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Jackson Winchester turned out to be an avoidant coward.

As if she were the devil in the flesh, he evaded her and pretended she was nonexistent. It shouldn't bother her this much, but considering she risked her life to try and help him with his transformation, it angered her and made her feel like she was struck in the face.

Mia knew he didn't owe her anything, but the least he could do was be amicable and not pretend that night didn't happen. Besides, they were both a part of the supernatural. She was a former witch and he was a wizard lycanthrope. Nothing out of this world.

Despite being the most confrontational person, she resisted the urge of visiting him at the reservation. It had been days and she had been improving in that aspect a lot, but it was getting ridiculous seeing him scurry away like a lamb up for slaughter.

Which brought her to Sam Uley's house, where Jackson had been living since December.

She knocked against the door and through the small window, she saw a reluctant Jackson heading to her. He paused for a moment and just when he decided on looking away, her last bit of patience wore off. "I can see you. Open the door or I'll kick it down."

Glancing behind his shoulder, Jackson's expression became adorned with challenge. A form of teasing in some way. Knowing how much it would irritate her, he leaned against the wall and offered that sly smirk that always got under her skin. He knew just where to hit her and loved it.

Following his game would be a foolish thing, but when she got angry, her rationality refused to resurface. She took a deep breath and moved a couple steps back, her jaw and fists clenching as she attempted to regain her calm. Leaving would be the right thing, but that would mean letting him win, which she refused to allow.

"What do you want, Grey? I would have thought you were familiar with rejection by now," Jackson approached the door at the same time she did, both of them now facing the other through the slight crack of the entrance.

"And I would have thought you were less of a coward, so it looks like we're both disappointed," she attempted to get through the door, but he pushed it back. It was now when she detested not being a vampire as it would prevent situations like these from happening. One push and she would be inside, but to her misfortune, she was only human without any extraordinary qualities.

"Go home, Grey. Save yourself the embarrassment," Jackson lowered the blinds out of spite and she faintly heard him laughing.

Being avoided was an entirely different thing than being shunned. She could handle being ignored, but having the door pushed against her to keep her out was a whole different case. If this had been anyone else, she would have let it slide, but knowing more about him than she'd wish made her get emotionally involved.

Mia gritted her teeth on her walk down the porch steps. She ran a hand through her hair and took deep breaths, searching for a way to keep her line of patience intact. It was not in her capability to let things go, especially when the other party was to blame.

When she stopped by the edge of the fence, she noticed a rock lying on the ground. It was decent sized, which meant the right damage would be done, but it would mean destroying Sam's window. He had been nothing but good to her, so it would be a slap on the face. Even she couldn't be that cruel.

"I think you're probably going to want to let me in," Mia glanced back and felt a pang of satisfaction when he peered through the blinds. She waited for him to do the right thing and walk out, but he remained gawking as if she were some kind of public spectacle. Instead, she was given a teasing wave and a much louder laugh.

So that's the game you want to play. Fine.

Mia grabbed the maroon rock and despite having no intentions of throwing it in just yet, she stormed to the porch as if it were her life's mission. She raised her boot and slammed it against the door, causing it to slam wide open and revealing an astounded Jackson. His shocked expression brought a smirk to her face, but it was having been driven to this that returned her previous outrage.

Like a deer caught in headlights, Jackson's eyes remain wide as he tried convincing himself that she wouldn't throw the rock in his face. He had seen her fight before, so he wouldn't put it past her, especially when she's angry.

"Put it down," he loudly ordered, approaching her quickly and raising his palms in surrender.

Glancing at the rock, she tossed it between her hands and purposely pretended she was about to throw it. She knew she was acting like an immature child, but it was quite fun seeing the fear and uncertainty in his eyes.

"Put it down, Mia."

Noticing he hadn't taken a foot outside, she hummed in satisfaction and passed the rock to her other hand. "How about you come outside and make me? Or better yet, just let me in the easy way. We both know I can easily enter, so don't make this harder than it should."

Jackson refused to let her win. She clearly knew the hold she has on him, so as much as he was hesitant in doing so, he walked outside and faced her. His expression remained neutral and she maintained her prideful demeanor. "I'm here now, so put it down."

Mia dropped the rock and shoved past him. Upon entering, she noticed various bottles of the wolfsbane potion scattered all over the coffee table. One was nearly empty and had a small drop rolling from the end, indicating he was taking it before her arrival.

"What do you want?" Jackson quickly gathered the bottles and set them aside, now purposely avoiding looking her in the eyes.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay, but you started acting like a total arse by avoiding me."

"I'm not avoiding you," he looked down at his hands and pictured the claws that were there a few nights ago – the same ones that could have ruined her life.

She recognized the guilty look in his eyes. It was one she knew very well. For many years, she lived with it and even if she was not the fondest of him, she wouldn't wish it upon him for anything.

"Well, I'm okay. It just would have been nice to know if you also were," she reassured him and approached him slowly.

Jackson staggered back, refusing to receive her comfort when he was far from deserving it. "Just stop. Don't try to diminish this. Just don't."

"No. You don't do this," she raised her voice, making him gape at her like a wounded soldier. "You didn't hurt me. I'm still me, so stop feeling guilty for something that didn't happen."

"I put myself in that position!" Jackson walked away from her into the living room, his hands running through his hair and finding themselves to the scar tracing down his chin to his neck. "I should have remembered to take the wolfsbane. I shouldn't have gotten distracted."

Mia recalled having this exact conversation with Remus during her third year. Like Jackson, he was consumed with guilt for nearly hurting her. He tried distancing himself and even resorted to quitting his job, but it was her stubbornness that reassured him she was more than fine.

If she needed to do the same for Jackson, she would gladly do so.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have," she agreed, causing him to look up at her in surprise. "But that's in the past. There's no use dwelling on it when you could move forward instead."

He scoffed, "Like you have?"

That struck a nerve.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means how you are the one who should let go of the past," he walked toward her, his voice lacing with venom and cowardice, all in means of avoiding having the attention on him. "Instead of learning how to live without magic, you're still holding on to the hope that you will get it back."

Her gaze hardened in an instant, "That's entirely different. I can find a way to get my magic back, but you will always be stuck as a meddlesome wolf with temper problems."

Jackson incredulously laughed, "Newsflash, Grey. Your magic will never come back and you should accept it now rather than continue believing the opposite like an ignorant child."

"And don't you think it's time you remember when to take your potions to avoid nearly killing someone?" Mia knew she hit him right where it hurt and while she knew she shouldn't be pleased with it, there was an unpreventable feeling of satisfaction.

"I will remember to forget the next time, so that way you will be forced to abide by me," Jackson's threat would be worrisome to anyone, but she found it to be the most hollow and comical threat of existence.

"I wouldn't dream of that if I were you, but of course, what more can I expect from someone who can't stay away from me?" Mia just had about enough with him, so quickly, she dashed to the door, but Jackson being near it prevented her from exiting. "Exhibit A."

"Might I remind you that I was trying to stay away, but you were the one that came here?" Jackson softly smiled in content when seeing her expression diminish. He folded his arms across his chest, raising his chin ever so slightly while she glared at him with such intensity.

"And who's the one preventing me from leaving now?" Mia walked closer to him, both of them now staring down at the other with ferocity. "Sounds like it's you who wants me here."

Jackson swallowed hard and as much as he wanted to move away, he was now controlled by her presence enough. "In your dreams, Grey. I would rather die than be stuck with a know it all, arrogant girl, who's too busy pining for the impossible."

"Don't you dare speak to me like that," Mia shoved her hands into his chest, but before being able to provide another, he held her wrists in a firm hold. She tried freeing herself, but as much as she detested admitting to it, he was stronger and the fool knew it.

"Or what, Grey? Are you going to hex me?" Jackson mocked her lack of magic and unlike the other times when she would have taken offense, she was only irritated and in need of expressing it. "Oh, that's right. You're a witch with no magic. How sad, really."

Shoving him as hard as possible, she slammed him into the wall and reached for the nearest object in her hold. Before realizing what it was, the liquid was thrown to his face, leaving him completely drenched with what now she recognized was coffee.

She could only hope it was hot, but life hasn't been in her favor so far.

Jackson clenched his jaw and stood frozen for a moment, considering if what happened actually occurred or if he imagined it. When he glanced up past his drenched hair, he saw her standing with pride and challenge. That was more than enough to reach over for the dirty dish water by the sink.

Mia narrowed her eyes in confusion, but when he stormed into the kitchen, she wasted no time in avoiding his attack. Successfully, she dodged his attempt and laughed at his loss, now moving her hair back and placing her hands on her hips in a rather sassy way.

"You missed, you numpty," Mia spoke loudly, slightly leaning forward at the same time he did. "What else do you have?"

A silence filled the expanse of the room. Both of them remained in their spot, only glaring at the other with such intensity that could be mistaken for a look reserved for enemies. But there was something more. A strange, unfamiliar lust resurfaced. More on one than the other, but it was enough to drive them forward simultaneously.

Slamming against the bookshelf, they hungrily kissed the other as if their life depended on it. Their hands traced the outline of their bodies, finding small patterns and silhouettes to memorize. Through every breath and every kiss, they forget the place and the time, ignoring the necessity of stopping when the door could be opened at any second.

"This is not going to mean anything," Mia leaned away for a second, making sure he listened and understood. "Don't get attached, 'cause I tend to have that effect on people."

Impressed, he smiled, "Look who's being vain now."

She nonchalantly shrugged, "I need you to understand."

Jackson's eyes traced down from her eyes to her lips, seeking to savor them one more time, "I understand, Grey. Don't worry about me, but perhaps you should be the one to worry."

"In your dreams, Winchester," Mia pulled him through the collar of his shirt, ignoring everything telling her that this was a mistake and she should stop. For once, she was willing to lose control and not worry about the world beyond these walls. Right now, she was focusing on making mistakes to regret the next day.

The sound of the lamp crashing to the ground goes unnoticed. It got slightly darker, driving them to head to the sofa to where she was now on top ripping his black button up. She caressed the softness of his skin, his warmth being unfamiliar territory for her. She had been used to the cold that to her misfortune, the memory of her first time with Edward filled her thoughts.

Mia didn't want to think of him. He was surely not wasting his time thinking of her, so she tried focusing on anything that won't return the memory of him. She focused on Jackson's touch and the way he kissed her neck with passion. The feeling of his lips formed goosebumps, but while she desired to find enjoyment in this, the image of Edward became more constant.

From the way he held her with such delicacy, the way he kissed her and made sure she was alright, the way he called her name like a prayer, and finally, to the way she felt about him. Love. That damned sentiment she longed to forget. It brought her nothing but despair and made her regretful for ever opening her heart to someone as coldhearted as him.

He might not be present anymore and as much as it hurt admitting it, she preferred it that way. Anyone who saw the worst in her was not worth her time. Even if her heart would always call his name, she considered maybe it was time to move on.

But was she actually ready?

Aggressively, Mia pushed Jackson back down. He smiled at her dominance and caressed her hips, urging her to continue. She reached for the end of her blouse and raised it, harshly throwing it to the side and lowering down to kiss his neck. Her eyes remained closed as she was afraid she might see him again, but it was that very reason that drove her forward.

When she did, it was no longer Jackson present. He had now taken the form of Edward. Gasping, she staggered back as if she had seen a ghost. She was being driven to insanity by the minute, but for the first time, she was willing to dive into her madness if it meant seeing him again. Through it all, she was still a helpless fool in love with him.

And she hated herself for it.

His golden eyes that she once adored still managed to barricade her walls. Only now, there was an unfamiliar feeling. Her heart no longer filled with a comforting warmth. It was full of shame and resentment, and it burned hotter than any fire ever could.

Having believed in him had been her mistake and if given the chance, she would have turned back time to never have crossed paths. It didn't matter if they had good moments, because she now knew it was never real. Maybe to her, but how real could it be if it was all one sided?

"Mia."

His voice was the same as she last remembered. The same melodic sound had remained and it infuriated her just as much as it hurt to see him again. Without awareness, her hands find their way to the base of his neck. She leaned down, her eyes burning a hole into his, "I fucking hate you."

"I'm all yours," he breathlessly said.

Mia harshly crashed her lips onto his. All of the months of his absence were felt in her aggressiveness and it didn't matter how they ended. It didn't change how much she wanted this and needed one last moment of closure. Even if it was not real, she could only dream of fantasizing about their last time.

She hated him just as much as she loved him. It was such a compelling yet infuriating combination that left her stranded in the middle of a desert. She was wandering through the sand, searching for an escape and wanting to follow the constellations, but there were clouds covering the end. She was forever trapped into oblivion and no amount of prayers would put a cease to the cycle.

How pathetic could she truly be?

Her hand provided a harsh pull on his hair and he moaned softly, his smirk now transforming into a smile. "Easy there, Grey."

Being addressed by her last name was enough for Edward's image to disappear and for Jackson's to return. She was alerted of her mistake on how far she was willing to go. She moved away, her heart pounding against her chest and breathing becoming heavier.

What just happened?

"Mia?" Jackson asked, unsure if approaching her would be the right thing. "Are you okay? Did I do something-"

"It's not you," she reassured him, but avoided looking at him. "I just- I thought I was ready, but I'm not."

While he might not know the full story between her and Edward, he did hear from the others how he and his family abruptly left. He was aware they were romantically involved and from the looks of it, it was obvious her feelings were still there.

"It's okay. I'm sorry if I made you feel pressured."

Mia shook her head, refusing to make him feel guilty. "You didn't, but can we just pretend this never happened?"

He nodded, "Whatever you need."

She put her blouse back on and was grateful for not having gone further with him. It would have been a grand mistake and instead of feeling better, she would have felt worse for believing she was ready to move on.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Jackson finished up buttoning his shirt and approached her slowly, making sure not to invade her personal space.

Mia sighed heavily and finally looked at him. Relief was felt when not finding Edward staring right at her. She took a step closer and instead of answering him, she deflected the question back to him, "Are you okay? I know the day after your transformation, you need time to recover."

Jackson hung his head low, his shame and consternation returning like the remembrance of that night. "Can I trust you?"

"Always."

He was silent in contemplation, afraid of revealing his truth and how she might react, but now that she had seen him in his other form, there was no use keeping his secret from her anymore. "When I visited my uncle last December, I was attacked a few days before Christmas. I couldn't sleep, so I took a walk around the neighborhood. It was... so dark and foggy."

She listened attentively, a strange sense of familiarity becoming felt. December was a month that had been eventful. Death eaters crashed her school dance, her magic was revealed to Bella, and she was ordered to attend a hearing with the Magical Congress.

After the attack, she remembered there had been a fog. It was dark and if it weren't for being driven home, maybe she wouldn't have made it back safely. She didn't want to believe that night had some type of connection to his condition, but since when have coincidences not been a part of her life?

"I knew something was wrong when I made a turn into that street. Something was hiding in the shadows and it was my arrogance that drove me to attempt facing it," Jackson clenched his fists, slamming them into the wall as he breathed heavily. "I should have kept walking, but it was too late when he appeared."

Mia waited for him to continue, but his mind appeared to be somewhere else. His gaze turned blank as his expression filled with unease and anger. "Who appeared?"

Jackson looked up at her, "Fenrir Greyback. He's the one responsible for what I am."

At his revelation, the world once again fell upon her shoulders. The only reason Fenrir was in town was because of her. He and Lucius Malfoy were sent to take her to the Dark Lord, but it was her magic and Edward's help that spared her.

How could she tell him that his condition was also her fault?

"You wondered why I was so willing to get involved and while it was also to help you, it was to avenge myself as well," Jackson was unsure as to what her reaction would be, especially after admitting his involvement had been intentional. "I know you must probably think I'm some kind of weirdo-"

"No, I get it," Mia could tell he was surprised by her lack of anger, but there was no reason to be angry. She understood him. If this had been her, she would want to get revenge as well. "I feel the same way about my father. I want to hurt him the way he hurt me, so I understand wanting to avenge yourself."

Jackson curiously stared at her, "You do?"

She nodded, "I do."

A silence surrounded them as she deliberated on revealing her responsibility for this. He would hate her for being the cause and she was not ready to have another enemy on her back. It was already enough having her own hatred that she couldn't fathom dealing with more.

However, he noticed she was holding something back, "What is it?"

"You're going to hate me for this, but you need to know that the only reason Fenrir was in town was because of me," she expected him to be furious, but he remained calm as if it weren't anything new. "My father is one of the most notorious death eaters, so he along with another wizard were sent for me. I'm the reason as to why you were attacked."

"No," Jackson was quick to deny her, refusing to have her believe she was at fault for something beyond her reach. "It's not your fault being the daughter of a dark wizard. You're innocent in all of this and I don't blame you. I could never. I only blame him, so stop placing a burden that's not meant for you."

It was easier said than done. As much as Mia wanted to believe him, there was still so much work she needs to do. For starters, finding a way to move on from the past needed to happen. Like he said, moving forward was the right thing and she was now considering it after everything.

"I want you to understand, Grey," he softly said.

She sighed heavily, "I'll work on it."

He held her hand gently and squeezed it, "Good."

Understanding and compassion was exchanged. Neither expected to find it in the most unlikely of places. From not being that fond of each other, they now couldn't envision not wanting to move forward in this next phase together. Sure, their circumstances were different, but their motivations were the same.

Revenge.

It might not be the healthiest, but it was working for them. Maybe this feeling wouldn't last forever, but something new had started and neither wanted it to end. They might not know it, but this moment is enough to shape the next few years.

The thing was, would it be for better or for worse?