In Her Blood [Jacob Black x OFC] - Kuroinamida91

Chapter 1 Chapter Text

"Those who have one foot in the canoe, and one foot on the shore, are going to fall into the river."

--Native American unknown

𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤, 𝕎𝔸

"Hey, you there!"

𝓐 voice startled me. I dropped my bag of stolen gas station food -- a mere candy bar and chips-- and ran as hard as my feet could take me down the street. The rain pelting me from all sides made it hard to see, but eventually I found solace down a darkened alleyway. I was starving. Had been for days. Running away from home on meager change had that effect. It didn't help matters that I'd not had time to take any supplies with me, save for my allowance, but I'd long used up all the funds on the way here. Which took a whole week, mostly because I'd slept underneath bridges during the night and travelled by bus, then by foot during the day.

As my dirt covered, torn pink converse smacked against the pavement, and sprayed my skinny jeans with muddy water, I recalled the reason I was actually in this predicament. Back in my home town of Victoria, British Columbia, strange things had been taking place. By strange I mean paranormal. Waking up to a half-eaten corpse, however, had been enough to make me run. Let's not even talk about what led up to that --what still gave me nightmares.

The cold harsh rain brought me back to the present. I could feel it drenching my shoulders. Not that it made much difference; I was soaked to the bone already. As I looked around the narrow alley I cursed my bad luck. Of course it's a dead end. There wasn't even a sliver of an opening, nothing to jump over, either. My hope dwindled. This was it; how I got caught.

Surrounded by buildings on all sides, I pressed against the wall and hoped that whoever was chasing me would just run past. To my relief, I saw a shadow skip on by the alley.
Oh, thank God.
Then, my moment of relief soured as I saw them backtrack to my hiding spot. "Come on out," said an authoritative voice.

"sh*t," I mumbled under my breath.

Only three days in Forks and already caught. I begrudgingly walked underneath the street light, covered my eyes with my arm and scowled at the cop.

My pursuer was a middle aged man of average build, and I could see he was actually a sheriff from the shiny badge on his black jacket. His other features were hidden by night and heavy rain. He motioned down the street, halfway yelling over rainy ASMER, "What's all that about young lady?"

I shrugged and dug my hands into my olive-green hoodie pockets. The less said the better. He saw that he wasn't getting anywhere fast and pulled a cell phone from his pocket. "Parents number?" He asked with a sigh. I glanced up into his face, just watching his black moustache twitch.

I shrugged, "Don't know it."

He sighed and pocketed the phone again. "Figured as much. You're a runaway, aren't you?" He asked almost accusingly.

I remained silent. He was right, of course. I'd definitely ran away. And for good reason.

He hiked his thumb, "C'mon. Let's go down to the station and get this over with."

I crossed my arms in defiance, "To the station over some lousy knock off chips and candy?"

He ran a hand through his dark hair, nodding, "Yeah, 'fraid so kiddo. When you stole from that store, you sorta broke a law."

He was looking at me with pity, and I hated it. It made my blood boil. "Jeez. You're so worried about a few dollars. I'll pay them when I get a job." I grumbled.

I was doing a lot of assuming. The first one assuming I'd be here long enough to even get a job. The second, that anyone would even want to hire some rift raft like me.

"Listen. I don't like this anymore than you do. But laws are laws," he replied with a tired sigh, and added, "C'mon now, let's get going."

He led me to his car. The bright lights blared into my eyes and saw into my soul. I nearly hissed; my eyes had been extra sensitive for some reason. He attempted small talk as I was led to the backseat, "I'm Charlie, by the way. I've not seen you around here. From the looks of it, I'd say you're a city girl."

I ignored him and slid into the backseat. He shut the door. The pit of my stomach twisted in knots thinking of how I could get out of this situation. What could I say? What excuse would be sufficient to ensure my survival--so I didn't have to go back to Victoria, where this nightmare began?

Charlie adjusted his rearview mirror so he could see me. "Not much of a talker, are ya?" He asked lightly. I knew he was trying to get me to slip up and say something to help him identify me, but I was too smart for that. He started the engine up after a pause. "That's fine, neither am I."

𝔗𝔥𝔢 ride to the station went by pretty quickly. After the first few minutes Charlie gave up trying to talk to me. Which gave me altogether too much time to think on things. My mind wandered to my best friend, Natalie. She had no idea I was even still alive. We'd been inseparable since we were little, doing everything together. She'd probably given up hope by now that I'm ever going to return. I wonder what you're doing right now, Natalie. I sighed a little and stared out the dark window. It's not like it was my choice to leave. But with what all happened--I knew everyone was safer if I wasn't there. And here I was, probably going to be forced to go back. It filled me with snaking fear. Just the thought of seeing another half-mutilated body of someone I'd once called friend--Derek, was his name--made me want to vomit.

Before I realized it, we were at the station and Charlie was opening the door for me. The rain still came down, but now more of a drizzle. I pulled up my hoodie to cover my wet mop and followed him inside the tiny, brown building.

The whitewash walls almost blinded me, jarring my senses alert. I blinked as my eyes adjusted. He led me to a reception area, a few chairs scattered across the room, and I had difficulty moving due to my clothing sticking to me like it'd been glued on. The overall vibe of the place made me think instantly that not much crime happened in this sleepy town. Mostly because all I heard was the occasional chair squeaking, and a fan somewhere in the background. Charlie spoke to a plump and friendly receptionist and motioned to me. "We've got a Jane Doe tonight. Found her in the street. Brady down at the E&G called me, said she saw her shoplifting some food. If you don't mind, get started on her file while I take her in for questioning."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at how clinical he'd made it all sound. The receptionist was a healthy older woman with highlighted brown hair and big glasses. "Okay, got it down," she replied. She looked at me, head to toe, and then gave me a warm smile. I looked away-- I didn't need her pity. What I need was a SWAT team.

Charlie nodded, and said, "Thanks Linda, owe ya one. Alright, follow me."

I tagged along behind Charlie to a small office with old, wooden furniture from the 70s and open filing cabinets that had papers stuck in random spots. Looks like Charlie needs to clean.

He motioned for me to sit on an old, green leather chair. It squeaked as I squelched down. "So, lets get this started." He said and lifted papers and books in search of something. He found what he was looking for--a pen, and pulled a yellow pad from a side drawer.

"Name?" He asked, pen poised.

I wracked my brain for a good, teenage sounding name. "Penelope," I blurted.

He gave me a look--clearly not believing it, and scratched it down. "Okay. Penelope...you got a last name with that?"

I subtly glanced around the room and tried to see anything to help me think of one. There was a name upside down on one of the many papers strewn on his desk. "..Black," I mumbled. He paused. "Black?"

I nodded and tried to look sure. "Yeah. Black." Like my mood ring, if I had one.

He eyed me a little differently, but wrote it down. "Where are you from, Miss Black?"

I bit my lip. Lying sure was hard on the fly. "I'm from...around here."

He nodded, and put down the pad of paper. "Around here?"

"Uh, yeah. I think so, anyway."

He stopped writing and gave me a quizzical face. "O-kay, let's try that one again. Where are you from?"

I clenched my hands in my lap hard enough to leave half moons in my skin. What I said would either be helpful of hurtful, and I was about to find out which one. "I...I don't remember where I'm from." Then, I looked up through red hair that stuck to my fair eyebrow obnoxiously, "..I was hungry, though."

Charlie sighed and tapped the pen on the table, some sort of rhythm only he could hear. "So, your saying you have...amnesia?"

I shrugged, "If that's what you want to call it."

He nodded. "Ah. Okay, then. Amnesia. And your name is Penelope Black?" I nodded in response and avoided his eyes.

"Well...do you know any names? Places? Anything?"

My eyes looked for the upside-down paper, and saw Billy written in blue ink. "Uh yeah. A Billy Black."

Charlie quirked an eyebrow, "Really now? You know Billy?"

He smiled at me, and I nodded. "Y-Yeah. At least, I think I do." I laughed nervously.

Charlie narrowed his eyes a little. I suppose it did seem hard to believe, a amnesiac who got hungry and robbed a gas station for some meager snack, but knew the one name on his desk. Charlie glanced down at his watch and muttered, "He's probably in bed by now.." He stood, "You can crash at my house tonight. I'll take you over to Billy's first thing in the morning. Then we'll get this all sorted out."

That wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to actually know this Billy Black person. I grabbed my chair with both hands, "That won't be necessary."

Charlie stilled and lifted one eyebrow, "Oh? Why not?"

I shrugged and tried to look unruffled, despite my insides that quivered with either indigestion or an anxiety attack. "That's because...I don't want to bother him," I added lamely. Please let it go, please let it go..

Charlie grabbed his keys off the desk, "Nonsense. Let's go, kiddo. It's gettin' late, and I don't know about you, but I'm tired."

I resisted the urge to bash my head into the wall and stood. "If you say so.." I mumbled.

The ride to his house was rather uneventful. We did talk about the weather, which was still wet, but other than thatit was a silent, awkward drive.

"Well, here we are kiddo. You'll have to overlook her, she's not had visitors in awhile." He said of the small, two-bedroom residence he called home. I couldn't see much of the yard due to the dark sky, but I noticed a tree overlooking the bedroom upstairs, and the wrap around fence.

Once inside the home, I looked around. It appeared like the house had been trapped in time, maybe in the 80s. There was flower wallpaper, antique furniture, and even a floor model television. It was so different from my home in Victoria, which had been state of the art, that I felt pity for Charlie. Maybe being a sheriff doesn't pay all that great.

"Well, make yourself at home. It's uh--nothing special, but I haven't done anything to it since...well, probably since I was divorced."

I nodded. Charlie's life was none of my business, but from the looks of things, he'd not quite let go of his ex-wife. Or anything. My eyes noticed pictures on the mantle of a brown haired, fair skinned girl. The pictures looked mostly like school photos. She was cute, and I could see the resemblance. Charlie saw what I stared at, "That's Bells. Well, Isabella Swan. My pride and joy." He was chipper, and talked about her as if she were some medal he'd been awarded. I nodded. "She's...very pretty." I replied, struggling to find words. There wasn't much else to add after all. It was awkward for a moment, then Charlie said, "Well, there's a bedroom upstairs. It belongs to Bells when she's here but you can sleep there. Should be some blankets folded on the bed."

He went towards the small kitchen, and tacked on, "Feel free to use the shower." Then he glanced at my wet clothing, and added, "And she should have some clothes in her room."

𝔗𝔥𝔢 next morning greeted me with a blinding light from the window. It'd been a week since I'd slept in an actual bed, and I found myself relishing the feel of the mattress. Traveling from Victoria to this town hadn't been easy. I'd used up my allowance--all one hundred and thirty dollars--on the ferry ride to cross Salish Sea. From there I'd been footing it, and even fell asleep in a subway station. So I was slow to rise.

I groggily remembered the dream I'd had last night. It had felt so real. Like all the others... I looked down at my hands, seeing dried blood on the tips of them. Ice traveled down my spine at the thought of where and whose it belonged to.

"I..did it again," I whispered. Another strange occurrence. Before I could dwell on what happened, there was a knock at the door. Quickly, I shoved my hands underneath the covers. The last thing I needed was for the sheriff to see my hands. "Come in," I called.

Charlie poked his head in, "Just checking to make sure you didn't run off during the night." He was only joking, but then he spotted something on the bed. My eyes followed his gaze and saw it, too. There, on the floor was a trail of mud from the window to the bed. He walked on into the room and stared at the mess with stunned silence. For a moment the two of us just stared, then he said, "I'm glad you decided to come back." I gave him a tiny smile, "I like to look at the moon. It's a...habit of mine," I lied. He nodded, and gave me an odd look. "Must be a teenage thing," he replied. He motioned around, "Well, when you're ready for some grub just come and holler."

"Thanks." I stared at him. He stood around awkwardly for a minute before leaving.

As soon as he left, I pulled back the covers, and looked once more at my blood covered fingers. What did I do? It's not the first time this has happened. Waking up from a strange nightmare with blood on my hands. At least this time I'd made it back to the bed. I got up, and noticed my feet were caked in dried mud. Better get this cleaned up before Charlie comes back in here.

That in mind, I wiped my fingers on my clothes and went over to Isabella's chest of drawers. There was some clothing in there, but Bella must have been tiny, because everything was too small. Except for a pair of purple Lakers basketball shorts and an oversized white T-shirt. The shirt had to have been a night gown at some point. I grabbed them and opened the bedroom door, peeking to make sure the coast is clear--just in case there was more blood than what I saw on me. I could hear the sounds of the TV down below.

That's my cue. I hurriedly got into the small, vintage style bathroom with the flowery wallpaper and peeled off the still damp, muddy clothes. I looked at myself in the mirror. My thigh length red hair was askew, even though it was braided, and if I looked close enough, I could see pieces of leaves stuck in it. And then there was my skin, extremely fair, with a few speckling of freckles across my nose, but as I examined, scratches were on my cheeks. As if some cat fought with me during my sleep. Circles around my deep blue eyes told the tale of my insomnia, the result of the nightmares I'd been having as of late. At least I hoped they were nightmares. Overall, I looked...rough. "Well, you look like sh*t, but at least you slept in a bed last night." I told myself, and undone my plaited hair. The red tendrils cascaded around my shoulders like a gown. I'd always been rather scrawny, and now was no different. My body wasn't exactly filled out, but it wasn't a complete pancake, either.

The shower felt amazing on my skin, and it was with great reluctance that I got out. Minutes passed as I exfoliated, scrubbed, shaved, and took my sweet time. I sniffed myself and approved of my new scent. I grinned in the mirror, exposing my extra set of incisors I'd been born with. "An improvement for sure," I said with a laugh. Once I was dressed in the ridiculous clothing, I finger combed my hair and left it damp to air dry.

"Well, time to go look like an idiot." I said, and left the bathroom.

Charlie was downstairs reading a newspaper as I walked in. He sat it down and said, "I see you found some clothes. Can't say I like the style." He chuckled. I rolled my eyes. "It's the only thing that fit me."

He nodded and grabbed the newspaper again, then checks his watch, "Let's go grab a bite to eat over at Carvers Cafe. I'm willin' to bet you're starved."

I looked away. It was a little embarrassing to admit, but I was actually starving. I couldn't remember the last thing I'd ate. Inwardly I shook my fist at the air, wishing I'd gotten to eat those stolen goods last night. "I'm a little hungry," I replied.

"Let's go eat before we see Billy."

Gulp.

𝒞𝒶𝓇𝓋𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝒞𝒶𝒻𝑒

"𝔇𝔦𝔡 you hear about the attack?" Someone asked Charlie, as the both of us slid into a table booth. Charlie looked grim as he replied, "'Course I have."

I swallowed. I hope that... I didn't have anything to do with it. I think grimly, and found a nice spot on the table to stare at. There was a lot of townsfolk here, it must have been the place to gossip. The waitress, a middle-aged woman with premature gray hair and a friendly, wide smile asked me what I'd like. She hands Charlie a cup of coffee; it must be his regular order. I glanced over at Charlie who motioned for me to pick off the menu, and I hurriedly asked for bacon and eggs with some toast.

"We're all interested in knowing what you think about it," an old fisherman said to him. At least I think he was a fisherman. But perhaps the tackle gear was just for sh*ts and giggles. Charlie took a swig of his coffee and sat it down roughly, and it sloshed a little on the table. "A bear attack. That's all," he said a little gruffly. I breathed a sigh of relief. Glad that's all it is..

But then another voice piped up, "I don't know 'bout that now, sheriff, I seen those marks. Looked more like a beast to me."

A beast..? I shivered a little. Charlie waved him down, seeing as everyone in the room became noticeably more interested, "I didn't realize you were an expert tracker, Flynn."

Flynn laughed, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Prolly was just a bear. Still, I feel bad for their family."

Voices rose in agreement. So, it was a person who was attacked. I tried my best to focus on the food in front of me, bacon and eggs with buttered toast, but all I ended up doing was nibbling at it. My mind's eyes recalled the dream...

ℜ𝔲𝔫𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤, 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔞𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡 𝔪𝔢 𝔞 𝔟𝔩𝔲𝔯 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔬𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫. ℑ 𝔰𝔫𝔦𝔣𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔞𝔦𝔯, 𝔰𝔪𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔣𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔥 𝔦𝔯𝔬𝔫. 𝔄𝔰 ℑ 𝔯𝔲𝔫 𝔱𝔬𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔡𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔱, ℑ 𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔦𝔠𝔢 𝔞 𝔟𝔯𝔬𝔴𝔫 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣 𝔩𝔬𝔬𝔨𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔞𝔱 𝔪𝔢. ℌ𝔦𝔰 𝔢𝔶𝔢𝔰 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔤𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔩𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱, 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔥𝔢'𝔰 𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔪𝔢 𝔱𝔬 𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔶 𝔞𝔴𝔞𝔶. 𝔅𝔲𝔱 ℑ 𝔭𝔲𝔣𝔣 𝔪𝔶 𝔠𝔥𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔱𝔬 𝔥𝔦𝔪, 𝔟𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔪𝔶 𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔱𝔥. ℑ 𝔩𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔡𝔬𝔴𝔫 𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔬𝔫, 𝔬𝔯 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔯𝔢𝔪𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔪. 𝔗𝔥𝔢𝔫 ℑ 𝔩𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣, 𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔭𝔭𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔣𝔬𝔬𝔱 𝔱𝔬𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔡𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔪. 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣 𝔥𝔬𝔴𝔩𝔰, 𝔞𝔫𝔡 ℑ 𝔰𝔢𝔢 𝔪𝔲𝔩𝔱𝔦𝔭𝔩𝔢 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔳𝔢𝔰 𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔡𝔬𝔴𝔰. 𝔄𝔩𝔩 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔪 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔦𝔯 𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔱𝔥 𝔞𝔱 𝔪𝔢. ℑ 𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔶 𝔱𝔞𝔦𝔩 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔩𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔬𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔢 𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔬𝔫, 𝔩𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔞 𝔰𝔬𝔣𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔴𝔩. 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔟𝔯𝔬𝔴𝔫 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔣 𝔰𝔥𝔞𝔨𝔢𝔰 𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔤𝔯𝔬𝔴𝔩𝔰 𝔬𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔢. ℑ 𝔴𝔥𝔦𝔪𝔭𝔢𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔫, 𝔯𝔲𝔫𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔪𝔶 𝔱𝔞𝔦𝔩 𝔱𝔲𝔠𝔨𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔢𝔱𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔫 𝔪𝔶 𝔩𝔢𝔤𝔰. 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔬𝔩𝔳𝔢𝔰 𝔡𝔬𝔫'𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔬𝔴 𝔪𝔢, 𝔦𝔫𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔶 𝔰𝔢𝔢𝔪 𝔱𝔬 𝔟𝔢 𝔴𝔞𝔦𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔤.

"𝔜𝔬𝔲 awake over there, Penelope?" Charlie asked, snapping me from my daze. I blinked and forced the dream out of my thoughts. With a nod I mumbled, "Yeah."

He motioned to the food, mostly untouched. "Must not be too hungry. Maybe you ate something on that midnight moon run of yours," he joked. But I couldn't help but blanch, and hope he was right about that. Just a dream. Just a dream. I chanted to myself. "Well, let's head on over to Billy's place." Charlie said, then stood.

I followed suit, but maybe I wouldn't have if I had any clueI was walking into a, well, wolves den.

Chapter 2 Chapter Text

"Life is but a dream for the dead."
― Gerard Way

𝕃𝕒 ℙ𝕦𝕤𝕙, 𝕎𝔸

ℑ felt, rather than saw, the trouble before I even fully stepped out of Charlie's cruiser. Not that the environment looked dangerous. It looked...well, harmless. Beautiful, large green trees enveloped the area like a protective forcefield. As my eyes shifted, looking around, I was almost in awe. Almost. But the feeling that I couldn't shake---one of impending doom and unwarranted anxiety--- overrode the jaded feeling. Charlie looked over at me, saw that I just stood there like a statue, and motioned. "This is Billy's place. Ring any bells?"

I shook my head. He shrugged and shut his door, leaning against it. "Well, can't say I'm surprised. No offense, but you don't look like a...Black."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?" Now I was curious. What was I supposed to look like, being Penelope Black? As if on cue, movement from the red house caught my attention. Several people piled out. They were all shirtless, which I found kind of funny at first. Then I caught sight of the tattoo's on their arms, all the same. Is this...some sort of...cult? But that's not what bothered me. No, it was the look in their eyes as they looked at me. Some of them wrinkled their nose as if I smelled bad. I scowled. Well, they weren't all that great. Just because they were gorgeous Native Americans with broad shoulders, tans to die for, and impeccable ab definition...Okay, I was staring a little too hard.

Charlie waved at them and walked over. Reluctantly I followed him, staying quite a few feet away from this 'cult'. "Hey. Did I interrupt some kinda meeting?" He asked jokingly. The tallest one glanced at me briefly before looking back at Charlie. "Nah, we were just...getting ready for a barbecue later. What's up, sheriff?"

"Sam, you know where Billy's at?" Charlie asked. He looked at his watch, adding, "I know he usually sees his doctor today, but I was hoping to catch him before he took off."

The one named Sam turned and yelled in the house, "Aye, Jacob, is Billy here still?"

As I watched, a long haired, attractive male who looked to be my age appeared. He had one hand on the frame of the doorway, looking at Charlie and me. He caught my eyes, and I swear I forgot to breathe. He wasn't shirtless like the others, but his deep, piercing gaze made me feel nervous. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, and realized that I'm flustered. Jacob walked on out, shaking his head, "Sorry, just missed him. Left not even five minutes ago."

Charlie sighed a little and nodded, placing a hand at his belt. "Ah, yeah, figures. Well, do any of you happen to know who this is?"

He hiked his thumb at me, and I stiffened. Jacob studied my face, and I could feel my heart beating in my throat. Stop staring at me, jeez. Then he slowly shook his head, "Can't say that I do." The others in the background also shook their heads. "Who is she?" Sam asked, and I sensed something else in his voice. Something that hinted that he was more than a little interested in finding out the answer. I swallowed. Don't be silly. They're not going to eat you or anything...

"Penelope Black." I said, finally speaking for myself. Jacob covered his mouth with his hand, looking away, but it was too late; I saw him grinning. I could see why, too, looking at him and his family. I'm definitely not a Black. His shoulders moved slightly with a hidden chuckle. The others, too, were laughing to themselves.

"She claims she has amnesia. The only name she could remember was her own, and Billy's." As Charlie said this, everyone sobered up. Jacob looked a little confused. "Really? I've never heard of her."

"Well, so much for that theory." Charlie said with a sigh. He looked over at me, and I realize I'd been staring at Jacob the entire time, like a creep. But I couldn't help myself; he was gorgeous. And those brilliant white teeth were something else.

"C'mon, then, let's go see if we can find anything about you down at the station. I'll put in some word to some other cities, see if I can turn anything up--" He said this, but I clenched my hands very tightly at my sides again. I could feel my nails digging into my flesh. Jacob surprised me by saying, "After you do that, do you think she could come to our barbecue?"

Charlie blinked. Then he looked over at Sam and the others, who were watching silently. He nodded, scratching his dark hair, "Ah, sure. Sure. Might be nice for her. Maybe help jog her memory or something." Then he asked me, "You want to go?"

Without a second's pause I nodded.

My heart was going pitter patter in my chest and I couldn't help the look of relief I gave Jacob. He might not know it, but he'd saved me from a boring evening full of questions. His smile was warm as he said, "Cool, cool. Well, I'll tell Billy you stopped by."

Charlie nodded again, looked at his watch and said, "Let's go, Penelope."

I looked once more at Jacob, and gave him a nervous smile. He lifted his fingers in a half wave, and I waved back, feeling like an idiot.

Wow. Jacob, huh?

𝔅𝔞𝔠𝔨 at the station I sat, staring up at the white wash walls as I eavesdropped on Charlie's phone calls. It was the third county he's called, and with every effort, I felt fear. Fear that he'd learn something, they'll give him a clue about me. But so far it had been fairly cut and dry. He asked about my namesake, and they'd tell him there's nobody by that name. I tapped my converse on the floor in a two step beat to pass time.

I heard him hang up the phone and let out a sigh. Linda, his receptionist, looked over at me apologetically. "No luck sounds like." She said, sympathetically. I gave her a fake smile and leaned back in my chair, trying to look disappointed. But on the inside I was rejoicing. Charlie walked out of the office, and told me, "You stay here. I've gotta situation to deal with." He told Linda to keep her eyes on me, and left.

I pouted. Great. I get to sit here and dwindle away to nothing. But I guess that's better than waking up to a corpse. I shuddered. "Cold, honey?" Linda asked. I almost laughed, but shook my head instead. "No, I'm fine. Just a chill."

Yeah. A chill that came from not knowing why I was alive and why my friend, Derek, wasn't.

𝕃𝕒 ℙ𝕦𝕤𝕙, 𝕎𝔸

𝔒𝔫𝔠𝔢 again, that feeling of impending doom washed over me as I stepped out of Charlie's vehicle. The forest was alive despite it being dusk; I heard frogs, crickets, and the occasional snake. It's...peaceful. I closed the door and my eyes were drawn to the large bonfire not too far from Charlie's home. There was several people around it, and one older man in a wheelchair. Charlie and I walked over to their group. He raised his arm, "Hey. Save any burgers for me?" he asked with a wry grin. But I wasn't really paying attention; my eyes focused once again on the handsome Jacob, who was busy chewing into a hot dog. He saw me and held his hot dog from his plate in greeting. I nervously walked over to him. "Hey," I mumbled in greeting, feeling lame. After all, I was still wearing Isabella's oversized clothes. Nobody was paying any attention to me; all absorbed in their own lively conversations. Except for Sam. He was eyeing me as if I'd do something crazy any minute. Jacob pat the log he was sitting on. I took the seat, and focused my attention on the fire that was blazing not too far from us, warming my face.

"Thanks," I blurted to him. He set his food down. "For what?" He asked, and I could feel him staring at me. But I kept my gaze forward. "For inviting me." I mumbled.

He nibbled on some BBQ chips. At first I thought he was going to ignore me, but he said, "Well, I couldn't help but see how scared you got when Charlie said he was going to ask around about you."

I nodded. It's as I'd thought. Jacob felt bad for me. Well, Penelope Black. If he knew the real me, though, it would be a different story. "Yeah." I mumbled quietly. But my voice sounded sad, even to me. I forced a smile and looked at him. His dark hair was tucked behind one ear, the warm fire giving off orange hues to his beautiful skin. "This place is pretty awesome," I admitted.

Jacob glanced around as if seeing the area for the first time, "Yeah, I guess it is." Then he pointed at the table of food that had a feast spread on it. Hot dogs, hamburgers, deviled eggs, potato salad, baked beans and even chicken and dumplings. "Help yourself to some food. You could use it," he said with a playful smile. I acted offended. "Excuse you sir? I could take you on," I said with a pat to my not-there-at-all biceps. Jacob laughed, exposing his white teeth. I took a sharp breath in. "Bring it, chicken wing," he added with a lop-sided grin. Oh God. He's too much. I could feel myself flushing, so I hurriedly stood and walked over to the table. I grabbed a styrofoam plate and piled it high with food. Anything to distract me from the wild, untamed attraction I had for someone I just met. It was silly. I barely knew him; he didn't even know me. Yet...I felt drawn to him.

"Penelope Black." A voice announced. I jumped and barely managed to steady my plate that tilted, food threatening to slide off. "Y-Yep." I agreed, turning to look up into Sam's face. His jaw clenched tightly, and his nostrils were flared. Overall, he looked hostile. Like a beast. Or a crazy person.

"Where did you come from?" He asked me. It didn't sound like a light hearted question, but an interrogation. I bit my lip and looked away from his intense face, shrugging. "Don't know, really." I lied, voice wobbling. He had some odd scent on him. Strangely, it made me feel weird inside, just another thing I couldn't explain.

Commotion caught my attention. Jacob had a younger boy in a headlock, they were wrestling. But it was all in good natured fun, I realized after a moment of quiet. Sam's attention turned to them as well. I made my escape, sitting back down on the log, away from everyone and most importantly, away from the odd Sam. As I ate the delicious food, I let out a wistful sigh and let my posture droop. I wish I could go back. To my family. But...I can't. Whatever happened...his murder will be on my hands.

"Penelope?"

It's Jacob, and he had one arm slung over the boy shoulders he'd been wrestling with. I glanced up, and saw a look of concern on his face. "That's me. I think," I said with a laugh, hoping my laughter eased the mood. "This is Seth Clearwater," Jacob introduced with a grin at Seth. Seth playfully pushed Jacob on the arm, "I know how to talk for myself." He replied with a little frown. Jacob shrugged both his shoulders, "Hey, I was just helping you out. Being your wingman."

My face flamed. Seth looked embarrassed and rolled his eyes. "Shut it. You're the one who's got the hots for her." He added, and Jacob looked nervously at me. I stared at him, caught in his dark gaze. He looked away and the moment is gone. "Whatever man." Jacob replied, ruffling Seth's hair. It dawned on me that he didn't deny it.

Before I can dwell on this tidbit of observation, movement to my right caught my full attention. The man in the wheelchair was making his way towards me. "You are Penelope?" He asked me. I nodded, swallowing another bite of chicken and dumplings. He studied me. "Amnesia.." he said, more of a statement than a question. Again I nodded.

Jacob sat back down beside me, and Seth sat on my other side. "I'm Billy Black." The wheelchair bound man announced.

I just noticed that I didn't see Charlie anymore. "It's nice to meet you. Um, where did the sheriff go to?" I asked. Billy replied, "I told him we'd make sure you got back to his house." In Billy's left hand was a long, carved tree limb. He raisesd it. In shock, I watched as everyone instantly went deathly quiet.

"Today, we will remember the Chimakum. Our brethren."

Chimakum? Interested in hearing the folklore, I stopped eating and turned my full attention to Billy. He moved to the front of the yard, where he could be seen by everyone present. Which was probably five or so men, two women, and myself.

"Just like our ancestors, the Chimakum are spirit warriors. Over three thousand years ago, the legend goes that some four hundred Quileute tribe members where carried away by a terrible flood." Billy looked around; all eyes were on him. He continued, "This flood, which destroyed a lot of our crops, led us to give up hope of ever seeing our lost family again. We now know they lived on, and sought refuse on the other side of the Quimper Peninsula. There they hunted and fished and farmed."

Billy smiled, it's clear to see he enjoyed his role. "Among those who survived the flood were three spirit warriors. The first, Nio-djya, was said to have given fire to the humans. She was wise, but also cunning."

He nodded to himself, "Cunning just like a fox. Because that's what she was; a fox-woman. Nio-djya didn't get along well with others, and often led her people into war and skirmishes. This constant conflict caused the Chimakum's numbers to dwindle. Then the Irish moved into the area. In order to keep her people from being annihilated, Nio-djya joined hands with the Irish leader, Aodhan. The two were a perfect match. Shortly after, disease wiped out the rest of the Chimakum. The other spirit warriors were angry, blaming the Irish. And in their great anger, killed her beloved Aodhan. As punishment, Nio-djya slew the spirit warrior's children, only leaving her own unharmed. Eventually, the two spirit warriors who had killed Aodhan caught Nio-djya and killed her, but not before she cursed them."

Billy lowered his face, the fire casting ominous shadows across his wrinkled skin, "It is said that one day, when her offspring complete the change, her child will seek revenge for her and Aodhan's death."

"Wow," I mumbled. The story gave me goosebumps. Jacob looked over at me, "He's good, isn't he?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

Everyone clapped, and I joined in. "Say, you look pretty Irish," Seth commented. I nodded. "I am. I mean--I think I am."

Jacob and Seth shared a look. "You sound pretty sure about that," Jacob noticed. I shrugged and replied, "Well I mean, just look at me." I motioned to my hair dramatically. Seth chuckled. "Point made."

Billy came back over to me. He wore an amused expression on his face, "Enjoy the story?" He piqued.

I dipped my head. "I did, yeah. It all sounds so...real. Like it could really happen."

Billy nodded to himself. "And it did. All that's left, is for the fox-spirit to awaken once more."

"The fox-spirit, huh. She sounds pretty mystical." I said, smiling. But I could see Sam glaring at me from the corner of my eye. He didn't look impressed at all by Billy's story. In fact, he acted even more hostile. "She's a beast that needs to be put down," he said darkly. I shuddered. That's pretty harsh. "A beast?" I asked him.

He scowled, "That's what I said, Red Riding Hood."

I blinked in shock. This Sam guy was crossing a line that he didn't want to cross. Before I could retort, Jacob warned him, "Sam, chill out dude."

I stood before I knew what happened, and I walked over to him. "What does that make you, then? The big bad wolf?"

He threw his head back, laughing. I could hear other people laughing along with him. I didn't think what I'd said was that funny, but whatever. He composed himself, "Yeah, that's exactly what it makes me. Get along now, little red, before you get lost in these woods."

"What's your problem with me?" I yelled, no longer caring that I was being watched by everyone. Jacob jumped up, pushed me by the shoulder and placed himself between Sam and me.

"My problem is that you're a stinking, hungry--" his words were cut off by a tackle from someone a bit smaller than him, but not by much. I watched as Sam and this person almost came to fists. "Watch what you're saying!" The newcomer told him. Sam let out an actual growl and turned towards me; his eyes were blazing with fury. Like he was ready to rip my head off. I took a step back, and felt two strong hands on either side of my arms.

"Jacob," I breathed, feeling scared for my safety. He didn't say anything, but led me away from Sam and whoever that was, the both of them arguing. As I was led away from the drama I couldn't help but feel like Jacob was the only friend I had in the world. "I...don't understand. I didn't do anything to him.." I trailed, feeling angry tears threaten to spill over. Jacob lightly squeezed my arm. "I don't get it either. But try not to let him get to you. I'll talk to him later," he promised.

I sighed and plopped down on the wood steps, resting my head on my hands. "Don't worry about it. He's right."

Too late, I realized what I'd blurted out. Jacob's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "Huh?"

"It's nothing," I assured him. But his face didn't change. In fact, he looked determined. I didn't dare reveal anything to him, so I added, "Care to take me back to the sheriff's house, now?"

"Y-yeah. Sure. Ready when you are."

Chapter 3 Chapter Text

The Next Day

"Sorry, kiddo, I gotta keep a close eye on you. You'll have to hang around me today," Charlie informed me the next morning, over a cup of extra black coffee at Carver's Cafe. I sighed a little and stabbed my eggs, clearly disappointed by his answer. I'd just asked him if he would take me to town.

He set his cup down and made a point to pick up his newspaper noisily. "What did you have in mind?" He asked, glancing at me for a second. The front page story read, Another Attack.

I shrugged, muttering, "Just wanted to check out the library. Maybe get a book or two." About spirit warriors, I added in my head. All last night, after being dropped off by Jacob, who apparently can drive at the age of fifteen--reservation laws he'd claimed—I'd spent untold hours staring up at the dark ceiling of Isabella's room. Thinking about that story, and of the evenings events. The story had sent a chill running through me, one that I couldn't shake. Jacob had noticed something as well, and kept silent most of the ride. Well, he did ask me some basic questions. That I couldn't answer, of course. Jacob had been the upmost gentleman however, and didn't pry at my request.

I'd also been thinking about Sam Black's odd behavior. It was so strange; he'd acted like he had a problem with me. But we were complete and utter strangers. It just didn't make sense.

After a night full of me staring up into the dark ceiling, I'd finally fell asleep around morning, only to be awoken by Charlie knocking on the door. He'd given me my old clothes, freshly washed and dried. I wasted no time in showering and changing into the familiar olive hoodie and skinny jeans, and realized it's all I had to remind me of where I came from. Then, it was off to what I suspected is Charlie's hangout spot, Carver's Cafe.

Charlie glanced up at the ceiling. "Well," he said after a moment's thought, "You could wait until Jake is off school, I'm sure he'd take you. He seemed to me like he was pretty smitten--"

"--N-No, I couldn't do that!" I flushed, ducking my head. I pushed around the eggs in my plate, not really seeing them. Instead, my brain wandered to Jacob, the handsome and mysterious La Push native that made my heart race. I enjoyed talking to him a little too much. It was kind of alarming, actually. Especially if I were to accidently let something slip.

"Suit yourself." Charlie said all amused, black moustache twitching with the hint of a smile. I decided to change the subject, "Sheriff, how long am I going to be staying with you?"

He closed his newspaper, straightened his back, and looked serious. "Right now, there's no where else for you to go. This isn't a big city. We don't exactly have a shelter for people like you."

I nodded at him, and he continued, "For now, with me is the safest place. But I have been thinking if nothing changes soon, I'll have to enroll you into school."

Cringe. I wrinkled my nose at the thought. "Can't I just get a GED?"

As soon as I said it, I regretted it. Sheriff Charlie was squinting at me, studying my reaction. Instantly in cop mode. "You have something against school?"

I quickly shook my head no, "It's not that. I just...wanted to get a job. To, you know, pay back what I owe you for keeping me." In reality, though, I didn't want to go to school for another reason. If one of the students could identify me; or spread rumors that would somehow get back to my hometown, my fragile safety net could become nonexistent.

He nodded, still contemplative and leaned back in his window seat, "There's no harm in working. But education is more important." He glanced at his watch, "We can more about this later. It's time for me to head on over."

"Yeah."

***

Another day at the station, twiddling my thumbs. Literally. As I fidgeted in boredom, Linda looked up at me with a smile meant to be friendly, trying to strike up a conversation no doubt. "You poor dear. It must be so hard on you, not knowing a thing."

I gave her a little nod and a fake smile, my eyes still focused on the passerby's. Linda doesn't say anything else, and before long, the people walking past blurred like background noise. My mind drifted, wandering to what remained of my friend, Derek. I'd kept his last night locked away in a box in my mind, carefully sealed and repressed. But having nothing to do with my time, I remembered his laughter, the way he'd drank the cold beer down in three huge gulps that awful night, waving it wildly with a raucous laugh. The firelight blazing; but the cool night air had made me pull my hoodie up over my legs, watching my other friends faces in the firelight. Laughter...lots of laughter. But then...the next morning... I swallowed, and closed my eyes. But it was too late, I saw his gaping mouth, the smell of his blood--even, the awful, twisted way his neck was in, or what was left of it. Bile rose in the back of my throat.

As I'm pushing away these memories, an inhumanly handsome man walked past the window, wearing a dusty gray, thigh grazing trench coat. His shoes were shiny, dark hair coifed stylishly away from a severely pale, smooth face. He looked like the word Versace. His dark eyes caught mine and through the glass, I'm transfixed. But the expression on his face had me frozen. If looks could kill.. I'd be dead. No, even more dead than that. Undead.

His dark eyes narrowed at the edges, the line of his jaw hard. As we stared at one another, I realized I'm not breathing. Who is this guy? Why is he giving me a glare from Hell? I thought, forcing myself to look away. A few seconds passed by before I dared a glance back up; he was gone. I let out a sigh and closed my eyes, drooping into the hard back chair in relief. Don't know what his problem was, but wow, talk about handsome. He must be a model or something.

The phone rang. I could hear Charlie's voice, but not well enough to make out what he's said through the closed office door. Then he was there, opening the door. "Linda, I've got a domestic dispute to look into. Make sure she doesn't leave," Charlie told to his plump, ever helpful receptionist. I smirked to myself.

Exactly one hour later I got the golden opportunity to make my escape. Sweet, unsuspecting Linda, had just left the room, mentioning that she was going to heat up her lunch. It was just enough time for me to walk right out, no questions asked. So I did. And the first thing in my mind was finding the library, to see what I could discover about those so called spirit warriors. And to send an email to Natalie. It's risky to email her. I know that, but I want someone to know that I'm alive. I reasoned. So I stopped by City Hall and asked the clerk for directions to the library.

It turned out the North Olympic Library was only about seven minutes of walking from where I started from, the Police department. The kind, elderly man in City Hall lent me his pen, and I scrawled down the address on the back of my hand, 171 𝓢 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓼 𝓐𝓿𝓮.

The morning air was cold, but the sun beating down on my shoulder's warmed me just enough. I shoved my hands into my pockets and walked with my head down, just in case Charlie happened to pass by in his cruiser. The walk there wasn't bad at all; the streets were pretty much vacant. Occasionally someone would stare at me from a car window, but I gave them a friendly smile and they'd either tip their hat or throw two fingers up in greeting.

Then I saw it, the Olympic Library. It wasn't a very big building, the roof flat, exterior a medium brown stone. The weathered brown sign was half hidden beside a bush. I pulled out my hand, confirmed the address, and looked for the door.

Once inside I was greeted by the smell of candle wax burning. Something for the coming fall season. The receptionist working on her computer gave me a curious glance, looked me up and down, before she huffed out, "Can I help you with anything?"

I give her my well practiced, fake grin and asked her about the computers. She wanted to know if I had a card with them, and I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, without a card we can't log you into the computers. But if you'd like to get one today, I'd be more than happy to assist with that," she said grumpily.

"I.." I bit my lip and thought over my options. If I give out my real info here, I could be in deep sh*t. But...Penelope Black has amnesia, and she doesn't know her information. I guess I'll have to give up hope. I'm sorry, Natalie.

"She's here with me," a smooth, elegant voice said to my right. I jumped a little, and turned to look at the mysterious man beside me. When I saw who it was my heart almost stopped. I-It's that guy from earlier! The receptionist gave him a fluttery eyed look, and I could tell she's taken by his persona. I, too, felt my face heating up. "Oh, of course Edward. I apologize. I didn't recognize her," she replied, sitting up a little straighter. Edward, so he was called, gave her a dazzling smile and then turned it on me. Though his smile was blinding, there was a coldness in his eyes as they pierced mine. "Let's go, Penelope." He said in his elegant voice. Without waiting for my reply, he turned and walked over to the computers and sat down at one. Casually, as if posing for photographers, he crossed his legs and leaned his arm on the table, just watching me.

Once we're out of earshot of the desk lady I pulled out the computer chair next to his, sitting down with the grace and elegance of a newborn giraffe. "So, Edward, how do you know my name?" I asked, trying not to sound as surprised as I felt.

He slowly waved his fingers in a dismissive way, a tiny smile at one side of his mouth. "Word travels fast here in Forks," he replied softly. I bit my lip, trying to piece together my thoughts but it's hard. Okay, so everyone already knows who I am. Which is bad. But at least they think I'm Penelope Black. If they knew who I really was, this would be a different story. I took a breath and moved the mouse, making the computer come to life. "So, what made you help me?" I asked, keeping my gaze on the screen.

Edward leaned over, and I caught a whiff of a great smelling cologne. Something else, something repugnant, too. I filed it away as me being weird again. He typed in his card information and leaned back in his former position.

He kept silent. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye and saw that he was clenching his jaw. Did I make him mad? I wondered. "I was passing by. It looked like you needed some help." He finally replied. "Oh. Well, thank you. I appreciate it." More than you realize, I thought, typing in my email login. The computer was a bit slow. It seemed an eternity later that the browser loaded.

Pass: 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕞𝕪𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝟙𝟚𝟛𝟜

I saw Edward move slightly, and I flicked my eyes at him. It appeared like he was covering a smile with the back of his hand. I bit the inside of my cheek. What's so funny? I shrugged it off though; I have other fish to fry. Like sending an email to my best friend Natalie, who most likely thought I was dead. Or kidnapped. Or any combination of those two. I was glad for the little privacy wall the desk provided; Edward wouldn't be able to see what I was typing.

𝙽𝚊𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚎, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕. 𝚆𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸'𝚖 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎, 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙸 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎. 𝙸 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚞𝚜. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝙸 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗? 𝙸'𝚕𝚕 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚠𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚍, 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢. 𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚔𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚊𝚠 Derek 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚝. 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚜𝚕𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍. 𝙸 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢. 𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢'𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍. 𝙾𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝙸 𝚛𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢. 𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎. 𝚆𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕. 𝙸'𝚖 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚜𝚘 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚏𝚎𝚍. 𝙸'𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗, 𝚘𝚔𝚊𝚢? 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚕𝚢. 𝙸 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚢. -𝚡𝚘𝚡𝚘, 𝚃𝚊𝚢𝚎𝚗

I clicked Send and closed my eyes. When I opened them, Edward was sitting there with his eyes shut tight as if he had a headache. "Are you okay?" I asked him. He snapped his eyes open, and for a second his gaze was frightening. A shiver ran down my back. "I'm fine. Maybe you should be more concerned about yourself," he said cryptically.

"Myself?" I repeated dumbly, blinking at him. He sighed and switched legs, crossing the other one. I gulped. He was so close to the mark it was eerie. Quickly, I had to change the weird conversation. After I noticed that he had a book in his lap, the title 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤--ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝔻𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕟𝕤. I pointed to it, "That's a classic. Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts." I quoted, feeling pleased by remembering it correctly. Edward looked a little surprised, maybe even impressed. "You know Dickens. How...nice," he said slowly, as if seeing me in a new light. I grinned at him, "I do. I've read the classics a time or two," I blurted, before realizing what I've just revealed.

I froze.

Edward didn't appear fazed by my words, however. "I see," is all he said.

Like a bat out of hell I darted over to the books, scanning the rows for anything related to Native American Folklore, but my thoughts were swirling by what I accidently let slip. This is why I shouldn't talk. Keep your mouth shut, stupid. My hands felt clammy as I brushed the book spines, reading the titles to myself. Then I saw a shadow behind me; it's Edward. "Need some help?" He asked, but his eyes seem to scan the library for something invisible. I shrugged, "If you wanna. I'm trying to find books about Native American folklore." I explained, feeling slightly silly. But Edward grew quiet. I noticed his silence and turned to look at his face, which was hard as stone. It gave me the impression I'd said something horrible. "Why?" He asked, the hint of danger in his tone. I swallowed thickly. "I...wanted to brush up on my folklore..." I mumbled, intimidated by his expression. It's as though he had an aura around him, one that choked me with fear.

His jaw clenched in what I believed was annoyance. "There aren't any books about that here. You'd have better luck talking to Billy Black," he growled flatly.

"I..I see. I'll..do that then. Uhm, thanks for your help," I replied with a nervous smile. His demeanor changed; shoulders loosened, face relaxed, softening the tension I'd felt emanating from him. "Think nothing of it." He smiled, turning away from me. I breathed a little easier. God, talk about uptight. Shaking myself mentally, I followed him outside. He walked away to a white, new model Volvo. I watched him unlock the door and smoothly start the quiet engine.

After realizing that I was staring like a creep, I quickly turned and began the walk back to the station. Inside, I dreaded what Charlie would say to me. I shouldn't have just disappeared like that. Charlie's going to be so mad at me. And who knows when I'll be able to come back to the library now? How can I see Natalie's reply if I'm tied to Charlie?

As I thought about my imprisoned future, a white car slowed down beside me. It was the Volvo I saw Edward get into. His window went down a crack as he said, "Let me give you a ride back."

I bit my lip. I'm in trouble either way I go, but at least I wouldn't have to walk back. "Okay, cool." I mumbled. After I walked over and climbed into the passenger seat, I was startled to learn that while Edward was a great driver, he went a bit..fast. "Are you a race car driver or something?" I teased. His mouth quirked, the only hint of amusem*nt. "Not quite. Driving like this is a habit of mine. I'll slow down for you," he said, and eased off the peddle. I relaxed into the seat.

"You must be loaded," I blurted.

"Loaded? Yeah, I guess I am." He said before turning a corner.

"What's your name?" I asked. "I meant to ask earlier."

"Edward. Cullen."

"Nice to meet you. I'm--Ta--Penelope. Black." I stuttered. I cursed myself for almost saying my real name.

"Black? Are you related to the other's?" He asked, almost boredly. Almost like he already knew the answer.

"Who knows?" I laughed, fiddling with one of my red braids that's in my lap.

The two minute drive was over before it began. I climbed out, but then saw Edward getting out, too. Does he need to see Charlie for something? I wondered, walking on into the station. Then I had a sudden fear. What if he saw through me? And wants to tell Charlie that I don't have amnesia? Oh, God. A knot formed in my stomach but I kept walking.

Linda was at the desk, and she saw Edward and I walking in together. She hopped up from her rolling chair. "There you are, Penelope! Goodness, you gave me a fright."

Edward stepped closer to her, looking dangerously alluring. "Sorry about that. I saw Penelope and wanted to talk to her." He looked at me, and I was stunned. The way his arm rested on the counter, ever casually elegant, the opening of his trench coat exposing his defined collarbone, sent my pulse hammering. As if he knew what he was doing to me, he ran a hand through his hair. "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Penelope. If you need any help, feel free to give me a call." He grabbed a pen off the counter, jotted down his number on a yellow post it note, and held it between two fingers for me to take. I pocketed it and gave him a nervous smile. "Thanks for the..offer," I managed, feeling like a million butterflies just took flight in my belly.

Then, to my great shock, Edward lifted my hand, quietly saying, "See you soon, Penelope." Then he kissed it. But that's not what shocked me the most.

It was how lifeless and cold his hand felt.

Like a corpse.

Like Derek's corpse.

Chapter 4 Chapter Text

Ｍaybe he had low blood pressure. Or he was anemic. I couldn't decide which one sounded more plausible, but I did know one thing: Edward was very, very cold. I juggled with these observations the entire time Linda told Charlie about my disappearance with Edward Cullen. It was to my great surprise that the sheriff hadn't blinked an eye; as if he'd expected as much.

"Edward's from a good family, but I wouldn't hang around him too much," Charlie said, looking at me a little oddly. I nodded and recalled the expensive, designer clothes he wore along with the white Volvo. I looked down at the white tiled floor in thought. "He seemed nice enough." Was all I said.

After that, Charlie drove me back to his house and made a few phone calls. Okay, a lot of phone calls. He was checking on the surrounding areas again, giving them my description and the name I'd faked. Much to my relief, all of them said they still hadn't heard of anyone matching my description, and nobody had reported me as lost. Maybe it'd been a good idea to cross the Salish Sea, after all.

As I sat on Isabella's bed, finally alone for the moment, I thumbed through her copy of Romeo and Juliet. She'd apparently really enjoyed the classic; there were notes written in purple ink on the sides. Time got away from me as I relaxed and enjoyed the classic. After nearly two hours had passed by, Charlie knocked at the door.

"Hey, dinners here," he said through the door. "Coming," I replied and hurriedly placed her book back in the small shelf. My sensitive nose told me dinner was pizza before I even made it down the steps. "Smells good," I commented upon entering the small, 80s kitchen.

He looked at his watch, "Yep, I'm afraid that's about the best I can do squirt. I've got to make a run back to town real quick, but I shouldn't be gone more than an hour tops."

I mumbled a reply and lifted a cheesy slice from the box, blowing it a little bit to cool it off. I watched from the corner of my eye as Charlie grabbed his gun by the door and shut it on his way out. I was alone. Just me and this delicious, gooey pizza.

I grabbed a plate and took a few slices to the living room. The remote rest on the coffee table, and I grabbed it swiftly and powered on the small floor television. Of course, the first channel on was the local news. Another attack were the recent headlines; a hiker in the woods had been found dead from mysterious wounds. As I devoured the slices of pizza, my thoughts drifted off to what I should do from here on. It felt wrong somehow to invade Charlie's home--he thought I was an amnesiac. But in fact, I was a troublemaker. A troublemaker that may or may not be bringing more trouble to town.

The dream from the other night flashed through my mind. I'd been running from something and made it to that area--where those wolves were growling and warning me to stay away. But in the dream, it had almost felt like they resented me in some way.

A buzzing sound interrupted my train of thought.

*Ring*

"Oh!" I exclaimed, realizing the buzzing sound was the telephone. I jumped up and made a clumsy dash for the landline.

"Hello?" I asked a little out of breath.

"Uhm, this is my dad's house right?" The voice asked me. A female's.

I blinked. "Dad's...? Is this Isabella?"

"Yeah, it is. Who's this?" She asked, curious. It was a little weird, hearing the voice of the person who was a figment until now.

"I'm Penelope Black. Your father is letting me stay here for awhile."

"What? Why?" Isabella sounded shocked; appalled even. It dawned on me she probably had the wrong idea.

"Well, that's because I lost my memories. I have amnesia. And Charlie said there wasn't a place that I could go to in this town. So...he told me I could stay for awhile." I swallowed a lump. I was pretty nervous for some reason.

Isabella breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh, okay. I get it. Wow, I thought something else was going on, haha! Not that I don't want my Dad to uh...nevermind. Anyway, is he around?"

"No, he had to go back to town for an hour."

"Okay. I'll call back another time," she replied.

"I could give him a message for you?"

"Okay, cool. Yeah. Um, just tell Dad that I'll be coming down in a month. To stay," she added.

"Stay as in...live here?" I repeated, wanting to make sure I got it right.

"Yeah. I've decided I want to try living with him instead of mom. She told me it was fine. I mean, she's worried and all, but she'll be fine."

"Alright. Got it. Is that all?"

"Could you tell him to find me a computer? That way I can keep in touch with mom."

"Will do."

"Thanks, and uh, look forward to meeting you."

"Y-You too. See ya. Bye."

"Bye."

Well, that was awkward. But I placed the phone back into the dock, glancing over at the pictures of her on the mantle. Isabella would be coming, huh?

***

『T』he next few days passed by in a bored haze. After I'd told Charlie about Isabella's call, he'd been acting hyper, clearly in a better mood. He'd also quit leaving me at the station and instead told me to stay home, and I passed the days in front of the TV, watching reruns of Scooby Doo and Degrassi. But today, I had something different in mind. I pulled out the post-it note from my hoodie and stared at Edward's number. I could call him. He might take me to the library. I bit my lip, debating. Then decided to hell with it.

"This is Edward," he said in his smooth script. He'd answered on the first ring. Who the hell answered on the first ring? Edward apparently.

"Uhm, yeah this is Penelope? You uh, gave me your number?"

He sounded slightly amused, "I do seem to recall that action. Need to go to the library?"

How the hell did he know that? "Actually, yeah. You caught me."

"You're staying at Sheriff Swan's, right?"

"That's right."

"Be there in three."

Three? Like three hours? Three minutes? Three seconds? I hung the phone up and decided to take care of some things, like my morning breath and slept in hair. I quickly yanked out the knots with a paddle brush and left my hair loose, because I wasn't sure how long until he got there. Styling my thigh length hair would take too long. Then I thoroughly disinfected my mouth and wiped my face with a washcloth. It would have to do.

Apparently what Edward meant was minutes--he showed up exactly as he said, three minutes later. I opened the front door and got a whiff of something but I'm not sure what. Handsome as usual. But what could that smell be? It's not cologne. I crinkled my nose. It reminded me of something I didn't like, but what could it be?

"You look pleased to see me," he said with a half grin. I realized I must have crinkled my nose out loud.

"No, sorry. I just...smelled something." It wasn't until the words were out of my mouth that I realized how rude I sounded, so I added, "It's not you or anything. Must be...a sewer leak or something." I laughed a little too forced and cleared my throat.

He pinches his lips together, but didn't say anything. "Thanks for coming," I mumbled, shoving my hands into the pockets of my hoodie. He looked around at Charlie's living room with barely any interest. He glanced back at me, saying, "I was free. I had a suspicion that you might need my services."

He turned and walked down the pathway to his Volvo. I tried to catch up to him, but he was always a few feet away. Like an invisible ruler told him when I got to close. I decided to test out that hypothesis, so I took one extra step. Sure enough, he quickened his pace just enough to keep the same distance. I wonder why he's doing that? Maybe I'm the one stinking. I frowned.

Today, his outfit looked like it belonged on a runway; another designer jacket, this time a brown leather piece with tapered sides, a white V-neck, and black slacks. I cringed a little inwardly, realizing I was wearing the exact same thing as I had the last time I saw him. Not all of us are loaded, I thought with growing embarrassment. It was as if I were a kid trying to play with the teenagers.

Shaking the feeling off, I climbed into the passenger seat and was hit with the same odor as before. Except it multiplied. I fought the urge to crinkle my nose again. Whatever the smell was, either it had followed me, or it was Edward. I buckled up and asked if I could put the window down a little. He was amused but didn't seem to mind.

"Thanks. I was...just feeling a little carsick." I lied, trying not to stare at him. But it was hard. I was keenly aware of his every movement, tracking it with the corner of my eyes. "You seem tense," he said after awhile.

"I do?"

He turned his blinkers on, signaling a left turn, "I won't bite."

I looked at him closer then. His white teeth were showing, but there was nothing funny in his eyes. In fact, their golden hue disarmed me. Weren't his eyes brown? I looked a little closer, but he abruptly turned away. "Do you wear contacts?" I asked.

His profile smiled. "No."

"Huh."

The North Olympic Library must have been closer than I remembered, because we made it there in no time flat. I hopped out, shut the car door, and saw Edward already standing on the sidewalk. When did..? The hell? I blinked. I must be daydreaming. That's the only answer.

"Aren't you going in?" He asked, holding the glass door open for me like a gentleman.

"Yeah."

I walked on in, smelling the same candle wax burning. It kind of felt homely. "Edward, you're back." The receptionist greeted, completely ignoring me. For all she knew I was wearing a ski mask and had a gun. Edward gave her a warm smile. "Couldn't stay away." He jerked his thumb at me, "We're just going to use the computers, if that's all right?"

Flustered, the receptionist blinked at him. I could practically hear her ovaries gearing up from across the counter. "O-Of course. Number one isn't in use." She replied, giving Edward a coy smile. If he noticed he ignored it, because he walked right over and sat down in that natural model way. I pulled the chair next to his out and sat down too, trying to focus on the computer. But when Edward abruptly leaned forward, brushing his icy fingers across my hand as he took over the mouse, my focus was broken completely. "You're freezing," I mentioned.

He didn't say anything, but simply typed his login into the computer. Then he leaned back. I guess he isn't going to respond to my comment. That's fine. The fact that he feels like a corpse in a freezer is his business I suppose. So, I quickly logged in to my email, anxiety increasing. I hope she's responded.

My worries increased, however, upon reading her email:

ᴛᴀʏᴇɴ,ᴏʜ ᴍʏ ɢᴏᴅ. ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀᴄᴛᴜᴀʟʟʏ ᴇᴍᴀɪʟᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ. ɪꜱ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ʏᴏᴜ? ᴏᴋᴀʏ, ꜱᴏ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ, ᴏꜰꜰ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ? ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴍᴇ! ᴀʟꜱᴏ, ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ʟɪᴛᴇʀᴀʟʟʏ ꜰʀᴇᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ. ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ'ᴠᴇ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴛᴀᴋᴇɴ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏʟɪᴄᴇ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴅ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ᴡɪᴛʜ Derek's ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ. ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅɪᴅɴ'ᴛ. ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ. ɪ ᴛᴏʟᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴘꜱ ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴇʏ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴄᴀʀᴇ. ꜱᴏ ʟɪᴋᴇ, ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴍᴏᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴀᴅ'ꜱ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇ ɢᴏᴛ ʀᴀɴꜱᴀᴄᴋᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴜᴘʟᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴀʏꜱ ᴀɢᴏ. ʟɪᴋᴇ, ᴛᴏᴛᴀʟʟʏ ꜱʜʀᴇᴅᴅᴇᴅ. ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴄʀᴀᴢᴇᴅ ʙᴇᴀꜱᴛ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ ɪɴ. ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ᴡɪʟᴅ. ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ ꜱᴀɪᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ ɪɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʀᴏᴏᴍ ʟᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ ʜᴀᴅ ʙᴇᴇɴ ʙᴜʀɴᴇᴅ. ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ɢᴏᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴀʏ. ᴀɴʏᴡᴀʏ, ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ'ꜱ ᴍɪꜱꜱɪɴɢ ᴘᴏꜱᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴜᴘ ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜ. ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴏɴᴇ ᴀᴛ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴛʜɪɴᴋꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇɴᴛ ᴘꜱʏᴄʜᴏ. ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ? ᴛʜᴇ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴇᴇɪɴɢ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ? ɢᴏᴅ ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ɴᴏᴛ. ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ꜱᴀꜰᴇ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ? ɪ ɢᴏᴛ ᴀ ʙᴀᴅ ꜰᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴋɪʟʟᴇᴅ Derek ɪꜱ ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜ. ᴇᴍᴀɪʟ ᴍᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ.---ɴᴀᴛᴀʟɪᴇ

"You look pale," Edward said beside me. I jumped at his voice and felt my body begin to shiver with the onset of a panic attack. As I released the mouse and put a hand to my fluttering chest, trying to regain the air in my lungs, I think I mumbled. "I'm fine." But I wasn't fine at all. In fact, i was the opposite of fine. If fine was east, I was west.

"Yeah, like I believe that," he replied softly. I flicked my eyes to him. He rested his cheek on his hand, just watching me. It's just too much. This is all...too much. I can't. I stood up, clicked X on the computer, and practically dashed out the door.

Above me, the skies were getting ready to open up a tidal wave of rain. I pulled up the hood on my olive hoodie, ducking my head, and weaved around strangers as if they were cones in a driving test. Natalie's email was all I could think about. It's only a matter of time until I'm found out, until all this comes to a head, and I end up--

Dead.

"Wow, there," said a voice. I'd just walked past Ace Hardware's store, and a stranger's hand stops me. Immediately, like I'd been burned, I pulled back and glared up into whoever it was that had dared interrupt my inner monologue. But that blinding white smile squelched the idea.

"Jacob," I breathed, my eyes wide. He still kept a hand on my shoulder. "Either you're trying to get to a sale, or death himself is behind you." He joked lightly.

I glanced into his brown pupils, unnerved. He was a little too accurate. "You got me," I choked out with a forced smile. Jacob's eyes narrowed a little. "What's up?"

I shrugged. Words weren't my forte. I motioned to the plastic bag in his hand, "You working on something?"

He nodded, raising the bag. "Yep. Going to try my hand at making a wood shed."

"A wood shed?" I repeated, glad for the distraction from my rapid fire thoughts. He grinned, "Yeah. You should come by and check it out. Ya know, if you wanna."

I nodded. "Sure." Nervously I tucked a strand of hair behind my ears. He was looking at me a little too closely. "Something on my face?" I asked.

He pointed, "Yep. There, there, anddd there." I rubbed my face where he'd been pointing, but don't see anything. "Did I get it?"

He laughed. "I was just kidding. Actually, I was just thinking you look paler than usual."

"You mean paler than paper?"

Again, he laughed that lovely laugh, adding, "So pale you're translucent." He stretched his bicep, rolling it backwards. My eyes were drawn to the movement. "You alone?" He asked. I shook my head. Edward.

"She's here with me, actually," piqued Edward.

Speak of the devil. What great timing.

Jacob looked Edward up and down, the two having some odd staring contest. "I see. Well, my offer still stands." Jacob said, keeping his dark eyes locked onto mine.

Edward took his leather jacket off, putting it around my shoulders. "You're shaking," he explained. I nodded, distracted by the expensive cologne of the jacket. It wasn't warm at all, however.

"You didn't have to," I told him absentmindedly. Jacob looked like he was clenching his jaw, I couldn't help but notice.

There were butterflies buzzing in my belly again. It was odd, being wrapped in someone else's jacket, and I wasn't immune to Edward's charm.

"I'd better get going. Dad's waiting in the truck," Jacob reluctantly said.

"See you around?" I asked Jacob a little hopefully. Too hopefully. If Jacob realized my eagerness was more to do with my strange crush than mere friendliness, he didn't let it show.

He nodded, but his face was devoid of his usual smile. "Yeah."

He disappeared around the corner, swinging his bag of tools to where the store's parking lot was. I couldn't help but feel like Jacob was upset at something. As if Edward read my thoughts, he said, "I think he's feeling a bit jealous."

My pulse sped up a healthy amount. "Don't be ridiculous!"

Edward looked up at the gray sky. We fell into silence until he finally replied, "It's a human emotion."

The way he worded that had me pause. I slowly nodded, "Yes, it is." My thoughts flitted from Jacob and back to something more urgent. The email from Natalie. I swallowed thickly. It definitely seems like whatever killed Derek is going after me next--how safe am I here? There's barely a police force. For a brief second, I imagined Derek's body the way I'd seen it in the early morning before the light of day had even began splitting through the clouds and trees. His open mouth, the unnatural limbs, the smell of iron.

"Penelope."

Edward said my name, like he was trying to wake me up from sleep. "Yeah?"

He put his hand on my low back and began to guide me down the street where we came. Softly he said, "Let's get back. You still have an email to write, remember?"

He was right. I didn't even respond to Natalie because I'd been so upset. We walked back to the library in silence, and I sat back down at the computer. Edward didn't sign out of it, so I easily pulled up my email and typed out this reply:

ɴᴀᴛᴀʟɪᴇ.ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴇʟʟ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪ ᴀᴍ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ'ᴍ ꜱᴀꜰᴇ. ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴀᴋᴇɴ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴍʏ ʀᴏᴏᴍ? ᴅɪᴅ ᴍᴏᴍ ᴏʀ ᴅᴀᴅ ꜱᴀʏ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴍɪꜱꜱɪɴɢ?ᴀɴᴅ ɪ'ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴏɴᴇ ᴀᴛ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴛʜɪɴᴋꜱ ɪ'ᴍ ᴀ ᴘꜱʏᴄʜᴏ. ɪ'ᴅ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏᴏ ɪꜰ ɪ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇᴍ. ɪ ᴍɪꜱꜱ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴏɴᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ ᴀʀᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴɪɴɢ. ᴀʟᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜ ɪᴛ ꜱᴇᴇᴍꜱ ʟᴇꜱꜱ. ɪ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴏᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ. ɪ ᴍᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ᴡᴏʟᴠᴇꜱ ᴡʜᴏ ᴅɪᴅɴ'ᴛ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ᴛᴏᴏ ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ᴍᴇ. ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ɢʀᴏᴡʟɪɴɢ ᴀᴛ ᴍᴇ. ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ᴡᴏᴋᴇ ᴜᴘ, ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴅᴀʏʟɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴍᴜᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ ᴛʀᴀɪʟᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʟᴏᴏʀ. ᴀɴᴅ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀ ᴛɪᴘꜱ. ᴄʀᴇᴇᴘʏ ᴀꜱ ʜᴇʟʟ. ɪ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ. ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ɪɴ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ,-ᴛᴀʏᴇɴ

I hit 𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚍 and exited out of the browser. After that was done, Edward walked me back to his Volvo. It wasn't until I was back safe and sound at Charlie's that it dawned on me what Edward had said. I hadn't told him I was emailing anyone. I'd even made sure he wasn't looking while I typed.

So, how did he know?

Chapter 5 Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

𝕋𝕙𝕖 next morning greeted me with blinding sunlight. My eyes squinted open slowly, a headache already setting in. As my gaze looked around, I felt a tremor run through my body. I shouldn't be here. I'm...in the forest! But how? Did I sleepwalk here? Confusion and horror made me jerkily stand to my feet, looking around the deep forest floor. Just how in the hell had I gotten here? All I remembered was going to bed the same way I had been, in Isabella's room. Nothing abnormal.

I glanced down at my attire, seeing parts of it shredded here and there. Great. My olive hoodie was trashed, and my skinny jeans had grass stains all up and down them, like I'd been drug. And maybe I had. I couldn't remember a thing, but I had to get out of this forest. If only I knew which way to go.

It turned out my path home was highlighted by missing leaves. I followed the trail, hopping over fallen logs covered in moss and ducked underneath the blanket of large trees, until I found myself back at Charlie's house. The sun was blinding me again; I shielded my eyes and blanched, seeing the window of Isabella's room had been left open, and Billy Black's truck in the driveway.

Oh no! Charlie must have told Billy I went missing! He's going to be super upset at me. But it wasn't not my fault, I reasoned. I had no idea how I managed to sleepwalk so far from home. As if he'd believe that anyway. Nobody in their right mind would. I'd have to come up with an even crazier story.

As I quietly walked towards the front door of his two-story home, I steeled myself for the worst. My pink converse, which were caked in mud, squelched noisily on the steps as I climbed them tiredly. My white knuckles rapt on the door quietly.

Notes:

Thank you for the kudos! <3

Chapter 6 Chapter Text

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓮'𝓼 𝓗𝓸𝓶𝓮, 𝓦𝓐

Although I'd been looking forward to seeing Jacob again, that didn't exactly happen the way I thought it would. The very next morning Charlie woke me up bright and early only to inform me that I needed to have an examination required for school. Which meant my free days were coming to an end.

So, I hauled my carcass out of bed and got ready for general torture. Charlie didn't speak much to me that morning; he was preoccupied with answering calls from work. He did, however, make sure to tell me that there were frozen waffles in the freezer.

"I've got to make a quick run to the station, but I'll be back in ten, tops," Charlie was saying. I nodded and cut into my syrup drizzled waffle, enjoying the sweetness. I watched as he grabbed his things and clacked the door shut.

Then, as soon as he'd gone, I hopped from the table and dashed to the phone. There I punched in Billy Black's number, which I'd found on the fridge on a sticky note.

"Hello?" Asked an older male.

"Y-Yeah, hi, this is Penelope...um, is Jacob around?" I asked, a bit flustered.

There was a pause, then some shuffling noises. Finally, after moments had passed, Jacob's voice came on the phone. "Hey. You there?" He asked.

"Yeah, I am."

"What's up? Were you calling before coming over? Or should I pick you up?" He asked all in a rush.

"Well, the thing is...Charlie made me an appointment at the doctor today. I'm supposed to start school soon. Um..."

"So you won't be coming over. No worries, we can hang out another day. Would that be cool?"

My heart lept to my throat with eagerness. Of course I agreed, and after we'd selected the weekend to hang out, I ended the call with a sigh of contentment. Talking with him is the highlight of my life right now. Just recalling his smile, laughter, and the way he'd eased my worries had my stomach flipping around with butterflies.

Charlie returned shortly after. He didn't say much again, but I suspected that there was danger afoot, mostly from how distracted he was. Every time I tried to make small talk in the car, he was delayed to reply.

I didn't dream that dream last night, I remembered. There was hope that maybe whatever had happened, I didn't have anything to do with it.

𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓼 𝓗𝓸𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓽𝓪𝓵

The hospital was rather large, being three stories high, and Charlie ushered me inside like we'd been followed. People were milling around the reception area awaiting their turn to see the doctor, and their eyes turned to me with interest. Charlie motioned for me to sit while he explained to the male receptionist who I was and why I was there.

Time droned on for a bit. I had a lot of time to think about stuff, mostly Jacob and what he liked, disliked, and if he'd ever go on a date with me. Finally, after I'd zoned out, Charlie and I were called.

"Black? Penelope...Black?" The male nurse questioned. I raised my hand like I was in class, and the two of us hovered behind the nurse who escorted us in a hurry. "Right this way," he said, turning corner after corner. I fought to keep up.

"Here you are. Go on, please, Dr. Carlisle will be in here soon. He's with another patient right now." The nurse informed. I squinted at his badge, seeing the name and replied, "Thanks, Gabe."

"My pleasure."

Charlie didn't sit. While I watched the clock on the wall pass by one painful second after another, Charlie paced back and forth around the room. It almost made me dizzy trying to keep up, so I averted my attention to the TV.

A woman was explaining the most recent attack, which I wasn't surprised at, but when they showed a brief display of what was the crime scene all taped up in yellow, I nearly bolted from the chair.

A shoe.

A pink converse shoe.

My blood ran backward. It couldn't have been mine, I told myself. Just because they'd found a shoe that resembled my pair made no difference--but I wasn't even fooling myself. It was indeed the very same shoe, right down to the scuff marks and tattered shoelaces.

"Good morning, Sheriff," said a voice.

I swallowed hard in the throat. I'll just make sure they're there when I get back, I told myself to ease the panic attack. The doctor came in smoothly and swiftly, almost like a ghost, and shut the door behind him. He was wearing traditional doctor garb, had stylish, short blonde hair and a keen gaze. Overall, he didn't look old enough to be a doctor. Only the signs of wear beneath his dark eyes told how much he'd seen in his time.

"You must be Penelope," Carlisle said with a soft smile. Before I could confirm that I was indeed the runaway girl, Carlisle turned to the sheriff again and asked, "I'd like to respect her confidentiality. May I see her alone?"

"Uh, yeah, sure. I'll just be out here," Charlie said, shuffling awkwardly out of the room.

Carlisle put his hands behind his back and eyed me. "I've heard quite a bit about you from my son, Edward."

"Oh...Oh! So you're Edward's dad," I realized.

It made sense. Good looks must have ran in the family. For all I knew, Carlisle could have been Edwards brother instead. Then it dawned on me that Edward had told his Dad something about me. My face grew hot. "He's helped me a lot since I got here. E-Edward is a really nice guy. You um...you raised a v-very upstanding man." I stuttered out, fiddling with my hair.

Carlisle chuckled a little. He walked across the room and stood before me, and I had no choice but look into his handsome face. Carefully he said, "I need you to tell me the truth. I promise upon my word as a doctor under oath, that I won't tell a soul."

"Tell the truth? A-About what?" I asked with a crazy sounding laugh. When he didn't blink or smile, I added, "...What do you mean, the truth?"

Carlisle leaned away and seemed to think about what to say. At length he quietly replied, "To be frank, Tayen, you know you're not like other girls your age, correct?"

"How did you--" I couldn't speak from fright. He shouldn't have known my name; I'd never slipped up. Not one time. Unless Edward had saw my email. I can't believe this!

Without missing a beat I scrambled off the hospital chair and scurried to the door, but at the last moment, just as my hand began to turn the knob, I was gripped by the opposite wrist. Carlisle looked patiently down at me. With slow motions he easily pulled me from the door. "Don't be afraid. I won't bite."

"That's not funny!" I shrieked. "Let me go! Please, I don't want to go to jail--"

"--You won't." Carlisle replied sternly. "Hear me out. I have a lot to tell you and not much time."

"Tell me?" I paused.

He'd either trick me into revealing more information to use against me, or Carlisle really did have stuff to say. I had a choice to make and very little time. With a steadying breath, which did nothing to help my nerves, I hissed, "Alright. Start talking."

"You moved here because of Derek's death, but I assure you, Tayen, that you were innocent. That night was very unfortunate, however..." Carlisle paused to let his words sink in. When I'd given him my full attention he continued, "...when you awoke covered in his blood, you panicked. You didn't know that he'd been murdered by a vampire who thought he was you. All because he'd been using your sleeping bag that night."

"V-Vampire?" I gasped.

That's not true--I was covered in his blood because--because!

Carlisle released me. My blood was icy cold, pricking as it ran down my back. The more I thought on what he'd told me, the stranger it sounded. Vampires were a myth, a fantasy. Not to be confused with the real world. "Nice try," I choked out. "But I don't believe in fairy tales."

"Mrs. Tayen, if you aren't under our protection," he was quick to say, but I'd heard enough weird things for one day. I threw open the door with such strength the frame smacked the wall. My feet ran down the hallway, bypassed the sheriff who sat, and out the automatic doors.

I was outside and it had started to rain. The kind of rain that drenched everything in seconds, and I stood for a moment as it pelted me. Just like the weather, my day had changed altogether too suddenly to cope. I have to leave Forks. Now! Were my first thoughts.

So, I ran.

Down the street, around a corner, across the block. I passed the police station in record time, not realizing that my limbs were going numb, or that my destination was leading me right to the forest.

Once I was within that dense, tall thicket, my body began to feel light. I was running faster than I'd ever dreamed possible, and my eyes could see vividly each and every tree in passing. Across a valley I sprinted, ran, and jumped, all until it dawned on me that I should have been tired.

My pace slowed. While my heart was beating hard from exertion, I wasn't fatigued. The forest beckoned me forward, but I paused in my tracks to make sense of things. I looked down and saw paws where my feet should have been.

What the hell?!

I tried to speak, but the only sound from my mouth were strange yips. Fear choked me. I backed away, hit a tree, and shrieked but my voice yowled to the wet sky above. No, no, no, no...

Shutting my eyes didn't help. After several blinks, praying, I still saw the same orange hued paws. My body had changed, morphed into something else entirely. Something that was small and lethal and had sharp, pointed teeth. I knew that because my tongue felt them gleaming in my mouth.

I cried there just under the trees, wishing I was anyone else, or that I'd awake from the nightmare that had been forced upon me. It didn't happen. I slunk from the tree and back into the downpour, feeling the droplets roll away from my odd fur.

Like that I stayed and took it all in; the new sounds I heard, each and every bird call, the wind's haunting tune and the insects surrounding me. My eyes searched the area for anything and anyone familiar, but I found nothing.

I was alone.

There wasn't a clock to tell me what time of day it was or how long I'd been lost in the woods, but I slowly began to grow accustomed to my new and strange body. It wasn't all bad; I could see very well in the dark, and wasn't cold at all despite the constant drizzle.

But I'd had enough.

I ran through the trees, easily hopping over streams, climbing cliffs, and sliding beneath overgrown tree roots, all in the effort to reach one particular person. That person who had no idea who I really was, but had offered his friendship and arms to me. The one who'd made me feel normal, when I was really just a monster in human skin.

Jacob.

I yowled to the moon above just upon reaching the clearing of his home sweet home. My nose tracked multiple scents, separating them one by one, until I found Jacob's. My pawed feet broke into their yard and leapt right over and onto Billy's clunker.

Thud.

Jacob, my mind called, while my eyes tried to see into his house. The light coming from their home told me that somebody was awake, and I really hoped it was him. If only I was taller. I howled loudly, and that's when I felt danger.

I was too late.

A growl came from behind. I didn't have time to react—my body was thrashed off the hood of the truck, crashing into the side of the house. I screamed and covered my head with my paws, wondering just what the heck happened. I'd been attacked from behind but didn't dare look at my offender.

Another growl.

Cornered against the house--with a broken back leg--I curled into a ball and hoped for the best.

"Hey!" I heard.

My ears perked trying to pinpoint where the voice came from. It was Jacob, out of the house with a shotgun gun locked and loaded. I watched as he poised it aloft. The shot rang out loudly, but when I wasn't harmed, I peered through the darkness of night and saw a big, black shadow slink into the wilderness.

Jacob came for me, I thought with relief. Tears pricked at my eyes as I yipped weakly, too hurt to move for the moment. Jacob walked the length of the side of the house, hearing me I guess, and stared down at me in alarm.

"A fox?" He asked the air.

I yipped at him.

"Oh, man, it's bleeding," he said and knelt down. His hand stretched out cautiously, expecting me to bite him, but when I nuzzled his hand instead, Jacob reared away. "Wow! Alright, so it's still alive..."

I looked up at his body, pleading with my eyes as best as I could. His expression hardened. "--Well, the vet's closed this late at night. Sorry, bud. Hey, I bet it was you who ate our chickens!"

No! It wasn't!

I pawed the ground and rolled over, even though it felt like my insides were on fire. It was with great determination that I did my best to win him over. My paws swat at him playfully, until he chuckled and carefully pet my belly. "You're pretty cute, you know that? Bet you're glad I saved your hide."

Yes, yes I am, I thought to myself.

He pet my head for a time. Like that we stayed, until Billy yelled from the house. "Jake? What was all that noise?"

"Just a wolf! I scared him off! Be there in a sec!" Jacob yelled back.

We looked at one another. I rolled onto my feet and half drug my bad leg, rubbing around his calves. I hoped at least Jacob wouldn't try to kill me thinking I was the culprit who'd ate their chickens. Mostly, though, I wanted to make sure I remembered every detail about him, because I'd be leaving Forks as soon as possible.

Jacob sighed. "Man, I can't bring you in the house. You've gotta go home, okay?"

I rose onto my legs and propped my body on his thigh, trying once again to remember his face. In the darkness of night he was all the more radiate and beautiful. I searched his eyes--

--And my heart pounded erratically.

Once, twice, three times my pulse plundered its beating, while my mind had shifted off and away to some far and distant land. Jacob. He was all I saw, blinding white with pure light and everything I'd ever dreamed about. Safety, love, my home, my protector...

...My everything.

I was dazed into a stunned silence, not noticing at first that Jacob had stood with me in his arms, but when my mind snapped awake, I burrowed into his arm and cried. He had no idea who I was--I was Tayen, and that I'd do anything for him.

A loud noise. It was Jacob opening the lock on a large building beside his house, but I couldn't see many details due to his arms blocking the view. The iron lock fell down with a clang. I shifted in his arms, wondering why he'd brought me there, when I smelled the strong scent of gasoline.

"OK. Here's the deal. You stay in here tonight, and I'll bring you some food tomorrow." Jacob said.

He sat me down carefully. I watched, intrigued when he began to sift through things in the dark. I could see him bumping things, unable to see, and curse a few times. Finally he returned to where I sat with a roll of gauze. "Here. I'm gonna put this on your leg for now. Don't bite me, got it?"

I yipped a laugh in response. He was quick to get to work, trying to be gentle as he applied the gauze around my injury. He ripped the ends and tied it into a neat little bow. "There. Oh, I should find you something to sleep on..." he said, looking around again. Like a bullet he was gone and back with a green gingham flannel. He laid it down, "here. Sit, boy. Or girl."

Tiredly I hedged onto the flannel and plopped down. When he stroked my head, saying goodbye, I licked the tips of his fingers in the best farewell I could muster.

"See you, little fox," he said.

After Jacob shut me into the building, the only surroundings that of car parts and strewn tools, I tried to figure out just what the heck I was going to do.

As the fatigue and injuries sank into my weary small body, I knew one thing for certain. I'd never leave Jacob.

Over my dead body.

Chapter 7 Chapter Text

I heard voices.

Automatically, I jerked awake and took in the foreign surroundings. Memories of being attacked by a wolf, Jacob rescuing me and putting me in his garage came to mind. As did a deep throbbing pain that came from my leg.

There was only time enough to dwell on the fact that I had human legs again before I was using them, looking for the nearest exit. Although the garage was large, there was only one door in, and that door was beginning to move.

Wildly, I dove behind a car that was on bricks and sucked in my breath. Part of me hoped Jacob was there, the other, more rational part of me realized I was butt naked in his garage for absolutely zero reason.

"Huh, it's gone." Came Jacob's voice from the door.

Don't see me don't see me,I pleaded. He'd really think I was strange for being in his garage in nothing but my birthday suit. But luck wasn't on my side; I heard him shifting things, looking under objects to search for the fox. Which was me.

His footsteps grew louder.

I eased around the side of the car just in time as he peered around it. Then under it. "Huh--?"

sh*t!

Across from where I hid was a tool set. It was pushed close to the car, so I hedged to it and hunkered as low as I could. There, with all the fibers in my body, I tensed, readying myself to spring load out of his garage at the first chance.

"I swear I saw feet," he murmured.

He was leaving, the tap tap of his sneakers fading away when I leaned forward to investigate. My hair caught on a screwdriver, which fell to the ground with a resounding metal thud.

Jacob turned.

His eyes went wide, mouth slack as he took me in. "Penelope?"

He half jogged over to the tool box and stared at me with disbelief. I could practically hear the gears turning in his mind. "How did--? Umm, why are you...here?"

A tense moment passed between us. Words had failed me. I couldn't lie to him; not to Jacob. He deserved to know the truth. As he blinked in shock, I turned away from his seeing gaze and mumbled shyly, "Please don't look at me."

Something warm fell on my head. It was his shirt, which he'd stripped off. "Put this on." He said quietly. I pulled my head through the holes, angling away from sight and trying not to hyperventilate, but it was useless. I was having an all out panic attack. My body shook with the tremors of the damned.

He didn't say anything, but did kneel down to look at my leg. I watched as his eyes widened, as if a light bulb had came on. "Penelope? Your leg...how did this happen?"

"Jacob..." I breathed, transfixed at the concern in his voice. I couldn't say anything else because my teeth were chattering too fast. The room span around me; I would either vomit or faint. I couldn't tell which.

Jacob hauled me carefully into his lap. He pressed the side of my head to his chest, and I listened to the fast pace of his pulse. I was where I wanted to be most, so it was no surprise that my panic began to fade away. Jacob was home—where I was safe.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, gripping his forearm. "I didn't mean to be here. But I...I needed to see you."

"You should have went to the hospital," he sighed out. "I'm kinda not a doctor. But...look, I'm just worried. Your leg looks pretty bad, you know." He said soothingly.

"Jacob," I began, but the words didn't come calmly like they had in my mind. Instead, I broke into sobs, the ugly variety as I tried say it anyway. "I was going to leave, leave Forks, I wanted to say goodbye, but I can't go, I want to be here—with you—and I don't know what I'm going to do—"

"You can't leave," he murmured. "How can I be with you if you do that? And besides, I'm sure Charlie would miss you, too. Jeez, you're burning up."

I whispered his name and tilted my head to hide into his beautiful raven locks. We were close, so close to one another, and I didn't pay any mind to the fact that beneath his shirt I was nude. All until he pulled away from me. His cheeks were flushed red. "Um, was there a particular reason you ditched your clothes?"

"T-That...I...they were ruined," I admitted. "And it was cold. Because they were wet."

"So you said to hell with 'em, huh." He chuckled.

"Well, I didn't expect you to find me in here. I was going to go back for them."

"Only you would be so bold," he said with a laugh. "The girl who sleeps in the woods for fun. Now she's sleeping in my garage in the nude."

When I pouted, Jacob was quick to add, "I'm teasing. Seriously, though, you're one mysterious babe. But it's growing on me."

"Is it? You're not freaked out?" I piqued.

The smile fell from his face. His hand lifted to caress my cheek, sending shivers down my arms. Quietly he said, "only worried. I wish you'd tell me everything. Like the reason you were hurt. Why you ran away from home. I want to know everything about you, Penelope."

He was so very alluring. Drawing me in, quietly, like I'd run from him if he moved too fast. I gazed at his warm Hershey eyes and drifted lower, to where his lips beckoned me. "Tayen." I whispered. "My name is Tayen."

"It suits you. Tayen. I like that." He said, and leaned in. I rose to meet his invitation just as a voice yelled his name.

"Ah..." Jacob turned his face. "That's Sam. He seems pretty mad. I'd better find out what all the fuss is about."

"Um..." I pointedly glanced down to where I was sitting on him, wearing nothing but his shirt. My cheeks burned bright red. "Jake, if we were to be seen like this, people would get the wrong idea."

"R-Right. Well ah, sit tight here until I come back, alright? I shouldn't be but a few minutes." He assured.

We gazed at one another for a brief second before Jacob pecked a kiss to my forehead. The tingling lingered long after he'd locked me back inside.

I had a little time to collect my thoughts and emotions. Jacob was the only true friend I had, and after what had happened yesterday, he had became much more. At least for me. There was no denying or questioning the reality that I'd go to the ends of the earth for him. Which meant I'd have to come clean.

But not yet. I had way too many things to juggle, like trying to figure out why I could turn into a fox, and why my converse had been at a crime scene.

While I waited for him, I finger combed my hair and tightened the bandage on my leg. There was a gash but it had healed to a light red. I hesitantly tried to put weight on the leg, but it still throbbed.

I didn't think it was broken at least.

"Penelope—Ah, Tayen," Jacob amended, "sorry it took me awhile. Sam said that Charlie came over..."

Self-consciously I pulled his shirt down a bit. While it was long enough in length to hide my goods, I still felt pretty naked. "It's okay."

"Your leg..." he began, when I hobbled over to him by the door. "You should get it checked out."

"I will. I mean, first I should get back to Charlie. He's probably freaking out."

Jacob fell quiet in contemplation. I knew he was wondering what had happened, why I was there, why I had so many damn secrets, but he nodded. "I'll drive you there. C'mon, let's go before anyone else shows up, alright?"

He hauled me up into his arms like I weighed nothing, the two of us leaving the garage. My eyes hurt at the brightness of the gray sky; another rainy day in Forks.

I couldn't help but look over at the house while Jacob packed me. There was a clear indent in the red siding, proof that a big black wolf had tossed me there like a rag doll.

I can turn into a fox. Was that what I was, when I dreamed? Is that why those wolves wouldn't let me past them? Was I...trespassing?

"You okay?" Jacob asked.

Hurriedly I buckled my seat belt. He slid into the driver seat and the engine roared to life. "Not really, but I'm used to it," I mumbled out.

The drive went by silently until we were out of the woods and on the main highway. Jacob took my hand in his, a gentle reminder that I wasn't alone in the world.

"Thank you for everything, Jake." I blurted.

His dark eyes veered over in alarm. "What, you're not going to vanish are you?"

"No, no, it's just...if something were to happen to me, I wanted you to know that I appreciate everything you've done." I said quietly, seriously, as tears pooled in my eyes.

The truck pulled over into a side road—someone's driveway, and I wasn't prepared for Jacob to scoot to my side and grab my arms. He looked into my blue eyes fiercely. "Tayen. Tell me what's after you, maybe I can help—"

"—I can't! This is my problem, and if you knew, it would just put you in danger," I reasoned. His mouth snarled back, showing beautiful white teeth as he crushed me to his chest.

"I don't care if something happens to me." He growled.

My body tensed at his firm touch. I'd made him mad, but his words had been so compassionate, so full of emotion that I wept onto his shirtless chest. He allowed it.

Our bodies were one.

I didn't want him to ever leave my side. My face rose, inspecting how beautiful he was at that moment, full of life and love, and I silently brushed my lips to his jaw.

"Let's get back," I choked out.

"Dammit, Tayen." He sighed.

The drive began again. We fell into a quiet silence, both of us lost in thought. It didn't register that I was back at Charlie's until I saw his cruiser in the driveway.

Reality hit.

Anxiety had my pulse pounding as I fumbled with the truck door handle. I gave Jacob a look, seeing that he was resting his head on the steering wheel as if ill. His head lifted. "Wait," he ordered.

"Jake?"

He lightly touched my bare thigh. "I like you a lot and I think you dig me too. Be my girlfriend? Before I go crazy?"

My throat went dry. A quick nod I gave him, followed with a smile. "I'd like that. When I can, I'll call you."

"Now I'll be glued to the phone waiting." He chuckled, "see you, beautiful."

I watched him leave before remembering my outfit, or lack thereof. If Charlie saw me in nothing but Jacob's shirt, I'd probably never see him again.

The window,I thought, eyeing the tree. Like a ninja I crept over to the side of the house, found a foot hold at the base of the tree, and shimmed up it.

It wasn't easy. My feet slid a time or three, but finally I was up and onto the biggest limb. "sh*t!" I cursed, nearly falling off.

One, two, three, four...five!

I landed half inside the window sill. My stomach scraped the edge of the wood but I'd made it. Carefully, I hoisted the rest of myself into the bedroom.

On the bed was a computer. It was an older, white model desktop, but seemed to have all the parts to it. I glanced at it in passing. Clothes were more important at the moment, as well as trying to think of a good reason why I'd left the hospital like a crazy person.

Nothing I came up with seemed plausible. I would have to tell him something similar to the truth, or he'd lock me up and throw away the key.

I hauled off Jacob's black T-shirt and looked at it longingly. My keen nose could smell his scent; a smell that enticed me, called to my very soul.He's never getting it back,I thought with a smile.

Low waist jeans, a purple long sleeve sweater and socks and shoes made up my outfit. I was clothed and down the tree again in record time.

Here we go,I thought, rounding the corner of the house. In the driveway was a new vehicle, one I didn't recognize. Some kind of black jeep that probably cost a fortune.

Who could that be?

I gulped down a knot and bravely walked into the doorway. Charlie was seated on the couch. Across from him I saw both Carlisle and Edward Cullen. Carlisle looked like he'd come from the hospital, while Edward wore an elegant turtle neck and blazer.

"Penelope!" Charlie shouted.

His coffee spilled on the rug by his feet. The atmosphere was tense, like a bubble of pressure waiting to pop. I took a hesitant step forward. "I'm back."

Carlisle looked me in the eyes, trying to tell me something through them, when Edward stood. "Penelope, you're alright," he announced.

Edward crossed the floor and gave me a swift embrace. He leaned to my ear and whispered, "let me handle it." I listened carefully as Edward turned to Charlie, "she was supposed to have told you everything."

Sheriff Charlie came out. His black mustache twitched, a sure sign that he was thinking very hard. "Tell me everything? And what's that supposed to mean?"

Wide eyed, I listened as Carlisle broke in smoothly. "At the hospital yesterday, I was able to find where Penelope came from. When I told her the truth, it must have been too much to handle."

I sagged a bit into Edward's' stiff arm. What they were saying was very truthful, but were they on my side or against it?

Softly, calmly, Edward took my hand in his. He gave it a squeeze. A warning not to talk. Carlisle steepled his hands in his lap and explained, "on a call from Vancouver, I was working when her family came to the emergency department. They'd been in a car accident. There were no survivors, except for their daughter. When I pressed them to tell me where she was, her father had described her and said she'd ran away with her injuries. He passed shortly after."

Charlie sank down into a chair like the breath had been knocked out of him. "So...her parents are dead? Is that what you're saying?"

"Sadly, yes," was Carlisle's response.

That's not true, none of that happened,I argued within. Why were they lying for me? What purpose did it have?

The sheriff drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "Well, I can't say I like that one bit."

"Neither do I," Carlisle said. He motioned to me, "I'd like to adopt her. She'd fit right in with my family. And I could make sure she's taken care of through this grieving process. A girl her age, witnessing what she has..." he let the sentence dangle.

Charlie sighed.

"I got it. That would be fine, but are we sure she doesn't have any relatives that would take her in?"

Edward squeezed my hand painfully tight. I'd been about to say that I didn't want to live with them, and he smiled at Charlie. "She's already made a home here. We're good friends and Jacob Black is her friend as well...it would be nice for her to have a stable place where she feels comfortable to be herself."

"I see. Let's just ask her what she wants to do, then. Penelope, do you wanna live with the Cullens?" Charlie asked with furrowed brows.

"Umm..." I bit my lip. The Cullens knew too much about why I was really in Forks, but they'd been nothing but helpful. Living with them might be better, as long as I could see Jacob.

He was really all I cared about.

Edward released my hand only to put it onto my shoulder. "What do you say? Want to be my sister, Penelope?"

"Y-Yeah. I'd like that," I replied quietly, but that was too weak for a reply so I cleared my throat and tried again. "I want to live with the Cullens. But, I didn't mind being here with you, Mr. Charlie."

"It was nice having a kiddo around. It's a good thing Bells will be here soon," he replied with a crinkled smile. "Well, we can file the paperwork down at the station. I've already got her school file turned in, so we're good on that end."

I swallowed a lump down my throat. Whether I had made a good choice or a bad one I didn't know.

Chapter 8 Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

No sooner had I got into the black jeep, then Edward's kind demeanor changed. He glared at me from the backseat. "You were so careless," he hissed.

Carlisle looked over at me from the driver seat with an apologetic smile. "Edward, she meant well. We have to remember this is all new for her."

"How can I keep her alive if she keeps going over totheirland?" Edward countered.

"We can't smother her." Carlisle said, turning a corner. He was barely paying attention to the road--in fact, he wasn't looking at all where he was going. Somehow we didn't crash into anything.

"Wait, can someone tell me what's going on?" I asked.

"Later, Tayen. We'll talk things over later. Don't mind Edward, he's not usually so...callous. He's only worried for your safety. As am I." Was Carlisle's reply.

The road to their home was shrouded in secrecy, but we got there within minutes, mostly due to how fast Carlisle drove. I was nauseous as I stepped out and onto the grass of their massive yard.

Their home was enormous.

My mouth hung down. It was square in shape, with the upper floor longer than the bottom. All of it was a dark wood; polished to perfection. To the right of the second story was an enclosed veranda, black railing around it. Large, open windows gave view of some of its fancy interior.

"This will be your new home, Tayen," Carlisle said kindly. He walked to the trunk of the jeep and hoisted out my two puny duffel bags. "Come on. Everyone is expecting you."

Everyone? There's more...Cullens?

I didn't have to wonder long. As I stepped over into the giant home—the smell of it crinkling my nose, there were several people standing in wait. One was large and bulky-- a male, with dark hair and a confident smirk on his face. Beside him was a smaller, but handsome young man with wavy, medium length hair. He smiled my way. Three women were in front, all beautiful, one a tall blonde with a co*cky pose, the other two shorter and decidedly less hostile.

"Everyone, this is Tayen. Tayen, this is your new family," Carlisle announced. The two taller men quickly took my duffel bags from their father. "This is Jasper, and he is Emmett," Carlisle introduced elegantly.

"N-Nice to meet you," I mumbled.

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," said Jasper politely. He pretended to tip his non existent hat. "We'll be seeing a lot of each other from now on, sister."

His body language was relaxed, and I found tension leaving my own body as though in response. All until the tall blonde one made a noise and haughtily said, "I still don't see why we have to do this. We could just pretend she doesn't exist. Then it wouldn't be our problem."

"Rosalie," warned Carlisle. "I won't tolerate any rude behavior. We aren't savages. If I can save one life, all will be worth it."

My spine bristled with anxiety. Everything was over my head, and I didn't like how they discussed me like I wasn't there. To my left, Edward sighed. "Don't mind Rosalie. She doesn't like anyone, much."

Rosalie turned on her heel and climbed the steps noisily.

"Hi!" Chirped a high pitched voice. It belonged to a short, almost pixy type of woman with an easy smile and observant, dark eyes. She stuck her hand out and said, "I'm Alice. It's great to finally meet you."

I shook her hand hesitantly. Only a second had passed, but Alice's expression changed instantly. Her smile slid from her face. Edward looked over at me right after, and suddenly I was on my back in the blink of an eye. "You aren't going!" He growled.

"What did you see, Alice?" Carlisle asked the shooken woman.

She blinked; back to warmth. "It will work out in the end....however..." her eyes lowered to Edward, who still had me pinned down. "...Edward won't like it."

I was staring at Edward's cold eyes when he abruptly released me. He looked off, clenching his fist to his side. "I'd never. Not over a...werefox."

A werefox?

Panic seized my insides. I hobbled to the door, pressing myself against it tightly. They were all looking at me like I was a new breed of bacteria. Seconds ticked by as I debated on running away from them. Just how far were we from the city? From La Push? I hadn't been able to keep track of the miles.

Then Alice stepped forward. "You wouldn't get far. It's okay, Tayen. We aren't your enemy." She said soothingly. Jasper walked over as well. "Relax. We're not normal, either, if you haven't noticed. You're safe here."

"Safe?" Edward hissed. "All she wants to do is run back to their land and see Jacob. She's already planning on doing it she second she's alone."

"S-Stop!" I shrieked. "Stay away from me!"

"She's scared stiff. It's not working," Jasper said with a sigh.

Carlisle rose his hand and everyone became quiet. I watched with increasing anxiety as he stood before me. Calmly, carefully, he dipped his head and said, "Forgive us for scaring you. Let's start from the beginning. I am Carlisle Cullen, and these are my adopted children. We're a family of vampires."

Vampires? Blood sucking monsters? No--no way,I reasoned.

"We don't feed on humans," Edward growled. He shot me a pensive look, "that's why we chose Forks to live in. Although, not many vampires share our particular tastes. Like the vampire who killed your friend Derek."

I recalled how his neck had been ripped apart, ligaments and bone exposed. My body sagged down the frame of the door quietly. "Why w-would vampires--why would they--"

Tears spilled from my eyes, realizing Carlisle and his family were right. They were vampires, that's how they knew why Derek was dead. And why they knew my thoughts, my feelings, and even the future. Everything made too much sense, as bad as I hated to admit it to myself. Especially considering that I could change into a fox.

Through tear-streaked eyes I looked to Edward, who blurred in my watery vision and whispered, "When did you know?"

"At the police station. Well, before that, if you count Alice's vision about your arrival." Edward replied.

Alice nodded quietly. "I can see some of the future. When you came here, I saw that many would die because of the vampires who were following your scent. So, we sent Edward out to befriend you. I'm really sorry."

"You knew the whole time..." I mumbled. "Then--why didn't you say anything?"

Edward spoke next. He knelt down with a tired sigh and answered, "The future can be changed. We thought we'd be able to prevent them from dying. But obviously it didn't work as well as we thought. If we had suddenly barged into your life, things might have changed too much; they might have attacked more frequently, or went into a frenzy."

I had only one more question. Edward, hearing it, grabbed my hand and pulled me up. Quietly he said, "That's what we're trying to figure out."

"Doesn't she know the future?" I asked of Alice, who smiled sadly and replied, "only sometimes. All of this could have been avoided if we knew why."

I was numb. My mind had turned off, feeling and hearing too much at once. Finally, the answer to who killed Derek was there, but it only left me with more questions. And a healthy fear of my new housemates.

Jacob. I longed to hear his voice, feel his warmth. Anything. I'd take anything.

"Come on," Edward said. He ushered me up the steps, Jasper and Emmett following with my duffel bags. "You should rest. We'll talk more...later."

"Aren't you worried I'll go after Jacob?" I asked at the top of the steps.

"No. You'll stay here...for now," he replied quietly.

My room was immaculate. It looked more like a hotel room than a proper girls bedroom. A large window took up half the large space, a California king sized bed with white sheets in the center, and a matching set of furniture. The dresser, chest, and end table were white and sleek with metal handles.

Jasper and Emmett left me to my room until it was only Edward and I. He didn't seem keen on leaving. While I nervously began to organize my things, shoving them in drawers haphazardly, Edward finally spoke. "There are thousands of vampires," he explained, hearing my thoughts.

"Thousands. And out of those thousands, why does only your crew eat animals?" I asked, folding my jeans and placing them into the bottom drawer.

"Carlisle discovered long ago that we could live from animal blood. We adapted to the diet." He replied.

Memories of my arrival in Forks came and went, like snap shots on a film. I thought on how Edward had been quick to help me email Natalie, even though he didn't need to. "Say, why did you let me email Natalie?"

"It seemed to make you feel better. I was trying to be your friend at the time, so it suited my needs."

"That hits pretty below the belt." I grumbled at him. After everything had been put away, I joined him at the window to sulk.

The view was beautiful. An untamed, mature forest as far as the eye could see. Only the rainy aspect of it dulled the beauty. I glanced over at Edward, studying his profile. While he was beautiful, it was a cold and harsh beauty. Untouchable.

"I'd like to start over," I said.

"Why is that?"

"Just because. Our friendship was a lie, right? I don't like that very much. If you're going to be my brother and stuff, then let's get along." I said and stuck out my hand.

A tiny smile lifted one corner of his mouth. "For the record, you stink to us just as much."

"Oh, so it's mutual. Sorry about that, by the way." I replied with my own smile. "It's not so bad now. I'm getting used to it."

"Good to know." He shook my hand with his icy one and retracted it back into his blazer. "You owe me quite a bit."

"I do?"

Edward turned back to look outside. "I had to wait until you'd lefttheirland to find where you'd fallen asleep. It was a...problematic bringing you back."

My cheeks flushed with redness. Mostly because I knew how I looked when I woke up. Naked. "So, you uh--really did that too--"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I'd never look twice at a werefox."

"Gee, thanks, I think."

Our conversation turned to a different topic that had sprung up from my mind.Why did Edward call La Push 'their' land?

Edward sighed. "Why don't you ask Carlisle? He wants to see you anyway."

"He does? Right now?"

"Your leg needs evaluated." Was all Edward said before shutting me up in the room.

As soon as I was alone, I went to the drawer and pulled out Jacob's T-shirt. I pressed my nose into it, inhaling his lovely smell. He'd saved me from the big bad wolf, brought me back to Charlie, and became my boyfriend at the same time.

Jacob, I miss you. You're everything. Please, don't hate me for what I am.

It was both horrible and devastating that I had found someone like Jacob. I had nothing but secrets, yet he'd accepted me for who he thought I was. I mourned his poor choice.

How I craved to feel his presence, see him smile at me. It felt like a lifetime ago. A life before I became some strange creature—a creature that became part of a family of real, in the flesh vampires.

After I'd had a moment to myself— nixing off the idea to run away—I tried to find where Carlisle was. Down the stairs and through the archway, the good doctor was sitting on a white leather couch with a dark-haired woman at his side. When I entered the room, they gave me a welcoming smile.

"Tayen. Are you getting settled in?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah...I mean, it's weird but...your house is beautiful," I stammered, flushing from embarrassment.

"Thank you." He replied smoothly. "Please, let me introduce you to my lovely wife."

The woman smiled kindly at me and said, "Esme. It's a pleasure. We've heard so much about you."

"Thanks. You uh, too."

I stood around awkwardly until Esme asked me to take a seat. What they'd heard about me I had no idea, and I doubted that I'd learn it any time soon. So, I took a deep breath. "Dr? Um, earlier, in the car...what did Edward mean when he said 'their' land?"

Carlisle's tidy brows knit together. When I thought he wasn't going to answer, he nodded. "It will be a shock for you, are you sure you wish to know?"

"It can't be more shocking than anything else today." I reasoned.

"Very well. A long time ago, I came to this area in search of a safe place for my budding family. At the time, much of this land belonged to the Quileutes. Their leader, a werewolf named Ephraim Black, agreed to let us stay here under oath. We aren't to cross their land nor harm any human."

"Ephraim Black? Like the um, tribe?" I asked.

Carlisle nodded. "The very same. There weren't very many werewolves at the time, but enough that I didn't take them lightly. I agreed to the treaty. It has stood the test of time so far, but the recent murders have made the descendants resent our presence here."

"Descendants....like, Jacob?" I piqued.

"He is the great grandson of Ephraim. I don't know whether or not he is a werewolf...but there are several who have manifested. We believe the vampires who came for you are the cause of their return, as they've not been detected until your arrival here."

"Werewolves..." I muttered.

The hamster wheel in my brain was going full speed. Jacob was a descendant of Ephraim, who was a werewolf. I dreamed about wolves keeping me away from their land. Then, a large black wolf had attacked me at Jacob's house.

Lastly, I thought on what Billy had said that night of the bonfire. If the legends were true, then it stood to reason I was the descendant of the cunning fox woman. The one who was supposed to avenge her beloved, Aodhan. One person from that night had seemed to know exactly who and what I was.

"Sam...," I began, looking up from my hands to Carlisle, "it had to be him who attacked me."

"Sam Uley? I see. So that's where your injury came from." Carlisle rose from his seat and came to mine across them. He knelt, "let me see it, Tayen."

I rolled my jeans up to my calf. While the gash had healed, around it was a nasty looking bruise. Carlisle didn't stare at it for long before he let me roll it back down.

"It will be fine. The bone isn't broken, but it will be sore a bit longer. There are no signs of infection." He said clinically.

"That's good. It looked worse, but I guess I heal fast."

Alice came bounding down the stairs and sat right beside me on the love seat. She had a bright smile on her face, "you're taking everything so well. I'm glad for that. I can't wait to go hunting with you! It will be so fun!"

Esme, who had been silent, chided her adopted daughter. "You'll scare her, Alice. One thing at a time. First we have to throw those vampires off her trail."

They began to go back and forth over what to do about the situation, when Alice stopped talking. She gazed off, not seeing and began to mumble out loud. "They're in the forest....her clothes...they found her clothes...three of them...they're going to Charlie's house....no, they won't make it....werewolves...the werewolves are fighting them..."

I didn't realize I was sitting at the edge of my seat until Alice snapped out of her trance. Nor did I see Edward, who had slunk into the living room like a will o wisp. To all of us Alice said, "they'll take one down. The other two will retreat."

Is it happening now? Or in the future?I wondered.

Edward began to pace back and forth. Another fast conversation began, with Edward and Carlisle leading it. Eventually Carlisle faced me sternly. "Tayen, we're being forced to make a hard decision."

"Um, okay, what is it?" I asked.

"We need to make them think you're dead. It only needs to be long enough that they leave the area."

"I...see. Alright. When will that be?"

Edward propped himself at the doorframe suavely and said right away. Which left me with a hard choice to make.I want to tell Jacob, but I know I can't. I told him I'd call, though.

"Really? After knowing what he might be?" Edward chimed in.

"I'm no better than he is! And...I owe him that much. If I could just talk to him..." I gulped, giving them my most sincere feelings. "Please, Edward. We both know I might not be able to after this."

Alice was going to voice her opinion when Edward held his hand up and glared into my eyes. There wasn't a trace of kindness in them. "Fine. Don't breathe a word about us or what you are."

"I won't. I promise. Scouts honor." I swore. Alice nodded in agreement, earrings tinkling. "I've seen it. She won't reveal anything."

Like that I was directed to the telephone to make one last call to the one who owned my heart.

Notes:

I hope you're all enjoying this so far...it's taking a lot of brain power to write, haha.

Chapter 9 Chapter Text

"Yeah?"

"Hi. Uh, this is Penelope, Penelope Black?" I said to the voice on the line. It was an older voice, so I it must be Billy, Jacob's father.

"Hmm, I see. I guess you want to talk to Jake, is that right?" Asked Billy.

"If you don't mind."

"Sorry, but I had him go to town for me. He should be back in an hour. Was it...important?"

"N-no. Just uh, if you don't mind, please let him know that I—I love him, and I'm not giving it back." After the words had left my mouth, my body shook with adrenaline. I'd just admitted my feelings to his father, a father who may or may not know my heritage.

"Find a perfect match in him, did you?"

My mouth went dry. Billy had guessed right on the nose. "Yeah. I'd do anything for him, so...please, remember that sir. I—I have to go, but thank you, Mr. Black."

Without waiting for his reply I pushed the end button on the receiver and set it down into its casing. As I stared at the phone, thinking on how much I'd be giving up, a voice behind me spoke. "You're doing the right thing." Came Edward's voice.

I couldn't turn away from the phone. Missing out on hearing Jacob's voice had been a sore disappointment. One I didn't plan on. "You say that," I replied coldly, "but I'd rather die than be without him."

"He doesn't know your a werefox..." Edward reminded, coming behind me. His cold hand touched my shoulder as he added, "...things won't work out when he realizes who you really are. He'd despise you, just like the others."

"Then I'll be his enemy. I don't care--as long as I can see him. Even if he killed me, I--"

My words cut off into nothing, feeling the firm weight of Edward, who had wrapped his arms around mine in a sudden, unwelcome motion. His cold breath leaned to my ear as he grit out, "Don't be stupid. What do you think we're all fighting for? Each of us are ready to die protecting you, Tayen."

"I didn't ask for it," I growled. "I didn't ask for any of this! If I'd been killed instead of Derek, none of this would have happened, and you know it. I'm just a burden on all of you. Don't...pity me. I don't want it."

"It's not pity." He replied, loosening his hold. "Did it ever occur to you that we want to protect you for a different reason?"

When I fell silent in self damnation, Edward spun me around so he could properly glare at me. His dark eyes were glowing amber within. "Asking for death when you don't know what it's like, so typical for a teenager. I've been there, at death's door, and it's not somewhere you want to find yourself."

"Is that why you're...you know, a vampire?" I asked him, searching his eyes for the answer. Edward nodded, dropping his chilly gaze lower. I don't think he was even seeing me as he replied, "It is. I've been dead for so long I don't know how to live anymore."

"Is that why you're mad at me?"

"What? I'm not mad. I'm...forget what I said. Listen to yourself. Do you honestly think Jacob would go so far for you? A little werefox?"

My eyes filled with hot tears. Edward had hit home with his remark, though I hated to admit it. "So?" I argued, shoving at his stony chest, "He doesn't need to. You read thoughts, right? Then you must know how I feel about him."

What I'd said in anger had been heartfelt. Edward didn't reply to that cunning remark, instead favoring to turn from me like I'd insulted his honor. He was gone and up the stairs before I could blink; really, if I hadn't known he was there beside me moments before, I sure wouldn't have now.

It was difficult to put into words just how affected I was over the possibility that I'd never see Jacob again. Not as the one he'd came to like--Penelope. How could I possibly move on from him after what I'd experienced, looking into his eyes as I had? Who would even understand the depth of my attachment? Certainly not Jacob himself, and not any of the Cullens.

Hours passed by in a haze of monotony. Mostly I spent the time walking through the hall of my new home, not observing much other than my feet in front of me. Circles and circles I'd walked, only stopping at my room when my feet had grown tired.

When I was back in my room and bored to tears, night had came. The foggy view from the window attested to that, illuminating the stars beautifully. I stared out the window as if I could see Jacob there. Of course, it was but a daydream.

I sat down his T-shirt after smelling it and decided its proper place was on my pillow. After I'd placed it carefully beside my pillow, I smelled of myself.I could go for a shower.Luckily for me, my bedroom had come with its own bathroom. I turned the metal knob and went in.

It wasn't small, but medium in size. And probably cost a fortune. The same sleek, white had made its way into the room, making me feel even more like an outsider rather than a true member of the household. I chucked off my clothes and stepped into the walk-in shower only after ensuring I'd turned it as hot as possible.

A good soak had revived my energy somewhat. But as I bathed, I noticed that even the hottest water wasn't quite enough for my new skin. I shivered until enough was enough and sprung out.

When the night-time routine had been done and over with--with me sporting Jacob's T-shirt and some soft shorts--I crawled into bed.

And laid there.

Tossing and turning seemed to only do so much. Minutes turned into an hour, until two had passed and I was still wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. Figuratively, of course.

"Ugh! Why can't I sleep!" I shouted to the ceiling.

Thinking that I was hungry, I made my way to the massive kitchen in search of sustenance. There was barely anything within the fridge; no surprise, seeing as I lived with vampires. Along that line were a few pints of blood. The label read 'Rare' 'Fresh, A'.

I really hoped they were from animals.

"They are," said Edward.

"Edward! God, you gave me a heart attack!" I screeched.

He merely smirked as if that had been his plan all along. While I'd changed my clothing and seemed ready for bed, he wore the same turtle-neck as befoe. We shared an awkward silence. Finally, I turned from him with a huff. "What's there to eat?"

"Not much. We don't have any human food."

"So, I guess I'll just be starving then."

I shut the fridge in repulsion, because there was no way I'd drink blood of any kind. Not even if I was dying. "You could hunt for something," he mentioned, as if knowing I'd turn that idea down.

"I like my food cooked, without blood, thanks," I grumbled.

Edward slid into a bar stool chair and tilted his head at me boredly. As I shuffled through cabinets, not finding anything canned or frozen, he spoke up. "Put some shoes on. I'll take you to WacDonald's."

"Really? That sounds great. I couldreallygo for a burger and fries," I was quick to say.

He waited patiently as I climbed the steps and slipped on my newer, black converse. We were out the door within moments.

The chill from the cold night air had me shivering. I regretted not putting on jeans, but it was too late. I stepped over the damp grass and onto the paved driveway, watching Edward press a button on a key ring remote. A loud noise echoed as the garage door revolved back, revealing a nice collection of designer vehicles.

I whistled.

Apparantly being a doctor paid better than I'd thought. My eyes took in five different, expensive rides. Edward made his way to a blue Dodge Viper and I followed. There were two white stripes going down the middle of the racing car.

"You're going to go fast again, aren't you," I teased.

Edward merely smirked and told me to buckle up.

WacDonald's was open twenty-four seven, thankfully. Edward ordered my combo meal and wrinkled his nose when I happily devoured it. "Those are horrible for you," he said about my food choice.

"They are," I agreed, "but man do they taste good."

He might have snorted.

Being fed had made a big difference in my not sleepy factor. I yawned a few times on the way home, happy to have a full stomach that wasn't animal blood. Edward and I parted ways at the doorway to the house.

The following morning came before I was ready. By that, I mean my sleep was interrupted. My first instinct was to smack whoever it was that had dared disturb my hard-won sleep, but I crossed the idea off when I saw Edward at my bedside.

"Woah!" I exclaimed, bolting upright in alarm.

"Carlisle needs you down there. We're going to begin." Edward said cryptically.

"Begin? Oh, you mean the plan to off me for pretend?" I asked. When he'd scoffed at my casual use of words, Alice came into my bedroom as well. I supposed they were fine and dandy to be up before the birds, but I wasn't.

"Give me a minute..." I grumbled.

"C'mon, Edward. She actually slept, unlike us. So. How do you feel this morning, Tayen?" Alice inquired with a cheerful pep in her voice.

"Well, Iwashaving a great day until you two woke me up."

That only made Alice laugh like I'd told a great joke. Her and Edward told me to get ready to leave, all secrecy as usual, and it was with growing dread that I prepared for the day.

According to the window, Forks was a cold and wet day. A perfect day to die—pretend of course. I shrugged into a long sleeve, black shirt with lace around the neckline—not the itchy lace, but a soft and delicate kind. Dark wash jeans and black converse were the finishing touches.

I gazed at myself in the mirror as I brushed my teeth. My pale, Irish complexion looked every bit as dreary as I felt. There wasn't a speck of color to be seen. Even the blue of my eyes had faded.

After a moment to comb my hair and throw it into a high bun, I was off down the steps and into the living room.

Everyone was there—even Rosalie, who had seemed to detest me last night. She looked down her nose at me when I stiffly sat into a leather chair.

"Good morning, Tayen." Esme said with an easy going smile. Her dark eyes twinkled, "I hope you'll find something to like about living with us."

Standing behind the couch where Esme and Carlisle sat was Edward. His face soured like he'd tasted something rotten. "Not a chance," he mumbled.

"Well, now that you've joined us, we'll begin." Carlisle stated. He nodded to Emmett and Jasper who hopped from their arm chair perches. "You two, take Tayen to our hunting grounds. Alice, you are to join Edward and Rosalie. And I will prepare the vessel."

Just what they had in mind, I didn't know, and it must have been apparent on my face. Carlisle caught my eye and softened his tone a bit. "You see, we're going to fake a corpse. Your corpse, to be exact. In order to throw them off the search I've been searching the surrounding morgues for a fill in, a lookalike."

"You're going to put a dead body out there like it's me?" I repeated, stunned.

Esme nodded. "Yes, that's the gist. It involves taking some of your blood and...embalming, of course. We'll place it where they'll be sure to find it and leave a few scattered clues. Don't worry about a thing. Carlisle is the best doctor this side of the states."

"Can't be too careful." Said Emmett. With a frown at me he added, "they're smart but not smarter than us. That's why you're coming on a little road trip."

I wondered what Alice, Edward and Rosalie would be doing. If I was going with Emmett and Jasper, where would they be going? My eyes shifted to Edward who answered, "school. If we all miss a day, someone might suspect us of having something to do with the body we're leaving. Everything has to happen smoothly."

Alice jumped in next. "Don't worry. If anything changes, I'll call Jasper right away."

Things progressed smoothly after that. Carlisle, Esme and I went to the hospital, where Idonatedsome of my blood to the cause. When that was done, Emmett and Jasper where waiting outside in the black jeep.

"So, where are we going?" I asked, buckling in. Any ride with a vampire would mean safety came first.

Jasper, who wasn't driving, turned to give me an excited grin. He was practically sparkling with energy. "We're going up stream. There's a little cabin just north of here. Give or take a hundred miles."

"A hundred?" I repeated. "Why so far away?"

As Emmett hit the gas pedal, squealing tires, he smirked at me in the rearview mirror. "Wow, you really don't know much about us, huh. Vampires can smell things from very far away. Let's just say...even a hundred miles is cutting it close."

"Is it?" I piqued. I sank back into the backseat. A hundred miles was still not a sure thing for not being found out. It was depressing, really.

Emmett and Jasper talked amongst themselves about their preferred hunting grounds, while I watched the trees pass by in a blur. I wasn't seeing my surroundings, instead I was imagining Jacob when he heard the news that I'd been killed.

A shiver went down my spine.

Sure, we might not be compatible in terms of lineage--a werewolf and werefox, but I didn't think Jacob was one. At least not yet. He'd had a chance to show that side when I'd been attacked by Sam in wolf form and hadn't. Speaking of Sam, that guy hated my guts. It was as if I'd spit in his face.Did Sam see me as a fox when I thought I was sleeping?

It made sense.

Thinking about Jacob catching me in his garage brought a fresh heat to my face. He didn't have to imagine what I looked like in bra and panties anymore; he'd seen the whole package. Probably. Maybe. My hair helped some, but I couldn't be sure.

I wonder if it was me who really killed Billy's chickens. Don't foxes eat them?

And would Jacob care that I'd been killed? Would he believe the story? I didn't know, and wish I could tell him the truth. He deserved to know the truth--mostly because I was fixated on him for life.Jacob...what are you doing right now? Do you miss me?

"Why so sad, sugar cube?" Jasper asked.

"Me? Oh, I'm not sad." I replied, but when Jasper's brow rose in question I turned back to the window. "Alright. I'm sad. You wouldn't understand," I said.

"Jacob will come around," Jasper gently replied. "It might take him some time, though."

"How do you know that? Can you see the future, too?" I couldn't help but ask. When Jasper chuckled, my face fell in disappointment. "You're just being nice."

"We're siblings now. It's what we do." He said and reached backward, shoving my shoulder. "Chin up, buttercup. We're about to teach you how to hunt."

"How to hunt? I'm not a vampire. I don't need to hunt."

Emmett and Jasper had a good laugh at my expense. Emmett cut a corner and shouted, "you're a Cullen now! Get used to it! And every fox should know how to hunt!" Jasper, too, rubbed his hands together. "And the fox is going to be hunted."

Chapter 10 Chapter Text

The cabin looked right in its element. It was two stories high, carved in Lincoln log style, and altogether too pretty to be legitimate. Large round windows on the double dormer, a stained glass front door and musical wind chimes were the standouts.

"It's pretty." I said about the cabin, strolling from the jeep to stare up at it.

"You'll be here for a few day or two. Alice will let us know when it's safe to come back. So get used to it." Jasper said. He took my duffel bag from me as Emmett swung open the door. "Ladies first," Jasper drawled.

"You mean werefoxes first." I corrected.

The interior was as beautiful as the outside. Black leather couch, a real fireplace, hand painted art and Aztec design rugs adorned the cabin. It was lively, full of bright colors, all popping out at me. My eyes were in heaven.

"There's two rooms upstairs." Emmett said. He plopped down into the black couch. "Pick which one you want. We'll take the other."

"Thanks." I replied, and strode up the wooden stairs. The rooms were lofted in design—a framed, with a small door for the entrance. I peeked into the first room and decided it would be perfect.

A tv, vhs player, and a queen platform were what I saw first. There was also an oak or pine end table, a few dream catchers, and a vanity table. All were tiny as if crafted just for the space. There was an ethereal feel to all of it. Almost like some fairy creature called it home.

"I love this one!" I shouted down the steps.

I tossed onto the bed my duffel bag of clothing and toiletries and padded back down. Jasper was busy watering some flowers on the wooden table of the dining room. He looked up with a mischievous grin. "Are you ready?"

"Ready to hunt? Can't wait. Woo," I replied sarcastically.

Emmett popped into the kitchen. "Go ahead and change form or whatever. I'm starving!"

"Change form? Oh, yeah that. I can try I guess. I've never done it on purpose before." I admitted, and when they stood there watching me, waiting, I rolled my eyes. "Fine. I'll give it a go."

I shut my eyes and concentrated very hard on being a fox. And by that I mean I pictured myself as a fox over and over in my mind. When the first tingling began that something was different, it was my smell.

Jasper and Emmett reeked. It wasn't a particular odor—not one that I could define, but something odd. Foul. Unearthly.

I opened my eyes and took note that the ceiling had grown a bit. Either I'd became Alice in wonderland and drank the potion or I had actually turned into a fox.

"Right on," Emmett said.

Everything was large, bright, and irritated my senses. So much that I bared my teeth and gave the vampires in the room an angered hiss.

"Wow, you look a whole lot more like dinner," Emmett remarked. He smirked; showing fangs. "It's good that we're more into large game."

Jasper didn't take his eyes off me for a while. He was content to stand there staring, all until Emmett shoved his shoulder. "She's our sister, remember? Not food."

I growled at Jasper but it came out as more of a squall. Foxes didn't exactly sound barbaric in nature, and I was no exception. I half chirped at him for good measure.

"She's quite beautiful for a fox," Jasper said. He took the time needed to steady himself; I took it to mean he wasn't going to out right murder me. I'd be watching my back, though.

"Yeah. We could keep her as a pet. Woah! Kidding, Tayen." Emmett laughed at his bad joke.

We made our way out the cabin door. As it had before, the cold and rain didn't penetrate through my red fur. I looked around the forest, wondering where we'd go for their supposed hunt, when Emmett said, "it's going to be a race. First one to come back with a kill is the winner."

A kill? I'm not going to kill anything!

I hopped to Emmett and pawed his leg. He took my hint I guess. "You're a fox," he reminded me.

"Werefox, remember. She's probably never had raw food before. Think of it like hunting with a gun. Except, well, you get to have more fun." Jasper explained.

They weren't going to change their mind. And, I supposed I did need to learn how to fight and hunt as my hairier self. Just in case.

To show I'd accepted their proposal, I shimmed backward on my hind legs and threw one paw into the air.

"Haha! You ever see a fox do that, Jasper?" Emmett asked.

"There's a first time for everything. Alright. On the count of three..."

"Three!" Emmett yelled. He was gone as fast as a bullet. Jasper gave me a shrug before he, too, vanished.

Since they'd taken the southern route, I sprinted as fast as I could north. My paws touched the ground for just a split second before I was bounding over bushes and foliage.

My sense of smell told me food wasn't far; but I didn't know what it was, exactly. That smell, what is it? I wondered, searching slowly with my eyes. My steps paused. Somewhere above me was the prey—a tiny bird, not quite an adult.

He hadn't realized I was about to pounce on him. It wasn't personal, but there were vampires to beat. And I was a fox. I told myself that like it was normal, but I'm not sure I believed me.

The bird was looking around the base of the tree for branches to make a nest with. I waited until he had a good sized twig in his mouth before springing forth from the bushes and clamping my paws together as I landed.

There was squawking. I paid it little mind, because I'd captured him fair and square. He was pinned beneath my left paw. It would be easy to eat him, and he did smell tasty. I leaned and gave him a sniffing.

I won't mention what came next, only that I had a nice carcass and made it back to the cabin first.

Moments later Jasper, then Emmett returned. They'd both arrived with good sized deer on their backs—although Emmett's was fatter.

They saw me at the door and cursed. "Dammit! Beaten by a tiny little fox, but hey, what did you even catch, huh?" Emmett asked.

I moved my paw.

"A bird. It's tiny...but I guess it's fitting for her," Jasper remarked. He sighed. "We didn't specify what size the prey needed to be. That's our own fault." Jasper tossed down his deer and knelt by me. "You did good."

He pet my red fur a bit in reflection. And maybe hungrily. From the corner of my eye, I watched Emmett begin to devour his meal. It was quite grotesque, but not enough that I was scarred. It was more surprising than anything just how strong vampires were; able to rip limbs off with ease.

Jasper turned to Emmett with an incredulous expression, "you just couldn't wait. If you'd like some of mine, I'll share, Tay."

As my nostrils flared, smelling fresh iron, I yipped a time or two.

I should have felt grossed out. But after I'd filled my belly with delicious deer meat; and a bird, I was ready to go on another hunt.

So, the three of us headed off another time. I had chosen a good looking ground squirrel and made it back to the cabin when I saw Jasper there already. A beaver was in his arms.

Emmett returned just a fraction behind me. His catch was a cougar, and he slung it onto the damp grass angrily. "You cheated! At least pick something worth it," he said to Jasper.

"I'm full. Don't need it," was Jasper's comeback.

I listened to them bicker over who the real winner was as I dug a hole and buried my kill. After another two sessions of hunting I was spent. Mostly because I had been their target practice for awhile; both of them capturing me easily. It was apparent that I'd never out run a vampire. Especially Jasper—he was way too fast.

When I was done hunting for the day, I dashed into the cabin. On the Aztec rug lay my clothing. I bit into them piece by piece, dragging them up the steps one article at a time.

Finally, I was able to change back into my human form. It was pretty easy, only needing to imagine it. I wasn't prepared to smack my head on the ceiling of the tapered loft, however.

"Ow!" I hissed.

A thundering came up the steps.

First, it was Emmett, who had crouched and looked ferocious, muscles bulging. Then, Jasper, who knocked Emmett aside. His crouch mirrored Emmet. Their faces roved around the room a moment.

"Tayen, are you alright?" Emmett hissed.

"I'm fine! I'm kinda naked here, you know!" I said a little too shrilly.

Both Cullens looked over at me. "Apologies!" Yelled Jasper. He pulled Emmett down the steps by his shirt collar.

Jeez! Those two...!

I hiked on my clothing with shame. They'd have a stern talking to about privacy. As I huffed down the steps, however, I didn't get the chance.

Jasper was on the phone.

He didn't look happy, either, angular face tense and lacking its normal, gentle expression. I watched him pace back and forth on the hardwood. Emmett held up the wall, arms crossed. He glanced at me and away.

"I think she deserves to know," Jasper said.

My blue eyes snapped to him at once. He winked at me and said, "alright. We're coming back first thing tomorrow." The call ended after that. I gulped a knot down my throat. Whatever had happened—I knew I wouldn't like it.

"It's not as bad as it sounds." Jasper said. When he stepped to me his gentle expression returned; I knew he was using his power, because my fear began to fade away. Mostly.

"Tell me what?" I asked.

Jasper took a breath and turned to Emmett. "They found the body. One of them left for now, but the other is still in the area. But the bad news is that someone else found the fake too. Sam Uley. Alice saw what happened. Sam told Billy..."

I waited for the other shoe to fall. It did. "...and Billy told Jacob. When he learned that you'd died, he changed into a werewolf. Sam tried to stop him, but he got the scent of one and went after it."

"No...Jacob is...all by himself?" I whispered. Turning into a werewolf wasn't so bad. I'd kind of expected it. But hunting a vampire all on his own, now that I wasn't prepared for. "I have to help him—-" I said, taking hold of Jasper's arms.

He looked to Emmett for help. The bulkier Cullen came to me and pet my red hair. "We will. Tomorrow. You're our priority, Tayen. Besides, we can't help Jacob as long as he's on Quileuteland. When we can, we'll go after him."

"But what if he fights before you're there? What if..." Even Jasper's soothing aura didn't take away the fear of impending doom. Jacob would die without help. He couldn't possibly take down a vampire all by himself; especially after just turning into a werewolf.

Jasper took me into his arms awkwardly as I began to cry. "Calm down. He's fine, and it's gonna be just fine. We'll see to that. Right, Emmett?"

"Yeah. We can take down a single vampire no problem. Let's just focus on one thing at a time. Like getting you back in one piece."

Time flies when all you can think about is someone you love dying. Every unsaid word, all the feelings that hadn't been released—I couldn't focus on anything other than that the entire remainder of the night. Not even the speed we returned with could deter my attention from Jacob.

His deep-set hershey eyes gazing at me with affection. How dimpled his cheeks got when he was really smiling; and how tight that same face became when mad.

And his laughter. Contagious, erasing my worries and reminding me to find the good in things. Mostly, I found the good in him.

A goodness I'd do anything to protect.

The Cullens were all assembled and accounted for when we got back. They were waiting outside, probably in case of a surprise attack. I stepped out of the jeep and slammed the door shut. My only mission was protecting Jacob—even if a whole family of vampires tried to stop me.

Edward read my mind, of course. He was to me and grabbed my arm in a vise grip; it would bruise no doubt. "Don't think so. He's fine."

"You don't know that," I snapped. "He could die!"

Carlisle and Esme shared a knowing look. The former came to the jeep and lightly touched Edward's shoulder. "Easy, Edward. We have to see things from her side."

"Her side? She's going to go on a suicide mission!" He snapped.

"She cares deeply for Jacob. Listen, Tayen. You're a member of our family now. Anyone you cherish, we will also. Right, Edward?"

Edward's grip loosened just enough so I could snap free of him. I gave him an icy glare. "Let me go! You're all better off that way! All of this will go away, right! Isn't that what you want? To stay here, to blend in?"

Edward turned to his family. I couldn't see his expression, but whatever he'd done made them all leave into the home. It was just me and him left, and I didn't have a chance in hell to escape.

I was pressed into the jeep's side hard enough to dent it. Edward hissed at me. "Idiot! For once in your life, think before doing something! If it will shut you up, I'll go myself right now!"

"You...go?"

As if he didn't understand that he'd said those words, Edward reared away from me to catch his non needed breath. "Only if you stay put. Here." He added.

My eyes rose to search his. "Fine. But you better not be just telling me all that. Trying to trick me."

"I doubt you'd let me hear the end of it if I did. Go inside, Tayen."

I turned away from him quickly as if doused in ice water. My steps didn't pause until I was inside, up the stairs, and in my room. Only then did I sag to the floor and cry my lungs out.

Chapter 11 Notes:

Sorry for late update. I was banned from Wattpad and it really had me upset. To the point where I nearly gave up writing. I lost so much stuff, all because I hadn't backed it up on here or Fanfiction. (4+ years of writing material not shared anywhere else) TT.TT I hope you guys enjoy the chapter, and also, show some support, because it took a lot for me to come back. Mostly by my bestie (another writer) who urged me to keep going. Thanks

Chapter Text

I paced back and forth in my room, trying not to think about all the things that could go wrong. That lasted all of one minute, and then I was thinking of literally everything that could go wrong. Mostly to do with Jacob. He could die, and if that happened, I had zero reason to stay in exclusion and would most likely run off to my own demise. Which, considering all the ways that I could make everyone's lives easier by doing just that-- well, it didn't help my mindset one bit.

*knock knock*

It was Alice. She glided into the room with a gentle smile, behind her Jasper. He was emanating calming vibes; and I welcomed the distraction from my melancholy. After I'd wiped away tears with my sleeve, I gave them both a sad smile. "Hey, you two."

Alice walked over to my bed and sat down, giving the cover a little pat of judgement. "Come on. Let's not dwell on the bad things, mmk? Edward and Emmett will make sure Jacob is snug as a bug in a rug."

"So, you hear thoughts too?" I asked her.

"No. Only Edward can do that. Jazz was the one who said he felt your desperation--" Alice covered her mouth with her hand and cleared her throat, "--Ahem! Anyway, let's change the subject, shall we?"

Jasper pat my arm in passing before he claimed the other side of my white bed. The two vampires watched me eerily quietly, analyzing my mental stability. I huffed to the dark window and gazed at my reflection in the paned glass, saying, "Jacob has nothing to do with any of this. I shouldn't have got him mixed up in everything."

Picturing him angered, our last conversation, the one in which he'd wondered if I was planning on vanishing came to mind. His worry that I would get myself killed. I'd done just that, only worse. Lying to both him and his family, and Charlie too. They all thought I was dead.

It was better that way.

Jacob didn't need me meddling in his life. Someone more worthy of him would come along, someone without a past, without baggage. And without fox paws.

Thinking along those lines, my eyes betrayed my grief. I smacked the window in aggravation, a distraction from my constant self-pity party. "Tay," Jasper called.

I stopped my fist tapping the window and eyed him. Jasper had risen, three feet away, all secrecy. He nodded to me and Alice before saying, "...It was fun, hunting with you. We'll do it again when this blows over."

"What if itdoesn't? What ifnoneof this blows over?" I asked, giving him a glare.

Alice was to me in a half second, pulling me to her shoulder. She stroked the back of my long red hair, reminding me of my mother. "There, there. Edward will be here to cheer you up. Trust me, he won't ever admit it but he's always thinking about you. I mean, he's never went off like that. What I'm saying is...oh, I guess I shouldn't say anything."

Jasper coughed awkwardly into his hand.

I leaned away from Alice and gave her a bewildered stare. Was she trying to tell me that Edward somehow liked me? I highly doubted it was possible. If anything, he seemed to detest the very sight of me. The pixy vampire rolled her eyes and propped a hand on her slim hip. "Fine. I won't spill the beans. Jazz, I'll leave her to you."

Alice waved in passing and left the room, closing the door softly. She probably thought it was better to leave than to continue talking about Edward, telling all of his secrets. I wondered at what she was hinting; but I'd never believe Edward could be capable of likinganyone, let alone a werefox. The very idea was mind boggling. Jasper, once left to his own devices, gave me a one-sided grin. "C'mon, let's race around the property. Don't leave the grounds, though."

"Race? Right now? Right...here?" I asked.

His chuckle said enough.

After a good racing adventure with the fastest vampire I'd ever met, I waved my white flag. Well, kind of. "Yip!" I squalled, digging my paws at his muddied designer shoes. Jasper plopped onto the damp grass, not tired at all, and pat his leg. "C'mon. You know it was fun." He drawled.

"Yip," I disagreed, and hopped onto his lap, where I settled down and tried to regain my breathing. Despite his very obvious vampire odor I was at ease, probably his ability's doing. I curled into a tired ball and didn't mind when he stroked my head. My eyes shifted to the sky above with its many twinkling stars, glittering beautifully. Jacob was out there somewhere under the same sky. I wondered if he was alright. And if he'd ever let me go.

Jasper took me back to my room, and settled onto the bed. "I'll stay here until Edward is back," he explained. "But I'll give you a moment to change." He wandered into the bathroom while I switched back into a human and threw on Jacob's top, a black pair of shorts, and left my long hair loose.

"I'm done," I told the air.

My company poked his head in cheerfully. "Alrighty, then," he said, looking around the room searchingly. He wrinkled his nose. "Whatever you're wearing has a horrible stench. Worse than a werefox, even."

"I have you know that's my shirt I got from Jacob," I huffed out. "And what's so wrong with how I smell? You're not exactly a bundle of roses yourself."

"Point made. I guess it could be worse."

"Worse?" I piqued. What could be worse than an undead spicy aroma?

Jasper stared off at the wall, not seeing. He fidgeted with a bead bracelet on his left arm. "My past isn't as nice as...some others you've met."

I didn't know what to say. Or if I should say anything, really. We fell into a silence. Eventually, I managed, "I don't know what it means to be a vampire. But I do know what it looks like when they're hungry for humans. So...I'm sorry, that is, sorry you had a hard time."

"I was in the confederate army. I was a Major, back then. I've killed more people than you could think about. This...this way of living, feeding off animals...it doesn't come natural for me." He said, a somber look in his dark eyes.

"A major? In the conf--wow, so you're super old!" I gasped.

"Now, I wouldn't say that," he drawled. He blinked at me, then sighed. "Yeah, I guess I am old. We all are, to a degree."

"Does it suck to be, you know...undead?" I asked him.

Jasper was about to comment when the door opened. Alice held the wood door frame tight enough that it splintered, "It's Edward! He's been hurt!"

Carlisle, Rosalie and Esme left to meet Edward on his way back from the tribal lands. I waited pretty impatiently by the front door, pacing back and forth despite Jasper's calming aura. Alice was biting her nails. "He's fine, I know he is, but it was a close call," she said to herself.

"Edward's strong." Jasper reaffirmed.

"And what about Jacob?" I askedagain, to which Alice was quiet about a second time. I swiveled to her, feeling my frustration rising. "Alice! Tell me, please, how is Jacob?"

She lifted her doe eyes to mine from the couch. "He's fine. It's just...there is something that happened."

"And what was it?" I hissed.

Jasper put his hand on my shoulder, somewhat abating my anxiety. I swallowed, hoping Alice would tell me the truth. She eventually did. "Alright, so, Jacob got your smell from Edward, and he thought Edward had something to do with your death. Edward tried to talk him down, but it didn't work. He was too upset--I'm sorry, Tay, but Jacob was the one who injured Edward."

"No..." I sagged onto Jasper's shoulder in a daze. I'd sent Edward off to help Jacob, but he'd been hurt instead. I was happy to learn Jacob was alright, but that Edward had to pay such a hefty price for me had my guilt at an all time high. I'd been selfish.

I heard their arrival before I smelled it. Carlisle ushered Edward in, who was bleeding all over the place, and laid him on the couch. It was impossible to tell where the injury was, caked in redness, but it seemed to be a chest wound. We all hovered nearby, watching as Carlisle stripped his shirt off.

Edward's eyes tightened with pain, and his fangs were on full display, glinting dangerously. I didn't know what to do with myself, so I sat on the armchair of the couch and watched Carlisle clean his wound. "Damnit," Edward cursed. He growled in pain when the doctor put an astringent on the large, torn flesh of his chest.

"He's healing some, but it may scar," Carlisle said to us.

"This is all her fault!" Rosalie yelled. She went for me, grabbing my hair before I had time to blink. My vision blurred as she lifted me from the couch and into the air, tight hold on my roots. I looked into her light eyes with surprise; all until Jasper intervened. He snatched Rosalie's wrist.

"Let her go," he warned.

"Rosalie! Jasper! Not now!" Carlisle ordered.

"Fine." Said the cold beauty. She slung me to the wall, where my instincts kicked in full drive. I flipped, catching the wall on the heels of my feet before landing onto the floor in a crouch.

"Ha! Is that the best you got?" I taunted, flipping her off.

She bared her fangs at me as Jasper moved between me, a fallen lamp, and Rosalie. He faced his sister. "If you want to hurt her, you'll have to go through me."

"Tch. She's not worth this," Rosalie replied.

Once she was gone to her room and Carlisle was done cleaning and sewing Edward, I stepped toward Edward, hoping he wouldn't hear my thoughts. Which were all spiraling around how bad I felt for his injury, and if it was as painful as it looked. At my approach, the others dipped away and went to other areas of the house. I was alone with him for the time being, inhaling fresh iron.

"Edward..." I began.

"Don't." He growled and rolled away from me.

"I'm sorry." I mumbled, daring to touch his icy shoulder. He was freezing, and I looked around for a throw cover when he said, "I'm fine."

"No you're not...you're not fine. I shouldn't have been so selfish. If I'd known that Jacob would think like that, I'd....I wouldn't have..." My words trailed off in a half ashamed, emotional outburst. I felt hot tears rolling down my face.

He sighed like I'd just annoyed the heck out of him and sat up onto his elbows, glaring at me fiercely. The coal of his eyes glowed with a hint of amber within, thanks to Emmett giving him a nice deer minutes before. "Stop crying," he barked.

"I can't! Okay? It's all I can do, ya know! I can't fight like you guys, I can't even help!" I shouted, balling my hands into fists at my sides. He listened to my melt down until I petered out, and as our eyes met, his softened.

"I don't need your help." He stated. "And your death would be my fault. Don't think too much about it."

It was easy for him to say. He was a strong, mind reading vampire, not a tiny werefox with hardly any power or abilities. I was useless, no matter how I looked at it. If only I had some kind of special something that could help. Then Edward wouldn't have gotten hurt.

"He didn't know I wasn't going to fight," Edward explained. "Jacob was out of his mind. He's just undergone the change and wasn't thinking straight. We were outside the tribal lands, so it shouldn't affect the treaty."

"I...see."

My body sagged onto the edge of the couch. Jacob was fine, but what about the vampire he'd went after?

"Dead. He managed to take her down, well before I arrived." Edward said.

"I see," I said again, wiping tears from my eyes. We shared an uneasy quiet. He leaned against the back of the couch with a grunt, flexing his hands.

I didn't thank him,I realized.

"Edward? Um, I know it's late and you probably don't care, but..." I reached over and touched his cold hand, placing mine on top. "...thank you. I owe you, big time."

With limpness he twined our fingers together, the motion and unexpected action quickening my pulse. It beat within my ears. Edward rose our joined hands and kissed the back of mine; a mere peck to the knuckles. "Yeah, you do." Was all he said.

Days passed.

There wasn't any sign of vampire activity, according to Carlisle, and no news about Jacob, either. I passed the days getting used to my new name.Julianna Cullen. My faked identity sounded like I belonged in the 18th century, but it did fit good with the Cullens. Edward had come up with the name once Carlisle said I'd need a new one to use, considering Penelope was dead, and Tayen was dangerous. Along with my name came a wig and makeup. Alice was all too eager to help me hide my true looks, and I'd spent more time in her room putting on makeup than in my own. She'd covered my freckles and red hair, switching it to a medium length, jet black wig with fringe. Next were my eyes. At first, wearing brown contacts stung, but gradually I grew used to their feeling over my own.

I awoke Monday morning with anxiety and eagerness, because it would be my first day at Forks High. Whether I'd be popular or labeled an out cast was something I could only think about. With a hop, step and jump in my routine, I was disguised in record time and dressed for a wet, rainy day in Forks. For an outfit I'd carefully selected a white tank top, with a red half jacket over it, and flared jeans. I slipped on ballet flats and gave myself one last looking. "It'll do," I said to myself.

My family was already ready and waiting when I came down the steps. Rosalie wrinkled her nose at the sight of me. We hadn't spoken since her little outburst, but at least she wasn't trying to thrash me into walls anymore. Carlisle had to have said something to her. As for the rest, they were pleasantly dressed in high fashion.

Edward greeted me first. "Julianna, it's about time."

"Yeah, that's me. Julieanna. Wait, can you guys call me Julie? I mean, that name is kind of long," I said to them.

Alice giggled, her earrings tinkling in that fae way. "Sure! Julie is cute, too. Right, Edward?"

Edward merely growled. He slung his shoulder bag on and left through the front door. Despite that moment of connection from the day he'd been injured by Jacob, he had kept a good distance from me, only sticking strictly to business. The business of my concealment, and the importance of a low profile, due to the inactivity of the remaining vampire on my tial.

The rest of us followed him out the door, with Jasper and Alice choosing to ride in their own vehicle. A blue sports car. I piled in the backseat of the black jeep beside Edward and strapped myself in. Emmett, our drive for the day, floored the gas pedal, making tires squeal in his wake. He'd opted for blasting a loud song over the CD player, something heavy metal, and I listened to it while we flew through the forest.

Like we were in a high-speed action scene, we arrived in town, and that's when our drive slowed down significantly. It wasn't long and the school rose to my eyesight, and so did my nervousness. The area in which Emmett parked was full of students, and upon our arrival several groups of teens looked our way from the perch of their hoods.

It didn’t bode well. Probably, the Cullens were super popular, and I’d be the object of interest for a while, being new and all. I slid a little down my seat in a daze.

"Julie, we’re here,” Edward reminded me with a firm tone.

"Don't tell me, you guys are the cool kids? It has to be." I said, glancing at the throng of onlookers. I was glad that my window was tinted. It hid my red cheeks.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Edward's mouth twitch. "The word you're looking for is infamous."

"Time for prison," Emmett said with a grin. "Stick with us. We'll make sure you get to classes without getting lost."

On that note I pulled out the folded slip of paper that served as my schedule. I looked it over. First, would be english, followed by history, geometry, biology, and an art elective. I'd already memorized the list, but couldn't help looking it over one more time anxiously.

"Our classes are the same. Carlisle made sure," Edward explained.

"Well, that helps," I mumbled self-consciously, plucking at my white shirt.

We eased out of the black jeep, forming pairs, with me at the back with Edward. I fought to not focus on the stares that were nearly drilling into my skull.

"You're new. And one of us," Edward said, holding the door open like a gentleman.

"I know. It's just...what if my you know what falls off?" I hissed.

We trekked into the main hallway where it looked like a giant party was taking place. By that, I mean that nobody looked ready to head to class, mostly mingling together in groups and chatting. I caught the eye of a brown-haired guy who had startled me by dropping his books as I passed him.

"Congrats," Edward said, veering me to the right of the lockers, "you've got your first fan."

"Excuse me? A fan? You mean that guy?" I asked, looking behind me for where he'd gone. His tall frame was bent over collecting books, but our eyes caught, and he rushed down the hallway. I sighed a little. "More like prey. He's petrified."

"Trust me, he's not." Edward said and shut his locker. In his gucci hands was a textbook labeled Literature. "He's already thinking about how to approach you at lunch," he added with an unhappy frown.

"If you say so."

We walked the hall quietly. I could hear snitches of gossip, some girls giving me jealous looks. Probably because I had Edward by my side. I wasn't thinking about him, however, my mind was miles away. In a forest, on tribal lands. On Jacob.

Does he miss me?I wondered. Probably, he was traumatized by my sudden 'death' and would move on in his own time. When he got the hang of being a werewolf.

I pictured that black wolf, Sam, and tried hard to imagine what Jacob would look like as a wolf, but it was hard. All I envisioned was his brown eyes searing into mine.I bet he's beautiful.And a sadder thought was the truth that I'd never know, because I was dead to him.

My eyes watered. He was my love, my everything, and would never know.

"Julie," Edward said sharply. He'd caught my arm just as my face neared the corner of a doorway. My eyes had been glued to the tile below.

"Thanks," I mumbled, looking into Edward's dark eyes. His icy touch had brought me back to reality and out of the forest. We didn't speak, but his hand slowly withdrew. I wondered if maybe Alice had been right, and that Edward thought warmly of me. Somewhere. Deep. Very deep.

"Don't make this harder for us," he grumbled, bypassing me to get to his seat. It was by the window, overlooking the rainy day exposed by opened blinds. I looked around the class, trying to discern the best seat, when a girl rose her hand.

"Oh! Are you new? You're new, right?" She asked, in between chewing gum very audibly.

"Yeah," I said, seeking Edward for help. He merely smirked and turned to the window.

It turned out her name was Jessica. She rambled on about how exciting it was for me to be there, and asked question after question about the Cullens. Of course, I had little choice but grin and bear it, realizing my new friend had a major crush on Edward, and that she had the brain cells of a sheep.

"Yeah, he's my..." I trailed off, looking at my new undead brother by the window, when he held a finger to his lips. "Edward is my favorite," I blurted.

"Favorite? I see," Jessica replied. She leaned to me conspiratorially. "Are you two, ya know, a thing?"

"Um," I half laughed, and debated telling her about us being siblings, and realized it would be more fun to mess with her. Mostly because she didn't have a chance with Edward the human hater, anyway. That, and if I had to listen to her ramble on about Edward every class I'd go nuts. "You can say that." I winked. With that remark I turned around in my seat and faced the chalkboard. The bell rang and class began, thankfully.

Nothing noteworthy happened until after history, at lunch time.

I was in a line that looked never ending, half yawning and waiting for my turn of the grub when a girl caught my eye. She had slightly wavy, brown hair, and deep brown eyes. Her heart shaped face looked tiny, and her skin pale as paper.

Isabella.

My stomach lurched forward at the sudden sight of Charlie's daughter, who I'd only talked to on the phone. I watched her grab an apple and pay for her tray. She was living there where I had, where I'd made memories with Jacob, where he'd asked me to be his girlfriend. Where he didn't question my muddy clothes and forest sleep habits.

"Julie, it's your turn," Edward said, nudging me forward with his tray.

"Ah, yeah," I softly replied.

Lunch was a meager meatloaf replica, clumpy mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, heavy on the cheese. It stuck together on my fork regretfully. I looked up to my Cullen siblings, wrinkling my nose. "This food sucks."

Rosalie rolled her eyes at me, but Jasper nodded in agreement. None of the Cullens ate from their tray. Which made me the odd one out. "It could be worse," Alice tittered, smiling.

"What? You look awfully happy there, Alice," I pointed out with my mac and cheese fork. She twirled a lock of short dark hair and winked at Edward.

"Something good happened. Or, will," she replied.

Beside her Rosalie stood and left in a huff, tossing her tray into the dirty stack. She gave me a glare on her way out of the lunch room. My eyes followed her until she was gone, then landed on Isabella.

She was looking at Edward.

He was looking right back.

Edward seemed like her presence was disturbing the peace. I caught him angrily tossing his juice straw onto the tray. "I have to get out of here," he said to me.

"Huh? Edward, what's up?" I asked lowly.

He gave me a hard look. "She reeks!"

"Wait," I said, but it was too late. Edward tossed his tray and practically fled the lunchroom.

That was...weird.

I don't think I touched much of my food before I followed after him, smelling him out. When I had rounded the hallway and saw him leaned over, inhaling harshly just by an open window, I put my hand on his shoulder. "Hey, are you okay?"

He nodded, but didn't respond, too busy fake breathing.

"You mean she stinks? Like she didn't bath?" I asked.

"No," he croaked. "She stinks like...like the best blood I'd ever taste."

Not what I'd expected to hear. I guess it was better than smelling like sewage, but still. "Are you going to be alright?" I asked gently, rubbing his back.

"Not if I keep smelling her."

I fell into silence, wondering what to do, when Edward abruptly leaned to my shoulder and gave a deep sniff. He took my biceps in a gentle grip. "If you weren't there, I might have really done something."

My pulse ran fast, feeling his cold breath, listening to him inhaling my smell. "You're welcome? But, how did I help?" I asked, frozen to the spot.

"Your smell drowned hers out just enough. As long as I can smell you, she should be safe. Tay—Julianna, give me your coat."

"But it's cold," I protested. It wasn't the cold I wanted to avoid, but exposing my arms. My freckles would show like a sore thumb. "If I do, then switch me. I'll wear yours." I added.

"Fine, whatever."

We swapped coats. His black blazer was too long, ending over my hands, so I rolled the sleeves back. Edward didn't quite fit my half jacket at all, however, and it looked ridiculously stretched to its limit over his shoulders. He hiked it off with an angered hiss. "Damn. I wasn't thinking." He seethed. "Give me something else. Hurry, the bell will ring."

To him I stuttered, "wait here. I'll go to the bathroom. Don't move!"

I jetted off, skidding in my squeaky sneakers and banged open the girls bathroom door. After I'd found an empty stall, I debated on my options.

What I came outnotwearing was embarrassing beyond belief, but if it helped Edward, it was a win. I ran back to him and pulled the item from my pocket.

"This! You can't be serious!" He hissed, snatching it in a rush.

"I'm notwearinganything else," I explained.

An embarrassed silence fell between us. Edward ran a hand through his coiffed hair and squeezed his eyes shut. "Fine. Don't speak a word about this to anyone."

"As if I'd want to! It's just for safety, anyway, right?" Lower, after checking both directions to make sure it was clear I added, "is it helpful?"

"Please just shut up." He grumbled, covering his mouth.

We swapped jackets again, and just as he pocketed my thongs into the front pocket of his blazer, the bell rang. It was an awkward silence to the lockers and on to the next class.

Things were made worse when we both spotted Isabella sitting in a seat in the middle of the science room. Jessica was there, talking with her, and I had just enough time to give my new friend a smile when Edward yanked me close to his arm. "Don't move from my side," he whispered.

"Over there, by the window, let's sit there."

Through the lesson about microbiology, Edward appeared ill, and repeatedly required a deep sniff on his pocket to cope. I, too, smelled Isabella, but it wasn't anything remotely enticing. She smelled like a regular person to me.

I reflected on the weird day while Edward and I took turns dropping liquids into a petri dish. It wasn't surprising that I couldn't remember what I was even doing, too preoccupied by making sure he was still sane. And not ready to chew into Isabella.

"Stop thinking about her," he grumbled, accidently breaking another glass dropper. He sat it down and thrust the next one into my hand. "Just focus!"

"Shhh," I shushed, and smacked his shoulder. "I can't help it. I'm a worrywart. I was just wondering if it was bad for her to smell, you know?"

"It is. Bad. Bad for me and worse for her." He replied coldly.

"I'll stop you. Somehow," I said, dropping the liquid into the petri dish.

Everything was going just fine and dandy until Isabella let out a shriek. The sound of glass hitting the floor made a shiver run down my spine, but I turned anyway, seeing Isabella's hand dripping fresh blood onto the tile.

Chapter 12 Chapter Text

sh*t hit the fan pretty fast.

With horror I watched blood drip from a glass cut on Isabella's hand and onto her desk, and into the floor below. My head jerked; Edward's demeanor had changed rapidly, going into vampire mode at her smell.

I did the only thing I could.

He resisted when I yanked him abruptly from his chair--knocking my own backwards and making everyone's attention drawn towards us.

"Edward!" I shouted, faking upset, "is it your hemophobia? Teacher, I'll get him to the nurse's station!"

Edward tore his gaze from the dripping blood long enough to focus on my face. He growled, not liking my interrupting, but stiffly followed me from the room.

After we were away from the class and into an empty hallway, I gripped him to me fiercely. "Calm down. We don't eat people. That's bad. It's just a little blood, okay?"

Edward grabbed me by the waist and hissed ferociously, digging his short fingernails into my spine. "Not working," he hissed, "get me away from here!"

"Let me go and I can," I replied, trying unsuccessfully to remove myself from his tight grip.

When he loosened his hold, I grabbed his bicep and half drug him down the hallway and out the emergency exit doors to the end of it. He leaned on the school exterior brick wall, dragging his hands against the brick hard enough to crack.

"Edward," I whispered.

It was hard seeing him so vulnerable. He was always the one with all the answers, but it was up to me to think of how to help him—and fast.

"Tayen, I need you," he hissed. "I can't get her scent out of my mind!"

I grabbed his face and pulled him to my shoulder. "It's okay. She's not worth it; you don't want to leave Forks because of this. Right?"

"Y-yeah. We've come too far...Carlisle...everything he's worked for..." Edward said. He braced his body weight against mine, and I fought to remain upright. The tension settled off of his shoulders.

"Are you feeling some better?"

When he nodded, I sighed in relief. The worst danger had passed. Edward wouldn't go on a crazy human rampage--at least not today, anyway. He leaned and looked to the sky. My pulse ran watching him, seeing how he hadn't let my waist go. Nothing was said for a time. We were both lost in thought, or maybe Edward was lost in hearing my thoughts, which were all over the place. His arms slid down to my hands, giving them each a soft peck. "Thank you."

"Consider it a down payment for what you did for me." I said, giving his hand a nervous squeeze. "But we should ditch the rest of today. Go hunting."

"You and me?" He asked curiously, and maybe interestedly.

"Yep. I think a nice meal will help clear your mind."

Edward was fast, and I sprinted over fallen trees trying to keep up. At the base of a large, rocky mountain face, he paused for me. My paws tapped onto the gray rock where he stood. Edward leaned down, extending his hand, and I brushed my nose to his fingers. He lifted me into his arms and said, "hang on. We're going up."

He wasn't kidding. Everything became a blur of static until he stopped on a crouch to set me down. I looked around, seeing a beautiful view sprawled a few hundred feet across. Down below us where the rocks, stacked on one another like natures handiwork, and I padded to the edge to get a better look.

It's beautiful, I thought. Like a painting from long ago.

"There's usually elk up here." Edward said. "I'll find one. We can split it, if that's alright?"

"Yip!" I agreed.

I chased after his fading figure, dodging large trees of redwood, my nose inhaling all the lovely smells of the forest. It was where I felt free, with nobody to judge me for having fur and a snout. It wasn't long and I sniffed out the elk he spoke of, deciding there were multiple nearby.

Edward hopped onto the side of a redwood tree and looked around. "Over there. By the brush." He half whispered. I was only able to hear him thanks to my fox ears.

I crept towards the spot, seeing three medium sized elk, with one being pregnant. Her belly sagged low. Edward waited, clinging to the tree limb, and when our prey had ceased to analyze the area and began grazing, we both sprang out.

Edward landed on the tallest of them, knocking it to the ground with ease. I bolted out, snagged its hind leg, and bit down as hard as I could. Hot blood seeped into my throat as I thrashed my head to and fro.

There was a crack as Edward snapped its neck before it fell down, unmoving. "You got one hit in," he said to me, licking blood from his knuckles.

I growled at him. He was boasting, but at least I had helped a little.

We devoured our meal, with me seizing the prime meat, and Edward drinking its blood. His method was fast and unrelenting, and I thought about the close encounter with Isabella, glad he'd chosen a nice elk instead.

I was full quickly.

The rest of our school day was spent hunting, and we took the long route back to Forks High, even though it wasn't long enough.

"Where did you drop them at?" Edward asked, just outside the forest.

I spotted the black wig snagged on a tree limb. Edward collected my things, offering to pack me to the jeep, and off we went.

After I'd changed back into a human our siblings found us ready to go home by the jeep. Alice's eyes sparkled at the sight of us as she dashed over exclaiming, "There you two are!"

Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie followed her fast steps. Rosalie didn't look happy as usual and was quick to say, "exactly what happened? We all smelled that girls blood. But you—you acted like..."

"She's rare. I know just as much as you; I've never smelled blood that strong," Edward explained. He exhaled. "That's not all. I can't hear her thoughts, either."

They discussed it in hushed voices, until Edward said he'd talk to Carlisle about it and that was that. I droned out their conversation, watching Isabella leave the school with Jessica. The other new girl seemed to be making friends just fine, and quickly became surrounded by curious teens.

I watched her until we were leaving the parking lot, maneuvering through line of cars. The jeep barely kept its speed passable.

"Come in," I said to the knock at the door. Edward strolled in, glancing around the messy room with judgement, and quietly clicked the door shut behind him.

Curiously, he perched near the end of my bed where I was seated, fresh from the shower and wearing my night gown; Jacob's shirt. I stopped writing down an essay answer and peeked up at him.

"Carlisle thinks I shouldn't go to school for a few days," he announced.

My pen clicked shut.

"Why?"

"Her cut. It needs time to scab, and even then I could probably smell it. We can't risk anything happening."

I sighed like a deflated balloon. Edward was my only friend at school—aside from the talkative Jessica, whom I suspected would avoid me after my last words to her. My school days would be less structured with his absence.

"I understand," I said, fiddling with the ends of my long red hair. It was still damp but would hopefully dry by bedtime.

"Stay clear from her. Don't bring her smell home."

An awkward silence followed. Neither of us knew what to say, and I tried not to dwell on Edward's affection from earlier, but it was useless. He cleared his throat. "Tayen, about that—"

"Don't. It's okay. Just because you know my thoughts...doesn't mean you have to explain." I said, looking into his amber eyes. His gaze fell to my lips, then to my hair.

"Let me." He whispered.

"You mean, my hair? I was going to braid it," I guessed, and he nodded.

"I'll do it."

I moved aside my textbook and notebook, scooting so he could reach. Softly, expertly, Edward separated my hair strands. "There's some tangles." He observed, finger combing through them.

My scalp and arms tingled at his touch. Hesitantly, I looked over my shoulder to him and said, "you aren't using some vampire charm right now, right?"

His brow quirked. "No. I only did that once, at the library."

That had to be when he'd kissed my hand and gave me his number. I reflected on it, how seductive he'd been. "Oh. I see."

He finished too soon. My body felt light, tingling all over by the time he was through. I wouldn't have minded falling asleep like that, but Edward gave my braids a pat of finality. "Hopefully it won't fall apart while you're sleeping."

"Y-Yeah. Um, thanks, looks great. Who—?"

His arms encircled my backside, pulling me to his chest. Above my head, chin perched on it he answered, "my mother. She had long hair. When I was little, she taught me what to do."

"And how long ago was that?" I whispered, frozen against him, feeling his quiet strength.

"1901, when I was born."

"Old as dirt." I muttered, feeling my cheeks warm. "Edward—"

"—I won't do anything to you, Tayen. Nothing you wouldn't want."

Quietly he rose from the bed and took my hand, pecking the back of it. I watched him leave, closing the door, and realized I missed his touch.

Jacob, I recalled. He'd be devastated to see me with Edward, a vampire. I couldn't do that to him. But, despite my mind reminding me of my love for him, my body understood that Jacob was gone forever. I was dead to him.

It took hours to sleep. I tossed and turned, getting hot and cold, until my tears stopped. Jacob's shirt was hiked off, a reminder of my misery. He would move on. Find someone new. If I had some sign from above that I should, too, I'd let Edward into my heart. It was the only way to find solid ground—the only way to erase my longing for a werewolf. But only if Jacob was happy.

Two days passed rather normally. I went to school, of course, and experienced the life as one of the cool kids. Without Edward's imposing glare by my side, I found myself surrounded by flocks of people. They all wondered at where I came from, how I was connected to Carlisle, and if I knew about the girl he'd adopted.

"Her name was Penelope," said an acne faced teen. He hovered near my table, lacking all the Cullens, and looked too eager to gossip.

"Never heard of her," I replied glumly.

Beside him, also too close for comfort, a bulkier guy with stubble nodded. "She was murdered. They found her body torn to shreds by the forest monster."

I sat down my spoon, soup falling from it, and gulped. "Wow, really?" I asked.

"It was on the news and everything. I figured you'd know about it, being Carlisle's daughter. Ya know, the stand in for that chick." Said acne boy.

"Nope." I said, stabbing my slab of pork. "Where did they bury her?"

"Uhh, I think over by the sheriffs house."

My attention left the two gossiping boys and flicked over to Isabella, who was sitting with Jessica and another girl, and one guy. She rose her eyes, saw my stare, and left the table.

I shouldn't. But it's fine if I don't touch her, right?

I tossed my tray and followed her path, and when she realized I was following, Isabella paused with one hand on the girl's bathroom door. She rose the other more bandaged one in a wave, "heya. I wanted to tell you, sorry, for this. I'm pretty clumsy."

"No! No worries. Edward is...fine."

Isabella pinched her brows together. "Sorry. I'm Bella. Swan. And you're Julianna, right?"

"Yeah. That's me, you can call me Julie. So, I heard that girl—Penelope was buried near your dads' place? I wanted to pay my uh, respects. Being Carlisle's daughter, you know? Would it be—I mean, is it cool if I check it out?"

Isabella absentmindedly tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear. Her eyes flicked off, uncomfortably. "Yeah. Sure. You can swing by. I'll be there tonight. Oh, but there's a get together coming up. The beach near La Push. Sorry, I was, well, are you going to it?"

La Push. Near Jacob's lands. I shook my head, "I wasn't invited...but I'll see you later. After school? Maybe you can show me her grave?"

Bella gave me a tiny smile. "Yeah. Meet you after school."

The day slithered by. I crammed my things into my locker and slammed it shut. What I wanted to do was pretty reckless—checking out my own grave—but there was a deep need to see it. Some solid evidence that I had in fact perished. Maybe, a part of me needed to lay Jacob to rest along with it.

I met up with Bella by the front door. Jessica, beside her, gave me a once over. "Hey there. Where's Edward? Is he sick?"

"No, not sick. He went on a...vacation. He'll be back in a few days." I said, hoping my lie was believable. Jessica seemed to buy it.

"Are you ready to go?" Bella asked me.

I checked around the parking lot for signs of the Cullens. They were late, or maybe held up. "Yeah. Ready when you are."

Bella led me reluctantly to the side of the parking lot, and my eyes caught the clunker. The truck which--last time I checked, belonged to Billy Black. My converse froze on the spot.

"Sorry," apologized Bella, "dad got a good deal on it. His friend Billy sold it to him, and it's my ride for now."

"Oh."

My throat was dry. I hesitantly pulled open the door, marveling at the nostalgia, and eased into the seat. I wasn't prepared for the onslaught of Jacob's scent to fill the air.

"Are you alright? You're pale, well, paler than usual," Bella said as she shut the driver door.

He said that to me, too, I recalled.

As Bella left the school parking lot and headed towards Charlie's home, I looked out the window, my mind far off to memories of Jacob.

His hand on mine, his radiant smile, dimpled cheeks, and the sound of his voice easing all my worries. It was sheer torture of a masoch*stic variety to be surrounded by his smell.

Bella talked to me a bit throughout the ride, and I replied as best as I could, but I could tell she knew something was wrong with me. My eyes burned with withheld tears.

"Here we are." Bella said. She threw open the squeaky door of the truck and snagged her backpack, tossing it to one shoulder. Much slower, I followed, swallowing down my emotions.

"You can come in if you want. Oh, her grave is there, by the tree. Dad said she snuck out of it all the time." Bella said.

Her finger pointed to the tree overlooking the second story floor, just below its limbs a stone grave. "I'll be there in a minute," I told her, and headed to the stone.

Penelope Black — gone but not forgotten - 2005

I stared at the words with unseeing eyes. Fresh sobs came out of my throat. I was dead. Jacob would never know the true me, the one who'd chosen a life of unhappiness just to keep him safe.

"Jacob. I'm sorry," I said to the air.

My fingers ran over the hard stone in reflection. Had he been there, had he saw this same grave?

Minutes passed before I'd summoned the courage to go into Charlie's home and meet Bella. She was in the living room, watching tv. Her kind eyes saw my reddened complexion. "Did you know her?" She asked.

"No. Oh, but I knew her boyfriend." I replied hoarsely.

"You're talking about Jacob Black. He's been here a lot since I moved in. Always going to the grave." Bella said. "He's...not doing so well."

"Oh. Is he, is he alright?"

"I've tried to talk to him about everything but it's like he shuts down. I think he knows something about why she died...he probably feels guilty that he couldn't save her."

I chewed the inside of my cheek hard enough to taste iron. I'd left Jacob to a life of misery, too. There had to be something I could do.

"That...seems like him." I mumbled.

"Are you busy? Jessica and Mike are dragging me to the beach this weekend. Jacob will be there. Maybe you could come by and talk to him?" She asked hopefully.

"I...I'm busy that day. Um, I promised my old friends in Mexico that I'd come to their—-" my flimsy lie rolled from my trembling lips and fell flat. Instead, the truth emerged. "I'm sorry. I want to see Jacob, but I can't. We have a...a history, and..."

Bella knew right away what I meant. She hopped from the couch and grabbed a napkin, handing to me. "Of course. I should have realized. Sorry, I won't bother you again about it."

We were interrupted by the sound of a loud motorcycle roaring into the driveway. Bella gave me a wide eyed look, "It's Jacob. He might come in here. You can go to my room, if you want."

My stomach lurched into my throat. I dashed up the steps, finding my old room just as I'd left it, and slammed the door.

"No, no, no," I chanted, holding my temples. Jacob couldn't see me. He'd know I lied. He'd know I was living with vampires, his mortal enemies, and that I was still in danger.

I took steadying breaths and opened the blind to inspect outside. That's when I saw him.

Jacob pulled off his helmet, and I noticed that his long raven hair had been chopped clean off. It revealed a youthful, charming face, the kind that women fawned over. Myself included.

He's the same. Well, more muscle, but still my Jacob.

I don't think I breathed, content to watch him walk to the front door until unseen. My pulse raced a mile a minute, as I forced myself not to run down the steps when I heard his knock at the door.

"Bella, sorry to drop in. Just going over to the grave for a minute." Jacob said.

I cursed my good hearing.

"No, no, it's fine. Go for it. I have homework to do, so I'll be in my room." Bella responded.

"Bella? Did you have...is there someone here?" he asked.

sh*t!

I had to escape, and fast. My fingers trembled throwing open the window, and I hurriedly jumped from it, landing on the grass by the tree. With hurried paws I padded from the scene, not looking back.

Because if I looked back, I might just ruin everything.

Chapter 13 Chapter Text

I messed up, big time! I thought, escaping Charlie’s yard without looking back, and dashing into the woods just beyond it. Blindly my paws scraped off from rock and twigs in haste; the sun trying hard to peek from the gray clouds above. The surroundings blurred past me until I stopped to catch my breath.

Jacob, he knows my smell,I knew, pacing back and forth beside some brush. Not only had I been stupid for going to see my grave, I’d left my clothing and scent for him to find. Even dumber was my crazy urge to find him and explain everything.

My black rimmed, golden eyes darted around, pointed ears raising to the sounds of nature all around me. The thicket where I stood was engulfed with wildlife. Birds, frogs, insects and other noises made a loud backdrop to tune out.

I sniffed around the tufted green grass in an effort to determine just how far into the tribal lands I’d come, only to discover that there wasn’t a familiar scent to trace home. Wherever I’d made it to, I was alone and in undetermined lands.

Minutes passed as I traveled the area in vain, circling the ridge of several mountains, but it was useless.

I was lost.

With no clear way out, I decided to follow the setting sunlight—which peeked through the tops of tall trees and imbued the mossy floor with peachy hues. My paws didn’t stop their onward march until the speckled sun drowned into the icy sea–not too distant from me, and let the moon out to play.

By that time, I’d changed directions more than once with little effect. At the very least there weren't wolves chasing me, and for that I was glad. But because I’d come no closer to safety, I kept my ears alert for signs of danger.

Wind began to whip around, making leaves dance up and above, up into the trees where my eyes fell upon a startling sight.

A trail of blood, which led to a fair colored woman hovering there. Her red hair was the same shade as my own, and landed on her ankles to cascade in an imitation of my own natural wave patterns. Her pale face looked nearly blue, as if hit by the moon, and in her hands she held an oval mirror.

My fangs drew back in an angered growl, claws clutching tightly to the dirt below me, when she beckoned me forward. I watched her, taking in the odd dress she wore; a long and flowing emerald dress with billowing sleeves and a scooped neckline. It looked straight out of a film set in ancient Greece or maybe even Rome. After the initial shock of her sudden appearance faded, I realized that she wasn’t alive–a spirit, or maybe a hallucination.

As she turned away, on her pale chest a massive gash became highlighted—missing flesh, bloodied and looking painful. I didn’t know whether to run or fight, but found it impossible to turn away from her. Her form floated away into the dark of night, almost like she wanted me to chase after. I could follow the mysterious illusion or turn tail; but a deep need to figure her out pushed me forward.

Just how long I’d followed her I didn’t know, only that my ears heard the rush of water growing closer. Then, I saw a shoreline. It stretched for miles on both sides, and those sides held large rock cliffs. There wasn’t a soul at the beach, only evidence of leftover wrappers from WacDonalds, sandcastles, and a few strewn paper cups.

She hovered near to the right rock cliff. I pawed through sand and dirt and saw an alcove hidden at the base. When the apparition paused at its rounded entrance, I spotted a plaque made from metal attached to the rock facing.

—Chimakun solstice cave —

My interest peaked. Whoever the stranger was leading me–to possibly a cold grave, she looked as I did, and I had to assume it was because she was Nio-dyja, the fox woman of legend or at least her family.

I approached her.

She ushered me into the dark cave, and when I'd cautiously stepped inside she raised her mirror. I watched her movement, curious, as she angled it to catch the moonlight. In one split second, the cave was washed in moonlight, and I was blinded.

The blinding light sucked me into it.

“Aodhan,” I said, looking into his blue eyes, “Natallyie wishes me to teach the humans. I detest their ways, and I fear that I shall start thinking like them.”

Aodhan, who was kissed by the sun and full of freckles, lifted my hand and pecked the back of it. The gold bracelets on his wrist jingled. “Natallyie shouldn’t urge for you to mingle with them. For what foul purpose could she be thinking of, by making them grow in power and intelligence?”

My eyes looked off, into the sea by our meeting place. “Mayhap she isn’t to be trusted. But I cannot abandon her, lest she turn the humans against us. Our numbers are already turning aside, and she be the only cleric we have.”

“M’lady…,” Aodhan began. He sighed and ran a hand through long blonde locks. “If they won’t listen to reason, then perhaps we shouldn’t linger here any longer. Go with me henceforth.”

“To beyond the waters edge? But if I go, who will protect us from the Quilete’s siege? Our meager treaty is only useful if they shall not war with our kind.” I said, looking out at sea. “I’m the strongest amongst us. When it falls, I shall take up the reigns and make peace between our tribes.”

Another image, this one filled with fire, smoke, and screams echoed in my mind. I had no idea when or were I was, but the sheer carnage I witnessed would give anyone nightmares. Werewolves—tearing into large foxes, tossing them around a burning village, and I was stuck looking at the remains of a smaller fox below me.

“You blamed Aodhan! He knew not of your curse!” I growled out.

“Nio-djya!” A voice yelled angrily. I swiveled, turning to attack the newcomer, who was a large black wolf. I watched as he said, “The treaty has been broken, and no longer wilt we accept your peace offerings. For teaching humans fire and all our ways, you are exiled from these sacred lands.”

I pounced on the nearest fox amidst all the screaming and smoke, and wasn’t satisfied until their blood ran out. It was their fault that the Quilete’s took advantage; and their fault my beloved Aodhan had been murdered. I wouldn’t stop until their children all fell.

After all was said and done, I stared around at my village now in ruins, and made my way towards the sea and its cave.

Time passed.

I saw the arrival of Natallyie; who came by boat to my village settlement along the coast—away from the Quilete’s, and away from humans. She was alone, with no companion or guard. As she stepped on the wet sand, I stepped forward on my sandals to greet her. “What trite matter brings thou here? Depart, I wish to labour in peace.”

Natallyie came closer. Her brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her keen green eyes narrowed at me. “Nio-dyja, I came to warn you of impending war. The Quiletes found that thou mate was a cold one. He was whom afflicted the young and old to perish by blood-letting. They wish to partake of vengeance, and want not for my testimony.”

My eyes widened, and I held my hands to my swollen belly; all that remained of Aodhan. “Impossible! Aodhan could not have been a cold one. I be with child, and he the father. Return, and tell them the truth.”

Natallyie raised her face to me. She motioned to the small den I called home, “who shall believe you? Thou cannot return to the sacred lands ever again. I remember your plot, of your accusations to make the humans turn from me. Thou has lost my aid.”

After Natallyie had paid her respects to my tiny village, helping the sick, she eventually returned home. When she’d gone, I prepared my three warriors, telling them that we had to defend our land and birthright.

However, when the Quielete’s came to the shore and fought with us, their numbers were too much. We all died, except for myself and one other.

My only child born from Aodhan had been hidden deep inside a cave. I stood guard over that cave as the wolves surrounded me. I fell down to my face and begged, “take mine life, yet let my daughter live. She has done no particular offense to thee. It would be most cruel to subject her to perish as well.”

The chief and leader of the Quilete’s was a reasonable man who wanted to keep our kind alive. He listened to my pleading and said, “we shall turn thy attentions from her. When she comes to us, she shall not find peace among us. Rather, we will remember your deeds, bringing death to our doorstep. Natallyie will be thou witness.”

I was brought to her, and she locked me in her den, deep within the forest where I watched as Natallyie brought the corpse of a man, and bit into the man’s neck. When I saw this I knew at once that the affliction they had claimed Aodhan caused was done by her. She came to where I was, and I saw that her eyes had turned a bloody red. “Thou sees me now,” she said, “and can’t do one tittle. I’ve drank the blood of the spirit-warriors and humans, but their taste is less potent than that of a spirit-fox. Even unto death, your kind shall suffer me for generations. Blame yourself, for twas you who irked my wrath.”

When I’d saw the death of many humans by her draining them of blood, almost in some rampage, I was brought before the spirit-warriors for judgement. Natallyie urged them to burn me alive due to her fear that I would plague their town with my bad blood. By that time I’d suffered a horrible wound on my neck and would have bled to death regardless.

“Curse you! My child yet lives, and there shall come a day when she shall lay waste to all who dwell in this land, for you persecuted Aodhan and my people wrongly!” I shouted, using what ability I had left to raise my hand. When I pointed to where Natallyie kept me locked away, her den, as well as the forest began to burn. It was my last chance of vengeance. My greatest talent; fox-fire.

When I woke up from the strange vision, it was close to morning in the cave where I’d fainted. The early musk of sun came into the cave as I sat up, trembling, and puked bile on the stone floor.

“Natalie,” I said, holding onto the cave's wall, “she’s a vampire.”

Their faces were the same, identical, even down to the lift of one cheek when she’d smiled. The horrible imagery of massacre played around in my mind, but I couldn’t brush it off as a nightmare. What I’d seen had to have been a vision from Nio-dyja.

I was alone, and took a bit to look around the cave. Hand drawn carvings were etched all along the inside and told a similar story to the vision I’d had. It was eerie looking at it, so I walked out of the cave, my body heavy as lead from fatigue, like I’d live a lifetime in one night.

My best friend Natalie was the one responsible for everything. She was the one who had drank Derek’s blood, and the reason why I came to Forks. Which meant it was probably her that was the last vampire on my tail.

She’d had plenty of chances to kill me already. It didn’t make sense that she would wait so long, but maybe she had wanted to, being immortal. I was a long game for her. Something she’d planned well, down to the tiniest thing. At least that’s what I told myself.

There were many things going through my mind as I walked along the shore. I was still lost, and Edward hadn’t come to find me. That was most surprising, and just as surprising was that none of the Quilete’s had found me. I half expected Sam to pounce at any moment, or maybe even Jacob.

It was up to me to find my way back. If only I had more energy, but as it was, I was fatigued beyond belief—which made every step feel impossible.

I shifted to a fox and noticed that my form had grown. My paws were large, and my teeth sharper. When I looked into the waters reflection in passing, a giant red fox was what I saw.

Hours passed until I reached familiar territory. Thanks to me keeping the shore in sight, I’d arrived at the edge of the tribal lands, and that’s when I grew fearful. It was every animals instinctual six sense that they knew when they were being watched. The fur at my back bristled.

Edward? Or, no, Jacob!

“Tayen!”

Edward materialized—out of breath, and as he reached for me I shifted to my human form to greet him. “Edward!” I exclaimed, and threw myself to his black v-neck, inhaling his expensive cologne and vampire aroma. “I thought you were her—I’m so glad to see you—I thought I’d die before I made it back home,” I rambled through relieved tears.

“Alice said..she said you’d be here…I’ve looked since yesterday…” he panted, and when he burrowed his head to mine, I couldn’t help but sob as well as feel how damp his entire body was. He’d went to a lot of trouble to find me.

“Just so you know…you’re in big trouble,” he said.

“Did she tell you about Jacob? That I…went to Bella’s house?”

He growled at me. Answer enough; I had a lot of explaining to do—but for the moment, though, I was content to be among his company and away from the chilling solstice cave. I rose a little and kissed his pale, cold cheek. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I owe you again.”

Edward brushed away my hair from the side of my cheek. He leaned and placed his chilly lips to mine. They were soft, and I answered them with my own. When I noticed what I was doing, it was too late, as he’d cupped the nape of my neck and pulled me closer. We’re kissing,I dazedly realized,Edward is…what am I doing?

My thoughts went out the window, body tingling from his touch on my back, cradling me to him. Only when I remembered that I was completely nude did I pull away to catch my breath. “Edward—“

“—I know. Let me be selfish.” He murmured inches from my face, and stole my lips again— more passionately than before. I hesitated when his mouth parted, asking me for permission, but I allowed his tongue to explore my mouth. His tongue was cold, but grew warm from the heat of mine caressing it.

Deep within me, a surge of desire began to emerge. His touch was undoing all the reserves I had, and I couldn’t help but understand that he cared for me deeply. The only question was; how did I feel about him?

Edward pulled away to let me breathe. He seemed happier, brows relaxed, a new dimple at one side of his mouth. “Forgive me. There’s a lot you need to say, but here isn’t the best place.”

“Y-Yeah, we’ve got a lot to talk about,” I stammered, separating our bodies. When my strength failed and I stumbled forward, Edward caught me to him. He scooped me into his arms and said, “The others are still searching. We couldn’t go into their land or I could have found you sooner.”

My pulse sped up; all I could think about was that we’d kissed, and about the fact that I was naked as a jaybird. In his arms. “My things…” I mumbled, “they’re at Bella’s house. I know I was stupid. But I was just trying to–trying to find some kind of closure.”

“From Jacob?” He asked, politely looking away from me.

“You already know why. It’s just that…he’s not happy. I can’t move on unless he is.”

Edward and I grew quiet. I had no idea what he was thinking about, but we didn’t talk more until we were home. Which is where I found out just how much trouble I was in.

In Her Blood [Jacob Black x OFC] - Kuroinamida91 - Twilight Series (2024)

Chapter 1

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Chapter 2

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Chapter 3

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Chapter 4

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Chapter 5

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Chapter 6

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Chapter 7

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Chapter 8

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Chapter 9

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Chapter 10

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Chapter 11

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Chapter 12

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Chapter 13

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