The Morning's Dusk

Chapter 11

When I woke up the next day, I realized I had slept until 12:30. I stretched and got dressed. I had gotten Alice to put red streaks on the tips of my hair last night-although it wouldn't last long because of the venom pulsing along with blood in my veins. So I straightened my hair and skipped down the stairs.

I pirouetted past Rose and she laughed. Esme asked, "Why are you so happy, Nessie? Not that we're complaining." I giggled and said, "I had such a great time last night!" Emmett and Edward exchanged worried glances. I rolled my eyes and said, "You two have such digusting minds." Jasper chuckled and Carslisle smiled. Bella said, "Jake called at 11. I told him you were asleep. He invited you to a bonfire with the wolves." I grinned and ran up to my room to pick out something to wear.

I had settled on a faded purple shirt and tight black skinny jeans. Jake was at the door at 8:00. When we got to La Push, we ran to the top of the cliff. That was where the fire was burning brightly. Leah greeted me with a big hug and Seth kissed my cheek. Sam nodded along with Quil, Jared, and the others.

Jake started the bright conversation with, "Hey, everyone. There seems to be a problem..." I looked around at everyone else, who were tensely watching my face. Jake's stare was the most intense. "The police are finding animal tracks. Another pack, I think." Sam nodded and said, "They're heading this way through the woods." I asked Jake, "How long have you known about this?" He shrugged and said, "I found bloody paw prints today. I don't think these wolves are very nice." I looked down and said, "Let me guess. They're after the Cullen family, right?" Jake and Sam hesitated and watched me even closer, probably testing how much I could take. They were making me crazy! Was it Bella? Edward? Esme? Carslisle? Rose? Emmett? Alice? Jasper? Then I realized there was only one person they could possibly be after. "It's me they want, isn't it?" I said it calmly, without a hint of doubt in my mind. Seth looked down and Jake nodded. Jared said, "They think you're special because you hang with us. A werewolf can smell your venom from miles away, but yours doesn't smell bad. You smell good, and they want you to be with them." My eyes were wide, I knew.

Jake sighed and said, "I shouldn't have told you." He stared off at the moon in anger. I shook my head and said, "No, I'm glad you told me." He said more to himself, "Why does everything evil want you? I don't get it. You'll never get to be normal! It's not fair!" He growled and shook uncontrollably.

Sam stood and tried to calm him. But a terrible tremor shook through him and, not even in half a second, he shifted into wolf form. He let out an ear-piercing roar and ran down the cliff and disappeared into the woods. I started to venture after him, but Sam caught my arm. Quil shouted, "Chill, Jacob!"

Sam said quickly, "Wait here with Leah, Ness. Guys, we need to shift. Fast. You know how his temper gets." The guys nodded and, as they ran off, shifted into wolves. I sighed, "I'm sorry, Leah."

She asked, "For what?" I answered, "I just feel like this is all my fault." She shook her head and said, "Nessie, it's not like you asked to be half vampire. That's kinda Jake's point. Neither of you asked to be what you are." I smiled and said, "Thanks. Do you think they'll be back soon?" She glanced at the forest and said, "Maybe we should just call it a night."