Phoning Fate

"Hello," I answered still trying to keep the smirk of my face as Quil sat there dreaming of the possibilities of sushi. Fate rushed forward with a napkin, clearing any type of smile in less than a second.

"Mr. Black? This is Peter Harrison, Engineering director for Lockheed-Martin."

"Yes?" I asked, wondering what the hell they were calling for. I was already ass deep in projects, half of which had nothing to do with mechanics.

"Well, the KAV plans are not what we agreed to." His tone was not pleasant and I found myself sinking into a chair.

"Wait. That contract was completed two months ago." He had to be talking about one of the side projects I had refused to partake in. Give them an inch and they thought they owned the whole damn mile. I paid a tenth of my salary to a law shark to make sure accidental in between the line clauses didn't occur. I watched as Fate inappropriately groped Lady Liberty.

"Yes, it was. However, the prototype has failed."

"Failed? That's not possible. I oversaw prototypes A and B personally. There were no complications or problems." Relaxing in the chair I knew this was a simple misunderstanding.

"Be that as it may, we have the first generation model A and it has failed in the test trial. We are scheduled for production in less than two weeks. You are required to make an appearance and clear up this matter." The man could be an Alpha with a tone like that! Straightening back up, I returned his force.

"I can't just drop everything else because some idiot doesn't know how to turn the key. Who's the project manager on this one? Let me talk to him."

"Mr. Black, I have just gotten off the phone with Tim Jackson. As we speak, he is in the research bay attempting to fix your mistakes. They have run the numbers, the error is not present. Obviously, this is a matter that requires your personal attention." Obviously, this man was one clueless prick.

"And that's what I'm trying to do. Have Mr. Jackson call me and I will go over the specs with him." Fate roared with indignation and threw the scales of justice straight for my head.

"Mr. Black, need I remind you that you are bound by contract. Right now we are sitting on a half billion dollar piece of scrap metal." Closing my eyes, I collapsed back into the chair, any hope of salvation gone.

"No, you don't need to remind me of anything. I will attempt to make arrangements shortly. What location is my presence required at?"

"The immediate production will occur at the Massachusetts facility. I believe you are familiar with the area. How soon can I inform them of your arrival?"

"Let me check on flights, I'll call you back." Blindly, I shut the phone off to ponder my next move.

God fucking dammit, why now? I was ready to spend time with Bella, build a support structure for our relationship. Not spend a night with her only to leave the fucking state the next day. I had to do damage control before damage actually happened. Gradually my thoughts turned to Quil who was calling every seafood and sushi restaurant in the area looking to see which ones might cater to live cephalopods. Slowly, I reopened my eyes. Courage, courage, courage.

"Quil, put away your," I almost bit my tongue in half as I continued, "Sushi sexcapades and listen closely. I am going to have to fly out of town tonight. I need you to keep an eye on the situation here. The rules have not changed. You are not permitted any contact." Quil closed the phone book, lovingly running his hands over the cover before joining the conversation.

"I think you're overreacting a little. You're leaving, she's going to be lonely. I think you need to let me wine and dine her, keep her comfortable around us." Wine and...What the hell?

"It's not like I'm a pair of fucking shoes that require constant contact to become familiar with. She's sure as hell not going to forget me and in no way, shape or form does she need to become familiar with you. Besides, I kind of already promised her your ass would be far, far away. I'm not going back on my word now."

"But you did lie!"

"No, I didn't. I told her your ass would be far away hence the half mile perimeter. That's pretty far in my book. I didn't lie at all." Whether he believed me or not, didn't seem to matter as he moved on to his next bitch.

"I'm not doing it." Quil folded his arms across his chest as if daring me to argue.

"What?" I asked, trying to determine what the hell he was talking about.

"You heard me; I'm not fucking doing it. You want me to keep a watch, fine. But I'm not playing secret service anymore. If I have to guard her ass, then I get to at least interact with her."

"No!" Jesus Christ, was he serious? He thought I would leave him alone with her?

"Yes! I'm not talking about one on one lessons with her octopus. But it would be nice if I could maybe take her out to dinner, become acquainted. Are you going to make her live on the rez without ever leaving the house? She needs to be introduced to us, get familiar with the whole tribal thing."

"Quil, I'm only going to be gone three fucking days at the most. In three days you don't need to interact with her."

"In three days time, I should at least be allowed to go out to dinner with her. Why is that so hard to believe?" Even an average human, first learning about monsters being real, could understand why his statement was unbelievable.

"Because, you are one ruthless fucker. Bella and I aren't married yet. One slip and she could say goodbye to me forever." Is that real enough?

"No tongue slipping, I swear." Quil had an earnest expression on his face, as he proceeded to stretch his tongue out far enough to make Gene Simmons jealous.

"That! That right there is what I am talking about. Every fucking thing out of your mouth involves sex. Normal people don't discuss sex like it's the goddamn weather. And since Quileute sex is the same shit that occurs everywhere else in the world, you have no reason to talk to her about anything."

"For fuck's sake! You guys got your fucking groove on with an octopus and you're worried I'll scare her? Normal people don't use a fucking octopus in the bedroom unless the fucking thing has batteries. Plus, she hangs out at the most fucked up club on the planet, and my innuendos will be what sends her away? I think you have that shit backwards, Jake."

"It's not like that. The bloodsuckers convinced her to hang out at that particular club and whatever fetishes she may or may not have, are between her and I, not you."

"Fine. You are embarrassed to talk about the sex issue, whatever. But there is no reason why she can't get to know the real me. Fuck, you and I have been best buds since kindergarten. Am I to become your secret friend all of the sudden? You gonna set me aside for your imprint because you're scared she won't like me or I make her uncomfortable?" His tone became hurtful over the thought of losing his best friend.

"All right. Goddamn, you're one pushy motherfucker. If and fucking listen, IF she wants to go out to dinner with you, so be it. But you stay the fuck out of her apartment and if I come back and she won't talk to me because of some shit you pulled, I'll fucking dewolf you. I will strip you of your rights and title and your ass can leave La Push because I will disown you as tribal blood. You fucking think about that before deciding anything is a good idea."

"I get it, dude. I will be nothing less than the perfect gentleman. I promise nothing will happen. Everyone is too excited about the both of you moving back, there'd be a mile long line to skin my ass if I managed to mess it up." Resigned in his sincerity, I made the necessary calls.

Flights out of Seattle were a dime a dozen. There was an eight o'clock flight that evening, allowing me enough time to pack some shit and explain to Bella that I would be back soon. Calling Mr. Harrison, I informed him to expect me the next morning at the facility to take care of their fuck up. Going to a local hardware store, I had an extra key to the apartment made. I didn't think Bella would have any need or reason to come back here without me but I wanted to let her know I wasn't just walking out on her. Calling her at work, I asked if she would stop by after work. Giving her directions, she agreed to meet me a little after five.

She showed up, looking absolutely beautiful. Her hair was pulled up and I wanted nothing more than to go into my bedroom, strip her naked, unwind her hair and worship her until she was screaming in ecstasy. If it wasn't for the goddamn contract, I would have told Lockheed to fuck off. Just watching Bella stroll through the door had me readjusting myself. This distance thing was not going to work and I couldn't help but wonder where and how many times I'd have to jack off before I'd be able to come home and experience the real deal.

"Hi, Jacob." She exclaimed brightly, walking up to me and giving me a hug. Leaning down, I felt her arms wrap around my neck. Pulling myself back, I kissed her on the lips. She responded just as warmly and things were quickly headed into an area that should be dealt with in a bed. Quil cleared his throat, causing her to blush and pull back.

"I'm sorry," Bella whispered to me before straightening her top and looking over towards Quil.

"Nice to see you again, Quil. Is everything okay?" Quil had a short supply of pleasant vocabulary as it was. Not wanting to exhaust it, I rushed forward with the plan.

"Bella, honey. God, this is unexpected. There's a manufacturing issue with one of my projects. I have to fly out tonight to Massachusetts. I shouldn't be gone longer than a couple of days." Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the spare key I had made earlier in the day.

"I promise, I'll call you every night and you can call me whenever you want. Here's a key to the apartment. If, for any reason, you need to come over or whatnot, make yourself at home." Reaching for her hand, I placed the key ring into it. As a slap to the face for the fur demon, I had found a figurine wolf to add to the chain. What I wouldn't give to see, when the fucker realized I could play his game just as well, if not better.

"Oh." She replied, staring at the figurine expressionlessly. I really hated that word. The only time it held any type of meaning was when it was long and drawled out in the bedroom. Of course those types of thoughts were not helping the situation and once again I was trying to inconspicuously adjust myself. Bella caught the movement and briefly stared there not helping at all. Mischievously smiling she pulled me forward to whisper in my ear.

"I would say, I'd help out with that, but I think if I wait until you come back, you'll be that much faster in returning." Kissing my cheek, she pulled back and went into the living room where Quil sat, trying to mask his laughter. He'd heard what she said, the bastard, and thought it was downright hysterical.

Sitting down on the love seat, she patted the space next to her for me to join.

"So do you need me to drive you to the airport?" She asked, eyeing Quil. Fate was off and running grabbing road rally gear for the possibilities of instigating a game of Crash USA. No way did I want Bella out there driving with the taxi terminators.

"No, honey. I'll take my car, it's fine. I just wanted to spend a little time with you before I had to leave." Quil jumped in, trying to plan a scene for Bella to accept him.

"J asked me to house sit while he was gone. Which is really a good thing. I was going to bring my Claire up here for the weekend and wanted to check out some places that she might be interested in." He paused as if a new idea had just occurred.

"Hey! Maybe you could help me out. Give me some ideas as to where to go, where to avoid? That type of sh-stuff."

Relaxing, Bella started making suggestions immediately. Quil hung on to every word she said as if it was gospel. After ten minutes, I was trying to figure out how to interrupt when Quil made his excuse to leave. Bella and I just shared some minutes with nonsense and as the clock ticked forward to my departure she began to look distressed. Promising once again she could call whenever she wanted, we said our goodbyes.

Fate sat next to me the whole way to the airport and on the flight to Massachusetts. Something was up and I couldn't figure out what. Before changing planes in Chicago, I called Bella to wish her goodnight. She must have already been in bed, because I could hear Vatan whining over the loss of Bella's attention. Still feeling uneasy, I ended the call and tried going over some of the paperwork I would need for tomorrow.

It was a little after eight in the morning and I felt like shit after a 7 hour flight, three hour time difference and no Bella. Arriving at the complex, I waited in an office for Mr. Harrison to make his appearance. After making introductions, he informed me that the research bay was strictly monitored. I would be patted down before entering or leaving. Any type of electronic equipment was forbidden. I lost the battle over taking my laptop and briefcase and struggled for the ability to bring in my own paperwork. Ten minutes and six security guards later and I had won. I had no doubt that the manuals would be exactly the same, mine was the master copy. But my copy also held side notes and equations, not necessary for operations but for construction purposes.

Ten fucking hours later and we were no closer to the cause of their malfunction. The engineers on the project might have been nice people. But all I wanted was to find the problem, fix it and leave. The engine itself was my responsibility, not the machine it was in. We argued incessantly over who got to touch what. They wanted to remove the engine for my inspection, which would have been okay but the fucking thing was a fifty-two hour project with a team of ten. I told the lab coat wearing dweeb if they wanted to remove it, they should have fucking done so before I flew my ass across the country to fix their fuck up. It went downhill from there.

By nine that evening, I had removed possible trouble areas from the engine. Everything was as it should be. Giving up for the night, I left the complex after another touchy-feely routine from security. I had spec papers strewn all over the hotel before I realized how much I missed Bella and how damn hungry I was. Ordering take-out, I called to talk to her while waiting for the delivery.

"Hello," she giggled into the receiver.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I asked, enjoying the sound of her laughter. Quil's own in the background wasn't quite as pleasant, but he must be behaving himself. Bella didn't sound aggravated at all and I had to wonder if maybe I would owe Quil an apology. At the very least, he was keeping her entertained and not leaving her to sit alone at the apartment, talking to Mr. Evil.

"I was just telling Quil about some of the places he should take Claire. She sounds really nice, maybe we could all go out together one night?"

"Sure, honey. Anytime you want to."

"So how are things going? Are you ready to come home?"

"I wish. I'm about ready to scrap the whole project and just bring in a new design."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I miss you."

"I miss you too, sweetie. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Fate was off in the corner, dramatically sighing while evilly smirking. It was just trying to make me paranoid and I brushed aside its attempt to cause panic.

The next morning I felt like the biggest idiot on the planet. I had been so gung-ho about trying to fix an imaginary problem, I hadn't taken the first steps necessary to diagnosis said problem. Security stood outside the research bay anxiously, as the yelling and screaming got louder and louder. After three hours I had managed to reassemble the engine single-handedly while the staff and I exchanged insults.

Once it was complete, one of the dweebs went to start it. Nothing happened.

"I told you, Mr. Black. There is an internal malfunction. It does not operate at all."

"The very first time you attempted this, did anything happen? Warming lights, unexpected noises, fuck I don't know, smoke?"

"Well, yes. It ran for about ten minutes before completely seizing. Since then nothing has happened." Fate stood off to the side, waving its arm like the nerdy student who had the answers to everything.

"Where's the fuel source?" I asked, wondering how our country survived at all with morons like these in charge of weapon delivery.

"Over there." The project manager replied, pointing to a pile of yellow canisters. "The fuel is not the problem. It is the same formulation we use for the other vehicles." His smugness and conceit caused my over exhausted mind to snap.

"You fucking idiot! Did all of you just hatch from eggs? Why the fuck do you think this shit comes with a manual? You do realize that shit should be used for more than just a decorative paper weight?"

"Mr. Black, that is highly uncalled for. The installation was not performed by us. Clearly, any fine details should have already been worked out before test runs."

"Look, Tim," I snarled, gaining a small amount of satisfaction as he flinched over the use of his first name, "There are no fine details that need to be taken into consideration. The only detail you should have taken into consideration was your fuel source, which is clearly defined in the manual on the first page." Grabbing his copy, I thrust it into his chest where he grabbed it with shaking hands.

"If you would be so kind as to open it up and read paragraph two to me, I think both of our problems will be solved." I watched as he flipped it open, cautiously reading the first page. The fucker's lips moved as he read it over three times before meeting my stare. Swallowing hard, he began to speak.

"I, uh, don't remember the octane ratio ever being discussed in our briefings. I will, of course, inform the warehouses and make sure clearer labels be presented before the merchandise is shipped." Had they bothered to read the fucking manual none of this would have been a problem. Using the wrong type of fuel here was just like putting diesel fuel in an unleaded car engine.

"Good day, Mr. Jackson. Please inform Mr. Harrison that my contract has been fulfilled. And next time? Try fucking reading before insisting I drop everything and come racing across the country to fix your illiteracy problems." Grabbing my own manuals, I strolled past weary looking guards. Witnessing the drama they all stood around shell shocked, not bothering for a pat down. Fate was at my side, giving them the bird. Getting clearance to leave the building, I flew back to the hotel making arrangements for a flight home. RtFM was not just some fancy urban slang.

Arriving at the airport with 45 minutes to spare, I wandered around looking for some type of souvenir I could take back for Bella. Finding a bookstore, I casually browsed the aisles waiting for something to jump out at me. It finally did on one of the last remaining shelves. I gave out a laugh worthy of Fate over my intended present as I paid for it and made my way to board the plane. The book was about the Salem witch trials but the deciding factor was the entire chapter devoted to the witches' familiars. I couldn't wait to insist on sitting on Bella's couch with her curled around me while I read aloud the different types of execution forced upon innocent people and their wretched pets, primarily cats. That little fucker would be pissing all over himself as I lovingly talked about his ancestors' demise.

Somewhere around thirty thousand feet, I realized I hadn't checked my phone. Pulling it out of my pocket, I frowned trying to remember why it was completely off and not just on silence. Pressing the switch, my eyes got bigger as I realized that there were thirteen missed calls, all but two from unknown numbers with a Seattle area code. The voice mail held seven messages. Punching in the access code, I listened to the automated operator tell me about my missed calls.

Message one, received at 1:45 a.m.:

"Jacob, it's Bella. I know you're busy, but please call me back as soon as possible." click

Message two, received at 2:37 a.m.:

"J, dude. It's Quil. Look man, I swear, it wasn't my fault. Call me back ASAP."click

Message three, received at 3:11a.m.:

"J, where the hell are you? Seriously, dude, I'm not fucking around. Call me." click

Message four, received at 4:19 a.m.:

"Fucking idiot!" click

Message five, received at 5:22 a.m.:

click

Message six, received at 5:57a.m.:

"I'm fucking going to sleep now, your ass better have one spec-fucking-tacular excuse." click

Message seven, received at 11:43a.m.:

"Fuck dude! What's the point of having a fucking cell if you're not going to answer that shit?"click

I didn't know if I should be scared or take solace in the fact that only the first message had been from Bella. Fingers trembling, I dialed her number. The phone rang four times before going to voice mail. I broke out into a sweat as I dialed the number from the last message. It was the number to my new apartment and I prayed that Quil would be there to answer it. He was and my fear tripled.

"J, fuck dude. I have been calling non-stop. Why the fuck didn't you answer?" His voice was accusing and the last thing I needed was to be questioned about my phone habits.

"Cut the shit, Quil! What's going on, where's Bella?"

"She was okay for a little bit. But, dude, I couldn't do anything. I was only allowed one phone call and I had to call a bondsman. She left before I could get out. She wouldn't talk to me, I tried to warn her but this is all your fault." My heart couldn't have dropped faster if the plane had suddenly nose dived to death. The words Bella and left in the same sentence were as blasphemes as Quil could get.

"What rancid shit are you saying? Get out of where? Go with who? What the fuck could be my fault? Where is Bella?"

"Vampires, dude. If you had fucking manned up and told her that shit, she would have waited for me." Fate threw in the V word simply to prove that they were all for the flame game.

"What the fuck are you talking about? Leeches? Where the hell was your ass?" I was talking louder than I should be. A flight attendant walked down the aisle to where I was sitting, telling me I would have to end my call if I couldn't control myself. Waving her away like an annoying fly, I gripped the phone tighter as if it would get me home closer or at least let me understand what I had missed out on.

"You are not listening to me, Jake. She left, willingly with a pair of leeches. I told her not to but she blew me off." He spoke slowly, enunciating each word like a teacher would for a spelling test. Fate was holding up some imaginary test with a dripping red F.

"Quil, I'm not fucking playing here. Fucking just tell me from the beginning where you were and how leeches became involved. But before you start, where is Bella and is she okay?"

"You still aren't listening. She was okay. But I went to her apartment and, dude, it reeks. There are at least two different leeches there. As far as I could tell, she was still alive. I mean I could hear her heart and shit but, dude, she wouldn't answer the door. I tried to get in but one of those fucking blood suckers opened the door and told me I had the wrong place."

"Why the fuck did she have to go with them? A bondsman? You fucking got arrested! I fucking warned you. I..." Abruptly the phone was jerked from my hand. Truly the man had to have balls of steel to antagonize a werewolf. A pissed off, ready to explode werewolf. The culprit, however, was a stocky middle aged man. He stood over me, holding my phone and glaring.

"Sir, if you cannot calm down, I will have to escort you to the back of the plane. If you insist on this type of behavior I will be forced to medicate you and the plane will make an emergency stop where you will then be transported to the nearest holding facility." Fucking US Marshals. Of all the random flights to place one it had to be mine. Fate, undoubtedly, bought the ticket for him. Taking a few deep breaths, I struggled with the urge to simply phase and watch everyone drop dead from a supernatural encounter six miles above ground.

"I'm sorry, Marshal. A family emergency has occurred. I forgot where I was." I tried to smile through the anxiety. I wondered if this was what people felt like after leaving the dentist with a mouth full of Novocain. I held out my hand for the phone, waiting to finish my conversation with my pack mate who would become a ghost in less than three hours. The marshal turned off the phone before pocketing it.

"You can't help a family member from here, Sir. Once we land, I'll give you the phone back." Was he nuts? There was a phone right in front of me, built into the seat. It wasn't like I couldn't continue this conversation. Once the imbecile sat back down, I would be calling Quil back. Fate whispered into his ear before he continued his debilitating conversation.

"The attendants will be turning off the seat phones. I suggest you use the time to calm down and think of a more sensible approach to your problems." He left and took a seat three rows behind me and across the way. Fate sat next to him, eating peanuts and pointing.

Landing was a bitch. The plane did twenty minutes of rotations waiting for clearance to land. I thought I was going to tap my foot through the floorboard, waiting to get out of here and in the privacy of my car where Quil could explain further about his downfall with my imprint. He had said she left with the blood suckers willing. Somehow they had both ended up in jail? I couldn't figure it out. Anything Quil did could cause police intervention, but Bella? The only thing I could come up with was Quil had pushed her too far and she had snapped. Maybe she had thrust him over the apartment balcony? Had there been any place large enough, I would have phased hopefully catching one of the others wolves to inquire and take care of Quil's prodigal failure.

By the time the Marshal deemed it safe for me to have my phone back, another hour had passed by. My speedy departure probably didn't help the government officer's decision to just let me leave. I was thankful I only had carry-on luggage. Even if I had checked a bag, I would have left it. Nearly running through the airport to the parking garage, I almost jumped over people and their crap as it stood as a barrier between me and the privacy I needed to yell at Quil. What kind of moron travels with a dollhouse? I must have clipped it, rushing past, as a small child began screaming over their toy.

I didn't dwell on it any longer as I burst through the exit and made my way to the car. No sooner had I shut the door when the phone was pressed against my ear, listening to the ringing tone. But it wasn't Quil my fingers had dialed, it was Bella. It went to voice mail again and still having no idea what happened I left her a message.

"Bella, honey, where are you? I got your message a little while ago. I'm back home in Seattle. Please call me, I'm worried." Disconnecting the phone, I let it drop. Very shortly, I would be seeing Quil and get all of the answers I needed. First though, I had to see Bella. Quil was limited in his actions, but as Alpha I could do as I saw fit. It wasn't long before I parked in front of her building, barely remembering to take my keys as I exited the car. Sprinting up the stairwell, I was accosted by the putrid scent of immortal death. The closer I got to Bella's apartment the more cloying it became. The beating of my heart, coming nowhere close to the speed I used as I high tailed up the stairs.

Standing in front of her door, I could hear her own heart, its pattern so familiar to my own. It was after eight in the evening, as I rapped on the door quickly in succession waiting for a monster to attempt to deny me entrance. I was getting ready to knock again when the door flew open. Her features were faultless and graceful and if it wasn't for the grimy monster she was cuddling, it would have been perfect.

"Jacob!" She cried out. Her first reaction was happiness but then it slipped into a brutal hesitancy.

"Bella, are you okay? I tried calling but you didn't pick up." She didn't answer immediately; instead she took a small step around me to peer into the hallway. Whatever she was looking for wasn't nearby as she stepped back in and motioned for me to follow. Closing the door, I watched as she padded down the hallway back into the living room. Slowly, I followed behind, watching as she climbed back onto the couch and curling into a ball. She was dressed in sweats and had a blanket next to her. Little Orphan Evil huffed a few times before leaving. Not sure what to do with myself, I just kind of stood there with my hands in my pockets. I could strongly smell eternal death, but it wasn't harsh enough for one to be here in the apartment still.

"Bella, what happened?" I was trying to remain calm. She had at least let me in, but I had no doubt Fate was getting ready to hand over some throwing knives.

"Have you talked to Quil?" She asked, appearing awfully calm about whatever took place last night.

"No, I haven't even gone back to my place yet. Did he do something?" Don't think it! Don't think it! I knew he had, bracing for Bella's conformation.

"I don't know. He was saying some crazy stuff, first at the restaurant and then later at the..."

"What happened?" I repeated, wondering if I should be asking for a recounting of horror she couldn't even speak of it. Ignoring me completely, she brought up another loathsome topic.

"Did you know my brother's a lawyer? I was kind of surprised they were in the area. The only reason I called him was to see if he had any contacts here he could get in touch with for me. I guess in the end it all worked out." Her words fell like a death sentence on me, as I waited for her to tell me to leave.

"Jacob, I'm really sorry. I just don't think I can be around Quil. Please don't be mad at me." Holding out her arms for a hug, I rushed forward as she clung to me. Up until this point she had sounded so robotic. Her need for physical comfort was the very least I could give her, and not nearly enough of what I wanted to. Almost collapsing, I struggled not to cry in relief that she still wanted me.

"Honey, I'm not mad. But I need to know what happened." Sitting down next to her, I pulled her into my lap where she folded up. Her voice became hoarse as she told me what she was capable of.

"Jacob. It was really embarrassing. Please, I just want to forget about it. Can you just, I don't know, can you talk to him about last night? I'm not angry, but I just don't want to think about it anymore."

"Whatever you want. Whatever makes you happy." Holding her tightly, I reassessed my plans. This is what she coveted and my own conclusions could wait. Fate left with the answers, burying them for a scavenger hunt yet to come.

Somehow we both fell asleep on the couch. My eyes peeled open as I listened to Bella's alarm clock ringing in the distance. It was early, maybe only an hour after dawn. I found myself sprawled out on her couch, with a sleeping Bella stretched out on top of me, her breaths a lullaby. The alarm shut off abruptly. Actually, it sounded like the demon had pushed it to its death off the nightstand. I could hear him dancing in glory, over his kill. Not wanting to wake her, but knowing she probably had to work, I ran my fingers over her temple a couple of times before speaking.

"Bella? What time do you have to be at work?" Sleepily she turned her head in the other direction on my chest before responding.

"I don't work today, it's my short week." Well, I think she said week at the end. Clearly she had said she didn't work but the rest was kind of jumbled as she fell back asleep. As long as she didn't need to go to work, it didn't matter. Closing my eyes, I let myself fall back into slumber. At no point did it occur to me that alarm clocks weren't always set just for work. Fate just hummed.