chapter 10: fights

Jake came walking into the room. I grinned, jumping up.

"Jacob!" He grabbed me and pulled me into his arms.

"Jamie!" He chuckled. I pulled back, he reluctantly let his arms drop to his sides. Shane was suddenly standing beside me.

"Hey Shane." Jake didn't even glance at him, he was still looking at me.

"Hey." Shane muttered.

"How's Zero?" I asked anxiously.

He laughed. "You just saw him a couple hours ago."

"I know, I know. But still..."

"As soon as we left he took off to find a place to stay. Anabelle tried to follow him but he sent her away. I have no idea where she is and I'm not sure where he is at this point." He shrugged.

I frowned.

"Hey, cheer up. I didn't come here to see you sad." He reached over, lifting up the corners of my mouth. I pushed his hands away, rolling my eyes.

"You're so weird."

He grinned. I couldn't help but smile back.

"What were you guys doing for the past month?" I asked curiously.

"Keeping Dante away from you. We've only physically fought him a couple times " He shrugged again. "What have you been doing?"

I shrugged now. "Nothing out of the ordinary."

"Well, I'm glad you've been keeping her safe." He was talking to Shane now. "Anya and Jason said you two were getting pretty close." His voice changed abruptly. I didn't like the tone of it. It was almost accusing.

"Well what can you expect? We've been together for a month." I guess that came out wrong. Jake's eyebrows rose. I sighed. "You know what I mean!"

He shrugged. I felt myself wince.

"I'm going to bed." I spun around. "Am I still downstairs?" I asked, starting to walk. I didn't even wait for an answer.

I opened the door and in less then a minute I was in the familiar room. I didn't realiz just how tired I was until my head hit the pillow. I crashed instantly. I thought I got enough sleep earlier but I guess comfort just isn't in someone's arms.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............

The next time I woke up, I felt alot better. I jumped out of bed, stretching and quickly heading back upstairs and hearing my stomach growl loudly. When I got to the top of the stairs I could clearly hear Jake and Shane talking quietly. I listened out of curiousity.

"You what?!" Jake hissed.

"You heard me." Shane hissed back.

"And you think that's OK?!"

"At least I'm not someone who's loyal to Zero. I think that would be worse."

"Maybe so, but I've never acted on my feelings."

"Neither have I!"

"But you plan to!" Jake accused.

"No." Shane snapped.

"I don't think that's very fair to Jamie."

"It's not like I'm asking her to choose."

Jake suddenly sighed. "I wasn't expecting this."

"Me either."

"Maybe we should just make ourselves disappear. If we stay we'll both just go mad with jealousy. Everytime one of us is even close enough to touch her, everytime Zero is around..."

"No!" I gasped bursting through the door. I stumbled into the living room where they both sat looking at me.

"Jamie..." They breathed in unison, surprised that I was listening.

"I know I ask alot by asking you to stay but you can't go away! Neither of you can! You can't just leave me!" I cried out, moving quickly over to them. They both stood, glancing at eachother.

"We're not going anywhere, Jamie." Shane reached out, resting his hand on my arm.

"Yeah. We wouldn't be able to leave even if we really wanted to." Jake took a hold of my other arm. I looked back and fourth at them wildly. Then my eyes were focused on the ground.

"I don't know exactly what you two are going through right and maybe I shouldn't ask you to stay, because maybe it's only making you suffer but I--"

"You're worth it Jamie. Don't worry about it." Shane told me quietly.

I looked up. Jake nodded. I looked at the for a moment before my stomach growled obnoxiously again. I glared down at my stomach for giving me away.

"I guess you should eat." Jake laughed.

I nodded with a sigh and went to work, making myself something to eat. I felt both of there eyes on me, neither of them took their eyes off of me for a second. I sighed once again as I sat down.

"Am I going to have to leave the room?" I looked at both of them carefully. They both instantly looked away. After threatening to leave, I began to eat.

"Do you really think Dante won't show up here again?" Shane asked Jake. Jake shrugged.

"He will show up, just not for awhile."

Shane frowned. "You seem so calm about that."

Jake smiled smugly. "We'll be long gone by then."

Shane laughed, almost bitterly. "Maybe you shouldn't underestimate him. He's a very powerful vampire."

"Oh, I know. And I'm not underestimating him, but in the last month his scent has become just as strongly to me as it is to K-Zero." He glanced at me. My eyes widened for a second as I gazed back at him. I instantly turned my attention back to my food. Shane must have noticed our small exchange but he didn't say anything.

"I'll catch his scent hours before he even gets close." Jake continued as if nothing happend.

"Can we really rely on your senses for something like this?" Shane muttered. Jake glared at him.

"It's the best we've got." He seemed to hiss. Shane glowered back at him.

"Don't worry Shane, Anya and the others will be back soon. And you're a...well, you know, I'm confident that you can protect me." I smiled at him but it was as if I were trying to convince myself as well. He looked at me, as if studying my face.

"You're right." He mumbled as Jacob scowled quietly at my words.

"I always am." I teased, standing up.

They both glanced at eachother and started snickering as I headed out of the kitchen and up into the bathroom. It had been way too long. I definitely needed a nice warm shower. I'm sure Jake and Shane wouldn't kill eachother while I took a moment to be alone. I thought about that for a moment then re-opened the bathroom door that I just had closed behind me.

"Jacob!--" I called. I was going to call for Shane as well but they were fast. I wasn't expecting them to come rushing to me. And both of them showed up.

"What's wrong?" They both asked with wide eyes and in unison. I held in a laugh.

"I just want 10 minutes, so please be nice to eachother while I'm in here."

Jake rolled his eyes at me.

"Jamie, you were sleeping for well over 4 hours and we turned out just fine." Now he was trying not to laugh. Shane nodded. Did he just agree with him?

"We can be good for 10 minutes."

After a moment of gazing at both of them, Jake's pale skin illuminating in the dark hallway and Shane's tan-toned skin looking much darker then normal when standing next to Jacob, I let out yet another heavy sigh and shut the door slowly.

I spun around, jumping into the shower. My thoughts were instantly on stand-still, almost melting away with the warmth of the water. All I could think about was how clean and refreshed I was starting to feel.

I stayed in there for a long time. I just couldn't get enough of the steaming shower. But then I finally forced myself out, wrapping the towel around me and heading out of the bathroom. Jake and Shane pushed themselves away from the wall they were leaning against. I raised my eyebrow at them, the steam rolling out behind me.

I didn't realize how hot I had the water. How long was I in there for? Nearly an hour? That's very possible, just as I was getting out the water was slightly begining to cool down.

"Did something happen?" I asked. They glanced at eachother, then at me.

"No." Shane answered. "But something's about to." He said anxiously.

I frowned.

"What's going to happen?" I felt panicked.

"It's Jared. He's on his way here." Jake explained as calmly as he could.

"Jared? From Dante's--" I began.

"I would know his scent anywhere."

"Is he coming alone?" I gasped. Jake nodded.

"We have to go." I informed them quickly.

"You have to get dressed. I'm not taking you out in just a towel." Shane protested. "...Zero will kill me!" He added at the last second as he through a glance at Jake. Jake shook his head.

"If we don't go now, he'll catch us sooner. I'll take her, you grab her clothes and come after us." Jake grabbed me, not giving me a chance to respond.

He swooped me off my feet and took off. Of course I was used to this! I was used to being outside within seconds, seeing everything fly by in a blur. I was used to being grabbed and leaving too fast for anyone left behind to speak. How could I not be used to it?

As a matter-of-fact, I wanted to be the one who was running with such speed because me, still being human, still became very dizzy going this fast. I wanted to be able to run and not get sick, to be able to feel the rush, the adreniline. I'm not sure why I wanted it so bad, but I did.

My thoughts tumbled as Jake reached over, pulling the fluffy white towel up farther. I didn't even realize it was slipping. My face heated up. I peeked up at him through my still wet but drying hair. He wasn't looking at me but there was a strange smirk on his facec that I've never really seen on him before. It made him look even more smug then usual. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. I guess I was full on staring now. His eyes shifted to me and he smiled.

"What?" He grinned. I shrugged.

"You just had a strange look on your face." I pointed out. He stopped grinning suddenly.

"I didn't see anything..." He muttered.

Now I just felt selfconscious.

"I never said you did." I looked up at him, my eyes widening.

“What?” He was still looking down at me, his eyebrows pulled together like I was confusing him.

“Jacob!” I crossed my arms.

“I covered you, didn't I?!”

“Yeah but not before you got an eye full!”

“Jamie,” He laughed now.

I knew it! That laugh was his dead give away. It was awkward, shameful, embarrassed and guilty. I glared at him. His eyes met mine, moved away then came back again.

“I'm sorry.” He finally apologized, although it wasn't convincing at all. “Just don't tell Zero.” He murmured.

“Are you insane?! That's the last thing I'll ever do!” I spoke a little frantically, thinking about Zero finding out.

“You could tell Shane.” He half teased.

I was glaring at him again. Just as I was about to complain that it wasn't fair to make anyone jealous Jake stopped and turned to Shane just as he appeared in front of us. He was holding a pair of very comfortable looking sweatpants and a white tank top.

It wasn't until I saw the clothes that I realized I was actually really cold. I looked down, seeing the goosebumps all up and down my arms. Jake set me down as I reached for my hands out for the clothes.

“Shane! You're the best!” I let out as he handed them to me.

A smile spread across his face. I held tightly to the clothes and disappeared behind a few trees. I was completely dry now, aside from my hair which was still somewhat damp. He obviously thought about everything. I lifted the tank top revealing white socks and under garments.

I dressed as quickly as possible. He even brought me shoes which didn't even cross my mind. As I was completely dressed, the sudden realization that I was alone hit me. Jared was out there somewhere, looking for me. I rushed back to Shane and Jake. They seemed to be quietly glowering at eachother. Both of them looked at me now. Both of them reached for me. Both of them stopped and glowered at eachother once again, there arms still out-reached toward me.

"It's my turn." Shane spoke through clenched teeth. Jake rolled his eyes.

"I'm faster then you."

Shane laughed. "In your dreams."

"Guys..." I complained now. They looked at me again. "Jared." I reminded them. After another moment, Jake sighed.

"Fine. I'll keep back a ways." He gave in reluctantly.

Shane smiled, satisfied, nodded and continued his reach for me while Jake dropped his arms. I was suddenly swooped off my feet yet again and carried off with the world blurring around me. We ran on. Shane didn't say anything. And I eventually fell asleep. But of course I did! I always did, nothing new there. It was just hard to stay awake when there was really nothing to see.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

My dream was much too real. There I stood in the middle of the forest. Shane at one side, Jake on the other. But Shane wasn't himself. He was a tall dark figure with leathery skin. His fangs were bearing as his hazel eyes were wild. He was snarling at something in front of us. It was Dante and Jared. Dante's hood was off, it was almost always off in my dreams but Jared's wasn't.

Behind me I heard growling. I glanced back, seeing a pack of wolves with different shades of golden fur and eyes. They were actually kind of beautiful. The two I found the most beautiful, standing in front of the pack, were Anya and Jason.

There was a noise. I spun back around. Dante lunged forward. Shane and Jacob did the same but Zero was suddenly between me and Dante. Dante moved too quickly. I ddin't see exactly what happaned but Zero fell. I tried to cry out but couldn't. I couldn't move and then I couldn't see. Evenrything went black.

I woke with a start, gasping. I must have been crying in my sleep, tears were streaming down my cheeks. With a sudden realization I noticed that we weren't moving anymore. I looked up. Shane was looking in front of him. He seemed a little distracted.

"Well?" He asked, keeping his eyes in front of him.

I looked. There was nothing there at first but then Jake was standing in front of us before I could even blink. Jake shrugged.

"He asked to speak with Zero. I told him he's not here and he took off."

Shane eyed him carefully. Jake shook his head.

"Dante didn't send him afterall. He's not after Jamie--"

"He's after Zero?" Shane asked. I felt my eyes widen, looking at Jake.

"Doubt it. He just seemed eager to talk to him, like he wanted to tell him something important."

"You're not worried?" Shane's eyebrows rose.

"About Zero?" He laughed as Shane nodded. "Not only is Master Zero stronger then Jared, but he's faster and not to mention smarter. If anything, I'm worried about Jared getting hurt. But honestly," He looked at me now. "There's nothing to worry about. He just wants to talk to Zero." He reassured me.

It didn't work as well as he hoped. I turned, pressing my face into Shane's chest and closing my eyes. Shane stroked my hair.

"He'll be fine Jamie, he's a vampire after all." Now he tried to reassure me. I shook my head.

"It doesn't matter." I breathed. "He's Zero. I can't help but to worry."

Both Shane and Jake sighed in unison.

"We can head back. It'll be safe, at least for a little while longer." Jake informed then I felt his hand on my back. "My turn."

I turned my head back to him. He was staring at Shane. I couldn't tell what the emotion on his face was. Shane's arms tightened. A long, tense silence filled the air. I rolled my eyes at them.

"If no one's chasing us, I'll just walk." I tried to push myself out of Shane's arms. He didn't move but both of them burst out laughing. I glared at both of them, wondering what they found so funny.

"Do you even know just how far from the house we are?" Jake asked me a little calmer. I glanced around. We couldn't be too far. When I didn't answer he continued; "5 ½ hours."

"No way! We've only been running for 20 minutes, at least!" My eyes were wide once again.

"Exactly. So do you want to get there in 20 minutes, or more then 5 hours?" Shane asked.

"20 minutes." I mumbled, not happy at all.

"Hand her over." Jake's hand was still on my back. They continued to argue as if I wasn't even there. Shane took a step back, shaking his head.

"I'll take her." An annoyed, musical voice rang out behind Shane. He spun around. Anya and Jason stood before us. Anya rolled her eyes and moved toward us. She pulled me into her arms.

"Thank you." I breathed. She smiled then turned her attention to the others.

"This is getting ridiculious." She scolded him. Both of them sighed.

"We need you both anyways." Jason got right to the point.

Anya wasn't holding me very tightly so it was very easy for me to push myself out of her arms. I was tired of being held, first of all and secondly, I wanted to listen to this conversation without having the risk of Anya taking off before anything could be said. By the looks of it though, I'm pretty sure she never intended on leaving right away anyways.

"For what?" Jake asked.

"Well..." Jason glanced at me, quickly looking away. "Zero asked for the both of you."

My heart jumped. Was I really going to see him again so soon?! It was then that I noticed Anya's hand held my shoulder firmly.

"Both of us?" Shane seemed confused. Jason nodded. "Why?" He was frowning now. Once again Jason quickly glanced at me.

"He's gonna need all the help he can get." I could hardly unstand him because he spoke under his breath so now I was confused by what I heard. But Shane seemed to get it.

"Oh." He glanced at me too. Jake's jaw was tense and his fists clenched.

"Let's go then."

Jason and Shane nodded. I heard Anya sigh, almost as if she were disappointed as she pulled me back into her arms.

"Wait. What's going on?" I frowned now.

"Nothing to be concerned about." Jason assured. But the two quick glances I got from Shane and Jacob over ruled Jason's words.

Something was wrong. Of course they took off too quickly, before I could say anything. Anya took off right after. I waited until we got to the house before I said anything. She set me down and I was instantly talking.

"Anya," I looked up at her. She was as tall as the guys, she looked down at me as we walked into the house. She waited. "Do you know what's going on?"

She smiled as if she were glad I asked but then it was gone.

"They're going to settle this the only way they can."

"What do you mean?"

"We have a good chance, our pack and Zero's clan against theirs. We have greater numbers and stronger men." She seemed to be thinking outloud. It took a moment but then I let out a gasp.

"No!" I froze in the hallway.

"I guess this is why he didn't want you to know." She said thoughtfully.

"They can't." I retorted angrily.

"But Jamie, it's the only way."

"It is not! He knows it's not! Everyone knows it's not!" How many times did I tell him not to do exactly what he's doing?!

"He'd rather fight then see you turned--"

"Take me to them." I demanded, interrupting her. Her mouth snapped shut, and eyebrows rose. "Anya, please. I can't let this happen." She looked at me for a long time.

"You know he'll rip me apart." She stated.

"Not if I'm in the way!"

"Are you sure you want to go?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yes." I nodded frantically.

"Okay." She shrugged.

That was easier then I thought it would be. We took off within seconds of her agreeing.

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The picture in this chapter is supposed to represent Jacob and Jamie