Chapter Text
The wolves of old were hideous things.
In the presence of the full moon they were covered in fur. Long gangly limbs, with sharp claws, deformed faces somewhere between human and beast. Short snouts with gaping maws that almost constantly drooled with razor sharp teeth clear to see even when they managed to close their mouths. Tall and muscular, flashing yellow eyes.
In the absence of the moon, however, they were less than human. Frail, weak things that cowered in the light of day and constantly hunched over to curl into themselves. Sickly pale skin and hollow empty eyes. Pathetic, sad, worthless. So completely taken in by their curse that they seemed to see nothing else, merely existing until they took their wolf form month to month. Guilt ridden by their actions, ashamed of their natures. Ashamed of themselves.
Absolutely worthless. They were barely worth hunting if they weren't in their wolf forms.
These wolves however, seem different.
Felix stared at the girl sitting at the table in the small kitchen. Completely ignoring the female vampire that moved around her, setting out food. Casting a wary glance to the Volturi guard every few seconds as he casually leaned against the wall, watching the wolf without blinking.
The wolf didn't spare him a glance though it was obvious that she was very aware of his presence.
There's a smell around her, the same scent that he caught on Edward's... mate. His fiancé, Jacob.
It was sharp, striking, meant to ward away rather than draw you in. Then again, everything about these wolves was absolutely striking.
The girl, Leah Clearwater, is tall, lean, covered in smooth bronze skin. As if sunlight seemed to absorb and reflect off of her. Dark eyes, not black, a very dark grey that could only be seen when you look at her from a certain angle and short black hair, choppily cut, practical but odd with a sort of chaos to the way the raven locks had been ruffled. She changed her clothes, much to Felix' disappointment. Gone were the pink p.j's, she now wore a pair of blue jeans with a green tank top. When he made his presence known to the girl Esme seemed to hear his voice and immediately rushed into the room, putting herself between the wolf and Volturi guard.
Pity, things were just about to get interesting.
Unlike the wolves of old, Leah did not cower in the presence of a vampire. Her human form didn't fold into itself or crumble, he saw no fear in her eyes. First there was shock, surprise and then... rage.
He could feel it practically vibrate off of her form. Reflected so clearly in those fierce dark eyes. Eyes that, now, refuse to even glance at him for a moment, refusing to give him any acknowledgement.
He almost scoffed at the thought.
Esme did look at him, taking a shallow breath before she then looked at the girl.
"I hope you're hungry."
“Thank you, Esme.”
“You’re welcome.”
“That’s quite the appetite.” Felix said, Esme’s gaze snapped up to the vampire and Leah’s hands clenched on the tabletop, “I suppose it makes sense, your heartbeat is quite fast. An accelerated metabolism?”
He didn’t expect either of them to answer him, but the wolf girl surprised him as she finally looked him right in the eyes. Not exactly fearless, but not afraid either.
“What do you want?”
Felix scoffed, “You know why I am here in Forks. I am a member of the Volturi, my master is fascinated by your desire to become a vampire. I’m simply here to observe on his behalf.”
“Your master?”
“Lord Aro.”
Leah scoffed, “Lord Aro.” She repeated in a mockingly. Esme seemed to tense up even more before she simply let out a sigh of her own and turned to face the other vampire.
“You’ve seen her. Isn’t that enough?”
“No.” Felix said simply, “I mean no intrusion.” He walked over to the table walking right by Esme, while Leah’s eyes tracked his movements as he pulled out the chair opposite to the wolf and sat down. “Please, eat. You’ll need all your strength if you’re going to make the transition. It would displease my master greatly if you ended up dying before he could see you turn.”
Leah’s jaw clenched as she simply glared at the vampire, “What do you want?”
Felix smirked, “Only to talk.” Then he looked over to Esme, “A little privacy, Madame Cullen.”
Esme frowned, “Why?”
Felix’ head gave a tilt, “Do I need a reason?”
Esme glared at the vampire when Leah suddenly spoke.
“It’s O.K, Esme.”
“Leah-“
“I’ll be fine. I should be getting used to this anyway, right? Besides,” She said not taking her eyes off of the Volturi guard and Felix couldn’t help but feel infinitely amused. “His master needs me alive for now. I’ll be fine.”
Esme hesitated, “If – If you’re sure Leah.”
“I’m fine.”
“Alright… I won’t be far, if you need anything.”
Leah said nothing and Esme hesitated again before she turned and left the cottage. Once the door closed Felix moved, Leah tensed and the vampire scoffed as he simply nudged the plate with the omelette and the other with toast closer to the girl.
“Like I said, you should eat.”
Leah held the vampire’s gaze for another moment before she simply reached forward to pick up a knife and fork and started eating. Felix said nothing as he watched her for a few moments, though she’d glance up at him every now and then. His presence was clearly distracting.
Felix’s head fell to the side as he took in her features. Fierce grey eyes and glowing bronze skin, choppy raven hair that brushed against her forehead and sides of her cheek.
“You’re quite beautiful.”
Leah stopped and stared at the vampire in confusion before she spoke with a full mouth.
“What?”
“You’re beautiful. It’s interesting, the wolves of old… they were all hideous, barely worth looking at. But you and… Edward’s mate, Jacob? Quite lovely.”
Leah swallowed and then frowned, “What?”
Felix scoffed, “You’re to turn after Edward and Jacob wed, correct?”
“Yes.”
He nodded, “It’ll be interesting to see how you change, if you change. Carlisle says you’re not real wolves, you’re shapeshifters?”
“And?”
“Is that the only form you can take, a wolf? You can’t turn into anything else?”
“What for?”
“Why not?” Felix asked simply and Leah huffed out a sigh.
“This is the form my ancestors chose.”
“So, it’s more of a tradition? Why not try to turn into something else?”
“There’s no reason to.” Leah bit out irritably as she reached over for the coffee to take a sip, “Is that it?”
Felix arched a brow at her before his head fell to the side in a tilt, “Do you know, of the risks you face in becoming a vampire?”
“Yes.”
“And yet you still choose to turn. Why?”
“Why did you become a vampire?”
He shrugged moving to put his right ankle on his left knee, “Immortality and everlasting youth, isn’t that reason enough?”
He was surprised when the wolf pulled a face, her features twisting in disgust as if she just tasted something unpleasant though she started eating again.
“That’s not why I’m turning.”
“Why are you turning?”
“None of your business.” Leah hissed as she finished off the toast and pulled the pancakes with butter and syrup closer.
Felix scoffed, “Very well. I think for now it would be best to educate you on our laws.”
“Your laws?” She asked, with yet another mouthful of food. She’ll need to correct her behaviours if she’s to make a good impression on Lord Aro, for the moment however, he found her mannerisms charming. Utterly human. It’s been a while since he’s been in the presence of a human – one that he wasn’t hunting that is. He heard her heartbeat thrumming away in her chest and the heat… the heat that radiated right off of the wolf’s form was making quite the impression on him. Even sitting across from him at the table, he could feel it.
“We have laws among our kind, that allow us to maintain peace and allows us to avoid attracting attention from the humans. I’m sure you have something similar in your… pack?”
Leah finished chewing, “Do the Cullens know about these laws?”
“Yes.”
“Then they can tell me. Are you done now?”
Felix scoffed, “I’m here right now, I might as well tell you myself.”
Leah rolled her eyes, taking in a very deep breath before letting it out as she kept eating.
“Whatever.”
“As a vampire, it is important that you always maintain discretion. Do not allow any humans to know what you are, never let them know of your true nature.”
“Fine.”
Is all the girl said as she kept eating, Felix took in a deep breath. There’s that smell. Slightly different from the scent of the wolves of old. Less sharp, not quite as bad. The wolves of old smell of decay, wet fur covered in rot.
“You should also be careful about anyone you should choose to turn into a vampire-“
“I don’t plan on turning anyone.”
“If you do, they will be your responsibility. You will be liable for their actions, even if they aren’t operating under your orders.”
“It won’t matter.” Leah said clearly as she took a sip from her coffee cup, “I’m not turning anyone into a vampire.”
“You may change your mind on that. For example, if you come into contact with a human that you wish to take as your mate. You’ll need to turn them if you want to spend your life with them.”
Leah paused, “I wouldn’t do that to someone I cared about.”
“But you’d do it to yourself?” He asked with an arched brow, “Why are you turning, when you clearly hate everything about vampirism? Is it just to stop Bella Swan from turning?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
The girl huffed, “Why do you care?”
“Why shouldn’t I? You realise that Lord Aro will ask you the same questions that I’m asking of you now and he will expect you to answer. If he is unsatisfied with your responses he could deny you your request to turn. Not even Carlisle would defy the Volturi.”
Leah stopped and took in a deep breath, looking over to a spot on the wall behind him, “I’m… unhappy with my life.”
“Why?” He asked and the shifter shook her head, her hand clenching around her fork before she spoke.
“There is a bond that exists among the shapeshifters of the La Push pack. A bond that keeps us tied together. There’s nothing you can do to get rid of that bond short of death.”
“So you’re choosing death?” He asked and the girl flinched. His lips pursed for a moment, “You are hoping that becoming a vampire will sever this bond?”
“Yes.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
“Well then, I’m shit out of luck.” She mumbled as she started eating again. Felix frowned.
“Why does this bond make you unhappy?”
“Being tied to the pack means being tied to every member of the pack.”
“Including those you’d rather not be tied to.” He finished for her. She said nothing. Felix scoffed, “Who is it that broke your heart so cruelly, that you’d be willing to risk your life to get away from them?”
Leah stopped and then looked up sharply at the vampire, “Are you done with your laws, or whatever?”
“No, there’s one more that’s most important. The law concerning immortal children.”
“Immortal children?”
“Children, turned into vampires.” Leah blinked, her mouth opened in shock. Felix gave a slight shrug, “There are some that would attempt to turn a child into a vampire, this is something that is not allowed.”
Leah looked appalled, “Wha-… why would anyone do that?”
Felix shrugged, “The want for a child. You realise that you are giving that up as well, don’t you? If you become a vampire, you’ll be incapable of conceiving a child.”
“I’m incapable of that now.” Leah said shortly, letting out a deep breath before she picked up a fork again, “I’d never turn a child into a vampire.”
Felix arched a brow in question but didn’t ask, “That’s good.” He shifted a bit in his seat. "Leah Clearwater, I'm sure you'll become quite the vampire."
"Whatever."
"You trust Carlisle to be the one to turn you?"
"Who else would I trust?"
"There was one more thing, my master has requested that I propose to you. An offer."
Leah looked up at him with a frown, "What offer?"
"He's especially excited to see what your transformation will look like and of course, he would be willing to wait for your turning in after the wedding, however..." Felix paused, "He'd be especially pleased if you joined the Volturi and allowed us to turn you instead."
The wolf blinked, "Excuse me?"
"Nomad vampires aren't uncommon, however, for fledglings it’s always best to start out in a coven, to have a competent sire to help and guide you. Lord Aro-"
"Wants me to join his coven?" Leah laughed, it was a loud startling sound, almost like a bark. "No."
"There is much to be gained from joining the Volturi. Lord Aro is willing plans to make you one of his crown jewels-"
"I said no." Her voice hardened with a growl, eyes flashing dangerously, "I'm not joining your stupid coven."
Felix arched a brow at her, "So you are loyal to Carlisle and the Olympic coven?"
"I'm loyal to my alpha."
"Alpha?" Felix asked and the girl seemed to blink and pulled back, like she said something she hadn't intended to say. The shifter looked away.
"Carlisle said he'd turn me, so he's turning me." Leah said after taking in a deep breath and then looking up at him again, "I've spent too long doing things that I don't want. The Olympic coven is turning me and if I'm joining any group of leeches, it'll be them. Are we done now?"
Her eyes were flashing again, Felix was surprised by the impulse to smile and did just that.
"So spirited. Very well, Master Aro will be dissappointed-"
"Too bad." Leah said as she started eating again, "Are you leaving now, or are you hungry too?"
He chuckled, "Don't tease me, Leah Clearwater." Felix grinned, all teeth. Leah glared.
"Goodbye."
Felix let out a dramatic sigh as he got up to leave the room, turning around only to stop.
"One more question. You said you are loyal to your alpha. I'm assuming you're not referring to Carlisle and you're in a tense situation with your tribe, correct? So you're alpha would be... Edward's mate, Jacob?"
Leah said nothing, she just kept glaring and Felix scoffed.
"I see. This conversation has been quite illuminating. We'll speak again some other time."
The shifter still said nothing so Felix continued on his way out of the cottage. He stopped, however, when he noticed the vampire leaning against the wall just outside. Her arms were down at her sides, her hands clenched.
"Aro wants Leah to join the Volturi?"
"It was a friendly invitation." Felix said lightly, "She's free to do whatever she wants."
Esme's lips pursed and Felix's head gave a tilt, "May I ask, madame Cullen; what is an alpha to the wolves?"
There was a moment, where she didn't move, didn't say a word and then simply shrugged as she folded her arms across her chest.
"That's something you'll have to ask the wolves."
Felix let out a snort as he started to walk away.
"Very well."
With that he disappeared.
Esme let out a heavy sigh, before she slumped against the wall.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“What do you think?”
Edward asked just as Jacob walked into the house and looked around. The shifter’s brows went up as his eyes scanned the room.
“It's nice.”
“Just nice?”
“Really nice.” Jacob said as he walked in further towards the centre of the opened planned space. Turning away from the kitchen area to look out over living room area, towards the large sliding door that showed a spectacular view of the beach and the ocean in the distance. He almost dropped his bag right there so he could walk over to the doors only to stop himself. The wood floors looked immaculate, he didn’t want to scuff them.
Edward gave a scoff as he walked over to the shifter carrying his own bag, “You don’t have to worry about anything here, Jacob. Relax, make yourself at home.”
“Sure.” Jacob said still taking in the view, his eyes seeming to widen with wonder and Edward couldn’t help but lean in to press a kiss on the shifter’s cheek-
Only to grunt when he was suddenly bumped into.
“Sorry bro!” Emmett said with a bright smile as he hauled what looked like three large bags in with him as he made his way towards he bedrooms. “Wow, it’s been ages since we came here. It looks a little different.”
Embry walked by Edward, he wasn’t carrying any bags so he was able to move around the telepath without bumping into him. He gave Edward a wry smile as he went to stand at Jacob’s side.
“Wanna check out the beach, Jake?”
“Yes.” Jacob beamed as he dropped his bag and headed over to the sliding doors with Embry following close behind.
Edward suppressed a sigh.
This is not how he imagined how things would go.
It was just two weeks before the start of the summer. Jacob was finishing off the term, Edward was occupied with organising their pre-honeymoon-thing with Esme helping him with the finer details, when the council decided to put a stop to all of that.
Apparently, while Billy trusted his son and didn’t mind him going on the trip with Edward. The council had a few distinct issues with the shifter running off with a leech with no one there to keep an eye on them. Which is when it was decided that Embry would be tagging along on the trip.
As alpha, Sam had to stay on the reservation. Jared and Quil both had imprints and couldn’t be away from them for too long. Colin and Brady were both too young and Paul had to stay because Sam needed him around if his beta was going to be gone on some trip for a while. Seth stayed because Sue refused to let him leave. Leah had to stay in Forks because the Volturi would have serious problems with her leaving town for any reason whatsoever. That left Embry as the only shifter who could tag along on the trip to keep an eye on them.
As for Emmett, he tagged along purely because he didn’t want to stay in Forks while Rose was away and Edward couldn’t think of a reason for why he couldn’t. With Embry around it’s not like they’ll have a lot of privacy anyway.
Edward almost sighed yet again as he watched the shifter open up the double doors leading out to the deck overlooking the beach. Jacob laughed at something that Embry said and he could hear Emmett rummaging around in the kitchen for some reason.
“Hey, there’s no food in here!”
“You don’t eat, Emmett.” He called back.
“Yeah, I know that, but what are the wolves supposed to eat?”
Edward sighed yet again as he tore his gaze away from Jacob, who’s skin was glowing from the warm afternoon sun as he grinned at the shifter beside him.
“Hang on.” He said as he walked on to the kitchen.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It’s been two days on isle Esme and things aren’t going the way that he had hoped they would be going.
They’re not going terribly. Jacob seems to be having fun and it’s not like Edward wants his fiancé to be miserable, but it would be nice if he could spend just a little bit of time alone with his future mate.
It didn’t help that Emmett didn’t seem to care about his brother’s annoyance at the situation. Emmett seemed to be having a great time with the shifters.
Initially, Jacob and Embry seemed a little awkward around Emmett, but the larger vampire wore them down eventually. Edward isn’t surprised, not really. Emmett was friendly and open and insatiably curious about the shifters. He seemed to be getting along very well with Jacob, almost annoyingly well.
Though that shouldn’t have come as a surprise to Edward. Emmett was friendly and bright, loud and incredibly social. The only reason Emmett remained so subdued at school was simply because of necessity. They couldn’t get too familiar with the humans for fear of exposure, but now, he’s in a situation where he could communicate freely and openly with beings outside of the family, beings that weren’t vampires. But not so human that he had to fear exposure or harm. Of course, he’d get along great with the shifters.
It made sense. That didn’t mean that Edward was any less annoyed by it.
Which is why he sat at the end of the kitchen table, brooding while Embry laughed and Jacob just scoffed at a story that his brother told as the shifters ate.
“Shut up.” Embry laughed picking up a fry to pop into his mouth and Emmett grinned.
“I’m serious."
"Yeah, sure." Jacob said with a smile that had Edward frowning in annoyance. He hasn't been able to get a smile like that out of the shifter.
"We can go right now. The cave's on the other side of the island and I'll show you." Emmett said and Embry shook his head.
"I'm still eating."
"I'm game." Jacob said wiping his hands on a dishcloth and Emmett grinned.
"Awesome! I-" He stopped just then, casting a glance over to the telepath before rolling his eyes hard.
'Jesus, alright fine, you big baby'
Edward frowned at the other Emmett sighed, "How about Edward shows you? I'll stick here with Embry till he finishes."
Edward blinked, "What-"
'You've been pining and pouting for days. You know, if you wanted private time all you had to do was ask'
"Embry?" Jacob asked and Embry shrugged.
"Dude, I'm hungry."
And then he who looked at Edward, head tilting to the side before. "Well?"
"Yes. We can go right now."
'You're welcome.' Emmett thought smugly and Edward would have rolled his eyes if he wasn't so grateful. Jacob got up from his seat.
"O.K, let's go. Embry-"
"I'll be fine." Embry waved him off and Jacob shrugged as he left the house with Edward in tow.
Emmett watched them go with a tilt of his head, resisting the urge to scoff when Embry suddenly spoke.
"God, is he always like that?"
Emmett looked back at the shifter with a frown, "Is who like what?"
"Edward, is he always so..." Embry cut himself off to take a sip of soda, "Piney?"
Emmett let out a startled laugh as the shifter continued, "It's creepy when he stares without blinking like that. You should tell him that it's creepy."
The vampire laughed again, "I'm not sure if that would help."
"I guess if there was any doubt before..." Embry trailed off and Emmett paused.
"Doubt about what?"
"This." Embry said gesturing around the room, "We weren't sure, you know? No offence but, we didn't think this whole thing with Edward and Jacob was... real."
"What did you think it was?"
Embry shrugged, "Sam thinks they're hiding something. That Jacob is lying about being in love with Edward. Most of the council too."
"And the pack?"
"We don't know what to think."
"Well, what do you think?"
The shifter paused, "I think... Jacob wouldn't do something like this without a good reason. If he says he loves Edward, it sounds insane but, I believe him."
Emmett nodded just before Embry spoke, "What about Edward? Does he-"
"It isn't obvious?"
Embry took in a breath before letting it out, "He seems like he's into Jacob, but, that doesn't mean he's in love with him."
"I dunno." Emmett said as he looked back at the door, "Edward... it’s hard to tell with him sometimes. Plus, he's weirdly-"
"Weirdly what?"
"Impulsive, I guess. I mean, before this he said he was in love with Bella and now suddenly it's Jacob. It feels weird, is all."
"Right."
"But he wouldn't do something like this for no reason either. With the Volturi around, pulling a stunt like this would be beyond stupid. Plus, you saw him, he doesn't get all piney like that for just anyone." Emmett started, "There was a long time where even Carlisle was worried about him. He didn't really take an interest in anyone. And then suddenly there was Bella and we thought that she'd be the one, you know? But the way he looks at Jacob, that's... different."
"Good different?"
Emmett scoffed, "Yeah. Good different."
Embry nodded, "Good."
Emmett watched as Embry took another bite from his sandwich, the shifter chewed and swallowed and then, "O.K, I'm gonna need you to stop staring like that too."
The vampire blinked before he let out a chuckle, "Sorry, I'm just... hungry."
"Oh..." The shifter swallowed slowly, "Do you need to go hunt or something?"
"No, I don't mean it like that." Emmett shook his head, "What do you wanna do till they get back?"
"We're not catching up with them?"
"Do you want to watch Edward watch Jacob for the next few hours?"
Embry cringed, "No."
"So what do you wanna do?"
Embry let out a heavy breath and sighed, lips twisting to the side and Emmett couldn't help but smile at how utterly human it all was. That's ignoring the heat he could feel coming off of the shifter on the other side of the table of course. His abnormally accelerated heartbeat, thumping softly somewhere in Embry's chest.
"What's there to do?"
Emmett shrugged, "Beach?"
Embry scoffed, "Sure, beach."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Wow."
A huge cave. A few feet inside before you make the turn, then a tunnel and then the further down you go a faint glow begins to build and grow until you reach the heart of the cave. It felt cool, a large pool of water in the centre reflecting bioluminescence against the walls and ceiling of the cave, bright glowing green and blue.
"And these are, like... worms?"
He heard the vampire chuckle beside him, "Arachnocampa luminosa. They're a type of fungus."
"Are they dangerous?"
"Not as long as you don't touch them." Edward said with a smile, Jacob had turned back to look around the cave. The soft glow in the room illuminating the shifter's russet skin and Edward had to fight against the urge to reach out and pull Jacob back against his chest into his arms. "They've been here since before Carlisle bought the island for Esme. Strange since they aren't indigenous to this region but, we try not to interfere with them."
Jacob nodded, "I thought muscle head was just fucking with us when he talked about glowing worms. But this is insanely cool."
"They look a bit different through our eyes." Edward said as he walked closer so he was standing by the shifter's side, "The fungi is more obviously... fungi, but still beautiful. Rosalie isn't too fond of coming in here. I think Emmett was just excited to show this to other people."
"Other people who aren't vampires?" Jacob asked with an arched brow and Edward scoffed.
"Yes."
Jacob paused, "You know, I've always wondered about that."
"Wondered about what?"
"You don't hunt humans, you hunt animals."
"Yes."
"Isn't the point, that it’s easier to be around humans because you don't hunt them?"
Edward paused as well, "That's not how it works."
"Then how does it work?"
"Hunting animals doesn't mean we don't still feel the thirst. It doesn't mean that we don't feel the urge to feed from humans. If anything it makes it worse. Feeding off of animals isn't natural for vampires, we can manage our thirst and hunger with animal blood but that doesn't mean the thirst for human blood fades."
Jacob frowned, "Then why do you go to school?"
"The illusion of normalcy."
"Going to school over and over again is normal?"
Edward let out a startled laugh, "It also makes it easier to explain ourselves when we move to a new area. So we don’t have to hide. Humans are less likely to notice that we aren't ageing if we start off as teenagers, normal teenagers go to school."
"I guess that makes sense."
"Besides, it does feel good having a routine. Having something to do on a day to day basis. We don't sleep-"
"So there's nothing else to do? Seriously?"
Edward's head gave a tilt, "What would you do?"
"What?"
"What would you do if you were a vampire?"
Jacob's face twisted, "I wouldn't turn."
"But if you didn't sleep and couldn't die, what would you do?"
The shifter blinked, "I... don't know. I wouldn't go to school over and over again."
"Well, what about now? What do you want to do with your life now, Jacob?"
The question seemed to catch the shifter off guard, he hesitated and turned around to walk in further into the cave.
‘I don’t-‘
“What have you been doing for a hundred years? Besides going to school?” Jacob countered, somewhat defensively. Edward didn’t take it personally. Jacob’s young, its normal for him to not have any specific plans in mind right now. He still has his whole life ahead of him, he doesn’t have to decide anything right now. But whatever Jacob decides, they can do it together.
Edward shrugged as he followed behind the wolf, “We don’t just go to high school, you know. We go to college as well.”
“Really?”
“I have a few masters degrees, mostly in languages and the liberal arts. Carlisle has multiple doctorates in medicine, sciences-“
‘Wow’ Jacob stopped to turn back and look at the vampire as he continued.
“But besides that I’ve travelled, taken the time to see the world, just to try and see what it has to offer.”
“And now?”
“Now I have you.” Edward smiled, “It’s all good and well to try and keep yourself occupied after you’ve turned but, none of those things you do feel quite as fulfilling when you’re doing them on your own. When you don’t have anyone special to share it with.”
Jacob paused, “You have your family, right?”
“It’s not quite the same.” The telepath let out a soft scoff, “After the wedding, once you’ve finished with school; we can go away if you’d like. See the world. I know you may not have a clear idea of what you want to do with your future right now Jacob, but seeing the world might give you a better picture of what you could have.”
The shifter shook his head, “I’m not sure about that.”
“Why not?”
‘Shifters don’t leave the reservation’
The thought was quiet, stated as a matter of fact and Edward frowned as the wolf spoke.
“I need to stay close to home.”
“You’re not the only wolf in La Push, Jacob. I’m sure the pack would be fine without you for a few months at least.”
Jacob didn’t look back.
‘You don’t get it’
“It’s more complicated than just that.”
“You’re not in Forks right now.”
“Just for the next few weeks.”
“And La Push hasn’t fallen apart just yet.” Edward said and Jacob scoffed. “I’m not telling you to leave the reservation indefinitely, just take some time for yourself to do what you want.”
Jacob finally turned around to look at the vampire, “As long as you’re there with me, right?”
Edward paused, “It would be hard for me, to be away from my mate.”
Jacob sighed, “Right…” He looked around the cave, up at the ceiling and over towards the waters, rippling slightly. “Your mate… You don’t have to lay it on so thick you know, you already got me here, didn’t you? We’re supposed to get married soon.”
“I want you to be happy, Jacob. And, yes, I want to be part of that happiness.” Edward said as he walked closer to the shifter, “After you graduate, we can go anywhere you want and it doesn’t have to be indefinitely, just for a few weeks.”
“Yeah?” Jacob scoffed, “Where ya gonna take me? Paris?”
“Maybe.”
‘You’re so cheesy-‘
“Or maybe London. Italy or Greece.” Edward added as he stopped at the shifter’s side. Said shifter gave him a very tired look. His lips pursed and his head tilted to the side as he looked up at the vampire. Edward resisted the urge to suck in a breath. Jacob smells different up close and they’re standing so close that he can feel the heat coming off of the younger man, breathing isn’t an option right now.
If he catches Jacob’s scent he doesn’t know if he’ll be able to stop himself from dragging the younger man in close and kissing him. But he can’t do that.
Edward likes to think that he’s been doing good so far, he’s been trying to give Jacob space. Trying not to force his presence on the shifter more than necessary. Edward is aware, constantly aware, of the fact that Jacob isn’t exactly a willing participant in this situation. He knows that he shouldn’t be doing what he’s doing but-
He can’t stay away.
Jacob’s lips pulled into a frown, “I don’t really know anything about any of those places.”
“I can show you.”
Jacob was quiet for another moment and Edward couldn’t help but search the shifter’s mind to see what he was thinking.
‘He needs to stop doing that’
The telepath frowned only for his eyes to go wide when the shifter suddenly stepped forward and leaned up to kiss him. Like the first time that Jacob kissed him, Edward froze, his mind went blank for a brief second and then the shifter pulled back. It was a simple press of skin against skin but Edward still gasped when the younger man pulled back.
“Jacob-“
“That’s what you wanted, right? You need to stop staring… It’s weird.” Jacob said. Edward would have flushed bright red in embarrassment if he were able. Thankfully he couldn’t so he was able to retort-
“You make it hard when you look like that.”
Jacob blinked and Edward felt a sense of victory wash over him when the shifter flushed just a bit. It was barely visibly in the glow of the algae, but Edward could feel the younger man blush.
“Shut up.”
Jacob turned to step away only for Edward to finally give into the impulse he’s been fighting since they got to the island and pulled the shifter into his arms. As always, the first thing that hit him is the heat, now pressed right up against him and so Edward wasted no time before he leaned in and kissed the shifter again.
Jacob tensed up when the vampire’s lips met his own, he let out a muffled yelp. Edward’s hands went up to cup his face, turning his head to deepen it. Jacob’s hands clenched on his arms for a brief moment before he relaxed and returned the kiss.
That surprised him.
Despite the kiss that Jacob gave him he still hadn’t expected the shifter to kiss him back. He was brought back to the first time that Jacob kissed him. The shock clouded over most of what the vampire was feeling but since then he’s been careful to make sure that he paid attention. He took note of not only the warmth coming from the shifter’s body but also Jacob’s scent. Forest and wet earth after the rain, much clearer and so much better once he’s close to the shifter.
Jacob’s lips were a little chapped but still full, parting almost hesitatingly to accept the vampire’s own and Edward felt like his brain might malfunction a little when the shifter let out an almost indiscernible moan.
‘Cold’
He almost pulled back at the thought from the younger man only for Jacob to pull himself a little closer. Of course, since shifters are so warm his cold skin must feel like relief. For the first time in years, Edward was almost grateful for that particular side-effect of his condition. Edward wrapped his arms around the shifter’s waist to embrace him just before he finally convinced himself to break the kiss.
He watched the shifter’s eyes flutter open, but he didn’t look up at the vampire. Edward’s head gave a tilt and his lips pulled into a smile.
“Are you alright?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Jacob said with a roll of his eyes as he made to pull out of the vampire’s grasp, only for said vampire to grab hold of him again just as he’d turned, holding the wolf from behind and resting his chin on Jacob’s shoulder.
“It must be hard. Dealing with the heat.”
“…I’m fine.”
“I’m not.” Edward said and Jacob turned his head to look at the vampire. Edward smiled, “It feels good holding you. Your warmth is calming for me.”
The wolf glared.
‘I see what you’re doing’
“And?”
“And nothing. I just want to hold you.” Edward said taking in a deep breath, “I’m really happy that we’re here together, Jacob.”
Jacob looked away and huffed out a breath, “The island is nice.”
“And the company?”
‘Nice try’
“I’m not boosting your ego just cause you want me too.”
Edward rolled his eyes, even as he smirked “I’m happy to be here with you.”
“You already said that-“
Jacob stopped when Edward leaned in to press a kiss against his neck, right there over his pulse. “Though I’m not happy about sharing you with Emmett and Embry. I’m happy that we got to have this time together before the wedding, honestly, I could spend the rest of our lives with us together just like this.”
Jacob kept still, but still scoffed before he spoke, “In a dark cave?”
Edward laughed, “Anywhere as long as it’s with you.”
The shifter went quiet for a brief moment and then-
“What do you want Edward?”
“What?”
“You’re just talking about me again, but what to do you want?”
It was Edward’s turn to be caught off guard, but then he remembered the conversation that they had back in Forks, before the summer started. He remembered how Jacob told him that he didn’t want the vampire treating him like he did Bella.
“I want to show you the world. Show you everything that I’ve seen and grew to love, but I know how important the pack and La Push is to you. I’d never want to try and force you away from your family.” Edward said as he pulled back and turned the shifter around to look at him, “That’s why it’s important for me to know what you want as well.”
Jacob paused, biting his lip for a moment. “I…”
‘I’m not sure what I want’
The shifter didn’t speak, but Edward still decided to respond to the thought.
“You have all the time in the world to figure it out.” He pressed another kiss against his neck, “But right now, this is enough for me.”
‘Ugh, gods…’
Jacob turned around in his grasp, “I want you to stop sneaking in my room at night when I’m sleeping.”
Edward blinked, “I-“
“I know you were in there last night and the night before.” Jacob rolled his eyes, “If you want, I’m fine sharing a bed. We’re getting married so, ”
“I… really?”
“Yeah? I don’t really get what you’ll get out of it since you don’t sleep anyway and…” Jacob huffed out a sigh, “Do you want to or not?”
Edward couldn’t help but fight off his smile, “Yes.”
Jacob rolled his eyes again, before leaning in to press a quick kiss against the vampire’s lips.
“Stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
Jacob pulled back and turned around to make his way back out of the cave.
“Like you’re in love with me or… something.”
Edward couldn’t help but laugh, “Or something?”
Jacob didn’t answer his question, “We should get back. I don’t want to leave Embry alone with muscle head for too long.”
Edward walked up to catch up with the shifter, “Emmett wouldn’t hurt him. You never have to worry about anyone in my family hurting you or your friends, Jacob.”
“Does that include Barbie too?”
Edward rolled his eyes, “Rosalie wouldn’t.”
“Cause of the Volturi?”
“Because you and the people you care about are important to me.” Jacob shook his head.
“Sure.”
Before the wolf could take another step, Edward grabbed a hold of his arm to pull him back into his embrace all over again.
The shifter rolled his eyes hard, “Edward-“
“What does… or something mean?” He asked and Jacob flushed all over again even as he gave the vampire a dull look.
“Sometimes it’s hard trying to remember that you’re a guy too.”
“What?”
Jacob rolled his eyes hard.
‘If you’re not going to jump me, then you need to stop staring at me like you’re about to’
Edward stopped.
And then a memory.
“I’m glad I’m not going.” Leah said as she sat down on the front step of the cottage right next to Jacob, “I almost feel bad for Embry. Its gonna get real awkward for him when he has to listen to you two hooking up for two weeks. I should tell him pack some earplugs.”
“We’re not-“ Jacob sighed, “We’re just gonna… hang out.”
“Hang out? For two weeks, on a private island, with no one else around, with your vampire fiancé who stares at you like he’s two seconds from pushing you against the wall so he can… nail you against the wall.”
“We won’t be alone, Embry’s gonna be there with one of Edward’s brothers.”
“I don’t think that’s gonna stop him.”
“Edward isn’t like that, I told you he’s-“
“Old fashioned? You already said that.” Leah scoffed and Jacob glared at her.
“Nothing is going to happen.”
Leah arched a brow at him, “And you’re O.K with that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because you’re marrying him. You’re gonna marry a vampire, you’re not interested in fucking?”
“I-“ Jacob hesitated, “That’s not-“
“Look, all I’m saying is, if I was marrying a vampire; I’d wanna know what I was signing myself up for. This is the guy you’re spending the rest of your life with. It might be a good idea to work out any… kinks you might have before you lock yourself down for life.” She said with a shrug, “Two weeks on an island alone, is a good opportunity to get that worked out.”
Jacob looked away, with his lips pursed as the girl continued.
“I mean, when I was engaged to Sam, I thought we’d figured it out. We were ready but-“ She cut herself off and shook her head. Looking over to the shifter beside her with a huff, “Why do I even have to convince you to make a move on your fiancé anyway? You’re into him, right?”
“…yeah.”
“You don’t think he’s hideous, right?”
“Right.”
“You want to fuck him.”
“Leah-“
“And he clearly wants to fuck you.”
“Leah!”
The female shifter laughed before she gave his arm a nudge with her elbow, “I’m messing with you. If you wanna wait till you’re married then, that’s up to you. I’m just saying, it might be good to have an idea of what you’re going to be dealing with.”
Jacob sighed, “I’m not sure if Edward would be comfortable with that.”
Leah scoffed, “Then you need to get him to stop staring at you like he’s thinking about bending you over the hood of his car.”
Jacob blushed as he looked at the other incredulously, “The hood of his car?”
“Right, your fiancé is probably too classy for something like that. Wait, what did Quil say…” She looked up in thought for a brief moment, “He’d use silk scarves to tie you his suede chez lounge in the library, with a fire burning in the fireplace on a cold winter night, while Beethoven plays in the background.”
Jacob gaped, “What, when did Quil say that?”
“A couple days ago.” She shrugged, “Seriously, you need to get Edward to stop staring at you like that.”
Yet again, Edward was grateful for the fact that he couldn’t blush but the look on the vampire’s face must have given him away since Jacob scoffed as he pulled out of his grasp to start walking again.
The telepath took in a deep breath, despite his better judgement. He needed to decompress for a second, but getting a lung full of Jacob’s scent didn’t really help his situation too much. He walked to catch up to the wolf.
“You know that it’s not that I don’t want to, Jacob-“
“You’re not ready.” Jacob said and Edward had to fight off the urge to pout. “But then the staring needs to stop.”
“I… I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable-“
“You’re not-“
‘God, you’re dense-‘
Jacob let out a huff if frustration, “I got over uncomfortable weeks ago. I just-“ He huffed again, “It’s just hard trying to figure out exactly what I should expect after we get married.” The wolf then dragged a hand through his hair, “We’re on this pre-honeymoon thing and were getting used to being together, I guess. And if this is it, if this is all its going to be. Then that’s fine, I guess. But I know it’s not, so what happens after we get married, Edward?”
The telepath blinked when he realised what was happening.
“You’re nervous.”
“I – No! I just-“
“I’m nervous.” Edward interrupted quickly, the wolf’s lips pursed as he looked up at the other, “You already know, how worried I am about what might happen. I don’t want to end up hurting you, Jacob. And I don’t want to rush things in case you aren’t ready for it.”
He may have not handled this the best way.
But Edward was trying to be good. He was wary of losing control around the shifter, afraid of potentially falling prey to his own desires and harming the wolf in the process. Jacob seemed… innocent. Even the memory he had of his encounter with the girl from the reservation, an episode of spontaneity and hormones taking hold, seemed sweet in comparison to the months of debauchery he took part in in his first year of vampirism.
He didn’t want to do anything that could harm Jacob. Nothing that could ruin the incredible being he planned to take as his mate. Edward may or may not have put the shifter on a pedestal the same way he did with Bella, even though he promised Jacob that he would not treat them the same way. He wanted to try and protect Jacob, even from himself, even though under the circumstances; those plans were doomed to fail.
Edward wasn’t sure how to try to approach the intimate part of their marriage after the wedding. He had no idea what to do. But, Jacob has a point. Edward wants their relationship to progress, to move forward and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want it to progress on a physical level. He’d be lying if he said that he hasn’t thought about all the different ways he could have the shifter… Unfortunately, apparently other people could tell that as well.
Jacob is searching for something to give him some sense of comfort, knowing what to expect gives most people a lot of comfort. At least having a glimpse into the future. It’s one of the reasons why Alice had such a sunny disposition, and also why she tended to be so tense around the wolves. It’s reassuring knowing what comes next. Uncertainty, on the other hand, can be terrifying. Jacob is clearly nervous though the shifter will never actually admit it. And after throwing the shifter into this situation, Edward should do something to help Jacob get that sense of comfort.
What to do…
Edward shut his eyes for a brief moment, before opening them. “Carlisle always reminds us that, once you become a vampire; your emotions become much more intense than what they were as a human. And that intensity can be overwhelming to experience as an outsider, I don’t want to hurt you. I thought it best to wait and take our time. But, if you’re comfortable with me trying. Then,” The vampire then reached out to cup the side of Jacob’s face, his thumb brushing against the shifter’s cheek. A soft laugh escaped Edward’s lips, amber eyes darkening at the images that went flooding through his own mind. All the thoughts that he’s been trying to ignore and push away for the last few weeks. Jacob blinked at the sudden change as the vampire finished.
“There’s so much I want to do to you, Jacob.”
The shifter almost stepped back, but seemed to stop himself.
“O.K.” Jacob started, looking the vampire right in the eyes, “So show me.”
Edward took in a very deep breath before letting it back out.
The next moment, Jacob let out a sharp gasp when his back hit the wall, but barely had a moment to understand what just happened when Edward’s lips locked over his own in a passionate kiss. His hands clenched tightly on the shifter’s hips. The wolf’s surprise was brief, there was a pause before Jacob’s arms went up to wrap around the vampire’s shoulders.
He could hear the shifter’s heartbeat, thumping hard and fast in his chest, almost like it was drumming right inside his head. Jacob’s scent surrounding him and enveloping him as much as the heat that came off of the shifter seemed to do as their mouths tangled together. There was something almost sweet about the way he tasted, something fresh and just so alive and Edward decided-
He broke the kiss, the wolf gasped at the break in contact.
“Jacob, are you sure?”
“I want to know who I’m marrying.” Jacob took in a deep breath, “Yes, I’m sure.”
Edward was suddenly hit with the intense urge to smile, his hands stroking along Jacob’s sides as he took in one more deep breath of the shifter’s breath. The telepath looked around them briefly before finally allowing himself a wry smile.
“We’re going to need a bed.”
Jacob let out a scoff, “Your brother won’t mind-“
“Won’t Embry?”
Jacob shrugged, “Leah bought him a pair of earplugs.”
Edward laughed.