A/N Ah I'm enjoying writing this, especially now that my muse has returned (I had a brief case of writer's block). Of course... I also have to study for an exam that's worth ten percent of my HSC... Eek. I'll just pretend it's not there and post this instead... Aha... ha... Enjoy :)

Chapter Two – The Werewolf Incident

I was completely screwed.

No I was worse than screwed. I was a hundred thousand times worse than screwed.

"Dad, please be reasonable." I said desperately.

I knew it was fruitless. Charlie was many things but reasonable wasn't one of them. My two month grounding after the motorbike incident – as I fondly referred to it as – was evidence of that.

I pulled at my hair erratically, well aware of the fact that I wasn't helping my cause; "Dad, if you drive back to La Push Billy, Jacob and I will explain everything."

Charlie's knuckles whitened against the steering wheel and he continued to stare ahead determinedly. I couldn't believe he was taking it all this way, "I'm worried Bella."

"Urgh!" I cried, "We were joking Dad!"

He shot an incredulous look at me; "About… About…" He took a deep breath and tightened his grip on the wheel. It was going to break soon, "Bella, I think the Cullens' move took a permanent toll on your health. I think we should get you checked out."

The monster that now lay dormant most of the time ripped at my insides. I took a deep breath and said as calmly as I could; "Dad this is really important. We can't go to the hospital."

"Bella… You're…" He swallowed, "Delusional."

While this accusation hurt me, I concentrated on what was important; "Dad, no one can know! This is like the stature of secrecy!"

The cruiser wavered across the road.

"Dad!" I shouted grabbing at the wheel.

Charlie slammed on the brakes and took his hands off the wheel and looked at me wide eyed; "You're telling me you believe it all?! You said you were joking."

Why hadn't I been born a better liar? More to the point why did I insist on dating mythical creatures? Protecting their secret always required lying.

"Dad, Billy will explain."

"Billy's been fueling this??!" Charlie shouted, going purple. "Right."

He did a sharp U-turn and I held back a sigh of relief. The wrath of Charlie Swan Billy could deal with. The leaking of his son's most dangerous secret on the other hand…

I shuddered.

The drive to La Push was strangely short. I didn't comment on Charlie's driving though. If he was going to be fed the truth he needed to be in a decent mood.

I looked across at his infuriated face.

Well, as decent a mood as he could be in considering the circumstances.

Jacob and I had been for a walk on the beach. We hadn't noticed Charlie's cruiser when we'd ambled through the back door of Billy's house and we were talking about Embry's latest misfortune at the hand's (or paws) of Paul.

"You should have seen the blood." Jacob had said like an excited little boy.

"No thanks." I'd said with a shudder, "I suppose what with all your lucky werewolf perks he was better in minutes…?"

We'd both frozen like in one of those terribly cliché horror movies. Charlie had been seated at the kitchen table and had given me a look of confusion as if he was asking why I was talking about werewolves.

And like a prize idiot, I hadn't laughed and turned it into a joke (I'd feebly tried that later on the way to the psychiatrist) I'd stared at him horrified for a minute, giving him enough time to figure out that I thought it was true and that I was obviously unhinged.

I jumped as Charlie slammed the Cruiser door shut. I realized we were already at Billy's. I stumbled out and ran after him.

He marched through the door and I closed it behind me softly trying to compensate for what was coming next.

Jacob and Billy were in the kitchen. Billy looked annoyed and Jacob was sitting with his head in his hands. I bit my lip and waited for Charlie to start.

"Charlie why don't you have a-"

"I DON'T WANT A SEAT!" He bellowed at Billy, "My daughter is under the illusion that… That…"

"Dad…" I tried to speak over him.

"She's been through enough!" He said lividly, "And you're all fueling this… thing."

His gaze fell on Jacob who still wasn't looking up.

"Dad." I said tentatively in the sudden silence, "It's not an illusion."

Instead of calming Charlie only grew more furious; "YOU SEE?! You see what she believes?!"

"Charlie, it's not an illusion." Billy said softly.

"YOU'RE FUELING IT AGAIN!" Charlie shouted. He took my arm and said angrily; "I'm taking her to get checked and you-" he threw a furious glance at Jacob, who only then looked up miserably "-are not allowed anywhere near her."

"Now, now Charlie. We can sort this out."

I span around wildly. Sam Ulley was standing in the door way looking grim. He threw a reproachful look at Jacob who averted his gaze to the floor.

Charlie frowned, "Sam Ulley? What-"

"Sit down Charlie."

I expected him to throw another tantrum. Instead he looked at everyone in the room in confusion and said quietly; "What's going on-?"

"I'll explain," Sam Ulley said softly motioning again for Charlie to sit, "Of course, the council isn't happy about this, but, in light of everything, it'd probably be less dangerous for you to be clued in."

Charlie frown deepened. He threw an accusative glare at Billy before he gently drew out a chair and settled into it. I took a few tentative steps towards Jacob and –on realizing that Charlie wasn't about to shoot me – gripped his shoulder supportively.

"You might be aware of some of the Quileute legends." Sam began.

"Yes." Charlie spat, "And I'm also aware that they're just that. Legends."

Sam shook his head, "I know it sounds crazy Charlie."

"You're damn right it does." Charlie growled, looking around lividly. If I hadn't been so worried about the truth it might have hurt slightly that Charlie thought I was insane.

Sam leaned forward and looked Charlie in the eye earnestly, "It sounded crazy to me too. Even when I was going through it."

Charlie spluttered.

"There's a pack, here in La Push. As you already know Jacob is a part of it. As am I. As are Sue Clearwater's two children; Seth and Leah…" He paused, and then continued; "I was the first. Before that, everybody but the council believed that the Quileute legends were just silly stories passed down by old men who were too patriotic for their own good."

Sam continued with a slight breath; "The transformation begins when the reservation needs protection, because that's our job, to protect the reservation. If they hadn't come…" He stared wistfully out the window, "And ruined the peace, we would have developed as ordinary boys, and girls in Leah's case. But we didn't. Instead, the hereditary gene that was supposed to lay dormant flared up and we began transforming, or phasing if you like. We filled out and reached adulthood in a matter of weeks. It's usually instigated by strong emotions. For Jacob, it was overwhelming happiness, caused by Bella." He looked up at me with a swift smile, "You'll remember he disappeared for a few weeks. Humans are not supposed to know about us. But Jacob found a way around the order and told her. Or she guessed based on the stories he'd told her."

Charlie glanced at Jacob and a look of apprehension dawned on his face.

"So," Charlie said, clearing his throat. I was relieved that he seemed to be calm, "Then… The reservation is protected by legendary…"

"Werewolves." Sam finished with a half smile, "I would understand if you thought we were all crazy Charlie, but the facts are there. The strange stories about over sized bears in the forest, the startling temperature we run at… Here." He extended his hand for Charlie to touch. Charlie looked at it hesitantly before gently reaching out and touching it briefly. He recoiled, his expression baffled but still rather impassive.

"So you transform… Into wolves?" He repeated himself slightly.

"That's right." Sam said.

Charlie took a deep breath and tried to calm himself again, he'd regained some of his earlier discomfort. When he was finished he looked up at us all bleakly, "Let's say this is true. What exactly are you protecting the reservation from again?"

I winced slightly and turned away. Jacob looked up and at the sight of me trying to pull myself together wrapped his bear like arms around my middle and pulled me into his lap, ignoring Charlie's probable reaction completely.

"The cold ones." Billy sighed.

Charlie still looked confused.

Sam leaned forward once more; "We aren't the only mythical creatures in this region. Well, we weren't anyway."

I winced again as the monster clawed at my chest. I wanted to excuse my self from the conversation and get away from the painful memories, but Charlie needed to hear this.

"Who…?"

"The Cullens." Sam answered, his dark eyes flickering to meet mine for a moment.

Charlie's face whitened and he looked wildly around at me. My face was all the confirmation he needed.

"That's why The Cullen's were never welcome down here." Billy said with a smile, "I know they seemed very reasonable to you Charlie but we know the truth."

Anger bubbled in my chest at Billy's words, "Tell him about the treaty." I hissed.

With a look of reluctance, but still holding me together precariously Jacob spoke up; "The Cullen's didn't hunt humans. They first arrived here decades ago. My great grandfather formed a treaty with them; we were to stay off their land and them of ours."

"They never broke the treaty." Sam said, "If they had it would have been war."

Charlie took another deep breath. I was worried that he wasn't getting enough oxygen what with the discovery that werewolves and vampires actually existed; "I uh… This all sounds completely mad."

"I know." I said with a small smile that didn't reach my eyes, "But it is true Dad."

His eyes snapped up to mine, and it was in that moment that I knew he believed me. There was conviction in his expression. He knew I wasn't insane.

And that's when he fainted.

"Dad!" I exclaimed, jumping out of Jacob's arms and rushing for him; "Dad wake up! Jake get some water."

Jacob jumped up and rushed to the sink. I fanned Charlie's face desperately while Sam chuckled slightly and Billy grinned. Jacob returned with his hands cupped and splashed the water on Charlie's face. He awoke with a start.

"Are you okay Dad?" I asked, relieved.

He took a few unsteady breaths. "I've gone mad."

I bit my lip and turned, "Uh… Maybe I should get him home, and let him just comprehend what he can."

Billy nodded in agreement. With a grim expression Jacob helped a pale Charlie limp out of the Black's kitchen and into the passenger seat of the cruiser. I watched him buckle Charlie's seat belt gently and smiled in spite of myself.

I turned back to Sam; "Thank you. I know that wasn't really what you wanted to do."

"It wasn't." Sam agreed narrowing his eyes, "You need to both be more careful." He shot a hard look at Jacob who shut the door of the cruiser so as not to disturb Charlie further; "But, Jacob was insistent. And the council didn't really want the local psychiatrist to hear about the Chief's daughter's involvement with werewolves so…" He gestured wordlessly.

I nodded; "Thank you. Bye Billy."

I waved at them both and walked out the door slowly. Jacob was leaning against the car, still looking grim.

I punched him lightly in the arm; "At least we don't have to sneak around anymore right?"

He sighed, "The council was really angry Bella. If Sam hadn't lifted the order… Without their consent… And hadn't convinced them it was the right thing to do…" He shook his head; "This was never meant to be easy was it?"

"No." I agreed, "It wasn't. But you did get to throw water in Charlie's face."

He snorted but looked down at me critically; "Are you okay? I know it must have been hard hearing… Well, hearing about them again."

I gulped. He'd always been good at reading me. I gave him a small smile and he knew my answer. Wordlessly he pulled me to him and rubbed my back softly.

"It's getting better Jacob." I said with a small sob, despite myself, "It really is. You make me really happy Jake."

He kissed the top of my head softly, "Is it enough Bella?"

How did I answer that? Truthfully, nothing would ever be enough… Except… I took a deep breath. I knew I was never going to get that. I knew I was never going to get him.

"It's the most anyone can give me." I answered truthfully. I drew away from his chest then. He looked at me with a pained expression before lowering his head and brushing his lips against mine softly.

My arms snaked out from under his and made their way around his neck. He hoisted me up so that we were at the same height his lips still moving against mine gently. I resisted grinning because Jacob often saved up his gentle kisses for when I was in a terrible mood.

He drew away and leaned his forehead against mine; "I wish you weren't so damaged Bella. I hate seeing you in pain."

I gave him a tight lipped smile; "I wish I wasn't too. I can't imagine what it must be like to put up with me as a girlfriend."

He rolled his eyes, "I was screwed well before I even started. I'd take you in any situation."

I pressed my lips against his chastely and said; "Thanks for being perfect Jake."

He snorted and pulled me tighter to him, "Yeah the big bad wolf is real perfect."

I smiled and looked him in the eye seriously, "Well you're perfect for me anyway."

He grinned, "In that case, no problem."

"I love you Jake." I said quietly.

"Love you too Bells," He said pressing his lips to mine again before setting me down. As I slid into the car (more graceful than usual) he waved and headed back inside.

As I'd hoped, Charlie was still completely oblivious to everything around him. Otherwise, me driving his cruiser might have earned me an extra two month grounding.

He became more alert as we got closer to home. He shot me a look of complete disbelief and then looked away again.

It took a few hours for him to say anything about it. Charlie would look over at me occasionally, his mouth hanging half open, the desire to ask a question easy to see in his expression; but he'd quickly look away, up at the wall or to the score on the TV and revert back to deep thought.

By that time I had conceived a number of worrying possibilities in my head as to why he hadn't said anything. Was he just waiting for me to fall asleep so he could lock me in the cruiser and drive me to the nearest mental asylum? Had he gone into shock?

Finally he said; "Bella can you do me a favour?"

My head shot up in panic, "What?!"

"Can you please fetch me the bottle of tablets from the top drawer in the kitchen?"

With a frown I complied. The tablets didn't have a label and I was still puzzling over what they were when I handed them to Charlie.

"Stress tablets." He clarified, "And I'm going to take enough of them to knock out a fully grown…" He chuckled rather eerily, "Well the only thing that comes to mind is werewolf."

I didn't know whether to laugh or not so I headed back into the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water.

"Don't you have any questions at all? Honestly?" I asked as I watched him swallow four tablets unsteadily.

With another large gulp of water he said; "I have lots of questions. But that would mean admitting to myself that it's true. And if I do that, then I'm crazy."

"You realize that that makes me crazy?" I asked with a coy smile.

"That's what worries me." He said with an alarmed expression, "I'm still not sure if I should be letting you see so much of Jacob."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not staying away from Jake Dad."

He paused for a moment as if considering something. Finally he said; "Is it dangerous?"

I tried to be as convincing as possible, "Not really. If he loses his temper it is, but Jacob is in control. He's the best in the whole pack." I added proudly. It was true; Jacob had mastered the art of keeping his temper.

"And…" Charlie struggled again, "Do they change on full moon or…?"

"That's Hollywood Dad." I said with a laugh, "They can change, well; the ones that are in control can change at will more easily. But it's mostly when they get angry or upset."

Charlie nodded and didn't say anything for a while. I didn't press the subject because I wanted him to come to terms with everything in his own time. I was sure though that he was paying about as much attention to the basketball game on screen as I was.

He chuckled suddenly, "You know you've had a midlife crisis when your daughter's boyfriend confesses he's a werewolf."

I raised my eyebrow, "You're not really having a midlife crisis are you Dad? I'd like some prior warning if you are."

He shrugged in a bemused fashion; "That or I'm going insane."

I sighed; "You're not insane Dad."

"Sure, sure." He said adopting the saying Jacob and I used frequently. He realized this and chuckled again.

"How many of those pills are you supposed to take…?" I asked suspiciously.

"One. But I usually only take half when I'm really stressed. Like when something happens at work." He chuckled again at my expression.

"ONE?!" I exclaimed, "You took four!"

"I've gone nuts remember?" He chuckled, "It's alright to take four when you've gone nuts."

"You're not setting a very good example you know." I said moodily, "You're teaching me to go on a stress tablet bender every time something incomprehensible happens."

He chuckled, "I wonder where you got that dry sense of humour from?"

"It wasn't Mom." I scowled.

"No, no. Your Mother's a lot different to you." He paused for a moment and then burst into hysterics, "I've only just realized my grand children will be… Werewolves!"

He threw his head back and roared. My face flushed, "We're not planning on having children for a while yet Dad." Assuming our relationship gets that far. Marriage was a spooky concept for me.

"You'll get there someday." Charlie said. He said it with such conviction I was almost convinced that it was a sure thing; "I've seen the way Jake looks at you."

He threw back his head and laughed again. I was considering going to bed when his head lolled on the couch. With a sigh I fetched a blanket from the linen cupboard and covered him. He was snoring softly and I figured he'd need all the peace he could get for the next day – the truth was bound to sink in, as well as the stress tablet hang over.

I ascended the stairs feeling lighter than I had for a while. Of course, Charlie thought he was going insane, and was consequently asleep from the drugs, but at least he knew the truth. That was the main thing.

I know it's slightly un-canon for Charlie to be clued in, but this is AU anyway and if it meant that the secret didn't leak out it would probably be better for Charlie to be told.

Anyhow, reviewers will receive a batch of freshly made cookies (because I'm hungry and food is on my mind) and a Quileute werewolf of their choice ;)