Chapter 25

(Don't own anything but Marcy, Jean and Seth) Read and Review please thank you!

Alcide sits and watches her sleep for a moment. He's exhausted after a long night. It didn't help matters that Cooter had the fucking balls to decide and stand against him as Alpha needless to say Cooter lost. But Alcide was sore from the fight and still rather upset about the fight he and Bella had. He didn't dare wake her he didn't want her to see him like this he knew she'd freak. He rubs his face and quietly bends down and takes off his boots. Alcide takes the box out from his jacket shaking his head. "What do I do with this now?" He opens the box and runs his finger along the diamond he shakes his head and closes it then stuffs it back in his jacket.

He'd felt as if he had a bullet shot through his heart but it was better he knew now than making a bigger fool of himself later. Alcide jumped in the shower washing away the long night. He dreaded to know he was also going to have to deal with another pack eventually that was getting out of hand. They weren't from Shreveport but he knew he'd needed to take things in his own hands now. The alpha of this pack was getting out of hand and they were all on V. As alpha it was also his duty to make sure other alpha's stood in line and well this could go visa versa as well, which sucked because that meant if things didn't go down well he would have to fight them and take over their pack as well. If he won that was if not he could lose his pack and authority in the process. Alcide never cared for this pack for as long as he could remember. The last time he was around them was when the current alpha first became leader. He was sickened when they'd thrown a young virgin girl into the middle as the prize for whoever won. The winner took her and raped her forcing her as their mate in front of everyone. All the other wolves got roweled up watching. Though he liked what he saw at first once he saw what they were about to do to her he felt nauseas. But still he pretended for his own sake to be into it because he knew if he hadn't as young as he was he could have been seriously fucked or even killed that night. This was back in Marcus was pack master.

There were things that he never wanted Bella to see and hoped she'd never would. Things that he was rather ashamed of as well, not that Alcide ever forced himself on anyone. But there was a time when he first discovered who he was that he wasn't exactly all that great of a guy. He went through a phase where he slept around a lot and he'd started out rather young. The first few times he phased into his werewolf state he felt as though he couldn't control himself. He was ashamed of some of the things that did arouse him and it wasn't just that now either but Alcide had killed people. That was part of the wolf entity as well. It was never through innocent circumstances, but he killed in order to protect himself or others he loved or merely because in a pack it's what you had to do in order to survive. The strongest win no other way around it. But it also depended on the pack master themselves and what they felt was a worthy punishment. Such as Cooter tonight he had to kill him. He didn't want to but he'd already proved to be a liability especially towards Bella but tonight he went to let Cooter go and Cooter attacked one of the females in his pack.

Wolf or not Alcide wasn't one to stand for women being harmed. The only time he'd let that rule out the door was when it came to Debbie Pelt. But now her blood lies amongst his hands as well. No matter how much he scrubbed or turned on the hot water he couldn't wash away everything he'd done. Alcide thinks on this and puts his hands against the shower wall as the scolding water hits. But if there was one redeemable quality in him just one it was that girl laying in his bed and he knew it. She made Alcide a better man and wolf. She made Alcide feel as though he didn't want to go back to that old way of life. That was why he'd left the pack to begin with. The old him instead of coming home after a pack meeting would have gone to the pub and picked up a girl had himself a good fuck and moved on. There was a certain pride now that rest within him. That was no longer in his system ever since he first met and imprinted on Bella that died. He knew he still screwed up from time to time but he'd a new respect for life, love and women. Bella brought that out in him he knew that she'd truly saved his soul from becoming something much worse. It was because of her he decided to become pack master because of her he wanted to prove he could be so much more and do more with his life. He wanted to make Bella proud and for once he wanted to feel pleased with himself. But tonight even though he knew he did what he had to do. Tonight had hit him hard he'd fought with Bella then took a man's life. He closes his eyes and feels a set of hands wrap around his chest.

He turns without words. Bella goes to say something but he puts his finger to her lips, he then replaces it with his mouth. He pins her against the shower wall and lifts up one of her legs placing himself inside her. He leans against the wall with one hand thrusting upon her and caresses her cheek with the other continuing to kiss her sweet lips. All that mattered right now was he wanted to be close to her, he wanted to feel her and her touch.

"Bella baby you got to get to school and you wanted me to remind you about picture day."

She moans into Alcide's pillow.

"Come on now we kind of slept in running a tad late today."

He looks upon her bare butt and runs his hand along it.

"Hmmm." He makes himself stop.

"Come on baby." He rises and starts to throw on some clothes.

Bella rises and stretches out her arms but then lays back down. Alcide laughs.

"Come on now don't make me get the hose."

She grumbles and makes her way to the bathroom.

He knew she must have stayed up practically all night waiting for him and then they had their little rendezvous in the shower. He sighed feeling guilty on this.

The ride to school they're quiet, both their eyes sunken in from exhaustion and both on pins and needles about what to say to each other. Alcide decides to break the silence. He clears his throat.

"So how'd your night with the girls go?"

"It was a lot of fun actually." She says whilst fidgeting with the zipper on her outfit.

"That's good I'm glad you had a good time."

"How'd the pack meeting go?"

He swallows and forces it all back.

"It went as expected…" He decides to leave it at that.

"Expected huh?"

"Yep."

He parks in front of the school. Neither says anything for a moment and she sighs grabbing the door handle.

"Hey…"

She turns.

"I love you. You know that right?"

Her bottom lip quivers and she nods.

"Ah, Bella baby…" He shakes his head and pulls her in close.

He sighs and wraps his arms around her as she cries into his chest. He flips off a couple of nosy students and continues to hold her.

"Don't you even worry on this anymore ok. Everything's fine between us."

"Are you sure?" She murmurs between gasping tears.

"Darlin' it take an act of God to drag me away from you and even then it's going to be hell of a battle."

She wraps her arms around his neck. Once she lets go he leans over and pops open the glove compartment grabbing her a tissue. She takes it and cleans her face.

"You look beautiful always do." He says as she leans over to check herself in the rearview mirror.

She pecks him on the cheek and exits the truck. Alcide sighs as he watches her walk into the building. He didn't want to leave he wanted to go into that building yank her back to him and take her home.

"Damn it." He mutters and pulls out and heads on to work.

He felt the massive amounts of adoration coming off Bella. He knew without a shadow of a doubt how she felt for him. Alcide felt damn near every sense that coursed through her when it came to him. But the one thing he didn't understand was why she felt the way she did about being his wife. That alone damn near killed him. But he would do anything for Bella if that means she never wants to get married then so be it. He'd never turn his back on her. Though he couldn't lie even to himself it would break his heart he wanted Bella to be a part of him in every way and that meant one day taking his name.

"Ugh…" Bella had a massive migraine as she stood in line for pictures at school.

"You ok hun?" Janice said slipping out of her shoe and trying to place it back on as she leaned onto Bella's shoulder.

"Yeah just tired."

"Well you look pretty."

"Thanks? I guess…"

Janice laughs.

"You really are out of it aren't you? I take it bubba was out pretty late?"

Bella nods.

"Yeah I figured dad didn't get back till nearly sun up."

They call Bella next. She sits down and the woman says…

"Say cheese…"

Bella narrows her eyes and jumps out of her chair and throws it at the photographer.

"What the hell Bella?" Marcy yells and helps the photographer up.

Bella's jaw drops and she looks confused. She immediately looks to Janice.

"Come with me Ms. Swan." The principal and another teacher grab Bella and lead her into the office where they call Alcide.

Bella see's Alcide come in as she sits in the office waiting chair.

"Now this is something I never dreamed of." He smirks shaking his head but it fades as he sees her face.

"Are you ok?"

She shakes her head and he sees her shaking all over.

The principal has Alcide sit down next to Bella.

"You're the legal guardian?" The woman questions looking to Alcide disapprovingly.

"Yes I am."

That felt weird to Bella. But she knew it was best to keep her mouth shut and let him deal with this.

"What sort of relationship is this?"

"I really don't believe that is any of your business. I'm simply here for Bella and to deal with the situation on hand. I would appreciate if we got to that."

Alcide sighs as he see's Detective Bellefleur walk in.

"You've got to be kidding."

Bella swallows and Alcide hears her heart racing ninety to nothing.

"Is this really necessary?" Alcide says trying to keep his cool.

"The photographer is pressing charges."

"What photographer and what is this about?"

"It seems Bella threw a chair at her during a photo shoot."

Alcide looks to Bella wide eyed.

"You did what?"

Bella shakes her head.

"It was her Alcide."

"Her who Bella baby?"

Andy clears his throat Alcide's knuckles pop.

"What the hell kind of guardian calls the one they are caring for baby and in that context?"

"Do you mind?" Alcide half growls.

"Sir with all due respect I am of legal age!" Bella says.

"Legal age or not this is a very odd relationship. Are you two blood related?"

"Oh my God you're kidding right?" Bella snaps.

"Easy now…" Alcide reminds even though he'd like to rip into him himself.

"This doesn't even sound like Bella. I assure you there must have been something else to this. Pressing charges seems a bit much don't you think?"

They drag something into office with a small TV and video tape player. A janitor hands Andy the tape and they place it in.

"You'll see now Alcide she was there."

"Who baby?"

"You should refrain from that kind of talk in here sir." Andy says and runs his fingers along his beltline and presses play.

Alcide wanted to go wolf and scare the piss out of Andy he figured it wasn't that hard to do.

The video plays and sure enough Alcide see's Bella jump out of her chair and aim directly at the photographer knocking the camera, umbrellas and the photographer down.

"Bella!"

"But she was there! I promise I saw her, she!"

"She who?!"

"Victoria! She looked right at me and smiled and said say cheese!"

"The one you told me about from Forks?"

She nods.

"Thought you said she was a red head? That' girl…"
"It's not her in the video but I swear Alcide she was there! I know she was!"

"GET YOUR GOD DAMN HANDS OFF HER!"

"Watch how you talk to me boy or I'll arrest you as well."
Bella's eyes widen. Alcide quickly leans into her.

"At all cost stay calm and do not expose yourself."

He watches angrily as they cuff Bella and drag her away.

"This was uncalled for." He says to the principal.

"She assaulted someone and on school grounds. This is out of my hands now."

"Bella Swan is a good student she doesn't deserve this!"

The principal waves her hand back to the evidence. Alcide shakes his head and storms out of the building and phones Charlie.

"She did what?"

"It wasn't her fault Charlie we both know that. She thought she saw someone. Someone that would be a threat to her life, someone that her idiot ex forgot to take care of and apparently she's followed Bella here."

"What kind of someone?"

"Vampire."

"God damn…" Charlie says.

"Let me call the sheriff's office and see what I can do to drop these stupid charges and get Bella back home."
"Thanks you sir."

"Call me Charlie son. And Alcide…"

"Yes?"

"If there is someone after her don't let them limp away." He hints.

"Don't plan to."

"Get your hands off me!" Bella snaps yanking out of Andy's grip as he leads her back out to Alcide.

"Daddy got you out princess."

"You will not talk to her that way." Alcide warns.

Andy rolls his eyes.

"Get her home before she causes more trouble."

"YOU!" Alcide quickly covers Bella's mouth and drags her out of the sheriff's office.

He places her in the truck and they head home.

Alcide walks her inside the house. She sits on the couch shaking her head.

"This is one of the vampires that doesn't have to be invited inside am I correct?"

She nods.

"Of course…"

"She was there…" Bella says and sighs.

"I know baby I believe you."

"Do you?"

"Yes I'd never doubt your word."

"I was afraid the car wreck would have been mentioned."

"To be honest so was I." Alcide sits beside her and pulls her close.

"Don't worry about any of this ok. Your dad and I are handling it."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be anyone would have reacted in that situation."

"God my friends are going to think I'm insane."

"But you are." He says and kisses her forehead.

She half laughs.

"Ugh…"

"I won't let this Victoria hurt you ok."

He pulls her into his chest and before long she's out cold. Alcide was just thankful she didn't use her powers and expose herself then they'd really be up shit creek. He dials work letting them know he's not coming back in. Not that it mattered since he ran the place but he respected his employees enough to check in and let them know. All his scenes were lit ablaze as he held her he wasn't letting anything get through that door. This also made him decide to nix talking about last night. She didn't need any added stress and to be honest he didn't want any either. He decided that was a conversation for another day right now he needed to focus on protecting her and that's what mattered most at the moment.

Graduation Day:

It'd been three days since she thought she'd saw Victoria. She was truly beginning to wonder if she was honestly losing her mind and seeing things. Wouldn't Victoria be ready to bust down the door to get to her? Bella wanted her to get it over with she knew that her and Alcide together could take her out. What she feared though is if either of them was caught alone but then she didn't doubt Alcide could rip the bitch into a million shreds. However the mere idea of him being in danger made her ill.

Her friends were respectful enough not to mention what took place which helped. She didn't want to talk about it. She'd heard a few students snickering here and there and gossiping but she didn't care really she knew she was about to be out of school and some of these people she'd never see again anyhow. There's a knock on the door as Bella gets ready.
"I'll got it babe."

Bella turns with a smile as Charlie walks in.

"Hey kiddo!"

"Dad!" She makes her way to him.

"You look nice Bells."

"Thanks dad."

"Well why don't we all grab a bite to eat before we head that way?"

"Sounds good to me." Alcide says and helps Bella gather her things.

"So for the first time ever in history Bella got sent to the principal's office?" Charlie says and Bella's jaw drops.

"Dad could we not talk about that here."

"Sorry hun it's been killing me I bet Alcide damn near fainted."

Alcide laughs.

"Not far from the truth."

"Relax Bella I had to give you a little of a hard time. So did ya'll find the source yet?"

Charlie sighs as they both shake their heads.

"I'm keeping an eye out as well."

"Don't dad! She's like well she's Victoria!"

"You think I'd honestly stand there like some feeble old man if I knew someone was after you and had the chance to take them out?"

Alcide liked this side of Charlie. He could see that Charlie didn't play around when it came to Bella's safety. But he did agree with Bella the last thing Charlie should be doing is facing vampires.

"I don't want to talk about this." Bella says.

Charlie nods.

"Very well what would you like to talk about?"

"Dating anyone yet dad?"

Charlie chokes on his beer.
Bella laughs.

"Ha. Ha you're funny kiddo."

She shrugs and leans back in her seat. Arlene comes back to the table.

"So are you dating anyone?"

Bella stifles a giggle under her hand.

Charlie clears his throat and turns to the red haired waitress. Alcide is dying on the inside but is doing his best to keep it in.

"Um…"
"Well are you or are you not?"

Bella couldn't believe she was witnessing Charlie getting hit on and by Arlene of all people.

"Not at the moment no…"
She smiles and smacks her gum then tosses a folded receipt Charlie's way. Charlie's face is priceless as he quickly stuffs it in his shirt pocket.

"Better make sure you leave her a big tip dad." Bella teases as Arlene walks away.

"On first date?"

Bella's jaw drops and Alcide loses it.

"DAD!"

"What?!"

"Good luck kiddo." Charlie says as she sits with her class.

Alcide pecks her on the cheek and winks.

"See you in a bit."

"Can you believe we're finally getting the hell out of here." Janice squeals.

"And I totally owe this all to you."

"Janice you did this on your own."

"Bella if you hadn't come into my brother's life I'd have never stepped into these doors again. You helped me with my homework and got me through I'm actually graduating because of you."

Bella blushes as Janice squeezes her shoulders.

"Ugh I'm going to miss you both so much."

"I wish Jessica could have graduated with us."

"I know Bella I wish she could have too." Janice says.

"What are you bitches whining about now?"

They all turn and see Jessica. Bella instantly hugs her, then Janice and Marcy.

"Papa Bill found a way to make it happen so I'm here and seeing as how graduation takes place at night I'm good."

"That's wonderful Jessica."

"Please tell me we can all hang out tonight."

"My dad's down Jessica and Alcide and I have to leave early to visit my mother in the morning."

"RATS!"

Bella laughs at this.

"Rain check for me."

"I'm not doing anything." Marcy says.

"I got plans with Jason but he could come with… maybe? Nothing they can do much now since it's the end of the year."

"True that." Jessica says.

"Won't be as fun without you though? We need your Bill impersonations." Jessica teases and Bella blushes at the memory.

"You should have seen Sookie's face when I told her she was absolutely dying. And she misses you girl you really should go visit her she's been worried."

"I know I need to. Life's just been a bit crazy as of late."

"Well here we go." Marcy says as they call out the first name.

The girls line up. Each eventually gets called up to get their diplomas. Bella blushes ear to ear as Alcide and Charlie start whistling when she makes her way up. She practically trips herself to get off stage. She shakes her head at them as she makes her way back down. Alcide laughs and shrugs.

Once graduation ends Charlie comes up to her and gives her a hug and hands her a present.

"Dad…"

He rolls his eyes.

"I've every right to get you a gift at graduation and I hate to but I got to go. I've got a case I'm having to deal with still back home and have to catch a flight but I didn't want to miss this."

"You really have to go now?"

"Yes kiddo and I'm proud of you Bells I hope you know that."

Bella smiles with a knot in her throat.

"Thanks dad."

"I'll see you later."

"See you later son." He shakes Alcide's hand.

"Later Charlie."

"Love you Bells." Charlie calls out as he walks away.

"Love you too dad."

She then looks to Alcide as if amazed by something.

"What?" Alcide shrugs.

"He let you call him Charlie?"

Alcide nods.

"Wow…" Bella smiles on this and takes Alcide's hand.

"Hey baby if you want a night with your friends I understand. You won't hurt my feelings this is your night after all."

Bella looked to Alcide then to her friends. She starts dragging him that way.

"Janice is Jason still hanging out with you all tonight?"

"As far as I know yeah we're all going out."

"So could Alcide and I join?"

Alcide stood back a little and Janice laughed.

"Hanging out with my brother! HELL NO!" She teases.

"Watch it sis."

"Nah, it'd be cool we should call Sookie and Bill as well." Marcy says.

"Ugh you really want to torment me don't you?" Jessica says.

They all laugh.

"Ok maybe that one's not such a good idea but yes we should all hang out."

Alcide pulls Bella to the side.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Of course Alcide don't be silly. This way I get to spend graduation night with all my favorite people."

"Am I a fav?" He teases.

"Sometimes…" She shrugs.

"Jesus Bella you're shaking like a leaf."

He takes his jacket off and places it on her.

"Thanks." She smiles leaning into him as they all head to the parking lot.

She places her hands in the pockets to warm them but feels something odd. Bella pulls out the object and looks to Alcide.

His eyes go wide and he shakes his head as he looks to the box.

"Ah, fuck…"