Thank you all for your views on whether the wolves should be good or bad. I have made my decision but you will just have to keep reading to find out. Lol (yeah that's my master plan to keep you reading)


Chapter 7

While the afternoon wore on, Bella and Alice sat chatting together each updating one another on of what they had gotten up to over the years. They had both decided to keep to innocent and amusing anecdotes, trying to keep the mood light as they got to know one another again and rebuild their friendship.

Bella had been stunned to learn that her old friend Jacob was actually a giant werewolf along with several others from the reservation and that he was still alive. Bemused she could only think that Forks must be some sort of supernatural quagmire for weirdness. Taking the news with her usually panache Bella had made a mental note to stop by La Push and say hello. Hopefully Jacob wouldn't drop dead from shock or shred her into little pieces before she could explain how she was still alive.

Alice was laughing heartily at a story Bella was telling when she stiffened suddenly, her eyes glazing over as she was pulled into a vision. Bella observed in silence as the emotions flickered across Alice's face, taking in the fear and panic that was being shown from her expressions. Shuffling closer to her, Bella clasped her hand over Alice's shoulder hoping to shake her out of the vision or at least offer some kind of comfort with her presence. Alice jolted out of the vision with a gasp, eyes flickering around the room looking for some unseen danger, her gaze finally stabilising on Bella as she took an unneeded breath to steady herself.

"Alice, what did you see?" Bella asked warily, rubbing her hand down Alice's arm to calm her.

"I need to go; something bad is going to happen .The family's future just went black"

Standing quickly she could see that Bella was worried about her and flashed Bella a quirky grin to lessen her apprehension, "I need to go and check on the family, at least let them know what I saw and give them some warning"

"How about I come with you? I can start on the whole 'Tolerating the Cullen's' plan we thought up." Bella grinned mischievously hoping to lighten the tense atmosphere.

"Bella this could be dangerous, I think this vision will happen soon but I can't see what causes it or what exactly happens. Are you sure you want to come?"

"We're friends right? They help each other out so I'm coming with you, plus I'm not as fragile as I used to be you know"

Bounding forward Alice grabbed Bella in a huge, heartfelt hug, thankful that Bella was willing to go forward with their friendship. "Thank you. I need to get there quickly so we're going to have to go at vamp speed"

"Joy, I always love being lugged around like a sack of potatoes" she said sarcastically, smirking slightly to make sure Alice knew she wasn't being mean.

"Ohh just think of the state your hair will be in when we get there. Bella Barbie is calling- I can see it now," Alice joked bouncing like a hyperactive toddler, grinning broadly as she watched Bella's eyes widen in horror.

"No Way! Threatening me with Bella Barbie is evil and uncalled for. You won't take me alive" Bella bantered back holding her two fingers out in a cross to ward her away.

"Quit your whining you big baby and get on my back," she laughed in response.

Grabbing her jacket Bella hopped onto Alice piggyback style. "Giddy up horsey or should I say pony" she taunted knowing the size jibe would get Alice all riled up.

"Watch it Swan." her eyes narrowing menacingly as she heard Bella's laughter.

Grasping Bella's legs which were wrapped around her waist Alice chuckled ominously and a predatory looking grin made its way across her face. If Bella had seen this expression she would have known exactly how much trouble she was in and so it was a complete surprise to her when Alice abruptly rocketed forward, dashing through the forest as fast as her legs could carry her. Alice was laughing hysterically as she heard Bella screaming like a banshee on her back. The screaming finally tapered off into the mumbling of several imaginative curses as Bella tried to bury her face into Alice's neck to gain protection from the oncoming gale force winds which were whipping by. Decreasing her speed as she neared her home Alice slowed to a stop at the front door before letting Bella drop to her feet. Staggering slightly as her feet hit the ground Bella scowled at the laughing pixie in front of her. "Urgh, I hate you. I seriously think you left my internal organs back at my place."

Giggling at the beleaguered look on her friends face, Alice smoothed down Bella's scarecrow hair and hooked her arm through Bella's elbow and led her into the house to update her family on her vision.

As they entered the living room the Cullen's all made their way in from the various areas of the house where they had been residing.

"Alice what's the matter?" Carlisle questioned calmly taking in her jittery manner.

"I don't know but all our futures just went black. Something's going to happen soon but I can't tell what causes it"

"Do you think it could be the wolves?" Jasper asked.

Looking over at Jasper she replied, "It could be but we haven't done anything to aggravate them. Why would they attack now?"

Shrugging his shoulders in reply he answered "All I know is that they feel a great deal of animosity towards us since we returned especially their alpha. It wouldn't take much for them to attack if they thought they had reason."

"Stupid dogs are always starting trouble" Edward burst in angrily.

"Yeah and whose fault is that" Rosalie retorted hotly, snarling at him as he crossed his arms defensively at her glare. He was always making things more difficult than they needed to be and then acting like he was the abused party she thought aggrieved.

"Enough you two" Esme scolded. She was happy to see that Bella had come back with Alice and she didn't want anymore family arguments to drive her away again.

"Your mother is right. We shouldn't be fighting between ourselves when there is danger on the horizon." Carlisle affirmed smoothly. "Jasper we need a best plan of defence for the family. What are our options?"

Focusing on Jasper they watched as he paced in front of them lost in his thoughts, seemingly going through various battle scenarios in his head. Suddenly as if in tandem both Edward and Jaspers focus swung to the door. Jasper feeling anger and rage pounding against him and Edward hearing the enraged thoughts from the wolves that were pounding their way closer as the seconds passed.

"It is the wolves and they are on their way here," Jasper yelled as he ran out the house to the front yard to anticipate their arrival. Following him outside the Cullen's took defensive positions as they waited for the wolves to appear.

Bella was concerned about the danger to Alice and even the other Cullen's if she was truthful but she had to wonder why the wolves were attacking now. Walking up to stand behind Alice she whispered into her ear. "If it is Jacob attacking let him see me. Maybe the surprise will delay the attack and give us time to get an explanation and find out what the problem is"

Jasper over heard Bella and nodded in agreement, "She's right, the way they are feeling now they will attack on sight. We need to stall them before I can calm them with my power." He wasn't relishing getting into an all out confrontation with the wolves; he knew it would end in casualties on both sides.

Alice could feel the conflict within herself at the thought of allowing Bella to stay in the line of danger but could see it was the only way of stopping a full out assault. Linking her fingers with Bella's she pulled Bella close to her "Stay behind me, once the wolves appear I'll step to the side to make you more visible. You will have to talk to Jacob; he'll be the russet coloured wolf and most likely be leading the pack"

Bella took in Alice's earnest expression and tightened her grip on her hand to relay her acceptance and trust in her friend before turning to face the forest where they expected the wolves to appear.

They all heard Edward's words. "Here they come!"

Bella could only watch astonished as four huge wolves burst through the tree line, teeth and gums bared as they snarled menacingly. The waiting vampires crouched in attack mode as the pack closed in on them. The wolves were only about a hundred meters away when Alice stepped to the side and beckoned Bella to gain Jacobs attention.

Taking a few steps forward towards the stampeding wolves she yelled out as loud as she could "JACOB!"

The colossal wolf which was mid leap screeched to a halt as if hit by a train. Whipping his gaze to the voice that he heard only in his dreams he took in the beautiful sight of Bella Swan.

Bella scrutinized the wolf in front of her. His russet coat was thick and shiny but it was his brown eyes that she recognised instantly. The warmth they had always shown when ever he had looked at her shone brightly as he took her in. Advancing towards him gingerly she ran her hand down the side of his neck, running her fingers through the thick fur.

"Jacob?" she breathed in awe feeling his body tremble beneath her hand.

Around them the vampires and wolves watched speechlessly as Bella lunged forward and embraced the confounded wolf in a tight grip taking in the woodsy smell of his fur. The growl of a wolf brought the two of them out of their stupor as they took in their spectators.

"Jacob can you phase back and we can talk" she asked gently disengaging her hug.

Jacob rose to his feet and lumbered back into the forest, returning wearing just his shorts and a bewildered expression.

"Bella?" he croaked, looking her up and down as if unable to believe it was really her.

"Hi Jacob" she grinned shyly blushing at the look he was giving her.

Teasing his fingers down the side of her face he asked "It's really you" before dragging her into a tight embrace, her face muffled against his bare chest as she wrapped her arms around his waist. She had so missed his hugs.

Looking down at her tenderly he could only wonder how she was here and alive.

"Bells, how are you alive?" he asked, excitement and disbelief emanating from him.

She was about to answer him when they were interrupted by Edwards feral growl, spinning towards the noise she noticed his black eyes and the fact he had taken several steps towards them.

"Back the hell off Edward, he's not hurting her" Alice yelled moving to stand between him and them.

"Thanks Alice" Bella said throwing a glare at Edward who still looked like he was sucking a lemon.

Whilst this was taking place the other wolves had morphed back to their human forms and seemed confused as to what was taking place and were shuffling impatiently behind Jacob waiting for an explanation. They had been expecting to attack the Cullen's and suddenly their alpha was hugging the human that was with them and claiming to be Bella Swan. Confused was a minor understatement.

"Jacob what are you doing?" Paul snarled intensely taking in the tableau before him.

"What we want to know is why you are attacking?" Jasper jumped in, projecting as much calm as he could, bringing the conversation back to him.

Growling loudly Paul took a step towards him as if to lunge, his voice filled with disgust "We saw you bringing another human to your house. That breaks one of the new rules of the treaty."

"Well as you can see Bella already knew about us so we haven't told anyone else" Jasper replied keeping in a crouched position ready if the wolf went to charge.

Stepping back from Bella, Jacob stood with his pack. "The leech is right they haven't broken the treaty" Jacob confirmed, "However I do want an explanation Bella" he directed to her.

"That's understandable Jacob. How about I come to La Push and we can catch up."

"No, I'll come to your place. Until I know what you are and that you are not a danger to my people I'd prefer you not to be on the reservation," he answered solemnly.

"Alright Jacob. I'm at my old house, come by tomorrow" giving him an understanding smile.

With that the wolves strutted into the woods before phasing and heading back to their own land.

As the wolves left the atmosphere around the Cullen's dropped from Defcon 5 as they breathed a sigh of relief.

Clapping her hands together to break the silence Bella giggled "Well I think that went well. What do you guys think?" her eyebrow cocked in amusement. The Cullen's all turned to look at her for a moment before breaking into laughter.

"Only you Bella." Carlisle drolled.

"Hey, no one got maimed or killed so all is good, right?" she snickered.

"True. Thank you for what you did. You stopped the situation turning into bloodbath." Carlisle said.

Deciding she might as well start on making nice with the Cullen's she strolled over to stand in front of him. Looking up into his peaceful amber gaze she gave him a light hug.

"You're welcome Carlisle."

Turning her attention back to Alice, Bella warmed at the grateful expression on Alice's face as she watched Bella give her family a chance.

"Alice and I were discussing our situation and I have agreed to let bygones be bygones. We can start from a clean slate if that is okay with you guys?"

She saw them smile and Jasper must have been projecting as she felt a wave of happiness and gratefulness hit her.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say we would really appreciate that." Carlisle responded as Esme shot forward and clasped her in a hug whispering a quick thank you in her ear.

"Now we have that out of the way and the danger is over Alice can take me back home. I am exhausted and it's been a rather extreme day" she yawned.

"No problem Bella, I can take you now if you want"

"Thanks, I'll see the rest of you guys at school" she said as she made her way over to Alice. Saying goodbye and giving Bella a quick hug the Cullen's went back into the house leaving the two of them alone.

"So, are you ready to go?" Alice enquired.

"Yeah, let's go and keep it to a legal speed would you" Bella laughed, prodding her in the side.

"Hey watch the abuse. You know you like it quick."

"Hmm, I think my last boyfriend said that before I dumped him" Bella wisecracked.

"Wow, I can't believe you're making sexual innuendo without blushing," she gaped, loving the fact that Bella was playing around with her.

"What can I say, I learnt a few things over the years and I certainly wasn't going to be a 100 year old virgin," she jested in mock disgust.

Tilting her head in contemplation Alice asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?" feeling a trickle of jealousy flicker through her at the thought of someone else touching Bella.

"Nothing recent." she answered not noticing the relief flash over Alice's face. "I've only had four serious relationships but 3 were with mortals so it wasn't going to be forever."

Quickly becoming curious about Bella's love life she asked. "What about the fourth?"

"Amanda? She's an immortal who's quite a bit older than me. She was pretty wild and outgoing. She tends to march to the sound of her own drummer and well her activities tend to cross the lines into illegal but she has a good heart. Our relationship was more friends with benefits but we are still close and I see her often. She is good friends with Duncan. I'd like you to meet them sometime if you want to."

"You date women?" Alice stuttered feeling hope blossom that maybe Bella could return her feelings.

"Yeah, is that a problem?" Bella stiffened.

"No, no definitely not. I was just surprised." she responded quickly, her eyes meeting Bella's to show her sincerity.

Bella felt her heart flutter as she regarded the vampire next to her. She had always thought that Alice was beautiful even when she was dating Edward; she just hadn't had the experience to recognize the attraction for what it was then. Smiling softly she leant forward and brushed her lips across Alice's cheek gently, lingering slightly as she heard Alice inhale sharply.

"Thank you Alice." she said breaking the mood quickly. "Come on then, time for you to take me home" jumping on Alice's back who still seemed stunned from the kiss.

A wide grin burgeoned across Alice's face as a loud laugh bubbled up from her chest. Happiness was churning within her as she felt Bella chuckle joyously on her back at her response. Together they set off through the forest.

Neither of them saw the dark gaze staring down at them from the upstairs window…

End of chapter 7


Hope you like the Alice/bella bonding.

Thanks for reading. reviews welcome