Yep, still not plagiarized. Sorry about the wait. I was kickin' it in the hospital again. They love me there. . . just not my laptop. It gets in the way of all the wires and junk. And I don't like to make the nurses angry, especially when they have needles and nasty meds. LOL

"We see things not as they are, but as we are." - H. M. Tomlinson


*Twilight is the sole property of SM and her publishing company.*

Chapter 7-Daydreams and Weddings.

Bella


"Earth to Bella," Embry said with a smirk on his face.

"Yeah," I said dreamily with my eyes closed.

He patted me on the shoulder and my eyes flew open. I took a deep breath and shook myself free of my reverie. Lightly brushing my fingers across my lips, I noted my lips had not, in fact, been a party in a heated make-out session with the man before me.

Sweet Jesus in Heaven! I have finally lost my mind!

"I'm going to get something else to eat. Do you want another coke or something?"

"Umm…sure. I'd like that, thanks," I stuttered. Thankfully, he hadn't noticed my inattentiveness, and for that, I was grateful.

"Eat your food, Swan! You're far too skinny for your frame! If you're going to hang around us, you've got to get some muscle!" Embry said over his shoulder, patting himself on the bicep as he walked toward the buffet table, plate in hand.

I nodded and smiled, cringing as I contemplated the stupidity of my actions—actions that better depicted a horny teenager than a twenty-three year old woman. Embry was the first man to show interest in me in years. He was gorgeous . . . and single and I couldn't deny that we had an attraction to one another. It was almost palpable. Who wouldn't want him? If I were smart, I'd choose that pathway—choose family and friends and children . . . all the human experiences Edward had wanted for me. As tempted as I was to fall into his arms and live a normal life, sadly I was still on the fence . . . and if I were honest with myself, I'd likely stay there forever. Rejection was eminent and I was scared.

Imprinting was real. That all mighty, magical connection was as real as vampires and werewolves, and it just as easily tore couples apart as it had gifted them their perfect mate. It wouldn't be fair to anyone . . . to myself even, to start something that could end so badly.

Embry deserved better.

I deserved better.

Oh, for God's sakes, just admit you're still, after all this time, hung up on Edward! Just admit that whole fiasco threw you for a loop and you were trying to erase the previous twenty-four hours from your mind with a little fantasy make-out session.

What a mess!

I played with my food, chasing peas and carrots around the plate with my fork and ate a couple of bites of Jell-O salad. However, I found that I was just too damn upset to eat. My stomach was a mess and my heart was equally so. Pushing my plate away, I hoisted myself from the chair and gathered up all of my dishes, disposing of my untouched food.

As I walked back toward the house, I was pleased to be among the Quileutes. As a group, they all were so happy, an emotion that I hadn't experienced in so long. All the laughter, friends, and good food seemed normal . . . it all felt right. Supernatural issues aside, this was how life was supposed to be, filled with love, happiness . . . family.

After lunch, I assisted Angela with the remainder of the decorations. We hung ribbons on every stationary object, set up mountains of chairs, and strung Native American trinkets amidst the lights in the trees, making me feel like Christmas. I had never been overly fond of the institution of marriage, but I laid my opinion aside for Angela and Jake. Due to the magic of his ancestors, they were forever bound— Jake was unwavering in his devotion. Therefore, I figured, marriage was the only logical step.

When it was time to try on our dresses, I squealed in delight. I was more than excited to see my dress. My aversion to fashion had unconsciously fallen by the wayside over the years. At some point or another, jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies failed to be appropriate attire. My job had forced me to comply with some of the latest fashions—my new curves had given me confidence, as well. Despite my anger at the tiny pixie, I shamelessly channel my inner Alice on every shopping trip.

Last week, I'd sent Angela my measurements and she picked out my dress. When she held it up in front of me, the shimmery powder blue fabric twinkled in the sunlight that streamed through the living room window. The dress was a strapless, A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline. The garment was absolutely stunning and fit like a glove, displaying far too much of my legs and prominently displaying my boobs. What else could a woman want in a dress? I giggled at that thought, remembering that Jessica Stanley had said something very similar when she and Angela had tried on dresses for prom, junior year.

Thus far, I found today's activities quite amusing—Leah, in a dress, anyway. I tried not to laugh when she cussed up a blue streak while she walked around stiff as a board and tripped over her shoes. She was far too tomboyish to wear a dress, let alone high heels. Flats were a girl's best friend, I told Angela because, frankly, I feared for my life and the lives of others when I donned a pair of heels. However, the girl knew what she wanted and quickly vetoed that notion. Leah and I shared a grimace.

Leah was clearly more suited to being a sleek and magnificent wolf, bounding off through the trees with lithe and graceful strides. Her whole situation was sad, really. She didn't really fit in anywhere, so she was all too often bitter and abrasive, but I knew her actions were simply a ruse to guard her heart from further harm. I knew she was a good and decent person underneath the mask, but the fates had dealt her a shitty hand, something I understood all too well.

Sue, Leah's mother, commented on how lovely we all looked, her daughter especially, and how desperately she hoped a guest at the wedding would be smitten with her. Sue just didn't understand rejection and the long-term effects on one's heart. Even though she understood imprinting, I thought she'd never recover from Sam and Emily's relationship. She and I had far too much in common, in that respect.

Leah rolled her eyes and scoffed at her mother when she let it known how impatient she was for grandchildren. Sue, you'll have to put all your eggs in Seth's basket, I thought, as I watched Seth and his intended kissing feverishly. If Seth kept kissing her like that, the two of them were going to disappear somewhere, and Sue would have had those grandchildren before she knew it.

Emma was Seth's imprint, and she was beyond lovely. She was tall and statuesque, reminding me of Rosalie. Instead of the cornsilk blonde hair and alabaster skin, she had long jet-black hair and a flawless russet complexion. Ugh. The perfect bridesmaid. Can you say jealous? Couldn't fate give me something? I was hardly tall or statuesque, and the only thing I had going for me was what was in my bra. After high school, I really filled out— several cup sizes to be exact. But even though my body had changed, my pale, pasty skin was still my most prominent feature. I looked like a vampire, already.

Ugh! Vampires!

Thinking about vampires reminded me of the Cullens. And thinking about the Cullens, Carlisle particularly, made me nauseous. What would I say to him? I asked the good doctor to come alone. In a perfect world, they'd respect my wish. However, after last night, I trusted no one to keep their word. Dr. Cullen had been nothing but cordial and stoic earlier today. If I were to get any sort of straight answers they'd come from his lips, or possibly Esme. That was stretching my leniency. I feared my grand plan had already crumbled.

Alice's lack of visions surprised the fuck out of me. Either she spoke the truth regarding about my father's murder, or she had known and ignored the whole damn thing. I considered both options viable, neither of which seemed to appease my broken heart.

The whole time Charlie lay dying in my arms, my heart told me they'd come. Surely, Alice would've seen Victoria's return and the carnage she wielded. If I had known anything, I knew Carlisle's heart. His compassion for the weak and dying was unprecedented amongst his kind. Even though Edward and his family no longer loved me, I knew Carlisle would've taken Charlie under his wing— just as he'd done with each one of his children, and his wife. But with each minute that ticked slowly by, my heart broke a little more. Time had been an ever present reminder of their betrayal.

Most girls my age hadn't had to shoulder the burden of both murder and betrayal. I hated myself, and for a while, I hated the pack, as well. I knew it was wrong of me. The boys had only done their job—protecting me and saving Charlie from a feral existence, but I was ashamed to say, I hated them just the same. As the years passed, I accepted that it wasn't either of our faults. If Edward and his family had only kept their word, I wouldn't have had to bury my father and Jake . . . poor Jake, wouldn't have had to finish what Victoria had started. In the end, however, Jake's sacrifice saved my father from becoming a bloodthirsty pariah. His death meant the town was safe. But I wasn't safe from myself. I'd never felt so alone.

I sighed. When I got off the plane and stepped into Washington, I wouldn't have imagined I'd run into Jasper. Somehow, I knew the Cullens' involvement in my life wouldn't end just because I spoke to Carlisle. I just wasn't that damn lucky! Each of the Cullens had an excuse, and they all wished to absolve themselves of their guilt. Nothing they said would heal my pain, or heal my broken heart. None of their excuses would bring Charlie back.

I doubted it would be that simple.

Confronting Edward was imperative. We needed to sit down and hash things out. I needed answers . . . and closure. Otherwise, I couldn't close that chapter of my life. It was unavoidable and five years too late.


The Wedding

My room was empty when I arrived back at the motel, and I was extremely relieved to find myself alone. I took the little blue dress out of the bag and hung it in the closet door. Then, I grabbed my bag of toiletries and promptly got ready for bed. I slipped on a pink silk camisole and matching boy shorts and climbed into the soft, over-sized bed. As I slowly drifted off to sleep, I felt somewhat better. I decided I'd let the worries of Sunday fade into the back of my mind—out of sight, out of mind. Hopefully tomorrow would trump yesterday.

Five a.m, I found, was far too early to be up on a Saturday. I hadn't gotten up this early in ages. I was boring . . . and somewhat lazy, unlike my father. On the weekends, Charlie and Billy rose before the sun almost every weekend, convinced that the fish were early risers, as well. Fishing had been his life. Well, it had been before Victoria put him in the ground.

I hope there's fish in the great beyond, Dad, I thought and smiled.

I showered with a plastic Wal-Mart bag tied securely around my cast. Then, I slapped on a little makeup, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and gingerly slipped into the blue strapless dress that hung in the closet. I picked up the heels and slung the straps over my uninjured wrist. I couldn't walk, let alone drive, in the silly things.

The dress looked amazing on my petite frame, and I felt extremely sexy. I'd pale in comparison to the bride, though. She hadn't shown a one us the completed project because she wanted it to be a surprise. Emily, as a wedding gift from her and Sam, had spent the last two months sewing what I knew would be a stunning dress. Then again, I was certain that Angela would look beautiful in a burlap sack.

Trudging down the stairs, I gazed around, still expecting a vampire to jump out and kidnap me. There weren't any vampires, or any other people for that matter. The only vehicle in the lot was my decrepit old rusty Chevy, empty and calling my name—right where I'd parked her the night of my kidnapping.

I groaned when I opened the door. In the driver's seat, a carefully folded note took residence on the old, faded leather. The paper was made of natural linen with a crimson, damask border running down the side. In the center, my name was neatly printed in perfect calligraphy—reminiscent of another note that was penned so very long ago. I picked it up and ran my fingers reverently across the paper. I'd always wanted stationary such as this but could never bring myself to fork out the money. I unfolded it and read the perfectly printed words that lined the page.

My Bella,

I know you do not wish to see me. However, I must tell you the truth. You need to realize the immense strain that I was under when I left. Just by being in my presence, your life was constantly at risk. I never meant to hurt you. None of us wished that for you. I wanted to give you the possibility of living a normal, happy life. And as long as you were with me, your only option was death.

I love you, Bella. I always have, and I always will, until you take your last breath on this Earth, and hopefully, if you allow me, even after. Nothing will ever change my feelings for you. I lied. I had to lie. You wouldn't have let me leave had I not. I didn't return for the same reasons I left. You deserved a life without vampires. Before I came into your life, your destiny lay elsewhere. I should've let you make that decision for yourself, but I couldn't imagine allowing you to choose such a fate. Please talk to me. Turn around, love.

Love always,

My breath caught in my throat, and I began to tremble. I wanted to turn around—gods I wanted to look into his eyes . . . if they held an ounce of sincerity. However, I stood my ground. I couldn't allow him to brush everything that had happened between us under the carpet just because he lied. Therefore, instead of turning around, I ripped the lovely paper in two and threw it at my feet in defiance. It was childish, yes, but it felt good.

I jumped in the cab and turned the key, allowing the engine to roar to life— thankful that he hadn't tampered with the engine. I bowed before Jacob's superior mechanical skills. Asking Edward for a ride might've turned into the largest fiasco in history. And I guaranteed I would've died right there in the parking lot.

I mulled over the words on the page as I pulled away from the motel. Edward had told he loved me. Lies! That day in the woods, he specifically said he didn't want me! He said he left because vampires were bad for me and my life was in constant danger. What afucking copout! Vampires still destroyed my life long after you were gone, buddy!

I made a disgusted sound deep in my throat and exhausted my vocabulary on the way to La Push. I punched the steering wheel several times and shed a tear or two along the way.

This is a happy day . . .. a happy day. Don't ruin it, Bella…don't ruin it over vampires.

The boys, Leah, and Emily were sitting on the porch eating doughnuts when I arrived. I glanced at the clock . . . seven a.m. . . Damn it, I'm late! Wiping the last tear from my eyes, I grabbed my shoes and exited the truck, leaving the keys in the ignition.

"Have a seat, Bella. I'd offer you a doughnut but Emily ate the last one!" Sam teased loudly.

"The fat jokes are getting old, Samuel Uley!" Emily retorted, obviously annoyed at her husband. She stuffed the remainder of the bear claw into her mouth and flipped him off.

"Sam, let her eat what she wants! She's pregnant, you dope! Fuck, she's probably starving! Look at all you guys; you boys eat more than a small country. That little shifter is probably twice the size of regular babies at this gestation," I retorted, winking at Emily.

"Bella, I love you. I'm divorcing Sam and marrying you. You, the baby, and I will make a cute little family. Don't you think?" Emily beamed, smacking Sam upside the head.

"Hot damn, Ems! That's probably the sexiest thing you've ever said!" Paul crowed. "Can I come to the wedding?" His eyes looked a little glassy as he imagined the scene. "Hey! What do girls wear in a lesbian wedding? I'm definitely coming if you're both naked!"

Sam growled, which in turn caused us girls to giggle.

"I'm sorry Paul. Emily and I are going to be clothed at our ceremony!"

"Ugh. You people are driving me insane! I'm just trying to keep my wife healthy. If she gains a bunch of weight, she's going to blame it all on me! Plus, she asked me not to let her pig out!" Sam tried to explain.

"Sam," I said condescendingly and giggled. "Here's how pregnancy works. She might have told you not to let her pig out, but she didn't mean it. Not at all. You knocked her up, Alpha boy. Not wrapping that sausage was your first mistake. Even if she doesn't get fat, everything's still your fault. So, you're pretty much fucked no matter what you do. Just roll with it and be nice! Soon you'll have a pretty baby girl to play with and this will all be forgotten. Well, until next time. . ."

"Bella! Little girl, when did you become just like the rest of us?" He smiled widely and patted me on the head. Everyone started laughing. "Angela is at our house, kiddo. She's running a little late, so . . . well, I don't fuckin' know really, but with you women that could mean just about anything. Just get over there soon, before she calls me again."

"Where's Jake?" I queried, looking around the little crowd.

"Getting dressed, I think. Bella, he's nervous as all hell. The boy couldn't even eat, if you can imagine that! You have to help him chill the fuck out. Please tell me you can tie a damn neck tie. We're wolves, not socialites," Embry pleaded.

"I know how, don't worry. I've got skills!"

"I'm sure you do," he whispered, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "After you help Jake, will you help me?"

I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Ugh. If I have to!"

Shoes in hand, I bent slightly and slipped them on, showing a little more leg and ton more cleavage than I should have. I was certainly not wearing a push-up bra for nothing! Eat your heart out, boys. I smiled mischievously as I straightened up and strode into the house. I might've decided I was keeping men at arm's length, but it always felt nice to be admired.

Billy was sitting at the table eating some sort of bran cereal when I crossed the threshold. It looked positively revolting, and I told him as much. The old man grunted as he drained the last of the milk in the bowl. Poor guy should've gotten a doughnut, or two, but with his diabetes, Jacob probably nipped that in the bud. I bent down and kissed him on the head.

"Sure a shame your dad isn't here to see you like this, kid. Although knowing Charlie, he wouldn't have let you leave the house without a quick lecture. Since the girls were unable to make it, I'll be your dad today," he said, smiling gently and patted my cheek. "Cover those things up and put on a sweater! You'll make me have a heart attack."

"Okay, Dad, I'll put something else on. But you have to tell the bride why I'm not wearing what she picked out, all right?"

"Hell, no!" he crowed. "Brides scare me more then bloodsuckers."

I laughed at his playfulness. At the same time, I tried to keep the tears at bay. Charlie would've loved today. He would've been overjoyed for Jake, even though he and Billy had envisioned the two of us walking down the isle. Once upon a time, they had probably plotted and planned, downing a dozen or so Vitamin R's in the process. A crushing weight bore down upon my chest and my heart broke in two pieces. God, I missed him so much!

Jake was in front of the mirror, fully dressed in a black suit, desperately fumbling with the necktie and cursing under his breath. I watched him for a moment, collecting myself before entering his room.

"Damn it, Bells! Do you know how to tie this blasted thing?" he said, holding out the tie in his outstretched hand.

"You look so handsome, Jake. My little brother all grown up and getting married . . . and to an older woman, too," I joked, taking the piece of fabric out of his hand. I flung my arms around him and squeezed him tight.

"I sure wish that Charlie was here," he sniffed loudly, "If I'd just got there like five minutes sooner—"

"Don't, Jake. Please. It's not anyone's fault. Charlie wouldn't want you thinking about this today. Let's not sully your big moment with talk of such unpleasantness." I plastered a smile on my lips, begging him to let sleeping dogs lie. Meanwhile, the chasm in my heart grew ever wider.

He clenched his fists at his side. "But it is my fault, Bells! I was supposed to protect you!"

No, Jake, the Cullens were supposed to protect me.

"Come now. You need to shake off all this melancholy shit and tell me how you and Angela met!" I said vivaciously. "I hate that I missed all of this. I should've been here."

"Well, shit happens, Bells. It sucked donkey balls without you."

I nodded sadly. I was such a bitch to leave him alone after he'd been forced to end Charlie's life.

"I gotta tell ya, Bells, I wasn't even going to ask you to the wedding after all the shit you pulled. But Angela convinced me otherwise. She's such an understanding and wonderful woman. Once she explained what you were going through, I changed my mind. She was right, of course. But I have to say, I'm still a little pissed at you."

"That's good of you to put aside your anger for your future wife," I said distracted, fiddling with the tie. "But I would've understood. I deserve your ire."

Jake grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me slightly until I looked up into his dark eyes. "Look I'm sorry, honey. Let's start over, okay?"

"Sure, sure," I said blandly, garnering an annoyed grunt from my best friend.

"Okay, so this is the story to end all other stories. Now you should listen up, because Embry isn't as romantic as I am. I'll teach him, though. Don't you worry."

I lightly punched Jake in the gut with my good hand. "Jacob Black! You are not setting me up with Embry! I've sworn off guys! So get that thought right out of your mind this instant!"

"What ever you say, Bells." He laughed deep in his chest. "This time next year, you two will be hitched! So, here's the story, and I swear all of it's true, just so you know.

"Angela and I met at first beach about six months ago. Isn't it crazy that we've both spent our whole lives so close and I never met her before? Her brothers, Josh and Isaac, went to a party on the beach and they got totally soused. She was on her way to pick them up and ran out of gas. Me, being the perfect gentleman, pulled over on my black motorcycle—I like to imagine it's a white horse—and I drove her to the gas station. She fell in love with me right then and there."

"You're such a corny bastard, Jake. I hardly believe she fell in love with you at first sight. This is you we're talking about. You know you pulled over, not because you were a gentleman, but because she's hot and you thought with your dick!" He roared with laughter. "So Mr. Casanova, how many times did you have to ask her out before she conceded to your wolfy charms?"

"I said she loved me on the spot!" Jake stated indignantly.

I eyed him suspiciously and raised my eyebrows. "You can't lie worth shit, Jake!"

"Okay…okay. She's fucking hot/ I admit it. And yes, I had to ask her out like eight times! I mean I could hardly give up once I realized she was my soul mate!" Jacob said animatedly, a sly smile spreading across his russet face.

I shook my head, a small smile crossing my own lips, as I flipped the last piece of the knot. Once I had finally secured it, I cinched it up tightly against his neck. Even with a broken hand, I felt almost competent. Jacob pulled at the collar a bit, but I lightly batted his hand away. A playful growl escaped my lips, quickly followed by a small giggle. I gazed up into his eyes and reached up to pull his head to my level, kissing him gently on the forehead. I then looked at the clock on the wall. It was nearly eight-thirty in the morning. Fuck!

"I need to go help your lovely bride into her dress! Four and a half hours! Breathe, Jake!" I said animatedly as I danced out of the room, promptly tripping on the edge of the carpet and stumbling head-on into the wall.

Smooth, Swan, smooth!

"Bella, don't break my house!" Billy chided, a deep chuckle rumbled deep in his chest.

Jacob rushed to my side but when he realized I was unharmed, he held out his hand and merely pulled me to my feet. He eyed me for a moment, trying to hide his amusement. Shaking his head, he made his way silently into the kitchen. He and his father shared a quick glance before both men broke out into a fit of raucous laughter.

"All right Billy, I won't break your house. But, if your son doesn't shut the hell up, I'll have to physically harm him on his wedding day!"

I walked out onto the porch, happily leaving the men behind, and found Embry leaning nonchalantly against the house, dressed to the nine in a dapper grey suit. His leg was bent at an angle and propped against the house. In one hand, he held a small piece of fabric and in the other a small handful of blue and white flowers.

He eyed me appreciatively and nodded with approval. I blushed and his answering smile was brilliant. I grabbed the tie from his outstretched hand, stepped into him, and went about my task, trying my best to ignore how close I was to him. As I cinched the final knot, I stepped back and once again eyed my work approvingly.

Reaching into the pocket of his suit jacket, he pulled out a silver barrette. Eying me hesitantly, he held out the barrette in the palm of his hand. I blushed and reached for it. However, it disappeared into his clenched fist before I could grab it. I rolled my eyes and held out my hand anxiously.

Embry straightened and removed his leg from the railing. He closed the distance between us and gently grabbed me by the shoulders. The heat of his hands burned my bare skin. It was a good pain, a pleasurable heat. And I hated my body for betraying me. We gazed at each other for several seconds.

"Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo," he said softly and smiled, running his fingers across my cheek.

"Embry, are you attempting to seduce me?" I groaned. "When did you start speaking Italian?"

"Well . . . if you want me to seduce you. . . " He smiled sheepishly, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. "But honestly, that wasn't my intention. I'm not that smart or smooth, Bella. Jake, Angela, and I were watching some corny movie last night, and I heard it there. Angela said I might score some brownie points if I quoted it to you. Did it? If you're a good girl, I'll tell you what that means later," he said playfully. "Besides, there's something I want to do."

Oh, God. This is getting complicated! Don't do this Embry!

He leaned in close, so close I thought he might kiss me. Instead of the kiss that I was expecting, he asked me if I trusted him. I nodded reluctantly, stiff as a board. He carefully turned me around and pulled the low ponytail out of my hair, combing his fingers through my hair. It felt so damned good I almost moaned, but I quickly bit my lip so I wouldn't give him any ideas. Grabbing the strands tightly against my neck, Embry began braiding my hair. When he was done, he coiled the hair meticulously around my head and fastened it with the filigreed barrette.

"Angela asked me to give this to you." He held up the flowers and then tucked them into my hair. "Hope you don't mind. My mom and I went shopping for wedding presents yesterday and I saw this. I realize it's somewhat sentimental, but I knew how lovely it would look in your hair . . . And I said fuck it. "

Stunned, I slowly turned and looked at him in awe. Tears threatened to spill over my lashes. Why did he have to be goddamned wonderful? Life was so fucked up!

"Embry, when did you learn to do hair? Is there something I should know about you? Are you going to be a hairdresser when you grow up?" I chided, trying to lighten the tension in the air before I attacked him for real.

"Oh, no you don't," he teased, wrapping his arms around me and tickling me slightly. "I've know how to braid hair since I was five. My mom's hair is down to her ass, and I loved brushing it out and braiding it for her. Once I found this barrette, I scanned the internet until I found a hairstyle that would flatter that beautiful face of yours and incorporate my gift. Besides, I knew you'd have trouble because of the wrist. But don't tell the guys, I'd never hear the end of it. They'd likely call me names!" He smiled, the slight dimple in his chin more pronounced.

"Well then don't think about it or they will!" I smiled. "But honestly, I don't know what to say. Embry, it's too much," I said softly. I raised my arm and began running my fingers across the intricate pattern. "Just so you know, the corny words didn't earn you brownie points. Maybe the present did. Don't tell anyone! I have a reputation to uphold."

We both laughed. "I won't say a word," he said, making a motion with his thumb and forefinger as if he were zipping his lips closed. "With everything going on, we forgot to celebrate your birthday, Bella. Now, what kind of man, or wolf, for that matter, forgets such an occasion?"

"Most," I said sarcastically. Embry snorted, and I ducked my head. "Actually, I'm rather glad no one remembered. My birthday is a day I'd like to forget."

He cupped me under the chin and gently tilted my face upwards. "I'm so sorry. I'm an insensitive ass. How 'bout we call it an early Christmas present?"

"Christmas is a few months away, but I believe that sounds like an acceptable compromise. Does that mean because I skipped my birthday, that I'm not twenty-three?

"Sure Bella, anything to make you smile!" Embry took a quick glance at his watch and shuddered. "Shit, I had better get you to Sam's house. Otherwise, the bride might rip off my head. That girl is a firecracker!"

"Angela? A firecracker?" I questioned dubiously.

"You have no idea! Sex does that to a person. Trust me on that."

"Believe me! I don't want to fucking know!"

….

Sam and Emily's house was modest, yellow with white trim with tons of blue and white flowers growing in the window boxes. The same flowers that adorned the house were pinned in my hair. The door was open and I could see a flurry of activity inside the little house.

Angela was a vision of loveliness. Six foot tall, and all of it leg. The dress was strapless with a corseted back, intricately adorned with yards and yards of vintage lace overlaying a pearled satin slip. A cap sleeve bolero completed her look and draped beautifully over her slim shoulders. A large reddish brown-ribbon tied in an elaborate bow clung tightly around her tiny waist. The most striking piece of her ensemble was the necklace. Tiny pearls clung elegantly around her neck. In the hollow of her throat hung a hand-carved wooden pendent bearing a depiction of a wolf and a woman.

Several days ago, I had put the little wolf bracelet Jacob had carved for me into my purse. It was a birthday gift, but I thought it would mean more to Angela than it had to me. I pulled it out of my purse and gazed at it lovingly, running my fingers over the object with fondness. Once in front of her, I grasped her tiny hand and placed in her palm, closing her long, slim fingers around the trinket.

She opened her hand and gazed down at the little wolf, tears blossoming in her eyes. "Where'd you get this?" she questioned.

"It was a birthday gift from your groom, but I think it'll mean more to you than it does to me. Plus, I believe it befits my brother's bride on her wedding day," I said reverently, with similar tears sprouting in my own eyes.

"Bella, thank you!" she crooned, throwing her arms around my neck.

"So, Jake tells me it was love at first sight at the gas station?" I probed, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

"Hardly! First, he was far too young for me, or at least I thought at the time. But he was so damned handsome. Then come to find out he was still in love with you! Bella, how does someone compete with that?"

"One word—imprinting!" I said resolutely, tapping her on the nose.

"Rightttt," she said, holding the last syllable, giggling slightly.

Four hours later…

The wedding went off without a hitch, and just like any wedding there were good and bad aspects. The bad parts incorporated many Kleenexes, smeared makeup, and pictures— lots of them. The good parts included Jake and Angela's first kiss, the weather and tons of hot men— several from surrounding tribes.

The reception was fantastic. Laughter and the smell of food permeated every inch of Billy's backyard. Then the dancing—I danced my little feet off. I felt as giddy as a schoolgirl with a plethora of prospective suitors. That and a bottle of Patron. I took a spin with everyone who asked for my hand, pretending that my mind wasn't still fixated on a certain bronze-haired immortal. I was surprised with the sheer amount of alcohol that I consumed, that I was able to stay upright. Perhaps that's why I had so much fun?

When the night ended, following my goodbyes to the newlyweds, I snuck away quietly so Embry wouldn't catch me. Somehow, I knew if I stayed, the lines would blur further. Things were spiraling out of control and I needed to put on the brakes. He was a sweet, sensitive, beautiful person but he ought to have someone who could give him everything he deserved.

The trip to my hotel room seemed arduous. I was so tired, or maybe it was just the alcohol, but just the thought of driving to the motel room exhausted me. About three miles from my destination, one of the back tires blew out. I pulled over to the side of the road and slumped out of the vehicle. I trudged around to the rear passenger's side tire and knelt beside the truck, cussing up a blue streak. It was definitely fucking flat. I didn't need anyone to tell me that. I just needed someone to tell me how to fucking fix the damn thing.

"Charlie, don't you think you, the Chief of Police, should've taught me how to change a fucking tire?" I chided him aloud. My mouth was getting filthier by the minute.

A set of headlights pulled in behind me— a sleek, black car with tinted windows. I didn't bother to look up, because I assumed it was one of the Cullens. The driver jumped out and bent beside me.

"Do you require help, my dear?" the man crooned.

"Yes, I do, actually. Carlisle, you don't happen to know how to change a tire?"

"I do indeed understand the mechanics of the procedure, but Carlisle Cullen, I am not. I regret to inform you, my dear child, but I've come to collect what is due to me. You will make quite a valuable immortal, and I look forward to utilizing your talents," the velvet voice purred in my ear, causing the hair on my arms to stand on end.

Before I could move or scream, a frigid gloved hand shot up and covered my mouth and nose. I struggled in my captor's arms, but they did not yield. Spots flashed across my vision and my lungs screamed for air. The world around me began to dim, and just before I was unwillingly pulled into the fathomless expanse of unconsciousness, the man spoke.

"Welcome to the fold, Isabella."


*Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo-Heaven is in your eyes.

Well, who saw that coming? Who's the kidnapper?