Bella POV

At full height, Sam, Roux and Jake cut impressive figures. They used this to their full advantage. They wanted the truth and they wouldn't leave until they got it. However, I wasn't intimidated.

"Sit down." They refused. "If that's how you're going to be then do you mind if I have my breakfast before you ruin my appetite?"

At the mention of food, they relaxed slightly and sat down, accepting the food I had prepared.

I drew it out for as long as she could, but one look at Roux proved that they weren't falling for my act.

I looked them clear in the eye. "Just say it."

Raoul was the first to break. "Why the hell did you bring him back?"

Then Jake, "After all he's done to you? How could you Bells?"

And finally, Sam. "You're going to tell us exactly what happened."

I banged my fist on the table. "Ok, first off, I did not bring him back. I returned separately. Second, I couldn't let him die like that. Yes, he didn't want me but that doesn't mean he should kill himself. Thirdly, I don't have to tell you anything. It's none of your business."

Sam grunted. "Actually it is. Particularly when there's someone who doesn't want to be saved and goes off on a suicide mission."

"I wasn't. I knew nothing would happen to me. I'm here now aren't I."

This caused another cry of outrage.

"What do you mean nothing happened? Bella, they're Vampires."

"Yes, I'm full aware of that. If you're going to shout at me you can get the hell out. I've said all I'm going to say and I don't want to talk about this anymore."

Eyes blazing, I stared them down. Jake was the first to fall, then Roux and Sam. He sighed.

"Well, whats is done and wecan't change things. The Cullens will want to meet to discuss the treaty."

"Is there a way to include this house in the treaty. I know I saved Edward but I honestly want nothing to do with him. Or his family."

Roux suggested. "I can patrol this area. I'm not as yet known to these vamps so I prose no threat."

The word, "yet" remained unsaid.

Sam nodded. "We'll make sure the Cullens know they aren't welcome." He turned to me. "Do you want to come back with us? Emily misses you."

I spent the rest of the day with Emily and the Pack. I loved how welcomed I was there. Despite my choosing to save Edward, I was considered part of this dysfunctional family.

Sam POV

The Cullens were already at the border when we arrived. I was in my normal form with Jake and Raoul, the others, baring Seth and Leah, our newest editions who were back at Emily's, were in wolf form. The leech Doctor greeted us.

"Alpha Uley, we wanted to let you know of our return and to ensure that the treaty is still intact."

"There have been some changes since your sudden exit in September. Bella Swan wants you to know that your presence will no longer be welcome by her. However, since she lives in Forks, we have come up with alternative methods of protection. If you cannot accept this then you are free to leave."

The bronze-haired boy joined the debate. "I don't believe that. Bella loves us. We're her family!"

"Some family! The way you left her I'm surprised that you dare to come back here. You know, I'd like nothing more to rip you apart..."

"Jake." I warned.

He breathed out. "But that would hurt Bella. So count yourself lucky and stick to your treaty lines."

A sense of calm struck us. Was it their doing? I would have to ask Bella later.

The pixie one piped up. "You mentioned alternative protection..."

"I think that's all."

The bronze-haired one fought against the hold the pixie had on him. "No, I won't believe that Bella said that. Not unless I hear it from Bella's own lips."

"Then you will be waiting a long time. She doesn't want to see you. Any of you. We're finished here."

"Yes. Thank-you." The Doctor bowed out gracefully, ever the gentleman. The pixie dragged Edward away.

I would never be able to understand what Bella had ever seen in him.

We returned to find Leah and Seth sprawled on the floor in front of the TV. Emily and Bella had crashed on the sofa. Raoul and I went to collect our respective girls.

"You take care. I'll wager the Cullens won't accept your presence too easily."

He smirked. "No fear Sam. I can take them all without breaking a sweat."

Raoul POV

We returned to find Charlie asleep on the sofa. I nudged him lightly and he followed us up the stairs, calling out a

"Night."

I placed Bella on her bed, removed her shoes, jeans and jacket. She did not stir. I settled myself on the floor by her bed, not wanting to leave her. Despite their fine words, these Vamps weren't to be trusted and I would not risk Bella's life.

I still loved her. Not in the same way I used to. She would always be my first love and a part of me longed for us to be what we were. I was content to have her in my life again. She had been right when she said that we could never go back. So I had resigned myself to being her friend.

The best friend.

I would be there for her if ever some guy broke her heart. I'd be there to break his jaw.

I must have dozed off at some point. It was pitch black out, but something was off. I sniffed the air. It reeked of bleech and liquorice.

One of them was here.

I met the eyes of the man who had briefly held my Bella's heart in the palm of his hand, only to throw it out like trash. He was good looking in some fancy, old fashioned way. A real gentlemen, who had a habit for sneaking into girl's bedrooms. Huh!

"Who the hell are you?"

"I'm a friend of Bella's. You were warned to stay away from were also told that Bella doesn't want to see you anymore."

He snarled, baring his teeth. "Bella is mine. None shall keep her from me."

Just then we heard a sound coming from Bella's corner. We both stiffened as Bella turned in her sleep and her hand dropped out of the bed. They watched as the hand moved only to land on Raoul's hand. She settled back to sleep.

I glared at him. "Bella is her own person. Now get out of here."

Edward huffed, pinched his nose and left with a dramatic turn of his head. His scowl did not bother me. I could tear him to pieces in the blink of an eye and I would enjoy it. I ensured the window was locked before returning to his position on the floor, Bella's hand in mine.

Things returned to a semblance of normality for Bella. She returned to work, met with the Pack and hung out in La Push. The Cullens proved relentless in their pursuit of Bella and one afternoon after a trying interlude where she reached breaking point, she chose to return home.

She reached to door and was instantly met with a sickly sweet smell. She tried to exit the house but strong arms grabbed her. They leant in close to her and whispered, softly.

"Someone wants a word with you!"