Beta: Jessipooks
Banner: Mist
Song Inspiration: Raining by Of Verona

CG 28: When You Can Almost Feel The End is Near...

The call came as he was finishing up his early morning patrol with Embry and Jared. They were going to discuss the argument that Bella and Billy had the night before. Embry heard most of it from where he prowled while guarding Bella.

"Hold on." Seth rolled his eyes as he looked at his phone.

"Yeah." Seth didn't care if he came off rude.

His day was already starting out as a rough one and he knew the news Sparkles was going to provide him would only continue the momentum.

"We need to talk right away." He whispered.

"Talk. I'm listening."

"We need to meet. It's very important that we do this now." Edward replied urgently.

"Everything is so damn important to you leeches. Geez. Fine where?" Seth rolled his eyes sarcastically and looked at the guys with an annoyed smile.

"Meet me at the border." Edward replied and then hung up.

"What was that about?" Embry asked.

"Don't know. I just hate when he gives me orders and thinks I will come running." Seth snorted.
"Do you think he knows more about that vampire who killed Jake?" Jared wondered out loud.

"Even if he does, unless the bitch shows up here, we won't get permission to go after her."

Jared and Embry hated the rules that bound them to stay on their lands. Their pack was large enough to protect their people while a few of them went out of their protected boundaries to hunt for leeches that were killing unsuspecting humans just miles from their home.

"This sucks. Why wouldn't they think that this is one of those rare moments we should bend the rules? Jake was our Alpha. We owe it to him to kill her. I'm curious as to why she was still coming around after Jake's death? What was her purpose? I don't like this Seth. I'm telling you she isn't through with her revenge." Jared warned him.

"I agree. Maybe old sparkles will have the answers we seek after all." Seth sighed heavily.

"Do you want us to come with you?" Embry offered.

"Nah. But stay on patrol until I return."

Both men nodded in agreement. Seth phased into his wolf form so he could reach Edward quickly. On his way there he couldn't help but wonder why Irina was still risking her life by being in their area after she had fulfilled her plan? Was there something the Cullen's knew and were withholding from him until they deemed it necessary to tell him? He hated how they always treated the wolves like they were the weaker race.

Smelling Edward not far away, he phased back into human form, took the sack tied to his ankle and changed into his shorts before approaching him.

Edward was leaning against a new shiny car that reeked of money and style.

"Hello Seth." Edward held his hands in front of his waist as Seth cautiously approached him.

A long time ago, Jake warned him and the others to never for a second let their guards down around the Cullens. They might have a treaty signed by them but there was no safeguard in it that promised none of the Cullens might ever go off of their animal diets.

"Edward." Seth stopped about a hundred feet away from him.

"We spoke with Tonya last night about her sister after Alice had a vision."

Seth frowned. Why was he telling him this?

"And?" Seth shrugged his shoulders casually.

Edward's answer was the last thing he expected to come out of his mouth. Standing there he felt like someone just dumped a bucket of cold ice water over the top of his head. It literally shook him to the core.

Seth wasn't sure how to react to his statement. He suspected that once he told the council what Edward just revealed they might make an exception to the rule and allow them to travel outside of the rez.

"I'm sure they will make an exception in this case." Edward replied.

Seth gulped hard as he prepared himself for what he might be forced to reckon with, if Alice's vision was correct.

"When do you want to go?"

"I was hoping in the morning. Alice said the sooner we get there the better."

"Okay." Seth nodded his head before he turned and ran into the woods.

XXX

"Why are we doing this again?" Bella asked curiously.

"Now that you have exposed us as the happy couple that we are, I figured today was good as any other day to go have some family fun." Seth replied.

They pulled out the blanket and ice cooler to take with them to the beach. JJ was jumping up and down in excitement. Seth picked him up before they made their way down the incline. He didn't want to risk JJ taking after his mother's natural clumsy state and rolling down the hill side.

"Is that my Dad and your Mom?" Bella gasped as they reached the beach and she saw that the people she noticed earlier from up high, weren't just locals having fun. Her eyes scanned the rest of the beach and it was then that she spotted other people she knew.

"Everyone is here?" Bella looked over at Seth.

"Yep." He popped the "p" before smiling from ear to ear.

"Did I miss something? I mean, is it a holiday or one of their birthdays?" Bella tried to go through the calendar in her head to recall what important date she missed.

"No. I just wanted us to relax and have some fun. Our family and friends agreed it sounded like a wonderful idea and so I invited them along. I can't remember when we've done something for just the hell out of it."

"You are too damn sweet." Bella bumped his hip with hers, her head leaning on his strong bicep.

"I know." He agreed.

"Took you long enough." Leah cackled as she walked up to them and helped with their things while Embry jogged up and snatched JJ from Seth's protective arms.

"My turn with this little rascal." Embry spinned himself and JJ in circles. JJ squealed happily.

"I wish I would have known ahead that so many people were coming so I could make more food."

"Don't worry hon, we made plenty extra." Sue said before pulling Bella into her arms and giving her step daughter a much needed hug.

"Thanks."

Bella knew that somehow the whole pack was already aware of her confrontation with Billy and suspected they were here to show their support.

"Who is up for some football?" Jared called out as he threw the leather bound ball at Quil, who caught it with ease.

Bella laughed as she watched the men drop everything and jump in the game. The women took their time setting up a table to put all the food they brought with them. A few minutes later, they sat down in their beach chairs and watched their men battle.

"Bella do you have a minute?" Rachel walked up.

Bella choked on her soda as she looked up at her sister in law who stared sadly down at her.

"Uh...sure." Bella agreed.

"I will watch JJ." Leah volunteered.

"Thanks." Bella grimaced as she followed Rachel away from the crowd.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." Bella started rambling when Rachel stopped and turned to look at her.

"Shut up Bella." Rachel put her hand up in front of Bella's face.

Bella was shocked by her rudeness but kept quiet.

"I know that losing Jake wasn't easy on you. I saw how it affected you and so I know in my heart that you were truly in love with my brother. I would like to think that if I were to ever lose Paul, that I wouldn't ever want another man in my life but realistically we both know as mothers we need a man in our children's lives. Seth is a good guy. He is strong and yet so sweet. I know that he will make a wonderful stepfather to JJ." She paused and took a deep breath before continuing.

"However, I also know that my father can't comprehend why you have moved on. He is stubborn but I love him. I want to do what is best for the him and JJ. I don't think taking JJ away from you is the right choice. With that being said, I want you to know that Paul and I both already told him we wouldn't get involved if he chooses to act on his threat."

Bella's eyes brimmed with tears as she threw her arms around Rachel and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you."

There was no words to explain her relief.

"No thanks is needed. You are a good mother and you are a woman who deserves to be loved."

Bella approached Seth who relaxed when he saw both women return with smiles on their faces.

"Everything okay?" He whispered as he gently squeezed her hand.

"It will be." Bella replied and kissed him tenderly on the lips.

"Good. Let's go for a swim. You feel hot." He winked at her right before he scooped her up in his arms and raced into the cold water.

"Are you crazy!" Bella screamed as the cold water splashed on her.

"Crazy in love with you!" He shouted before dunking them both underneath the freezing waves.

XXX

Seth couldn't take his eyes off of Bella throughout the day. Every move, every smile and sound that she made filled his heart with a warmth that he could only compare to the heat of lava. Every fiber of his being responded to her. His wolf was chomping to take her off into the woods for some adult themed fun but today he knew it was more important to spend time with not only her but everyone else here.

It still surprised him at how being Alpha grew on him. When it was first decided for him to take on the responsibilities of the role, he was not very confident in his abilities. In fact, he wasn't the sort of guy who prided himself on being a leader. He was content with the role he played in the pack and the achievements he accomplished in his personal life. He never intended to seek out much more than that.

He was given the task of watching over Bella and JJ. Another unexpected role and one that was taxing at times. Saving Bella wasn't easy. She could be her own worst enemy. Although it took time and patience he was rewarded with her love and loyalty.

The past two year were worth every ounce of sweat, mind breaking emotional roller coaster and the constant fear that he surpassed. With Bella and JJ by his side, he couldn't imagine any problem being too big, until today.

Edward had once again come into the picture and threw his happy world into chaos. In the morning he would leave Bella alone in their bed and If he returned, the past two years might all be for nothing.

Fighting back the urgency to grab Bella and JJ and flee to another continent was incredibly hard to resist.

"I'm exhausted." Bella yawned.

Seth stretch out his legs giving her space to crawl between them and lay her back on his chest as they watch the embers burning in the bonfire. JJ was wrapped up in a blanket heavily asleep next to them.

"Today was wonderful." Bella exhaled. Taking his hands she placed them in hers on top of her chest.

Embry was holding Leah in his lap while Paul and Rachel snuggled together as well. Everyone else had taken off already. The whole day was filled with fun, laughter and good memories that Seth hoped he would always carry with him. Family and friends surrounded them and enjoyed their happiness. It was an overall success. He wanted Bella to remember who she could count on when things got tough.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Seth replied as he kissed the top of her head.

"It was fun to watch Collin and Brady fight over that last hot dog." Bella chuckled.

"I was sure Collin would win." Embry pouted. He lost five dollars to Paul on that bet.

"Nah. I've been training Brady personally." Paul laughed.

"No fair! You should have mentioned that before you bet me." Embry grabbed a handful of sand and threw it over the fire.

"Hey, you are the one always quick to make a bet." Paul replied.

"He's got a point." Leah agreed.

"Whose side are you on?" Embry grumbled.

"Yours honey. Always yours." Leah chuckled before kissing him in such a way she hoped it would help him forgive her.

"I think we should get going. I don't want JJ to get sick." Bella crawled out from between his legs and started packing up their belongings.

Rachel and Leah did the same while the men volunteer to carry everything up.

"Hey. I need to talk to you." Seth whispered to the two men.

"What's up?" Embry asked.

"We might be going on a secret mission early in the morning. I've asked the council for permission to take a few of you with me."

"A secret mission? What the hell is going on now?" Paul hissed.

He wanted to continue their relaxation mode. Today was one of the first days they didn't worry constantly about the safety of their loved ones.

"I can't tell you anything right now. Just keep your phones close by and be prepared to leave early in the morning." He warned them.

"Okay." Both men nodded their heads but continued to give him an unhappy look.

XXX

"Did you enjoy your bath?" Seth teased.

Bella spent almost an hour in the tub trying to wash out the sand from her hair and other orifices.

"I did. It was like having a warm massage."

She climbed into the bed while he pulled back the covers for her. The feel of Seth's arm around her shoulder gave her the warmth she was seeking.

"I can give you a better massage if you like." He offered.

Bella trembled with excitement. Seth's touch was not only soothing but it also gave her a little extra something that the bath couldn't ease.

"Are you sure you can handle it? I mean, you did play hard today." Bella teased.

"Baby, I can play harder in the bed with you."

Seth's lips covered hers. Both of their bodies reacted from the heat that coursed through their veins. Bella felt her body aching for something that only Seth could give her.

"I love you Bella." Seth whispered.

"I love you too." Bella replied as her hands traveled up and down his chest. Taking her tongue she grazed it on the side of his neck.

"I will never love anyone the way I love you." Seth gulped hard as her hands traveled lower.

"I hope not." Bella mumbled as she sucked on his earlobe while her hands found the treasure it seeked.

Pulling her in his arms he rolled her onto her back and took his time showing her how deep his love ran for her.

XXX

Holding her in his arms, he felt like weeping. He knew it was a pathetic move and he didn't want to alarm her however, he knew when he left in a few hours there was a strong chance that all the love they felt at this moment could be ripped away from them.

Closing his eyes he finally managed to push his fears aside and catch some sleep.

XXX

The phone rang waking him up. Grabbing it, he eased himself out of the bed and into the hallway.

"Hello."

Old Man Quil announced their decision. He was to leave at once and only take four of the guys with him. The rest were to remain behind. No one was to know where they were going or why until he returned with further evidence. Seth knew he should feel more excited about the decision but his heart just wasn't in it.

"Okay." He hung up the phone and went into the room to put on some clothes. Grabbing a piece of paper he jotted down a quick note for her. He didn't want her to panic when she realized he was gone without a word to her.

Leaning over the bed he kissed Bella's cheek softly. Stroking the side of her face he smiled tenderly at her.

"I will always love you and I promise to make you happy and do whatever it takes." Seth whispered.

Bella smiled in her sleep.

Seth went across the hall and looked in on JJ who was still asleep. Placing a kiss on the young boy's face he smiled tenderly at JJ who would someday be a great leader.

"JJ, take care of your mother while I'm away."

Forcing his legs to move, he left the room and was just heading down the stairs when his phone rang again.

"I'm on my way."

XXX
A/N: Ony 2 chpts and a Eppy left. What do you think so far? What did Edward tell Seth? Thank you guys for the support and wonderful reviews. xoxo August
A/N2: Love this band "Of Verona". This song reminds me of what Seth must be thinking with the secret he knows and how it will change everything with him and Bella.