A/N: Actually thought about posting this on Tuesday so it would officially be Christmas in July but I couldn't wait. Lemon warning. Also this is short.

Chapter 11

"She's in heat," Old Quil stated. He sat the Uley dining table with the council members while Joy and Sue helped Emily and Kim in the kitchen. The pack was limited to outside.

When Sam entered the house, Seth's growling became auditory to the humans. The Alpha growled back. "My den, pup."

"Sam," Sue began. "Maybe you and Emily should go to Bella's for a few days."

He blinked at the elder. "Why can't he take Bella over there?"

"It's not safe, in his mind," Quil Sr. said. "He's found a safe place for his den."

"It's just a few day, honey," Emily coerced.

"Thank goodness her birth control shots are up to date," Kim said. "Otherwise we'll have a pup next year."

Sue started then looked down, biting her lip.

Bella blinked her eyes open. The room was bathed in an azure light. She frowned. She glanced around. The rising sun was coming through blue curtains. The comforter was hanging drunkenly off the dresser.

She felt the heat of a wolf behind her, but that wasn't new. A wolf had been sleeping with her for six months now. What was different was being bare-ass naked. And so was the wolf.

Turning over, she visually traced over his features. As all the other wolves, he looked older than his actual age. But asleep, she could still see the young man that he really was. His eyes slowly opened.

"Morning," Seth rasped.

"Morning. Where are we?"

He sniffed. "Sam and Emily's. But they're not here." His eyes zeroed in on her neck. A finger lightly traced the bite mark there. "Does it hurt?"

"N-no," she stuttered.

"Are you sore?" She shook her head. He rolled over onto his back. Her legs fell to the side. She bit her lip as he slid her down his body. His dick slipped inside her. Her breath caught. "Ride me, Bella."

She sat up and ran her hands up her torso to cup her breasts. He hissed as her hips began to rotate. He reached up to roll her nipples between his fingers. She moaned and leaned back.

"Oh sweet Jesus," she breathed. She pumped her hips. "Oh my God. Seth!" she cried out when she felt his thump strum her clit.

He thrust upwards. The sight of her body, flush from their lovemaking, the sounds of her whimpers and cries, the smell of her arousal; it excited him. "I'm gonna cum, Bella."

"Yes. Now, Seth, now."

"You first." He pinched her clit. Her wail echoed in the room; his bellow followed closely behind. She fell forward onto his chest. After a few minutes, he nudged her to the side. "Let's go get a shower."

"Do we have to?"

"Emily's downstairs. We need to get presentable."

"Good morning, you two," Emily greeted them. She handed them each a cup of coffee.

Bella glanced around the kitchen and frowned. "Why's the turkey in the oven? And all the casseroles out? We're not eating until tomorrow."

She stared at her in disbelief. "Bella, what day do you think it is?"

"Christmas Eve."

"It's Christmas Day. The two of you have been holed up in the spare room for nearly two days."

"Bout time you came up for air," Leah said as she entered the kitchen. She sat the casserole dishes on the miniscule counter space left then looked them over. "I see you didn't fuck each other to death."

"Jesus, Lee," Emily admonished.

"What?"

"Tack. Use it."

"At least it was better than what Paul would have said," River said from behind his imprint.

Right on cue, Paul burst into the kitchen in front of the Alpha. "Damn, Sam. You really need to air out this place. It smells like Seth spunk and Bella kitty."

"See," Leah said as the other groaned and Bella's face flamed.

The community hall was filled with the pack and their families. It was the only place large enough for everyone to fit comfortably.

Jared and Kim were cuddling in a corner; he had proposed earlier. Collin, Jules and Brady were playing with their younger siblings. Leah and River were talking to his mother and siblings on the phone. Emily and the mothers were packing up leftovers for some of the elderly tribe members while trying to keep Quil, Embry and Paul out of the plates. Sam was speaking with Billy, Old Quil and other council members.

Bella was perched on Seth's lap. She kept glancing at the bracelet Seth had given her.

"Has anyone ever explained the bracelet to you?" he asked. She shook her head. "It's our version of a promise ring. Each color has a meaning. Red is for faith, beauty and happiness. I pledge my faith to your happiness for the rest of our days. Whit is sharing, purity and light. It's also for mourning. We're mourning the loss of our fathers."

"And your childhood," she interrupted.

He shrugged. "Our innocence in the face of the supernatural world. That's what we're mourning. The green is for nature, healing and harmony. And purple is a sacred color. It stands for mystery and magic."

"It's beautiful. I love it." She gave him a soft kiss. He quickly escalated it.

"Hey, Bells," Jake interrupted. He ignored Seth's growl. "We have one more present for you."

She glanced up at him. "Jeez, Jake. The pack has done enough for me."

"You'll like this one." He nodded over at the door. There stood Renee and Phil.

Renee squealed and rushed over. "Merry Christmas, baby."