Spov

I watched with careful eyes as I looked over my pack at the bonfire. My mate sat with Bella while Paul stood next to me observing as well.

It's been two weeks since Jake's punishment and the council are now wanting to speak with the pack. No outsider's were around and Jacob and Embry were on patrol.

I was on edge and I could tell my pack felt it as well. Paul was even more tense than I considering his mate was being questioned. Leah as well.

We were all on edge and it was riling up my wolf. I looked to see Bella walking towards us. "Sam, could I talk to you please?" I

nodded stiffly as the alpha in me quickly became concerned that one of our pack felt on edge and even more so since they were female and vulnerable.

"Sure." I answered and led the way toward the beach. We walked little ways from everyone and I turned to Bella.

"Sam, could the council judge Paul for choosing me as his mate?" Her voice was soft and I could hear the emotions she felt for him. I didn't really know how to answer but I tried my best.

"To be honest with you Bella, I don't know what could happen. They could put us all on trial. Leah as well, just because of you dating a leech.

Anything can happen tonight Bella, but know this, Paul isn't going to leave you no matter what.

I see the way he looks at you, he gravitates towards you, constantly searching for you. He might not have said it but he loves you. And I'll be dammed if they tried to separate you two.

You are pack, family and like I said I protect my family.

I kept this information from them because you and Paul needed the time and you needed time to heal...and I'm so so sorry about that.

I should've been more in tune...and I just..." Small arms wrapped around me stopping me mid-sentence. "it's not your fault Sam..none of it.

Don't blame yourself and don't blame yourself for what happened with Emily. You were new to this life and no one warned you that anger triggered phasing.

It's no one's fault Sam. You sacrifice enough for your pack, don't sacrifice your feelings." Bella said and I hugged her back basking in the smell of home she gave off.

I let go as I heard the voices of Old Quil and Billy. Here goes nothing...