The walk through the woods was quiet, but not silent. I could hear everything: the wind threading through the trees, the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet, the steady rhythm of Jacob's paws beside me. He stayed close, brushing against my side every so often, like he was reminding me he was still there.
Alice and Jasper walked slightly ahead, their movements fluid and effortless. I followed behind them, trying not to feel like a stranger in my skin. The bite in my side throbbed with every step, a reminder of the wolf's teeth and the chaos I'd barely escaped.
The Cullen house came into view, a structure of glass and wood nestled into the forest like it belonged there. It was beautiful in a way that felt unnatural. Too perfect. Too still.
We reached the porch together.
The brunette woman beside Carlisle at the front stood tall, her expression soft and welcoming. "Come in," she said, her voice like a warm blanket. "You're safe here."
I hesitated, just for a moment. Then Jacob nudged me gently, and I stepped inside. When I did, I turned around and found that Jacob didn't move at all. I look at him, confused, and start to make my way back towards him.
He turned to the side and gestured with his head at his back leg. There I see a small backpack tied to it.
My confusion doesn't last long as Carlisle speaks up. "Ahh, it seems he wants to transform back to his human form before coming in." Jacob nodded at him.
Jacob nods once, ears flicking toward me like he's checking to see if I'm okay with that.
"Ooh," I say quietly, not sure what to make of this new information. Carlisle calls for the rest of his family to come inside to give Jacob some privacy.
Jacob wastes no time once they are gone.
One second, he's fur and muscle and warmth. The next, the russet wolf who held my world together is gone—replaced by the man I saw the moment I first locked eyes with my beastly companion.
And wow.
He's tall. Easily over six feet, with a body that looks like it was carved from sun-drenched stone. His skin is a rich bronze, glowing even in the shade, and his short black hair curls slightly at the edges. His eyes—those same golden-brown eyes—are locked on mine, and he's wearing what can only be described as a goofy, lopsided smile.
He looks just as nervous as I feel.
If I could blush, I'd be on fire.
I glance down, trying to avoid his gaze, and then I see it.
Wow. Just… wow.
I know it's inappropriate. I know I shouldn't be looking. But once I do, I can't seem to look away. My brain short-circuits. Jacob tilts his head, confused, then follows my gaze.
A beat passes.
Then his entire upper body flushes red, like someone lit a match under his skin.
"Oh my God—I'm sorry!" I blurt, turning away so fast I nearly twist my injured side. I cover my face with both hands, mortified. "I wasn't—I didn't mean to.
Dumbass. Now he's gonna think you're some perv.
Jacob laughs low and warm and slightly strangled. "Sorry," he says, brushing off my apology with a sheepish grin. "It's my fault. I was distracted."
I peek through my fingers. "Distracted?"
He shrugs, still flushed. "You're just so beautiful."
"Thanks, you're very handsome as well," I say, just barely meeting his eyes. Pull yourself together. I know he's hot, but you need to stay focused.
He reaches out, gently brushing his fingers against my arm, careful not to touch the wound. "We should probably go inside. You ready?"
I glance at the door, then back at him. "Not even a little."
"Good," he says. "Me neither."
We walk in together.
Carlisle was already waiting in the living room, his eyes calm and assessing. The two who had originally chased me before moved to linger near the stairs, watching with quiet curiosity.
Carlisle was already moving toward me, his expression calm and kind. "May I take a look?" he asked, gesturing to my side.
I nodded, slowly.
Jacob stepped back just enough to give Carlisle room, but stayed close, his eyes locked on mine. I sat on the edge of a leather couch, stiff and unsure, while Carlisle knelt beside me and gently peeled back the shredded shirt.
The bite mark was angry and deep, ragged from Sam's teeth, edged with a black liquid leaking slowly from the wound. Carlisle's brow furrowed.
"This will heal," he said quietly. "But it's going to take time. You will need to stay still to let it heal. We might have to make some adjustments depending on how your ribs fuse back together. So try to keep your breathing to a minimum. Understood?"
I nod. Silence fell for a moment.
You're still very new, aren't you?" He asked.
"Yes, I was changed maybe four days ago." I paused at the deep inhale from Jacob. He was vibrating. A dark cloud came over his expression. I took his hand, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.
"Riley changed me. He said that he was creating us to combat a rival clan. I have no interest in their war." I glanced at their leader, gagging at his expression.
"I promise you—it's not what you think," I said, words rushing out. "I only worked with them today because I was scared. I won't hurt you. Or your family. Just… l-let us go, and I swear you'll never have to see me again. Please, I—"
Carlisle raised a hand, and my voice faltered.
"Easy," he said gently. "We have no intention of holding you accountable. You were taken advantage of. Used. We brought you here to talk about your situation—and," his eyes flicked to Jacob, "to offer guidance, if you'll allow it."
I nodded slowly, the tension in my chest loosening just a little.
Jacob cleared his throat, his voice low and uncertain. "When I imprinted on… him, I was surprised. There's no record of something like this happening before. For years, we thought imprinting was about finding a mate to help strengthen the pack's future. A way to build the next generation."
He paused, squeezing my hand tighter. "But I'm happy it's you," he added in a rush, eyes locked on mine.
My heart stuttered. I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips.
Around us, the Cullens exchanged amused glances. I heard someone whisper, "Oh, to be young and in love," followed by a sharp slap from the blonde next to him.
Jacob turned back to Carlisle, his tone more serious now. "I'm sorry to ask this, but… could we stay here for a while? I can't take him back home. And I don't want to leave him on his own."
"You're leaving?" The words escaped me before I could stop them, cracking in the air like glass.
Of course, he had to go. He had a whole life he needed to get back to.
A life I had no part in. At least not yet.
But my heart wasn't ready.
My body moved before I could think, throwing myself into his arms like he was the only thing keeping me tethered to this world. Pain flared in my side, sharp and vicious, but I didn't care. I clung to him, desperate and shaking.
Carlisle stepped forward, concern etched into his features. "Careful—your wound—"
I hissed at him, protective and raw. My body was screaming, but my soul was louder. Jacob froze for a moment, his heart pounding. Then, his arms wrapped around me, strong and sure. He held me close, one hand rubbing slow circles into my back, the other cradling the back of my head.
"It's okay," he whispered, voice low and soothing. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise. You're safe."
I couldn't speak. Couldn't think. I buried my face in his neck, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calm the storm inside my head. His warmth seeped into my skin, grounding me in a way nothing else could.
Eventually, the panic ebbed. My breathing slowed. But I didn't let go.