✓ | DESOLATE, paul lahote

chapter twenty

CHAPTER TWENTY

Emily noticed Serena's frustrated muttering as she scrubbed the dish vigorously in her hand. Emily couldn't help but feel concerned and slightly amused by her excessive energy.

"You really don't like her, huh?" Emily inquired, trying to get Serena to open up.

"Oh, it's not that I dislike her," Serena explained, her grip on the dish grew tighter, her frustration growing with each word. "It's just that her selfish decisions really get under my skin."

She paused for a moment before continuing, her expression hardening. "I mean, how could she have the nerve to tell her boyfriend to stay behind? She put everyone in danger by reducing the number of fighters we had, and for what? Her own selfish whims."

Emily nodded in agreement, also frustrated with the decision. 

Serena continued, her voice laced with annoyance. "The Cullen's aren't invisible either, but the boys, on the other hand, they have families to return to. They have more to lose."

Serena exhaled deeply, her frustration gradually giving way to resignation. "I don't hate her either," she repeated, her voice softer now. "But I really wish she understood the magnitude of the situation. Her actions have put everyone in jeopardy, especially the boys. They're risking their lives to protect their families and loved ones, and it's not fair for her to act so selfishly."

Emily chuckled softly as Serena finished venting about Bella. Sensing a shift in mood, Emily decided to ask a different question.

"So, I've been meaning to ask... How are things between you and Paul?"

A warm smile spread across Serena's face as thoughts of their recent vacation came to mind. "Things are going really well, actually," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of blissful contentment.

The girls continued chatting, seeking solace in their conversation as they tried to remain optimistic about the battle.

Emily's observation caused Serena to let out a small chuckle, "I guess even strangers can sense that there's something special between Paul and me."

"I swear, I think people are secretly placing bets on our relationship," Serena quipped, her eyes narrowing in mock suspicion.

Emily's reaction, however, didn't go unnoticed by her. Her eyebrow raised in curiosity, Serena exclaimed, "Wait a sec! You just flinched. Are you guys seriously gambling on me and Paul?!"

The grin on Emily's face grew wider as she explained, "Well, you see, Jared and Sam were the instigators. And they didn't just bet on you and Paul; they also have wagers going on for Aniya and Jacob."

Serena groaned in faux frustration, knowing that Jared and Sam could be mischievous. "Should've known those two would be behind it. Even when they weren't particularly close to Paul back then, they couldn't resist placing bets on relationships."

The mention of Aniya's situation brought a somber note to their conversation. Emily's voice trailed off, her expression softening, "Yeah...let's hope she comes out of that coma soon."

"Anywa-- Serena was abruptly interrupted as her cell phone began ringing, prompting her to jump up from the couch and hurriedly rush to the dining table to answer the call. "Hey, what happened?" she asked upon answering, but her dad's voice on the other end startled her, nearly causing her to drop the phone.

"I'll be there right away!" Serena responded urgently before ending the call. Turning to Emily, she exclaimed, "Come on, Emily! We need to go. The boys are back, but Jacob is seriously hurt. They're currently at my house."

Emily instantly leaped from the couch, following close behind as they raced out of the house and jumped into the car. Serena quickly started the ignition and sped off towards her house without wasting a moment.

The ride to Serena's house was a tense and silent one, both girls consumed by worry for Jacob's condition and the others. Their focus firmly on reaching their destination safely, they kept their emotions in check, not letting panic take over.

As they drove towards the house, everything suddenly took a dangerous turn. A vampire abruptly ran out from the forest, darting in front of the car. Serena slammed on the brakes in a panic, and both girls paled at the sight of the red eyes.

Serena was about to press down on the gas pedal again, but the vampire acted lightning fast, quickly ripping open the car door and yanking her out.

"Emily, drive!" Serena yelled urgently, her voice filled with panic and desperation. Emily hesitated at first, but upon seeing the fierce determination in Serena's eyes, she quickly moved over to the driver's seat.

As the car sped away, Serena turned to face the newborn vampire that had her pinned down, bracing herself for the confrontation.

The newborn, seemingly enjoying the control he had over the situation, chuckled at Serena's attempts to break free.

"You're not going anywhere," he sneered, his grip on her tightening.

Serena struggled against the newborn's grip, her efforts to free herself proving futile. His tight hold on her was like a vise, making escape seem hopeless.

"Pathetic," the newborn mocked, a sly grin on his lips as he watched Serena squirm. "You think you can actually get away from me?"

The newborn's gaze darkened as he mentioned the wolves, his voice filled with vengeful intent. "Yes, you smell like those filthy wolves," he sneered. "It would be delightful if they were to come here, as it would allow me to take my revenge for the death of my mate!"