Destiny

I wish to ask your forgiveness in posting this chapter. I am still waiting for my beta to send me a beta'ed chapter. As soon as she does, I will replace this with the beta version. My beta has been very busy and unable to work on my chapters, but I just couldn't make my devoted readers wait any longer on the next chapter…once again please forgive the mistakes on this chapter…thanks everyone…big hugs

Chapter 13

Changing Hands

The next morning, I slowly opened my eyes to the bright sunny morning, blazing through the window. I took in a deep breath as the memory of last night seeped into my mind. I jerked my head up to find Paul still asleep, as we were still lying on the sofa. I maneuvered my way up until my head laid next to Paul's on the arm of the sofa and looked at his face in awe.

Paul must have felt me move because he tightened his hold on me, but still didn't wake up. It was true what Sam said about the bruises being gone. Only a slight discoloration in the corners of his eyes still remained, but other than that he looked fine.

I wasn't sure how he was going to feel once he woke up with the severe beating he took the night before.

I lie there watching Paul sleep, as his warm breath caressed my face. He looked so comfortable lying there. I couldn't help thinking how lucky I was to have this beautiful creature love me the way he did. I knew he could be harsh at times and the way he let Charlie get away with what he had said about him was unbelievable, the hurtful things he said about him, it made me cringe even remembering the things he had said. If it had been anyone other than my father I knew for a fact he would have torn them apart, but he didn't, he let Charlie disgrace him in front of everyone, and I knew it was only because of me.

I also knew that Jake had changed. But I never would have believed he would have been so underhanded as to order Paul to stay down, so he could hurt him. My God! What the hell is wrong with him? I truly think he has lost his mind. That isn't the Jake knew from before. Yes, I knew he was hurting because I didn't choose him, but god… to be so ruthless. Jake seriously needed some kind of help. It probably wouldn't hurt for Leah to join him as well. She was a bad as Jake all the hurtful things they would do to people, it was almost as if they were possessed or something. I just don't understand it.

I looked into Paul's eyes as he opened them and stared at me, a small smile curved on his lips.

"You watching me sleep Miss Swan?" he whispered.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, ignoring his question, more worried about his health, than his cheeky come on towards me.

"Stop worrying babe, I'm fine. I've been worse," he told me pulling me tighter against him. "Don't I look better?" he asked wiggling his eye brows with a chuckle.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you're feeling all that great either," I told him.

"I'm fine baby truthfully," he said pulling me in for a morning kiss that would curl your toes.

"Paul… did Jake really make you just lay there and take a beating?" I asked still worried. He sighed rolling over on his back, taking one of his arms draping it over his eyes.

"Bella… it's over just let it lie. He can't hurt us anymore, so can't we just forget it and get on with our lives?" he asked, I stayed quiet just staring at him. After a few seconds he moved his arm looking over at me. He must have seen the sadness in my eyes, because he turn to me again wrapped his arms around me and pulled me back to him.

"Yes, he did, but not before I got a few swings in myself, he'll be sporting a few bruises himself," he told me reaching in for another kiss.

I moaned as his tongue slipped into my mouth, as he made the kiss more passionate. "I love you baby," he said against my lips.

"I love you too," I told him, as he kissed me once again, this time he moaned in pleasure.

"Make love to me Paul," I begged, I felt his lips smile against mine.

"With pleasure babe," he said, as he pulled me under him holding himself up while resting on his forearms. He slid his hand down and slipped them beneath my sweats that I had changed into last night before anyone had got here. Palming my mound as I moaned in delight, he slowly slipped one of his fingers into my wet hot fold as he maneuvered his finger in and out of me.

"You're so wet baby, is that all for me?" he whispered as he slipped another one of his digits into me.

"Paul…please?" I moaned as I arched my back in the filling of ecstasy he had brought me too in a short period of time. He rocked back on his heels as he started to pull off my sweats when a knock came at the door.

"Fuck! This better be important," he yelled as he climbed off of me. I sat up and chuckled at how annoyed he was.

"It's probably Sam, he said he would come by this morning to let us know what happened at the meeting, so behave," I told him, as I fixed myself and got up making my way into the kitchen to make us some coffee while Paul got the door.

After making the coffee I went back into the living room to see what Sam had to say. As I walked in I froze finding that it wasn't Sam at all, but Charlie, he seen me come into the living area, rising to his feet at the same time. I looked into his eyes seeing the worry that he held there and even though he was my father, I still felt like kicking his sorry ass out of the house. I turned from him to look at Paul to see what his reaction was, before I made my way over to sit down next to him. Paul wrapped his arm around me pulling me close. Charlie sat down and rubbed his face with his hands before he began.

I knew he got raked over the coals last night after I left by Sue and I was sure Billy gave him what for as well, for he was doing that as I left. I couldn't believe he would show up this morning after the rutcuss he had caused last night.

"Bells," he said, as I looked at him giving him a disgusting look. "Bella, please hear me out. I know I don't deserve it, but please let me have my say, if you don't want me here after that I'll understand," he pleaded.

"Go ahead Charlie," I told him, using his given name instead of using a parental courtesy. He cringed, with me use of his given name. Paul took my hand in his as Charlie began.

"What I did last night wasn't called for. I am totally ashamed of myself. What I did was no more than starting a riot, which I would have arrested anyone else for doing the same thing. If I had a problem with you being with Paul, I should have taken you to the side and explained why I didn't approve of the relationship, but I was so happy to see you, so glad you had finally come home, that I lost all train of thought. I thought you would come live with me like you did before you left, that we would be a family again. It would be even better since I'm with Sue now. You have a brother and sister," he said proudly.

"I didn't stop to think that you had other plans, which I should have. I'm so sorry for how I handled things last night Bells, please forgive me, I don't know if I could stand it if you don't forgive me," he said. I looked up at him still a little mad, sighing. I saw a single tear streak down his cheek as he wiped it away in a hurry, and I knew he was trying to hide it from me.

"Dad, you said awful things to me last night, on top of that, you humiliated Paul. I am not a child any longer dad. I deserve to be treated like the woman I am, and if you would have stopped for just one minute you would have also found out that Paul imprinted on me, which automatically gave him reason to stop his womanizing. Don't you think I already knew what he was like before? I mean, come on dad. I practically lived down here before I left for school. I may not have met Paul during that time, but I knew exactly what he was like from Jake and the guys. Speaking of Jake," I began before he cut me off.

"I know, I know… I was wrong about that as well. It's totally up to you who you chose to be with, but Bells you got to understand. In here," he said pointing to his head. "I know your of age and able to take care of yourself, but in here," he said pointing to his heart. "I see my ten year old little girl, who I want to protect and care for. I jump without looking when it comes to you Bells. Although I am finally figuring out that I have to stop and look before, I leap. I'm sorry baby girl. I promise I will do my very best to look before I leap," he said, giving me a sad pouting look.

I sighed, looking over at Paul, who reached over and kissed me on the forehead.

"Bella…he your father, you've got to forgive him," he whispered in my ear. Before I could say anything, Charlie spoke again.
"Paul, I owe you an apology as well, we both know the life you led before you started this relationship with my baby girl. I do know how imprinting works. I also know that you would die before you would let anything happen to her. I know you'll love her the way she deserves. Even though I did it in a terrible way, in my defense, I really thought you were just using her for your own pleasure. I realize now that I was wrong. I also ask you for forgiveness, what I said to you in front of all your friends, and the council was wrong. I apologize for being so ruthless, I hope you will forgive me," he said. I raised my eye brows at what he said, looking over to Paul once again. Paul nodded his head.

"It's alright chief Swan, I understand that you didn't know," is all he said, causing me to raise my eye brows even higher at Paul as he forgave my father for what he did to him. Paul looked at me and shrugged his shoulders, as I began to laugh, I couldn't help it, and I fell back against the sofa laughing as hard as I could, tears streaming down my cheek in laughter.

"Bella…what are you laughing at?" Paul asked starting to chuckle himself.

"You…forgave…him…even…before…I…did…" I said trying to spit out the words to answer him, he was laughing now and so was Charlie, the laugh had become contagious as we all laughed with tears streaming down our faces. The only reason I could give for my sudden laughing attack had to be due to, with all Paul and I had been through the last couple of days it was more of a release than it was funny.

When we finally calmed down, I looked over at Charlie.

"Dad of course I forgive you, but the next time something like that happens, I won't be so forgiving," I told him.

"Thank you Bells, Paul," he said as he stood walking over to me giving me a hug. "Oh, and Paul…call me Charlie," dad said, bringing a smile to Paul's face.

"Now…who's hungry?" I asked as they chuckled and we all went into the kitchen so I could fix breakfast for the three of us.
Later after we ate, Charlie left. Paul and I cleaned up the dishes we had just finished when Paul looked over at me giving me that sexy smile I loved so much, he said walking over to me picking me up fling me over his shoulder carrying me upstairs to finish what we had started before Charlie had got here. Later after climbing out of the shower together, the phone rang. Only wearing a towel Paul ran down stairs to answer it. I stood there in my own towel watching him as he talked on the phone, god he was so sexy, I love looking at his body. I thought to myself, as I heard him tell the person we were on our way.

"Who was that?" I asked.

"Sam…he wants us all over at his house, an emergency meeting, imprints as well," he told me.

"Did he say if he was alpha or not?" I asked wanted to know if everything was alright.

"He didn't say babe, but I'm sure he is, he is the one calling the meeting," he said. I nodded, as we went to get ready.

After dressing we headed out. We climbed into Paul's truck, driving to Sam's. On the way Paul reached across the seat and grabbed my hand bringing it up and kissing my knuckles. I smiled at how sweet he had become since we had been together. I had heard stories of how he was. Hell, I even seen how he acted when we first met, was it even possible for one man to change as much as he had? Well, it really didn't matter anymore, he was my ass now and I loved him. Charlie or Jake either one could never come between us. I for one would never allow it, and I was sure Paul felt the same way.

"I'm glad that you forgave you dad babe," he said, while still holding my hand.

"Yeah, me too, but if he ever pulls that again," I said, shaking my head.

"If he ever pulls that again and hurts you the way he did last night… I will rip him apart. I know he's your dad, and that's the only thing that saved his ass last night, I love you babe… I'll even give him my respect, but I won't allow him to do it again," he told me, I smiled understanding what he was saying, bringing my hand up once again kissing my knuckles then sitting my hand wrapped in his on his thigh.

We arrived at Sam and Emily's. Paul ran around the truck and helped me out of the truck. He held his hand out for me to take.

"My lady," he said with a smile.

"Thank you kind sir," I answered back with a giggle taking his hand as he helped me out.

We walked into the house, everyone greeted us happily. I noticed Paul getting closer to me. He wrapped his arm around me pulling me to him in a protective stance.

"What's wrong?" I asked, as I turned to look in the direction that Paul was looking. "Oh," is all I said, in the corner sat Jake, he was glaring at the two of us, as if his eyes were lasers and at any moment we would be nothing but dust. Leah sat between his legs leaning against his chest, giving us the same glare. I patted Paul on the chest, letting him know it would be okay. He sat down on the sofa and pulled me on his lap still holding on to me protectively.

"Hey Bella," came a voice to my side. I looked over to see Embry sitting next to Paul and myself.

"Oh…hi Embry, how have you been doing?" I asked.

"I'm good, I see you and Paul are getting on pretty good," he said.

"Yes, yes we are," I told him as Sam took the floor.

"Okay guys settle down," he began. "I just wanted to let you all know what happened last night at the meeting with the council. You all know what went down last night at the bonfire, so I won't bother you with the details. The council has decided that I will be alpha for the time being, which we all figured anyway. Once Jake gets over whatever the hell is bothering him," he said looking over at Jake then continued, "and proves he is capable of taking on the alpha roll once again then so be it. But for now I'm it.

"You know, I just don't get it," Jake said. Sam sighed turning to look at Jake.

"Jake…" Sam said trying to stop him from starting again.

"No, Sam, really, if Paul hadn't imprinted on Bella, all of this wouldn't have happened. She would have been with me eventually, as Leah, should be with you. This whole imprinting thing is stupid. You and Paul both could have fought it, but you chose to hurt the two people that were innocent in this whole mess." He said, as I heard a deep rumbling coming from Paul's chest. I rubbed his arm and he immediately calmed down leaning down, burying his face in my hair as he tried to ignore Jake's ranting by paying attention to me while Jake continued. "Not only that, but you took my rightful roll as alpha, tell me how all of this is fair? I mean really… can't you see that it's just something our ancestors dreamed up and wrote in a book.

They wanted control over everything, so they wrote it down, so they could decide who we spend our life time with," he said. I know he didn't see it, but I did…and so did Sam. Leah flinched at what Jake was saying. Sam chuckled, before he commented on what Jake was saying.

"All this coming from our future chief, god help us all," Sam said then continued.

"Jake, I'm not going to stand here and debate this with you. You know, as well as I do that our ancestors didn't crawl out of the grave to decide that Bella and Emily belong with Paul and me. This is part of being a wolf. We take what is giving to us.

It's a good thing Jake, whether you want to believe it or not. I don't understand why you can't see that Leah is you imprint, and how you are hurting her by saying these things," Sam said, looking down at Leah, as Jake followed his line of sight, before Sam continued. I could see the worry in Jake's eyes. Leah rolled her eyes hiding her true feelings. Jake just shook his head staying quiet, but I also noticed how he wrapped his arms around her and held her a little closer than before. Was he really that blind? "As far as me taking the alpha roll away from you… Jake, I didn't take it away… you lost it when you decided to be an ass, and misuse your power. It was taken away from you while you were in the woods last night. Yes, the council gave it to me and until you prove yourself worthy again, I will hold that title, until the power is returned to you. Now, if you don't mind I would like to get back to the reason of this meeting," Sam said, turning to continue the meeting as Jake rolled his eyes as Sam began telling us the reason for this meeting.

"Seeing I was beta under Jake, I have to choose another, so I have chose Paul. Paul you are beta until further notice," he said. Paul nodded his head in approval.

"Nooo!" Jake said jumping up and once again knocking Leah to the floor. "Not him… Not Paul, I will not allow him to be beta, anyone but him," Jake yelled. Sam swung around glaring at Jake.

"Sit down!" Sam yelled, in his low alpha voice causing Jake to immediately fall back into his chair. "I will not have you disrupting this meeting again. This is not up for debate, it is my decision and I choose Paul case closed," he yelled, as Jake sat steaming. He looked down to see Leah still on the floor giving him the same stare he was giving us. I had to control myself to not laugh. She was pissed. Jake reached down and pulled her back on his lap holding her close once again kissing her on the neck, telling her he was sorry.

"Alright," Sam said once again sighing. "Embry you and Jared have the night patrol, Quil you Paul will relieve them at dawn, Leah, you and Seth have afternoon patrol and Jake and I will relieve you. Does anyone have anything to add?" he asked as Jake opened his mouth. "Besides Jake," he said glaring at him. Everyone looked at one another then shook their heads.

Everyone was quiet through the meeting seeing that Jake was still on his ranting and raving kick, we let Sam handle him for the most part.

As we were getting ready to leave, Emily called to me before I got into Paul's truck.

"Bella," she called.

"Yeah, Emily," I replied turning to face her. She walked up to me smiling.

"We didn't get much of a chance to talk in there, I hear Charlie came by to talk to you this morning, is everything okay?" she asked hopefully.

"Oh, yeah, he did stop by this morning, he apologized and promised never to act that way again, but were good," I told her.

"Oh good, I knew he would come around, especially with the help of friends and family," she chuckled. I knew she was talking about Billy and Sue. As we were talking Jake and Leah came out of the house wrapped in one another's arms. I shook my head not believing what I was seeing.

"What's wrong Bella?" Emily asked worried.

"Oh, there's nothing wrong really. Are they really that blind? I mean, really… look at the two of them, if they aren't imprinted, I don't know anyone that is. Why can't they see it?" I asked Emily with a chuckle.

"I know… everyone can see it, but them evidently, but they will soon enough, I'm sure of it.

"You know what Emily, if it takes me the rest of my life, I'm going to prove to the two of them that they belong together," I told her.

"God Bella, I hope it doesn't take the rest of your life, but I agree and you know what I'll help you. We will figure something out. We'll prove it to them and then hopefully we can get back to our every day way of life," she said exhaustedly.

Sam walked up and wrapped his arms around Emily smiling.

"Bella, Paul, I just wanted to let you know that I ordered Jake to stay away from the both of you. He or Leah isn't allowed to even talk to you unless you speak to them first, just to give you a heads up," he said.

"Thanks Sam, we both said in unison. Well, I guess we better get home. I've got to feed my hungry wolf," I told them, as they laughed. I heard Jake growling in the back ground, but I chose to ignore him. Paul kissed the side of my head.

"Come on babe, I'm starving," he said as we said our good-byes to Sam and Emily. Paul helped me into his truck and climbed in himself as we made our way home.