The Snow-Wolf

Chapter 7: The Mend

Chapter 7: The Mend

(Hannah POV)

The meeting had been exhausting, but not as exhausting as the drive home at nine that night. Being stuck between Jacob and Seth in the backseat of Sam's truck was tense (and also tight room-wise with their long legs). They were not speaking to one another. Whatever they discussed outside when I was left with Quil and Embry must've been heated.

When we got to our house, Sam got out to help my dad. Before I could follow Seth out of his side of the truck, Jacob shoved his door open and pulled me out his way. I was shocked by his quick action, and I stumbled out almost falling from the jump down. He caught me by the arms when I almost fell out, and managed to help me find my footing on the grass. His hand held my lower arm with a gentle touch to keep me steady as he grabbed mom's blanket which had been in his lap during the car ride. He released me long enough to drape the blanket back over my shoulders as I started to shiver. There was still a drizzle from the rain earlier.

"Come on, Hannah. Let's get inside before you get wet," he encouraged.

Seth was out of the truck now, and he looked irritated. "Are we really doing this, Jacob?"

Jacob ignored him and started to guide me towards the house with his arm around my shoulders. I looked at Seth with confusion. Seth shook his head at me as if to say he couldn't believe what was happening himself.

Once we were inside, I pulled from Jacob enough to get some space. His quick movements were too abrupt, and I was suddenly nervous. He saw my uncertainty and smiled sadly. "Sorry... I may have gotten a little jealous of you and Seth's connection earlier..."

Seth scoffed, coming in behind us. "A little? You just grabbed her like she was a bag of jewels." He came over to me with worry. "You okay, Hannah?"

I looked away from the both of them with a small nod. Jacob hadn't hurt me. He just startled me. "I... I'm going to lay down," I whispered, pulling the blanket tighter around my body. My eyes shot to Seth. He knew what I was saying. Come with me.

Jacob caught my silent thought too. "No! You are not sleeping in her room, Seth! That's out of the question!"

Seth rolled his eyes. "Really, Jacob?! You know we won't do anything! She sleeps when I'm here. That's why your dad agreed to let me come. I'm the only thing keeping her calm right now."

Dad wheeled in as the sound of Sam's truck faded. "What's all the chatter?"

Jacob scowled. "Seth seems to think he's going to sleep with Hannah!"

Dad was surprised.

"I never said I'd lay with her in bed! I'll sleep on the floor! But we all know she rests better with me. And she needs sleep!" Seth held his hands up in exasperation. "That's why I'm here."

My dad compromised. "Jacob... if you're so worried, why don't you all just sleep in the living room? The couch has a pull out, and there's a recliner."

Somehow my dad's suggestion turned into me and Seth sleeping on the pull out, and Jacob sitting in the recliner with disapproval. I had changed into some clean clothes (a large dark gray shirt and some black sweats), and the events from the day had exhausted me. Jacob didn't need to worry about anything; I took the prescribed sleeping aid that Dr. Cullen ordered for me, so as soon as I laid on the mattress I shut my eyes and started to go in and out. Seth did take the spot beside me, much to Jacob's protest, and I curled up so my head was resting on Seth's shoulder as his arm was beneath me. The movement of his hand stroking my hair helped send me to sleep.

When I woke up in the morning, I saw Jacob was asleep on the recliner and Seth was still resting beside me. His head was turned facing me, his arm still under my body, and his other arm resting on his stomach. He swore to Jacob he would leave his shirt on since my brother was so worried about temptations. I didn't really feel that way about Seth... at least not yet. I just felt relieved knowing he was still with me and had stayed beside me all night. He had not left me still. I was not alone.