Previously...

"Alright then Bella. It was good to see you again. You're welcome here anytime, you know that."

She smiled. "Thanks Billy, that means a lot."

I waved them off. The others had managed to hear our conversation. One in particular seemed pleased with her words, though saddened at the same time. He would not have an easy time with Bella. She was a strong and independent young woman.

It would be entertaining to watch. Very entertaining.

Patch POV

Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella.

Must protect Bella.

Save her from the leeches.

Bring her to the wolves.

Fulfil destiny. Save Bella.

Sam POV

I had no idea what to do about this latest development. Bella Swan knew more than she was letting on and she was reluctant to fill us in on the secret. However, Billy seemed to trust her and saw no reason to find out what she knows.

I'm not so sure.

It doesn't help the situation that she is now an imprint.

I wish Jacob will take up the mantle of Alpha. I'm tired of being the one in charge.

Bella POV

I have a new job!

A few days ago I decided to take my resume to the restaurant in Port Angeles. They gave me a brief interview then and there and before I had reached home, I received a call, asking if I could start Friday night.

EEEK!

I rushed inside to find Charlie, Billy and Harry enjoying a can or two (or three or four) and watching the game.

I'll never understand why men get so much pleasure from watching these sort of games. Does it give them some sort of thrill, watching men play with balls?

Charlie looked up as I came in. "Hey Bells, how did it go?"

"You are now looking at the new server, Friday nights, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons."

"That's great honey. I'll have to come and see how you got on. Bells went for that restaurant job in Port Angeles."

Billy's smile was warm. "Great, I'll tell the boys. They'll want to visit."

"That's fine but let me have a couple of weeks to settle in before you send in the troops."

Billy mock-saluted. "You got it."

"Hey Bella, Harry brought over some of his fish fry. It's on the hob."

I went to retrieve the food and plate it up. I tasted the smallest bit of it and I was a goner! I scoffed the entire plate in seconds before going back for more.

"Thanks for that Harry. Is there any chance of getting the recipe?"

"Sorry Bella, Old Clearwater secret."

"Darn it."

They chuckled.

"You've got to do better than that Bells, I've been after it for years and he's never given an inch."

I whistled for Patch who joined me on the stairs and we entered my room together. He was reluctant to let me in the room though, even going so far as to block my entrance.

"Patch please, stop messing around."

"What's up Bells?"

"Patch won't let me into my room."

I sidestepped him once, twice. He butted my leg towards the stairs.

"Alright. I'm going."

By the time I got to the lounge, Harry had left the house. Charlie was amused but Billy was staring at me. My time was up and he would not be swayed easily.

Sam POV

The Pack and I had been enjoying our lunch when the phone rang.

"Uley residence."

"Sam, its Harry. I need you to send someone down to Charlie's."

"What happened?"

"Well, Bella arrived home and was about to go to her room but that dog of hers wouldn't let her in. Something's going on and we need to find out what."

"I'll come down myself."

The phone rang off and I turned to the others.

"Jake, Paul, you're with me. Embry, Quil, you go on patrol. The rest of you stay here."

We went into the woods to phase, gathering up our clothes in the band on our legs, ready to face the music. Harry was waiting for us outside. I nodded to Paul, who climbed up the tree to sneak into Bella's room. He was after all, the one with the most poignant sense of smell.

"It reeks of leech in there Sam. What do we do now?"

"We'll have to talk to Bella. Find out what she knows."

Harry nodded his approval. I sent in Jake as he was the one Bella was most familiar with. Paul's foot started tapping as we watched Jake enter the house and strike up a conversation.

"Hey Bella, how are you doing honey?"

"I'm alright. Just annoyed with Patch."

"Well, it looks like the three stooges are settling in for the night." We heard them complain at that. "Why don't you come down to the Rez for a bit? The whole gang's hanging out around Sam's."

"I don't know Jake. I don't want to intrude."

"You won't be. After all I invited you."

"Fine. I'll see you later dad, Billy. Harry thanks for the fish fry."

That was our cue to cut out. We ran to the woods and phased back as Bella and Jake headed towards the truck. There was a minor scuffle when Patch refused to let Bella leave without him. It resulted in him climbing into the bed of the truck.

Bella POV

We arrived at a small rustic cottage in the woods. It was perfectly made, the wood varnished to fit in with its surrounding trees. It was simply elegant.

I adored it.

There were voices coming from within and I was hesitant to enter. Patch sensed my discomfort and led the way in, Jake slightly behind him.

"Hello, who's this?"

"This is Patch; you know the one we've been talking about."

I stepped in to find an older Native girl approach Patch.

"I wouldn't do that. Patch takes a while to get used to new people."

"You must be Bella Swan. I'm Emily."

I shook the proffered hand. "I didn't realise I was a regular topic of conversation."

She smiled. "Come sit down. You've met the others?"

There was a chorus of "Heys" and "Hellos." I took a seat next to Jake. Patch waited until I was comfortable before sitting on the floor next to me.

"Bella, I wanted to talk to you about something you said to Billy."

"Shoot."

"You mentioned about not being part of the Cullen's charade? What did you mean by that?"

I was uncomfortable. "Sam, why does this matter?"

"Because it's unusual for anyone to say something like that. We need to know why."

"I don't know why it's any of your business. I already told Billy that I wouldn't be sharing my suspicions with anyone. Unless you explain why this is so important, I won't be saying anything else."

"Bella, you've told us that two of the Cullen boys have been paying you some unwanted attention. We know that you've told them to leave you alone but they won't be put off so easily. They've already crossed the line and we're worried that they will take things too far. Bella, Patch was reluctant to let you into your room earlier, well we checked it out and..."

Wait what? "You snuck into my room."

The one called Paul spoke up. "Not him, me."

"There was a scent, Bella. Patch reacted strongly to it and I think I know why. He's more attune to his surroundings then a regular dog. He's protective instincts are in overdrive. He's more wolf than dog."

"I know what he is and I reckon I know what you all are. You're shifters right?"

There was a collective sigh. Did they really think I wouldn't figure it out?

With one look, Sam took control. "Yes Bella. We shift or phase into wolves to protect our tribe from our enemies."

"The Cullens?"

"No, they claim to be something different than others of their kind. Our ancestors chose to believe them."

The answer smacked me in the face. "Let me guess, cold ones?"

"How did you know?"

I didn't hear him. I was too mad to listen. I stormed out of the house, Patch by my side. I had been stupid not to notice this before. Of course the Cullens were cold ones. The facts had been staring me in the face all along and I was too stubborn to pick up.

This is bad. Very bad.

I had hoped that I would escape the family's curse but Fate clearly had her own plans for me.

They were hovering nearby, waiting for me. I approached and they followed me back into the house. Sam caught my eye, concern etched across his face.

"You alright?"

"Not really."

"I'm sorry about this Bella but you needed to know. It's our job to protect you."

Not another one!

I groaned "Why protect me?"

Seeing his mistake, he countered. "Well, we protect humans. That's what we were built for."

"Yeah, I know that. It's just I never thought this would happen to me."

"You don't seem so surprised about all this."

"Really? Well it's hard to be surprised about something you've been dreading half your life will happen."

I had their interest now. "You were waiting for this to happen? You expected it?"

"I grew up knowing about all this. I come from a ... "I struggled before settling, "family that have dealt with wolves and cold ones, vampires, whatever."

They all spoke at once. "What?" "Tell us."

"I can't."

"Why not? Is it because we're... what was that word?" Paul and Jared had a look of intense concentration on their faces.

"You mean Gorja's? Yes that's part of it but it's more than that. It is physically impossible for me to talk about the legends until I reach a certain age and even then I might not be able to."

"Sounds like an Alpha order."

They all nodded. Clearly they were frequent in these parts. Whatever they may be.

"Something like that."

"Well, I hope when the time comes that you'll be able and willing to tell us. Until then, we need to know about Patch."

"Patch? Well, he's a wolf, well part wolf. Timber wolf to be precise."

Jake was incredulous. "And you're alright with that?"

"Of course. Wolves have always been a part of our lives. They're the most loyal creatures to ever walk this planet. Much better than a collie or a spaniel."

Paul sneered. "Yeah, why have a collie when you could have your very own wolf cub?"

"Exactly."

They laughed. I think Paul spoke with a different meaning to his words but I didn't pick up on it.

"Well, I hope that you'll be a regular here. You'll be very welcome. It'll give me a break from these morons." We were interrupted by cries of protest. "But I have to warn you, they're on their best behaviour now but they're not always so polite."

"Emily, I grew up with four older step-brothers. Believe me, I'm used to the poor table manners and er...random bodily functions."

Emily raised her eyebrow. "You mean like burping?"

"And the other one. Charlie's too polite and it takes some getting used to."

"Well, you won't find that here. I think you'll fit right in."

"If you need any help with the cooking then I'll be more than willing to help."

"Bella, would you be able to move in? I'll kick Sam out if necessary."

"Hey!" Sam cried out.

"Sorry Emily but I think Charlie would protest there. I'll come here when I'm not working."

"That sounds perfect. You work at Forks High, right."

"Yes and I managed to get a new job as a server in Port Angeles."

"We'll have to come and visit you then."

I laughed and suggested that they not come for a couple of weeks, just like with Charlie. They were more than happy with that. I left there, more settled than I had been. They had decided that things would continue in the same way but I would spend as much time as I could with them. It wouldn't be so hard. They were a really decent group of people.

I went to bed, ready for a night of oblivion, only to be denied.

I was in a meadow surrounded by wild flowers. From the depths of the woods, the wolves took their residence. One in particular was more alert than his brothers. His eyes watched me with such intensity that I shivered.

From a gap in the clearing, Jasper and Edward Cullen emerged. Their mouths outlined with a deep red liquid. The clothes bore the marks of a recent struggle. Their eyes bore through my very skull as I felt the pull towards them. My feet struggled with my mind and the more alert wolf came to stand between us, bringing a brother. They crouched, ready to spring as the Cullens stepped closer, their eyes full of wanting and hunger, their teeth as sharp as a new blade, reaching ever closer for my neck. A voice screamed...

"Isabella!"