More Than My Own Life (Twilight Fanfiction)

A New Start

It wasn't long before the footsteps following behind me got close. Too close. Despite my need to follow the scent that cause the awful burn in my throat, the need to turn and face the potential threat was even greater. As I heard someone lunge at me I spun around. I grabbed Edward just as he neared me, and with speed I didn't know I possessed, I used his momentum against him to send him flying over my head and into a tree. 

I snarled in warning as I once again took off towards the heartbeat. Behind me, I vaguely heard Carlisle call out, "Let her go, Edward! It's just a deer". Though the footsteps of several people were still following behind me, they allowed me to put some distance between us. The pursuit was over. Only seconds later, I came to a clearing. There was a huge deer standing in the middle of it, looking around. It could sense danger, but it couldn't see it.

And the animal would never get the chance to see it. Before the deer could even turn its head in my direction, I threw myself onto its back, snapping its neck and plunging my teeth into it almost simultaneously. I swallowed mouthful after mouthful of blood, feeling my body relax as the burning in my throat finally ceased. Finally, I pulled away from the creature, falling onto my knees as I took in what I had done. I jumped when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Bella, kneeling next to me. Behind her stood all of the Cullens, along with Jacob and Seth.

Now that I was aware that I was part vampire, this part of me was far easier to cope with. But I felt my heart plummet when I saw the look on Jacob's face. He looked horrified. Biting my lip to keep from crying, I buried my face into Bella's chest. Her arms wrapped around me immediately, pulling me closer as she hushed me. 

"Shh, it's okay, Baby. You're okay. This is normal, okay? It's okay". I nodded, keeping my head down as I tried to avoid Jacob's eyes. It didn't seem possible, though, when Jacob approached and put his hands on my shoulders. "Ness?" I looked up, and saw that he had taken off his shirt, and was holding it out for me. Oh. I looked down to see that my shirt was torn and bloody. Shaking my head, I whispered, "I'll ruin it". Sighing, Jake shook his head at me and told me that he didn't care. 

We all slowly made our way back to the house in silence. I walked in the front door with Jake and Bella still right beside me. And when I sat in the couch, they both sat next to me, too. Bella grabbed onto my hand as Jake rested a hand on my leg. I resisted the urge to pull away from him. I was sure that he was disgusted with me, and was just trying to be nice. So much for a merry Christmas Eve. I leaned forward, burying my face in my hands.

I peeked up as I heard quiet footsteps approach. Edward grabbed Jacob's upper arm and pulled him away from me, and across the room. Bella opened her mouth to protest, but a look from Edward silenced her. Leaning forward, Edward whispered something to Jacob. I watched as Jake's eyes flashed over to me, then back to Edward. They had a very quiet conversation that I couldn't hear at all, then Jake slowly started walking back towards Bella and I.

"Nessie?" Jake's tone demanded my attention. I winced as I wondered what he would say. Was he going to tell me that I disgusted him, right here in front of everybody? Jake wouldn't do that, right? Even if he felt it, he wouldn't ever be so cruel to make it a public announcement, would he? I gulped as he opened his mouth to speak. "It wasn't your fault. I'm not upset with you, I'm not disgusted with you, I'm not holding anything against you. None of us are. But especially not me. Never, ever, ever me. Okay?" 

After a second of shocked silence, my eyes flew over to Edward as I glared at him. I could see the silent apology in his face. Stupid, nosy, eavesdropping Mind-reader. I looked down, not responding to Jake's words. Accepting my silence, Jake took a seat beside me again, allowing his hand to fall back onto my leg. I unconsciously leaned slightly towards him.