Chapter Text
“Where are you going?”
Jacob looked up with a start, letting out a heavy sigh when he realised that it was just the leech doctor. He’s been coming over the past few days to check on the progress of Jacob’s healing bones, the vampire’s scent was always around him. It was practically embedded into the walls at that point. Jacob isn’t surprised that he didn’t sense him coming.
The shifter looked back down at his bag, grabbing another shirt to stuff inside before reaching for a pair of jeans.
“Why do you care?”
Carlisle took a step into the room. “It’s hardly been more than a day since your bones set, I just don’t think-“
“I’m a shifter, remember? I heal fast.” Jacob said shortly as he walked across the room to grab his charger. His phone can’t go more than a few hours without needing to be charged, but he hadn’t really needed it when he was in La Push, being in a pack made the whole cellphone thing somewhat unnecessary. But now he’s leaving town.
He seriously he needs a new phone.
The blonde looked away for a moment before walking in further into the room and shutting the door behind him. Jacob paused to look up.
“What-“
“Does this have anything to do with Edward and Bella’s engagement?”
Jacob tensed before his jaw clenched, “You know, of course you know. Bet he couldn’t fucking wait to run home and start gloating about it.”
Carlisle let out a deep breath, “You don’t have to go, Jacob. I’m sure-“
“What?” Jacob snapped turning around to face the vampire and step closer to the older man, “What-what-what? Bella? What about her? She still cares about me? She doesn’t want me to be hurt? She needs me to stay here with her?”
“I-“
“Bella doesn’t need me because she loves me, she needs an emotional vacuum.” Jacob said bitterly as he turned back to his bag, “She wants someone who’ll run after her and pick up the pieces just in case Edward decides to break her heart again. She never loved me, the way she loved him. She told me as much. No matter what I did it would always be Edward. I was just the dumbass that was stupid enough to keep running after her regardless.”
Carlisle remained quiet, Jacob zipped up his bag and went over to the closet to grab the jacket he had hanging off of the door handle. “I’m done running after someone who doesn’t want me.”
It was quiet for a moment as Jacob tugged on his jacket and straightened it out.
“What I meant to say is that you don’t have to leave just because of her. You have so many people in your life that care about you Jacob, like your father and the pack.”
Jacob gave a snort, “The members of my pack almost got hurt, because of Bella and her vampire boyfriend and my father’s been trying to get me to stay away from her since he found out about her vampire boyfriend. I doubt they have that much of a problem with me getting away from her for a while.”
Carlisle could only stare at the teen, “Where will you go?”
Jacob looked up at the vampire, for a second contemplating the idea of just telling the leech to fuck off. But he had no real reason to hate this particular leech. He was fine, he helped fix Jacob up and he seemed harmless enough around the humans. Why not cooperate just once?
“I dunno, up north? Maybe Canada. I’d go see my sister but, we haven’t been on speaking terms since she and my dad got into a fight.”
The blonde nodded, Jacob walked around the bed to grab his bag while the vampire spoke, “You know, we have this island, off the coast in the middle of the Brazilian isles. Wonderful warm weather, white beaches, gorgeous waters and a lovely house with staff that comes by every few days to clean the house, restock the fridge.”
“Sounds fancy.” Jacob said without thinking.
“You could go there.”
“Yeah, cause I totally have the money to jump on a plane and just rock up at some private beach.”
“You don’t, but I do.”
Jacob looked up at the vampire with a pause and Carlisle stepped closer to the wolf.
“Think of it as a gift, from my family to you. For everything we’ve put you through.” Carlisle said and Jacob shook his head, “No.”
“Jacob-“
“I don’t need or want anything from your family.” Jacob said slinging his bag over his shoulder only to stop when Carlisle put a hand on his shoulder.
“Then accept it as a gift from me. Personally.” The blonde said with a warm smile, “As a doctor, watching a patient walk away before I’m sure that they’re completely healthy is somewhat nerve wrecking. It’ll make me feel much better knowing where you are, and knowing that you’re safe and fed.”
Jacob rolled his eyes, “I don’t need your help.”
“But I want to give it, so just let me.”
The doctor was being sincere, Jacob wishes he could pretend like he didn’t know the stupid leech was being sincere.
“I don’t have a visa.”
“I’ll find a way to work around that.”
He let out a heavy sigh.
“I don’t think my bike would make it to Brazil.” The shifter said walking over to the dresser to grab his phone.
Carlisle shrugged, “One call to the airport and I can have you on the first flight out. Make sure the beach house is ready for you when you get there.” Jacob gave a snort as he checked his phone for messages only to hold back a glare when he noticed three texts from Bella.
“Maybe I could get you a new phone too.” Jacob looked up in time to catch the vampire staring at the device in his hand with a frown and his head gave a tilt.
“As long as you don’t give anyone in your family my number, then knock yourself out.”
“Not even Bella?”
“Especially Bella.” Jacob said clearly as he stuffed his phone in his pocket and walked over to the door to open it and make his way out of the house. The vampire followed. He almost stumbled over his own feet when he heard the doctor on the phone actually talking about flights and travel documents. Holy shit, he’s serious?! By the time they got to the front door, he’d suddenly switched to speaking in some other language. Spanish? No, in Brazil they speak Portuguese, right?
He walked out onto the porch where his father waited with Sam, Seth, Paul and Leah. Jacob just rolled his eyes when Billy spoke.
“You’re sure about this, son?” he asked his expression wrought with worry, Jacob tried to give a reassuring smile.
“I’m sure Dad, I just need some time to myself. Away from everything.”
“You mean you need time away from the meat bag, right?” Leah snarked and Jacob couldn’t stop himself from casting a glare over at her when he remembered that he was mad at Bella too. So he just took a deep breath as he leaned down to give his dad a hug.
“I won’t be gone long.”
“It would be safer for everyone, if you stayed here.” Sam suddenly said and Jacob just shook his head as he pulled away from his father.
“It’s my fault you guys got involved in the mess with Bella in the first place and as for me,” Jacob looked over to Carlisle who was still on the phone a few feet away from the porch, right next to where Jacob left his bike parked in front of the house.
“It’s more like a vacation anyway. Doc offered me a place to crash on a private beach somewhere.”
Seth’s face lit up, “Wow really?”
Billy frowned, “And you’re accepting his offer?”
“Why not? I’m just happy to be getting away from everything.” Jacob said casting one more look over his surroundings. “But like I said before, I won’t be gone long. Just long enough to get my head on straight.”
They didn’t look too sure but Billy still managed a strained smile, “Take as long as you need, Jacob.”
“Thanks dad, I’ll see you guys later.” He said tugging his bag up higher over his shoulder and walking over to his bike. Carlisle paused from where he’d been pacing as he spoke on the phone. The vampire paused to give him a smile.
“Your flight is in two hours. Just show them your ID at the ticket counter at the airport.”
Jacob paused from where he’d been about to straddle his bike to purse his lips together in thought, “I really don’t need you to do all of this for me.”
Carlisle smiled, “Like I said before. I want to. You should get a move on if you want to catch your flight.”
Jacob paused, “Thank you. Not just for this, but for what happened with the newborns.”
Carlisle waved him off, “That’s nothing to thank me for. I’m a doctor. It’s my job.”
Jacob chuckled as he straddled his bike and started it up before he rode away. His chest felt a little lighter the further he got. Away from La Push, away from Forks. Away from the constant source of his broken heart.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a total trip.
Jacob just stood in the door of the large beach house with wide eyes.
“Oh no fucking way.”
When he got to the airport he went in expecting to wait for a couple of hours before the plane boarded and he was kind of annoyed at that fact. Only for the staff at the airport to immediately usher him off to a VIP lounge to wait for the plane to be prepared, before he was taken onto a private friggin jet. When they landed in Buenos Aires, Jacob was picked up in a town car and taken to the docks where a boat came to take him to Isle Esme.
The shifter paused to look around, tugging his bag up higher on his shoulder, awkwardly.
The house was big, spacious with the same large windows that the Cullen house had back in Forks. The leeches really like that whole glass house thing, huh?
He walked inside, shut the door behind him and just dropped the bag on the floor as he looked around.
Living room to the right, dining room and kitchen to the left, a large open plan with a hallway leading to three bedrooms and a study and two bathrooms. Jacob ended up flopping down on the bed in the main bedroom, staring up at the hardwood ceiling with the brightly coloured chandelier right in the centre. In some ways he couldn’t believe that he left Forks after finding out about Bella’s wedding. He spent such a long time pining after her, waiting for her to just look up and notice him, but she never did.
Although, that’s not entirely true.
Bella noticed him.
Bella noticed him whenever she wanted information on the vampires or when Bella felt sad because of the vampires or when her vampire boyfriend decided to just up and disappear on her. It was never about him; it was always about Edward. He might as well have been pining after the stupid mind reading leech himself since the only time they ever really spent time together, was usually when it had something to do with Edward.
When Bella moved back to Forks, Jacob liked her well enough but he didn’t really see her in a romantic way. It wasn’t till that first time when they were talking about the Quileute legends that he took notice of her and that’s really only because she suddenly seemed to take an interest in him. Thinking back on it now, Jacob realised that she was focused on Edward even back then.
The shifter let out a heavy sigh as he spread his arms out at his sides, taking in a deep breath before slowly letting it back out.
This is long overdue, this’ll be good for him.
A few weeks from now, Bella will be married to the leech and then she’ll be a leech herself. There’s really no need for Jacob to keep holding onto her anymore.
After another deep breath, Jacob got up and headed back to the front door to grab his bag and at least make some attempt at unpacking, although he wasn’t sure if it would be necessary. He never really talked to the doc about how long he could stay.
Instead Jacob dropped his bag in the bedroom and made to toss his jacket on the vanity table only to pause when he noticed a box on the desk against the right side of the room. There was a computer, lamp, a notepad, landline and a couple of pens. In the centre of the desk on top of the notepad was a silver box with a silk bow wrapped around it. He walked over to the desk and saw a card attached and picked up the box to read the card.
‘Jacob’
Just his name. Jacob arched a brow before turning around and heading to the kitchen. He set the box down on the island in the middle of the large room, deciding that his hunger outweighed any curiosity he had concerning the box. He had to pause when he opened the double doors of the large gleaming fridge and realised that the doc really wasn’t kidding about the whole fully stocked fridge thing.
The moment passed and he decided a couple of sandwiches and some soda would be the easiest to manage for the time being. He got done quickly and sat down at the island to start eating, glancing over to the box every few seconds before he finally gave in, wiping his hands on the dishtowel he’d set nearby and pushed his plate aside to open the box only to blink and then let out a bark of laughter at what he found inside.
A cell phone.
Of course.
Of course the vampire would have a phone ready for him when he got to the house on top of everything else. Jacob turned on the screen and found just one number in the contact list. He pressed the call button and waited.
Three rings later-
“Jacob, I see you’ve arrived.”
“Yeah I landed like an hour ago.”
“Well, what do you think?”
“I think I finally know what vampires do when they have too much money.” Jacob said with the phone still pressed against his ear as he grabbed his plate and set it in the sink, Carlisle laughed, “I got here after sunset so I didn’t really get to see much outside but it looks like a really nice place so far. So is this like your vacation home or something?”
“Something like that.” Carlisle said with a pause, “I bought the island for Esme on our 50th anniversary, but we rarely ever use it since the sun is always so bright there.”
“But you still totally decided to keep the island that you rarely ever use.” Jacob scoffed, “Vampires with way too much money.”
Carlisle chuckled again, “I’m glad you made it there safe. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call. Esme was actually wondering if you needed any clothes while you’re there, we thought we could send you some money so you could go shopping on the mainland.”
“Esme? You told her?” Jacob paused.
“I hope you don’t mind but I don’t like keeping secrets from her. You don’t have to worry about her telling Edward or Bella, she understands that you left so you could get some space.”
“No, no its… fine.” Jacob sighed rubbing a hand over his face, “I don’t think the whole shopping thing will be necessary though, I don’t think I’ll be here that long. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“Jacob, you can stay as long as you want. There’s no need to rush-“
“But-“
“But nothing.” Jacob wanted to argue but Carlisle seemed to pause on the other side of the line, “I should go. I’ll call you back soon.”
“Yeah, sure.”
The line went dead and Jacob sighed as he set the phone down on the table.
“Stay as long as I want huh?”
Jacob couldn’t help but smile at least a little to himself as a tiny bubble of excitement bloomed in his chest. When’s the next time he’ll get an opportunity like this again? He might as well enjoy himself, right?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next few days were a relief.
No vampires, no wolves, no tribe, no pack, no school and above all else; no Edward and Bella.
The first day Jacob got up late and took a long shower, had some breakfast and then decided to look around the island.
It was beautiful. Jacob was suddenly immensely relieved that he took the doc up on his offer. Speaking of the vampire doctor. Jacob’s shiny new credit card arrived on the third day. The housekeeper brought it in a package from Esme, it came with a note asking for him to call her when he got the chance.
He called, and on some level, he wishes he hadn’t.
Esme was nice. Really nice. Extremely nice. It was frustrating since he’d resolved to hating all of the leeches with the exception of the doctor since, well, he can’t hate the guy that keeps helping him out and saving him, right?
“Uh, hi.”
“Jacob! It’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you called, I wasn’t sure if you would… considering the circumstances.”
“I-“
“But, I’m glad you did. How are you settling in? Is everything alright on the island?”
“Its fine, it’s a really nice place.” Jacob started awkwardly, “Thanks for letting me stay here.”
“There’s no need to thank me. I’m just glad you’re doing well. You are doing well? If you need anything, I can call the staff and-“
“No, seriously. It’s fine. I’m fine.” Jacob said clearly, “You really didn’t need to send the card either. I don’t think I’ll need it.”
“Well, I would’ve sent you some clothes but I don’t know your size. I would’ve asked Alice, she can tell someone’s size just by looking at them, but I didn’t think it would be appropriate. Carlisle thought it would be a good idea for you to just go shopping yourself. The mainland is lovely this time of year.”
“Sure, I guess.”
There was a slight pause, “Jacob, I know things have been difficult between our families for some time and for good reason and the situation with Edward and Bella isn’t making things any easier.”
“Look-“
“But I really do hope that things can be better. If there’s ever anything you need or want to talk about. All you have to do is call. And you don’t have to worry about Bella and Edward finding out. I know you need some space.”
Jacob let out a sigh, “Why are you being so nice? I’m pretty sure your kids wouldn’t be happy about you and the doc doing all of this for me.”
“Well, the children don’t get to tell us who we can or can’t help. Besides, they’re mostly self-sufficient anyway, I doubt they’ll notice anything. And it’s nice… having someone to talk to outside of the family. Someone to help.”
His first instinct was to scream about how he didn’t need help, but the tone in the vampire’s voice made him pause. She sounded sad, there was longing in her tone. Jacob didn’t have the heart to tell her off.
“I-… Your kitchen’s huge. All that food’s kind of overwhelming. I’m not really used to cooking all that much.”
“Oh! I can have the cook come over and prepare some things for you. Or if you’d rather have your privacy, I found this great cookbook a few years ago in New Orleans. I’ll send you a copy. I never get to use it since we don’t really eat.”
“O.K.”
“When you get back, if you decide to come back, maybe you could come over for lunch.”
Jacob scoffed, “Maybe.”
“Or maybe Carlisle and I could come by the island while you’re there. Just for a few days-“
“That really isn’t necessary.”
“I-“ the vampire paused, “I should go. I’ll call you later. Is it alright, if I call you later?”
“Yeah… its fine Mrs Cullen.”
“Please, Esme. Esme is just fine.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, “We’ll talk later.”
“Sure.”
The line went dead. Jacob shook his head as he set the phone down on the table and looked out over to the window. He could see the beach from where he sat, see the blue waves brush up against the shore before going back again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It’s been about a week. In that time Jacob’s managed to settle in quite nicely. He didn’t go to the mainland, he didn’t need to. There was a ton of food in the house, the clothes he had on him were perfectly fine to begin with and it was… nice. It’s a strange thought, but it felt nice being alone for once. Being around the pack was hard sometimes, there was never any privacy since they basically shared all their thoughts when they were phased. It wasn’t fun. Though the connection to the pack did feel good sometimes. It felt good knowing that you weren’t alone but at the same time, it could be a total pain.
So the first few days, Jacob was grateful to have that space from the rest of the world and to pretend like none of it existed for just a bit.
Mostly anyway.
Carlisle called every now and then to check up on him. Call to make sure he wasn’t having any problems since his injuries healed, calling to make sure he was taking care of himself. Esme also called to also make sure that Jacob was taking care of himself. Call to make sure he was eating, call to ask if she should call the staff to come in and clean or just fly over to do it herself.
Yeah, she asked about showing up on the island a few more times than Jacob was comfortable with. To make sure the oddly invested vampire didn’t just show up uninvited, Jacob agreed to a video call. There was some recipe Esme wanted to try and she had absolutely no one to test it on. Jacob almost asked why she didn’t just ask Bella to taste it for her but the shifter realised that he just didn’t want to know anything about whatever Bella was doing.
They video called and Jacob cooked with Esme. It wasn’t as… bad as he thought it would be. Esme is still ridiculously nice and she seemed to be having a good time, rambling on and on while Jacob tried to keep up with the vampire’s instructions on how to fry that or fillet this and baste that.
Though Jacob would never admit it to anyone outside of the pack, it’s pretty much the best meal he’s had in a while and he technically made it himself too.
So by the end of the week, Jacob decided that he had two leeches that he kind of liked in the Olympic coven.
It would be the day after that that he would get an unwelcome reminder of the others.
He’d just gotten in from the beach. Jacob basically spent the whole day lounging out in the sun and swimming. The warmth of the sun surprisingly felt incredibly good on his constantly heated skin and the water was just barely cool enough to feel. He even phased and ran around in his wolf form on the beach for a while. Jacob was in a great mood. So when Carlisle texted to ask how he was doing Jacob decided to send the doc a selfie of himself lounging on the beach. Because honestly, why not?
And just to be a little bit of an ass about it, he blew a kiss at the camera and sent it with the caption, ‘Give your wife a big kiss from me’
Carlisle texted back that he sent it to Esme and she apparently thought it was so good, she set it as the wallpaper on her phone. The shifter laughed hard at that. He even sent the same picture to Sam, his Dad and the rest of the pack. Leah thought it was hilarious. Billy was just glad that Jacob was doing O.K. So yeah, Jacob was having a pretty good day.
Until he got back inside that is.
His phone was ringing and ringing hard. Jacob picked it up just as it went to voicemail. He blinked when he noticed that he had about fifteen missed calls from a number he didn’t recognise.
The shifter frowned, drying his hair with a towel in one hand while he held his phone in the other staring at the screen in confusion only for it to ring again.
Still frowning, Jacob answered.
“Hello?”
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!”
Jacob blinked, “Excuse me?”
“I’m asking you what sick game you’re playing at mutt!”
The insult caught him off guard and had his expression twisting further into confusion.
“Mu… who is this?”
“Rosalie Cullen, you stupid dog.” Came the growled response and Jacob’s arm fell down to the side as he glared at the wall.
“Barbie.”
“Fuck you!”
“How did you get this number?”
“How do you think? God, I got it from Esme’s phone.”
Jacob rolled his eyes, “What do you want, blondie?”
“Oh no, you’re not the one asking the questions here, Fido. I am.”
“O.K, you know what-”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing with Esme?”
Jacob paused, “What?”
“Esme! You know she has a mate, right? She’s married you miserable cur! What the hell do you think you’re doing with her?!”
“What am I… I’m not doing anything with Esme.”
“Oh yeah right.” She scoffed, “You think you’re so smart, having her call you whenever she thinks she’s alone, having her save your number under some random name-“
“I didn’t-“
“God, you’re so pathetic! What, so Bella wants nothing to do with you so now you’re trying to seduce a married woman, ten times your age?!”
Jacob’s expression twisted into disbelief, “What?”
“It is so sad, that you can’t just walk away and leave our family alone, what now you have to mess with Esme?!”
“What are you talking about? I’m not doing anything with-“
“I saw the picture of you on her phone! Are you really that desperate for someone to give a shit about you or are you just that much of a scumbag?! What the hell do you think you’re doing?! She us a vampire, you are a desperate worthless mutt who isn’t worth her time.”
Jacob blinked when it suddenly all clicked and he let out a heavy sigh of frustration.
“Jesus Christ.”
“Yeah, Jesus Christ is right! Do you have any morals or are you really just that much of a fucking asshole. Esme has a mate! She has Carlisle and if you think-“
“Nothing is happening between me and Esme.” Jacob said clearly. Rosalie scoffed again.
“Oh yeah right-“
“I can’t deal with this right now.” Jacob growled in annoyance, “If you wanna know what’s happening so badly, then ask Carlisle why Esme is calling me. He knows that she’s doing it.”
A slight pause, “You’re lying, why am I not surprised-“
“You know what, I literally do not care if you believe me or not. Just do me a favour and fuck off, Barbie.”
“You-“
Jacob hung up the phone. He almost threw it at the wall in frustration. Instead he just turned around and ran out of the house, back onto the beach. He phased, deciding that he’d need to burn off some energy in order to feel ready enough to go back inside again.
When he got back, he finally felt calm enough to not crush his phone and simply blocked what he assumed was Blondie’s number before heading in for a shower and heating up some of the left-overs from his cooking session with Esme.
It would be just before he crawled into bed that his phone would go off. By that time, Jacob had a full stomach and binge watched about ten episodes of this series that he’d almost gotten obsessed with. Seriously, with all the stupid stuff that he’d been dealing with in Forks, Jacob almost completely forgot just how much he loved TV.
Jacob was full and tired and feeling O.K. So he only paused for a brief second when his phone went off. Carlisle’s name flashed across the screen so he answered.
“You know, your psycho daughter called me today? She thinks I’m trying to steal your wife.”
A very heavy sigh, “Yes, I know Jacob. Will you hold on for one moment, there’s someone who would like to talk to you.”
Jacob had just lay down on his side only to frown, “What?”
“Mutt.”
Jacob blinked.
“Rosalie!” He heard Esme hiss in the background. Jacob sat up and his frown grew just as Blondie let out a sigh of her own.
“I’m… I…” Another sigh, “I apologise for what I said this afternoon. It was completely uncalled for and I had no right to talk to you the way that I did when I didn’t have the full context on what was going on. It was wrong and I sincerely apologise.”
Jacob just stared blankly at the wall. Those were very clearly not her words. It’s more likely that Esme or Carlisle gave her that script, but Jacob just didn’t care enough to delve into that.
“Whatever.”
“I also apologise for insulting you just now, that was wrong as well.”
Jacob rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah. You’re done now, right?”
Rosalie hissed something too low for Jacob to hear, this time Carlisle scolded her but Jacob only had a second to think of that.
“Jacob I am so sorry about Rosalie-“
Esme.
“I had no idea that she’d gone into my phone and-“
“It’s fine, Esme. Seriously.” Jacob rubbed his temples and shut his eyes, “As long as she doesn’t try to call me again, I don’t care.”
“Alright, but I am so sorry, I don’t know exactly what she said to you but I know that it was completely inappropriate.” Esme let out a huff of frustration, “For God’s sake you’re barely seventeen and I think of you like a son.”
Jacob opened his eyes and dropped his hand from his temples, “A son?”
“Well… yes. I don’t-“
“No, its fine Esme, don’t worry about it.“ Jacob’s lips pursed for a moment, before he teased, “I mean, it does sting a little though. Here I thought I had a shot, you’re sure I couldn’t steal you away from the old man?”
Esme let out a startled laugh, “Stop that.”
“Do you know what they say about wolves, Mrs Cullen?”
“No and I have no intention of finding out either, young man.” She said sternly though Jacob could hear the smile in her voice, “Enough about that, Carlisle told me that you spent the day on the beach. You looked like you were having a good time.”
“It was nice.” Jacob shrugged and she hummed.
“Just make sure you stay hydrated, Jacob. And don’t forget to go to the mainland for some shopping. I know you don’t want any clothes but you must have gotten through most of the food by now. Or I’ll just call the staff to restock the kitchen.”
“No.” Jacob looked over to the desk and shook his head when his eyes landed on the credit card that he left on it, “I’ll do it. It’ll be nice to be around some people for a bit.”
“Well, that’s good. Oh, Carlisle wants to talk to you. Goodnight Jacob.”
“Yeah, sure, goodnight.” Jacob flopped back onto the bed just as the vampire spoke.
“Attempting to seduce my mate, I see.”
Jacob scoffed, “Hey, if you’re scared of a little competition-“
“Very funny.” Carlisle sad in a dull tone before he let out a chuckle, “I apologise for Rosalie, Jacob. She had no right doing what she did.”
“It’s… whatever, I honestly don’t care.”
“Just so you know, I’ve made it clear that she keeps this information to herself. Edward and Bella won’t find out, I give you my word.”
Jacob let out a sigh and shook his head, “Sure.” He’s been trying really hard to avoid thinking about Bella and her leech, “Is that it?”
“Yes.” Carlisle paused, “Despite all of this, I’m glad you’re doing better Jacob. I’ll be honest, when you left Forks you didn’t seem happy at all.”
Jacob sighed at that, “Yeah, that’s one way of putting it.”
“I’m glad you’re resting. Make sure you take it easy.”
“I will.”
“Goodnight, Jacob.”
“Night, doc.”
Jacob sighed when the line went dead and he blindly tossed his phone to the other side of the bed.
Bella.
Jacob has been trying everything in his power to forget about her and… he’s not about to ruin his progress now.
The shifter moved over onto the bed and turned out the lights to settle into sleep.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next day he went into town, wandered around the shops and went into the supermarket to buy some stuff. Turns out the Cullens had accounts set up all around the mall and he didn’t really need the card to start off with. He got a ton of food, for once not too bothered about being frugal. He’s a shifter, he’ll go through all that before the next week rolls around.
They promised to deliver the food to the house since they’d done that plenty of times before. Jacob briefly wondered why vampires would need food delivered so often. He realised it was probably mainly for appearances. Well…
That’s just wasteful, isn’t it?
But he didn’t waste too much time thinking about it. He ended up wandering around near a local farmers market and spent most of the time attempting to navigate the language barrier. Some of the street food looked so good, he promised to get some cash and come back to try some.
He was back at the island just before sunset and… the food had already been delivered. Spent the better half of an hour putting everything away and getting his dinner started when his phone went off again.
Jacob didn’t bother looking before he just put it up and held it between his shoulder and his ear while he started chopping some onions. Esme taught him this recipe that she promised was super easy as long as he practiced it enough. Something fretata.
“Hello?”
He’s been meaning to call his Dad, maybe its-
“Jacob.”
He recognised the voice this time. Jacob stopped to frown.
“Barbie.”
“Fuck you.”
“Didn’t I block you?”
“I’m using a different phone.”
Jacob sighed, “What do you want?”
It was quiet on the other side of the line, “I talked to Carlisle.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
She took in a very deep breath, “You’re on the island cause you’re trying to get away from Edward and Bella?”
Jacob stopped just as she continued, “You realise that they’re going to be gone in two weeks, right? You didn’t need to leave town over that.”
Jacob pulled the phone from his ear, “Goodbye.”
“Bella’s stupid.”
The shifter stopped, “What?”
“I said Bella’s stupid. Edward’s a fucking idiot too. Wanna bitch about it?”
“Excuse me?”
“Look.” He heard something that sounded like it was deflating and he figured she must be sitting down somewhere, “Normally, I don’t get to complain about anyone in this house cause Esme’ll get mad at me or Carlisle or Alice or Emmett sometimes. Since you hate them too now, I figure we have something we can talk about.”
“I don’t hate Bella.”
“But you’re mad, right? You know, you’re allowed to be.” A pause, “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like you, but we all saw how she behaved around you. You’re allowed to be pissed about it.”
Jacob’s hands clenched, “I’m not-“
“Fuck, fine, you’re so much work. If it makes you feel any better; Edward dumped me.”
Jacob blinked, “What?”
“Bella never told you, huh, good.” A heavy sigh, “The reason why I got turned. I was dying because of… stuff and Carlisle saved me, but he didn’t just do it to save me, you know?”
“What are you talking about?”
“He turned Edward before he turned me, and then he turned me to save me but also cause… I dunno, he thought we might hit it off. I mean, I’m a fucking bombshell; if you haven’t noticed. Honestly, I was a little ticked when I thought that you were going after Esme when I’m right here.”
Jacob stared at the wall incredulously, “Excuse me?”
“Look, the point is, I’m gorgeous – don’t bother denying it – Carlisle thought Edward would have a thing for me.”
It was quiet and Jacob realised, “But he didn’t.”
“Didn’t even blink at me. Can you believe it? Idiot, right?” Rosalie scoffed, “I was pissed about it for a while, I was… I’d just finished taking care of some unfinished business so, all I had left was the other thing I’d kind of been turned for and he had zero interest in me. What a dick.”
Jacob said nothing.
“You know he’s a dick, anyway, I got over it. I met Emmett and I moved on. I thought I was over it, then Bella Swan walks into the picture and fucking Edward is in love. Can you believe that shit?”
The shifter frowned as he leaned back against the counter behind him, “You just said you we’re over it.”
“I was. Don’t get me wrong, Mutt, I don’t want Edward. I never have and I never will. But… it felt like I was supposed to, you know. He was one of the reasons I got turned so for a little while I made myself think I was in love with him, but I wasn’t and it sucked. I was putting in all this effort for someone who wasn’t into me and then some human walks in and boom, she’s his mate? Seriously? He wants to kill her but she’s his mate?”
She scoffed again. Jacob swallowed hard, “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because sometimes feelings suck, and I don’t like Bella and Edward is an idiot and I want someone who I can finally bitch about it with. Who better than the local bitch from La Push?”
“Fuck you.”
“Not even on a good day.” Rosalie replied easily, “So, we’re in agreement, right? Bella’s stupid. Edward’s an idiot.”
“I’m not doing this with you.”
“Did you know, Edward sent you an invitation for the wedding?”
Jacob blinked, “What? Why?”
“Why do you think?”
Jacob let out a low growl, “Asshole.”
“Bella, went to the reservation to get it back and ‘apologise’. None of us knew you left by the way, not even Edward. Bella demanded to know where you were. Heard she got in a fight with that she wolf. What’s her name?”
“Leah?”
“Yeah, Alice told me she saw a vision of your Dad arguing with Charlie cause Bella called Leah bitter, because she never got to have a wedding.”
“The fuck…”
He talked to his Dad, why didn’t he mention this?
“I know, right?”
“Why would Bella- no, no. I’m not doing this and I’m not doing it with you-“
“Then at the house yesterday, Edward told Bella to be more kind since the pack is already weakened since you left. ‘Wolves don’t do well alone, Bella. Jacob must be suffering since you rejected him.’ And then she said, ‘You’re right, I hope someday Jacob will be able to find someone else and move on.”
Jacob’s jaw clenched and his eye twitched, “Did they actually say that?”
“I’m a vampire pup, my memory is perfect.”
Jacob could feel his blood boil and he hissed, “Unbelievable.”
“That’s the spirit!” Rosalie cheered, “Now get something to drink, I can’t drink wine but you can have some for the both of us.”
“I’m not twenty-one.”
“Then get some ice cream, or whatever.” He could hear her shift on whatever seat she was on, “You won’t believe what Edward said about the pack last week.”
Did Jacob bitch with Rosalie over the phone about Edward and Bella?
Yes, but only because he was angry and frustrated and venting felt good.
It was only meant to be a onetime thing. Vent his frustrations on this whole situation and then never speak to Barbie ever again. But Barbie kept calling, she’d mention some comment Bella or Edward made and it just got easier and easier screaming over the phone.
Eventually it turned into a routine. Eventually Rosalie started calling him purely because she was bored and wanted someone to complain about her boredom to. Eventually she facetimed him along with Emmett.
“Hey Jacob!” the larger vampire was sitting behind Rosalie waving with a wide grin.
“What-“
“I was bored and I felt like seeing your face, pooch.” The blonde said simply and Jacob rolled his eyes.
“Seriously?”
Emmett laughed, “I just beat her in a game so now she’s mad. She said she calls you whenever she’s mad.”
Rosalie elbowed him hard and he just let out a grunt and another laugh as she tossed her hair over her shoulder, “I’m bored. So what’re you up to, pup?”
“Don’t call me that.”
“What are you doing?”
Jacob shook his head, “I…” Why not, at this point? “Watching TV.”
“Anything good on?” Emmett asked and Rosalie scoffed, “Booo! You realise that you’re insanely close to Buenos Aires, right? Why aren’t you out right now?”
“Go out to do what?”
“Who cares? Go out and party, meet some new people-“
“Go get some food!” Emmett said and Rosalie looked back to give him a dull look.
“Really?”
“That’s what I’d do.”
“He has food at the house.” Rosalie drawled before she looked at the phone, “Or maybe get a new outfit. Seriously, you’re on vacation and you look like an underpaid farmhand.”
Jacob couldn’t help but look down at his clothes before he looked at her and glared, “Whatever, Malibu Barbie.”
“Didn’t Carlisle and Esme send you a card? Why haven’t you used it yet? Do you need us to come down there and show you how? I can get us a flight tonight.”
Emmett’s face lit up, “Awesome, vacation!”
“No! No no no. You are not coming here.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want you here.” He said clearly and Rosalie started to pout.
“You realise that, that is our island. We can show up there any damn time we want mutt.”
“Try it and I’m telling Esme.”
Rosalie glared at him, Emmett scoffed, “She just doesn’t want to go to the wedding.”
Jacob paused, “The wedding.”
“It’s in the next few days, remember?” Rosalie said looking down at her nails, “This whole stupid thing is stupid.” Emmett then wrapped his arms around her to pull her back against his chest, pressing a kiss against her cheek.
“It’ll be over soon, babe.”
“I know.”
Jacob rolled his eyes, “O.K if you’re getting mushy then I’m hanging up.”
Rosalie huffed, “Seriously, do you just sit on the island all day?”
“No, I go to the mainland. Take in the sites.”
“Meet anyone new yet?”
He rolled his eyes at her tone, “I’m not here to meet anyone, Blondie.”
“Oh c’mon Jakey-“
“When did I say you could call me that?”
“We talked about this already; Bella’s stupid.”
“Rosalie-“
“And she clearly doesn’t care about how you feel and what you’re doing right now.”
“I’m not hooking up with some random stranger to try and get back at Bella.”
“Who cares about Bella?” The blonde said, “This is about you, right? This is your chance to relax and have a good time. All I’m saying is, you should get to have a good time, regardless of whatever Bella is doing.”
“I-“
“Just think about it, alright.” She sighed, “Anyway, we still have our gaming consoles there right?”
Jacob frowned, “I don’t know.”
“Check.”
The shifter got up with a heavy sigh and walked over to the living room, he opened up the door of the space divider and blinked at the three different consoles sitting there completely untouched. He totally didn’t notice those.
“Yeah.”
“O.K, we’re playing Call of Duty. We’ll wait till you’re set up Jake.”
“Seriously?”
“I’m tired of losing alone.” The blonde said and Emmett laughed, “Let’s go. C’mon, it’ll be fun.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It would be a few days after that, that Jacob would meet someone new.
He was taking a walk around the market, taking in all the amazing smells and sights. The food cooking on open fires in every stall he passed. Meat, herbs and spices of all sorts mingling together along with the smell of freshly toasted flatbreads, pickled vegetables and stewed fruits. All of the smells rising up into the cool night air. It was kind of amazing.
He only went out because… well, that day was supposed to be Bella and Edward’s wedding. Rosalie told him when she called the day before, she was going to be busy and wouldn’t be able to entertain him so she was calling to make sure that he’d be able to entertain himself.
Esme and Carlisle called too, to make sure he was alright. With the wedding and all and Jacob’s specific reason for leaving Forks in the first place. They also mentioned that Bella and Edward would be honeymooning in Europe. Apparently the original plan had been for them to spend that time on the island, but since Jacob was there Carlisle made sure to make it clear that the island was unavailable… for maintenance purposes. Jacob tried to reassure them without snapping in frustration. They’re weirdly worried about him. His Dad was extremely worried about him. Billy called about five times to make sure he was O.K.
So Jacob would go out, so the next time someone called he could tell them that he was too occupied doing… things to even think about Bella and her leech and whatever they’re doing or their wedding.
Jacob went out and stayed out late into the night.
He wasted most of the day at the movies. He didn’t really have anything better to do. He left the theatre around eight o’clock and by then he was starving, so he decided to grab something to eat. As he wandered around the stalls, Jacob turned on his phone and checked his messages. He’d turned it off before he went inside and surprise surprise he had about twenty messages.
Most were from the pack, a couple from his Dad. He got just one from Esme yet again checking that he was fine. Jacob sent her another selfie, biting into a chicken croquet that he got from one of the stalls with a smile that he thought was convincing enough. He has no idea if the wedding was over or not, but Esme still texted back a smiley face emoji, so he figured that she was busy with something.
He got a couple of texts from Rosalie.
‘Kill me’
‘Kill me now’
‘I want to die’
‘I hate you, you stupid dog’
‘We could be in Buenos Aires right now’
‘This is your fault’
And then a selfie. She looked beautiful, though Jacob would never admit that. Her hair was up and done in this fancy updo with a bunch of twists and curls in her hair, a few of the blonde curls fell on the sides of her face. She was in a lavender dress and was sitting on a white chair with flowers and some sort of draping on the back. He could see a white carpet behind them. Rosalie had her hand up against her head in the shape of a gun and her eyes rolling back dramatically in her head.
Jacob’s eyes kept straying towards the carpet though.
He swallowed hard, pausing beside one of the stalls to take a deep breath and send a text.
‘Having fun?’
He got a response almost immediately.
‘I hate you’ and then, ‘What’re you doing?’
Jacob scoffed before sending the same selfie to her that he sent to Esme.
A few moments later.
‘How come Esme gets a thirst trap and I get a picture of you stuffing your face?’
Jacob texted back.
‘Because you’re not hot enough to be my sugar mommy’
He got a quick reply. A picture of the blonde giving him the finger at what looked like a dinner table. Emmett was in the background giving a peace sign with a wide grin.
Jacob laughed before finishing off his snack and turning back towards a stall he passed earlier that had the most amazing smell-
“Oh, shit sorry.” He bumped into someone, Jacob gave the man a sheepish grin only to pause at the sight of him.
Something was-
“It’s fine.” The man said, his voice steady and low.
He was a bit taller than Jacob, long dark hair tied up at the base of his neck, light caramel coloured skin and dark eyes. He looked perfectly normal but something about him still seemed off.
Jacob’s nose twitched and he frowned. He didn’t smell human.
If Jacob didn’t know any better he’d think this guy was a vampire, but he didn’t smell like a vampire either. Dark eyes moved right over him, from head to toe. His head gave a tilt and Jacob instinctively took a step back.
“You’re not human.” The man said and Jacob tensed.
“You… How do you-“
The man’s lips twitched slightly as he took a step forward, he took in a brief sniff. Jacob’s eyes widened slightly.
“What’re…”
“Strange… you smell, wild. Almost animalistic. How fascinating.” He took another step forward, “What are you?”
“I…” Jacob took a deep breath, “None of your business.” He turned around and walked away. Walking as quickly as possible as he decided that that was enough excitement for one day. He left Forks to get away from everything. He cannot deal with whatever this is. Even if the man looked strange. Even if he doesn’t seem human or like a vampire.
He made it all the way towards the main street away from the market. It was darker, vacant, barely any people walking along the side walks-
Jacob yelped and almost fell right on his ass when the man suddenly appeared right in front of him all over again.
“Jesus! What…” He swallowed again and glared. This guy isn’t human, so he must be a-
“Back off leech.” He growled, pulling his shoulders back and his lips pulling back in a slight snarl. The man blinked, his head tilted again but instead of taking the hint and leaving he lifted his hands in surrender.
“I’m not a vampire.”
“Yeah right-“
“I’m not a complete vampire.” The man said and Jacob started to frown only to stop when the man took a step forward, “But you aren’t a vampire either.” He looked up at the sky, the full moon shining down at them and lighting up the street, “Not one of the wolves of old either. So what are you?”
“None of your business.” Jacob growled and the man sighed, putting his right hand to his chest with a slight bow.
“My name is Nahuel. I’m not a vampire, I know you can tell that I’m not.”
Jacob faltered, “If you’re not a vampire then what are you?”
The man gave a slight smile, “Half vampire.”
“What?”
“My… sire is a vampire. My mother was human. And then, I was born.”
Jacob blinked and stepped back, “That… that can’t be true. You’re lying.”
“You’ve seen vampires, correct. You know what they are like?”
“What-“
The man was suddenly right in front of Jacob and took his hand. The shifter immediately tried to pull free only for Nahuel to keep him still.
“Let me go you-“
“I have a heartbeat.” He said lifting Jacob’s hand and holding it against his chest. The shifter frowned in confusion at the steady thump-thump that he could feel under his skin. He frowned at the human warmth he could feel under his hand.
“You…” Jacob felt frozen in shock, “How?”
Nahuel’s head gave a tilt, “I was simply born this way.” He let go of Jacob’s hand and Jacob resisted the urge to look at the appendage as he stepped back again, “But I’m more interested in you. What is your name?”
“Like I said before, that’s none of your business. Back off.” He growled as he quickly turned around and walked away, resisting the urge to phase as he made his way back to the docks where the boat was waiting to take him back to the island.
The strange man didn’t follow him, thankfully and Jacob managed to get back without any trouble. But the incident still left him feeling disturbed and no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t stop thinking about the man.
He didn’t smell human, but he didn’t smell like a vampire either. He had a heartbeat, but he moved like a vampire. Could he be telling the truth? Is it possible for someone to be half human and half vampire?
But how?