𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 & 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 [ 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 ]

1

I plopped down on the ground beside Jacob, my nose scrunching as I took in the work he was doing. "And you're choosing to do this why?"

Quil grinned, leaning back against the portable work table. "For Bella," he sang.

Embry nodded, taking a seat next to his cousin. "Oh Bella, won't you love me now that I've fixed up this piece of shit you brought me?" he mocked, holding a hand to his chest.

I snorted, shaking my head as I watched the tan boys' cheeks heat. "Oh Jacob, so very knight in shining armor of you."

Jacob shook his head, setting the wrench down. "Not you too, Lennon."

Embry nudged Jacob playfully. "Come on, man. You know fixing up this bike isn't going to make Bella suddenly realize you're the one for her."

Jacob rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Quil waggled his eyebrows at me. "Maybe Bella just needs a guy like me, someone who knows his way around a toolbox."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, please. I've seen you struggle to put together furniture."

Quil's mock offense was met with another round of laughter, and even Jacob couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay, okay, point taken."

I laughed, and soon enough the group of boys followed suit, their laughter overpowering mine as their attention shifted from Jacob and Bella to simply enjoying each other's company.

It didn't take long for the group to cycle out of the garage and into the comfort of Jacob's home, to nibble on snacks and watch whatever was on TV until they needed to go home.

I yawned, leaning my head on Jacob's shoulder. "Are you guys hungry?" I asked softly. "The Newtons just paid me; I could totally order us a pizza!" I grinned, sitting up from my position.

"I can't believe you're working in Forks," Jacob scrunching his nose. "I can't believe Tiffany is letting you work that far out."

I shrugged, reaching for the house phone to call in the pizza order. "It's easy money, and Danielle gives me a ride, so it's not a big deal."

Embry shook his head. "Someone's jealous Lennon spends more time in Bella's presence than he does."

"It's like working with a zombie, honestly. Danielle said she's only got her job still because Mike's got a massive crush on her."

Quil chuckled. "Hey, maybe you should use that trick too. Start flashing those dimples at Mike, and you'll have all the shifts you want."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "As tempting as that sounds, I'll pass. I prefer my crushes a bit more... genuine."

Jacob raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Oh really? Got your eye on someone special?"

I blushed, hoping my cheeks weren't giving me away. "Oh, you know, just waiting for the right person to come along."

Embry chuckled, nudging Jacob with his elbow. "Seems like our girl here has some secrets."

Jacob's teasing grin widened, and he nudged me back. "Well, if you ever need some advice, you know where to find me."

I rolled my eyes again, trying to hide my smile. "I'll keep that in mind, oh wise relationship guru."

Quil interjected, pointing at the rapidly darkening forest. "Hey, guys, speaking of advice, it looks like our dear Embry is about to give us a masterclass in disappearing acts."

We all turned to see Embry storming off, his expression thunderous. I frowned, concern flickering across my features. "What happened?"

Jacob's tone turned gruff. "He's just being moody. Let him cool off."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, my worry intensified. "I don't like him going off alone in the woods like that. It's getting dark."

Quil patted my shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Lenn. Embry's a big boy; he can take care of himself."

I stood up, my eyes fixed on the direction Embry disappeared. "I think I saw something in the woods, like a shadow."

Jacob and Quil exchanged a glance, and Jacob sighed. "Alright, let's go check on him."

We ventured into the woods, the darkness wrapping around us. My steps faltered as my imagination played tricks on me, but Jacob's steady presence kept me grounded.

Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush startled us. I tensed, my grip on Jacob's arm tightening. "Did you hear that?"

Jacob's voice was calm, reassuring. "It's probably just a small animal, Lenn. Nothing to worry about."

My heart raced, but Quil's voice broke through the tension. "He's right. Plus, it can't eat all three of us at once, right?" he joked, nudging my side.

As we continued searching, my grip slowly relaxed. We spent hours in the darkness of the forest, unable to find Embry, and as the hours droned on, I was even more certain there were eyes in the darkness watching us.

Quil placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Lenn. I'm sure he'll show up whenever he's done being so moody."

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, you're right."

That didn't stop the three of us from setting up camp in the living room of the Call residence, sleep heavy in our eyes as we tried to wait for the boy to come home. I curled up on the couch, my eyes heavy but my mind restless. Jacob sighed as he lifted my head to sit down before laying it gently in his lap.

"Hey," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the night. "You did good out there, you know? You're tougher than you think."

I met his gaze, my cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Jacob. I appreciate that."