Enchanted | Jacob Black

six

I sat near the clearing, hugging my knees to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. The wind had picked up, chilling the damp sweat on my skin.

"It's okay, Harp." Quil gently placed an arm over my shoulders to comfort me.

"I can't believe that really happened," I whispered, more to myself than Quil.

Seconds later, the rustling of trees drew my attention. Jake emerged from the woods, barefoot and shirtless, his hair wet and clinging to his face. His eyes locked on mine instantly.

"You said you'd stay inside!" he snapped, storming toward me.

"Jake, relax." Quil quickly stood between us, but Jake gently pushed him aside.

"I had to go to the store, my dad-" I started, my voice catching.

"I told you not to go out, Harper!" His voice rose with frustration, not quite yelling, but close. "Do you know what could've happened? What almost happened?"

"I didn't know she'd actually be there!" My voice cracked, eyes burning.

Jake ran a hand through his wet hair, pacing. "She could've killed you! She wanted to kill you."

The tears came before I could stop them. I wiped at them furiously, but Quil noticed.

"Jake, come on, dude, you're making her cry. It's bad enough she just got attacked."

He stopped pacing and let out a sharp breath. His whole expression softened.

"Harper..." He stepped forward, voice low now, full of regret. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled."

Jake looked at me, his eyes raw and vulnerable in a way I rarely saw. Then, without another word, he bent down and scooped me into his arms.

"Jake-" I started, startled, but he held me tighter.

"You're shaking," he said. "You need to get home."

"I'll meet up with the others and let them know you took her home," Quil stated before taking off in the direction where the other wolf took after the vampire.

The forest blurred around us, wind rushing past my ears as he moved fast. I clung to him, my heart pounding, not from fear but from how his arms wrapped around me. I could feel the heat radiating off him, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the way his arms tightened every time he leapt over something in the dark.

I buried my face into the crook of his neck. Everything smelled like pine and rain and him.

He stopped on the front porch in front of the door. He lowered me back to the ground gently like he didn't want to hurt me. His hands lingered at my waist for a second longer before letting go.

"Are you hurt?" He asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I took a breath, trying to focus on how my body felt now that the adrenaline had worn off. My shoulders ached, and my legs felt stiff like I'd been thrown around more than I realized. I winced slightly as I shifted my weight.

"I don't think anything's broken," I said. "Just sore. I'll probably have some bruising in the morning. But I guess that's better than being dead." I said.

His eyes scanned me like he was searching for any missed injury. "I'm so sorry, Harper."

"You didn't do anything wrong," I said quickly. "Besides, you guys saved me."

"I know, but the fact I even let her get this close to you-" He started but stopped as his body began to vibrate. He was angry.

"Jake," I said, placing my hand on his forearm. "I'm fine."