Pov No Name
Once downstairs, the scent of warm maple and butter wrapped around us like a blanket. A towering stack of golden pancakes sat on the island, steam curling upward in lazy spirals. Esme stood nearby, her eyes soft but searching as they landed on Jacob.
"I hope they're to your liking," she said gently, almost nervously. "I haven't cooked for anyone in a while… so please, let me know if you need anything."
Jacob didn't hesitate—he tugged me toward the island like a man starved, settling us both on the stools. All eyes in the room followed us as he tore into the pancakes, making pleased sounds with every bite. I tried to relax, but the weight of their gazes pressed against my back.
Then, the front door clicked open.
I tensed as the newcomer strolled in, stepped into the doorway, posture rigid, eyes locked on me like a predator sizing up prey. I couldn't stop myself from standing as he approached.
Carlisle cleared his throat to get our attention. "Okay, now that we are all here, let me introduce you. This is my son, Edward." He paused for a moment before continuing.
"Although I would have liked to give you more time to adjust, there are a few things we need to talk about before. But before that, Edward?"
Edward's jaw tightened. "I'm sorry for scaring you both. That was unfair of me." His tone was clipped, but sincere. The apology hung in the air like an uncomfortable but necessary silence.
I glanced at Jacob, who was still glaring daggers at Edward. But when I caught his eye, he gave a small nod. I turned back to Edward. "We accept," I said quietly.
"Good, now that's taken care of, we have a few questions that we would like you to answer. To start, can you tell us what you know about Victoria's plan?"
I took an unnecessary deep breath. Steading my thoughts before I began.
" I don't really know that much. I had only been around for three days before I was hauled out here." I started my story at the beginning. I told them about Riley and the other vampires he had made alongside me. Jacob took my hand as I told my story.
A constant reminder that I was no longer in this mess alone. And no matter what happens next. He would be right by my side.
The other in the room showed varying emotions to my tale. Some were stone-faced, taking in every detail with a thoughtful expression. While others show genuine emotion on their face as I talk about what had been done to me.
"Mmm, so she's making an army, huh? I'm down for a fight," the muscle one said, breaking the tension." "Emmett," Rosalie snapped. "This isn't a game."
"It would be best if we could stop her now before she can get that far. If she can manage it, it could be a big problem. Do you know where her hideout is?" Jasper said, looking at me questioningly.
"Umm, I know it was in some abandoned warehouse, but I don't want—" my voice trailed off at the end, looking down.
I felt Jacob pulling me. I let him as he pulled my protectively into his lap. "Easy, no one is making you." He said it casually, but there was nothing casual about the look he gave our audience.
Jasper frowned before asking another question: " Could you show us the location on a map?"
"I don't know, we walked down a few alleyways before we made it to the Sound. But we swam the rest of the way here. If I had to guess, it was no more than three or maybe four miles from the water."
Crack!!
Edward growled from the doorway. I flinched and tried to stand but Jacob tightened his hold pulling him back to him. "It doesn't matter now anyway, they're probably gone by now."
"Jacob, if they were to attack. Would your pack be willing to fight?" He asks.
Jacob didn't miss a beat. "You know we would. I've got a score to settle too." he said as she squeezed me.
I looked up at him—his face was set, determined. There'd be no talking him out of it. I sighed inwardly, unsure how I felt about the looming war.
A question formed in my head. "Why does Victoria want to kill you all so badly anyway?" I ask, looking at the surrounding faces.
Silence fell before Edward answered.
His voice was low, bitter. "We killed her mate. She went after mine—Bella. She's been hunting her ever since."
I'm silent for a moment, talking about this new information. I couldn't help the anger start to brew within me.
"I see," I said, mostly to myself, even though everyone in the room could still hear me.
The conversation continued without me after that, as the Cullens swiftly moved on from the conversation and discussed what they would do with the new information I had given them. Jacob would comment between bites of food. I was given a map at some point, but even if we were to find their hideout, I doubt they would still be there. As the conversation slowly came to an end.
The fire in my throat was no longer just a flicker—it was a roaring blaze. I rubbed at it instinctively, massaging my finger into my throat as if that would make the pain go away. But the gesture didn't go unnoticed.
Jacob, having just finished his breakfast, turned to me sharply. His eyes scanned my face, and the worry etched into his features made my stomach twist. "You okay?" he asked, voice low but urgent.
I opened my mouth, but no words came. My mind was a mess of half-formed thoughts and rising panic. I didn't know what to say—how to explain the ache, the need, the hunger that felt like it was clawing through my chest.
Carlisle stepped in, calm as ever, but his words carried weight. "He's thirsty," he said, addressing Jacob but watching me closely. "His body may have healed, but it's still recovering. He'll need more blood to stabilize."
"Unfortunately, we're out. You have a few options. I can have Esme bring some from the hospital later today… or we can take you hunting. However, you should know that my family only feeds on animals. It's a choice we've made, one we believe in. If you choose otherwise, we won't stop you… But you can't hunt anywhere near here."
I stare at him, bewildered, as the words fall from my mouth. "Can we do that?"
Carlisle smiles. "Yes, though it is not as satisfying, my family and I believe that this is more ethical than feeding on humans. Though we will not judge you if you decide to refuse. Though long-term, we will have to reconsider having you stay here." He said seriously.
I turned to Jacob. He was watching me, his expression carefully neutral—but I could see through the mask. Beneath the surface, I saw the tension in his jaw, the flicker of unease in his eyes. Disgust. Not at me, but at the idea of what I might do.
I froze under his gaze..
But something else gripped me even tighter than the thirst: the instinct to stay close to him. The bond I made with him may be new. But it already had a hold on me. Every cell in my body screamed not to leave him. The thought of going hunting—of stepping away even for a few hours… made me nervous.
What if he didn't wait?
What if I came back and he was gone?
My thoughts were unrelenting. We may have just met yesterday but he was quickly becoming someone I couldn't live without. We haven't even had much time to talk about what we both wanted from this relationship.
I looked away, trying to push Jacob's reaction out of my mind. But it lingered, like a shadow behind every thought. The fire in my throat surged again, demanding my attention. I could feel my control slipping.
I needed blood.
Animal blood might dull the edge… but would it be enough? Would I be strong enough to resist the temptation later? I passed many animals on my way here, none of which smelled tasty. And if I wasn't. If I gave in later. What would it do to Jacob and my relationship?
Putting Jacob aside, I need to think rationally before answering, even as the burning in my throat urged me to make a quick decision. Even if I was unsure about the outcome, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. It would be good to stay on the Cullens' good side, too. I still need them to protect me from Victoria, and they have been good to me, all things considered.
I would deal with everything else when or if the time came. With that, I made my decision.
"I'll give it a try. Thank you."