"What the hell!" said a voice, waking Clark from his slumber, he opened his eyes slowly and was faced with a middled aged man pointing a gun at him. At the sight of the gun he woke up rather quickly.
"Whoah! Hold on a minute! I'm a friend of Bella's" said Clark quickly "You must be Charlie, nice to meet you" Clark held out his hand in greeting. Charlie just stared at him, shocked by the stranger on his sofa and then shocked by the calm response to a gun being pointed at him.
"Charlie!" Bella came running into the room "Please don't point your gun at Clark, he's a long way from home so I let him crash on the couch" Charlie glared at his daughter, obviously unhappy with the situation, but he did lower the gun and went grumbling into the kitchen.
"You could have given me some warning kid" he muttered "That could of got real messy" Bella looked at Clark sheepishly, apologising for her dad without really saying anything, and then she followed him into the kitchen. Clark dropped his hand and sat down on the sofa, listening to the argument between Bella and Charlie.
"I know dad but it was kind of unexpected, I was gonna leave a note for you but I forgot. Clarks a good guy though, you got nothin to worry about" Bella said matter of factly.
"Whatever you say Bells, just give me some warning if it ever happens again and I wanna meet Clark properly later, we can all have dinner. I'll be home at 6" Charlie said as he walked out the door.
Bella came back into the living room "Sorry about that…" she stopped mid sentence as Clark got to his feet, shirtless. He really was a huge man, nearly as tall as Jacob but definatley broader. He wasn't as toned or defined as Jacob or Edward in the muscle department but there wasn't an ounce of fat on him, it was all muscle of a hard labourer and his arms were huge. Bella felt her knees go weak and her face turned bright red.
"It would probably be considerably less akward if Clark were to put on a T-shirt" came Edwards silky smooth voice as he practically glided into the living room. Clark himself started to blush and quickly pulled on his T-shirt.
"Sorry, It was just quite warm under that blanket so I umm.. well you know" Clark shuffled uncomfortably on his feet "What's the plan for today then?" chnaging the subject at times like this was always a good idea.
"Umm… well I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and meet the werewolves" Bella said, a big grin on her face. Clark just stared at her, shocked again. Werewolves! Was every mythical creature out there somewhere. Then he remebered Bella had mentioned it yesterday, it must have slipped his mind with the whole slaughtering Vampires thing.
Clark's shock subsided quickly "Sounds like fun" he replied, chuckling nervously "It's not a full moon tonight, is it?" he asked smiling himself.
"It doesn't exactly work like that, I'll let them explain that but there are some things you need to know. I'm not comfortable with Bella going alone but as she pointed out to me last night, you could easily overpower a werewolf." Edward said his expression and tone extremely serious "It's not that they would intentionally harm Bella but there transfromation can be kind of unstable" Clark nodded in agreement.
"I'll be there to watch out for her" He said "Let me just get cleaned up and dressed then we can go" He grabbed his bag and then headed for the stairs. The bathroom wasn't hard to find, he quickly showered and put on clean clothes. As he was heading back downstairs he overheard Bella..
"Why are you still worried? Clark could laugh in the face of the volturi and you think the werewolves could harm me!" Clark came into the kitchen then stopping Edwards reply.
"We ready to go?" He asked, he looked back an forth between Edward and Bella "I'll wait in the truck" Bella threw him the keys. He didn't have to wait long. The door opened, Edward ran off into the woods and Bella got in the truck.
"Sorry about that, he worries too much" explained Bella "I really don't think they will hurt me, their not as unstable as he makes them out to be, well at least not Jacob" Clark could see that despite her words there was a slight nervousness behind them.
"All I know is I won't let any harm come to you" said Clark hoping to ease her fears, she laughed it off and focused on the road "How many werewolves are there anyway?" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Last time I was there it was Sam, their leader, Paul, Jared, Embry and Jacob but they were expecting their friend Quil to join. They don't really like to talk about the transformation. They balme the Cullens" she explained.
"This should be interesting" said Clark hoping that nothing was going to kick off. Not that he was worried about anyone getting hurt, except maybe a werewolf, he'd just rather not have to use violence. Especially with the events of last night still clear in his mind.
It didn't take long to get to the Quilette reservation as they pulled up outside what Clark assumed to be Jacob's home, a very tall, muscular man practically burst out the door "Bella!" he cried. This must be Jacob thought Clark. Bella practically jumped out the truck and ran to him, Jacob scooped her up into a huge hug. He hadn't even noticed Clark yet.
Clark got out the truck himself and walked over to the pair "Hey I'm Clark, you must be Jacob" he said holding his hand out just has he had to Charlie, this time however the greeting was returned. Jacob grasped his hand harder than was necessary but gave up when Clark didn't even flinch.
"Yeah that's me" He replied, suddenly on his guard, his face was a mask of neutrality. He obviously didn't like Clark's presence.
"Jacob! We have a lot to thank Clark for so be nice!" she reprimanded him like a child. The neutrality broke and Clark got his first glimpse at the rage of a werewolf. He would watch them all a bit more closely now. "Now call the pack, we have some good news" she continued, the rage turned to outright shock.
"Bella! You told him about us! Why?" he asked incredulous "Sam is not gonna be happy about this" He turned and ran into the woods behind his house.
"When in their wolf form they can here each others thoughts, the rest of them should be here soon" Bella explained. Clark was slightly on edge now, Jacob was clearly not happy with him knowing and Clark really didn't want to hurt any of them.
Jacob came back out of the woods, wearing only sweats, the kid was packing some serious muscle. He was also slightly taller than himself Clark noted, that was quite a rare thing. In fact back home he didn't know anyone who was taller than him.
"The others are on their way and Sam really isn't happy about this, your news better be real good" Jacob said icily. Bella just smiled and patted him on the shoulder. Not long after five similarly tall and well built men emerged from the woods, all shirtless. Clark almost laughed, he was clearly supposed to be intimidated.
"Hey guys" Bella greeted them cheerily "This is my friend Clark. Clark this is Sam, Paul, Jared, Quil and Embry. The local werewolves" Clark new she'd said the wrong thing the instant it came out of her mouth. Quil and Embry looking worried went straight to Jacob. Sam stopped in his tracks his body quivering with rage as did the one called Jared.
Paul's entired body quivered and then burst and in his place was a giant wolf leaping towards Bella, Clark was behind him in an instant, he grabbed the giant wolfs tail and launched him into the nearby ocean. The werewolves watched as Paul splashed into the ocean, then turned to see Clark now standing calmly behind them. Their expressions were even more shocked than the Vampires had been and just as before Clark laughed.
It was so freeing to use his powers so casually, be so at ease with himself. Even Bella was shocked all over again. The shock quickly turned to rage, Sam and Jared flew apart just as Paul had done as did Quil and Embry, the only one remaining in human form being Jacob.
Jacob grabbed Quil and Embry by the scruff of their Knecks and hauled them back and Clark simply appeared behind Sam and Jared, grabbed them by the tails and sent them into the ocean just like Paul.
Quil and Embry stopped struggling, coming to their senses they were obviously way out of Clarks league. "I think everyone needs to cool off" said Clark "I could do this all day". Quil and Embry went into the woods to phase and reclothe. Clark, Bella and Jacob all turned to the beach to see Paul, Sam and Jared emerge and head towards them cautiously.
"There are obviously some things we need to talk about, I'll gather the elders" said Sam, keeping his distance from Clark and heading into the woods, Paul and Jared followed, also keeping their distance from Clark.
"What the hell Bella!" Jacob shouted "Who the hell… no wait what the hell is this? Some kind of super Vamp?" he stared at Bella, incredulous, waiting for an answer that would explain the madness of the last 5 minutes. Bella still hadn't recovered, she probably didn't think it would have gone as bad as it did.
"I'm an alien" answered Clark, a huge grin on his face. It was so good to be so open about himself. He almost felt like he could float away, there was no burden of responsibility here and he didn't have to hide from anyone. I mean here he was conversing with vampires and werewolves, being an alien didn't seem half as ridiculous and unnerving as it did back home.
"You're a what!" spluttered Jacob "I can't believe this! I haven't seen you in ages and you turn up with a freaking alien!" Clark suddenly coming down off the clouds realised that he hadn't really made a brilliant first impression, maybe he could at least be a bit more conservative.
"Jacob Black! I'll have you know that Clark has pretty much solved all our problems in one night, the dangerous ones anyway. So get off your high horse you freaky werewolf and go be nice to the alien!" Bella finshed her rant by crossing her arms and glaring at Jacob. There was a brief moment of silence then the three of them burst into hysterics.
The shear absurdity of what Bella had just said was hilarious. Even Quil and Embry couldn't help laughing as they came back out of the forest. "We thought we were pretty bad ass! But you just tossed Sam, Paul and Jared as if they were teddy bears." Said Quil, lightening the mood even more. The group headed into Jacobs house to wait for the elders. Jacob's dad, Billy, was already inside.
Jacob quickly let him know what had happened, earning Clark another hostile glare. They didn't have to wait long for the others to arrive. In came Sam, Paul and Jared followed by an old man, a rather severe looking women and two other younger people. They all wore rather wary expressions as they spotted Clark.
Jacob pushed his dad round to the front of the living room and the rest gathered round, despite being in a wheelchair Clark could almost feel the authority emanating from Billy. He was clearly an important part of the tribe, Clark had actually dealt with some native americans, the cave back in smallville flashed briefly into his mind along with all the painful memories it brought.
He could already feel the world coming back on his shoulders as thoughts of his destiny and the suffering he'd endured so far were clear in his mind. He stood apart from the group, not being part of the circle itself, just the reason for them all being here.
Billy cleared his throat and the group fell to complete silence "Bella you acted rashly in bringing Clark here with no warning or explanation, and your attitude towards are secret seems somewhat disrespectful. However after hearing of what Clark has done it seems we have no choice but to hear you out" The entire group turned their attention towrds Bella, who shifted nervously at being put on the spot, before she could speak Clark stepped in.
"I think I'm quite capable of explaining myself" everyones eyes were on him in a flash "I am sorry for the way I have treated you my intentions are only peaceful. I was simply protecting Bella, I'm sorry if caused you any harm. I'll leave it to Bella to tell the rest, I'm merely trying to make a better impression" Clark finished, stepping back out of the circle to lean against the nearest wall.
"Thank you, Clark that's good to know, you can see how we are all a bit shocked at your… strength" Bill replied, nodding respectfully towards Clark, the other elders also nodded their heads clearly pleased at Clarks words. The young werewolves were obviously not in agreement. Jared and paul showed their hostility openly and Sam still didn't look happy but he wasn't glaring at him angrily. "Bella, would you let us hear the news you wished to tell us" Billy said, prompting her to speak.
"Ummm… yeah sure" she started hesitantly "I'm sorry aswell for springing this on you I didn't really think. We have had a bit of a hectic night and some really great news" she paused for a second making sure everyone one was listening "Victoria is gone" she said, beaming like a child on christmas morning.
The group gasped, staring at her in disbelief, she then went onto explain the story in full. The werewolves being appropriately shocked, at the murders in seattly being connected and how Clark had dealt with them all. The bruning building and the shrieking creatures were still all to clear in his mind, he left them to their cheer as he had the vampires and wandered down the beach, enjoying the cool sea air.
"Hey" It was Jacob, Clark turned to see what the kid wanted, "Ummm… sorry about earlier we can't really help it, the whole werewolf thing, anyway we'd all like you to come back in just to say thank you an stuff" for a second Clark could see the child in Jacob, the angry expression seemed to vanish as he apologised.
"Ok, I'll come back in with you" Clark headed back to the house "For the record I am sorry for chucking your brothers in the ocean, just seemed the least harmful way to stop things quickly" Jacob laughed and patted Clark on the back.
"Like I said its just the werewolf thing, we all think its pretty awesome. As soon as the serious stuff stops we'll all be challenging you" Jacob beamed as they walked back into the small and crowded house.
"Clark" said Billy as they came in "We've asked back in just so we can say thank you as a group, we all apologise for the hostility and for your service and a fellow protector we'd like to make you an honorary member of the tribe" The group started clapping, the fear and hostilty now gone completely, all the werewolves and the elders came an shook Clarks hand with a brief apology and thanks.
Clark was relieved that this had all worked out, it wasn't the first time he'd dealt with native americans. There weren't pleasant memories, Clark grimaced as he remembered Kylas death, he thought he'd really found someone he could be with, as himself. Then the whole starblade business with Jeremiah, that had hurt, it reminded him that he wasn't invincible.
"Hey, you ok?" asked Bella, her concern evident, everyone else had left after offering him thanks. It was just him, Jacob, his Dad and Bella now. Clark quickly composed himself.
"Just memories is all and not great ones" replied Clark "I'm ok really" Bella didn't look convinced but she let it go. Clark was thankful for that he didn't really want to bring all that up now.
"You look like you could use some fun" said Jacob, walking across the room from his Dad "Wanna come cliff diving, I'll just call Quil and Embry though I think the whole pack might wanna see you in action" He smiled easily and ran out the door. Clark and Bella followed, he hadn't really been asking besides Clark thought he could use some fun.
"Whats cliff diving?" asked Clark as they went back out onto the beach, Bella pointed to the huge cliffs at the other end of the beach and it became pretty clear. Clark shifted nervously, he wasn't a big fan of heights. "I don't like heights" he said rather bluntly. Bella looked at him incredulous again.
"Mr Indestructible doesn't like heights!" she exclaimed and burst out laughing, Clark shot her a cold look and she quickly composed herself as Jake came running out of the woods.
"They're all on their way there" said Jake, beaming, Clark couldn't but help but smile back. The kids happiness was infectious. "You coming Bella?" He asked cautiously, Bella got rather uncomfortable at the question, making Clark curious as to why but he didn't pry.
Bella laughed nervously "You know me, way too clumsy for that kind of thing, I'll just hang here with your dad. I got a book or two in the car anyway" she brushed over the uncomfortable moment quite easily, as if she had to deal with uncomfortable moments a lot "Have fun guys, be careful" the last bit was more aimed at Jake than him.
"Don't worry Bella" he said ruffling her hair and laughing "I'll race you there, it's the top ridge" and then he was running for the woods, Clark watched him shift an then turned to Bella.
"Really don't worry, I'll be there after all" he said smiling reassuringly "You ok?" He asked, just has she had asked him before.
"Yeah I'm fine, now go" she replied "They're pretty fast" Clark laughed at that and was gone. Just like that. He blurred through the woods, past a wolf or two and then he was at the top of the ridge, laughing to himself. As he waited for the wolves he couldn't help but smile at how nice it was to be so free with his abilities.
For the next two days Clark really let go with his abilities. The werewolves were constantly challenging him despite the fact that they lost every time, races, test of strength and so on. It was so freeing for a Clark and he really did start to relax. He'd actually been staying at Jacob's since Charlie wasn't too keen on him sleeping on the couch.
It was another easy day for Clark. He'd already spoke to his mum to say he'd be staying a bit longer. It was so easy with the wolves and even the vampires. Emmett was particularly funny even if it was because of what a sore loser he could be. He challenged Clark more than anyone in terms of Strength but Clark still put him down each time.
Clark's cell phone buzzed "It's Carlisle" his voice sounded tense "She's awake and she's asking for you" Clark jumped straight up. This is what he'd really been waiting for, the new born vampire to wake up. "On my way" he said, already speeding to the Cullen's.
He burst through the door of the small room where they'd been keeping her. The Cullen's were all surrounding her but as they stepped away Clark was confronted with the most beautiful creature he'd ever met. She was quite short, smaller even than Alice. Maybe 4ft 8 Clark guessed at a glance. Her skin was so pale it almost glistened, her hair was of such deep black it was like Night itself, and her face was such a thing of beauty Clark could hardly put it into words. Such soft features, such perfect proportion. As Clark gazed at this angel he realised he hadn't so much as glanced at her when he'd saved her.
Their eyes caught and Clark was brought back down to earth a bit as he saw hers, the colour of blood, but even as he realised this girls nature compelled her to kill he realised it didn't matter. He walked up to her slowly and embraced her, without a word said she folded into his arms. So small, so delicate and yet he knew she was stronger than any mortal.
"I remember you" she said quietly as he held her, her voice was just as angelic as her appearance "You saved me."
