Guilt

A Cold One- Chapter 3

*Jacob POV*

There was one thing that I'm absolutely sure of. There's a vampire on the rez.

I had no idea who they were. Are they with the Cullens? Maybe someone else that feeds on humans? Who knows?

I stood up, intent on telling Dad what I saw. I opened my door and ran into someone before I even took my first step. "God, can't you knock?", I muttered. " I didn't get a chance to, Jacob." It was Sam. Sh*t. He eyed me curiously and began his questions. "Where were you off to in such a hurry, Jacob?" The way he said my name pissed me off. I could feel myself getting angry and I knew that wasn't what I needed. I had been angry enough for the first few months after Bella left.

"I was off to see my dad. Is that alright with you, Sam?", I mocked the way he said my name. I could tell he had the same reaction I did to the disrespect we threw at each other. Thankfully, though, it was enough for him to let me pass while sparing any further questions.

I walked out of my door and went back to my dad's where I was shortly ago before we began gathering sticks. I knocked and he let me in, as this had really become a routine for us.

"Dad," I spoke, with urgency in my voice, "I need to tell you something." He looked over at me with bright eyes. I knew he was expecting good news from me. Something related to Bella. How could I ruin his mood and tell him that there's a vampire on the rez?

"Yes, Jacob, what is it?", I really noticed the light in his eyes that hadn't been there for a while. "Dad, I think.." Every second it took me to speak, he seemed to glow more. I couldn't do it. "I think I'm over Bella. I'm sure I can find someone else.."

He gave no reply except for a big smile and a nod of his head. I faked a similar answer and turned to walk out. "Oh, Jacob. Stay out of the woods. There's been some weird sightings." I gave a nod strangely similar to his and walked out.

So he did know. Of course he did. Exactly what the "sighting" was, I don't think he knew. And why was he warning me? After all, he isn't a wolf.

In my bed, as nightfall approached, I became anxious. With all of this free time, my mind wondered back to Bella. Why would she choose him? At least I'm still human.. Most of the time, anyway. Finally, after what seemed like hours of waiting, it was dark enough to sneak out.

Out of bed in an instant, I peeked out of the door, expecting someone to be there waiting to kill me. Either figuratively or literally. I don't care which; nothing could hurt more than losing Bella. Wow, Jacob. Way to be so dark. Just focus on this, you numbskull.

When I stepped out of my door -convinced no one was waiting to kill me, at least not right outside- I realized I forgot a vital piece of information. D*mn it, I hope no one's is out patrolling or this so-called mission will be very short.

I made a run for it and bounded to the trees. As soon as I reached the tree line, there was a smell that was sweet. Too sweet. It burned my nose. I hadn't smelled this in months, but I immediately recognized it. There's a bloodsucker nearby. The word left a bitter trail in my thoughts.

Suddenly, my head was filled with memories of Bella. Rage quickly took over and before I knew it, I leaped into the air. I landed as a wolf.

Shreds of clothing lay behind me on the ground. I was glad I was at least smart enough to leave my shoes in my room. Dad was tired of buying me new ones. I began to focus on the burning sensation in my nose. It was nearing the unbearable stage. I followed the scent and it only got stronger.

When I was almost in pain, I saw it. It's skin was pale against the night and it seemed to be glowing. It froze and stared at me. I couldn't pull my eyes away from the creature and it appeared to have the same struggle. We stared in silence for several minutes. Then the man sprinted away toward the main part of Forks.

I knew I should run after it and kill it. Something about it made me want to protect it. Even after the male vampire was gone, I stared after it. I found a secluded spot and changed back to my human form. As I was pulling a pair of new pants on, the male reappeared. I stood there, shirtless, in front of the beautiful creature. I was confused; I had never thought anything good of a vampire, but this one was different.

"H-hello..?", I stuttered. I felt the urge to speak to him. I needed to hear him. "Hello.", he replied formally. His voice was low and raspy. It was very attractive. He stared at my chest and I stared into his eyes. They were golden. " Do you belong to the Cullens?", I growled the last word.

"No. I stayed with them temporarily to learn their ways of feeding and then went on my own." He only hunts animals. "Why aren't you fighting me? Why are you on our land? Surely you'd know about the treaty if you stayed with them."

His expression turned sour and he replied with a bit of acid in his voice. "No one ever told me about a treaty. If I have violated your agreements, I deeply apologize." He turned to leave.

Pain seared through my heart at the thought of him leaving. "Wait! Please." He gracefully swiveled around to face me. His expression was now curious and expectant. "Please.. Stay." He seemed confused as he knew that this was normally something we didn't allow. "Erm, we could take a walk? But uh, let's get off the reservation, though." He agreed and turned to walk back towards Forks.

We walked together in silence for a few minutes. Then he broke it. "What's your name?", his voice sounded confident but nervous at the same time. "Jacob. You?", I replied slowly. " He looked anxious to be talking to me. "Y/N."

"You okay?" He stepped in front of me and turned around to look me in the eyes. "Why do I feel weird around you? My instincts tell me to kill you. My heart tells me something else. I'm not sure what, but it makes me feel weird. I'm sorry."

"No I feel the same. It's okay, Y/N. I don't know why, though."

He smiled sadly and resumed his position at my side. We walked once more in silence. Randomly, he slid his hand into mine and intertwined our fingers. I turned to look at him, but left my hand with his.

He was looking at the ground, clearly embarrassed. "Y/N?" He glanced at me and quickly looked back at the ground without answering.

We strolled hand in hand, like a couple. I had to admit, I enjoyed it. He seemed too shy to acknowledge it.

I tried to engage in conversation again, but failed. His confidence seemed to completely disappear the moment he took my hand.

Why?

He unhooked his fingers from mine and just held my hand. I felt immediately sad at the lost contact, but I could live with this too.

I wanted to try to regain the touch, but he seemed uninterested. "Y/N", I said sternly. He looked at me this time and his eyes were black. I was surprised at the sudden change.

After looking me in the eyes, he dropped my hand and ran off with incredible speed. Within seconds, I could no longer see his pale skin against the dark outline of the night sky.