The party was in full swing now. Most of the tension had been broken. Jacob stayed on the patio porch. Whenever they had pack functions, he always found himself on higher ground. It was instinct. He had to watch over his pack. Every twitch, noise, and footsteps were watched. When he took on the alpha position, he became more wolf than man. His senses and protectiveness skyrocketed. Even now, he could feel the emotions and intimidation. He looked towards Emily who was talking with Kim. She was intimidated by Bella's presence. She knew her time as alpha female was coming to an end, however, there was nothing Jacob could do. if Bella truly wanted this she would have to fight Emily for it. Not physical no, it would be more a battle of wills. Who would be a better fit to be by his side. Obviously, Jacob chose Bella but if enough of the pack didn't want her it could strengthen Emily's will which would override Bella's. If Jacob wanted to he could mark Bella and everything would instantly just transfer but that was too easy and he knew Bella wouldn't want it that way either. Back then, when he thought about nineteen-year-old Bella, she would have never been like this. She would have run away from the challenge but now, whether she knew it or not she was making her way to Emily and the whole pack could feel it. Jacob made eye contact with Sam and motioned for him to back up. This was Emily and Bella's challenge.
Kim stopped talking to Emily as soon as she saw Bella. Emily turned to face her, she knew what this was about. Emily looked at Bella and rolled her eyes. Just because she had scars did not Excuse her behavior. She had abandoned their alpha and broke his heart not once, not twice but three times. She led him on while she was still with the leech and then put them all through hell when she got pregnant. Then she left again while Jacob was stuck imprinted to her daughter It made Emily sick. Another thing that enraged her was the fact that Bella had scars and a prosthetic arm, people fawned and sympathized with her. yet Emily had gotten scarred by her own imprint and people only pitied her at first but then it changed ignorance. Everyone pretended the scars weren't there and moved on but the wolves see Bella's scars and they just fall to their knees. She could feel Sam's loyalty waiver too. He was falling for Bella Swan too.
"can I help you something Bella?" She asked.
Bella was never one for confrontation, she hated fighting and any kind of violence. She really did. So how was she supposed to do this? She made a promise, that she would be all in for Jacob and that included being the alpha female. But when she truly thought about what was an alpha female? In real wolf packs, the alpha female was brutal. She fought her way up the ranks of the pack. Alpha males growled and pushed but alpha females, they drew blood. There was no sweetness in the alpha female. She had no room for weakness. Weakness meant that Jacob had chosen the wrong mate. Bella had to prove and show that this was her rightful position. She would not let Jacob or his tribe regret trusting her again. With her mind and heart made up, something in Bella broke and yet strengthened. It was her shield. The shield had protected her from so many things and yet hindered her in many areas. Bella grabbed Emily's hand. Looked into her eyes, planted her feet in the ground and made up her mind without a shred of doubt or fear. She knew who she was.
"Thank you."
Paul choked on his drink. Did Bella just say thank you? What the heck was going on here?
Emily was ..surprised. she hadn't seen that coming. Bella continued.
"thank you, for taking care of the pack like you have done all these years. Thank you for being strong even when you didn't want to, or didn't think you could. But now, it's my turn Emily young. It's my turn to help the pack. But I won't do it alone. No one does anything alone. This packs foundation is built on unity and respect and our alpha can't do that when his pack is divided. So, I need you to give me a chance Emily. Pass the torch."
"and tell me Bella swan what makes you think. That this pack will ever trust you again! You have turned your backs on us and betrayed us more than once." Emily snapped as she squeezed Bella's hand. She wanted Bella to cave in from the pain and kneel. If Bella kneeled it would all be over. However, Bella was ready and squeezed harder than she should have. It caused Emily to wince.
"I have served my time. For those of you who don't know. I received these scars and lost this arm because of vampires. For four years, vampires drank from me, bit me and Permanently damaged me. I know what your all thinking the leech lover will go back to her leeches right? Not even close. It took things turning to the worst that I had to learn my lesson. I'm not the same person I was before. I'm not nineteen and reckless. Look I can talk till I'm blue in the face but actions speak louder than words. Back down and let go, Emily."
"and how are you going to get me to do that? you don't have the hear to force me...Bella Cullen." Emily spat.
Bella had enough. No one would ever call her that again. It was wrong it was sick and it was, filled with so many regrets. Bella was not going to hurt Emily, but she was going to show her strength. She swiftly pressed Emily's pressure points in her neck. Causing her to fall. Bella caught her, Emily was stunned. She leaned down and whispered in Emily's ear not that it mattered and said "by the way its Bella black. And I'm still going to need your help I'm not going to feed these beasts alone."
