CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Luna's POV:

I hear Bella burst through the front door as I make my way down the steps.

"Bella. What's wrong?" Charlie asks, worried.

Bella takes a deep breath before her eyes lock on mine, questions swim in her brown eyes, "They're not bears! I saw them, up in the meadow…"

Charlie's face turns pale then red, "Damn it! I told you not to go into the woods!"

Harry Clearwater stares at Bella, "What did you see, Bella?"

"Wolves. They're wolves." Bella states. An almost inaudible sigh leaves Harry's lips and I narrow my eyes at him. He must be part of the council, along with Billy Black and that's how they know about the shifters. Bella continues, "Five of them. The size of-of cars. I swear. They went after… something so I ran."

I send a silent thank you with my eyes to Bella and she gives a miniscule nod, but her eyes say it will be discussed. Charlie grabs the phone, already dialing a number as he glances at Harry, "Harry, can you get some men from the rez?"

Harry's face screams his uneasiness, but Charlie nor Bella seem to notice, "Sure. I'll just…" he trails off as he steps out.

I head upstairs as Charlie and Bella say goodbye. After Charlie's cruiser pulls out of the driveway, Bella bounds up the stairs. Her eyes are frantic as they stare at me, unsure, "What are you?" She whispers.

I pat my bed, silently telling her to take a seat. Bella obliges, making herself comfortable. "What I tell you must never, and I mean never leave here, Bella." She nods giving a silent promise. "I am a hybrid. Half human and half vampire. My Tată found his mate in a human woman, my Mamă. Times were different then, she knew what he was but still decided to pursue the relationship. They were in love. It was a love many young ones dream of, myself included. Something nobody had heard of happened though, my parents managed to conceive me. The pregnancy was quick, much faster than a human's. I can remember everything from when I was in the womb. I grew much faster than a human and eventually hit the age of maturity seven years after my birth. I am told I get my eyes from my Mamă, she was apparently a witch before her turning. For the longest time, my Tată thought I was a syphon. He kept me hidden, away from any wars or bloodshed. While I could drain someone's power temporarily, I was weaker physically. I still can not hold my own in a battle of strength against vampires. I am more of a mimic, able to syphon and gain powers. My ability to use them varies on how often I train with them. I never wanted to deceive you, I just wanted to try to live like a normal teenage girl." I say with a sad smile. Growing up during my birth era, teenage girls were unable to do much.

Bella takes a deep breath, letting everything sink in. She looks over my skin, "How come you don't sparkle in the sunlight? Do you… you know… drink blood?"

"I do not sparkle, but my skin does give off a slight glow. You may have noticed it before. Not many people do and just think it's part of great skin and good looks. I do drink blood, I can live on either human or animal, but I prefer human. I can also eat human food with no issues." I inform her.

Bella's eyes widen, "Did they know?" I know she's referring to the Cullens.

"Only Carlisle knew. I would like it to stay that way but…" I trail off, knowing it's not my right to tell her of the shifters.

"But?" She questions.

"You'll know in due time. However, Laurent said Victoria was on some vengeful bullshit so we'll need to keep our eyes out from now on. Especially since Laurent is dead." I say glancing out the window. I'll also need to update Carlisle on the events from today.

Bella nods before standing up, "I'm going to take a drive. I just need some time…" She trails off before leaving my room.

—

Later that night, Bella stumbles through the front door, soaking wet. I jump up, rushing to get a towel. "Bella, what happened?" I ask as I help her dry her hair.

She whimpers, "Jake…"

I narrow my eyes, I called Carlisle earlier, and after many hours he reassured me that Bella would forgive me in time and reminded me to be weary of the shifters. He also stated to call him immediately regarding any information on Victoria. Charlie walks through the front door next, seeing Bella and I standing there, he pauses.

"I got a call from Billy. Said you and Jacob had a fight. But hey, you guys will work it out. I'm sure of it." Charlie says optimistically.

Bella's eyes gather with unshed tears, "I'm going to go change…" She murmurs before rushing up the stairs to her room.

Charlie and I glance at each other before we both sigh. I head up towards Bella's room, tapping lightly on the door, "It's me, Bells. Can I come in?" The only response I get is her door opening slightly. When I walk in, Bella is sitting on her bed, her brown eyes dull and hazy. I sigh, sitting down next to her. "What happened?" I ask, laying a hand on one of her own.

"Jake, he-he told me to not come back." She mumbles, glancing at me. "I forgive you, Luna. I can't lose everyone…" She whispers as tears start to gather in her eyes.

I smile at her, "I'm not going anywhere, Bells."

—

That night I was laying in bed when I hear Bella gasp in her room. I rush down, human speed in case Charlie were to see me, and push my way through her door. I sit down next to her, pushing happy, relaxing feelings towards her to help her fall asleep. I must have dozed off because Bella jumps up, waking me as she does. "Sorry." She mutters.

I glance over to the window, noticing it's still night, "It's fine-"

I'm cut off by a loud 'SCREECH'. Bella and I look at each other, both getting up as I hear someone moving around outside. The movements are too loud and heavy to be Victoria, I sniff the air, smelling Jake mixed with the scent of a shifter. I smirk as Bella tosses me a wooden bat, for some reason she has one in her room, and I take a stance in front of the window. This can be my payback for him ignoring Bella.

Bella throws open her window as Jake steps through, but before he notices, I swing the bat, making a loud 'CRACK' sound out as the bat contacts his chest. The hit would have taken out a normal human, but Jake's shifter body takes the hit without any severe damage, unfortunately.

"Ouch! Luna! What the hell!" Jake exclaims, looking at the now splintered wooden bat.

Bella glares at him as he settles into the room, "What the hell are you doing?"

He doesn't seem deterred by her glare and just glances around her room, "I pictured your room more… cluttered."

Bella crosses her arms as I glare at him before asking, "What are you doing here?"

"I had to talk to you…" He trails off, glancing at me, his eyes guarded and untrustworthy, "Alone."

"Why? To kick me in the gut again? It was bad before, but you made it so much worse." Bella snarks.

Jake sighs, running a hand over his face, "I know. And I want to explain, but I can't."

Bella gestures towards the window, "Then leave." Jake just stares at her, making her deepen her glare, "You're done with me, remember?"

Jake sighs, "Bella, I literally can't explain."

I glance between them, "He's telling the truth, Bella."

Bella and Jake both whip their heads towards me in shock before Jake turns his attention back to Bella, "I broke my promise not to hurt you, I know. But I'm trying to keep it now. I need you to understand… even if you don't want to see me when you find out…"

Bella's eyebrows furrow, "Find what out, Jake?"

Jake opens his mouth to talk but instead a pained expression crosses over his face, "You alright?" I ask.

"I can't do it." Jake grunts.

"Yes, you can. I'll help you. We can… we can all leave. Leave home, leave Sam…" Bella suggests.

Jake's expression drops, "It's not something I can run away from. I would run with you though." He glances at me, "Maybe not her though." Bella looks offended on my behalf before Jake starts talking again, "Wait. Wait. I already told you. You know this… you can guess!"

Bella's eyes narrow, "I don't want to play games with you."

I finally understand what Jake is trying to hint at, "Bells, remember the story he told you…?" I trial off.

"About… the Cold Ones?" She asks, looking at Jake, "You said it was a stupid tribal myth."

Jake raises his eyebrows, "Was it? Are the Cold Ones a myth? What else did I say?"

Bella's expression pinches in thought, "That the tribe made a treaty with them? They can't come on your land and… I don't know, I don't remember…"

"Try." Jake encourages.

Bella sighs, "You have to give me more. Tell me where to look. Is there something I should see?"
Jake shakes his head, "No. That's too dangerous."

"We'll be fine." I assure him.

Jake chews his cheek, "Where was the last place you saw me the way I used to be?"

"The motorcycles. That clearing in the woods." Bella says slowly, Jake nods his head and turns towards the window. Bella catches his arm, "Don't go. There are dangerous things out there; more than you know."

Jake sends her a wry smile as I snort. He glances at me, eyes narrowing, "Oh. I know." He states before pulling her into a hug. They stand there awkwardly before pulling away. Jake leaves through the door this time as Bella starts pulling on jeans and a hoodie.

Bella looks at me, and then at my outfit, "Are you coming?"

I sigh in mock annoyance, "I guess. Let me go change."

—

The sky outside is still dark, with few stars peeking through the clouds. Bella and I are sat in her truck, heading to the clearing. When we arrive, we both climb out and survey the clearing. I hear five sets of footsteps approaching and turn my attention towards the sound.

Jake steps out, startling Bella. His eyes glance over me before settling on Bella. Suddenly, Sam, Paul, Jared, and Embry step into the clearing. They all freeze as they take notice of Bella and me. All their faces turn furious as Paul spins to face Jake, "What the hell have you done?!" He shouts.

Jake's own expression darkens, "I didn't tell her. You'd know if I did."

"Well, she's here, isn't she?" Paul sneers, not including me.

"Bella, Luna, there's nothing to see here. You should go home." Sam says calmly, but I can feel the raging storm of emotions oozing from him.

Bella squares her shoulders, "Not until I know what you did to Jake."

Paul spins around, chest heaving with anger, "What we did?!"

Jake and I both shift to stand in front of Bella, "All of you, calm down." Sam says.

Jake scoffs, "Sam, she knows things about the bloodsuckers. She's been on the inside. She can help."

"Like a leech lover is gonna help us." Paul sneers.

Jake takes a step forward, "Watch what you call her."

Embry tries to intervene, "Get a grip, guys…"

Paul and Jake have small tremors moving through their bodies, causing me to push Bella back more, "It's alright, Jake, we'll go." Bella says.

Jake nor Paul take notice of what Bella said, instead they keep glaring at each other, "All you care about is her!" Paul shouts.

Sam steps forward slightly, "Paul, back off." He commands.

Paul doesn't take notice, instead pointing his finger at Jake, "And she doesn't give a crap about you."

Jake growls, pushing Paul backwards, causing him to fly through the air.

"Jacob." Sam warns.

Paul rises, vibrating and growling as he glares at Jake.

"Too late…" Jared trails off.

Sam looks at us in panic, "Get back!"

Paul falls forward as his bones crack and pop, making me wince. His clothes rip into shreds as silver-grey wolf stands in his place.

Bella gasps, horrified. She reaches for Jake's arm, urging him to move back. He doesn't listen, instead pulling his arm away, and running at Paul, "Jake, no! Stop!" Bella calls out.

Jake leaps at Paul, the same popping and cracking sound out as a large russet wolf lands on the ground. Jake crashes into Paul, sending them rolling on the ground. Paul bites Jake, but Jake shoves him off, taking his own bite of Paul's throat. They tumble off into the woods as Sam turns to follow them. "Take them to Emily's place. But keep your eyes out." Sam says, glancing at me.

Embry smirks, "Guess the wolf's out of the bag now."

Jared rolls his eyes as we all climb into Bella's truck. Embry driving as I sit in the middle and Bella in the passenger seat. Jared is riding in the bed of the truck. We pull up to a tiny, red, weathered home. Despite the small size, the house gives off a homey, warm feeling. Jared hops out of the back as Embry climbs out of the driver seat. Bella and I don't move. Bella from shock, and me not knowing if I was allowed or trusted enough.

Embry holds his hand out to Jared, "Pay up. She didn't puke." Jared narrows his eyes, but reluctantly hands over a five-dollar bill. "Told you she was tough. She does run with bloodsuckers."

Bella and I make our way out of the truck and over to the pair, "Wait. We should go back, make sure Jake's okay." Bella says, glancing back, worried.

Jared chuckles, "I hope Paul gets some teeth into him. Serves him right."

Embry shakes his head, scoffing, "No way. Jake's a natural. You see him phase on the fly? I gotta fiver says Paul doesn't touch him."

Jared smirks, "Easy money. Paul's been at it longer."

I scoff, "I'll put my money on Jake." They both look at me, shock plastered on their faces. Bella looks appalled that we could even be betting on Jake and Paul.

Jared narrows his eyes, determination swimming in his brown eyes, "You're on."

I shrug as I keep following them towards the house, pausing my steps when I realize Bella isn't following. Embry and Jared stop as well, turning around to look at Bella, "Come on in. We won't bite." Embry jokes.

"Speak for yourself." Jared scoffs playfully.

Bella and I move towards them as Embry turns to us, "Oh, hey, about Emily- Sam's fiancé- just try not to stare. It bugs Sam."

I make eye contact with Bella, both of us looking confused. What is she super ugly or something? "Why would we stare?" Bella asks for us.

Embry nor Jared answer as they just push through the front door without knocking. Bella and I both hesitantly step into the house, the scent of baked goods wafts through the air. I glance around before noticing a young woman standing in front of the kitchen counter, handling some muffins. That must be Emily.

"You guys hungry? Like I have to ask…" Emily says teasingly before turning around to look at us. Three red scars run from her hairline to her chin on the right side of her face. They pull down on her eye and her mouth, marring the naturally smooth skin. "Who's this?" She asks, glancing at all four of us.

Jared and Embry are too focused on trying to get muffins to answer right away, "Bella Swan and Luna. Who else?" Jared says before shoving a muffin in his mouth.

Emily's mouth pops open, glancing between us, "So you are the vampire girls."

Bella looks flustered, "And you're a… you're all…"

I shake my head at Bella, "Not all of them, Emily is human." I whisper, leaning towards her.

Jared and Embry stop inhaling the muffins, narrowing their eyes at me, "How'd you know that?"

I shrug, deciding to go with the lie I use most of the time, "I'm a witch." Bella doesn't seem to show any outward reaction to me lying so I know she won't blow my cover.

Bella and I both take a seat at the dining room table, Bella keeping her eyes on the door for Jake.

"Leave it to Jake to get around Sam's gag order." Emily chuckles.

Bella shakes her head, wanting to defend Jake, "He didn't say anything… or couldn't…"

Embry and Jared take a seat as well, "Oh. That's a wolf thing. Alpha's orders get obeyed whether we want to or not." Embry explains.

"How about you shut up now, Embry." Jared hisses.

Embry just shrugs, "You know Jake is going to fill them in."

Jared's face scrunches up, "Yeah, I know every stupid thought he has." He turns to us, "Want to know what he thinks of you?"

I snort, "I don't think anyone wants to know what you boys have in your spank bank."

Embry, Jared, and Bella blanche at my openness, while Emily lets out a loud booming laugh.

"Jesus Christ!" Embry chokes.

Jared glances at Embry and smirks before looking at me, "Wanna know what Embry thinks about you?" Embry's face turns an unnatural shade of red before he punches Jared in the arm.

"Not cool, dude!" Embry hisses.

Emily scoffs, "Like you need special powers to know any of your thoughts."

Embry tries to fight his blush, "It's another wolf thing. We hear each other's thoughts. Good for hunting. Embarrassing for everything else."

Jared leans towards us, eyes sparkling, "Freaking out yet?"

I roll my eyes, "I'm a witch."

Bella keeps her eyes on Jared's, "You're not the first mind reader I've met."

"Jake's right. You are good with weird." Embry grins before turning his gaze on me, "What does being a witch entail?" He asks with innocent curiosity. I feel three pairs of eyes burning into me, forcing me to answer.