Bella's Last Christmas Wish
Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer
A/N
Although we have just seen Bella tell Jacob she is pregnant I thought we needed to see the earlier pack meeting as it sets the tone for the next couple of chapters. Thanks for reading and please review it keeps me working on this story! Enjoy… I hope!
Chapter 25
I stood watching the sun go down behind the mountains turning the snow covered peaks from white to heated red whilst the pack gathered before me at the usual meeting place. I pulled my thoughts together which as usual had slipped to Bella and my need to be with her…in her. I took a deep breath. This was the first meeting for a united pack with Sam as my Beta. I was not in a good mood the pull of the imprint had intensified for some reason... Fu*k knows what or why I grumbled to myself. I thought that having sealed our bond a few times now with mind blowing sex it would have lessened…..
My mind snapped back to the pack. Some wolves were bound to push my limited patience and my eyes drifted to Paul. He was difficult enough to handle as it was but now my sister was his imprint he was bound to push his luck. My Wolf snarled anyone cross me tonight or attempts to contend my role as Alpha will wish they fu*cking hadn't.
I looked around the loose semi-circle the pack had formed. Everyone was here except Leah. That irked me somewhat and made my wolf suspicious. Leah was always one of the first to arrive. I noticed movement in the undergrowth to my right and Leah bounded into view. I looked at her and growled.
"What's up almighty Alpha?" She huffed head cocked to one side. Leah loved to push the envelope. I did too once…not now though I was Alpha and I would be obeyed. I snarled at her drawing back my lips and showing her my canines. Leah bowed her head in sub mission but something was wrong. Her mind was jumbled like she was thinking of too many things at once. Was she trying to hide something? I wondered. I would discuss with her after the meeting until then we had pack business to sort.
Jared stepped forward. "As you know Paul and I ran the parameter this afternoon Jake" He growled "There was evidence of leeches crossing our land. We searched but found nothing. Whoever or whatever it was left."
"How many?" I asked
"Two maybe three" Growled Paul. "The scent was not fresh most likely between the last patrol and ours".
"Anyone we know?" I growled The Cullen's? I thought
"No. The scent was unknown to both of us. Leech. That's about it". Huffed Paul the fur on the back of his neck rising at the very thought of vampires, battle ready as always, crazy dude but I needed that.
"That's the third time this week" Growled Sam "I don't like it Jacob. Feels like they are testing our boundaries maybe they are watching for our response".
I looked at Sam and nodded my huge head "Agreed Sam" I replied. "I think we had better run some practice drills this week besides the patrols". I turned towards Sam "Can you organise? Starting tomorrow night we will run a practice as if the Rez were under a full scale attack". I looked each wolf in the eye as I spoke
Growling and yips broke out amongst the pack "Enough" I growled "Yes it will involve the imprints and the new pups" The wolves bumped shoulders with each other their eyes fixed upon me "As I have already said the practice will be as if the Rez were under a full attack and the safety of the imprints is a necessity to ensure all wolves can concentrate on their job…killing leech" I drew in a deep breath "Sam we will speak after the meeting to plan". Sam nodded his agreement.
I looked around the semi-circle of wolves there were 11 of us in all including the two new pups Aaron and Kai both unskilled in battle yet to meet their first leech. I watched the two young pups who were whining excitedly on the side lines hemmed in between Embry and Quil. I huffed and my wolf whined. It was bad enough trying to control the phase in the first few weeks let alone take on a creature as dangerous as a vampire. Jeez it was scary the first time. Everything in your being desperate to fight and scared shitless when you saw for the first time what it actually was you were so desperate to fight! An attack now would almost certainly lead to injuries maybe even death. They could not be allowed in any fights for the time being and that also meant they needed a minder. One less wolf available for battle.
Then there was Colin and Brady they had seen very little action but at least had control of the wolf and some leech action so they knew what to expect. I narrowed my eyes. So from the 11 wolves in the pack I effectively had 7 I could rely on in the event of an attack and that included me. That would have to be enough for the time being. My wolf stretched and prowled I only hoped we would have enough time to prepare before an attack came for real. Movement caught my attention Embry stepped forward.
"I have news of the young Makah boy" he growled "It won't be long Jake. Plus Colin and Brady have seen two others at the Rez School showing early signs. He huffed saddened "I think we could have 3 new wolves by the end of the month" The pack growled in response to the news and milled around bumping shoulders needing to connect with others in the group. It was a natural lupine action that strengthened our bond. I growled processing the news. More new pups to deal with. Growls and whining punctuated the night air. The pack felt the presence of danger that accompanied this news, more pups equalled more leech. Evil was coming into our midst… our spirit wolves knew. Time to bring order I whined.
"Enough" I growled using the timbre of the Alpha. The pack settled back into the informal semi-circle. "We will have to work hard as a pack and I expect everyone to pull their weight or be prepared to be punished". I growled the bass notes vibrating off the trees. "I will not tolerate anything less than your full input". All eyes were on me. I could feel the annoyance emanating from Paul he was still not happy with me as his Alpha and his eyes narrowed as he pawed the ground snarling.
"Got something to add Lahote?" I growled in reply
"Nope" he replied with emphasis on the p
"Good coz get this straight. I'm the Alpha now and if I give an order I expect it to get done. Absolute loyalty I will accept nothing less" I snarled
"If the orders make sense "Huffed Lahote, almost snickering under his breath.
Snarling I leapt at Paul and took him down. With my teeth at his neck I bit, enough to draw blood. Paul whined beneath me. "Show me respect!" I growled then let go of Lahote and looked at the pack "Or I will do the same to each of you!" They looked back wary stepping away a pace or two heads bowed, showing the right side of their necks in lupine submission.
Sam shuffled at my side he was uncomfortable this had never been his way as Alpha. I glanced at him Pauls blood still on my muzzle and snarled. The pack was growing, danger was coming. I had to keep order things were different now. I turned back to the pack "Has anyone else news they wish to share?" Silence greeted me. "Then" I continued "I formally announce that the council have ratified my position as Alpha and Sam as my Beta". All eyes were upon Sam who shuffled his paws looking at the floor. As you are all aware Sam and I fell out but with the danger we may face I for one am pleased that I have such a wolf as Sam to assist me in the running of this pack.
Sam looked up caught off guard by my words he huffed not knowing what to say. Keep your friends close I thought and your enemies closer. My wolf snickered in reply and he stretched out. "Sam I growled "Is there something you would like to say?" I eyed him meaningfully.
Sam stepped forward slightly "I am proud to have led you up to this point and will do all I can to assist Jake in the role of Beta" he paused glancing at me as I nodded "I also have some good news to share with you all. Emily and I are expecting the packs first pup" howls and whines greeted the announcement as the pack excitedly absorbed the news.
"I propose" I growled "That we celebrate this wonderful news and welcome our two new pups Aaron and Kai with a bonfire and barbeque!". More excited howls and yips filled the air. The pack deserved some R&R things were about to get rough. "Meeting over" I growled as wolves surged towards Sam.
Leah did not escape my notice she hung back as I knew she would and given her history with Sam, this would be another blow to herself esteem. She caught my eye and looked down her thoughts becoming jumbled again. Leah was most definitely blocking me or at least trying to. I growled to myself I could easily Alpha order her to tell me what she was hiding from her Alpha or a well place nip would soon sort her loyalty but somehow I knew it involved Bella. The conversation with Embry earlier came back into my head. I needed to speak with Bella tonight but it would have to wait a little longer
As wolves took off for home Leah included I stood with Sam, Paul, Embry and Jared. "We need to plan the practice drills and tactics for battle" I huffed. All four wolves nodded their big heads in agreement. "I know you are concerned about the imprints Sam" I continued looking at his steady gaze "and I'm sure you would rather we left Emily out" Sam growled at the mention of her name followed by a whine "But" I sighed "They all need to know their part in an attack… it could save their lives, should it come to that. I hope it never does". The other wolves whined in response.
"You four and Quil are my best fighters. You have experience with leeches, new-born's included". All four growled again in response at the mention of new-born's. That had been one hell of a battle the last time and I almost lost my life.
"So you want to arrange a drill for tomorrow Jake?" Growled Paul
"I want to arrange a practice for the imprints first then we can trial a distress howl in the middle of the night. I suggest we plan for a practice attack on Saturday night after the barbeque just as they are all relaxing".
"We can see how long it takes the Fu*ers to phase and respond" Snickered Paul "When they have to leave their warm beds".
"Exactly" I grinned showing my sharp teeth as Embry Jared and Sam all snarled in agreement. "Sam" I continued "Can the imprints gather at your house tomorrow so we can plan with them what to do and where to go should the Rez be attacked?. Sam nodded in reply "I'll get Emily to text all the girls". He huffed "Emily does not have Bella's number Jake" he paused
"Sure, sure" I growled "I'll sort it Sam. We need to get those two together as they will have to lead the others". Sam nodded but his eyes looked wary he knew the history between our two imprints. "Ok" I growled "Let's call it a night. Embry and l be over tomorrow Sam to firm up in arrangements for the drill and get the celebration in motion for Saturday. The elders will have to be invited of course" I huffed. "Paul you will be on patrol tomorrow so when you get back to my place", I winced, "We can talk".
"Agreed" Paul replied "I'm off now Jake" he growled "Got me some urgent business to take care of" and he winked before thundering off into the undergrowth. Bast*rd I thought that "business" was my sister and it was going to take a long time for me to accept that one. My wolf was up and stalking he was most definitely displeased. We all split and headed for home.
I phased back and strolled into my house. Billy was busy watching TV. I did not ask where Rachel or Paul were. I did not want to know. I knew that perverted ba*tard I'd seen his thought s far too many times and I could not deal with it right this moment. I picked up my cell and scrolled the messages. Three missed calls and four text messages all from Bella. I smiled to myself each message was full of love and longing. I adored that girl she was way too cute. I had missed her and needed her body next to mine safe and protected, my wolf growled he demanded it. I quickly text back that I was on my way to pick her up. I decided I would ask her to spend the night with me here at my house. Somehow I had to get her to spend every night with me from now on. I could not, would not leave her unguarded..not now. It was time to face Charlie.
Now you know the pack plans we can continue with the story!