The protector

48.

The wind howled between the trees carrying the scent of the earth and the little creatures inhabiting it. Jacob hid in the darkness crouched in the high shrubs. Behind him, his pack waited in silence. There was an audible thumping of music beyond the forest. The high energy of kids having a good time rushed to them in waves. But they weren't focused on them. Jacob's nostrils flared as he took in the evil hidden in the shadow of the trees staring at the oblivious partying kids. Something was hunting tonight. Something dangerous.

'Jacob?' Quil's voice resonated through the pack's link. They had already shifted when they entered this isolation part of Forks. 'Are you going to hunt the evil one in this form?' Jacob could sense his uneasiness. He gave a quick peek at the large wolf. His dark intelligent eyes gleamed in the night.

'When the time comes,' added Jacob with a nob. Seth shifted, he was nervous.

'The girl is here,' a wave of tension went through the pack. Jacob had to do an extra effort not to rush into the house to drag Renesme home with him. But now was not the time to think about that. For the past week, they had battled a rogue character, preying on humans. Seth had followed it back to Forks near The Cullens' territory.

'Let's stay focused,' Jacob nobbed at them. To help strengthen his pack he had suggested settling just outside of Forks in the deep mountains where they could hunt but still return to town for provisions. For now, they had constructed a crude cabin in which they all slept together. It helped them bond and right now, Jacob really needed the support. Being far from his mate was slowly ruining him. Still, he held firm to his belief in letting Renesme grow up. It was the least he could do. He also needed to grow up and become independent. They all did.

Something moved in the shadows. A slim shape broke free from under the trees and went towards the parked cars. It stopped at one particular one, it ran crooked nails over the window. Jacob sniffed the air. The scent of Renesme clung to that car. She was in that car. What was that creature after? They had been chasing it in circles. It seemed to be in search of something...someone.

'Do you think it's after her?' asked Quil reading Jacob's thoughts. He rubbed his large head against Jacob's shoulder for reassurance. Jacob patted him in response.

'Let's move.' Silently like shadows, they followed their leader. Tonight they hunt. They were the night.