A/n: Hi everyone, I asked my brother to type the last chapter for me and that was the reason behind the surplus of grammar and typing errors. I went back today and fixed it and added a very important part that he missed in Bella's conversation with Altropos so if you have a minute go back a reread that part. Sorry about the wait again but I promise I am putting them up as fast as I can. Hope you all enjoy there is much more Jacob in this Chapter!
Six years had passed since the day Harrison and Drustan rescued Bella from the Cullens. Just like he promised Old Quil returned to the house in South Dakota only four days after leaving. The three men trained and pushed her hard but Bella loved every minute of it. She took to her gifts like a fish to water. The bond between the warriors was stronger than anyone thought possible, Old Quil was included in their bond which according to Harrison had never happened before. They all worked in total synchronization almost as if they could read each others minds. Everyone hated when Old Quil had to return to La Push, but he made sure to spend at least one week a month the the warriors and fought alongside them in countless battles. Altropos was right Old Quil was gifted in his own way, Harrison still teased her about her reaction when she found out just how special he was.
The first six months Bella trained for twelve to 18 hours a day. Drustan and Harrison both tried to convince her that she didn't have to work all day and night but she insisted. She told them that the sooner she gained control of her powers the sooner they could start saving lives. After Harrison insisted that she had enough control they began hunting down demons, they traveled the all over the world and vanquished darkness no matter where it tried to hide.
Bella remained in contact with Charlie. She called every other friday and they would talk for hours. Bella knew he always hated talking on the phone so it meant the world to her that he was so excited to talk to her for so long. Charlie thought Bella was currently working on her masters degree in Anthropology. He was disappointed Bella never came home to visit but she would always fly him to visit her for a week. Charlie wasn't afraid of flying but was a firm believer if he were meant to fly he'd have wings, but he'd fly a damn plane himself if it meant he would get to see his daughter.
Bella knew Charlie wasn't a big vacation fan so she always made sure to bring Charlie to a place famous for it's fishing. Which is why she found herself fishing for Pacific Sailfish twenty miles off of the coast of Guatemala. Today was the last day she would have with Charlie until his next trip in six months so she rented a large charter boat to take him out one last time before he had to leave.
"Billy is going to be so jealous, good thing I have loads of pictures to rub in his face."
Bella laughed her dad and Billy would always be the same.
"You know you two should just get it over with and tie the knot, you already act like an old married couple."
Charlie paled at her words and took a long swallow of his beer. He'd been trying to tell Bella something important all week but kept chickening out. Now it was his last day and she just gave him the perfect opening. With one more drink he gathered his courage.
"You know I think you're right. I'm not getting any younger so..I proposed about a month ago. The wedding is in five days and I want you to come back home with me for it."
He couldn't be serious, her dad had to be kidding. Bella's mouth hit the floor, never in a million years would she have expected for her dad to be gay. Especially since last she heard he was dating Sue Clearwater.
"Uh...I'm actually really shocked what about Sue? How is she handling all of this?"
Charlie flashed her a toothy grin and Bella began to question her father's sanity.
"Oh she's so excited. Though she almost fainted when she realized I was serious. I don't know why she thought I was joking, I'm not one to joke about something like that. She's really hoping you'll come home for the wedding."
Bella was speechless Charlie was her father she loved him unconditionally and she always would but this was so unexpected. Charlie was looking at her nervously, she could tell he was waiting for some sort of reaction. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him.
"That's great Dad congratulations. I'm sure you and Billy will be very happy together."
She was barely able to finish her sentence before Charlie sprayed a mouthful of beer all over her.
"What are you talking about?" he sputtered his face the color of a tomato, he was clearly embarrassed.
"You and Billy...getting married. I mean I'm more than a little surprised I thought you and Sue were getting pretty serious but you're my dad and I love you and want you to be happy." she rambled quickly even more confused than before.
Charlie's embarrassment level had just hit an all time high, his face was so red Bella was afraid he was going to have a stroke.
"I am not not marrying Billy! I proposed to Sue! God Bella I'm not gay!" he whispered the last word as if someone would over hear him. They were all alone in a boat in the middle of the ocean no one would of heard him if he shouted through a bullhorn.
Bella burst out laughing, Charlie shifted uncomfortably in his seat as she wiped her eyes and clutched her stomach.
"Oh. My. God. That is hilarious." she chortled.
Charlie couldn't help it the situation was so ridiculous he laughed right along with her. It took them awhile to settle down because every time they made eye contact they would bust of laughing again.
"I don't know whether to be offended or flattered." he finally managed.
"You know Billy really would make a beautiful bride." she joked sending them into another fit of laughter.
"Ah Bells I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I miss you baby girl." he said wistfully grabbing her hand.
Bella's eyes glassed over, she loved her life, she loved making the world a better place but she missed her dad. No one could ever take his place and two weeks a year were not enough time.
"I miss you too Dad." she replied squeezing his hand.
The two sat in comfortable silence for awhile. They were both alike in that way neither needing to fill the quiet with mindless small talk. Charlie was the first to break the silence.
"So what do you say kiddo, do you think you could come home to see your old man get hitched?"
His voice sounded casual but his eyes told Bella everything he wasn't saying. This meant the world to him and he would be heartbroken if she turned him down. Of course he would smile and say he understood if she said she wasn't able to go but deep down he would be crushed.
Harrison and Drustan were currently in Egypt hunting down a soul sucking demon the had been terrorizing the the local villages. She knew they would tell her to go but she still wouldn't make that decision without discussing it with them.
"I'm supposed to leave for Egypt tomorrow but when we get back to shore I'll call and see if they can manage with me for a little while longer."
The smile on her father's face was blinding, that was all the reassurance Bella needed to know she was doing the right thing.
I was exhausted. These double patrol shifts were running everyone into the ground. For the past year the vampire activity had slowly been increasing and recently went thru the roof. Once a week we were picking up the scent of one just over the line in Forks. Even with all of us patrolling day and night it wasn't always enough. Unfortunately, we lost two people to those monsters, they were both from Forks but the fact that they weren't Quileute didn't lessen the guilt. We were protectors it was our purpose in life to keep the people around us safe from those filthy bloodsuckers and we failed twice. The elders kept telling us it wasn't our fault, that we can't be everywhere at once. logically we know it's true but the sting remains no matter how you word the situation.
Now on top of everything else we had some new supernatural bullshit to deal with. Two night ago Seth came across an unusual scent, he followed it to the woods behind the local diner. What he found there still made my stomach crawl. I don't think I will ever get those images out of my head.
Seth was fifty feet away from the treeline looking for any sign of whatever the new scent belonged to.
[Paul are you close by? Something about this doesn't seem right.]
[I'm about ten minutes away, hang on tight I'm on my way]
Just then a blood curdling scream pierced the night air and Seth was running in that direction. He was confused the entire area reeked of the strange scent, everything smelled like sulfur and rotting flesh. Every tree, every rock, every leaf making it impossible to figure out where the mystery being was. Another scream sounded off to his right and he changed directions
[What the hell is this?]
[No idea. Paul I'm headed up the mountain send up the alarm and get here as soon as you can, whatever this is it can't be good.]
Seth heard the howl ring through the night and relaxed a little, his pack was on the way. Seconds after hearing the howl Leah was out the door and in wolf form She always stayed somewhere she could phase in a moments notice when Seth and her were on separate shifts. He maybe a wolf but he was still her little brother and she'd be damned if she let anything happen to him.
[What's wrong?] she snapped worry for her brother flooding the pack mind.
[Seth's picked up a weird scent but the diner but it's impossible to follow. We don't know who or what it is but it can't be good.]
Without hesitation Leah sprinted in the direction of her little brother. She was easily the fastest wolf in the pack and used that to her advantage now.
[I'll be there in three minutes you better get to him Lahote or I'll rip you to shreds.]
Normally Paul's temper would have made him snap back at her, but instead he just increased his speed. That more than anything scared Leah the most. by now the rest of the pack had phased and were racing to help Seth, except for Jared and Quil who stayed behind to guard the reservation and the imprints.
Seth tore into the clearing that the screams had been coming from and froze in his tracks. There twenty feet in front of him was a monster that must have walked straight out of a nightmare.
The creature was massive easily ten feet tall. It's face resembled that of a large dog crossed with a gorrilla. It's eyes were large and straight black no iris or surrounding white. It's teeth were long sticking out at odd angles, a piece of what appeared to be intestine dangled from the corner of it's mouth. It's body was extremely unproportionate it's arms dangled down almost touching the ground. It's hands were topped with razor sharp claws the length of a sword that were dripping with blood and gore. The body resembled that of an extremely emaciated human with it's chest cut open, rotting flesh surrounding the wound. Laying at it's monstrous feet was it's victim...or what was left of them. The only thing that remained was the severed head and a pile of blood and bodily fluids.
[Holy shit! Seth get the hell out of there!] yelled Embry but Seth couldn't move.
He was frozen in place by the horror before him. The creature took one step towards him and he left out a whine. he heard a crash just before a gray blue knocked him to the ground.
Leah stood over her brother snapping and snarling at the creature. The monster took another step and she crouched low, foam flying from her jaws as they snapped shut.
Seth got back to his feet and crouched on his sister left side. Angry howls sounded as the rest of the pack arrived.
The creature hesitated and growled once before sprinting in the opposite direction. The pack followed but it quickly evaded them. For being so unporportuniate it was lighting fast and without a scent trail to follow they had reached a dead end. At the command of their Alpha six very shaken wolves returned to La Push.
"Absolutely not! We can not allow some strangers to come on to our land and tell our wolves what to do!"
"So you want to send them to their deaths? They can not fight these things! We are not just talking about vampires anymore these are demons for christ's sake! I have friends who can come here and help the pack, they can teach them how to defend themselves against these monsters."
"Our pack has always done just fine on it's own we don't need help from anyone else."
"You are an old fool who would see all of them dead before you put aside your pride! Can't you see there is no other way!" Old Quil roared. The argument between him and Jonathan Uley bringing me back to the present.
I was currently sitting at t tribal council meeting listening to old men argue about what was best for my pack. It had been a long day and I just reached my breaking point.
"Enough! Old Quil is right we have no idea what that thing was let alone how to fight it. We are damn lucky it didn't go for Seth before Leah and the rest of us got there. Quil if you know someone who can help then we need them here."
"Jacob I don't think you understand what you're saying."
I didn't know who was speaking but my body started to shake with anger.
"I understand perfectly I seethed.
"As alpha and chief this is my decision and I'm making it. Quil make the call, I want them her yesterday." I said pointing at the old man.
"Yes chief." he answered bowing his head in respect.
I looked at each member of the council pinning them with my gaze.
"I want to make myself perfectly clear. I will not lose a member of my pack or this tribe due to arrogance and pride. Old Quil will call these people and when they arrive we will work with them. The decision has been made so either get on board or shut the hell up"
Without a backward glance I stormed out slamming the doors as I walked into the night.
After another hour of fishing Charlie reeled in a massive sailfish much to his delight. he smiled and posed next to his prize for the numerous pictures I took. normally Charlie hated picture but these were for bragging rights and no man would ever pass up on those. We released the monster fish back into the ocean and turned the boat for shore.
Charlie and I walked into the hotel lobby before heading to our respective rooms with an agreement to meet early for breakfast. I could tell that my dad was excited at the idea of me coming home with him even if it wasn't official yet.
Soon it was time to call Harrison for our daily check in They both understood the need for Charlie and I to be alone but they worried constantly when we were apart.
"Hello" came the deep Scottish bur of my second father.
"Hey Harrison hows the hunting going?
"Well we got him but we ran into some trouble."
"What kind of trouble?" I asked trying to ignore the fear the was threatening to take hold.
"After we killed the soul sucker we heard rumors of something terrorizing a small village up the Nile. We went to investigate and it's Wraiths. We're not sure how many but we know they're there. They shouldn't give us too much of a problem. How was your day with your dad?"
"It was good. He told me he proposed to Sue, they're getting married in five days. He wants me to go home for the wedding but I think I should come give you guys a hand with those wraiths."
"Really lass? You know Drustan and I can handle those in our sleep. Now tell me the real reason you don't want to go."
Damn him.
I should have known that he would've seen right through that load of crap. Harrison always called me on my bluffs at least Drustan would pretend to believe me sometimes.
"I can't Harrison. It's hard enough walking around everyday knowing that Jake hates me but I don't think I can see him look at me with hate in his eyes."
I heard him sigh and took comfort in the fact that he understood.
"You need to do this Bella. You need to be there for your dad. I know it's going to be painful for you but you can stay in Forks most of the time and just focus on Charlie."
He was right, as always. This was not about me this was about Charlie and i wouldn't ruin his special day. Time to man up and put on my big girl panties.
"You're right. I'll do it for Charlie."
"that's a good girl now Drustan want to talk to you." I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Bella! How are you? How was your day?" He asked excitedly.
"I'm fine and I'm not going to repeat my day because we both know you heard everything I said to Harrison." I laughed.
"You're right I did." he agreed.
"So are you going to be okay? If you want I can take the plane and meet you there tomorrow." he offered.
I was so tempted to take accept having Drustan there would make everything so much easier for me. He was my best friend we were so close Old Quil called us twins and I knew he'd make sure I wasn't miserable but all I need was to show up on the arm of a gorgeous man. Everyone already thought I abandoned Jake for Edwards adding Drustan to the mix would just make everything worse.
"You know I'd love for you to be there but I don't think that would go over very well."
"Hey I'll have you know I am very lovable Angel." he pouted.
"I know you are but these people hate me. The only person in La Push who will be happy to see me is Old Quil and he won't even be able to act like it." I said dejectedly.
"I know this is going to be hard on you. I wish I could do something to help. What are you planning to do?"
"Well it's Charlie and Sue's big day so I think I'll lay low in Forks like Harrison suggested the few days before the wedding so I don't cause any problems. Then I'll leave the day after the wedding. Hopefully they don't run me out of town before that." I tried to make it sound like a joke but my voice fell flat. Thankfully he pretended not to notice. One thing I loved about Drustan was he knew exactly when to push and when to leave me alone.
"You realize this will be the longest we've been apart since we met." his voice sounded sad.
"I know and I already miss you both so much."
"We miss you too Angel. Remember I'm only a phone call away, if things get too rough we'll be there."
I felt a sense of calm at his words as tears pooled at the edge of my eyes, no matter what happened I would always have Drustan and Harrison. How did I ever get so lucky?
"I know I'll be alright don't worry about me."
I was getting close to crying and I knew if he heard me nothing would stop him from coming to Forks.
"It's getting late and our flight leaves at nine so I better get some rest. Tell Harrison I said I love him and I'll call you guys when I land."
"Okay just remember when I said sweet dreams angel."
"Goodnight Drustan."
With a click I ended the call grateful that once again he hadn't called my bluff.
Rain splattered on the windshield of Charlie's cruiser as we pulled out of the airport parking lot. The skies were gray and the scenery that flew by outside my window was mossy and green. i couldn't help but reminisce about the last time we made this drive. I'd just gotten off the plane from Phoenix and was trying to hide how miserable I was at being back in Forks. Charlie and I could barely even hold a conversation with each other. i glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, we'd come a long way since then.
"I'm really glad you decided to come kiddo. It means a lot to me."
When I first moved to Fork's Charlie never would have been able to say that . i wasn't sure if it was Sue's influence or the fact that we were closer now, but Charlie was being more open with his emotions and I wasn't complaining. I smiled at him and responded sincerely before we fell back into our comfortable silence.
As the mile rolled on the trees changed slightly giving away that we were getting closer to home. With every passing minute my nerves grew.
"So are you excited to be back after all this time?"
No. Nervous, anxious, worried, about to throw up...yes. Excited...no way, but I'd never tell him that.
"Yeah I doubt much has changed Forks seems to always stay the same. It will be weird sleeping in my old bed again though."
This was actually one thing I was dreading almost as much as seeing Jake for the first time. That bed held too many memories of Edward. That bastard held me and kissed me on that bed. hell, he was in it just as much as I was after we got together he spent every night with me. I wondered if I could torch it and replace it one day while Charlie was busy...the rocker too. I'd burn both and dance around the flames.
"Oh Bella didn't I tell you? I live with Sue at her house on the reservation. I asked her to move in with me but since she's on the council she has to live on tribal land."
"That's okay Dad I can just stay at the house by myself it's not a big deal."
Oh yes my bon fire was definitely a go.
"Well actually you can't do that. I put the house up for sale around the time I proposed. No reason to keep an empty house you know. So you will be staying with us on the reservation. Sue has a daughter you might remember her Leah, she's a little older than you. You guys are going to share a room.
Oh shit.
There was no way I was staying on the reservation, and I most definitely couldn't bunk with Leah. Not unless I wanted to wake up with a knife at my throat.
"You know what I think I'll just get a room at the motel by the diner. I wouldn't want to put Leah out any."
Charlie turned to me as he pulled the car over to the side of the road.
This is not good.
"No. You haven't been home in six years, I will not have you twenty minutes away in some flea ridden motel. i want to be able to see and spend time with you before you run off again. Who knows when or if you'll ever come back." he finished the last part bitterly and looked out the window. i knew he was trying to hide the wetness in his eye but I saw it before he turned away.
For the first time I realized how much I had hurt Charlie. I thought bi-weekly phone call and fishing trips were enough for him but I was clearly wrong. Harrison's words rang through my head as my mind battled over my choices. It would be much easier for me to stay in Forks, I could avoid most of the uncomfortable situation and still fulfill my promise to Charlie about attending the wedding.
Coward.
This wasn't about me it was about my father who I had hurt badly over the years. I knew that I did the best I could given the situation but he didn't know that. He probably thought I was barely making an effort. I fought demons an a daily basis but I was afraid of how a few people were going to react to my return.
I am a Warrior of Light chosen champion of Altropos, I fear no one.
"Okay Dad I'll stay on the reservation."
Charlie's smile was blinding as he pulled me into a hug, he'd been smiling like that a lot recently and my heart swelled at the knowledge that it was because of me.
"Thanks Bells, you're the best." he said into my hair.
After letting go he eased the care back onto the road.
"Everyone is going to be so surprised to see you! Only Sue know you're coming." he said excitedly his eyes dancing with his amusement.
I had to force myself not to smack my palm off of my forehead. This situation couldn't get any worse. I really hoped no one attacked me as we crossed the border.
It took all of my self control to remain in the care as we pulled on to the dirt road of the reservation. I could jump out of the car and be gone in seconds. No, This is for Charlie.
"Okay here we are kiddo." Charlie said as we pulled into the side yard next to the Clearwater house. Well Clearwater/Swan house I guess.
I sat stiff in my seat. I could feel at least four shifters in the house or yard with four more with in ten miles of myself. Charlie ducked his head back in the driver side window, "You gonna get out Bella?" he asked teasingly, if only he knew that I was seriously debating on staying right where I was.
I could still jump out and run, I'd make it to Forks in under two minutes.
"Bella?" he asked worriedly.
"Oh yeah sorry my mind was somewhere else for a minutes." I lied.
Taking a deep breath I opened the door and stepped out of the car. I was greeted by an unwelcome sight. Seth, Embry, Leah, and Paul all stood in the Clearwater's front yard and they looked pissed. Paul was shaking slightly, not enough to be seen by the human eye but as a Warrior of Light my eyesight was unmatched. We all stood there waiting for the other to make a move.
"Hey guys you all remember my daughter Bella. Bella that's Seth and Leah their Sue's kids and that's Paul and Embry." Charlie said oblivious to the tension between myself and the group.
"What are you doing here?" Leah snapped not even attempting to hide the contempt in her voice.
Charlie's eyebrow rose as a scowl crossed his face.
"She's here because she is Carlie's daughter and he invited her for the wedding." said a sharp voice from the porch, I turned and saw Sue walking towards us. She was beautiful, I didn't miss the way Charlie's eyes lit up when he saw her. Forgetting everything around me I couldn't help but smile as he hugged her and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. My father was in love and I couldn't of been happier.
"The wedding isn't for a few days what is she doing here now?" Paul's angry voice snapped me out of my warm thoughts.
"She's here because she will be staying with us. Leah she'll be bunking with you." Sue explained.
"Like hell she will!" Leah shouted.
"Hey!"
"Leah!" Charlie and Sue shouted at the the same time.
"No way is she staying in my room. Let her sleep in the cruiser it's more than she deserves." Leah spat looking at me as if I were a cockroach needing to be stepped on.
"Why is she even allowed to be here? Since when does La Push allow trash to cross the border?" Paul sneered.
"Now just wait a god damn minute that's my daughter you're talking about!" Charlie shouted pointed a finger at Paul.
"That's enough! Leah, Bella will be staying with you in your room end of story." Sue snapped forcefully obviously trying to end the discussion before it could get anymore out of hand, but Leah wouldn't be cowed.
"End of story my ass. That bitch isn't setting a foot in my room."
"Hey!" Charlie roared stepping in front of me as if he could physically shield me from their words.
"I don't know what your problem is but you will not talk about my daughter that way!"
"Dad I told you it would be better if I just got a room in town. Just drive me back into Forks and I'll stay at the motel. It's fine honest." I offered grabbing the back of his arm.
"Good idea take the filth back of the line"
"This is your last chance Lahote! Watch your mouth before I break your jaw." Charlie snapped taking a step towards Paul.
I saw Paul begin to shake with more ferocity, the last thing I wanted was for Charlie to get hurt. I lunged forward and grabbed him by the shoulders hold him in place.
"Dad really it's fine, let it go. I'll just go into town and get a room" I pleaded.
Charlie spun to face me looking directly into my eyes, his were bright with anger and his mouth was drawn into a tight line.
"It's not fine Bella, you're my daughter and no one gets to talk about you that way. I will never stay somewhere you're not wanted. We're a package deal you and I if you're not staying I'm not either."
I heard Sue sob but Charlie's eyes remained locked on mine as the implication of his words sunk in. He wasn't talking about camping out for a few days in a motel he was talking about calling off his wedding. Even though he was clearly deeply in love with Sue he was putting me first. He was willing to throw away his own happiness over me. That fact warmed and broke my heart simultaneously. Why did I bring heartache wherever I went? How was it possible for me to save countless lives of strangers only to destroy the lives of those I loved?
"Little Light is that you?"
I turned to face Old Quil. He had a mischievous grin on his face. Charlie tensed obviously expecting another verbal attack to be thrown my way but I instantly relaxed. The cavalry had just arrived. Apparently Old Quil didn't care about hiding his affection for me, a small part of my mind worried about the questions it would raise but the other part of my mind slapped it down before it could stick.
"Hi Quil!" I was so happy to see him I almost giggled.
"Quil? Have I been demoted?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
Sorry, hello grandpa."
Everyone turned to look at me. Charlie, Seth, Sue, and Embry looked confused while Leah and Paul looked even angrier...if that were possible.
"Well don't just stand there come give your grandfather a hug." he ordered opening his arms.
That was all the encouragement I needed to launch myself into his waiting arms gripping him tightly.
"There, there Little Light." he whispered patting my back. He pulled away but kept a protective arm around my shoulder.
"So what's going on here?" he asked looking around the yard.
"We were just discussing sleeping arrangements. I'm going to rent a room in Forks, I'll come back for the wedding but until then I think it'd be best if I stay in town."
Old Quil's head snapped in my direction he eyes danced with power.
"What the hell would you do that for?"
I opened my mouth to make an excuse so not to cause anymore issues when Leah cut me off.
"Because she isn't welcome here that's why!"
Old Quil pulled me tighter into his side and shot her a murderous glare.
"I don't believe I asked you Leah Clearwater and it'd be wise for you to think before you open that sewer you call a mouth!"
"Really grandpa it's fine, I'd rather stay in town anyway." I soothed trying to defuse the situation before it could blow up anymore. Paul was already on the verge of phasing and Leah wasn't far behind the last thing I wanted to do was to have to so my powers.
"Absolutely not! You will be staying with me and anyone who has a problem with that can fuck off!"
I quickly weighed my options. If I left Charlie would leave as well effectively ending his relationship with Sue or I could stay with Old Quil and spend my time with my adoptive grandfather. Seemed like a no brainier to me.
"I would love to stay with you." I answered smiling up at him. I saw the mischievous glint return to his eye, Old Quil was about to ruffle a few feathers, and knowing him he's enjoy every moment of it.
"It wasn't a question. There is no way my favorite grandchild was going to stay anywhere but with me."
I stole a glance at the wolves and suppressed a grin at their bewildered faces.
"Uh...I'm not really sure what's going on here but it's okay Bella we can go back to Forks, you don't have to stay anywhere you'll be uncomfortable." Charlie said casting a suspicious glance at Old Quil.
I loved my dad. What did I do to deserve him? I decided right then that I would be a better daughter to Charlie. He deserved more from me.
"It's okay you don't have to worry I'll be fine with Old Quil." I tried reassuring him but he still looked skeptical.
"Don't worry chief my house is an asshole free zone so you don't have to worry about anyone giving her any trouble."
I snorted and Old Quil shot me an amused smile.
"Are you implying something granddaughter?"
"Nope not at all, asshole free zone got it." I said unable to hide my amusement.
"Well you and I are the only assholes allowed is that better, you she devil?" he teased.
"Much better old man."
Ignored the glares coming from Leah and Paul as I retrieve my bag from the back seat of the cruiser. I walked over to Charlie and give him a bone crushing hug before taking my place next to Old Quil who returned a comforting arm around my shoulder.
"Bella, you don't have to go anywhere you're more than welcome to stay here." Sue offered. I saw the gesture for what it was and gave her a small smile we both knew that wasn't really the case.
"Over my dead body." Leah mumbled.
"That can be arranged." Old Quil snapped giving my should a hard squeeze. I instantly knew what he wanted and was more than happy to oblige.
"Actually I think it's best if I stay with Old Quil. i heard bitchiness is highly contagious and Leah seems to have the worst case I've ever seen."
Leah and Paul both growled. Seth, Embry, and Sue looked shocked while Charlie looked beyond proud. I winked at him as Old Quil clapped my shoulder yelling "That's my girl! On that note I think it's time we head home. Have a good night everyone!"
We turned and headed in the direction of Old Quil's house when we heard Embry laugh "Will you look at that Bella grew a backbone."
Old Quil and I laughed the entire way to his house ignoring the stares from the people we passed along the way.
Jacob and Sam were running patrol about ten miles away from la Push. Ever since the run in with the monster Jacob had everyone running in pairs.
[So far so good.]
[Don't jinx it Sam.]
[Well at least there hasn't been an activity for the past few days.]
[If you don't count whatever kind of creature that was that ate an entire person.] Jacob shot back sarcastically.
[So who do you think Old Quil is calling?] Sam asked curiously.
[I've no idea. He said they've fought things like this before, hopefully they'll agree to come.]
[For the record I think you the right thing. Now isn't the time for arrogance you put the safety of the pack and the tribe first. You're a great chief Jacob and an even better alpha.]
Jacob was moved by Sam's words, he wasn't one for useless sentiments. His opinion meant a lot to Jacob. Sam was one of the main people to pull him out of the darkness after Bella left. He was always there to give support or a kind in the ass depending on the situation.
After Bella mercilessly ripped his heart out Jacob went rouge. he phased and ran until his legs gave out, which happened to be in the northern region of Canada. He wandered around for months on his own never once returning to his human form. He ate, slept, and lived as a wolf. In his wolf form it was easier to push aside the darkness that ate at his heart. After the lech left Bella she went completely catatonic. At the time Jacob didn't understand how losing someone could cause that type of reaction. He understood it now. When you love someone with you entire heart and soul, when they leave you die inside. If she loved Edward that much Jacob never had a chance.
[She hasn't turned yet. She wouldn't be able to be on the beach in Guatemala with Charlie if she had]Sam pointed out picking up on the direction of his thoughts threw the pack mind.
[She wouldn't be able to be around him period.] Jacob growled.
[Why do you think she's still human?]
[Who care? Edward probably has some stupid reason he hasn't turned her yet. It doesn't matter to me. She doesn't matter to me.]
[You can't lie to me Jacob she matters to you and she always will.]
Jacob sighed or sighed as much as a massive wolf could. Sam was right she would always matter to him but not in the way he thought.
[I hate her.] Jacob replied bitterly.
[I don't think you do.]
[It doesn't matter anyway, it's not like I'll ever see her again.]
[Jake!] Embry yelled threw the pack mind startling both Sam and Jacob.
[You had better have a good excuse for that Cal!] Sam growled.
[Trust me I do.] Embry snapped in a very un Embry like manner.
[Jake I have something to tell you and I'm not sure how you're going to take it.]
Jacob tried to hide his annoyance but it had been a long few days and most of it still managed to slip into the pack mind. He waited for Embry to explain but he just continued singing the alphabet song in his head in a lame attempt to hide his thoughts.
[Just spit it out Em.]
[Charlie just got back from his with Bella]
Shit. This was it. This is when he would find out that the worst had happened. This Is when he would find out his Bella was gone forever.
[Is he alright? Did she hurt him?] he asked afraid of the answer.
[No that's not it she hasn't been turned.]
{Than what the hell is so important!] Jacob snapped he couldn't take anything else at the moment, he was still trying to get his heart to restart after the panin at hearing Bella had been turned.
[She hasn't been turned but…]
Jacob's vision went red. He would kill that dirty leech!
[He killed her. She's dead and he killed her!]
Embry and Sam both stumbled under the force of Jacob's feelings. Embry tired to fight against the onslaught of anger and misery pouring off of his alpha and best friend. He really made a mess of this. He should have just came straight out and told Jake she was here, but he was afraid of how Jake would react. He was terrified when his friend went mia for almost a year. he couldn't watch his best friend fall apart again. After a herculean effort of pushing Jake's emotions aside he finally managed to steady himself enough to relay his message.
[She's not dead Jake. She's here in La Push.]
Meanwhile at Old Quil's house Bella and Old Quil sat at his kitchen table sharing a six pack of Budweiser. Bella rolled her shoulder sighing as the tension left her body. Old Quil chuckled and she smiled genuinely happy.
"Not that I mind but why did you come to my rescue back there?"
"I know we always said if you came back we would have to act indifferently towards each other to keep the warrior's secret but I would never have been able to stand by and listen to someone degrade you that way. Plus after tomorrow it will all be a moot point."
Bella raised and eyebrow in a silent question.
"Remember how I told you the leech activity has skyrocketed here?"
Bella nodded.
"Well two nights ago shit hit the fan. Seth ran into a wendigo."
Bella gasped, "Oh my god how did he manage to survive? I know he couldn't of kill it by himself those things are nasty!"
"The pack managed to get to him before it attacked, once it was outnumbered it fled. Thankfully none of the pack was hurt but it did manage to claim a victim before Seth arrived."
Bella said a quick prayer to Altropos to help guide the poor soul to it's rightful resting place.
"Well we have to take comfort in small blessing at least the pack is safe."
Bella and Old Quil drained their bottles and opened a second one. After taking another drink Old Quil continued, "I called a council meeting and after a lot of useless arguing, mostly from that idiot Uley the chief agreed to allow me to call in some back up."
"By chief you mean Jacob and by back up you meant the Warriors of Light." Bella clarified.
"Correct on both accounts. Harrison called me back this morning as soon as they deal with the wraith problem the will be coming here."
Bella's heart leapt at the idea of being with her fellow warriors. They're bond was extremely strong and it was very difficult to be away from each other for extended periods of time.
"What exactly did you tell them about us?"
"Nothing, all I said was that I knew people that had fought demons before and could teach the pack to defend itself."
"And no one pushed for more information?" she asked disbelievingly.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. Jacob was adamant about the fact that he would accept help it it would save lives."
A wave of pride filled Bella at Old Quil's words.
That's my Jacob always taking care of those in need.
"So what now? Everyone is going to be wondering why we were so friendly and why you called me you're favorite grandchild when we're not related and we supposedly haven't spoken in six years."
"I can't help but be honest you are my favorite grandchild." He winked at Bella and she laughed.
"I don't really see the point in trying to hide anything. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the pack and council as a Warrior of Light. I'm sure people will have questions. I suggest we avoid any that don't directly involve the demon and basic information about the warriors. Hopefully Harrison and Drustan will be here next week and we can start working with the wolves. Until then you and I get to go hunting."
"You and I hunting, how could I pass that up?"
"That my dearest granddaughter was the point." he winked again.
Old Quil raised his beer and shouted, "To good hunting!"
"To good hunting!" Bella enthusiastically returned clinking her bottle to his.
A/N: There you have it chapter four! I have chapter five and six already written I just have to type them but they are my two longest chapters and I have very little free time to type them up. I promise that I will have them on here asap. Please take a minutes and review I'd love to hear your feedback on the story or any ideas you would like to see in the future!