25.
Jacob sat next to a happy Quil and a silent Leah on the far side of the table. Conversations resumed. Emily went to the kitchen and came back with a plateful of goodies for Jacob.
"Thanks," he gave her a tight smile. He wasn't sure he could eat due to the pressing atmosphere around the room. He could feel occasional glances directed toward him. An uneasiness had installed among his fellow members. He lowered his head. Quil patted him on his back as the good Beta he was.
"Hey, stop with the long face," he whispered. "Your bad mood is affecting me too," he gave a side glance at Leah who tried to ignore them by stuffing a spoonful of pasta in her mouth. Seth who has been silent all through the dinner looked up. Their little renegade pack has a bad reputation among the people of the reservation. But since they never did anything to threaten Sam's authority they were left alone. However, the tension between the official Quileute pack and Jacob's pack had grown cold over time because of his relationship with the Cullens.
When desserts arrived the silence was so dense they could cut it with a knife. Emily tried to initiate small talk to ease the atmosphere to no avail. Jacob was hunched over his half-eaten slice of apple pie, stabbing his fork while frowning. Both Seth and Quil looked like they were ready to jump out of their skins. Leah just observed the table from the corner of her eyes. The other side of the table wasn't any better. Everyone twitched and fidgeted in their seats. At last, Sam slammed his fist on the table making Emily jump. Seth and Quil were up in one movement, ready to protect Jacob. Emily opened her mouth to say something but closed his when she saw Jacob staring in the distance at his dessert. She turned back with concern to her husband. Sam has not touched his plate at all. His eyes were fixed on Jacob.
"Can we step outside, I need to talk to you," Jacob didn't move a muscle. Seth and Quil got closer to their alpha. Sam followed their movements with his eyes. "Alone," he added. The other members of the pack had stopped eating. They were waiting for their alpha's command. Sam exhaled and leaned back into his chair.
"Jacob, could you tell your friends to sit down? They are making my boys nervous," snapped Jacob back to reality. He blinked and gave a glance over his shoulder at the two standing behind him. It made him feel terrible knowing that they would give their lives to protect him. He gave them a weak smile and got to his feet. Quil frowned at him. And through the link asked: "What the hell are you doing?" Jacob patted his back.
"You can have my share," said Jacob referring to the pie. Seth looked after him as he walked to the entrance a little confused. Sam pulled his chair, the scrapping sound startled many around the table. He silently walked to the door and it closed behind him.