Enchanted | Jacob Black

twenty-two

The Cullen house looked like it was straight out of a bridal magazine, but in a forest. White lights hung in elegant strands from the trees glowing softly. Flowers were everywhere, twisting around the archways and spilling from tall vases. The scent of flowers mixed with the fresh air of Forks.

I held onto Jake's arm as we stepped into the wedding space. "This is... wow."

"Fancy leeches," Jake muttered under his breath, tugging at the collar of his white button-up like it was choking him. "Reeks of wealth and vampires."

I elbowed him. "Be nice."

He looked down at me with a forced smile. "I'll try."

We both turned as someone brushed past us. A tall, statuesque woman with golden eyes and pale skin, just like the Cullens. Jake stiffened beside me, and I instantly knew it had to be another vampire.

"Relax," I whispered.

"I know. I can't help it."

I watched her join two more women who looked like her. The one that had walked past us was the shortest of the three, with strawberry blonde curls. Another one had long, straight, pale blond hair, and the third one was the tallest. With straight, almost silver blond, chin-length hair. She immediately made eye contact with me. A shiver prickled over my skin as her gaze narrowed just slightly, sharp and cold. There was nothing friendly about it. She then glanced to my side where Jake was, and the coldness in her expression deepened. I don't know what her problem was, but she looked like a major bitch.

I shrugged it off, grabbing Jake's arm and turning away.

The ceremony had started, and we found seats in the back next to Billy, Seth, Embry, and Quil. Despite everything, it was beautiful. Bella looked pretty, her dark hair pinned back, her eyes shining with a mix of nerves and happiness. And Edward looked at her as if she were the only person in the universe.

I hadn't expected to feel emotional, but when Edward started his vows, a lump formed in my throat. I knew they loved each other. I mean, look at everything that had happened because of that love. But, this was the first time I'd really seen it. The way they looked at each other like nothing and no one else existed.

"Don't tell me you're gonna cry," Jake whispered near my ear.

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, it's sweet."

He chuckled under his breath.

As the reception started, music started to float through the warm night air. Fairy lights twinkled around the dance floor, and guests began to filter onto it. Seth appeared at my side with a toothy grin.

"Hey, Harper. Wanna dance?"

I smiled. "I'm not a good dancer," I admitted. "So? Neither am I," he continued to grin.

He held out a hand dramatically. "My lady."

I shot Jake a look. He just shrugged, smirking. "Go ahead."

Seth spun me out to the dance floor, and I couldn't help but laugh as he twirled me clumsily to the soft music. He had more energy than rhythm, but it didn't matter. His grin was contagious. When he dipped me a little too dramatically, I caught Jake watching us, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

When Seth finally let me go, I turned to head back toward Jake, but he was already moving toward me.

"May I?" he asked, holding out his hand.

I blinked. "You want to dance?"

"I practiced," he muttered.

"What?"