Destiny

A/N: Special thanks to Goldengirl2707 for her excellent job as a beta…you rock girl.

A/N: I own nothing Twilight. That honor belongs to the one and only Stephanie Meyers.

Chapter 11

Lunch with the Pack.


We pulled up in front of a pretty little house. It had blue siding and windows with flower boxes. The front porch held a swing, and a railing that ran around the entire porch. It looked like a nice place and was decorated accordingly, probably by Sam's girlfriend.

I also noticed two guys sitting out on the steps and I recognized them immediately.

Paul turned off the ignition and ran around the truck, opening my door and helping me out. He closed the door as the two guys ran to me. "Bella!" Quil yelled as they ran over, and I couldn't help but laugh as each of them took a turn picking me up and swinging me around. "Welcome home, Bells," Embry said as Paul growled.

"Put her down, you idiots, and the next time you break into my house when I'm not home, I'll string you both up by your balls in the nearest tree," Paul snapped. Embry cringed and back away, while Quil shuddered and reached down to cup himself, as if he needed reassurance it hadn't yet happened… I chuckled and swatted him playfully on the chest, knowing Paul would never do something like that to them, but it was obvious that they didn't know that. "Come on, babe," he continued, throwing his arm around my shoulders and escorting me into Sam's house.

When we entered, Sam had his arms wrapped around a beautiful Native American woman, peppering her cheeks with kisses. I immediately noticed the scars that ran the length of her face and neck. I couldn't help but cringe, and hastily looked away, not wanting her to notice my reaction. I made a mental note to ask Paul what happened to her later.

Glancing towards the living-room, I saw another couple cuddling on the sofa. The girl was just as beautiful as Sam's girlfriend, but she was much smaller, and the guy she was with had to be one of the pack. He was as tall as Sam and Paul, built with the same muscles, broad body, and good looks that all the wolves had. I quickly ran through all the names Paul had mentioned during the drive over; Embry and Quil were outside, Sam was in the kitchen and Jacob wasn't here… so this had to be Jared!

"Paul!" Jared cried, jumping up and coming over to bump fists with Paul. "I hear congratulations are in order, huh?" he asked, giving us a smug smirk.

Paul rolled his eyes then nodded. "Yeah man. Jared, this is Bella; Bella meet Jared," Paul gave the introductions as Jared looked over to me and gingerly shook my hand. His strength was obvious, even through such a gentle touch. I wondered if I would ever get used to it!

"It's nice to meet you Bella. This is my imprint, Kim," he replied, wrapping an arm around her waist and tugging her close to him.

"Hi, Bella. Welcome to the pack! It's nice to finally meet a new imprint," she said, her smile wide and her voice friendly.

"Thanks, it's nice to meet you both," I told them shyly.

"Come on Bella! Come meet Emily; she's Sam's imprint. I just know we'll all get along swimmingly," she announced, taking my hand and leading me to the woman I saw when we had first entered the house. I looked over my shoulder at Paul, feeling a little panicked, but he only smiled and gave me a wink in reassurance.

Emily's smile grew the closer that Kim dragged me until she was grinning from ear to ear. "Bella, welcome to our home. This is Emily, my imprint. Em, this is Bella, Paul's imprint," Sam explained…

"Oh, Bella, it so nice to finally meet you. Sam told me this morning that Paul had imprinted and I couldn't be happier for the both of you. Welcome to the pack, sweetheart. I'm looking forward to all of us being the best of friends," she gushed as Sam chuckled and left to join up with the guys.

"Let's go into the kitchen; we can talk while I make lunch for the bottomless pits over there," she laughed, pointing in the general direction of the men now filling up her living-room. I followed her and Kim into the kitchen, looking once again towards Paul and the guys as they joked and laughed. As if he could feel my eyes on him, Paul turned and gave me another smile.

Emily went to the stove and was stirring what looked to be soup, while Kim started making sandwiches. I felt so uncomfortable just standing there while they were working, so I asked if I could do anything to help.

"Sure, sure. Why don't you start making the salad; it's all out over there on the counter." I walked over and began to cut up the lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables.

"So, I hear your Charlie's daughter," Emily said as we all worked together fixing lunch.

"Yeah, he doesn't know I'm home yet. I thought I would surprise him," I replied.

"Oh…he will be so shocked and happy to know that you've come home. He is always talking about you. I know how much he missed you while you were away at school." She paused in her stirring, looking thoughtful. "Hey, listen, we're having a bonfire tonight on the beach. Charlie and Sue will be there, so why don't you and Paul join us? You can surprise Charlie then. He'll be over the moon," she said excitedly.

I nodded slowly, mulling over the idea in my head. That would be as good of a time as any, right? "Yeah, that would actually be perfect," I answered finally.

"Good! And everything's already finished for it, too. Kim and I have been working all morning getting ready, so all that needs to be done is for the guys to carry it down to the beach when the time comes," Emily continued. "I'm sure Sam will tell Paul about it. All the pack members will be there."

I took a deep breath. All the pack? Did that mean Jake would be there?

My fear must have shown on my face, because Emily dropped her stirring spoon and walked over to me. "Did I say something wrong?" She asked quietly. I shook my head and gave her a half smile. "Oh… you're worried about Jake being there." Her matter of fact tone told me that Sam must have explained my history with him.

"Well sort of. I mean… he came by Paul's house this morning and things didn't go very well," I explained.

"Bella, please don't let Jake get to you. He is…well… he is a bit strained. He is the alpha now and he has a lot going on in his head. I'm sure he will come around soon," she reassured me.

I nodded like I agreed but I didn't hold out much hope. I knew Jake better than anyone. I knew what he was capable of when he wanted something. He would fight tooth and nail, and he hadn't been discreet about wanting me. Imprint or not, we were in for one hell of a ride. I was worried about the outcome, but I wasn't going to run away this time.

"So Bella… what were you studying at that school of yours?" Kim's voice finally broke the silence…

I blinked at her, and it took me a moment to respond. I was surprised by the change in subject, but grateful to move on to lighter conversation. "Oh… I was a literature major before I decided I wanted to teach. I've recently just acquired a teaching position at the school here at the reservation school." I told them.

They both turned to look at me, the excitement evident on their faces. "That's fabulous, Bella! Congratulations! So you'll start in the fall then, right?" Kim asked.

"Yes, I start in the fall and I'm really looking forward to it," I replied, happy to talk about my future job…

"That is so great. You know I work there too," Kim said.

I looked up from my chopping to stare at her. Why hadn't Paul mentioned that? "No… I didn't know that. What do you teach?" I asked.

"I teach history. Well, more of our history than anything, but I do touch a lot on American history as well," she said. "If you need anything just let me know. I know how hard it is to be the new kid in school, so to speak."

"Thanks Kim, that's very nice of you," I said, feeling relieved that I would know someone else in the building.

"Hey, us wolf girls have to stick together, huh, Em?" she asked, giggling,

"That's right, Kim. If we don't those guys, would walk right over us," Emily joked with a snicker of her own.

I smiled and nodded. I knew right then and there that I would be friends with these women, Kim and Emily were great. They had made me feel right at home the moment I met them. I was proud to be part of the pack. My only fear was Jacob and what he had in store for Paul and me.

After lunch was over and the dishes were done, we joined our mates. The men smiled as we entered the room, and each of the imprinted males grabbed their counter parts as Quil and Embry sat and made fun of us.

After we settled into our seats, the guys continued their conversation and I quickly realized that they were talking about what to do about Jake. As I listened, I found out that he and Leah hung out a lot, commiserating and complaining to one another about the ones that got away. This was always a bad sign. The way the guys were talking, it sounded like Leah and Jake was a couple. Confused, I turned to Paul for an explanation.

"What is it, babe?" he asked.

"Well, the way you all are talking, it sounds as if Jake and Leah are a couple. If that is true, could he have imprinted on her?" I asked, hoping that it was possible.

The wolves looked at one another. "Bella, we thought the same thing and brought it up to them one time, but it only upset them more. They both despise imprinting. They freaked out on all of us for even suggesting it. After such bad experiences with imprinting, they feel that it's destroyed their lives, and that it's taken away their ability to chose who they want to be with. We tried to tell them that even if the ancestors chose for them they are still soul mates, the other half of themselves, that when they are together, it makes a whole. But they didn't want to hear any of it," Emily clarified, sounding distressed.

"So it is possible that they are imprinted? They could just be blocking it and they won't even realize it because they're together all the time?" I knew it sounded desperate on my part, but I couldn't help but wish for another one to distract Jake from his mission to separate me and Paul.

"Yes," Kim replied, shaking her head sorrowfully. "And as long as they think that way, they make everyone's life miserable."

I looked at Paul sadly. He leaned over and kissed my forehead, knowing what we had to face in the future.

As if they had known we were talking about them, Jake and Leah took that moment to waltz in the door. Jake's posture oozed aggression, and Leah's eyes were dark and sullen. "Well, well, well, look at the happy little families," Jake snarled, his tone sarcastic.

"Don't start Jake," Sam snapped, his eyebrows raised in warning. Jake snickered and ignored him, focusing his gaze on me and Paul.

Watching his cocky body language, I wondered how he could be Alpha when he didn't earn the respect of his peers. I kind of felt responsible for the way he acted now, but then again, I shouldn't have to be sorry for choosing myself who I want to be with. His anger was his problem and he really did need to figure this out for himself. He was complaining about choosing his own mate, but obviously wasn't' interested in giving me the same respect.

Jake and Leah chuckled as she leaned against Jake's chest, and he casually wrapped his arms around her waist. I could see how they completed one another. If I could see they were meant to be together, why couldn't they?

"So tell me Bells, does Charlie know you're home?" he asked innocently, but the shadows in his eyes gave away his true intentions. I looked over at him.

I gave him a shrug, determined to show him that I wasn't interested in his games. "No… I'm going to surprise him at the bonfire tonight," I replied. Paul tightened his grip on me, letting me feel he was there for me.

"Oh, well, won't he be surprised," Leah said smugly. "Oh, by the way, you're not planning on staying at the house, are you? Because, I'm not giving up or sharing my bedroom with you, leech lover." Paul growled, as Jacob let out a roar of a laugh.

"Oh no, babe, didn't you hear? Paul and Bella are imprints now," Jake gushed, and he sounded insincere and fake. I watched as Leah rubbed Jake's arm, consoling him as they played out their little game.

"Oh, that's right. You told me that earlier. Hmm… I wonder how long it will take her to find out that Paul feels the same way we do about imprinting," she huffed.

Paul's growl grew louder, and the sound was echoed by Jared and Sam.

"Stop it, you guys. If you want to be miserable, do it somewhere else. We don't need to hear that load of crap in here," Emily ordered, lifting her chin at them defiantly.

"Oh come on Emily. We're just having a little fun," Jake whined.

"It's not funny to us, Jacob Black. You're supposed to be Alpha; why don't you act like it instead of being a spoilt little brat when he doesn't get his way!"

Jake snarled angrily, baring his teeth at her.

Sam stood up and squared his shoulders, obviously daring his Alpha to threaten his mate again. Paul and Jared moved to stand beside him, all three wolves turned to face him head on. I began to tremble in fear. Dear God, what the hell was going on with him? This was not the same Jake I knew before.

Yes, he had been selfish all those years ago, but I had thought it was because I couldn't love him the way he wanted me to, but this… this was something more. How could he be the Alpha when the other wolves wanted nothing more than to rip his head off his shoulders?

Gritting my teeth and taking a deep breath, I stood up in front of the three angry men. "Jake, what the hell? Why are you acting like this? You were someone I respected two years ago. Now you're out of control. These are you brothers, and you're supposed to be their Alpha. How can you act so callously towards them? You should be there for them, help them when they are in need. I don't understand any of this! What happened to you?"

"Nothing happened to me, Bells. I'm the same as I've always been. You've made your choice. You're with pussy boy there, or that's what you've turned him into anyway," he spat back as Leah chuckled. Paul growled again, but I reached around to pat him reassuringly. "They don't need my help in anything now that they have their imprints, so what do I care what happens to them? As far as brothers," he smirked. "What kind of brother do you know that will take away another man's girl?"

"Jake, I wasn't yours to begin with! How can Paul take me away from you when you never had me?" I snapped. He stared at me incredulously, his face growing redder by the minute. Finally, he snorted and shook his head in disbelief before grabbing Leah and forcefully shoving her out the door, slamming it so hard the whole house shook. I lowered my head, my shoulders sagging in relief as the tears slipped down my face. I hated hurting Jacob, but he was way out of line. I couldn't let him get away with the way he was treating his brothers.

I felt Paul's arms wrap around my waist, and he pulled me into his embrace, kissing the side of my head. "I'm sorry baby," he said. I turned and buried my face into his chest as he stroked my hair to console me.

We spent the next few hours around Sam and Emily's, talking and trying to have a good time. We were determined not to let Leah and Jake ruin the evening for us.

When it was time to head to the beach, the guys carried the food and coolers down to the sand. Sam and Paul started the fire as Emily, Kim and I set up the table of food. Once everything was in place, the girls and I sat and talked while the guys hung out around the fire. Everyone was finally relaxed and enjoying themselves when we heard the voice of one Leah Clearwater. She came up from behind us, whistling obnoxiously. Emily sighed and started rubbing her forehead.

"Hey, ladies," she greeted us breezily as she marched passed us towards the water. I watched her go, hoping that she wasn't planning to stay, when she stopped and turned back to look at us, her face contemplative. "Oh, by the way Bella, I wanted to thank you," she said sincerely.

"For what?" I asked slowly, almost afraid to hear the answer.

"For the angry sex I got from Jake this afternoon," she replied with a girlish giggle.

I sighed, knowing it was going to start again.

"Leah! Really, there's no need to be so crass," Emily admonished her.

"Oh lighten up, Emily. I'm just thanking Bella for pissing off Jake," she snapped before turning back to me and continuing. "It was fabulous, Bella, Mmm, he got so deep inside me, I thought I was going to pass out! It was the best sex I've gotten from him in a long time. Well, you know, we fuck all the time, but wow… do me a favor and piss him off regularly, okay? I want more of angry Jake! That shit was awesome!" she said with a laugh.

Hearing the conversation, Paul ran up to me and snarled at Leah. "What the fuck, Leah! No one wants to hear about you sick fucking sex life! Take that shit elsewhere and leave Bella alone!" he yelled.

"I was just thanking her, Paul! Geez, lighten up!" With a final laugh and a toss of her dark hair, she walked on, her shoulders still shaking in amusement. I frowned until I lost sight of her retreating figure in the glare of sun.

"Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, Paul. Just ignore her. She just wants some attention, so the more we ignore her, the better off we will be. Maybe then she'll stop harassing us," I replied softly. He nodded in agreement, and pulled me into his arms.

"Bella, is that you, honey?" I heard someone call out from behind me.

I looked up at Paul, feeling a little confused, before turning around. With everything that had been going on, I was a little afraid to find out who else was going to be here. But Paul was smiling, so I knew it must be someone I could be excited to see.

"Billy!" I screamed and ran to him, throwing myself into his lap and hugging his neck. "Oh Billy, it's so good to see you again!" Even though Billy was Jake's dad, he had been like a second father to me.

"It's good to see you too, honey. Charlie didn't tell me you were back and I just saw him this morning! He never said a word!" he wagged a finger at me and I giggled.

"He doesn't know yet. I just got here early this morning and I haven't seen him. I planned on surprising him here tonight," I whispered, looking around quickly, hoping that my dad wasn't nearby.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be surprised. You're all he ever talks about, honey. Have you seen Jake?" he asked excitedly. My good mood quickly disappeared. Billy must have noticed because he studied my face worriedly. "What's wrong?"

"Billy…I imprinted on Bella. I ran into while I was out of town on a job. I brought her back with me," Paul explained, coming up beside me.

"Oh… I see," Billy said slowly, his eyes wary. "Well, I guess it was meant to be. I'm happy for both of you. I know you'll be happy together. Has Jake been giving you both trouble over all this?"

I looked up at Paul for a moment before answering. I was determined to not lower myself to Jake's level by talking badly about him behind his back. "Well…he hasn't been too welcoming. Let's just keep it at that."

"Yeah, I figured as much. Well, if I can help let me know. I know he's been a little off his game lately," Billy replied, but we all knew it was a weak excuse.

Off his game? He was out of control. As if he could sense my distress, Paul sat down in the soft sand and pulled me on his lap, cuddling up to me.

"Thanks, Billy. I appreciate it," I called out to him as he rolled away.

He turned back and gave us a sad smile before replying, "Charlie's coming."

I looked over Paul's shoulder and sure enough, Charlie was walking hand in hand with Sue Clearwater. Her son Seth was tagging along behind them. I remembered Seth from the few times he hung out with Jake and watching him work on cars.

Paul stood up and pushed me behind him just as Charlie walked up to us. "Hey, Paul. I didn't know you were back. Everything go alright on your trip?" he asked.

"Yes, sir! Actually, Chief, I ran into someone you might remember. Want to say hello?" Paul replied, a grin spreading across his handsome face. Charlie looked bewildered. I could hear his confusion as he sputtered, trying to find the right words. Paul laughed and quickly stepped to the side, revealing that I had been standing behind him.

"Hi dad," I said softly as Charlie's eyes grew wide and wet with tears.

"Bells…! Bella, you're here! You're home!" he yelled, as I smiled from ear to ear and fell into his arms. I couldn't tell if he was laughing or crying, but he held me so tight it was almost hard to breathe, like he was worried I would simply run away again. My name was a mantra, and he repeated it over and over, as though willing me to never disappear again.