Enemies In The Woods ~ Jacob Black

Saving my own skin

Carlisle can't seriously think that this is a good idea. Surely not? The Vultori are unpredictable and violent, they don't like new things and they won't listen to reason; and if they find out that I'm a werewolf, I'll truly be doomed. Maybe it's time that I tell Carlisle the truth: the whole truth. That I'm a werewolf, and I didn't just come here by chance. I'm scared of what will happen if I do, though.

Alice interrupts my flow of thought when she wraps me in a tight hug. I've missed her a lot. Carlisle thought it would be best if we met the Vultori as a unified coven, so everyone has travelled far to be here for me. I feel guilty for bringing them here. When Aro touches my hand and finds out the truth, they will all pay the price for my mistake. I can't let that happen. I have to do something. Run away, perhaps? I have some money saved up, and at least I know now that I'm able to survive solely on human food, so hunting won't be an issue anymore. But where would I go?

[One hour later]

I can't believe I'm doing this. This is so humiliating. I'm standing at the door to Sam and Emily's cabin, trying to pluck up the courage to knock. Before I even get the chance to, the door swings open violently, and I come face to face with none other than Jacob Black.
"Lorelei?"
"Hey. I um," I lower my voice in hopes that only Jacob will be able to hear me, "I need a place to stay." He looks to the side, seemingly debating whether or not he should help me, and then walks past me and towards his motorcycle.
"You coming?"
"What?"
"I'd move if I were you, before I change my mind..."
"Coming!" I scamper forward until I'm standing at his side, looking at the machine in front of us. Jacob confidently swings his leg over and begins to fasten his helmet on. He looks to me after a minute.
"Are you coming or not?"
"On that deathtrap with wheels? Absolutely not."
"You're immortal, cupcake, I'm sure you'll be fine." Reluctantly, I perch myself behind Jacob on the motorcycle seat and place my arms to the sides of me.
"You're not gunna hold on?" I look down to his waist nervously.
"I'd rather not." He chuckles deeply and I'm reminded of how much I enjoy the noise.
"I don't bite."
"I'll be fine. Like you said, I'm immortal after all."
"Okay then," he says whilst shaking his head. All of a sudden, he revs the engine and the bike jerks forward, sending me flying onto Jacob's back.
"Okay maybe you're right, actually," I laugh nervously. I carefully wrap my arms around his waist, and I can feel his abs due to only a thin shirt fabric separating our skin. I look to the side mirror and see him smirking uncontrollably.
"Quit it, Jacob."
"Okay." And with that, he begins to drive down the road.

The journey was probably only twenty minutes, as we quickly arrive in front of an antique-looking apartment complex. It isn't the place I'd expect Jacob to be living in, but I'm not one to judge. After all, before the Cullens, I was practically homeless.
"I don't need to stay for long. Just for the night, until I figure out where to go."
"You're going to leave town?"
"Carlisle wants me to speak with the Vultori. I can't do that, Jacob."
"Why does he want you to do that? They tried to kill the Cullens off last time. I was there!"
"I know," I sigh in defeat, "I can live off of human food like Renesme, except I'm not half human. Carlisle is worried that if the Vultori find out that I didn't tell them of my ability, they'll sentence me to death."
"Well, maybe you should speak to them then." I smirk slightly.
"Is it just me, or do you actually seem worried about my well-being?"
"Shut up." I giggle carelessly and look to the side to see that Jacob is already looking at me. I follow his line of sight and realise that he's staring at my lips. Out of nervousness, I stop smiling and I'm sure that a light brush must've crept over my cheeks. He looks at me for another thirty seconds before walking towards the apartment complex, key in hand. I follow him through the heavy door and into a hallway. The thin space highlights how tall and built Jacob really is. He practically barely fits in the room when facing front-ways. He stops when we reach a red door, the paint crackling off from age and the brass number '6' now more of a damp brown than a shiny yellow. The lock clicks as he delicately turns it in the slot, but then harshly shoves the door open with his shoulder.
"It's a bit stiff," he titters. When we walk in, I quickly realise that the beauty of the home isn't justifyingly represented by its outside appearance. The first room that I enter into was the living room; the emerald green sofa is covered in pillow with flower patterns and brown fluffly blankets. The rug of the same colour has an intricate geometric pattern on it that is slightly worn away from age. The coffee table displayed the wood's natural pattern with all of the colours swirling together beautifully, and the large cabinet nearby was of an identical design. The cabinet surprisingly is home to a range of novels. I skim the titles, 'Persuasion by Jane Austen' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird' are ones that catch my eye. I didn't realise that Jacob was so knowledgeable in literature: he doesn't seem like that type of guy to be honest. The last thing I realise, and perhaps the most prevalent feature in the room, is the vast amount of plants that Jacob has. All kinds of indoor bushes and flowers adorn the shelves and window-sills - ghost flowers, spider lillies, lily of the valley, and many more. I've never met someone before who knew that those kinds of flowers existed. I'm someone who enjoys the less conventional side of nature, meaning that these flowers are some of my favourites.
"Do you like it?" He practically scared me out of thought.
"The room? Jacob, it's amazing. Who knew that you were a man with such incredible taste?" He scoffs sarcastically, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Thanks. So, I gotta head over to the grill."
"Now? But it's not open today"
"I know. I like to help Mr Masey on days when I'm free. You can just chill here. Leave your stuff wherever."
"Are you sure you're okay with me being here?"
"Yeah, why not?" And with that, he leaves. 'Why not?' He said it so casually, but I think this is the first time we've ever purposefully hung out together. It's probably not a big deal to him, though. It's not a big deal at all. Why would it be?

I decide to spend my free time studying. There's still two months until midterms, but it's always better to be safe than sorry in these circumstances. After a while, thought, I get bored and decide to leave. I wonder what Jacob is doing. I quickly run over to the Cullen's house, making sure not to be seen by anyone or heard by Edward, and get in my car to drive to Carver's Café. When I eventually get there, I stand outside and watch Jacob and Mr Masey through the window. They're eating a meal which Jacob no doubtedly cooked, and playing a card game I can't distinguish. It's really nice to see how much Jacob cares about Mr Masey. It's kind of adorable. Suddenly, Jacob looks up and makes eye contact with me. He has this stupidly wide grin on his face that just makes me want to hug him so tight until he can't breathe. He seems so safe. His hand is waving to invite me in. I shake my head sheepishly, but eventually accept when Mr Masey nods me in as well.
"So, what have you guys been getting up to?"
"Jacob's just been cooking for me, as usual. He's such a nice boy, isn't he Lorelei?"
"Yeah, he is."
"He's a good catch, you know. Someone should take him off the market before he's no longer available."
"Okay, Mr Masey, why don't I take you upstairs to watch some TV and have a nap?"
"Oh, alright." Mr Masey stands up slowly and begins to walk, but stops just in front of me to whisper something.
"Think about what I said, eh. He won't be around forever." He winks and I give him a bashful smile. He's right. Jacob won't be around forever. Jacob is human. I'm a vampire. It was never going to work out, even if our werewolf side wants it to. Becoming attached is a stupid idea for someone who is immortal. It's better if I prevent anything from happening before it's too late.
"You okay?" I plaster on a fake smile.
"Yeah, of course." I must've let my face drop whilst I was thinking. Dumbass.