Ghost Road - Chapter seventeen

[herumtreiber]

Title: Ghost Road
Chapter seventeen: The Two Spirit
Author: herumtreiber
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Some angst
Characters: Jacob/Edward,Jared, Paul, Leah, Seth, Quil, Embry, Carlisle
Chapter length: -5,703 words
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, not me. This is for fun, not profit
Summary: Jake handles the pack as new problems arise.


Table of contents




Chapter sixteen: The Alpha

Seth crossed his arms behind his neck and slouched on the chair. "So you want me to patrol today?"

"Sure, I need you to get used to the schedule. Tomorrow, Paul and I will go to the Quinault Rez." I speared the last bit of pancakes and then fingered the glossy cover of the Biology textbook Rose had put inside the bag, taking care not to smudge it with maple syrup. I wanted to check the chromosome chapter.

"We'll need to shift and run, man." Paul started on his seventh or eighth waffle; I had lost count of them. Frankly, it pissed me off the ease with which he made himself at home.

"Uh, Paul, next time you might want to have breakfast before you show up?" I pointed at the cupboard with my fork. "That was the last box of flour mix and I'm too busy to go shopping." Patting his back, I said with a smile, "You guys know I eat like a hungry wolf."

He shrugged. "Sure, Jake."

"We can't enter the Quinault Rez as wolves and risk detection because that tribe distrusts us; we'll have to drive down there." I looked at the window and sighed. "I'll use the bike; been a while since I rode it."

The truth was that I was unable to phase and I had to come up with an excuse to hide this weakness from the pack. I knew I had to show strength the first few days as the Alpha because the pack had to be sure their fate rested on the grasp of firm jaws.

I had attempted to phase after everyone left but it was in vain. I tried to get angry and pulled out all stops, recalling when I shifted for the first time. It was useless and the change didn't come; I became frantic and called Edward on the phone. He managed to soothe me; not exactly through the words he said, full of practical advice as they were, but the concern and care seeping through his voice.

I came back to the present when I sensed the guys coming. It was the scent of Quil, Embry and Jared. I squared my shoulders when I visualized Jared. He might prove difficult to deal with.

Quil opened the door and walked inside, Embry by his side.

"Hiya guys." Quil beamed at me, and the sight of my burly friend did calm me a bit.

"Come in; we were just discussing the Quinault situation." I gazed at Embry and cocked my head towards Seth. "I want you to patrol with him."

"Okay, Jake." Embry sat on the chair.

Looking at Jared, I said, "You'll relieve them, taking the night shift with Quil and Leah. Beware of the darkness; I think it's the most dangerous time." Drumming my fingers against the checkered tablecloth, I said, "I'll get in touch with Sam; he and Colin will relieve you. Meanwhile, Paul and I will powwow with the Quinault."

"Why don't you take Sam with you?" Jared said, scuffling the floor with his sneakers. It was obvious he felt Sam had more wisdom to deal with the Quinault.

"I need someone experienced handling the pack while I'm away." Staring right into Jared's piercing eyes, I explained patiently, "The Beta should do a fine job."

In truth I didn't want Sam near the Quinault people because he was unreliable around them; I had an inkling he'd had traumatic experiences with them. Couldn't voice this out loud, though, because it would undermine Sam's authority as Beta. Also, Jared was Sam's man through and through.

I smiled at the creaking sound of Dad's wheelchair coming from his bedroom. It was nice to be back home, though I missed Edward with all my heart.

"So you say." Jared's resentful tone made me look up; he had stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans and turned his back on us. "He shouldn't have given up being the Alpha; at least he's straight."

"What the hell do you mean?" Paul growled, his face twisting in a grimace. "What does it have to do with anything?"

"We need a real man leading the pack, not a sissy." Jared scoffed. "Our ancestors are rolling in their graves."

"You take that back!" Paul shouted and stood up, the veins on his forehead bulging.

"Paul, I'll explain a few things to our friend." I motioned to Paul to sit down, trying to calm him because I had to fight my own battles.

Dad wheeled his chair nearer; I glanced at him as he paused at the threshold and looked at me with eyebrows raised. Hoped he wouldn't say anything because I had to deal with Jared's issues myself. I had to convince Jared that being gay had no bearing on my abilities to be the Alpha.

Watching Dad gave me an idea, though. I remembered the stories he told me on our fishing trips, and I had to fight back a grin when I recognized Jared's weak point. He was obsessed with tradition, so my wolf and I would pounce on that and use it against the guy. 

"Funny you should say that, Jared." I kept my voice calm.

"It's the damned truth! We are better when led by real men."

I stood up and walked to the counter, saying nonchalantly, "I take it you haven't heard of the Two Spirit."

"The what?" Jared looked at me sharply. He had keen eyesight but there were some things you just needed a deep soul to understand.

"The word berdache doesn't ring a bell?" I had to bite back the sarcastic comment on the tip of my tongue as I strove for a serious tone. "The ancestors you mention weren't so rigid in their views of sex. They accepted men dressing as women and vice versa, they even considered them healers and prophets."

"So they were gay?" Seth said.

"Maybe, it didn't really matter though. I guess their views on sexuality were fluid; they weren't set on rigid roles." I pointed at my dad. "Dad told me their presence on hunting parties was desired because they brought good vibes and luck. So if you think that our ancestors would roll in their graves if they saw me leading the pack, you're wrong. They'd shrug and say it was good luck that a Two Spirit leads us in these troubled times."

"Is this information for real?" Jared said confusedly, brushing his fingers against his short-cropped hair.

"It is real, Cameron." Dad's voice boomed around the kitchen as he rolled his wheelchair inside. "My father told me the stories his own father, Ephraim, told him."  

At the mention of Ephraim Black, our common ancestor, Jared shivered and looked at me.

Dad went on. "I can't say it is the same with all tribes across the land, but around here." He motioned with his arm to the woods visible through the windows. "We've had a tradition of prophets in which Two Spirits feature prominently."

 Dad's wheelchair squeaked against the linoleum as he approached the table and picked up a glass of water which he waved at me. "Those men and women underwent spiritual renewal; my father told me they died and returned to life, brimming with visions of the future."

My friends' eyes were wide as they looked at me. I just had to shrug it off because, despite Dad's words, I knew I wasn't that special. I just had this freak accident. I looked at Quil, Embry, and Seth. "I didn't die, guys, it was close but…"

"People who suffered this were changed," Dad said, interrupting me. "They could predict the future and so they became prophets."

I shrugged with irritation. I hoped Dad was wrong because I had enough with being the Alpha and trying to juggle my relationship with Edward.

Embry said wonderingly, "Jake, you will become…"

I lifted my hands. "Nope, Embry. Trust me, I'm not the pixie and so I can't predict anything."

From the corner of my eyes I observed Jared's eyes. He would glance at me occasionally; the way he lowered his chin each time told me he had grudgingly accepted my leadership because he was shaped by his own beliefs.

"Didn't know about that," Seth mumbled.

Dad looked at him through lidded eyes, leaning his head on the chair. "You should ask your mother, Seth. I'm sure Sue has plenty of stories to share."

"I don't know why we are stuck with the ideas of the pale-faces!" Seth said angrily, pushing away his dish which was speckled with dried syrup.

"Our ancestors had to accept them." I took a deep breath and glanced out the window while I tried to frame in words what the vision of the Silver wolf hinted at. "Our people couldn't just fight the pale-faces at every turn, not when they felt the world closing in on them.  They had to adapt to endure because survival is the first rule for any being."

Seth glanced slyly at me. "Another one of your rules of survival, huh?"

Damned kid! He had to remind me of that! I fought to control the blush spreading on my cheeks when I remembered that day; I met Edward after Seth and I talked and the way Edward drank his fill while devouring me with his eyes made me realize I was his.  

oOoOo

"Are you okay?"  I hefted the phone closer to my ear, staring at the tiled floor of the bathroom. After Seth's words, I could hardly wait for the guys to leave so I could call Edward; felt like a lovesick kid but I was very worried about my vamp. "You sound tired."

"I'm fine, wolf."

"You sure?"

"Well, I spent all night working on a piece of music."

"That's great!" I balanced my weight on the soles of my feet and nuzzled my cheek against the cold screen of the phone, wishing it was Edward instead. "I mean, I wouldn't force you or anything, but…"

"I know."

"Tried to drop subtle hints."

"Your thoughts were clear enough, Jacob. Having you back in one piece and the fact that you remembered me…" Edward paused while I damned the fact I wasn't by his side because his face in repose, while he thought about things, was beautiful indeed.

"It gave me the push I needed to compose again," Edward finally said. "Mind you, it's nothing great …"

"Nope, coming from you… I bet it's great."

"Thanks, but it seems you're the one who's not all right."

"Nothing escapes you, huh?"

"Your voice tells me you're stressed and besides, years of experience help. Now tell me, Jacob."

I talked with him about the confrontation with Jared and my concerns about the pack.  

"I have to say, you found an interesting way to deal with it," Edward said.

"I had to."

Right then, I heard Leah knocking at the door. "Gotta go, Edward. Will you meet me at the border after I finish for the day? Let's say, around 4?"

"Sure, Jacob; take care."

"You too, kwo pat."

oOoOo

"I talked to this Quinault woman I know," Leah said tentatively. "When I met Paul and he told me about your plans to meet with them, I felt I had to tell you. That's why we came."

Leaning my elbows on the kitchen counter, I tilted down my chin. Then I nodded at her. "And?"

She shrugged and leaned closer to Paul. "I don't want to go around your back or anything, but I had the idea that we need more personal contact with this tribe.  I remembered this girl I met in Port Angeles because she was a Quinault."

"Good thinking. Leah." I fingered the cutlery drawer before crossing my arms. "I want you to clear the results with Sam."

Leah twisted her beautiful face in a grimace. Frankly, I hated laying the burden on her but she had to learn to deal with Sam in a business-like manner. I squinted at Paul and Leah, noting the way they sat close together with hands entwined beneath the table. She seemed to be well on her way to overcoming what happened with Sam and the way the imprint ruined her life. 

Paul glanced casually at the Biology textbook on the table, pushing it aside. "Leah, what came of it?"

"Well, her uncle is an elder and my friend said she would talk to him."

"Great," I sighed and glanced at the ceiling before looking at Leah and Paul. "Listen guys, I have to tell you that either one of you would make a great Beta, but I had to choose Sam."

"Why?"

"Because I have to keep the pack united," I said slowly. "Besides, Sam has lots of experience which I need."

"You mean, you need his power base," Leah said shrewdly.

"Yep." I smirked at her while I walked up to the table to pick up the book. While I ruffled through the pages, Leah leaned closer, her ebony hair framing her pretty face.

She touched the pages. "The book looks interesting; does it have much about wolves?"

"Nothing too specific." I shrugged. "Just taxonomy and stuff."

Noting how Leah gazed longingly at Paul while she sighed made me want, more than ever, that I could phase so I could read her thoughts which were often interesting. Though in the past they had been tinged with hurt and sarcasm, still I missed that. 

I prodded her. "C´mon Leah, what gives?"

"I have to find a way to fight against the imprint." Leah tossed her head angrily, her black hair whipping around her cheeks. "I won't allow the damned imprint to steal love away from me again!"  

"Doc Cullen says I won't imprint," I said, a tad guiltily.

"That's nice, Jake, but to get to the point where you are I'd have to let someone shoot me in the head." Leah glanced at Paul.  "I won't do that for any guy… sorry, Paul."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, love," Paul said, and squeezed her shoulder.

"Doc Cullen said the key was in the hypothalamus, whatever that is." I looked at Leah and then at the book on my hands.  "There should be another way to get the same effect without those bastards shooting at you. I still don't know why the fuckers shot me!"

"Son, you have to take care in your patrols." Dad called out from the living room as he rolled his wheelchair toward us. "I don't want ever again to see you in the hospital."

"I will, Dad." I had to shake my head at that; first, I needed to shift and that didn't look too promising at the moment. Then again, I could be shot dead as a man or a wolf. There were things I just had to accept to move on.  

Dad lowered his chin to gaze at the fork on the table while I opened the biology book to check out the chapter summary. It was just as the Doc had told me.

"Guys, did you know we have an extra pair of chromosomes more than normal humans?"

Leah shook her head while Paul nodded somberly. I raised my eyebrows at him and he said, "Sam told me he'd found out something like that. It was right after he attacked Emily; he was babbling hysterically so I didn't give it much thought."  

"Seems old Sam may have been looking for a way out of the imprint." I gazed at Leah meaningfully.  

She wrapped her arms around herself and said wonderingly, "Even then, Sam tried; he just couldn't escape it."

I touched her hand. "I'll talk with the Doc; we'll find a way to block the damned imprint, Leah. Want you to know you're not alone!"

She nodded her thanks while Paul said, "Remember our talk in the woods when you were mad at Cullen?"

"Yeah."

Paul cocked his head at the book. "Well, lemme point out that the extra pair of chromosomes would have been troublesome if you and Bella had a baby."

I plopped down on the chair when the truth hit me; I'd told Edward that Bella and I might have faced the same situation, but encountering it like this made it all seem more real.

"Bella would have died giving birth to a child of mine if Edward had gone ahead with his stupid plan." I gulped while my heart thudded wearily all of a sudden. It all seemed pointless; Bella and Edward's struggle to overcome the strange powers of her baby, and Edward's outrageous solution to have me as stud? Even then Bella would have passed away.  My anger at Edward appeared so childish now when I had faced the reality of death coming from a speeding bullet or the innocent pages of a book.   

Dad patted my shoulder. "You can't be sure, Jacob; it could have turned out different."

"Did you know about the extra chromosomes, Dad?"

"I didn't." Dad shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm not as wise as you think I am, Jacob; certainly I'm no Q'wati who molds people into wolves meddling with these chromosomes you speak of."

oOoOo

Having read the time on the screen of the phone, I stuck it on the back pocket of my jeans. I was way ahead of schedule and managed to build a reasonably tight patrol roster. The reunion with the Quinault was ready and I believed I'd reassured the pack through the practical steps of watching the borders and extending a friendly hand to our neighbors. Most of the guys were behind me, except Colin, even Jared appeared more agreeable.

The leaves crunched satisfyingly under my sneakers as I strode through the familiar forest, inhaling deeply the rich scent of the fertile loam which was peppered with wildflowers. I glanced at the thick oaks and slim saplings, enjoying the thought they would grow and become as stout as the older trees. All in all, I felt I had done a good day's work, though the joy was dimmed by my worry about Edward.

My vamp sounded weary; I knew Edward was a pretty emotive guy and I planned to lift his spirits by patrolling the borders in such a way the he could join me without transgressing the Treaty. I wanted to reassure him, not through sex – though I was looking forward to it – but through small touches like the dreamcatcher. It wasn't fashioned for Edward; actually, it was mother's and I asked my father to give it to me.

I knew Edward couldn't sleep or dream but I wanted him to have it because it was one of the few things that I still had from mom. I felt that by giving it to him, he would get to have my mom's protection and love.  

I froze in midstep; I couldn't pinpoint exactly why, but I sensed Edward was in pain. The world shifted around me as colors jumped at me from the forest; my heart beat a mad rhythm against my ribs as I ran towards him. Didn't even realize I was a wolf until I had taken several steps, hardly aware of the fading pain on my legs from the restricting denim fabric which had been torn to shreds and fell to the ground way behind me.  I inhaled deeply as I sought to follow the delicious scent that was Edward's. The ground blurred as I ran like mad because I heard him crying in pain.   

I jumped over an outcropping and landed on the darker part of the forest; after a quick run through the copse of oaks I was out of Quileute lands and nearer Edward. I barked angrily, having scented something wrong in his smell; it tasted like darkness. My lungs ached with the exertion when I finally saw him; he was writhing on the ground.  He was rubbing his eyes which were closed.

I licked his face, my tongue burning at the taste of his agony. Edward moaned and thrashed around among the dried leaves. I had to take him home!

Howling, I glanced around to get my bearings. The Cullen house was farther than dad's home; it would take longer to get there and I knew Carlisle was probably at the hospital. I glanced unconsciously at my hind paw and my jaws snapped shut in anger; during my phasing, the jeans had been ripped apart and with them, my phone was gone. I couldn't call anyone to get help because the other guys patrolling, Embry and Seth, were at the other side of our borders!

Edward whined and that made up my mind in a hurry. I shifted and tenderly lifted him up. As I turned home and started running, I whispered soothingly, "It'll be all right, Edward. We're going home."

It wasn't until I had gone a hundred yards, taking care not to tread on sharp stones or twigs, that I realized I was taking Edward to the Rez. I gritted my teeth and continued warily; I'd face the consequences later but the most important thing at the moment was taking care of Edward. If anyone thought I would just stand by and let my love suffer because of the Treaty, they were dead wrong.

Edward drifted in and out of consciousness; he would flail his arms around and I had to duck to avoid being hit, though I had bruises on my chest from the times I was too slow.

I made it home and yelled for Dad to open up the door. I lifted up his body so he wouldn't inadvertently knock Dad out of his wheelchair while I walked up to the couch and laid him down.

"Edward, how do you feel?" I knelt on the rug and brushed his hair, gritting my teeth at the sight of his beautiful face twisted in a grimace of pain.

"Hurts, the light hurts so much!" He moaned; I noticed his eyes were still shut tight.

"God, what am I going to do?" I said hoarsely, glancing up at Dad.

"Son, what is going on?"

"Dad, I found him like this. Had to bring him here. Please help me!"

"There's nothing I can do, Jacob," he said patiently. "I don't understand his kind; we should get his father."

"The Doc! Of course we should, I'm so stupid!"

Dad rolled his chair towards the kitchen, muttering, "You're just overwrought because of your mate's pain. It's natural, son."  

While Dad called Carlisle, I tried to soothe Edward by talking softly to him. It seemed to work because he stilled his movements, so I hummed him a lullaby mother used to sing when I was hurt. It was an old Quileute song that spoke of seafarers returning home after a long fishing trip on their canoe, and the warmth that waited at home.

I went to the kitchen to grab a towel; I wet the cloth on the sink and returned to the couch to rub his face. I knew it was useless but what else could I do? I never thought I would see Edward wracked in pain, unless he battled the Volturi or werewolves. I thought about Edward sitting in that hospital room as he watched over me when I was near death. How the hell had he managed the strength to do that?  I felt so small and useless.

I mumbled an apology as I tenderly brushed his hair, "I'm so sorry, kwo pat, so sorry I didn't see how strong you are."

I dimly heard the clinking sound of the clothes hangers coming from my closet. Dad was looking for something.

"Nayeli!" I choked back a sob while I bent my head to kiss his cheek and then I whispered, "Please don't leave me all alone, Edward."

He still had his eyes shut tight and I winced. What the hell was wrong with his beautiful eyes? I rocked back and forth on my soles until Dad handed me a pair of jeans.

"Son, you'd better dress. I found Doctor Cullen at the hospital. He's coming any minute now."

"Thanks." I dressed slowly; I didn't care I was naked. I had done everything on automatic since the moment I sensed Edward was in pain and I shifted.

All my attention was concentrated on Edward's still body. What the hell could a mortal do in this case?

I was tempted to just cut a slit across my arm and offer him blood so Edward would grow strong from that, but then I realized that would be dumb. My vamp's hunger could turn out to be uncontrollable and I didn't want to force that on gentle Edward who did his best to avoid drinking human blood. If I had at hand the carcass of an animal I'd just killed, I could offer him that.

Brushing my fingertips across his cheeks, I said, "Ayásocha, kwo pat? How are you, beloved?"

He grunted and then said, "I hurt, Jacob. It feels as if my eyes are on fire."

"Carlisle's coming; hold on, Ed."

So intently did I watch Edward that I didn't notice Carlisle's presence until he leaned over his son. The Doc took out a metallic device from his leather bag.

"What's the matter with Edward, Doc?"

"Let me examine him, Jacob." Carlisle checked his wrists and some faint scars on his throat, nudging Edward's chin this way and that. I bit my lip hard; didn't know I had drawn blood until the Doc glanced at me calmly.

"Jacob, please control yourself. You should know how the smell of blood unsettles us."

"Sorry, Doc." I mumbled sheepishly as I stood up. I walked shakily to the bathroom to wipe off the blood, knowing my healing would take care of the wound. Looking at my tearful reflection, I felt like smashing the mirror because I hated feeling so impotent. I would gladly deal with the rush and exhilaration of battle, but sitting here and doing nothing while my lover suffered was overwhelming. I glanced at the mirror and ruffled my hair.

On my way to the living room, I glanced at my bed and saw the dreamcatcher over the blanket. I grabbed it and fingered the beads and the soft sinew that bound everything together.

Carlisle was brushing Edward's hair. "You should have listened to me, son."

"What does he have, Doc?"

"I managed to pry apart his eyelids to confirm what I feared." Carlisle said. "His eyes are changing color."

I sat numbly on the chair, nudging it closer to Edward. I leaned closer to card my fingers through his soft hair and he turned towards my touch. My heart beat fast while I said, "What does it mean? How can a vampire's eyes go back to his human color and revert again?"

He said, "Eye color is determined genetically in humans, you know."

Carlisle lifted his hand to forestall my questions and then he pointed at Edward. "Have you heard of genetic engineering?"

I nodded tiredly and pointed at the kitchen. "Read about it in a Biology textbook. They tinker with genes; the book said they've used it to make seeds more resistant."

The events of the morning felt like a million years ago. If I could only go back to that time when Edward didn't suffer!

Carlisle nodded. "I think Edward was infected with a virus; it was a weapon genetically designed to render him - or any vampire – defenseless against the Volturi. It would decrease his abilities."

"Do you really think so?" I furrowed my eyebrows in thought.

"The state of the art has advanced enormously; I've kept abreast of developments but nothing has alerted me of such fine tuning as this would require." Carlisle rubbed his forehead wearily.

"It could be the government, you know," I said out of the blue.

"What do you mean?"

I recalled reading something similar in one of the comics Seth loved. "They could have found about vampires and developed this thing secretly, so that is why you haven't heard of it."

Carlisle frowned and then said softly, "Be that as it may, this fine tuning would require finesse which is not readily available. The biological weapon they used succeeded in part and we got to see how the color of his eyes changed. But a vampire's two extra pair of chromosomes hold thousands of genes and it's virtually impossible to control all that, although, given time…"

 Edward moaned and I grabbed his hand, wincing when he clutched my own too tightly. It didn't matter because I would hold onto him even if he broke my bones. I'd never let him go.

"What does it mean for your son, doc?"

"Edward's body is fighting against the infection. I believe the virus was crudely designed so it didn't affect his powers and gift which remain as strong as ever." Carlisle patted my shoulder and gently unclasped Edward's fingers from my own. "You'll need your hands to deal with Edward when he comes to, son. I believe he will do it soon."

I nodded dazedly.

"I wish I could give him an anesthetic, but there is none for us. Edward is in pain because his eyes are changing. I told him this might happen but he insisted on going about life the normal way." Then Carlisle looked pointedly at me. "He is a very stubborn young man, not unlike yourself."

He smiled gently while he picked up the instruments to put them back in his leather bag.  "I would say the two of you have met your match."  

"But Edward will be all right?"

"I can't predict the future, Jacob, but I have studied the human and vampire body in detail." Carlisle pointed at his son's smooth face. "Do you notice the way he's calmed down since I arrived? His body is adjusting again; we are tough to destroy."

Carlisle walked away and I was afraid he would return to his house. Edward needed him by his side.  

"Will you stay, Doc? I'm sure father won't mind."

I glanced at my dad who nodded somberly.

 "I will, Jacob." Carlisle grinned briefly. "I have files and materials I have to collate to get a better picture. I might as well do it here rather than at home. I'll call Esme just to let her know."

"Tell her I said hi."

"I sure will, Jacob."

Carlisle sat at the kitchen table and stroke up a hushed conversation with Dad.

Now that Edward was calm, I didn't want to jostle him so I sat on the floor and reclined my torso against the legs of the couch. I nudged my body closer so my forehead touched his hair while I draped my arm around his shoulder. It was uncomfortable as hell but I didn't want to bother him. Edward seemed to be dreaming, to judge from his twitching eyelids.  

Rubbing my forehead against his cold skin, I yawned. I glanced at the window and noticed it was dark outside. I was dead tired after all the excitement about the pack and doing chores; trying to take up studying again, and dealing with Edward's pain.

I was so bone-weary my eyelids felt heavy, I clutched Edward's hand and curled my legs near to the couch.

I wasn't conscious of falling asleep but I must have. During the night, Carlisle moved me because I woke up on the couch, nuzzling against the smooth hand that caressed my face. I smiled, inhaling Edward's scent.  

"Thank you, Jake."

"Whaaa…" I blearily opened my eyes and gazed at him. I was struck by the colors of his eyes which were a rich gold, nearer amber than yellow. They were the sun and life to me and I welcomed their change; I liked when they were green but also enjoyed the rich golden hue.

"What you said is true; you really don't care about the color!" Edward said, his voice tinged with wonder as I leaned closer and mumbled against his neck, "Course I don't care as long as they're your eyes, silly vamp."

Then I sat up on the couch and nearly fell off the edge, only Edward's hand on my shoulder kept me from falling. I looked into his eyes. "Wait, how did you find out? Can you read my thoughts?"

He smirked at me. "Yes, I can."

"Well, that's great news," I said with relief, though that would complicate matters for me because I had just lost the element of surprise in our teasing games.

I gazed at him. 'You're fine?'

Edward ruffled my hair. "Silly wolf, you're never content, are you? For your information, I am fine and I can only read you intermittently. At times there's something like static that doesn't allow me to enter your mind. You were having an interesting dream about us but I didn't get to see how it ended."

I blushed while I hid my face against his neck. "Would love to act on that but I have to go to the bathroom; and our fathers?"

"Carlisle is on the lawn, talking to your father." Edward furrowed his eyebrows in concentration while I looked up to drink the sight of him.

"Oh, no!" He mumbled. "He's just received a call, bad news."

"What about?"

"I don't know exactly, he's coming to tell us." Edward looked at the door while I sat on the couch and tried to compose myself.

 Carlisle walked up to us, nodding at Edward. "You're all right, I take it."

"I am. Thank you, Carlisle."

"You know about the phone call."

"I do, though I don't see why it's so important to you," Edward said.

"What was the call about?" I asked Carlisle.

"I'm afraid I have bad news for all of us." Carlisle sighed tiredly. "My contact at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles Hospital just called me, reporting a strange robbery. It would seem they forced their way into the hospital's medical lab and stole equipment and certain samples."  

"What samples?" I said with dread, because I had a feeling I knew what Carlisle was going to say.

"They stole your blood samples, Jacob, along with those of the other Quileutes."

tbc

Comments

[vanashta.livejournal.com]

This is an incredibly interesting chapter,I wonder if Jake's right about the government finding out about vampires,and maybe about werewolves/shifters as well ,and has secretly developed a virus!

Ed was infected by the one's that shot Jake,so it all could be part of the same plan!
But I have a feeling it was something,or someone else!
I'll just have to wait to find out!:DDD


What a joy it would be to live near a pack of werewolves and see them running around naked,from time to time!*sighs*

Amazing chapter!!!!

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you liked it. It could be the government, they would have the resources, or maybe the Volturi or unknown agents.

It could be that; thank you for your patience!! :DD

That would be quite a welcome sight!!

Thanks!! :DD

[wirrrn.livejournal.com]

Ace chapter! Loved Jake standing up against homophobia with tribal law and tales, and the chromosomes and virus thing was inspired :)

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Thanks, man! Jake shares more qualities of the wolf, he's sly and he saw the chance to use the tribal mores. The virus will play an important part :)

Omg

[mizuki8d.livejournal.com]

Someone is stalking the wolf ohhhhh!!!!!!

Re: Omg

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Someone may have bad designs about Jacob, thankfully he has Edward to protect him!!!

[duchesscarml.livejournal.com]

Ooh, and the plot thickens!! Looks to me like everyones' in trouble, not just Jacob and Edward.... Great job! You have me completely worried about EVERYONE! -_- ...I need chocolate now.

[herumtreiber.livejournal.com]

Well, you are right! Things are complicated for Jacob and Edward, but everyone is at risk, not only them... Things will get interesting. Thank you very much!