New moon
Chapter thirteen, heartbreak

Leah Clearwater looked at fiancé Sam Uley in disbelief and felt her heart break. It felt like her world was falling apart right in front of her. The man she's been with since freshman year of high school was standing in front of her and breaking up with her.

"Sam, what are you talking about! The wedding is in three weeks!" Leah says with a desperate tone, everything was going perfectly then Sam got sick and everything changed. They didn't break up but he was different. Distant.

"I'm sorry, Leah." Was all he could say, eyes not meeting hers. Sam felt so guilty, he loved Leah. He always will but she was just a part of his heart. Persephone now owned that heart.

"None of this makes sense, one second you're buying me flowers, and the next you're sick...and different!" Leah yells, her voice breaking at the end and waving her hands around. Her head trying to wrap around the events before Sam changed.

They were having dinner with her parents, he had just gotten her some beautiful sunflowers (her favorite) then the next day he started feeling sick. And, it seemed like he didn't truly get better afterwards. (If you know...you know)

When Sam didn't reply, Leah started to get more upset, rightfully so, "Damn it, Sam! Say something!"

"What do you want me to say, Leah?" He questioned trying to stay calm and not wanting to upset her more.

"Is it someone else?" She questioned in an accusing manner. In her mind, that seemed like the only possible reason why Sam was breaking up with her. Ruining what took years to build.

Sam froze for a second, he couldn't tell her the truth. The truth being, he's a wolf and this other girl is his soulmate. Leah wouldn't understand and it would only hurt so much more if she did.

So he lied, "No Leah. It just doesn't feel right anymore. We don't feel right."

Harry knew this was happening and had even hinted that maybe the wedding was happening too fast when Leah told him about going to a dress fixing that morning.

"Sam, why are you doing this? I don't understand." Leah says tears now rolling down her face. The beautiful girl wanted to just wake up from this awful nightmare.

Sam pulled her into a hug but Leah didn't hug him back. Just stood there frozen. "I'm so sorry Leah, I never meant for this to happen."

The couple had been through so much over the years, and now everything was falling apart.

Sam pulls away and Leah is still sobbing, "I hate you." She says and throws her engagement ring at him. Then runs inside her house, sobbing with her hands holding her face.

Sam stands for a moment before bending down and picking up the ring. The wolf never expected nor wanted it back. It felt like a memory from the day he proposed. Guilt was eating him alive but he couldn't stay with her while having feelings for someone else.

Leah deserved better than that. She deserves so much more than him. All Sam wanted was her forgiveness, but it seemed like that wasn't happening anytime soon.

That had to happen, it was unavoidable, and the longer it took, the harder it would be. but that doesn't mean it hurt any less.

——

Persephone was on the phone with Alice when Bella bursts into her room. While she was gone yesterday, Jacob had made an appearance and told her things. Bella wanted to confirm with Steph but didn't want to wake the blonde up.

"I'm going to La Push, I need to see Jacob. Please come with me." Bella says as she walks into the room with a pleading look.

Steph hangs up the phone but thinks about it for a moment. Did she really want to see Sam after yesterday? But also figured Bella would need a friend if Jacob rejected her again like last time.

The blonde nodded as Bella dragged her along into the car. Bella wasn't sure what she was going to say to Jacob yet but she needed answers.

Bella had been asking Steph questions about the reservation and the blonde was starting to figure Bella would know the wolves secret soon. But the vampire technically wasn't allowed to say anything per the treaty agreement. So she just nodded and went along with what the human said.

Once they make it to Jacob's home, they get down and Steph can't help but feel so out of place. The Cullen's have never broken the treaty before and the beach was so close by. Steph couldn't help but wonder what it was like.

Bella hurries over to Jacob's house and knocks pretty hard until Billy opens it looking nervous. Steph followed after her looking apologetic.

But before he could say anything, Bella interrupted. "I need to see him."

"He's not in," Billy says with a cough looking at Bella and Steph. It was odd for him to see a cold one on his land but knew he couldn't say anything. This vampire was now a part of their family. The ancestors had picked her for a reason.

"I'm sorry Billy, I really need to see him," Bella says walking around him and walking straight for Jacob's room.

"Bella!" Billy calls out but nothing stops her from going to see Jacob. Billy let the vampire in who followed after Bella.

Both girls see Jacob asleep, Steph sigh in relief and Bella looks frustrated. She then looked out the window and sees the others.

Steph followed her eyesight and immediately spotted Sam. The boys looked serious and looked straight at both of them. That seemed to upset Bella who rushed out to confront them.

"Bella, maybe we should wait for Jacob to wake up," Steph says trying to calm her but Bella ignores her, going straight to Sam.

Steph sighed, a part of her didn't want to see Sam at the moment. The events from the night prior were still on her mind.

Sam had sensed Persephone and they all went over to Jacob's to find her with Bella.

"What did you do?" Bella called out causing the boys to all stop and look at her. Steph followed after her but stopped when she saw all eyes on her.

"What did you do!" She yells out, pushing Sam away. Steph sped over to her, not liking Bella's tone and hands on Sam. The blonde pulled her back. "What did you do to him?"

"Bella! Calm down."

The group immediately erupted into chaos as Jared tried to move forward, "Hey ease up."

Sam growled at him, causing him to stop in his tracks. And Paul's anger grows each second.

Sam stepped forward glaring at Bella and she immediately stepped back, "He didn't want this." She fought back.

Sam and Steph were both avoiding eye contact, knowing now wasn't the time or place to continue their conversation.

"What did we do?" Paul huffed, "What'd he do?
What'd he tell you?" He growled, stepping forward as he glared at Bella in anger and annoyance. Some of the anger directed towards Jacob who disobeyed direct orders.

"Better yet what did the bloodsucker tell you," Paul snapped looking at the vampire, causing her to take a step back.

"Nothing, I told her nothing." Steph snapped back, insulting him back "And I don't appreciate your tone, mutt."

"Both of you calm down," Sam ordered, pulling Paul back, not liking the way he was talking to his imprint. Jared tried to grab onto his arm, but that didn't seem to work much.

"Nothing. Jake tells me nothing because he's scared of you." Bella says, one arm still connected with Steph. Still not understanding how she was involved in this.

The blonde closed her eyes, knowing the obvious but she didn't want to upset the boys. Even without knowing him, Paul seems like a hothead.

Paul let out a sarcastic laugh at the stupidity of the statement causing the rest of the boys to chuckle. Jacob was far from afraid of them.

Bella pursed her lips frustrated and before anyone could see it coming, she slapped Paul. Everyone froze for a second even Steph who didn't see that coming since Bella was far from violent.

Embry chuckled, "Too late now." He mumbled, stepping away from Paul as Sam tried to calm him down.

"Persephone, Bella, get back!" Sam warned as Jared and Embry took a step back. Sam looked at the blonde with worried eyes, Steph looking at him back with the same look.

Paul kept breathing hard and growled loudly as Sam tried to calm him down.

Steph and Bella looked at him with wide eyes, only one knowing what was about to happen. Despite never being so close, Steph knew what was going to happen so she took Bella's hand and started to walk back.

However, nothing worked since Paul quickly shifted. Everyone stepped away from him, as the grey wolf just stared at Bella like she was his next meal.

Bella didn't waste a second as she turned around running pulling Steph with her up towards the house.

"Bella!" Jake called as he ran towards the pack, "Run! Jake, run!" She yelled as the rest of them stood and watched knowing what was about to happen.

Jacob dives headfirst into the air with another sharp tearing sound, shreds of cloth blast into the air, and fur bursts from Jacob's skin. He lands on the ground a gigantic russet-brown wolf, growling lowly as he charges at Paul.

Bella and Steph watch from the floor as the two wolves crash into each other, snarling and ramming one another. Their teeth flash at each other's throats.

The group didn't bother stopping them, knowing that they wouldn't hurt each other too much. The fight eventually ended up further into the woods and out of sight.

"Take Bella and Persephone back to my place," Sam ordered, his eyes falling on Steph for a moment before he followed the wolves.

"Guess the wolf's out of the bag." Embry jokes chucking, walking towards the human and vampire. "I'm surprised you didn't tell her,"

Bella looked at Steph in stock, "I'm not allowed to remember,"

"As if Sam would do anything to you or let us do something to you." Jared chuckled looking at her in amusement. Steph and Bella share a look of confusion, unaware of the meaning.

"Then again, you're too pretty to rip to shreds." Embry joked grabbing a strain of her blonde hair but Jared quickly hit his hand away knowing Sam wouldn't like that.

Bella looked at Steph in confusion while Steph just shrugged her shoulders innocently not knowing why the wolves were being so...nice to her.

Eventually, Bella's truck, driven by Embry, pulls up to a nice weathered house. It looked comfy and comfortable, even close to the beach. Jared in the back with Steph jumps out and keeps the door open for her.

He and Embry head toward the house. But the girls don't move. Steph feels a bit nervous being at Sam's place.

Embry looks at Jared, "Pay up. She didn't puke."

Jared, annoyed, hands Embry five bucks.

"Told you she was tough. She does run with bloodsuckers." Embry comments as they both look at Persephone with smiles.

"Wait. We should go back, and make sure Jacob's okay." Bella remembers, feeling worried about her friend.

"I hope Paul sinks some teeth into him. Serve him right." Jared comments as Embry shakes his head knowing how stubborn his friend is.

"No way. Jake's a natural. You saw him phase on fly? I got five saying Paul doesn't touch him."

Jared rolls his eyes, "Easy money. Paul's been at it longer."

Bella looks at them, appalled. They realize she's not following them.

"Come on in. We won't bite."

"Speak for yourself, she's best friends with a vamp." Jared jokes causing Embry to chuckle. Bella and Steph look at each other and then roll their eyes.

Embry pauses at the door, "Oh, and sorry about the mess. We haven't cleaned and we ate before we left so.."

They walk inside and it isn't so messy, just clothes leaving around the living room, and the kitchen was filled with a lot of food.

"Dude look! Sue dropped off some muffins."

Jared and Embry immediately go for the muffins, each grabbing two. And offered one to the girls who just simply watched.

Jared looked at Steph hesitantly, as if not sure whether or not she could eat. He just wanted to be polite and a gentleman. The blonde cold one smiles and grabs it slowly, still feeling hesitant.

Bella does the same with the muffins Embry offers but the boys don't stare at her intensely unlike with Steph who has the attention and eyes of both boys glued to her.

Steph notices and takes a bit out of the muffins, slowly like she didn't want to freak them out cause they were starting to freak her out. "It's good but I've had better."

The boy's eyes widen and their mouths fly open, as if what she said was so shocking and untrue.

"No way! Sue's muffins are the best!" Jared exclaims while Embry clears his throat. "Or are they?"

The boys share a look before turning their eyes to the blonde, Bella watches with amusement.

"How about a bet?" Embry says with a smirk, knowing this tiny blonde couldn't possibly beat Sue Clearwaters famous muffins.

Steph eyes go from one boy to the other and nods, "I'm listening."

Jared grabs his second muffin, "10 bucks, you can't beat these delicious fantastic muffins."

"It's not possible, we've had them all. These are the best," Embry adds, taking a bit out of his.

"Deal but only 20? Normally my wages are in the thousands."

The boys give her an odd look, "y-you bet thousands?" Embry stutters.

Steph nods, "Of course, money, cars, islands, famous memorabilia, expensive art, it makes things interesting."

"While sadly we-" Embry waves at him and Jared, "-are very poor."

It was true, wagers were once banned at the Cullen household after Emmett lost his famous signed baseball from a dead player. Edward didn't even want it, just wanted to stick it to his brother. They fought, broke furniture and Esme got mad. Which was rare.

Bella watches with a smile shaking her head, "You really don't want to do this. Steph is the best cook."

"As if!" Embry lets out a breath, nudging Jared with his elbow.

"I won't believe it until I see it!" Jared literally wanted to see it, food-related thoughts were on his mind always.

Bella finally spoke as she had been thinking the entire time, "So you're a...you're all..."

"Werewolves? Yep. So is this food stealer-" Embry slaps Jared's hand, "Save some for the others. "

Bella cautiously approaches the counter, pulling Steph with her as she keeps an eye on the door for Jacob.

"Leave it to Jacob to get around Sam's gag order," Jared comments feeling a bit envy since none of them can do that. But Jacob can since he should be the alpha.

"He didn't say anything, or...couldn't." Bella defended her friend as Steph took a bit of the muffin.

"That's a wolf thing. Alpha's orders get obeyed whether we want to or not." Embry shared but Jared gave him a slight look.

"How 'bout you shut up now, Embry? This chick runs with vampires. And their a literal vampire right here. These are tribe, secrets." He comments taking another muffin but doesn't seem to care too much.

"You know Jacob's gonna fill her in." He replies and Jared can't even deny that.

"Yeah, I know every stupid thought he has." Jared reminds, but then turns to look at Bella with a smirk, "Wanna know what he thinks of you?"

"Like you need special powers to know that," Steph says with a chuckle causing the guys to agree. But Embry still clarifies to the human that it's another wolf thing. "We hear each other's thoughts. Good for hunting. Embarrassing for everything else."

Steph looked at him with a surprised look, that was unknown information. Then again her family and the wolves have never exactly been friends.

Jared leans toward Bella, challenging. "Freaked out yet?"

Bella meets his look, "You're not the first monster I've met."

Steph sighed, it seemed like Bella was doing fine on her own. She suddenly remembers the beach she saw on the way in. "Is the beach right here?" Pointing outside.

Embry nods, "Yeah, want me to take you?"

The mind controller shakes her head and smiles, "I can find it on my own, but thank you."

——

Persephone Cullen sat in the sand, the waves hitting her feet. The cold water felt perfect against her freezing skin.

This beach was so lovely and different. It has this cozy feeling to it. The locals have taken good care of these waters, Steph has always wanted to see it but never could...until now.

Love was a strange thing, love made you do stupid things. She and Bella were a great example of it.

Steph couldn't stop thinking about her love life (if she can even call it that), for a long time the blonde believed she was unworthy of it. Thought she didn't deserve it, why would she? After the deep scars that were hidden under her perfect skin. She still felt them, still looked for them even though they weren't physically there.

It took a lot of time for her to realize that she was worthy of it. Carlisle, Esme, and Edward showed her that. Make her realize that everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect.

However, it was hard to think karma wasn't real when she thought about her mistake.

It felt like the world was still punishing her for her mistake, her deadly mistake. Having these unreadable and confusing feelings for Sam when he was engaged felt like the world was laughing at her.

Who would have thought she would finally find someone who sparks her interest only for him to be taken? Her thoughts and beliefs of being unworthy all just came tunneling back.

The blonde Cullen had been way too distracted to even notice or feel Sam's eyes and footsteps headed straight for her.

He sat next to her and just stared at her for a moment. Steph's head was leading back, her neck exposed and her beautiful blue eyes closed. The wind blew her hair, causing a stream to stay on her face.

Sam unconsciously raised his head and slowly tucked it behind her ear carefully. Steph sighed recognizing and feeling Sam's warm hand against her cold skin.

The blonde knew it was Sam, she sensed it and felt warmth and comfort coming from him.

"I've always wanted to see this beach, I would always hear the kids talking about it in school and always wondered," Steph says her eyes still closed so Sam continues to look and memorize every perfection on her face just taking in her words. "Why am I allowed to be here, Sam?"

She opened her eyes, meeting his brown ones. Sam was blown away by his soulmate, at the beginning it felt like such a curse. Because he was no longer a normal human man, no instead he turned into a huge wolf. Then, not imprinting on Leah felt like another stab to the gut. But now here she was, his soulmate, so maybe the wolf thing wasn't so bad anymore since she's not exactly normal either.

"You're not a danger to the people here, Steph." Sam remind. Not wanting to tell her about the imprint bond yet.

"But my family is." The blonde argued back.

Sam sighs sensing how much she cares about the others, "Even if they don't hunt humans, they could slip up and I can't risk that."

"I could also slip up. Just because I'm not a full vampire doesn't mean I can't mess up." Steph says sadly just staring ahead, "Would you kill me if I did?"

No, I wouldn't. I couldn't, he thought to himself but just stood quiet. He should say yes, his job is to protect the people but hurting her would be impossible.

However, Persephone didn't know that. No matter what she was or what she did, the half-vampire would always be protected and safe with them. It was their first and most important law. The same applied to Kim (Jared's imprint).

"I wouldn't. But I know you won't slip up," the shapeshifter says, trying to change the subject. "You're not exactly like them, Persephone. You don't reek of death and there isn't a deadly feeling around you. Normally cold ones smell awful to us but you don't."

Steph thought about that for a second before asking, "What do I smell like?"

Sam blushed, "Well I'm not sure about the others but you smell like a mix of flowers and vanilla to me."

The blonde smiled and felt a little bit relieved, it would have been awful to smell like death to the guys. It would have made her feel awful since they didn't smell bad to her. Which was very strange since their natural-born enemies.

"Thank you for letting me see this, it's so breathtaking," Steph commented looking around the beach and also seeing the cliff the boys would jump off according to Bella.

"I agree and you're welcome." Sam softly says with a chuckle but he wasn't exactly looking at the beach instead he was looking at what's next to him.

Sam remembered the first time he met her, at that moment he wanted to know everything about her and he still does. He just hoped Steph felt the same way.

"How's wedding planning?" The blonde asks trying to distract her from looking at him. They were comfortable together but it should be the exact opposite given the circumstances. The words also left a bad taste in her mouth but she ignored it.

Sam shook his head slightly, unsure of what to say. He wanted Steph to know about no longer being with Leah but didn't want to make her feel bad.

"I-I wouldn't know." Steph felt her heart drop and her gaze turned to look at him.

"What do you mean?" She asks her tone wavy and nervous. Did she hear him right? Are he and Leah over? Why?

"I ended it...it didn't feel right anymore," Sam says lowly but Steph can hear the words loud and clear.

Fear crept up in her mind, and a wave of guilt came over her. If only Jasper was there to make it go away. "It...it wasn't because of me right? I would never-"

Sam notices her shaky hands and grabs them, he starts to slowly pull her closer. "Of course not, it's so much more than that Persephone."

Before the blonde half-vampire could reply or say anything else. A voice behind them broke them apart. A heartbroken tone filled with betrayal and hurt.

"Sam?"

——

Author notes: DID I LEAVE YOU ON A CLIFFHANGER? Yes, I did.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who is waiting for this story! I started summer school this Monday so I can graduate this upcoming school year so I will be busy. But I hope to still update!

I also have a new Paul story up, it's similar in the way but also very different! It's called always and forever, check it out on my page.

Don't forget to vote, comment, and follow me to stay updated.

word count: 3950