Joshua's Sweet Isabella

Chapter Five : Grounded.

BPOV.

I scanned the group and gulped. It was Sam's idea to have a 'family meeting' pack style. I was shifting in my seat. Which happened to be Jared's lap and started biting my nails from my nervous habit. I was scared of confronting my dad about his behaviour towards me and Jared. We were both legal consenting adults. Plus he knew the pull of the imprint, it wasn't something you could control. And Lord knows I have no control when it came to my imprint.

Sam was stood in front of the fire place, everyone else was circled around and sitting either on the furniture, other people's laps or on the floor, some where standing. I was fidgeting and sweating with nerves. Me and dad never argued and if we did it was always mom who got us talking to each other again. So how was this meant to work without her? I felt a tear fall down my cheek and instantly it was wiped away by Jared who had been intently staring at me, since I was sitting sideways on his lap like earlier.

"Don't cry." He murmured to me as I nodded and kissed him, just needing the physical contact to know he was there. He smiled as he cupped my cheeks and rubbed my skin with his thumbs. "Tell me what's going on in there." He said softly as I sighed and slumped my shoulders in defeat.

"If me and dad argued in the past, it was always my mom who got us talking again. I just… I don't know what to do without her. You know?" I whispered as Jared rubbed my back and brushed the stray tears that fell. "She was my best friend Jared. If she was here she'd be giving me advice about you and the imprinting, but she isn't and I feel as if I'm letting everyone down by how I'm doing it on my own." He brushed my hair back and pulled my chin up to look at him.

"Your not doing anything wrong Bella." His soft features made me believe him, "Your mom would be proud with how your dealing with this whole situation. I'm sure even she had to take some time to get her head together about the whole thing. Don't try and act like anyone else wants you to, be yourself, that's why I fell in love with you. That's why we imprinted on each other. I love the real you, the you you've been showing me since you've been here."

"But what if you fall out of love with me?" I whispered he chuckled and kissed the tip of my nose as I smiled at the funny sensation it gave me. "I don't want to loose anyone else so soon."

"Everyone dies babe." He cooed softly. "It's just a question of time." I nodded and sunk deeper into his chest, finally my nerves had settled. Sam cleared his throat and we started the house meeting.

"Obviously our first criteria is our new additions to the pack. Bella and dad, need to sort out your quarrel before we move on. Dad, you wanna go first?" He looked at dad, but I didn't follow his eyes, choosing the low road and ignore him until I felt confident enough to confront him.

"Sure." He said exasperated. "I can't believe we're doing this in front of everyone, this is embarrassing. I don't need support to talk to my daughter." He complained as everyone just told him to get on with it. "Fine!" He gave up. "I'm sorry, baby girl. But even knowing he's your soul mate, I'm not going to stop worrying and protecting you. You and Sam are all I have now and I intend to keep you very close so I wont loose you too." He sighed sadly as Sam put a reassuring arm round dad's shoulders.

"Your not the only one who's scared of loosing people around them!" I stated a little angry at him. "When Sam attacked Jared I thought my world had completely stopped, I thought he had died! I thought I was going to die from the loss of him in my life!" I was shaking in Jared's lap, but as soon as his heated flesh touched mine I stopped and took a deep breath. "You know what it's like to imprint, well imagine if mom felt those exact feelings for you, it's so much stronger and it was nearly taken away from me because you two are so protective."

"Bella, we understand that. But you are more important to us than Jared. No offence to you, Jared." Jared simply nodded and held me tighter. Knowing I was about to loose it.

"If that's how you feel, then you should consider my happiness. And my happiness evolves around Jared now, so he has to be just as important to you. I get it." I suddenly shouted. "I'm your little girl. I'm not meant to know about sex or boys, but I do. I'm growing up! I'm nineteen for fuck sake and I'm still a virgin. Aren't you supposed to be at least happy that I've saved myself for my soul mate. Someone who will never hurt me, never leave me?"

"Yes, I suppose I am happy that you still carry your virtue, but you've only just met three days ago." I was about to storm off and run away from the both of them, who seemed to be tag teaming against me, but Jared stepped in and growled, everyone turned to look at him, except me, all stunned he had sounded so menacingly towards his Alpha and his Alpha's father.

"Don't talk to us like we're immature school children. We're old enough to make our own decisions about our intimacy." He stared them down as everyone raised their eyebrows or gasped in surprise. "We don't have to explain our sex life in this ridiculous meeting. Get back to the point and don't include our intimacy." He warned in a growl. Even if he couldn't phase he was still fucking intimidating.

"You have no right to talk to me like that boy. She is still my daughter living under my roof. And everything about her involves me. Now you slow down your ridiculous behaviour with her or she wont be allowed to see you anymore." I snorted.

"You have some fucking nerve. You think grounding me is going to stop me from seeing him? That just shows how stupid you are. Firstly I'm old enough to move out and don't think I don't know how much is in my bank account, I do and I can easily afford to rent a house if I dropped out of school and got a job. Secondly, keep this behaviour up and I wont want to be involved in your life and that includes when I'm older with children, you want to never know your grandchildren when I'm older?" He looked shocked that I spoke like that. I turned to Jared who was beaming a smile from ear to ear.

"You can live with me if you want." He said quietly, almost shyly. I bit my lip and blushed.

"NO!" Dad roared as I groaned.

"Why don't you all just calm down and remember where we're heading with this in the first place. You both need to forgive each other and get back on track." Jacob said evenly, as if he hadn't picked a side, not that he'd have to. "Bella, you have to see it from your dad's point of view. He's lost your mom and you're the only thing that he has left of her. I know, my dad is the same with me and my sisters. You've felt all these feelings towards Jared so suddenly and because your new to them you feel like they might leave just as quickly as they came so your rushing into things with Jared." I was gob smacked.

"Joshua, even though Bella is moving fast with her relationship, it's her choice. She is of age to make her own decisions and you threatening her isn't helping your case. You're a Judge for fuck sake, you should know this!" He said exasperated. "Listen, you both love each other and you've both lost something very important to you. You need each other to get past it, you're the only ones who know what the other is going through and neither of you have fully healed from her death, or grieved." I hung my head as Jared drew circles into my back to comfort me.

"Bella you said how you felt to think Jared had died the other day. Imagine how your dad is feeling, because he really has lost his imprint." I was chocking. I couldn't breathe through the sobs that couldn't escape past the lump in my throat. Jared was comforting, but it wasn't enough. As fast as lightening I was in my daddy's arms, apologising like a mantra chant. His arms engulfed me, holding me securely to his body. His tears falling as he rocked us together as we stood in front of everyone. Everyone silent and watching us.

"I'm so sorry daddy. I didn't mean to make it harder for you." He tilted my chin up and kissed my forehead. Shaking his head, his tear stained cheeks were slightly more puffy, just like his eyes.

"No, don't you be sorry. We were both venting out our own anger and emotions to help us move on from your mom. We're drifting from one another when we should be uniting to work through her death. I'm sorry."

"Okay, well, that really was the only issue to deal with so Embry and Jake, your patrolling until three, then Collin and Leah take over. So get to it people." Sam bellowed then everyone went their own ways. We were still in Jared's house, so we stayed put. Dad left with a smile on his face as I cuddled into Jared's chest. On one of the bigger sofa's. I was sat between his legs and resting against his chest as he held me tight to him. Even when I complained that I was t heavy for his healing body to have on him. He simply snorted and held me tighter. Determined to never let me go.

"So something you said has be thinking." He starts. His arms constricted more so, there was no way to get out of his hold, he obviously wanted to hear my response. I nodded for him to continue. "You were talking about your dad's future grandchildren…" He trailed off. I nodded with blush in my cheeks. "Is that something you want?" I could feel the extra heat radiating from him and new he was blushing too.

"One day." I murmured. He turned me around to see him. His cheeks were slightly flushed, but his face was lit up with a gentle smile. "What about you?" He looked down before breathing a laugh softly then looking into my eyes and nodded.

"With you, one day." He blushed harder, just like me. "I know we've moved fast in this relationship, but I think imprinting just made everything more needy with us. When I think of our future together, knowing it's a definite, I want us to have our own house, good jobs, kids, the whole shebang." He sighed and poured his emotions into his eyes. "I've never thought of my future before, not until you came into my life. I want to marry you, see you round with my children, be there to hold your hand when you give birth. I want to laugh through the good times and cry through the bad with you. But I can't imagine doing it with anyone else. When I thought about your dad loosing your mom. It physically hurt me to think that I could loose you so easily."

"I'm not going anywhere. Even in death, I'm right in here." I touched his heart and head, like he had done to me when I asked him to promise me in the shower. He sighed and smiled gratefully to me.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome."

Life for the next two weeks went peacefully. Me and Jared hadn't done anything other than kiss or heavy petting, as we called it, but it was enough to sustain our need from jumping each others bones. Dad seemed to actually calm down with his protectiveness, as long as I came home at night, unless patrolling, and slept under his roof alone. Sam was still uncomfortable sharing a mind with me and Jared when phased, but we had to live with his thoughts of Emily, so he gave in kindly.

I was now officially content in the pack. They were all really awesome. Leah and me were like a house on fire, we were inseparable, unless Jared was involved or her boyfriend Casper, were involved. She was my best friend in all this madness and was so grateful to hear she was in my grade when I started school, which was tomorrow - I was a ball of nerves. I was now acquainted with Emily, Kim, Claire and Rachel who were the other guys imprints. Rachel was actually Jake's sister, so I was super confused to why she hadn't phased. Jake teased her about how she wouldn't cope if she got her coat dirty when killing vampires and I had to laugh, she was a real girly girl.

But even after meeting the girls, I couldn't really take to them very easily. Claire yes, she was a gorgeous two year old who had captivated my heart when she called me 'Ella', but the others were too, I don't know… but I just felt uncomfortable around them. Leah said she felt the same and she thinks it's because we're wolves and their not. Whatever it was, the girls felt the same about us, much to Sam's disappointment. I had my own idea's, I think Leah had it right when she said it was because we were wolves, but I think it was because the boys imprints had been given the choice by their imprints to when they would stop phasing and it had me on edge that they could say when and we'd loose a pack brother.

I was currently in my bedroom in my towel after just having a shower. Laid on my bed, soaking the duvets and pillows with my wet hair and body. I was staring at my ceiling in deep thought. I decided I had to look somewhat presentable tomorrow for my first day and had already picked out my outfit. I came to a decision of, my dark jean look leggings, also known as jeggins. My ankle boots with a four inch heel in teal, my long tight top that looked like a second skin on me in white with my teal coloured jewellery and coat that came to the bust. Half my hair was going to be put up into a beehive and then the rest was going to be curled loosely to fall over my shoulders. I thought I would wear little make up and just go for the natural look. Finally happy with my choice I just rested naked, except for the towel, on my bed.

My eyes were closing and I groaned as I put my pyjama bottoms on, which were shorts and found Jared's top that I stole from him and put that on too. Brushing my hair I went to bed after setting my alarm and dreamed sweet dreams of my man.

I woke to that horrid sound that signalled it was time to wake up. Stretching and yawning and slightly pissed at my alarm I hit it with more force than necessary and it cracked right down the middle. Startling myself into consciousness I shot up and stared wide eyed at the broken clock. "Baby you okay?" Dad's voice hollered up to me. I didn't know hw to respond. No, I just had a heart attack, because I momentarily forgot I was a wolf who was strong and killed my alarm clock. Or, no, I have to go to school and I'm already a nervous wreck from breaking my alarm and I was scared I would do just as much damage to a human.

"I'm good." Well, that wasn't an option, but probably the safest choice to go with. So I lied. Showering and changing like I decided on yesterday. I nervously flaunted down stairs and sat at the breakfast bar where a bowl of cereal was awaiting, along with my father who was changed into his police uniform. "Looking dishy dad." I teased as he smiled around the spoon of cereal in his mouth. He was starting his first day at work today, he was determined to start the same day as I started school so we could swap disaster stories, such an awesome dad, huh?

"You look beautiful baby, as always." I blushed, of course as he chuckled. I devoured the food and ran to my car. Dad was determined that I needed a car now, so he presented me with an Aston Martin DBS. It was in candy red and every time I saw it I fell deeper in love. If I hadn't already imprinted on Jared, I would seriously think I had imprinted on my baby. Chucking my backpack in the passenger seat, sighing when the leather moulded to my back. "Have a good day at school baby."

"You too daddy." I started up the ignition and squealed, it never got old. Winking at my dad who was laughing at my reaction to my car. I sped down the street, reaching speeds that were illegal, but as if my dad or Charlie would arrest me? Yeah, that's what I thought.

I was running late and the parking lot was already crowded when I pulled up, parking my baby I pulled out my shades from my bag and put them on. I felt like a movie star with this car, it was fun. Remember, first impressions always count. With a flick of the wrist my door was open and one leg was placed outside firmly set on the ground, followed by the other as I rose up and slung my bag over my shoulder. Fully aware of everyone drooling over my car, I seductively pouted as I shut my door and locked my baby up safely. Turning back to the crowds of children. I pushed my shades up to remove my sweeping fringe from my eyes, I had changed my mind about my makeup, it was now Smokey and mysterious. That's why I was late.

I looked at the parking lot to find my gang and once I did, I smirked a crooked grin. Strutting up to Leah she was still standing with her mouth open. "Hey baby." I said as I walked the last few paces to her.

"Bells!" She squealed. "Your car!" I nodded, I know.

"Me and daddy picked it up yesterday. That's why I couldn't be around you guys. I wanted to surprise you today." I grinned. "You like it?" She was nodding and drooling. Casper was chuckling with her as he pulled her to his side. "Hey Casper my friendly ghost, how are you today?"

"Ah, it never gets old Bella." He teased. I chuckled as I kissed Leah and his cheeks and hugged them gently. "I'm fine, you look more than fine!" He noted as I blushed.

"I'm pissing myself really. I'm so nervous, but I thought if I came off cocky and confident, I might fool the kids into leaving me alone?" I questioned they laughed and shook their heads. Casper knew of us werewolves, since he was Leah's imprint and laughed.

"If your with us, they wont bother you. We intimidate them." I rolled my eyes.

"Could have said something sooner you know!" I scoffed. Hooking my arm through Leah's and she grabbed Casper's hand as we walked together into the school. "Where are the guys?" I asked, just noticing their absence.

"They'll meet us at lunch, they go for a run before school." I nodded. As we walked in, we got a lot of stares and lots of whispers. I took in what Leah was wearing, she was wearing a barely there skirt and a skinny vest top with a thick belt around her hips. Her jacket came to her hips, but it was draped over her arm. He hair was up in a high ponytail and she wore the same kind of make up as me. Whilst her imprint was in low slung jeans and a loose turtle neck sweater in cream with a blue stripe across his chest. They looked so cute together.

"So, I sweet talked Matt at reception and we have the same timetables." She boasted as I squealed and hugged her. "I know, it's hard being this good."

"Mmm, but you don't know what your missing out on, when your bad." I teased. She laughed as she directed us to our first class. It went slowly, she and Casper were sitting next to each other and I was stuck by some sweet girl who was really short, but really pretty. She kept giving me side glances and smiles when she got caught along with a sweet blush. She was so much like me, it was scary.

I heard the talk going about me. I was a spoilt daddy's girl, a complete brat with money. The usual, I never denied anything, because I was, but it didn't bother me or my family and friends so I choose to ignore it. Lunch finally came and we walked to the cafeteria with Casper behind us, we were laughing and joking as we walked in. I couldn't see the guys any where, but Leah pointed them out and we waved, as they waved back and motioned us to sit with them.

Grabbing food we went to the table and everyone stared at us. "What?" We asked in sync and laughed. The others all chuckled and rolled their eyes at us.

"You two look like sisters." I looked at Leah, we were similar, but it was because the wolf in us made us like that. We were both toned and tall, but she was full blooded and I was only half Quileute. She had inky black hair whilst I had brown hair, her eyes were closer to black as mine were milky chocolate. We were both generous with our beasts and bums, but something about Leah screamed gorgeous, whilst I was plain.

"Nah, I don't meet Leah's standards." I said in a teasing tone, but Leah growled. I sighed and sat down, already chewing on the chip I had grabbed. She was scowling at me next to me, I'd seriously be dead from the look she was giving me. "What Leah?" I asked exasperated.

"Your gorgeous! I just don't see how you can see yourself as anything less? It's infuriating, I wish I could look like you. Have you seen my hips? People already think I've had a kid! Your so perfect it's really annoying and then you go and say shit like that!" She was shaking and I laughed.

"Leah, we all see our own faults. To me you are perfect. If you see me like that then thanks, I just don't." She started laughing and agreed with me. Thankful that confrontation was over, I went back to eating. "So have you guys seen my car?" I asked, they all shook their heads and Jake was literally gaping at me.

"Tell me it isn't the Aston Martin DBS in the lot in that hot red?!" He literally pleaded with me.

"Okay." He actually squealed.

"IT'S YOURS!" I nodded, laughing as he ran over to my side and picked me up with my bag and ran outside. Straight to my car, I laughed as he set me down and pointed. "It's beautiful, please, drive me somewhere, anywhere." I nodded and he beamed another smile, picking me up and twirling me around.

"Of course Jake. You can even take it for a spin if you want. But lets go back to class and then you can drive me home?" He nodded excitedly and we went back to class. At least I made someone's day more brighter. The last two classes whizzed past and when I went to the lot, there he was already standing in waiting at the drivers door his bag at his feet. He was bouncing in his seat as I gave him the keys.

"Oh My God!" Was what he kept repeating as he drove me home. I was giggling like crazy the whole way home as he drove me, he couldn't seem to get out of his daze and it was funny. When we got to mine he hugged me in a death grip and kissed my cheek. "Thank you so much Bella. That was amazing!" He exclaimed squeezing me tightly, spinning me around.

"We could do it again tomorrow? So long as the others don't find out and start wanting to do it as well, I think we're good." I smiled. My happy mood was taken away as soon as someone started growling at the door way. There he was, my beautiful Jared. I went to skip to his side but he stood up and moved. He was angry. "Jared, you okay baby?" I asked, he laughed a cruel sounding laugh. He was shaking badly and his growls were scary. I was scared of him for the first time and it was sad that I felt it. He was meant to protect and love me, what had I done wrong to make him so upset with me?

"Calm down man, what's happened?" Jake asked, but the closer he got the worse Jared got.

"Jake just stop, he's getting worse." I stated. I wish I'd said nothing, the look of pure hate and pain in his eyes was killing me, my heart was breaking from the look. Tears welled and spilled over my cheeks as he stood staring with such hate in his eyes. All of it directed at me.

"How could you Bella?" His voice was tight, but filled with pain and hurt, anger and hate. I was truly confused, what had I done? "I know I'm not good enough for you, but I really thought you loved me back…" He trailed off, tears falling down his face.

"I don't understand, what have I done?" I begged, he snorted and growled as he glared at me.

"Why are you bothering to pretend Bella? I heard you! Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" He was shaking again. I stepped back and hit something hard, it was Jake, he put his arms around me and stepped in front of me. That seemed to be the cracking point for Jared, he walked out of the doorway and phased. Not hesitating a second I phased too, after pushing Jake away from me.

His mind was really confusing, completely packed with so many thoughts. His heart break and pain was oozing out of him. What had I done? I never intentionally meant to hurt him, for fuck sake I loved him!

"You love me Bella?" He asked in a growl. I nodded yes, "Then why did you cheat on me? I love you, I want to make love to you. Am I really not good enough for you that you ran to Jake to fuck? I was so stupid to think you'd love be back, you were too perfect for me. I hope you and Jake are happy together, I wont stay in your way. I'll leave you in peace."

"NO! Jared, what are you talking about? I never cheated on you!" I was crying, how could he think something so low of me? I loved him, completely. I didn't even look at guys anymore, unless they were the pack, but they were my pack brothers, nothing more.

"Then why did you fuck Jake?" He yelled.

"I didn't!" I screamed back. He scoffed. He replayed the conversation of me and Jake coming out of my car after Jake had drove home the Aston. I laughed a bitter laugh.

"Suddenly remember do you?" He shouted. I laughed harder, it was forced and horrid sounding.

"You fucking ass hole! I have never thought of Jake in any way other than a pack brother and friend. Your so stupid, how could you think I would cheat on you. I imprinted on you, I love you. If this is your way to get rid of me, you didn't have to go to such extremes, you should have told me you wanted to end it. I'm not that pathetic that you had to pick any random conversation with a guy and decide I'm cheating on you?!" I was so angry. He didn't trust me, relationships were all about trust and he didn't trust me.

"I know what I heard Bella!" He said stubbornly. I snorted and replayed what really happened.

"I didn't cheat on you. I love you"

Was all I said before running back to my house, phasing at the door and running to my room. Throwing on one of my own tops to sleep in as I hit my bed and cried into my pillow.