Chapter 8: Difficulties.
Renesmee looked over to see Emma hand in hand with Seth. He was smiling brightly at her as she leaned into his side. The last guest dwindled out and Alice shut the door, bouncing up and down. Renesmee leaned into Jacob, exhausted. She put her hand on his cheek.
“Me too Ness. I’m tired just like you but I don’t think there through with you yet” he murmured. Renesmee stretched up on her toes and wrapped her arms around him. He kissed her quietly for a moment, the heat of his lips penetrating her skin.
“Will you two cut it out?” Her dad snapped irritably from behind them. Renesmee leaned around Jacob.
“I have to watch you and mum like this all the time,” he cringed.
“You had that one coming Edward,” Rosalie chimed, having changed into a pair of regular jeans and a light blouse. Emmett wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder.
“Can I show her now?” Alice wined, glancing at Renesmee’s parents. They laughed and her mother rolled her eyes, the enthusiasm all too familiar to her. Alice grabbed Renesmee’s hand and rolled her eyes when she grabbed Jacob’s, towing him along with her. She lead Renesmee towards the garage. Alice glanced at Jacob.
“Cover her eyes. Don’t let her peak,” her voice was serious. Renesmee heard her open the door and Jacob’s warm hands slid over her eyes. He kissed her cheek and lead her into the garage. Renesmee sighed.
“Okay! Open your eyes Ness,” She grabbed Jacob’s hands, keeping a firm hold on them. In front of her was a pretty black Porsche with a giant baby blue ribbon wrapped around it.
“You guys! I love it!” She shrieked, letting Jacob’s hand fall out of hers and running them hands against the car.
“That’s just from your mum and dad. While you were dancing Rose and I fixed your closet,” Alice said, her tone mischievous. Renesmee rolled her eyes.
“And our other gift was inviting Jacob. Rose was all against it but we convinced her. And now that you know the truth Jacob can come around more than he already does,”
“No please no!” Rosalie groaned. Renesmee laughed and turned around to hug her parents.
“Thanks for the car. I love it!” Renesmee chimed. Her mum released her and she hugged her dad.
“Thanks daddy,” She murmured, but Renesmee wasn’t thanking him for the car. She was thanking him for letting Jacob tell her. He laughed.
“Anything for our Nessie,” Jacob laughed as they eyed them funny and disappeared through the door. Renesmee looked up at Jacob and sighed. His warm arms wrapped around her and she leaned into him.
“You know Ness, my cars still better,” Renesmee pulled away and looked up at him.
“Mines newer,” She said, impersonating a snotty voice. He laughed and she pressed her lips against his. His arms tightened around her and she twisted her fingers in his hair. When he pulled away she was gasping for breath.
“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that,” he murmured against her forehead. Renesmee giggled and opened the door to her Porsche, sitting inside on the new fresh smelling leather. He climbed into the passenger side and she looked at him, forgetting where she was for the moment.
“Explain it to me. Please. Just one more time in detail,” he sighed and took her hand, kissing her forehead.
“Well we will use Quil and Claire for now. So Quil imprinted on Claire when she was just two years old. He loves her more than his own life, but he isn’t ‘in love’ with her. Because that would be wrong, really wrong.”
Renesmee just stared at Jacob, and nodded her head, listening to what he was telling her.
“This is how it’s different from love at first sight. Sometimes it’s more like how a mother feels about her newborn baby. How she would do anything to protect it. She would even give up her own life if it would save her child.”
“What Quil feels for Claire right now is comparable to a parent’s love, only he is even more tightly bound to Claire. Her parents will willingly set Claire free when she grows up. Quil will never be whole without her.”
“It works like this: At each stage of an imprint’s development, her, um let’s call him a guardian for now, becomes what they need most. When Claire was a toddler, Quil was the most diligent of nannies; He was indeed a third parent. Her actual parents had a hard time accepting that.” Jacob smiled briefly, as if he were recalling a fond memory.
“Every little thing she did delighted him. He couldn’t quit talking about each of her accomplishments. From printing her name for the first time to learning to tie her shoes, each event was a celebration. Now that Claire is a child, Quil is her favourite playmate; never getting tired of the games she loves, because he loves them too. They are best friends. When she becomes a young woman, Quil will still be her best friend, no doubt going on shopping trips, taking her to get her nails done, whatever it is she wants to do. If she needs to rebel a little, I’m sure he will sneak out with her to toilet paper the neighbour’s yard, and then help her clean it up the next day. He will keep all her secrets; she will never feel unloved or alone as long as Quil lives. Someday, when Claire is old enough and ready for an adult relationship, Quil will fall in love with her. They will be together until they die” Renesmee stared up at his black eyes, so full of love and adoration that it made her heart swell.
“So I can have you for forever?” She whispered, looking up at him. He laughed and pulled her onto his lap.
“Forever Ness. I’ll always be here.”
*Back in the house*
“There are still rules to this,” Jacob snorted from beside her and she leaned into his side, tucking her legs under her.
“You know Edward, I think she’s old enough to make her own decisions.” Her father snarled at him and Alice rolled her eyes, placing a bouquet of roses on the top of the piano where Renesmee’s parents sat. She danced back to Jasper who was sitting on the bottom of the stairs, and sat down in his lap, looking ever so graceful. Of course the party decorations had already been cleared away as if it had never happened. We hadn’t been in the car that long…
“She’s seven years old,” he growled as Jacob tightened his arm around her shoulder. We were all sitting in the living room after having coming back from being inside her Porsche.
“Actually she’s seventeen Edward. Her body aged past her actual age and you excepted that a long time ago,” Rosalie corrected as she walked through the front door. Emmett followed behind her, dripping wet from the pouring rain. He shook his hair out like a dog splattering the glass walls with watery drops of mud. Esme sighed and danced out of the room, into the kitchen, appearing again with cleaning supplies.
“Let me Esme,” Emmett said, grinning widely. She rolled her eyes and brushed past him, passing a hand against his shoulder. Emmett disappeared gracefully into the hallway hidden under the stairs and Rosalie followed him. Renesmee sighed and looked up at Jacob who had his eyebrows raised, looking at her father. Her father’s face was tight with anger. Jacob was probably playing with him, showing him thoughts that he shouldn’t. Renesmee pressed her hand against his cheek and he looked down at her.
Don’t make him mad Jacob. Or he’ll never let this work. Jacob chuckled and kissed her forehead.
“No worries Ness,” he murmured.
“If you stay here any longer mongrel you will have something to worry about,” Rosalie said, appearing out of the shadows, dried off and with a new set of clothes on. Emmett followed after her smiling like nothing was going on.
“Hey Blondie. Why do blondes always smile during lighting storms?” Rosalie scowled at him stood there with her arms crossed across her chest. Emmett slung his arm around her shoulder, his eyes zeroed in on the TV, which was of course on a football game.
“They think their picture is being taken,” Rosalie glided past him and smacked him in the back of the head. He didn’t even flinch. Renesmee sighed at them. Perhaps Rosalie and Jacob would never be friendly towards each other.
“Don’t count on it Ness,” Her father murmured. Renesmee narrowed her eyes at him. She wished her mind was her own.
“Me too.” he murmured to himself. Her mother sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist. He turned his attention to her.
“So uh are we done here?” Renesmee asked, trying to sound casual. It didn’t work. Her father looked up from her mother.
“No. There are rules. Your staying in this house for now. Until you at least finish high school. You have a curfew too. Eleven ‘o’ clock” Jacob groaned from beside her. Renesmee laughed and turned back to her father whose face was frozen with anger.
“Dad?” His face sassed for a moment and he ripped himself out of her mother’s arms. Everyone in the room stood all at once as a horrible painful howl shook the house. It sounded tortured, broken.
“Embry-” Jacob choked. His hands trembled and Renesmee watched as he exploded into his wolf form, out of the door.
“Jake!” Renesmee screamed, pain racking through her. Renesmee stepped to follow him but Rose’s vice like grip caught her arm.
“Nessie you have to stay here!” Her dad yelled. Alice yanked Jasper off the stairs.
“Carlisle!” she yelled. Carlisle appeared at the top of the stairs, Esme immediately at his side.
“Carlisle you have to come!” she yelled, rushing out the front door. Rosalie’s arm disappeared from around Renesmee and Emmett jumped the stairs to follow her. Her mother looked at her, her face torn.
“What’s going on?!” Renesmee yelled. But everyone had already disappeared out the front door. She watched as they disappeared into the night. Where was my Jacob? And who had howled like that? Her hands were trembling. Renesmee rushed upstairs and changed out of the white dress, throwing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. She opened up her window and jumped out, landing quietly on the balls of her feet. She turned towards the front of the house and followed their scent. Running as fast as she could, Renesmee found them in five minutes, down on First Beach. She spotted Jacob first from where she was standing on one of the cliffs, overlooking everything. He was hovering in his giant wolf form, surrounded by eighteen wolves, the three newest wolves hovering on the edges. Renesmee could see from here that they all had their teeth gritted and were shivering, hovering over another wolf. Her parents pushed their way through the crowd, her mother resting her hand on Jacob’s shoulder. Carlisle bent down and Renesmee gasped. She could see from here the familiar grey fur of Embry Call’s back and neck was stained in blood. She watched Jacob shiver and phase, yanking his clothes on. No one paid any attention to him, not even her. Renesmee had to get down there. She turned and sprinted towards the road that would take her down to the beach. Once her feet hit the sand a few turned to look at her. Jacob turned as she pushed her way through the crowd.
“Renesmee,” Her father growled. She snarled back at him, barely registering the look on his face. Leah stood on the other side of Jacob, her grey fur standing up. Renesmee looked down at Embry. He was shaking.
“Embry. I need you to phase back to your human form. You have to. I can’t work on you if you don’t.” Carlisle murmured. Embry howled and Renesmee covered her ears, as the pack took a step back, whining. Leah jerked away and appeared on the side of one of the new wolves, Carson, leaning into his side. Embry’s horrible howl changed suddenly into a string of curses. Renesmee realized that while she had been looking at Leah and Carson, Embry had changed back. His eyes were wide with pain like he couldn’t see. Carlisle flung a blanket that one of the wolves had in their mouths around him.
“Jacob. I need him to come to my house. He’ll have to deal with the scent.” Jacob nodded firmly, his eyes tight. He scooped Embry up gently and Renesmee saw Sam appeared on his side, growling, the hair on the back of his neck standing up. Jacob ran towards the woods, back towards the Cullen house. Renesmee took off after him, aware that every wolf and vampire was following as well. After five minutes they were back. Embry had fallen unconscious as Jacob took him upstairs. Renesmee’s father rushed past her and opened up a door to a room that hadn’t been used in years. Jacob set Embry on the cold metal operating table. Carlisle reached into a drawer and grabbed a bag of morphine, hooking it up to him. Renesmee looked out the door and down the stairs to see that all of the wolves were on the front lawn. Seth and Leah had phased back and were in the house. They were used to being in the Cullen house.
“Jake,” She whimpered, fully seeing Embry’s damages. His neck was bleeding and his arm was limp at his side, probably broken.
“Jacob get her out of here,” Her father growled, aiding Carlisle, pulling a metal syringe out of a drawer. She pushed against Jacob, who’s eyes were hollow, but he picked her up into his arms. She closed her eyes as he disappeared into her room, shutting the door behind him, setting her on her bed.
“I’ll be right back,” he murmured. She gripped his hand.
“You’re not leaving me here,” She said through her teeth. He pulled her back up and she followed him down the stairs. His hand came down on Seth’s shoulder, patting it. She had never seen Seth look so sad and hurt. Jacob continued onto the front lawn.
“Carlisle will heal Embry. His ribs are already healing, and so are his arms. He’ll be fine. I want you all out patrolling tonight. None of them get near this house and none of them get back into La Push. They get anywhere near and you sound the alarm. Sam I need you to give that order to your pack.” Sam nodded and Renesmee knew that he was already telling them. They all looked so pained. Jacob’s pack was Seth, Leah, Embry, Quil, the new wolves, Carson, Payson, and Adam. Jacob nodded and they took off. Carson stopped and Leah ran her fingers through his fur.
“I’ll be there in a minute,” he nodded his large head, and disappeared into the woods.
“Jake, are you sure he’s gonna be okay?” She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head into his side, tears pooling in her eyes. He sighed and shooed Leah and Seth away. Renesmee looked up at him and his hot fingers brushed the tears away as he pulled her back upstairs to her room. He set her down on her bed and Renesmee pulled him down to, leaning her head against him. She pressed her hand against his cheek, pulling herself up to look into his eyes.
What happened? She didn’t want to speak for fear that her voice would break. Jacob’s eyes were tight as he looked down at her.
“Embry was attacked,” he murmured.
“By who? Vampires?” She whispered. Renesmee felt him shake under her.
“No Nessie. Wolves. There’s another pack and they came to find us. But Embry was alone and they attacked him. I don’t know why and he doesn’t know either.” She looked up.
“Don’t leave me Jake. Please!” She cried, tears glistening on both of their cheeks. He brought her closer.
“I’m not leaving Nessie. I’ll stay with you. Just rest. I’ll be here when you wake up,” he murmured almost silently. She closed her eyes and fell asleep to the steady beating of the heart that belonged to her.
*When Renesmee woke up*
Jacob was not there when Renesmee woke up. But she wasn’t angry. She could hear his heavy beating heart a few doors down. She could also hear a streaming line of cusses coming from the room he was in. Embry must be awake again. She sighed and climbed out of her bed, her feet hitting the cold floor, continuing onto the bathroom, starting her shower. Renesmee let the hot water work through her muscles, washing away Jacob’s smell and the blood that Jacob had accidentally smeared against her arm when he had held her. She rubbed her favourite berry shampoo through her hair and stepped out, her skin still it’s same glowing pale. She sighed and dried off her hair with a towel, deciding to let it dry naturally, knowing that if she didn’t look suitable enough Alice and Rosalie would pounce. It was hard to believe that just yesterday she had had her seventeenth birthday party and Jacob had confessed that he belonged to her. She sighed and yanked on a simple pair of shorts and a t-shirt, not caring what Alice would say. She had other things on her mind. Renesmee opened her door and took a step back when she saw her father standing there, his face a mask of fury.
“Renesmee Carlie Cullen!” he growled. What had I done? I was sleeping…
“You disobeyed me last night. That’s what you did,” his eyes were like golden flames, burning deep in their sockets.
“Dad I just had to. I didn’t know what had happened. I didn’t know if any of you were going to get hurt,” Immediately his face softened. He passed a hand over her wet hair.
“I know. But you have to listen next time. I knew we would be fine but you just have to listen,” he said the last part through his teeth.
“I will Dad. Uh where’s Jacob?” His question was answered for her.
“Right here Ness,” Jacob appeared from behind her father, towering over him, dark circles under his dark black eyes. Her dad rolled his eyes and disappeared down the stairs. Renesmee heard her mother whisper something to him. Renesmee looked up at Jacob, hesitant to touch him. His eyes were hollowed with pain, and he needed sleep badly. He took a step towards her and crushed his lips against hers and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground. Renesmee twisted her fingers in his hair just as he set her back.
“Good morning,” he murmured, life burning through his eyes. She smiled at him and she heard his heart stutter. Renesmee traced his smile with her fingers, making him shiver. He caught her hand and brushed his hand against her cheek, sending a tremor of heat through her.
“You look so tired,” She whispered. He sighed and sat down on her bed, pulling her onto his lap.
“Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up,” he murmured into her hair, brushing his lips against her cheek. Renesmee turned and wrapped her arms around him.
“It’s okay. You were here to help me get to sleep. I wouldn’t have been able to if not. Did you not sleep?” He shook his head and she kissed his cheek. He turned his head and brought his lips to hers.
“I love you Nessie. I really do,” Renesmee put her hand against his hot cheek, warming her cold hand.
“I think I love you more,” She said gleefully. He laughed and she smiled in response.
“I doubt it.” She growled and he kissed her cheek. His eyes drooped a bit. She put her hand on his cheek.
Sleep Jacob. We have forever. Sleep. She crooned to him. He smiled and kissed her hand, scooting back farther onto her bed.
“You know that your mine right?” he asked as he closed his eyes. He didn’t open his eyes to see her confused expression.
“Yes I know,” He chuckled.
“I may have to make that clear to Nahuel,” his voice trailed off and he started to snore. She laughed and kissed his forehead, climbing off her bed. She glanced back at him once before shutting the door.
The hallway was empty and she could hear quiet breathing down the hallway. Renesmee opened the door and poked her head through, the bright white light reflecting off the still bloody operating table.
“Hey Nessie,” Embry murmured. His arm was in a sling and his ribs were taped up tightly, though she knew he was already close to being healed by now. The spot on his neck looked old, only a puckered pink line.
“How you doing?” Renesmee asked. He smiled and touched her cheek.
“I’m good Nessie. Jake sleeping?” he cringed as he shifted his weight. She frowned.
“Yeah. He crashed the moment he closed his eyes,” Embry snorted. She smiled at him. The door opened behind her and Carlisle walked in, followed by Seth. She grinned at Seth.
“How’s Emma?” His face lit up.
“She’s amazing…I told her everything last night. She can’t believe that you didn’t tell her that Jacob and I were werewolves. I barely had any time with before…” he trailed off and glanced at Embry as Carlisle injected more morphine. It was something that his body would burn off quickly. But it would temporarily relieve him enough of the pain to sleep. Renesmee glanced back at Seth, Embry, and Carlisle before disappearing out of the room. She had nothing to do. She sighed, deciding not to talk to Alice or Rosalie since they would want to fix her outfit and hair. Renesmee jumped down the stairs and glanced at the piano. She had watched her father play for years. She was sure that she could do it… She sat down and brushed her hands against the keys, making the sound she wanted to. She let the music pound under her fingers and let it hum softly around the room. It was nothing that her father had ever played before. She closed her eyes and drifted into a sweeter tone, thinking of Jacob. She ended the song with a long high note, brushing her fingers like an expert over the keys. When she stopped she heard clapping. Renesmee turned and blushed. Her whole family was standing there. She ducked her head and her mother rolled her eyes, understanding yet again. Attention was not something Renesmee was exactly to fond of, though she didn’t mind it as much as her mother. Alice shrieked.
“Why do you insist on dressing like that?” Renesmee couldn’t help but growl. Emmett laughed.
“That’s the Ness I know. Jacob crashed in your room?” he asked. Renesmee nodded.
“I’m gonna go hunt,” Renesmee murmured to them. Alice danced along beside her.
“Can I come?” Renesmee looked into her gold eyes for a one moment and she realized she wanted to come to tell her something. Renesmee nodded. Alice hooked her arm through Renesmee’s and they jumped the river easily together. As soon as they were far enough away she looked over at Renesmee.
“There’s a bonfire tonight and Jacob, I think, is going to try and not go because of Embry. But he has to Nessie if you don’t want him to go crazy. So I just wanted to tell you out here so he couldn’t hear me,” Renesmee smiled and Alice hugged her, turning and disappearing back out towards the house. Renesmee sighed and closed her eyes, letting her smell and hearing take over. She heard a rustle in the trees a hundred yards away and the scent of a mountain lion drifted her way. She took off and crept up behind it, taking it down in about a minute. When she was finished and felt full she stood and brushed the leaves and dirt off of her arms. Sighing she sat down on the ground. She was so tired, though she had plenty of sleep. Renesmee wrapped her arms around her and rocked back and forth. She was breaking apart for some reason, having a panic attack.
“Ness?” a throaty voice asked her after a half an hour. She hadn’t moved. She felt Jacob stop behind her and his arms were suddenly around her, pulling her to her feet.
“What’s wrong?” his voice was panicked. She felt her wide eyes.
“I don’t know,” She whispered. He pulled her into his warm embrace and kissed the top of her head.
“Come on lets go back to the house,” he took her hand and she stopped, throwing herself around him. He looked down at her in confusion. She brought his mouth to hers and he leaned over, pulling her closer.
“Nessie what’s wrong?” he asked as he pulled away with a heavy voice.
“I don’t know!” She sobbed. A tear fell down her cheek and he flinched, brushing it away.
“Come on,” he murmured. This time he wrapped his arm around her, cloaking her with his heat. We walked at a human pace taking our time.
“Your taking me to the bonfire tonight right?” She asked. He stiffened around her and then relaxed, sighing.
“Do you want to go?” She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist as he kept walking.
“Yes. And both packs need you there,” She looked up to see his tight expression. He looked down at her, his black eyes connecting with her brown, and his face softened.
“We’ll go, but you’re not leaving my side.” Laughing Renesmee stretched up to kiss him. He picked her up to make it easier. He was so tall and she was so little, almost pixyish like Alice.
“I planned on it,” She whispered against his lips. He laughed and pulled her back towards the house.
*The way to First Beach*
“It’s cold,” Her teeth were chattering and there were goose bumps raised on her arms. Jacob chuckled and opened the door to her Porsche, cranking the heat. She shivered and he ran his hand over her face, leaving a trail of warmth. She shivered into his hand and he pulled away laughing.
“Where is it this time?” His eyes focused on the forest as we pulled out of the long drive.
“Down at First Beach,” She nodded and punched the gas, her stomach lurching when it streaked forward.
“Jeez Ness!” Jacob said his eyes wide with laughter. He kissed the top of her head but she noticed that his eyes were aware and sharp, looking for something she couldn’t see. He relaxed when she pulled into the tiny parking lot by the beach. She climbed out and he was at her side slinging his arm around her. She leaned into his warm arm. It was cold and the pink sweatshirt she had on was more for looks rather than keeping her warm. But Jacob would keep her warm. He pulled her down the beach and she spotted eighteen wolves, nineteen now counting Jacob, sitting around a giant bonfire.
Renesmee looked over to see Emma hand in hand with Seth. He was smiling brightly at her as she leaned into his side. The last guest dwindled out and Alice shut the door, bouncing up and down. Renesmee leaned into Jacob, exhausted. She put her hand on his cheek.
“Me too Ness. I’m tired just like you but I don’t think there through with you yet” he murmured. Renesmee stretched up on her toes and wrapped her arms around him. He kissed her quietly for a moment, the heat of his lips penetrating her skin.
“Will you two cut it out?” Her dad snapped irritably from behind them. Renesmee leaned around Jacob.
“I have to watch you and mum like this all the time,” he cringed.
“You had that one coming Edward,” Rosalie chimed, having changed into a pair of regular jeans and a light blouse. Emmett wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder.
“Can I show her now?” Alice wined, glancing at Renesmee’s parents. They laughed and her mother rolled her eyes, the enthusiasm all too familiar to her. Alice grabbed Renesmee’s hand and rolled her eyes when she grabbed Jacob’s, towing him along with her. She lead Renesmee towards the garage. Alice glanced at Jacob.
“Cover her eyes. Don’t let her peak,” her voice was serious. Renesmee heard her open the door and Jacob’s warm hands slid over her eyes. He kissed her cheek and lead her into the garage. Renesmee sighed.
“Okay! Open your eyes Ness,” She grabbed Jacob’s hands, keeping a firm hold on them. In front of her was a pretty black Porsche with a giant baby blue ribbon wrapped around it.
“You guys! I love it!” She shrieked, letting Jacob’s hand fall out of hers and running them hands against the car.
“That’s just from your mum and dad. While you were dancing Rose and I fixed your closet,” Alice said, her tone mischievous. Renesmee rolled her eyes.
“And our other gift was inviting Jacob. Rose was all against it but we convinced her. And now that you know the truth Jacob can come around more than he already does,”
“No please no!” Rosalie groaned. Renesmee laughed and turned around to hug her parents.
“Thanks for the car. I love it!” Renesmee chimed. Her mum released her and she hugged her dad.
“Thanks daddy,” She murmured, but Renesmee wasn’t thanking him for the car. She was thanking him for letting Jacob tell her. He laughed.
“Anything for our Nessie,” Jacob laughed as they eyed them funny and disappeared through the door. Renesmee looked up at Jacob and sighed. His warm arms wrapped around her and she leaned into him.
“You know Ness, my cars still better,” Renesmee pulled away and looked up at him.
“Mines newer,” She said, impersonating a snotty voice. He laughed and she pressed her lips against his. His arms tightened around her and she twisted her fingers in his hair. When he pulled away she was gasping for breath.
“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that,” he murmured against her forehead. Renesmee giggled and opened the door to her Porsche, sitting inside on the new fresh smelling leather. He climbed into the passenger side and she looked at him, forgetting where she was for the moment.
“Explain it to me. Please. Just one more time in detail,” he sighed and took her hand, kissing her forehead.
“Well we will use Quil and Claire for now. So Quil imprinted on Claire when she was just two years old. He loves her more than his own life, but he isn’t ‘in love’ with her. Because that would be wrong, really wrong.”
Renesmee just stared at Jacob, and nodded her head, listening to what he was telling her.
“This is how it’s different from love at first sight. Sometimes it’s more like how a mother feels about her newborn baby. How she would do anything to protect it. She would even give up her own life if it would save her child.”
“What Quil feels for Claire right now is comparable to a parent’s love, only he is even more tightly bound to Claire. Her parents will willingly set Claire free when she grows up. Quil will never be whole without her.”
“It works like this: At each stage of an imprint’s development, her, um let’s call him a guardian for now, becomes what they need most. When Claire was a toddler, Quil was the most diligent of nannies; He was indeed a third parent. Her actual parents had a hard time accepting that.” Jacob smiled briefly, as if he were recalling a fond memory.
“Every little thing she did delighted him. He couldn’t quit talking about each of her accomplishments. From printing her name for the first time to learning to tie her shoes, each event was a celebration. Now that Claire is a child, Quil is her favourite playmate; never getting tired of the games she loves, because he loves them too. They are best friends. When she becomes a young woman, Quil will still be her best friend, no doubt going on shopping trips, taking her to get her nails done, whatever it is she wants to do. If she needs to rebel a little, I’m sure he will sneak out with her to toilet paper the neighbour’s yard, and then help her clean it up the next day. He will keep all her secrets; she will never feel unloved or alone as long as Quil lives. Someday, when Claire is old enough and ready for an adult relationship, Quil will fall in love with her. They will be together until they die” Renesmee stared up at his black eyes, so full of love and adoration that it made her heart swell.
“So I can have you for forever?” She whispered, looking up at him. He laughed and pulled her onto his lap.
“Forever Ness. I’ll always be here.”
*Back in the house*
“There are still rules to this,” Jacob snorted from beside her and she leaned into his side, tucking her legs under her.
“You know Edward, I think she’s old enough to make her own decisions.” Her father snarled at him and Alice rolled her eyes, placing a bouquet of roses on the top of the piano where Renesmee’s parents sat. She danced back to Jasper who was sitting on the bottom of the stairs, and sat down in his lap, looking ever so graceful. Of course the party decorations had already been cleared away as if it had never happened. We hadn’t been in the car that long…
“She’s seven years old,” he growled as Jacob tightened his arm around her shoulder. We were all sitting in the living room after having coming back from being inside her Porsche.
“Actually she’s seventeen Edward. Her body aged past her actual age and you excepted that a long time ago,” Rosalie corrected as she walked through the front door. Emmett followed behind her, dripping wet from the pouring rain. He shook his hair out like a dog splattering the glass walls with watery drops of mud. Esme sighed and danced out of the room, into the kitchen, appearing again with cleaning supplies.
“Let me Esme,” Emmett said, grinning widely. She rolled her eyes and brushed past him, passing a hand against his shoulder. Emmett disappeared gracefully into the hallway hidden under the stairs and Rosalie followed him. Renesmee sighed and looked up at Jacob who had his eyebrows raised, looking at her father. Her father’s face was tight with anger. Jacob was probably playing with him, showing him thoughts that he shouldn’t. Renesmee pressed her hand against his cheek and he looked down at her.
Don’t make him mad Jacob. Or he’ll never let this work. Jacob chuckled and kissed her forehead.
“No worries Ness,” he murmured.
“If you stay here any longer mongrel you will have something to worry about,” Rosalie said, appearing out of the shadows, dried off and with a new set of clothes on. Emmett followed after her smiling like nothing was going on.
“Hey Blondie. Why do blondes always smile during lighting storms?” Rosalie scowled at him stood there with her arms crossed across her chest. Emmett slung his arm around her shoulder, his eyes zeroed in on the TV, which was of course on a football game.
“They think their picture is being taken,” Rosalie glided past him and smacked him in the back of the head. He didn’t even flinch. Renesmee sighed at them. Perhaps Rosalie and Jacob would never be friendly towards each other.
“Don’t count on it Ness,” Her father murmured. Renesmee narrowed her eyes at him. She wished her mind was her own.
“Me too.” he murmured to himself. Her mother sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist. He turned his attention to her.
“So uh are we done here?” Renesmee asked, trying to sound casual. It didn’t work. Her father looked up from her mother.
“No. There are rules. Your staying in this house for now. Until you at least finish high school. You have a curfew too. Eleven ‘o’ clock” Jacob groaned from beside her. Renesmee laughed and turned back to her father whose face was frozen with anger.
“Dad?” His face sassed for a moment and he ripped himself out of her mother’s arms. Everyone in the room stood all at once as a horrible painful howl shook the house. It sounded tortured, broken.
“Embry-” Jacob choked. His hands trembled and Renesmee watched as he exploded into his wolf form, out of the door.
“Jake!” Renesmee screamed, pain racking through her. Renesmee stepped to follow him but Rose’s vice like grip caught her arm.
“Nessie you have to stay here!” Her dad yelled. Alice yanked Jasper off the stairs.
“Carlisle!” she yelled. Carlisle appeared at the top of the stairs, Esme immediately at his side.
“Carlisle you have to come!” she yelled, rushing out the front door. Rosalie’s arm disappeared from around Renesmee and Emmett jumped the stairs to follow her. Her mother looked at her, her face torn.
“What’s going on?!” Renesmee yelled. But everyone had already disappeared out the front door. She watched as they disappeared into the night. Where was my Jacob? And who had howled like that? Her hands were trembling. Renesmee rushed upstairs and changed out of the white dress, throwing a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. She opened up her window and jumped out, landing quietly on the balls of her feet. She turned towards the front of the house and followed their scent. Running as fast as she could, Renesmee found them in five minutes, down on First Beach. She spotted Jacob first from where she was standing on one of the cliffs, overlooking everything. He was hovering in his giant wolf form, surrounded by eighteen wolves, the three newest wolves hovering on the edges. Renesmee could see from here that they all had their teeth gritted and were shivering, hovering over another wolf. Her parents pushed their way through the crowd, her mother resting her hand on Jacob’s shoulder. Carlisle bent down and Renesmee gasped. She could see from here the familiar grey fur of Embry Call’s back and neck was stained in blood. She watched Jacob shiver and phase, yanking his clothes on. No one paid any attention to him, not even her. Renesmee had to get down there. She turned and sprinted towards the road that would take her down to the beach. Once her feet hit the sand a few turned to look at her. Jacob turned as she pushed her way through the crowd.
“Renesmee,” Her father growled. She snarled back at him, barely registering the look on his face. Leah stood on the other side of Jacob, her grey fur standing up. Renesmee looked down at Embry. He was shaking.
“Embry. I need you to phase back to your human form. You have to. I can’t work on you if you don’t.” Carlisle murmured. Embry howled and Renesmee covered her ears, as the pack took a step back, whining. Leah jerked away and appeared on the side of one of the new wolves, Carson, leaning into his side. Embry’s horrible howl changed suddenly into a string of curses. Renesmee realized that while she had been looking at Leah and Carson, Embry had changed back. His eyes were wide with pain like he couldn’t see. Carlisle flung a blanket that one of the wolves had in their mouths around him.
“Jacob. I need him to come to my house. He’ll have to deal with the scent.” Jacob nodded firmly, his eyes tight. He scooped Embry up gently and Renesmee saw Sam appeared on his side, growling, the hair on the back of his neck standing up. Jacob ran towards the woods, back towards the Cullen house. Renesmee took off after him, aware that every wolf and vampire was following as well. After five minutes they were back. Embry had fallen unconscious as Jacob took him upstairs. Renesmee’s father rushed past her and opened up a door to a room that hadn’t been used in years. Jacob set Embry on the cold metal operating table. Carlisle reached into a drawer and grabbed a bag of morphine, hooking it up to him. Renesmee looked out the door and down the stairs to see that all of the wolves were on the front lawn. Seth and Leah had phased back and were in the house. They were used to being in the Cullen house.
“Jake,” She whimpered, fully seeing Embry’s damages. His neck was bleeding and his arm was limp at his side, probably broken.
“Jacob get her out of here,” Her father growled, aiding Carlisle, pulling a metal syringe out of a drawer. She pushed against Jacob, who’s eyes were hollow, but he picked her up into his arms. She closed her eyes as he disappeared into her room, shutting the door behind him, setting her on her bed.
“I’ll be right back,” he murmured. She gripped his hand.
“You’re not leaving me here,” She said through her teeth. He pulled her back up and she followed him down the stairs. His hand came down on Seth’s shoulder, patting it. She had never seen Seth look so sad and hurt. Jacob continued onto the front lawn.
“Carlisle will heal Embry. His ribs are already healing, and so are his arms. He’ll be fine. I want you all out patrolling tonight. None of them get near this house and none of them get back into La Push. They get anywhere near and you sound the alarm. Sam I need you to give that order to your pack.” Sam nodded and Renesmee knew that he was already telling them. They all looked so pained. Jacob’s pack was Seth, Leah, Embry, Quil, the new wolves, Carson, Payson, and Adam. Jacob nodded and they took off. Carson stopped and Leah ran her fingers through his fur.
“I’ll be there in a minute,” he nodded his large head, and disappeared into the woods.
“Jake, are you sure he’s gonna be okay?” She wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head into his side, tears pooling in her eyes. He sighed and shooed Leah and Seth away. Renesmee looked up at him and his hot fingers brushed the tears away as he pulled her back upstairs to her room. He set her down on her bed and Renesmee pulled him down to, leaning her head against him. She pressed her hand against his cheek, pulling herself up to look into his eyes.
What happened? She didn’t want to speak for fear that her voice would break. Jacob’s eyes were tight as he looked down at her.
“Embry was attacked,” he murmured.
“By who? Vampires?” She whispered. Renesmee felt him shake under her.
“No Nessie. Wolves. There’s another pack and they came to find us. But Embry was alone and they attacked him. I don’t know why and he doesn’t know either.” She looked up.
“Don’t leave me Jake. Please!” She cried, tears glistening on both of their cheeks. He brought her closer.
“I’m not leaving Nessie. I’ll stay with you. Just rest. I’ll be here when you wake up,” he murmured almost silently. She closed her eyes and fell asleep to the steady beating of the heart that belonged to her.
*When Renesmee woke up*
Jacob was not there when Renesmee woke up. But she wasn’t angry. She could hear his heavy beating heart a few doors down. She could also hear a streaming line of cusses coming from the room he was in. Embry must be awake again. She sighed and climbed out of her bed, her feet hitting the cold floor, continuing onto the bathroom, starting her shower. Renesmee let the hot water work through her muscles, washing away Jacob’s smell and the blood that Jacob had accidentally smeared against her arm when he had held her. She rubbed her favourite berry shampoo through her hair and stepped out, her skin still it’s same glowing pale. She sighed and dried off her hair with a towel, deciding to let it dry naturally, knowing that if she didn’t look suitable enough Alice and Rosalie would pounce. It was hard to believe that just yesterday she had had her seventeenth birthday party and Jacob had confessed that he belonged to her. She sighed and yanked on a simple pair of shorts and a t-shirt, not caring what Alice would say. She had other things on her mind. Renesmee opened her door and took a step back when she saw her father standing there, his face a mask of fury.
“Renesmee Carlie Cullen!” he growled. What had I done? I was sleeping…
“You disobeyed me last night. That’s what you did,” his eyes were like golden flames, burning deep in their sockets.
“Dad I just had to. I didn’t know what had happened. I didn’t know if any of you were going to get hurt,” Immediately his face softened. He passed a hand over her wet hair.
“I know. But you have to listen next time. I knew we would be fine but you just have to listen,” he said the last part through his teeth.
“I will Dad. Uh where’s Jacob?” His question was answered for her.
“Right here Ness,” Jacob appeared from behind her father, towering over him, dark circles under his dark black eyes. Her dad rolled his eyes and disappeared down the stairs. Renesmee heard her mother whisper something to him. Renesmee looked up at Jacob, hesitant to touch him. His eyes were hollowed with pain, and he needed sleep badly. He took a step towards her and crushed his lips against hers and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground. Renesmee twisted her fingers in his hair just as he set her back.
“Good morning,” he murmured, life burning through his eyes. She smiled at him and she heard his heart stutter. Renesmee traced his smile with her fingers, making him shiver. He caught her hand and brushed his hand against her cheek, sending a tremor of heat through her.
“You look so tired,” She whispered. He sighed and sat down on her bed, pulling her onto his lap.
“Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up,” he murmured into her hair, brushing his lips against her cheek. Renesmee turned and wrapped her arms around him.
“It’s okay. You were here to help me get to sleep. I wouldn’t have been able to if not. Did you not sleep?” He shook his head and she kissed his cheek. He turned his head and brought his lips to hers.
“I love you Nessie. I really do,” Renesmee put her hand against his hot cheek, warming her cold hand.
“I think I love you more,” She said gleefully. He laughed and she smiled in response.
“I doubt it.” She growled and he kissed her cheek. His eyes drooped a bit. She put her hand on his cheek.
Sleep Jacob. We have forever. Sleep. She crooned to him. He smiled and kissed her hand, scooting back farther onto her bed.
“You know that your mine right?” he asked as he closed his eyes. He didn’t open his eyes to see her confused expression.
“Yes I know,” He chuckled.
“I may have to make that clear to Nahuel,” his voice trailed off and he started to snore. She laughed and kissed his forehead, climbing off her bed. She glanced back at him once before shutting the door.
The hallway was empty and she could hear quiet breathing down the hallway. Renesmee opened the door and poked her head through, the bright white light reflecting off the still bloody operating table.
“Hey Nessie,” Embry murmured. His arm was in a sling and his ribs were taped up tightly, though she knew he was already close to being healed by now. The spot on his neck looked old, only a puckered pink line.
“How you doing?” Renesmee asked. He smiled and touched her cheek.
“I’m good Nessie. Jake sleeping?” he cringed as he shifted his weight. She frowned.
“Yeah. He crashed the moment he closed his eyes,” Embry snorted. She smiled at him. The door opened behind her and Carlisle walked in, followed by Seth. She grinned at Seth.
“How’s Emma?” His face lit up.
“She’s amazing…I told her everything last night. She can’t believe that you didn’t tell her that Jacob and I were werewolves. I barely had any time with before…” he trailed off and glanced at Embry as Carlisle injected more morphine. It was something that his body would burn off quickly. But it would temporarily relieve him enough of the pain to sleep. Renesmee glanced back at Seth, Embry, and Carlisle before disappearing out of the room. She had nothing to do. She sighed, deciding not to talk to Alice or Rosalie since they would want to fix her outfit and hair. Renesmee jumped down the stairs and glanced at the piano. She had watched her father play for years. She was sure that she could do it… She sat down and brushed her hands against the keys, making the sound she wanted to. She let the music pound under her fingers and let it hum softly around the room. It was nothing that her father had ever played before. She closed her eyes and drifted into a sweeter tone, thinking of Jacob. She ended the song with a long high note, brushing her fingers like an expert over the keys. When she stopped she heard clapping. Renesmee turned and blushed. Her whole family was standing there. She ducked her head and her mother rolled her eyes, understanding yet again. Attention was not something Renesmee was exactly to fond of, though she didn’t mind it as much as her mother. Alice shrieked.
“Why do you insist on dressing like that?” Renesmee couldn’t help but growl. Emmett laughed.
“That’s the Ness I know. Jacob crashed in your room?” he asked. Renesmee nodded.
“I’m gonna go hunt,” Renesmee murmured to them. Alice danced along beside her.
“Can I come?” Renesmee looked into her gold eyes for a one moment and she realized she wanted to come to tell her something. Renesmee nodded. Alice hooked her arm through Renesmee’s and they jumped the river easily together. As soon as they were far enough away she looked over at Renesmee.
“There’s a bonfire tonight and Jacob, I think, is going to try and not go because of Embry. But he has to Nessie if you don’t want him to go crazy. So I just wanted to tell you out here so he couldn’t hear me,” Renesmee smiled and Alice hugged her, turning and disappearing back out towards the house. Renesmee sighed and closed her eyes, letting her smell and hearing take over. She heard a rustle in the trees a hundred yards away and the scent of a mountain lion drifted her way. She took off and crept up behind it, taking it down in about a minute. When she was finished and felt full she stood and brushed the leaves and dirt off of her arms. Sighing she sat down on the ground. She was so tired, though she had plenty of sleep. Renesmee wrapped her arms around her and rocked back and forth. She was breaking apart for some reason, having a panic attack.
“Ness?” a throaty voice asked her after a half an hour. She hadn’t moved. She felt Jacob stop behind her and his arms were suddenly around her, pulling her to her feet.
“What’s wrong?” his voice was panicked. She felt her wide eyes.
“I don’t know,” She whispered. He pulled her into his warm embrace and kissed the top of her head.
“Come on lets go back to the house,” he took her hand and she stopped, throwing herself around him. He looked down at her in confusion. She brought his mouth to hers and he leaned over, pulling her closer.
“Nessie what’s wrong?” he asked as he pulled away with a heavy voice.
“I don’t know!” She sobbed. A tear fell down her cheek and he flinched, brushing it away.
“Come on,” he murmured. This time he wrapped his arm around her, cloaking her with his heat. We walked at a human pace taking our time.
“Your taking me to the bonfire tonight right?” She asked. He stiffened around her and then relaxed, sighing.
“Do you want to go?” She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist as he kept walking.
“Yes. And both packs need you there,” She looked up to see his tight expression. He looked down at her, his black eyes connecting with her brown, and his face softened.
“We’ll go, but you’re not leaving my side.” Laughing Renesmee stretched up to kiss him. He picked her up to make it easier. He was so tall and she was so little, almost pixyish like Alice.
“I planned on it,” She whispered against his lips. He laughed and pulled her back towards the house.
*The way to First Beach*
“It’s cold,” Her teeth were chattering and there were goose bumps raised on her arms. Jacob chuckled and opened the door to her Porsche, cranking the heat. She shivered and he ran his hand over her face, leaving a trail of warmth. She shivered into his hand and he pulled away laughing.
“Where is it this time?” His eyes focused on the forest as we pulled out of the long drive.
“Down at First Beach,” She nodded and punched the gas, her stomach lurching when it streaked forward.
“Jeez Ness!” Jacob said his eyes wide with laughter. He kissed the top of her head but she noticed that his eyes were aware and sharp, looking for something she couldn’t see. He relaxed when she pulled into the tiny parking lot by the beach. She climbed out and he was at her side slinging his arm around her. She leaned into his warm arm. It was cold and the pink sweatshirt she had on was more for looks rather than keeping her warm. But Jacob would keep her warm. He pulled her down the beach and she spotted eighteen wolves, nineteen now counting Jacob, sitting around a giant bonfire.
