Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
I want to thank my pre-reader feebes86 and my beta JJ Twi1ight. Thank you both for making my story readable.
Sam POV
But a mere human, no problem. I couldn't get that thought out of my head. She thought she was just a mere human, but she was everything. I pulled her closer to my chest and nuzzled her neck.
"Well, if the leech is after you, maybe we can use that to our advantage," Jared said.
I growled, "And just what are you suggesting?"
"Bella's scent is all over you. We could use it to trick her, is all I'm suggesting," he replied.
"What if it we set a trap?" Embry asked.
"What kind of trap?" Bella wondered.
"We could make a false trail and lead her to where we want her," Paul concluded.
"With me?" My girl squeaked.
"NO!" I roared. "Out of the question."
"Just listen for a second Sam," Paul continued. "You, Bella, and I could walk out into the woods. We let her touch everything in sight while Jared and Embry stay hidden. We could ambush her."
"And what if they show up with Bella out there?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"It's four against two, one of us could run with her and the rest of us take them out," he said with a shrug.
I could feel the growl building in my chest. The thought of putting my mate in danger was too much for me. My hands started to tremble and Bella leaned forward and kissed me, distracting me and calming me down. I took a deep breath and felt myself relax.
"I think it's a good idea," my girl whispered. "She's not going to stop coming after me. You've been chasing after her for months, Baby. We can't start a life together with that vindictive bitch hovering over our heads."
"I won't risk your safety," I responded.
"I'll be with you the whole time. You'll keep me safe," she crooned.
I ran my hand down my face and looked at my pack mates, silently telling them that Bella was my life. If I lost her it would kill me.
"We'll keep her safe, Sam. You have my word," Jared said looking me in the eye.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Baby?"
"Yes," she answered. "I want her gone, for good."
"Okay, we'll try it tomorrow and see how it goes," I sighed. "Jared and Paul, go patrol. If you see anything, you know what to do."
They both stood and looked at my girl for a moment before turning to the door.
"Be careful," Bella told them.
"We're made for this. We will keep you safe," Paul grinned.
"Come back around 5 and I'll have dinner ready. How does lasagna, salad, dinner rolls, and cherry pie sound?" She asked us.
"I think I love you, Bella," Jared smiled.
She giggled, "I'll take that as a yes."
"Oh yeah, that's a yes," he smirked.
I rolled my eyes, "Go on, and get out of here."
They left and we sat in silence for a few minutes before I suddenly realized I hadn't told the council that Embry phased. I stood and placed Bella in my chair and went to the phone so I could call Billy and let him know.
"Embry, you're going to stay for dinner, right?" She asked him.
He nodded and offered her a small smile.
"Hello," Jacob answered.
"Can I speak to Billy?"
"Sam?" Billy asked.
"Hey, look I know I should have notified you sooner, but Embry Call phased this morning."
"Well that's interesting."
"Yes it is. We were able to get him to shift back quickly, but I still think he should maybe stay with me for a while."
"I'll speak to Tiffany. I'm sure she won't mind. Make sure he knows that he can't tell anyone."
"I will. Bye."
I hung the phone up and went back to sit with Bella and my new pack brother. She stood and curled into my lap once I was seated.
"I need to go to the store so I can get everything for dinner."
"Are you staying again tonight?" I whispered, huskily.
"Mmm, I'll stay as long as you want me to," she responded.
"You really shouldn't have said that because if I have my way you will never leave," I said with a kiss to her neck.
She smiled, "Well, let's go to the store and then we can go by my dad's and get me some more clothes. Embry you want to come with us?"
He looked at me and I nodded. He agreed to go with us and we all climbed into my truck to head to the store in Forks. I figured I would go ahead and speak to him while I was driving.
"Embry, you know the pack is a secret, right? You can't tell anyone. I think it would be best if you stayed with me for a while until you have control of the phasing. Since it is Christmas break, you might be able to return to school after the holiday."
"What about my mom?" He asked.
"Billy's going to speak to her and tell him you are staying with me for a little while."
"What about my friends? And why can't I go home?"
"If you think you can control yourself then you can still see them, but Jared or Paul will have to be there just to be safe. It's not that you can't go home because you can. I just need to make sure you have control so you don't phase in front of someone that isn't in on the secret," I explained.
"But I can't tell them so what will I say? I mean look at me. I'm taller and bigger," he said with furrowed brows.
I chuckled, "Growth spurt."
My girl grinned and turned in the seat and found two shirts in the back and put one in my lap and handed the other to Embry. She went back to digging and found shoes for us. I didn't even think about proper clothing.
Embry put the shirt and shoes on and I put mine on once we parked. We all got out and made our way into the store. Bella grabbed a cart and started loading it with fresh fruits and vegetables, different seasonings, more meat than I probably had room for, salad dressings, rolls, stuff for pies and cakes, breakfast ingredients, and anything else she thought she would need.
"Baby, is it okay if I invite my dad to dinner?"
"Of course it is," I smiled.
She pulled her phone out of her pocket and pressed 2 and send.
"Hello."
"Hey Dad. I'm making lasagna, salad, dinner rolls, and cherry pie for dinner. Would you like to come to Sam's to eat?"
"I can't Bells. It's my turn to work the night shift. Are you staying over there again tonight?"
"Yeah, we're at the store now getting food and then I was going to come by and get some more clothes. Don't get anything from the diner tonight. I'll bring you some dinner."
"Okay, I gotta go kiddo; it's time for me to leave for work. What time should I be expecting you?"
"Maybe around 7."
"See you then, love you, Bells."
"Love you too, Dad."
She slid her phone back into her pocket and started grabbing even more food. I just shook my head and kept my mouth shut. My mate knew how to cook and I wasn't about to discourage her. She could buy the whole damn store and I would pay for it happily.
Once the whole cart was full we went to the checkout counter and I unloaded all the food while Embry kept looking around. After everything was rang up and bagged, I placed all the bags back into the cart, paid and then we left out of the store.
The scent hit me as soon as we stepped outside. I quickly scanned the area and didn't see anything.
"Embry get Bella to the truck while I check it out. Don't phase unless the leech approaches you," I said, the alpha timbre ringing in my voice.
He picked my girl up and ran with her to the truck pulling the cart behind him. Once she was safely in the truck I made my way to the woods and yanked my clothes off. I phased and called for Jared and Paul in my mind.
Get to the store in Forks now. I smell leech. – I said.
We're on our way. – Paul said.
I ran a circuit around the store and the whole area was covered in leech stench. That crazy bitch must have been following us. How did I not smell her before? As soon as Jared and Paul got to me I phased back and pulled my shorts on.
"Follow us to Charlie's," I told them.
I picked up my shirt and shoes and jogged to my truck and jumped in. I started it and peeled out of the parking lot and headed to the Chief's house. I kept looking in the review mirror. Embry was on high alert. I had Bella tucked up against me and she was shaking.
"It's okay, Baby. I won't let anything happy to you," I soothed her. "Jared and Paul are following us, you're safe."
BPOV
She's never going to stop. This is ridiculous. I'm not even with Edward anymore and I'm definitely not his mate. This bitch is crazy and she clearly has a death wish. I so want to see one of my boys rip her head off. Hell, I want to light her ass on fire.
When Sam took off into the woods, I began to panic. He's out there by himself. What if they both come? He'll be outnumbered. He could get hurt. I felt myself start to shake and Embry wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.
"It's okay Bella," he crooned. "If I think Sam needs help I'll go out there. I smell leech, but I don't think one is here right now."
I know he was trying to make me feel better, but it wasn't working. I finally saw My Sam coming back and I felt myself relax a little. He climbed in and sped out of the parking lot, heading towards my dad's house.
I felt a little better with his arm around me and I breathed a sigh of relief when I found out that Jared and Paul were following us. I was still shaking, but I took a few deep breaths to try to calm myself more. We made it to my dad's and Sam put the truck in park, but didn't move. I could see him scanning the area for any threats.
Paul and Jared emerged from the woods and walked towards us. Sam opened the door and spoke quickly to them before he reached back in for me. I watched them walk ahead of us and into the house. I turned and noticed that Embry was walking behind us, but his eyes were darting all around.
"Has she been here?" I whispered.
"No, but she's close," Sam responded.
"Bella relax, she's not dumb enough to attack with all four of us here," Paul told me once we were inside.
Sam and I went upstairs to my room and I quickly grabbed a bunch of clothes and threw them in my duffle bag. We started downstairs when I heard a growl and I was pushed behind my mate. He had me pinned between his back and the wall.
"She's in the back yard," Sam explained.
"Sam!" Jared yelled. "She's not alone. There are six fucking bloodsuckers."
"Come on. I need you to stay where I can see you."
We took off downstairs and went into the kitchen. He dropped my bag on the table and headed for the back door. I saw three wolves facing six vampires. Victoria was standing in the middle and staring straight at me. It was time to end this.
We walked out the back door and Sam whispered that he needed to phase, but that I should stay here by the door. I agreed and watched as he became the big black wolf right before my very eyes. One of the vamps lunged and Paul ripped its head clean off and tossed it to the side. Gross!
I shook my head and looked on as Jared jumped onto another vamp and bit its arm off, flinging it in the direction of the head. Victoria was still just standing there. What the hell was she waiting for?
Jared fought with the one armed vamp and Embry and Paul tore apart two other vamps. Victoria took the opportunity to come at Sam and I with the last vamp. The male vamp collided with my man and I was standing on the steps facing the crazy bitch. My boys were all busy fighting the rest of the vampires so I knew that I needed to stall.
"Victoria," I inclined my head. "Why do this? Edward and I aren't together. He left me and told me I was just a game that he enjoyed playing. I was never his mate."
"He lied to you then," she sneered.
I laughed, "Oh, he didn't lie. I truly was a game. He never loved me. In fact, I think he was only using me because he claimed my blood smelled so good. I was a challenge to him. He wanted to drain me, but he couldn't because of his family."
"Well either way he killed my mate and I'm going to kill his," she smiled showing me her razor sharp teeth.
"And what is that going to do? Your mate is still gone and he's not coming back. Is killing me really going to make you feel better?" I asked with a smile.
I watched as Sam stalked her and she never saw it coming because she was so focused on me. One minute she stood in front of me and the next she was laying on the ground without a head. My smile grew and I launched myself at the black wolf, wrapping my arms around his neck.
I saw Jared, Paul, and Embry all shift back and begin carrying the pieces off into the woods, naked. Where were their clothes? Sam moved away from me and phased. I was back in his arms and he was nuzzling my neck. I pressed kisses all over his chest and finally grabbed his head to pull him to my mouth.
He gave me a searing kiss and held me close breathing in my scent. I was going to have to see if my dad had some shorts for them. I pulled Sam inside and we headed upstairs. I was able to find some clothes for them all to wear and after the vamps were all burnt to nothing, we climbed back in the truck and drove back to Sam's. I sure hope none of my groceries spoiled or I was going to be pissed.
We made it back to Sam's and the boys grabbed all the bags in one trip, carrying them inside for me. I grabbed all the cold stuff first checking everything before I began putting the food away. Two warm arms encircled my waist and pulled me against a hard chest.
"It's over, Baby," he kissed my temple.
"It sure is," I sighed in relief.
"Do you need help with dinner? I can help as soon as I take a shower. I've got to get the leech stench off me."
"I got it. You go shower," I smiled.
I turned in his arms and noticed that we were alone. I stood on my toes and kissed his lips. He pulled me closer to him and lifted me in his arms, setting me on the counter. I opened my legs and he stepped between them.
I pulled back when the need to breathe became a necessity and he began trailing kisses down my neck. I had never been kissed this way before. The feelings coursing through me were foreign, but I found myself moaning and wrapping my legs around his waist, pulling him even closer. My warm center brushed against his hardened member and he groaned into my neck. He pulled back and rested his forehead against mine, breathing heavily.
"We have to stop, Baby, or I will be taking you to bed and ravishing you," he smirked.
I pressed a chaste kiss to his lips and dropped my legs. Pushing on his chest, he stepped back and helped me off the counter.
"Go shower so I can start cooking."
"Yeah, I'd better hurry, the guys should be back soon," he said.
He left the kitchen after another quick kiss and I started cooking the meat for the lasagna. I put the pot of water on to boil and preheated the oven. I got the sauce ready with the seasoning in another pot and tasted it once it was hot to make sure it was good.
I then began making the pie crust for dessert and was so in my element that I jumped about a foot in the air when Paul whispered 'hey' in my ear. I turned around and slapped him on the arm with my dough covered hands.
"You scared the crap out of me. Don't sneak up on me like that," I huffed.
He chuckled and shook his head at me.
"Oh, stir the meat and sauce for me," I told him.
I turned back to my dough and got it in the pie pan and cut the extra edges off then poured in the cherry and sugar mixture. Finally, I put the top on and it was ready to go in the oven. I placed the first pie on the baking sheet and made the next one, putting it on the baking sheet. Once it too was ready. I put the pies in the oven and dropped my noodles in the boiling water.
"So," Paul began leaning against the counter. "I don't get it, what did you ever see in the leech?"
Sam came over and wrapped me in his arms and rested his head on top of mine.
"You don't have to answer that, Baby," he responded.
"I was just curious. I mean technically they are dead so that means you dated a corpse," he said scrunching up his face like he sucked on a lemon.
"Well, I thought it was cool that we got to tear those leeches apart back there," Embry exclaimed.
"I honestly don't know what I saw in him, Paul," I answered.
I thought I knew what it was that made me want Edward when we were together, but then I remember him telling me that everything about him drew me in. Did he allure me or dazzle me? When I think about him now, I don't see the appeal.
"You know our journals say that bloodsuckers have the ability to lure their prey to them," Jared said contemplatively. "Maybe he did something to you."
"That is a possibility, Sweetheart," Sam told me.
I nodded and thought about that. It definitely sounded plausible. He did tell me I was a drug to him, but maybe it was the other way around; maybe he was the drug to me. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense.
After the meat was drained, I poured it in the sauce and stirred it all together. Once the noodles were finished, I was ready to put the lasagna together. Sam came into the kitchen and helped me put it together while Paul, Jared, and Embry all sat at the table. I turned and frowned at them for a moment.
"Boys, why don't you set the table for me?" I asked.
"You really need to stop calling us boys. We are definitely not boys or at least I'm not. I'm all man," Paul smirked.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head at him.
"Well, forgive me. Men, will you set the table for me?" I grinned.
They all chuckled at me, but I didn't care. Between Sam and I we got the two lasagnas ready to go in the oven. He put both pans in the oven while I started on the salad. I chopped the tomatoes and cucumbers while he cut up the lettuce. We dumped it all in a huge bowl and then I grabbed the dinner rolls and placed them on another pan. I would need to wait for the lasagna to come out since the oven was full.
Sam pulled the lasagna pans out of the oven and I slid the rolls in. I cut the first pan of lasagna and decided to make my dad's plate and put it to the side. I grabbed a bowl for his salad and got that fixed as well. My man handed me a small container and I put the salad dressing in there.
The pies and rolls were done so I pulled them out of the oven. Sam put the rolls on a plate and I grabbed two for my dad. He brought it to the table while I placed the pies on the counter to cool. I covered my dad's plate and set it to the side while I put his salad and the dressing back in the fridge to keep it cold. Jared and Paul grabbed the lasagnas and took them to the table while I grabbed us all drinks and Embry took the salad and dressings for me.
We all sat at the table and my wolves were practically drooling. I smiled when Sam grabbed my plate and put me a piece of lasagna on it. I fixed my salad and grabbed a roll and then moved back so my boys could all fix their plates. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing them eat so much. There was no food left by the time they finished eating.
Paul, Jared, and Embry cleared off the table while Sam and I cut the pie and put slices on plates for each of us. After we finished dessert, I went into the kitchen to clean it while my boys all talked at the table.
"You guys did great today taking out those leeches," Sam praised them.
"It was a rush, but they fucking taste disgusting," Paul chuckled.
"Yeah, I didn't think I'd ever get that taste out of my mouth and the smell burned my nose," Embry agreed.
"Well, I don't about you guys, but I had fun and I can't wait to kill some more," Jared responded.
I rolled my eyes at them, but truthfully, I was so proud of my boys. We were all relieved that the vindictive bitch was gone and so was Laurent. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders.
Once the kitchen was cleaned Sam and I drove to the station and took my dad his dinner. We sat and talked with him while he ate and then I kissed his cheek when we got ready to leave. The rest of the evening passed by quickly and by the time ten o'clock rolled around, I was exhausted. Paul and Jared left and Embry headed to the spare bedroom while Sam carried me to bed. I slept peacefully that night, dreaming of my future with the man holding me in his arms.
The rest of Christmas break passed by quickly. My relationship with Sam grew stronger with each passing day. Paul became my best friend as surprising as that sounds. Embry fit in with our group perfectly and Jared was a good friend as well. He was thrilled when he told me he imprinted on Kim, a girl he was in school with. We were a family. My dad even liked all my boys.
There had been no vampire sightings since Victoria and Laurent had been taken care of, but Sam assured me that Jacob and Quil would be joining the pack because the change had already begun in them and once it starts, it can't be stopped.
As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, Sam pulled me to him and pressed his lips to mine. I loved him and I was ready to tell him. I pulled back and looked into his eyes.
"I love you, Sam."
"I love you, Bella, so much."
I stood on my tip toes and wrapped my arms around him, pressing my lips to his. We kissed for several minutes and I knew that I would spend the rest of my life with this man. Weeks turned to months and graduation was looming around the corner.
A/N: So there you have it. I needed to move the story along so we sort of fast forwarded through to get to where we are now. Like it, love it, hate it? Let me know!
