Chapter 6
Bella
"Bella." I heard my name as I felt the bed underneath me shake slightly. I curled myself further into the warmth, unwilling to leave my sanctuary yet. It just felt so good to be right here and I didn't want to wake up.
"Bella." Whoever was talking sounded strangely like Sam and it sounded like they were laughing. I shook my head slightly and scrunched my eyes shut in a desperate bid to elude the consciousness flooding my mind.
"Isabella, you're home. You need to wake up," My eyes shot open of their own accord as I registered the words. I realized that I was lying down in Sam's truck and I was curled into him as he sat on the driver's side. I flushed, immediately embarrassed, as I sat up and my hands formed a frantic apology.
Sam's hands caught mine mid-sign and as I met his dark eyes they were filled with laughter. "Angel, it's fine. I let you sleep because you seemed pretty tired and it was a long drive back anyway. I didn't mind; you look lovely in your sleep." I flushed again but didn't break eye contact with him; his eyes were dark but almost had golden-yellow rings surrounding his irises. My lips pulled up in a smile as I nodded softly to acknowledge his words, blush still staining my cheeks.
"I had a wonderful time today, angel." I smiled wider at his words. "But I'm afraid that I'm not ready to let you leave just yet. I don't want you to go." His admission made my heart race as my eyes darted between his eyes and his dark, juicy lips. His face was so close to mine and I briefly entertained the thought of what it would be like to kiss him. Would he want me to? Would he push me away? Sam was perfect in every way but I knew that I wasn't; I had survived my mother and Phil and my own father hated me.
Sam was still staring intently at me as my mind waged an internal battle. I didn't know what he was looking for but I was sure that he didn't see it as his eyes reflected a longing that I didn't understand. As insecurities and questions flew through my mind, I pushed all other thoughts out of my head and leant forward just enough to touch my lips to Sam's. It lasted a second before I pulled back in astonishment as a feeling similar to an electric shock tingled along my lips.
Before I could contemplate if Sam had felt it too, he wound his hand into my hair and pulled my face forward to press his lips to mine again. I felt the same shock as before but allowed myself to fall into the kiss, paying attention to nothing but the exhilaration and delight pooling in my stomach. My lips molded to his as I registered a feeling of complete and utter belonging and sighed in contentment.
Sam's arms came around my waist and I inhaled sharply against his lips as he planted me firmly on his lap, never breaking our connection. I wound my arms around his neck slowly, allowing him to guide my lips and my body as he deepened the kiss. I was shocked again when I felt Sam's tongue run along my bottom lip, leaving a trail of fire along the sensitive flesh there. He used my gasp of surprise as opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth and explore, twirling his tongue around mine in a dance that was incredibly sensual and unbearably gentle at the same time.
I felt my eyes roll back as Sam overwhelmed my senses. My fingers unconsciously buried themselves in his hair as I let him take complete control of the kiss. We stayed like that – locked together so comfortably and easily, as if we had rehearsed this dance our whole lives – until I was sure I wouldn't be able to last any longer without breathing and Sam pulled away from my lips. I panted silently as he rested his forehead against mine and smiled wider than I'd ever seen him. I couldn't help but smile back as the realization that I had just kissed Sam hit me full force. Wow I mouthed, unwilling to pull my face further away from his and Sam just nodded in silent agreement.
We sat that way, just staring into each other's eyes, for a few more minutes before I really did need to get inside and start cooking Charlie's dinner. Sam seemed to understand what I needed and pulled away from me before tugging on my hand and lifting me out of the driver's side door, planting my feet on the ground without a sound.
"Let's get you inside, angel," I felt blush pool on my cheeks at Sam's nickname for me as he followed me to the door with my bags in his hands. He brought them into the lounge and set them on the couch before turning and pulling me into a warm embrace. I didn't know how he was always so warm but I relished in the temperature, letting it sooth my aching body and warm my tattered heart.
I pulled back, meeting his eyes as I signed Thank you for today. I had a really wonderful time.
"So did I, angel," He placed a chaste kiss to my lips, hesitating before pulling away with a sigh, "I hate to leave you but there is some business I need to attend to on the Res. I'll text you later on, okay?" I nodded my head and smiled and he pulled me in for one last kiss. This was slow and languid; nothing compared to the passion of our earlier exchange but it still stirred an unfamiliar heat in my stomach and made my toes curl in pleasure.
All too soon, Sam was out the door and on his way and I was standing on the porch staring at the empty road with what I was sure was a stupid look on my face. I realized that the growing pain in my chest was longing and that I was already missing him. I rubbed above my heart where the pain seemed to be coming from and walked back inside and into the lounge, chastising myself for the feeling I couldn't possibly reconcile when he had only just left. I made quick work of putting away my new purchases before scurrying into the kitchen to get started on dinner or I would risk making my father mad again.
The next morning, after Charlie had eaten his breakfast and I had tidied the house, I was seated on my bed trying to decide what I would wear on my first day of school. I had laid out dozens of options and honestly had no idea what I wanted to wear. I spent some time trying on different skirts and dresses before finally deciding on a pair of dark skinny jeans, a long sleeved, white chiffon blouse, a dark brown double breasted coat and brown, knee-high boots. I fixed my hair to fall over a bruise on my forehead and made sure that my concealer and makeup hid the healing bruises on my cheeks.
I was shoving the last of my stationery into my book bag when I heard a loud knock at the door. Fear instantly filled me as I imagined Charlie standing on the other side having forgotten his keys or something else having happened that would set him off. Not wanting to make him wait any longer, I raced down the hall and opened the door eyes widening as I took in the sight before me.
Sam stood in my doorway beaming down at me with the brightest smile I had ever seen on his face. I couldn't help but smile back – both with relief and excitement – as he opened his arms for me and engulfed me in his warm embrace. I placed a kiss to his pectoral because I couldn't reach any higher but Sam had other ideas and lifted me by the waist until he could plant his lips on my own. I wrapped my arms around his neck as my eyes fluttered closed and I lost myself in the feel of his body against mine and the taste of him overwhelmed all conscious thought.
Too soon, he pulled away but made no move to set me down. Instead, he walked over the threshold with me in his arms and closed the door behind him.
"Good morning to you too, angel." The laughter in his voice filled my heart with warmth as I rested my cheek in the crook of his neck. The warmth of his skin soothed the dull ache of my bruises and seemed to calm my fragile nerves. "I missed you, Bella."
I pulled my hands from around his neck to tell him I missed you too before he set me back on my feet. What are you doing here? I enquired, giving him a quizzical look.
"I'm taking you to school on your first day. I figured that would make it a little easier on you." He explained in a dismissive sort of way like it wasn't a big deal but I was, once again, struck by his thoughtfulness when it came to me.
Thank you so much, Sam. That means a lot. I smiled widely at him, trying to silently communicate just how much I appreciated what he was doing for me. He just shook his head and picked up my book bag before holding out his hand for me.
I slid my hand into his and squeezed gently as I followed him outside and locked up behind me. Living so close to the forest meant that I didn't have any nosey neighbours to worry about but I was still shy about being so openly affectionate with Sam. The last thing I needed was for Charlie to catch wind of our relationship and start making things difficult for Sam.
Seeming to sense my discomfort, Sam hesitated at the passenger door, pressing my back gently against the truck and kissing me soundly. Once I was smiling again, he pulled away and lifted me into my seat before jogging to his door in our well-rehearsed routine. I slid under his arm once he was in and settled against him as we made our way out of my driveway.
I hadn't been to the Reservation since I had moved back except to go to the grocery store; I was basically a prisoner in Charlie's house if I wanted to avoid his beatings and didn't get the chance to explore like I had wanted to. I memorized she short trip down the main road until we crossed what seemed to be an invisible line and I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and belonging. I unconsciously knew that we were now in La Push, even though we were driving past the same treeline that we had been for miles.
"Welcome to La Push, angel. This is where your mother grew up." Sam smiled, kissing my head as I saw small, rustic houses in the distance. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took it all in. There were teenagers scattered all over, most of them heading in the direction that we were driving, as well as some older men getting in their old trucks with work uniforms on. What struck me most was that everyone seemed to be smiling, talking to his or her neighbours and everyone seemed to be so friendly.
We pulled up not in front of a school but a quaint little diner with the sign 'Sue's' standing on the roof. When Sam killed the engine I looked at him with a curious smile. "I know you haven't eaten yet, angel, and you can't start your first day on an empty stomach." Before I could ask him how he knew I hadn't eaten, he placed a kiss on my lips that derailed all rational thought. When he pulled away, he chuckled and ran a thumb along my cheek. "Come on, angel. Let's get you some breakfast." I nodded minutely and Sam climbed out of his truck before lifting me out after him.
Sam took my hand in his, bringing a blush to my cheeks, as he led the way into the diner. When the bell above the door rung, all eyes in the building seemed to turn on us and I saw Sam's back straighten as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side. The older woman behind the counter shook her head and seemed to snap out of her momentary confusion before walking right up to us with a huge smile on her face.
"Well, well Samuel Uley. What a pleasure to see you out and about. And who do you have here?" She seemed very sweet, putting a gentle hand on Sam's bicep briefly enough that I didn't feel any malice or jealousy towards her before she turned her smile towards me. Sam saved me, "This is Bella Kingsford, Charlie's daughter. Bella, this is Sue Clearwater."
Sue's eyes widened in recognition as she took in Sam's arm around me. I edged closer to his side unconsciously, wringing my hands as I smiled shyly at her. "Oh it's so lovely to see you again, my dear. I must say, you look so much like your mother; she was absolutely beautiful, too." Sue winked at me with a giggle as she gestured for us to follow her to a booth. The mention of my mother stung slightly but Sam's arm tightened around me in support and I accepted his comfort.
Once we'd sat down, Sam sliding in across from me and immediately catching my hands in his, Sue smiled brightly again, "I'll have Mary come and take your orders in just a moment. Coffee?" She looked at me first, which I appreciated and I nodded my head quickly. Caffeine would definitely help to get me through this morning. Sam accepted her offer also and Sue disappeared behind the counter to get our drinks.
"So how are you feeling, angel? You seem nervous." Sam's attention to my feelings was astounding and I found myself wishing that I could simply express that to him in words. I'm nervous, yeah. I haven't been able to get out much and don't really know anyone around here besides you. I'm glad I'm going to school on the Res and not in Forks. He nodded with a smile. "You're welcome to come here as much as you like and I'll introduce you to everyone on the Res if that will make you happy." He seemed so genuinely excited about that sentiment that it struck my heart to have to let him down. Charlie needs me at home most nights. But any chance I can I'd like that. It wasn't a complete lie and his smile only faded but didn't disappear completely, much to my relief.
As I was reaching for his hand again, a high pitched "Sammy!" had me pull back in fright, shock registering as a short woman with a considerable chest made her way up to us, eyes lit up as she stared at Sam. "Sammy! I haven't seen you in forever – how have you been?" I felt a seed of jealousy start to grow as I took in the way she was staring at him, licking her lips absently like he was something delicious to eat. Before my jealously had a chance to grow any further, Sam's hands curled around mine and he squeezed them gently in a gesture of comfort that he knew, by now, I more than appreciated.
Sam turned to the waitress with a neutral expression. "Hi, Mary. It has been a long time; a couple of years if I'm not wrong -" "Too long!" She interrupted him, poking his shoulder, "What have you been up to?" Sam's shoulders tensed briefly in frustration and I squeezed his hands with my own, hoping to convey the same level of comfort that he could to me. "You know full well what the Chief of your tribe has been up to, Mary. But right now, my girlfriend and I would like to order some breakfast before we're late. So if you wouldn't mind –" He paused gently to look at me and I pointed to what I wanted on the menu – "We will have Eggs Benedict with poached eggs and the Big Breakfast. Oh and another two coffees," Sam pointed to our empty cups on the table as Mary looked at him in confusion.
"Your girlfriend?!" She hissed glaring at me as if seeing me for the first time. I shrunk back into the booth under her gaze and averted my eyes, sensing the same fury in Mary as I did in Charlie before he struck me. "Yes, my girlfriend. Now please, I'd appreciate that order coming out as soon as possible." Sam dismissed Mary with a wave of his hand and she stomped off loudly, mumbling under her breath. I felt his gaze on me but didn't want to meet his eyes, suddenly feeling the full weight of my inadequacies on my shoulders.
Not good enough. Stupid. Moron. Useless. Pathetic excuse for a daughter. Disgusting. Charlie's words began swimming around in my head, sick reminders of my failings repeating themselves over and over. Sam was too good to be with me and we couldn't even go out to breakfast without me doing something wrong. I felt tears prick at my eyes as Sam's hand slid along the side of my face, dragging my eyes up to meet his. The amber was faded now but I could still see the stunning rings around his dark orbs as they looked upon me warily. Could he see through my mask? Did he know how much I didn't deserve him? When Sam looked at me, it felt as if he was staring into my soul – how could he not know that I wasn't enough for him?
"Angel," I emotionally braced for what was coming, "Don't worry about her. I went to school with her a long time ago and she's bitter about having been stuck on the Res since she graduated and fell pregnant with her first baby. I'm so sorry she spoke to you like that." He slid around the booth until he was next to me and pulled my face to his. When Sam kissed me, it was so tender and so intimate that I felt all doubt about myself slip from my mind. He held me there, pressed up against his side as he deepened the kiss and I gave his tongue entrance into my welcoming mouth. I heard a groan of approval escape Sam's throat as I reveled in the feeling of his fingers massaging my scalp, my own balling up his shirt as I daringly pushed closer to him.
The clearing of a throat shocked me, but Sam kept his mouth on mine for a few more tantalizing, languid moments before pulling away with a sigh and a final peck to my forehead. I looked up to see Mary holding two plates with our breakfast and my face lit up in embarrassment – how long had we been kissing? "Thank you, Mary." Sam said as she placed his food down before him in a flourish, before dropping mine in front of me. As she smiled and winked at Sam, I saw her put a napkin down by his utensils and eyed it curiously. Before I could lean over and read the black scrawl across the fabric, Sam had lifted it and was handing it back to Mary. "I think you've made a mistake; I don't need your number." Sam said dismissively causing Mary to snatch the napkin from his hands and storm off.
Sam kissed me once more and waited for me to dig in to my breakfast before he started on his. The eggs were wonderful and I found my earlier happiness returning as we enjoyed our meal while signing to each other. Sam's booming laugh sent thrills through me as my own shoulders shook in delight when I had finished relaying a story about the time my mother had tried to make me poached eggs and Phil came home to the fire department out the front of our house, sirens blazing. I hadn't been able to confide in anyone about my mother since she passed away but Sam made me feel so comfortable that I found myself telling him things I'd never told anyone before.
Once we'd finished our breakfast, Mary came back and cleaned our table without as much as a smile. Sam paid our bill, much to my protest and we said our goodbyes to Sue, who smiled so brightly it looked like it was hurting her face. Sam wrapped his arm around me again as he walked me out to his car and helped me inside. The routine was becoming comfortable for us both and I couldn't help smiling stupidly at him as he wrapped an arm around me and pulled me next to him once he was behind the wheel. Letting the nervousness fall away as I focused on Sam tracing patterns along my shoulder, I planted a kiss on his check and settled in to watching the town go by as we drove.
Sam kept driving in silence, letting me absorb everything that I was seeing but I could feel him relax as I seemed to be happy with what I saw. All too soon we were pulling up to a set of large buildings that I assumed to be the school. Sam parked easily but made no move to get out of the cab once he had killed the engine.
"I'm going to come into the office with you and speak with the staff, okay? I'll make sure they're aware of the situation and that they are not to make you uncomfortable in any way. If you need anything today or if it is too much, you send me a message and I'll be here straight away."
I was about to protest but he took my hands in his gently, "Isabella, please. I am the Chief of this tribe. Let me make this as easy as possible on you. I want you to be happy here. Let me make sure you're taken care of, please?" He said the last part like a question so I paused for a moment before nodding slowly, accepting that he really was just trying to make me happy and there was no other ulterior motive.
Sam planted a chaste kiss on my lips before climbing out of the truck and helping me out after him. He took my book bag on his shoulder again before wrapping his arm around my shoulders and heading in the direction of a building with a sign 'Admin' on the front. Thankfully, there weren't many people in the car park yet so Sam and I went virtually unnoticed as I tried to mould into his side as much as possible. Sam leaned over and kissed my forehead softly, reverently, as we made our way through the doors to the Admin block.
The receptionist, who was leaning back in her chair as we entered, recognized Sam immediately and sat bolt upright.
"Chief Uley! What are you doing here?" Sam shot her a look and she corrected herself quickly, "I mean, how can I help you, Sir?" She fumbled with her papers, straightening out her desk. Sam's face remained stoic, like it had when he had met me in the supermarket. I realized quickly that this was his formal, Chief persona and that he couldn't act like he did with me when he was in a position of authority.
"My girlfriend is beginning her senior year today. Her name is Isabella Kingsford. I will need to speak with the staff prior to classes beginning this morning." She looked at Sam with wide eyes before dropping her gaze quickly.
"Yes, of course. The staff are currently in their morning meeting in the staff room. If you would follow me, I'll show you where." She gestured for him to follow and made her way down the hall with quick but shaky steps. I pondered the effect that Sam had on people and my respect for him as a man and as Chief of the tribe grew. He smiled and kissed me on the cheek before following her, leaving me to wait in the reception for him.
Sam
I followed behind the receptionist – Casey Fay if I remembered correctly from my school days – as she led me towards the teacher's lounge. Once we stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, she knocked before opening it and loudly notifying the room, "Chief Uley has requested a meeting with the staff." Every member of the faculty went silent as I ducked under the door frame and into the room. I knew that my presence was imposing, even threatening and I felt the Alpha within me bubble to the surface as people averted their eyes.
"Thank you for your attention, I apologise for the interruption," I began, my tone reflecting my authority as Alpha and Chief. "Today, a new student is starting with us; her name is Isabella Kingsford but she prefers Bella," I paused, waiting to see if there were any questions. When no one raised an issue, I continued, "She is to be treated as an extension of myself. Any individual found to be treating her without the same respect that would be extended to your Chief will be dealt with by myself personally."
A few members of the staff gasped but most just nodded their heads in acceptance of the warning. I could see the questions in their eyes but they remained silent. As Isaw this, I explained further, "She does not speak and can communicate in sign or in writing only. Do not call on her to speak in class. Do not make any attempt to make her feel uncomfortable or to draw attention to this fact." They nodded again, as I let them process the new information.
"Thank you. I appreciate your understanding." Dozens of heads nodded their ascent before I turned and abruptly left the room, satisfied with their response. I found my mate sitting in reception looking nervous. When I entered the room she looked up and smiled at me with a look in her eyes that took my breath away. She was so effortlessly beautiful it was incredible and every time I took her in it seemed there was something else to appreciate.
Ms Fay fumbled with some papers on her desk and then handed me Bella's new student pack and a slip for all of her new teachers to sign. I thanked her quickly and took Bella's hand before leaving the building. I took out the map to the school and her class list, laying them out on one of the tables closest to the admin building as the staff all poured out and towards the school buildings. No one dared to look at me or at Bella as they hurried past.
After I pointed out which buildings were which and where each of her classes would be, I could sense her nervousness start to peek through again. Since meeting my mate for the first time, I'd been doing some research on imprinting; the connection between mates and everything that I'd read indicated that I should be able to feel her emotions much more vividly than I had experienced so far. I wasn't sure what was wrong with me to not be able to sense her fully but I knew Isabella was my imprint and eventually Taha Aki would make it clear to me.
Shaking my head a pushing my confusion to the back of my mind, I pulled Bella into my chest and wrapped my arms around her. My heart filled with pride as I felt her cheeks lift in a smile and she nuzzled closer to me, trying her best to wrap her arms around my thick waist. I kissed her hair, greedily drinking in the smell of her that was so tantalizing my eyes nearly rolled into the back of my head in pleasure.
"You're going to be fine, angel. I promise you – you'll love it here. This is your res, too." I surprised myself at the conviction in my words; Bella was irrevocably tied to me now and I wanted her to feel as comfortable here as I did. She nodded slowly but kept her face buried in my chest as I knotted my fingers into her hair and gently massaged her scalp until I felt the tenseness in her shoulders dissipate.
"You ready? I'll walk you to your first class if you like." She pulled away and looked up at me with a sleepy smile on her face and I chuckled, giving in to the urge and pulling her face to mine. Her lips were plump and delicious as always and I felt her heart beat faster as I deepened the kiss, hands sliding down to her waist and pulling her hips closer to me.
When I pulled away, she kept her eyes closed for a fraction longer and smiled in satisfaction. I kissed her forehead one more time and then she slipped her hand into mine before I walked her to her first class.
