I know he is right, even though it pains me to admit it, even to myself. We have spent the better part of a year hunting and killing any vampire who could be a threat to the tribe and the people of Forks.
I know how dangerous they can be. But as much as my brain understood where he was coming from, my heart refused to give in.
My voice cracked slightly. "I get it. I do. But I can't stand by and let you hurt him. He's my imprint, and I will stand by him. You would do the same thing if it were Emily." I know it was dirty of me, but it was the only defense I had.
No one said anything for a moment before Sam sighed.
"We're not going to do anything," Sam said. "Not yet."
I blinked. "What does that mean?"
"It means you will keep him at the Cullen house. We won't interfere—as long as he sticks to animal blood. If he slips, we will step in. No exceptions."
My fists clenched, my hands, trembling.
"We're protecting the tribe," Sam continued. "And you aren't-."
I paced, heart pounding. "You think I'd let him hurt anyone?"
"We know how strong the Imprint bond can be," Sam replied. "And love makes people blind."
My brain was a wreck. The words stung—but they weren't wrong. What would I even do if he slips? Could I stop him? And then what? If he chooses to only drink human blood, what can I do to stop him other than—.
I stopped thinking, not allowing my brain to continue that line of thought.
"Fine," I say slowly as if the very word refused to leave my mouth. "But no one attacks him unless he's threatening a human. Not just being near one—threatening."
There was a murmur of discontent from the pack.
Jacob's voice softened. "I know this isn't easy. I didn't expect it either. But he's mine. And I need to know you won't target him."
Sam was quiet for a long moment, "We want what's best for you, Jacob. All of us do. And if this vampire makes you happy… then we'll support you. When we can."
I swallowed hard. "Thanks."
"Don't worry about patrol for now. Hopefully, things will settle down, and then we will talk about getting you back to work. Also, Billy has told your school you're sick, so don't worry about it for a week at least."
That's right, school, I had totally forgotten about it.
"Thanks, I had forgot."
We continued talking, but my brain barely registers the conversation. As I stared at the tree line, it was like my soul knew before my eyes could see him. He was back. I could see him and Emmet and Jasper making their way to me.
I couldn't help it as I started to make my way towards them. I was about to hang up on the pack when Sam interrupted my goodbye.
"Take care of yourself, too, okay? Don't lose sight of your own happiness," Sam said, his voice softer than I expected. Then the line went dead.
I stared at the phone for a moment before slipping it into my pocket. I knew what he meant. If any of the others were in my shoes, I'd probably say the same thing. But standing here, watching him, waiting for me with that bright, crooked smile… I knew I'd be okay. As long as I could keep that smile on his face, I'd find a way through all of this.
We met in the middle of the field. I was lost for what to say; luckily, he didn't have the same problem.
"Thanks for staying," he said, his voice soft, his smile radiant.
"Of course. Anytime." I paused, searching his eyes. "How did it go?"
His smile faltered just a little. "It went well… I-I guess," he said, glancing down.
Before I could respond, Emmett swooped in with a grin and threw an arm around him, locking him in a playful headlock. "He did great," Emmett laughed, ruffling his messy brown hair like he was a little brother.
I started to wonder how old he really was. At first glance, people might think we were the same age, or even younger, if they only considered our height. That wasn't to say he was small, but standing next to Emmet and I, surely didn't help. His build was subtle, not overly bulky like emmet, but there was some muscle there, too. He probably lived an active lifestyle before becoming a vampire.
Maybe he was twenty or twenty-one. Just a few years ahead of me.
As I was analyzing him. My imprint stiffened for a second, startled when he felt Emmet try to pick him up. He seemed to regain control, and he laughed, trying to wriggle free. I couldn't help the smile that came to my face at the sound.
But before I could even step forward to help in his escape, Emmett's body slumped. His eyes fluttered shut, and he collapsed against my imprint like a puppet with its strings cut.
I froze.
"What the—" The word slipped out before I could stop it.
Jasper was already moving, pulling Emmett off and lowering him gently to the ground. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp. "Emmett?" he said, shaking him. No response.
"I'm sorry—I didn't mean to—" my imprint stammered, stepping beside me, hands raised in panic.
I grabbed his hands before he could retreat any further. He tried to pull away, but I held firm. "Easy. It's okay. You're okay."
Jasper looked up, eyes narrowing. "What's your power?"
I blinked. That's right, he took Sam out with that power. I'd been so focused on keeping him safe, I had forgotten about his power altogether.
"It's okay," Jasper said again, voice calmer now but edged with intensity. "You're not in trouble. I just need to know what happened."
"I'm not fully sure, I think I—" He was interrupted when the door to the house slammed open. It was Rosalie. She looked at us with fear and confusion in he eyes. The next thing I know, she is next to Emmet, trying to wake him up.
Before her eyes turn to us with a glare.
"I think I put him to sleep." My imprint said his voice was stronger now as he stared at Emmet.
"Can you fix it?" A strong voice came from behind us. Carlile and his wife were making their way toward us. I pull him closer, nervous as we become surrounded.
"I'm not sure, I've never tried. He should wake up on his own soon…Probably." He muttered the last part.
"Probably!!" Rosalie roared.
"Rosalie, calm down. Yelling at him won't help. Does your ability have any requirements?" Carlisle spoke calmly as he put his hand on Rosalie's shoulder.
"Umm, I have to be touching the person?" Even as he answered, he still sounded unsure as we made our way over to Emmet.
He knelt next to him and placed his hand on his arm. "Try to picture him waking up," Carlisle said reassuringly. He closed his eyes, and we all watched as, after a few minutes, Emmet's eyes fluttered slowly before opening.
He sat up with a jolt. Starting at my imprint. I grab him, pulling him to his feet and away from the stunned vampire.
"How do you feel, Emmet?" Ask Carlisle, drawing his attention away from my imprint.
He rubbed his head and said, "Groggy, I guess. Like I have just woken up from a great nap??"
"What an interesting ability. I haven't seen anything like it." Carlisle said, helping Emmet to his feet.