✓ | PRIMAL, jacob black ²

chapter twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

Once Aniya had left Sam and Emily's home, the pack remained behind, sensing that Sam had something important to discuss. The room, though quieter without Aniya's presence, was charged with anticipation.

"So," Sam began, breaking the silence, "I take it all of you felt it?"

The group exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and understanding.

"Yeah," Seth finally admitted, nodding. "But I've never felt anything like that before—not at school, anyway."

Embry was quick to chime in. "Same here. It was... different. Stronger."

Paul frowned, leaning forward. "What does it even mean? I mean—" He hesitated before adding, "We know Jacob didn't imprint on her."

The room grew tense as his words sank in. Emily, who had been standing quietly near Sam, spoke up then, her voice gentle but firm. "Hey, boys—and Sam," she said, her gaze sweeping over them. "Aniya is my friend, and I need all of you to promise me something."

They looked at her, waiting.

"I don't want this—whatever this feeling is that you all seem to share—to change anything," Emily continued, her tone resolute. "Aniya doesn't deserve to be treated differently or awkwardly just because of something she has no control over. She's the same person she was before you felt... whatever it is you felt."

Leah, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, nodded in agreement. "Agreed," she said plainly. "That feeling won't change how I see her, and it shouldn't change how any of you see her either. Aniya isn't just some mystery for us to solve; she's her own person."

The boys looked at each other, slowly nodding in agreement. Sam, his expression thoughtful, finally spoke. "Emily and Leah are right. Whatever this connection is, it doesn't define her or your interactions with her. Aniya is important, but it's not our place to overwhelm her with our questions or assumptions. Let her be herself."

Paul, uncharacteristically subdued, crossed his arms and gave a short nod. "Fine. But this still doesn't make any sense."

"It doesn't have to," Sam replied. "Not yet. For now, let's respect her space and trust that answers will come when they're meant to."

The group murmured their agreement, the weight of the conversation settling over them like an unspoken promise.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," Seth grinned, his usual enthusiasm lighting up his face. "Aniya is awesome, and I'd hate for her to think you three are friends with her because of this—" He paused, furrowing his brows, "What is it exactly, Sam?"

All eyes turned back to their Alpha, who stood with his arms folded, his expression measured.

"I wanted to discuss this with Jacob around," Sam admitted, his tone heavy, "but considering how Aniya and he feel about each other, I'm not sure if we can tell him right now."

Quil, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "He'll have to know eventually, though. He's part of the pack."

Emily nodded in agreement. "I agree with Quil," she said gently, "but we need to tread carefully. Aniya and Jacob have a history, one that none of us should meddle in. We can't force them to reconcile or even talk to each other. Whatever happened between them is for them to address when they're ready."

"So, we just... don't tell him?" Seth asked hesitantly. His unease was clear; the idea of keeping secrets within the pack didn't sit well with him.

Sam's voice was firm but calm as he responded. "Not yet. I'm not saying we'll keep this from him forever. But for now, we wait. Hopefully, when the right moment comes, we can address everything."

Seth still looked uncertain, but he nodded reluctantly. "I just don't like the idea of secrets, Sam."

"I understand," Sam replied, his tone softening slightly. "That's why I'm only saying this much: Aniya has the same protection we give to imprints. Whatever connection we feel to her, it's important, but we need to handle this carefully—for her sake and for the pack's unity."

The group fell silent, the gravity of Sam's words sinking in. The weight of the unknown loomed large, but for now, they accepted it. Protecting Aniya—and respecting her autonomy—came first.

Embry leaned back, his tone growing defensive as he continued, "Well, from the sketches, I think we can all agree that she just might have a role after all, despite Jake's snide remarks about her." His voice firmed up slightly. "Besides, Seth and I both considered her important long before today's events."

Leah and Emily exchanged warm smiles at Embry's words, clearly appreciating his loyalty.

"So, she draws us and the girls," Jared mumbled, scratching his head as he looked at one of the sketchbooks still on the table. His expression turned thoughtful. "And then she says Jake's wolf is always next to her in these dreams... I mean, I know you said you wouldn't say anything, Sam, but doesn't anyone else think that's a little suspicious?"

"I don't see it as suspicious," Seth stated plainly. "I find it interesting. Aniya's not a bad person, Jared. So, on my part—and I know Embry, Emily, and Leah feel the same—I'd appreciate it if you all could look past whatever Jacob has said about her. His opinions shouldn't colour how we see her or her drawings."

Embry nodded in agreement, crossing his arms. "Exactly. Give her a chance. I think you can all admit that after spending just one day with her, she's more than just someone Jake has a grudge against. There's more to her than that."

The room fell into silence as Jared and Paul exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Finally, Jared sighed, leaning forward. "Alright. I'll give her a chance. She was different than I expected—better, I mean. And maybe Jake's been wrong about her."

Paul followed suit with a begrudging shrug. "Fine. She's alright, I guess. If Seth and Embry vouch for her, I'll try to see what you guys see."

Sam nodded approvingly, his gaze sweeping across the group. "Good. That's all I ask for now. Let's move forward with this as a pack, and we'll see where it all leads."

Emily smiled softly, clearly relieved by the unity forming in the room. "Thank you, boys. That's all Aniya deserves—a fair chance."

Leah crossed her arms, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips. "Finally, some sense in this group. Took you long enough."

The room erupted into soft chuckles, the lingering tension beginning to dissipate.