intrigue dancing in my eyes. What secrets do they guard from me? I brushed the thought aside and locked eyes with them, annoyance simmering. “Aren’t you even a little worried about them?” I demanded, my voice tinged with urgency.

Embry blinked once in surprise. “Worried? Why?” he asked.

“They could hurt each other.” I responded.

Embry and Jared guffawed.

“I hope Paul gets some teeth in him.” Jared said. “Teach him a lesson.”

“Yeah, right!” Embry disagreed. “Did you see Jake? Even Sam couldn’t have phrased it so spontaneously. Paul cracked, and he pounced right away. That boy’s gifted.”

“Paul’s been in the game longer. I’ll wager ten dollars that he’ll leave a mark.”

“You’re on,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Paul doesn’t have a shot.”

They shook hands, grinning.

I attempted to reassure myself with their apathy, yet the disturbing vision of battling werewolves wouldn’t leave my mind. My empty, aching stomach churned, and a headache added to my worries.

“Let’s head over to see Emily. You know she’ll have a feast prepared,” Embry said, looking down at me with his usual charm. “Would you mind giving us a ride?”

“No problem.” I choked.

Jared raised one eyebrow. “Maybe you’d better drive, Embry. She still looks like she might hurl,” he said.

“Good idea. Where are the keys?” Embry asked me.

“Ignition.” I responded.

Embry swung open the passenger-side door. “Hop in!” he chirped, effortlessly lifting me from the ground. With a playful shove, Embry nestled me into my seat. Glancing around, he assessed the situation. “Backseat, it is for you, Jared!” he grinned.

“That’s fine. I have a weak stomach. I don’t aspire to be in there when she blows.”

“I bet she’s tougher than that. She runs with vampires.”

“Five bucks?”

“Done.”

Embry started the engine while Jared leaped agilely into the backseat.

Embry muttered, his voice low and urgent, as he closed his door, “Don’t throw up, okay? I only have a ten-dollar bill, and if Paul gets his hands on Jacob, there will be trouble.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

Embry drove us back around the village.

“Hey, I’m curious. What sneaky loophole did Jake use to sidestep that injunction?” Embry asked.

“The... what?” I asked.

“Er, the order. You know, to not spill the beans. How did he tell you about us?”

“Oh, that,” I said. “I don’t know, Jacob simply told me.”

Embry pursed his lips, looking surprised.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Emily’s house. She’s Sam’s fiancée. They’ll meet us back there after Sam gives it to them for what happened. Once Paul and Jake locate some new clothes, if Paul has any remaining clothes.” Embry responded.

“Does Emily know about...?”

“Yeah. And hey, don’t stare at her. That bugs Sam.”

I frowned at him. “Why would I stare?” I asked.

Embry looked uncomfortable. “Like you saw now, hanging out around werewolves has its risk,” he said, changing the subject. “Hey, are you alright with what happened to the black-haired vampire in the meadow? He didn’t appear friendly towards you, but...”

“He was never my friend,” I responded, with a hint of resolve.

“That’s good. We had no intention of starting anything. Violate the treaty, you know.”

“Oh yeah, I remember Jake talking about that treaty before. How would Laurent’s death violate the treaty?”

“Laurent,” he said again, a snort suggesting amusement. I didn’t get out; that was funny. The vampire has a name. “Well, we were technically on Cullen’s turf. Unless they break the treaty first, we’re not allowed to attack any of them, the Cullens, at least, off our land. We were unsure of the black-haired individual’s relationship to them. It seemed as if you knew him.”

“How might they violate the terms of the treaty?”

“If they bite a human, the consequences could be severe. The idea of going that far wasn’t appealing to Jake.”

“Oh, um, thank you. I’m happy you didn’t wait.”

“Our pleasure,” Embry stated, a hint of genuine warmth in his voice. He took glee in the thought.

Passing the highway’s easternmost house, Embry turned onto a narrow dirt road.

“Your truck is slow.” Embry said.

“Sorry.” I apologized.

A tiny, once-gray house sat at the lane’s end. Next to the old blue door was a small window. A window box below was overflowing with bright orange and yellow marigolds. The flowers brightened up the entire place.

Embry swung open the truck door and took a deep breath. “Ah, the aroma of Emily’s culinary magic!” he exclaimed.

Jared dashed to the door after leaping from the truck’s bed, but Embry’s hand on his chest halted him. Meaningfully, he looked at me, then cleared his throat.

Jared said, “My wallet isn’t with me.”

“No worries. I’ll remember,” Embry said.

Ascending a single step, they entered the house without knocking. I followed them hesitantly.

Like Billy’s, the front room was primarily a kitchen. By the sink stood a young woman; her skin was smooth copper, and her hair, long and straight, was black. She removed large muffins from a tin and put them on a paper plate. I momentarily thought Embry’s warning against staring was because of the girl’s stunning beauty.

The lady asked, “Are you guys hungry?” in a melodic voice, and she turned to face us full-on, a smile on half her face.

Though long healed, three thick, red scars ran from her hairline to her chin, disfiguring the right side of her face. A line etched the corner of her dark, almond-shaped right eye, and another twisted her mouth into a perpetual grimace.

I was grateful for Embry’s warning, and so I quickly glanced at the muffins she held. Their scent was fantastic, reminiscent of fresh blueberries.

“Oh,” Emily exclaimed, surprised. “Who is this?”

I looked up, focusing on her left side.

“Bella Swan,” Jared said, shrugging. Who else could it be?”

“Leave it to Jacob to find a way around Sam’s gag order,” Emily murmured.

Emily’s gaze locked onto me, her once radiant face now a mask of menace. “So, you’re the infamous vampire girl?” she questioned, her tone dripping with disdain.

I stiffened. “Yes. Are you the wolf girl?” I asked.

Emily’s laughter danced in the air, a joyous echo shared by Embry and Jared. “I guess I am,” she chimed, gazing at Jared. “So, where’s Sam?”

“Bella, er, surprised Paul this morning.” Jared responded.

Emily rolled her eyes and sighed. “Ah, Paul. Do you think they’ll be long? I was about to start the eggs.”

“Don’t worry,” Embry said. “Even though they’re late, we won’t let anything go to waste.”

Emily let out a light chuckle before peering into the refrigerator. “No doubt,” she said warmly. “Bella, are you feeling hungry? Help yourself to a muffin!”

“Thanks.” I said.

I removed a piece from the plate and ate it delicately. It tasted wonderful and was easy on my stomach. Jared grabbed his third one and ate it whole.

“Leave some for your brothers!” Emily scolded, her grip firm on his arm. She was determined to stop him from grabbing yet another.

Leaning against the counter, I observed their familial banter. Emily’s kitchen was bright and welcoming, painted with white cupboards and pale wooden floorboards. A small, round table held a chipped blue and white china pitcher brimming with wildflowers. Embry and Jared appeared perfectly comfortable here.

As the front door swung open, Sam strode in like a whirlwind. “Emily,” he whispered, his voice a warm embrace of love.

I couldn’t help but blush, watching Sam cover the distance with graceful ease. With tender care, he cradled her face in his muscular hands.

Sam leaned down and kissed the dark scars on her right cheek before kissing her lips.

“Enough of that,” Jared complained. “I’m having a meal here.”

“Then be quiet and eat,” Sam proposed, planting another kiss on Emily’s damaged lips.

Embry groaned. “Ugh,” he said.

This scene was the cheesiest of any romantic movie. Placing my muffin down, I crossed my arms over my empty chest. I focused on the flowers, attempting to disregard their serenity and the agonizing pain in my injuries.

Jacob and Paul’s arrival was a welcome distraction until their laughter shocked me. As I observed, Jacob responded to Paul’s punch to his shoulder with a kidney jab. Laughter filled the air once more. Both of them seemed unharmed.

Jacob looked around the room. His eyes landed on me, awkwardly leaning against the counter in the kitchen’s far corner.

“Hey Bells,” Jacob greeted me with a smile as he grabbed a muffin off the table and walked over to me.

Jacob leaned into my side, his voice a whisper. “Sorry about earlier,” he murmured, concern etched on his face. “How are you holding up?”

“Don’t worry about it; I’m okay. Good muffins.” I said, picking up my muffin and nibbling again.

I didn’t realize my chest was hurting because as soon as Jacob was beside me, the pain went away.

“Oh, man!” Jared wailed, interrupting us.

I looked up, and Jacob and Embry examined a fading pink line on Paul’s forearm. Embry was grinning, exultant.

“Fifteen dollars.” Embry said.

“Did you do that?” I whispered to Jacob, remembering the bet.

“I touched him with minimal force. He’ll be fine by sundown.” Jacob responded.

“By sundown?”

“Wolf thing.”

I nodded, trying not to look weirded out.

Turning to Jacob, I checked for injuries. “Are you okay?” I asked, concerned.

Jacob read my worried expression and flashed a knowing grin. “No harm done,” he responded.

I opened my mouth; Sam jumped in. “Hey, guys,” he said, cutting through the noise. “Jacob has information for us.”

Paul’s expression showed no surprise. Jacob likely explained this to Sam and him. Otherwise, they would have known his thoughts.

“I know exactly what the redhead wants.” Jacob aimed his words at Jared and Embry. “That’s what I was trying to get across earlier.”

Jacob kicked the leg of the chair Paul had settled into.

“And?” Jared asked.

Jacob’s expression turned somber, shadows dancing in his eyes. “She seeks vengeance for her partner—yet it wasn’t the black-haired leech we dispatched. The Cullens claimed her mate last year, and now Bella is in her crosshairs.”

Jared, Embry, and Emily stared at me, mouths agape in surprise.

“She is only a girl.” Embry protested.

“I did not claim it was logical. That explains why the bloodsucker has been trying to bypass our defenses. She’s on her way to Forks,” Jacob said.

They all stared at me, mouths still hanging open for a long moment. I ducked my head.

“Excellent,” Jared declared, a grin blossoming at the corners of his mouth. “We’ve got the perfect bait!”

Jacob grabbed a can opener with surprising swiftness and hurled it at Jared. Jared’s hand shot up faster than I imagined, catching the tool before it could hit him.

Jacob shot him a fiery glare, his voice a low growl. “Bella isn’t bait,” he declared, fierce as a lion.

“You know what I mean,” Jared said unabashedly.

“So we’ll be changing our patterns,” Sam said, changing the subject. Let’s see if she’ll be fooled if we leave a few openings. Separating is necessary, but I’m not happy about it. But, with Bella as her target, she will probably not attempt to capitalize on our smaller numbers.

“Quil’s got to be close to joining us,” Embry murmured. “Then we will split into equal parts.”

Every person lowered their gaze. I glanced at Jacob’s face. Even though they looked at ease in the cheerful kitchen, these werewolves didn’t want the same fate as their friend.

Sam said quietly, “We can’t count on it,” then resumed speaking. Paul, Jared, and Embry will cover the outer perimeter; Jacob and I will handle the inner one. “After we corner her, she’ll be helpless.”

I saw Emily seemed unhappy about Sam being in the smaller group. Her worry had me glancing up at Jacob, who was worrying, too.

Sam’s eyes, bright and curious, caught mine across the room. Jacob suggested you spend more time in La Push. This way, the bloodsucker won’t know where to find you. He said it would be smart to plan for that.”

“What about Charlie?” I demanded.

“March, Madness is still going,” Jacob said. “Billy and Harry can keep Charlie here when he’s not at work.”

Sam raised a hand, saying, “Wait.” His glance flickered to Emily and then back to me. “That’s what Jacob thinks is best, but you must decide. Carefully consider the risks associated with each choice. You saw this morning how quickly and simply things can turn dangerous here. Staying puts your safety at risk.

“I wouldn’t hurt her,” Jacob muttered, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Sam pretended he hadn’t spoken, as if he were a shadow. “Is there another spot where you could feel safe?” he asked softly.

I caught my lip between my teeth. What safe place could I go to ensure no one was at risk? The idea of including Renee made me shrink back again.

“I refuse to take Victoria anywhere else,” I whispered.

Sam gave a nod. You’re right. “It’s preferable to have her here so we can conclude this,” he stated.

I flinched. I didn’t want Jacob, nor anyone else, to kill Victoria. I tried to prevent Jacob from getting hurt. I glanced at Jacob’s face. It felt calm and familiar, like before the wolf incident. He appeared utterly indifferent to the prospect of hunting vampires.

I glanced at Jacob, worry etched on my face. “Promise me you’ll be careful, okay?” I asked, my throat tight with unease.

The boys roared with amusement. Only Emily didn’t laugh at me. When our eyes met, I saw the underlying symmetry of her facial asymmetry. Her beautiful, vibrant face showed a deeper worry than I felt. The loving concern pained me, so I looked away.

“Food’s ready.” Emily announced.

The boy, who had hurried to surround the small, vulnerable-looking table, rapidly consumed a massive pan of eggs. Leaning against the counter as I did, Emily ate and watched the chaotic table with loving eyes. Her face clarified that this was her family.

I was in La Push all day, mainly at Billy’s. He contacted Charlie via phone and at the station, leading to Charlie’s arrival around dinner with pizzas. It’s good that he brought two large ones; Jacob ate one himself.

Charlie eyed us suspiciously all night, particularly Jacob, who looked quite different. Jacob shrugged when asked about his hair and said it was more convenient.

I knew that as soon as Charlie and I headed home, Jacob would be out running in his wolf form. With unwavering vigilance, he and his brothers searched for any sign that Victoria had returned. But she hadn’t ventured out again because they had driven her from the hot springs the previous night and, as Jacob claimed, almost to Canada.

I didn’t expect Victoria ever to give up. I wasn’t that lucky.

Following dinner, Jacob escorted me to my truck and waited by the window until Charlie left.

“Don’t worry tonight,” Jacob said as Charlie feigned seatbelt difficulties. “We will observe from afar.”

“I won’t worry about myself.” I promised.

Jacob let out a hearty chuckle. “Bella, hunting vampires is a blast! It’s the highlight of this wild, chaotic mess,” he said, a grin blooming on his face.

I narrowed my eyes, measuring his response. “If I’m silly, then you, my friend, are in a precarious state of unbalance.”

Jacob’s chuckle and closer proximity quickened my breathing. What is it about him that affects me so?

“Get some rest, Bella. You seem completely drained,” Jacob said gently, sweeping a strand behind my ear and cradling my face tenderly.

A tingling sensation washed over my face and spread throughout my body. I lean into Jacob’s touch because it feels nice, which is not good. I can’t enjoy this feeling. Yes, I love him, and I’m falling for him, but am I in love with him? I don’t know... I’m ready to move on to someone else who’s willing to give them all to me. I’m not emotionally or mentally there for him. For now, I must keep my distance for my sake and his.

Charlie honked his horn impatiently, interrupting our moment.

“See you tomorrow.” Jacob said. “Come down first thing.”

I nodded. “I will.” I said.

I didn’t notice the lights behind me as Charlie trailed me home. Instead, my mind drifted to Sam, Jared, Emily, and Paul, picturing them running in the night. I questioned whether Jacob had joined them yet.

I hurried up the stairs when we got home, but Charlie was right behind me.

“What’s going on, Bella?” he asked, his voice laced with anxiety. “I thought Jacob was part of a gang and that you two had a brawl.”

“We patched things up,” I responded.

“And the others?”

“Teenage boys—who can decode their mysteries? They’re often puzzled. I ran into Sam Uley and his girlfriend, Emily. They seem pretty relaxed and cool. Perhaps this mix-up was a simple misunderstanding!”

Charlie’s features tightened, his expression shifting from calm to something akin to fear. I didn’t know that he and Emily had announced their commitment. That’s pleasant to hear. What a poor girl,” he commented.

“Do you know what happened to her?” I asked, even though I knew the answer.

“A bear mauled her while she was up north during the salmon spawning season. A horrific accident happened. That was over a year ago. I heard it affected Sam.”

“That’s awful.” I echoed.

Over a year ago. That probably happened when there was only one werewolf in La Push.

I was awake that night, reviewing the day’s events. My mind wandered back to dinner with Billy, Jacob, and Charlie. I recalled the long afternoon spent at the Black’s house. In Emily’s kitchen, we anxiously awaited Jacob’s word. Then came the terrifying werewolf fight. Finally, I recalled my beachside chat with Jacob. I pondered Jacob’s earlier comments on hypocrisy this morning for an extended period. I disliked the idea of being a hypocrite and questioning the purpose of self-deception.

I huddled into a tight ball. No, Edward wasn’t killed. Even at his worst, he was never guilty of murdering innocents, not that I know of.

But what if he had been? What if, while I’d known him, he’d been like any other vampire? What if people had been disappearing from the woods, like now? Would that have prevented me from seeing him?

I shook my head in sadness. I reminded myself that love is illogical. The greater the love, the more meaningless everything else became.

Turning over, I tried to distract myself by picturing Jacob and his brothers running in the dark. Asleep, I pictured wolves, unseen in the darkness, protecting me from harm. In my dream, I was once again in the forest, but this time, I remained stationary. Waiting anxiously for our werewolves to return, I held Emily’s scarred hand in the shadows.