Bella's Last Christmas Wish
Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer
A/N
I have taken a huge liberty in this chapter so I ask the Quileute Nation (not that they will read this I'm sure but just in case!) to forgive me and I mean them no disrespect by inventing a "legend" attributed to their ancestors…I just get carried away sometimes!
While I'm admitting to things ….for the purposes of this story I have made Claire 17. I'm sorry but Quil imprinting on a two year old is just so wrong on so many levels and I love him , he deserves better! Plus ok…I know… the Quileute translation for something Jake says in this chapter may not be spot on (the jury's still out apparently) but it still sounds damn sexy! Enjoy and don't forget to review my deepest thanks to everyone who took the time for the last chapter.
Now the story continues…
Chapter 29
"Bella are you ok?" growled Jacob as he grabbed me frantically turning me one way then the other his hands and eyes examining me for injury.
"I'm ok Jake… please put me down" I squealed. He still hung on practically squeezing the breath out of me "Cant..breee..ath.." I whimpered. He finally got the message and released me. I took in a deep breath as I slid down his front and I watched as his eyes narrowed in on Embry;
"And what the fuck do you think you are doing Embry sitting on your ass?" He snarled at the poor guy sprawled on the floor "I need to know what happened and now!" Angela looked terrified again her eyes wide as she took Jacob in and no wonder the last time she had seen him he was half the size and not an Alpha wolf. I jumped in; things were going downhill fast;
"Calm down.. Please.. Jacob!" I pleaded "It's ok, we are all here, you can see for yourself none of us are injured, Embry did his job..ok?" I tried to smile "Look at me…. Please Jacob" I begged him. With anger plain on his face for all to see Jacob stared at me his arms and hands shaking whilst he struggled to regain control. He was still angry as he looked again at Angela and moved towards her, as he did Embry loudly growled. Jake spun on the spot to face Embry and viciously snarled in response, backing me up against the wall behind us, his posture changing as his Alpha wolf responded to being challenged by another wolf and a pregnant mate to protect..
"Jake he's Imprinted!" I practically screeched, looking at Angela who had turned as white as a sheet yet again her eyes fixed on Embry. That pulled Jacob up sharp. He turned to face me his dark lupine shaped eyes questioning. His wolf could clearly be seen. I nodded in answer and he responded by running his huge hand through his hair as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes again they were back to looking human. He turned to face Angela again now he had calmed down a little. Embry had also regained enough control to be sat on the sofa with Angela in his lap and held protectively against his chest. The poor girl leaned into his embrace and had her eyes tightly shut, visibly shaking. What should have been a dream come true had fast turned into a nightmare.
"Umm…I suggest we step outside" I said as I motioned to Jacob to follow me. Thankfully he moved with me out into the kitchen. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I knew Embry had over stepped the line with his Alpha by growling at him in defence of his new mate and It could have turned nasty. Jacobs wolf was clearly still near the surface and he was struggling to keep control. I reached up and cupped Jacob's cheek with my hand, he sighed as he leaned into my touch closing his eyes. "Thank you" I whispered "Love you" and stood on my tiptoes to plant a kiss on his hot lips.
He sat down on one of the chairs and pulled me onto his lap, nestling his face into my hair and taking a long deep calming breath. He drew back and looked at me. I placed a hand on each side of his face and I brought him closer, planting a kiss on his hot lips. Jacob sighed again closing his eyes.
"Feeling a little calmer? I asked him "What's up with you and Em? You're both edgy and not just about the incident in the lounge a few moments ago or what happened at Charlie's either?"
Jacob took in another deep breath "Embry over stepped the line Bella, I realise now that he had just imprinted but.. he growled at his Alpha who had his mate with him and a pregnant mate no less". I kissed him again trying to distract him, he obviously was still unhappy with Embry. Breaking the kiss I tried a different tact.
"What else is happening Jacob?" I looked into his dark eyes as I spoke trying to see what it was that had Jacob and his brothers so on edge lately. For a few seconds I could see the worry reflected in his eyes but just as quick he shut down and the Alpha was back in charge.
"Nothing for you to worry about Bella honey" he smiled before kissing me back slowly, but there was an urgent edge to the kiss as his tongue pushed against my lips requesting access into my mouth. I willingly let him in and he deepened the kiss, not breaking it until we were both left breathless. He lent his forehead against mine both of us breathing heavily. After everything that had happened at Charlie's house I needed this close contact with Jacob and from the desperation in his kiss, Jake had needed it too. He drew back and looked at me
"I worry about your safety honey you know that and what happened today well it just enforces how much I need to protect you". I nodded and said nothing. He was wound up about the incident and I guessed mainly because he was not there and it was out of his control. Jacob looked serious for a few moments as if he was weighing up whether to ask something.
"Tell me what happened at Charlie's" he said quietly" I want to know everything" His hands slid down my arms and taking my cold hands into his warm ones he raised them to his lips where he placed a small kiss on each.
I looked down at my hands that Jacob gently held in his own as I assembled my thoughts "Ok" I quietly replied as I looked back up at him. I took in a deep breath then began "Embry and I had pulled up in front of Charlie's to meet Angela. Everything looked fine. As Angela got out of her car Embry had pretended he was jogging off down the road. We had agreed he would be in the forest at the back of the house if I needed him". Jacob nodded he knew that part of the plan, he had ordered it.
I continued "Angela and I went into the house. There was no sign of forced entry nothing was out of place. We had drunk our coffee and chatted for about half an hour when I went to my room to retrieve a school photo (I didn't tell him why as I did not want to mention the prom party or the Cullen's). My door was shut when I opened it…I…" I stuttered. He lent forward and kissed my forehead, gently brushing my hair back from my face with his hand.
"Go on" he murmured his dark eyes looking into mine. I took another deep breath;
"The room was in chaos. I screamed for Embry and he rushed in, smelling a Vampire immediately. He got us outside and into Angela's car. I sent you a text and we drove here picking up Paul on the way" I looked at him and bit my bottom lip "Who would do that Jacob?" I whispered "Who would wreak my room and smash my things?" I was scared and I tried very hard not to show it. I needn't have bothered, he knew straight away. The imprint again made sure he could feel my fear.
"Bella" he whispered as he drew me into a warm embrace "No one is going to hurt you honey, do you understand?" I nodded against his chest. "Besides they will have to come through me first!" he growled.
"I know…I know I'm safe with you" I mumbled "It's…it's just… not knowing who and why" I sighed. He pulled me closer and kissed me again, knowing this would distract me…it worked.
"You are my world Bells" he whispered in my ear nibbling my neck. "You both are" and he placed his hand protectively across my tummy." I would die to protect you both" he vowed
"Please no…. don't say that Jacob!" I cried my bottom lip wobbled as I felt tears stinging at eyes "I I..don't doubt that you would it's just… I just can't bear to think about losing you…. ever, how could I go on without you in my life" my voice cracked and I pulled his face towards me, my hands tight in his silky black hair and frantically covered his mouth in a deep kiss before he could say anymore.
My heart lurched. How would I survive without this beautiful man… if I lost him? My whole being clenched down in pain at the thought and the imprint tightened the cord around my heart. Unbidden, tears began to roll down my cheeks. Jacob pulled back to look at my face, gently wiping the tears away with his thumb.
"Hush now" He whispered "Shhh don't cry honey". He looked directly into my eyes "I'm here with you and I don't intend leaving anytime soon. "He smiled slightly "Look we won't speak about this again today you have been through enough. He placed a small kiss on my lips "Besides we have a beach party to enjoy." He smiled his megawatt Jacob grin but it did not reach his eyes….a fact I did not miss.
He changed the subject as he promised "So Embry has imprinted on Angela?" he laughed shaking his head. "If I recall she's a really nice girl and you like her a lot".
"Angela is so lovely, she's perfect for Embry!" I gushed "and we are such good friends… and the other imprints will just love her and…" Jacob gently placed a finger on my lips.
"Ok..ok..slowdown.. I get the message!" he laughed again "Angela sounds perfect. Embry's a lucky guy and you're right he deserves her. Maybe the great spirits have got it right this time."
"Meaning they got it wrong with Paul and me then Jake?" Rachel stood with her arms full of bread by the open kitchen door with Kim and Emily. Jacob just winced when he saw her face.
"You know that's not true Rachel" Jacob replied rolling his eyes as he spoke. "I'll admit I was shocked at first and you know why" he looked at her meaningfully and I guessed he was referring to Paul's reputation. "but." he added "I have seen how you two are together. I get it. Paul loves you Rachel and you him. Does that make you feel better?" he was stood next to her now and as a small triumphant smile appeared on her lips he placed a chaste kiss on her cheek.
"Hmmm" Rachel replied "Always the charmer little bro" she smiled up at him. "I'll let Paul know shall I" she chuckled "that he can rest easy now that his mighty Alpha thinks he's ok for me?" Jacob just winked at her before stealing a huge muffin from the kitchen work top
"Sure, sure" he called as he walked outside adding "Tell Embry I want to see him for…. he paused "..shall we say a "little" chat when he finally comes out of the lounge"
I sighed, despite my kissing tactics Jacob was obviously still sore about Embry's growling earlier better not keep him waiting too long I thought those two needed to make peace. If Embry did not appear in the next 10 minutes I'd get him myself. With the tension in the room quickly evaporating the girls crowded round me wanting to know what had happened at Charlie's. It was obvious the guys had been gossiping. I gave them an abridged version I really didn't want to keep going over it. They were all shocked to hear about my bedroom but I could see they did not want to frighten me anymore by asking further questions.
Emily turned to put the kettle on and Rachel and Kim started getting food out of the fridge, when I decided to share the good news to cheer us all up.
"Girls!" I said. "I have some good news to share" They all stopped what they were doing and looked over to where I was sitting. I took a deep breath. "Embry's imprinted on my friend Angela!". The girls squealed in response just as Embry wearing a goofy grin came into the kitchen towing a very timid Angela behind him.
"Angela" I called out "Are you feeling ok? she nodded shyly a small smile forming on her lips as she looked down at the ground embarrassed by all the attention.
"Would you like some tea or maybe coffee Angela? asked Emily "Maybe something to eat?
"Some coffee would be good thank you" replied Angela. I looked at my friend I was relieved to see she looked better than when she had first arrived in La Push only a short while ago. There was colour in her cheeks again, although come to think of it she looked a little flushed and unless I'm mistaken I thought, her lips looked a little swollen… Hmm… Embry must have explained the imprint better than I had hoped and not just with words!
Embry sat down on a chair and pulled Angela onto his lap. He nuzzled his face into the back of her head breathing in the scent of her hair. I smiled to myself; he was so obviously scenting her, something they all did given the chance as it made their wolf happy. In response to his action Angela sighed a little and relaxed into Embry's chest. They looked good together I thought, they fitted together like two pieces of a puzzle, like they were made for each other.
A little while later when we had finally peeled Embry away from Angela pushing him outside to join the other guys and make a little peace with his Alpha, the other imprints introduced themselves to her. Angela smiled shyly at all of them and I could see they had taken to her straight away. I was so pleased.
So" said Emily, setting down a mug of coffee on the table in front of Angela. "You are a friend of our dear sister Bella? I understand you went to school together in Forks?
"Umm…yes" replied Angela as she sipped her coffee, politely shaking her head as she turned down the offer of a muffin. "We took some classes together at Forks High and hung out.". Angela looked in my direction and smiled.
"It's true Emily" I piped up looking at Angela and returning her grin. "We are good friends and I think we can safely say that is going to continue". All the imprints laughed and Angela looked at them a little confused.
"What Bella means" said Rachel "Is now that you are with Embry we will be seeing a lot more of you!"
"Like every day" added Kim munching on a muffin
"Oh I won't be here every day" Angela giggled "I have my course at the college in Port Angeles to attend. In fact I room there with three other girls on the college campus. It's just I've had some study leave and am home in Forks but come Monday I have to go back". She sipped her coffee again before realising the room had gone very quiet and all the imprints were staring at her, surprised looks on their faces.
"What's wrong…what did I say…ummm..Bella?" Angela looked worried. Emily reached out and patted her hand.
"Hey" I said "No worries Angela the girls did not realise you were at college that's all it's no big deal." I caught the look on Emily's face as I said it. Damn I thought Embry is going to go nuts. There was no way he would leave her unprotected on a college campus, not with the way the pack appeared to be feeling at the moment and the fuss at Charlie's this morning. In fact Jacob may have to actually Alpha order him just to let her go home tonight let alone to college. Plus I just knew that Jacob would never agree to Embry leaving the Rez to live in Port Angeles till Angela finished her course either. More trouble in paradise I sighed to myself.
"Girls" said Emily "We need to get back at it the food for tonight won't get itself ready!" she laughed effectively easing the atmosphere "Angela now you are officially one of the girls you are welcome to help"
Angela eagerly nodded grateful not to be the centre of attention. As Rachel and Kim darted off to get on with their allocated tasks, I grabbed Angela in a hug "We'll talk later" I whispered as we made a start on the huge pile of salad vegetables waiting to be prepped.
We busied ourselves preparing the mountains of food and we soon had all the food ready for the beach party in time for the guys to start ferrying it to the beach. The kitchen was soon full of young wolves all jostling for position trying to be helpful. I stood taking in the scene, the pack had grown some since I'd last seen them altogether! I wondered who was in charge as I knew Jacob and Embry were already at the beach preparing the bonfire. As he strode in I realised that unfortunately the only "mature" wolf or should that be "immature" wolf available to oversee was Quil!
"Hey watch where you are standing!" shouted Rachel as she pulled a tray of cold meats out of the fridge and nearly dropped the lot. Emily's kitchen was not exactly small but filled with oversized teenage boys it was feeling crowded. Emily and I shouted instructions to the boys whilst Quil was occupied with trying to decide which muffin he was going to sample first. Thankfully the young wolves quickly grabbed the food and filed out of the kitchen but not before each of them had paused to look at me, sniffing the air as they went by. I felt a blush rushing onto my cheeks. Quil was watching me a smile spreading across his face.
"They just want to see the Alpha's mate up close" Quil shrugged and took a huge bite of muffin "Jacob is so protective of you they don't get the opportunity very often and for some of our new pups they have never seen you at all. But…." he paused stifling a laugh so he did not choke on what he was busy chewing "…But mainly…" he swallowed "It's because they can smell their Alpha". Quil watched my face for a reaction a huge satisfied grin on his own "His scent is particularly strong today" he emphasised eyebrow's wagging up and down "It's all over you and it's even more potent because you are having his baby Bella, Jake's scent is actually in you and our wolves are drawn to it."
He laughed as he noticed the blush he was anticipating, was moving up my neck and onto my face. He was just loving my embarrassment, of knowing that I now knew what all the young wolves had sensed in the kitchen ….that their Alpha's scent was very strong because I had been recently marked by him, like that morning!". I squirmed slightly with that thought. That was the downside with wolves and their damned sense of smell…nothing was private.
"Quil!" I managed to gasp "You are just so embarrassing!"
"Sorry Bella but it's true ask Jake yourself if you don't believe me" He laughed again and managed to steal another muffin on his way out.
"Quil Atera leave some for your brothers!" cried Emily as she tried to whip him with a towel but wasn't fast enough as he ran out the door still loudly laughing.
Still blushing and trying to avoid the others eyes I returned to wiping down the kitchen counters. Thankfully Emily changed the subject when she mentioned the imminent arrival of her niece from the Makah Rez who was looking forward to the bonfire. We all stopped what we were doing and looked towards her, we needed some good news.
"Her name is Claire" smiled Emily turning from the sink and wiping her wet hands on a towel" and she has just turned 17, although she seems a lot older" she laughed again shaking her head "she always was a precocious child but so smart.
"So Claire is staying with you and Sam for the weekend?" I ventured
"Actually she's staying for a couple of months and attending the Tribal School here in La Push whilst my sister has a small operation. Claire's father died when she was very young and Julie has brought Claire up on her own" she frowned for a moment "Tough times" she sighed "when you lose the love of your life…"Emily looked away for a few seconds obviously remembering her sisters pain.
My heart lurched too as I remembered the conversation between Jake and I earlier.
Emily took a deep breath and continued "Julie and Billy got together at school and married young having Claire soon after. That's one of the reasons I think Claire appears so grown up my sister has treated her more like a friend then a daughter over the years".
I sighed to myself that sort of summed up my relationship with Renee. I felt for Claire and couldn't wait to meet her. I had a good feeling about this young girl.
"So how is she getting here?" asked Rachel "I know Sam's on patrol with Paul this afternoon so they can attend the bonfire later"
"It's all taken care of" replied Emily "Claire is travelling with Luca a close friend of my brothers, he's coming to La Push to visit relatives of his own." Emily glanced at the clock ticking on the kitchen wall. "In fact they are due here in the next 20 minutes.
We were just finishing up when we heard a car pull up outside Emily's. The next minute a dark haired girl came crashing into the kitchen squealing with delight straight into the arms of Emily who hugged her back with the same enthusiasm.
"Auntie Em's!" Claire giggled "I am so glad we got here at last. Luca drives too slow" She moaned as she rolled her eyes "and he had to stop to get fuel on route. Honestly you would think he would have sorted that out before we left this morning". Claire showed all the impatience of a teenager.
As Emily released her and Claire turned around to face us we all got a good look at her. The first thing I noticed was she was small like me but very curvaceous for 17! I could see straight away why Emily had mentioned Claire looked older. Two deep brown almond shaped eyes looked out from a heart shaped face and her hair…well ….most girls would die for hair like that! It was jet black and hung silky straight, way past her hips. Claire was simply gorgeous and I had a strong feeling Jake would have his work cut out controlling the pack once the younger wolves caught a glimpse of her.
Emily started to introduce us all to Claire. When she got to me Emily also mentioned I was pregnant and that along with Kim she was looking forward to days spent with our babies drinking tea and eating muffins!. I laughed
"Yes me too" I replied but it also got me thinking. Time to tell Charlie, before the whole of Washington State knew before him. I swallowed thickly that was not a conversation I was looking forward to.
I managed to get Angela alone for a few minutes when we drove back to the Black's house to shower and change.
"Are you OK Angela" I asked she nodded "With everything?" I hedged
"It's ok Bella" she smiled "Embry told me everything"
"Everything?" I checked
"Yes I know about the imprint and the Legend's… you know the Protectors" she laughed a little nervously.
"Ok" I replied "but you look unsure?"
"He said he would show me later tonight…umm…you know…his wolf" she swallowed thickly and she dropped her eyes to the floor but at least she did not look scared just a little bewildered.
"And you're ok with that?" I asked
"Umm yes..I suppose.." she frowned "it just doesn't feel real Bella…none of it ….I mean it's like a fairy tale you know?" Angela raised her big green eyes to look at me seeking my reassurance..
I nodded "Yeah I felt like that too in the beginning but, I love Jacob and his wolf and well… they come as a package deal… two for the price of one" I laughed
Angela smiled "Yes that's what I thought and well you and Jacob seem so happy…and I can't believe someone as gorgeous as Embry has fallen in love with me… of all people!" she squeaked as she grabbed my hands. Her face became serious again "I really, really like him Bella" she whispered then paused looking puzzled "I have this weird feeling though like…like I just want to be near him all the time and I don't understand why?" she frowned then continued. "I mean .. I've only just met him Bella, but just his touch on my skin…." she looked away embarrassed and shook her head.
"But you said Embry explained the imprint"? I queried again "coz that's what it is Angela, that's why you feel like that" I looked into her pretty eyes searching for confirmation.
"Yes yes he did explain but it's so much to take in ….why me?" She asked
"Now stop fretting Angela you deserve Embry." I gently scolded "The Quileute's believe that the imprint proves you were made for each other simple as that" I replied "Look all you need to remember is Embry loves you and all he wants is to make you happy Angela, besides he's so sweet and gentle. He will spend the rest of his days loving you and making sure you are happy".
"Deep down I already seem to know that" she laughed looking surprised at herself. Then she looked more serious as if she was unsure whether to say what she had in mind "Do you..Umm..Do you feel like that with Jacob?" she shyly queried.
I blushed deeply. "Yes" I smiled "It's the same for me, the buzz of electricity and desire when Jacob touches me…" I sighed shivering slightly as I remembered this morning "It never goes away nor does the need for him to be close all the time" I paused "In fact I think it gets stronger as time passes but maybe it's just the pregnancy hormones". I pulled a goofy face and we both giggled hugging each other we were both so happy. "Come on" I said "Let's get inside we have a party to get to"
************************************************The pack was assembled on the beach when Angela and I arrived with Jacob and Billy. There was a chill in the night air but the guys had got a huge bonfire blazing and people had already seated themselves near to it eating and drinking. I could see Charlie and Sue sitting close to the other Elders. I waved at my Dad who raised his can of beer in acknowledgement, Sue waved back as she saw me.
Ahead of me Jacob placed his father next to Charlie and went to get him some food and drink. Embry had claimed Angela so I wandered around the fire and sat down next to Sue.
"How are you Bella?" she asked "We have not seen you for a couple of days". She lowered her voice conspritiously "Charlie has been working nights for the past few weeks. I don't think he has realised you are living at the Black's. Her face became serious "It would be kinda nice if you told him yourself before he finds out from someone else". I nodded in reply. I looked at Sue and swallowed hard. I wanted to speak but the words would not flow. Sue noticed immediately
"What's up Bella?" she whispered "You look troubled"
"I…I.." I stuttered in reply
"Will you come with me for a walk to get some food? Asked Sue. I nodded in reply
Sue rose from her seat "Just going with Bella to the girls room and maybe get some more food" she said to Charlie" Can I get you anything else whilst I'm up?"
"Yeah" Charlie replied "Another beer, no make that two, would be good" he smiled up at me "Everything ok Kiddo?" he asked.
"Sure dad" I replied before his attention was claimed again by Billy and Old Quil
Sue linked arms with me and we slowly walked towards the food area "So Bella" she said a little seriously "What's all this about? I know it's got to be more than a tiff with a boyfriend. Actually how is Jacob these days come to think of it I haven't seen him since the last council meeting"
I stood still for a moment gathering the courage "Sue I'm….I'm.."
Pregnant? Sue finished for me. I nodded mortified and blushed so hard it could probably be seen by everyone even though it was dark.
"I haven't been a nurse all these years not to spot a few signs Bella" Sue laughed. "I just wish you had come and seen me before you know…you both..." She paused as she saw the look of horror on my face not wanting her to mention the word sex. " Both of you should been more careful and you're both very young" she sighed
But that's the thing Sue I replied I was taking the pill. Ok I know I might not have been as careful as I should be when taking it but Sam and Jacob think that most contraceptives seem to fail for the imprints. You must know about the other girls, Emily and Kim… both had their shots but they still fell pregnant?
Sue frowned "Yes I do she replied I gave them the shots myself at the Rez clinic" She paused for a moment "That's an interesting thought Bella now you mention it I'll have to think on that further otherwise you girls will be producing litters of wolf cubs, if I know these young men!
"uugghh don't say it like that I wailed "Look Sue would you help me tell Charlie? I looked at her pleading with my eyes "Cause I know he'll shoot first and ask questions later and well…I'd prefer it if my baby had a Daddy who is still alive!
"Of course!" she replied patting my hand that she held "You leave Chief Swan to me there will be no hunting wolf on my watch!" She winked. I breathed a sigh of relief if I had Sue on my side that was half the battle won with Charlie.
We carried on walking towards the tables that were practically groaning with food and surrounded by pack members. "Come and see me at the Clinic Monday Bella I presume you have already seen Dr Gerandy?
I nodded "Yes as soon as I did the test I went to see him. I was meant to make an appointment with you but I wanted to tell you before rather than you see my name in your appointments book.
Thank you for that Bella. I much prefer to be told outside of my job by someone who I see as a daughter she smiled as she hugged me. "Babies are good news Bella and I'm pleased for you and Jacob. You know I'm there for you. She squeezed my hand. "Now let's get some food I like my mother's to be to eat!" She laughed.
I grabbed a plate and found Jacob, I settled down on the blanket between his legs leaning back into the warmth of his body. I felt the vibrations of his chuckle as he leaned in and kissed the side of my neck setting off that rush of electricity as I had described to Angela, my skin tingling at his touch. Jacob's wolf softly hummed deep in his chest as I looked around at the gathering.
The moon was peeping out from under the almost ever present clouds and I could just make out the waves crashing on the shore. The air was filled with the smell of the sea interspersed with burning wood. I realised that for the first time today I felt happy and relaxed.
"You ok?" he whispered "I saw you talking with Sue earlier"
"Umm yes" I replied "She knows Jacob…" I hesitated. "About the baby and she's going to help me tell Charlie"
I felt Jacob take in a breath and let it out again in a huge sigh of relief "That's great honey" he whispered "Cos Billy's guessed and he's desperate to tell Charlie…you know celebrate".
I laughed "Yeah once Charlie lets it all sink in".
"And hopefully I'm still alive…." he laughed back.
We settled into a comfortable silence as I noticed there were a large number of people attending this gathering. Sadly Jacob confirmed more young guys had phased and this was an opportunity for their parents to mingle. Jacob had wisely decided that the parents needed to be in on the secret. Some of the new wolves were just boys and parents needed to know why their sons were sneaking out in the middle of the night.
There was movement to my left as old Quil banged on a drum catching everyone's attention.
"Welcome everyone. Our history is passed down through our legends" came Old Quills voice in the darkness. "It helps us keep in touch with the past and we can remember our ancestors". This evening I will tell a story that rarely gets heard but it is right that it is told tonight. Everyone sat up, drinks were put on the ground and the entire assembly listened with bated breath.
"This concerns the Black family" he smiled. We have to go back three generations of chiefs. The young chief at the time was a Spirit Warrior and he led a large pack of Protectors. There had been increasing activity from the cold ones passing through our lands and many young men had become spirit wolves as a result.
The young chief had imprinted upon a beautiful Quileute maiden and she had accepted him. They were to be married and loved each other deeply. However, the village was attacked by a group of cold ones and in the battle the young chief died. The young maiden in a way died with him that night. She hid herself away heartbroken that her mate and Chief had gone".
Every day she walked to the river and sat watching it flow by contemplating throwing herself in and ending the misery of her broken heart. Everyone watched her in sadness but there was nothing they could do to bring her out of her melancholy. Such was the power of the imprint that the maiden would never stop loving her Chief.
I grabbed Jacobs's hands and pulled them into my lap. Once again I felt the gut wrenching fear of losing him. He kissed me lightly on the neck and I felt a contented hum vibrate from his chest. He whispered in my ear "Don't worry I'll always be here for you honey always".
One day as she sat by the river a young man came upon her. He was different to the men she knew. His kind blue eyes could see the pain that resided in her beautiful face and he fell in love with her. He had never met a Native American like her. Her skin was pale in comparison to the other Quileute women the colour of warm caramel and her dark brown hair had flecks of red that shone brightly like flames when the sun touched it long lengths. Most of all he loved her eyes kind and gentle, the most beautiful warm brown he had ever seen.
Although William would never replace her chief he was kind. He awoke her from her living nightmare and she felt alive again. They went on to marry and she bade the tribe farewell. The name of the young man she married was William Jerimiah Swan.
United gasps were heard around the fire and all eyes were upon Charlie and me. I shifted uneasily against Jacob. I could feel my cheeks were on fire. Jacob nuzzled my ear "It's your history honey ., how you came to be. He whispered.
Old Quill moved on. The couple had a son and he married and so it moved on until young Charlie arrived on the scene. Old Quil laughed and Billy sniggered. Charlie went beetroot red and I could see Sue was squeezing his hand . "As we know Charlie had a daughter" Old Quil looked directly at me "Isabella Marie Swan. You my dear resemble the description we have of our young maiden who was your Great Great Grandmother".
Everything was quiet for a moment and we all waited with bated breath "Bella" said Billy in a commanding tone of voice "We welcome you home, the circle is complete through you our young maiden has returned to her tribe and reunited with her chief".
Loud whoops and cheers erupted from the assembled group as everyone congratulated Charlie and me, welcoming us back to the tribe. When the fuss died down a little Jacob picked me up
"My beautiful Quileute maiden" he whispered and kissed me gently on the lips. "Kwop kilawtley" he sighed in Quileute
"What did you just say… it sounded beautiful" I looked back at him in awe.
"It means Stay with me forever" he replied "That's what I want Bella for you to stay with me on our ancestral land" and his dark eyes twinkled as I nodded "I'm yours for ever I whispered "I'm home Chief Jacob where I belong and I kissed him passionately, both of us forgetting where we were for a few blissful seconds
We were rudely interrupted by a small cough and a smothered laugh. As I looked round I caught the sight of Paul and Embry standing close trying to get Jacob's attention.
"Hey Jake… dude" said Paul "We need to speak with you ..remember?"
"Ah..Oh..yes" replied Jacob "Be with you in a sec hang on" He bent down to kiss me again "Won't be long Bells honey" he whispered. "Pack business".
I glanced between Jake and his two pack brothers narrowing my eyes as I did. They were up to something that they did not want me to worry about. I could see Angela standing on her own so I moved to join her "behave yourself" I warned Jacob as I pulled away hearing Paul snigger in response.
"As if" replied Jacob trying to look all innocent with the big puppy dog eyes look he had perfected.
"Humph!" I said. He's definitely up to something I confirmed to myself and headed off to join Angela.
The three of us faced each other. "Now that Bella's gone I said we can talk. Come and sit I have some beers ready. Embry and Paul nodded and followed me along the beach and into the darkness, darkness that frail human eyes could not penetrate but to me and the guys with our lupine vision everything was visible. We sat down on a large tree washed up on the beach.
So I said as I took a long swig of beer from the bottle I was holding. Having settled our earlier run in with a nip or two Embry and I were back on course "How's your imprint holding up Embry she appears to be taking things well?".
"Yeah she's cool Jake " replied Embry "I'm going to show her my wolf later after the party"
"Do you want one of the pack there just in case she runs and you know what might happen if she does?" I cautioned him, one eyebrow raised as I watched Embry's face.
"Yeah" he sighed "I think that would be good Jake I was gonna ask. I don't want to frighten her any more than I have to today. My wolf is super excited about her and if she runs he winced a little I don't know what he will do". Paul and I nodded and smiled in sympathy.
"I'll be there" Paul offered "But from what I've seen of her tonight I think she'll be fine besides she has Bella to confide in".
I smiled "true " and nodded in agreement.
"Now change of subject… time to get serious guys." I placed my beer on the sand next to the tree trunk on which the three of us were seated. "Now we are all finally alone without pack ears I want you Embry to tell me about what happened this morning in particular in Bella's room at Charlie's. I have already spoken to Bella and have her version I'm intrigued to hear yours" I looked meaningfully at Embry.
Embry took a large swig of beer then placed his bottle next to mine. "I drove with Bella to Charlie's and on arrival I pretended to jog off down the road but once out of sight I doubled back and hid out in the forest behind Charlie's House as you asked Jacob"
"Did you phase whilst you were there?" I asked
"I was tempted but I thought the girls might not be too long"
"God you got some catching up to do." laughed Paul. "Girls gossip.. for hours once they get together Embry! He laughed again. I joined in Paul was right.
"So go on Embry" I encouraged.
"There was nothing unusual Jake. I looked around the house when the girls went inside but everything appeared to be in its place and no vampire stench anywhere"
I frowned when I heard this. Embry went on;
"I was just back undercover when I heard Bella scream out my name. Man she was sacred" he blew out a breath and rubbed the back of his head as he recalled the incident." I ran into the house and into her room". He paused taking in a deep breath." Hell Jacob the room had been totally trashed".
A snarl ripped my chest in response my wolf did not like to think of anyone rifling through Bella's personal stuff, touching her things .. Mine we both said in response and my wolf continued "..Pup ..Protect". I gulped down more beer trying to keep my cool as Embry continued.
"I got a good smell of the leech though". My eyes jolted up to Embry's
"You recognised it Em?" I was hopeful
"Oh yes!" Embry smiled slightly before becoming serious again "But you're not gonna like it Jake". He paused "I'd know that fucking leech anywhere…" Paul and I sat with bated breath..
"Edward Cullen!" Growled Embry A loud vicious snarl tore through my chest as I visibly started to shake….
"Hey!" called Sam as he came along the shore line "What's going on… sorry I'm late… just had to check in with Emily". He stared at our furious expressions….."The practice drill is still on for tonight?" he asked.
"Oh yes" I growled "and God help any fucker who turns up late…!" Cullen had just upped the stakes and the pack needed to respond. He was back and somehow I knew he would not be alone….
