Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer but the plot is all mine!
A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who reads this story and the kind reviews you have left. Special thanks to Twin68 love you girlfriend. Please continue to share your thoughts it really helps me and I'm always happy to read any PM's if you want to contact me privately…let me know what you love or hate…I need to know!
Life and work deadlines have got in the way yet again (double sighs) …so apologies for making you all wait…let's hope you think it's worth it!
And now the story continues...
Chapter 34 – Time to choose Bella love
Laurent stepped out of the shadows a few miles from the Denali Coven bringing the fleeing red headed vampire to an abrupt halt.
"Laurent." Her childlike voice echoed around the forest in the darkness. "I'm surprised to find you out here in the dark. I thought you were otherwise engaged with Irina" She laughed sarcastically at that last sentence but Laurent was in no mood for laughing as he leaned against a tree.
"Victoria" he sighed as he examined a long finger nail before turning his enraged burgundy eyes upon the small female vampire "Irina is none of your concern my dear but you are of concern to me. This little trip of yours tonight" he sighed loudly "Did it by chance end in La Push?" Victoria scowled at him her own red eyes reflected anger towards Laurent,
"Why ask when you have obviously guessed?" she whined
"And what of the two new vampires you took with you Victoria I see you have returned alone, have you lost them by chance, Peter will be so disappointed." he sighed loudly again.
"The Wolf pack took them out" Victoria hissed "As I will one day take out the pack."
"In your dreams." replied Laurent. "Well that's if you actually slept." He laughed a little at his own joke before with lightening reflexes he leapt forward grabbing Victoria's sleek neck. "I could snap your head right off here and now Victoria" he hissed menacingly into her ear. The female vampire froze with fear. "This relentless pursual of the human girl has got to stop. I have bigger plans and you will derail them all."
He released his grip on Victoria and she swiftly moved away from him. Her gift for avoiding trouble and finding an exit never seemed to work where Laurent was concerned. She flicked her wild curly red hair back behind her head and glared at Laurent.
"You know how much killing her would mean to me!" she whined "Revenge for James, we agreed…"
"We agreed that the time for the human's death would come and I would choose when Victoria not you!" he spat. "I am at a delicate crossroads with my plan for this coven and you seem hell bent on ruining it." Laurent took a deep breath he did not need. "We are almost ready to topple Tanya. Garratt is with us Victoria." He smiled broadly his white teeth glowing in the darkness "And now that Tanya is at war with Maria well it's a perfect time to strike from within." Laurent paused carefully watching Victoria's reactions. "But I have important news to share" He smiled again "I have heard that Maria has a new friend a vampire called Chelsea she is gifted of course."
"In what way?" Asked Victoria her eyes narrowing. He had her attention now, gifted vampires could be difficult to escape from and Victoria was all about escape.
"Chelsea can break down the bonds of loyalty between a coven even mated vampires." Laurent shook his head before continuing "Likewise she can also enforce those ties to the point where a vampire would not question an order, forever subservient."
Victoria frowned she was not sure if she liked the sound of Chelsea. Her own gift gnawed at her to get away. Sensing this Laurent smiled again.
"Eleazar knows about Chelsea too." he nodded at Victoria "And he has told Tania that now is the time to take the gifted human he met in Port Angeles, their little shield." he sniggered "When they take the girl the wolf pack will follow and with Garrett's help I intend to ensure they destroy Tania and Eleazar along with that annoying woman" he was of course referring to Irina. Victoria looked up at Laurent her mood had lightened at the news.
"Then can I kill the human?" Victoria almost squealed in delight
"Yes." replied Laurent "You may have Bella Swan all to yourself Victoria it will be my little gift for your loyalty." Victoria practically hugged herself with delight bouncing on the spot "But you must promise…" he hissed "No more forays onto Wolf pack territory."
In response Victoria crossed her stone cold heart and mumbled "Hope to die"
Laurent shook his head and half smiled as he watched the child like vampire overcome with happiness. "And die you will." he thought I've negotiated a truce with Maria and I will have no place for you in the brave new world we will create"
000
Paul was adamant that Bella would not meet Alice at the arranged spot. He paced up and down the kitchen floor anger rippling off his taught body. "It's too open and dangerous." he growled. He met her pleading eyes, his own showing signs of the inevitable change as the wolf clawed from the inside to protect its mate. "You will be in that coffee shop on your own and I'll be outside unable to enter in case I phase". He clenched his jaw like he always did when he was tense. Bella reached up and stroked the side of his face. Unable to resist he lent into her touch "I know what you're trying to do." he growled a little "But I won't back down Bella not this time."
"Shh Paul" she whispered "I'm happy not to go to the coffee shop. I told you last night I need to keep you close to me." Her eyes were once again full of fear as she thought about Edward Cullen. Smelling her spike of adrenalin and hearing her heart beat increase Paul picked her up and hugged her close.
"No one is gonna get near you Bella." He growled before his hot lips found hers. A knock at the door brought their attention back to the imminent meeting. Jacob poked his head around the door.
"You two ready?" he asked eyeing them both as Paul slid Bella down his front and Bella blushed furiously "I can see you're a bit preoccupied." He laughed as Paul growled at his brother and before he could say anything out of place Bella piped up.
"I just need to call Alice and tell her we are changing the meeting place" She looked at Paul and nodded.
"Yeah!" he smiled back at her before returning his gaze to Jacob. "The coffee shop is too dangerous Bro." he snarled "I suggest we meet at that small clearing on the treaty line." Jacob nodded his agreement
"Good call Paul." he replied "I was thinking the same on the run over here. Quil, Embry and Jared are outside I'll let them know." He disappeared out back closing the door behind him.
"Bella stood on tip toe and placed a tiny kiss on Paul's luscious lips "Thank you" she sighed
"Oh you can repay me later" Paul snickered as he tried to deepen the kiss. "The usual repayment terms" Bella pulled back slightly
"I can just about sit down as it is!" She laughed
"I wasn't too rough last night was I?" He whispered his gorgeous eyes full of concern as he pulled her close "I just wanted to show you how much you mean to me Bella...I…" she interrupted him before he could start to beat himself up.
"And I needed you to show me that love Paul but…" She sighed a little "A girl has her limits and I'm well...Im just a bit sore that's all." she kissed him again but he was still on edge "That's the problem with having an ever ready Wolf as your mate!" she laughed "You never seem to need a rest but I do Paul Lahote" She leaned away from him and grabbed her cell off the kitchen work top, quickly calling Alice who picked up on the third ring….
000
"When?" Said Jasper
"Another 5 minutes for Carlisle and 10 for the pack." replied Alice "Why?"
"He's starting to get on my nerves…" he replied pointing his chin towards Edward who hovered on the very edge of the treaty line. He had been impatiently pacing up and down since they had arrived. Alice took Jaspers hand in her own and pulled him close
"You are usually so calm and collected Jaz." she smiled as the blond vampire traced his lips over hers.
"Hmmm" replied a serious looking Jasper "But Edward is really wound up Alice you know how he feels about Bella I'm not sure he can deal with what is about to happen."
"I will deal with it brother…" Edward hissed in reply and turned his attention to his sister. "Alice can you see her yet?" he pleaded his golden eyes fixed on hers.
"No...Edward and I told you last night I get only glimpses of Bella and nothing about her future." Alice sighed shaking her head. "I think it has something to do with the Quileute wolf pack, they block my visions" She frowned "I just don't understand what Bella's part in all this is. She's not Quileute and she's certainly not a wolf."
"Black…" Edward hissed "It's bound to be something to do with him. He hates me and between him and his father they tried their hardest to take Bella away from me."
"No one took Bella away from you." sighed Alice "She loved you Edward but you chose to let her stay human…you left her". Edward threw a look full of scorn at Alice causing Jasper to move slightly in front of her. Edward saw the movement and ignoring them both turned to take up his position on the treaty line once again.
There was a slight swish of trees and Carlisle followed by Esme ran into the small clearing where the other Cullen's were gathered. Esme's golden eyes settled on Edward. Being so young when Carlisle had found him, he was the closest thing to a son to Esme. Even though she treated the others as family Edward was her favourite and everyone knew it.
"Edward!" she cried "I'm so pleased to see you it's been too long." Edward strode over to the woman who was the nearest thing to a mother he had since he lost his human mother the night he was turned. "Esme" he murmured as he kissed her cheek "I've missed you"
"Not enough to call and tell your father and I where you were or how you were doing." She sighed a little.
"They are here" called Alice and all the Cullen's looked towards the forest edge. Jacob padded into the clearing first with Embry and Quil on each side
"My goodness" said Carlisle "They are bigger than the last pack wolves" as he took in the sight of the huge creatures standing close to the treaty line. He stepped forward himself arms out stretched Jasper hot on his tail battling to ease the tension in the air. "Welcome" Carlisle continued "I'm guessing one of you will be Ephraim's heir?" The large Russet wolf nodded his huge head and pawed at the ground "Absolutely magnificent" sighed Carlisle. The Russet wolf looked towards Edward and growled slightly
"Oh yes that's Black all right" Snarled Edward "Always knew he was a wolf in sheep's clothing." Jacob answered with another low growl. "There are more Carlisle" Edward smiled at his father "This pack is larger in numbers than the last," not all of them are here. Edward looked beyond the three wolves he knew she was there somewhere. Alice stepped forward.
"Is Bella here Jacob Black?" She asked
"Yes" came a sweet voice they all knew so well and Bella stepped out into the clearing, by her side walked an enormous silver wolf. She looked towards Edward and her heart sped up. He was as beautiful as she had remembered him maybe even more so.
"Bella love" Edward sighed and moved forward slightly. Carlisle placed a hand on his arm, stilling his movement.
"Careful Edward, don't startle them whilst they are in wolf form. The animal instinct is very strong, remember you were with us back then" Edward nodded almost unperceptively but his golden eyes lingered longingly on Bella.
Bella moved forward "Alice" she smiled at the small pixie like vampire. Alice smiled in return as Bella neared. It was then that the first wave of sweetness hit Bella hard. Her small hand reached out and found the long soft fur of the silver wolfs large neck. She pushed her fingers into the fur and wound it round tight. Paul glanced at her he could feel her fear. He whined slightly and Bella smiled lovingly up at him, taking courage from his presence.
"I'm pleased to see you looking so well" said Alice bringing Bella's warm cinnamon brown eyes away from Paul and back to her. "I've been so worried Bella..." Alice sighed "That I have not been able to see you lately" Alice moved closer to Bella which resulted in a loud snarl from Paul. He shook his huge head and Bella stepped closer against his broad shoulders, finding comfort in the heat that radiated from him.
"You…you…" Bella stuttered slightly "You said you had something important to share …to warn me about Alice?" Alice looked at Edward then Carlisle before her golden eyes came back to Bella.
"Yes" replied Alice "We believe another coven desires you Bella and we have come here to protect you." Bella took in a deep breath as Paul growled again and pawed the ground along with his brothers. The other wolves had spaced themselves out along the line each had targeted a vampire ….if it came to it they were ready. Seth having just phased was minutes away.
"I'm...I'm okay Alice." Bella almost whispered "I'm safe you have no need to worry about me." Alice frowned she desperately wanted to tell Bella about Edward and the role he was about to play in it all but she could not even think about it with him so close by. Before she could utter another word she heard a strangled cry
"No…No…No... I will not allow it!" Shouted Edward as he began to move closer to Bella. The pack growled loudly as Jasper desperately tried to defuse the situation. "Bella!" he implored "Tell me it's not true…!" He turned towards Paul who had obviously shown Edward some x rated thoughts. His bared fangs looked like they were smiling at the vampire. "You filthy animal!" he spat "There is no way my Bella would be involved like that, what have you made her do?"
Bella stood wide eyed as Edward neared her. His sweet scent filled her nostrils and it evoked memories long for gotten. He saw her reaction and knew he had caused it as he focused all his vampire skills upon her "Bella my love" he crooned "You don't belong with these filthy beasts" he smiled at her his face full of love and longing "I can give you everything you desire love, what can they give you but a life of poverty." Seeing the look Edward threw at Paul Bella realised that Edward had "heard" something from him. Paul she thought.
"I belong with him." She bravely replied tightening her grip on Paul "You cannot give me anything Edward."
"But this animal can?" He seethed pointing at Paul. Edward turned to his family "It would seem Bella thinks she loves this wolf. She is of course deluded." He looked meaningfully at his father "Carlisle help her, the trauma of my leaving has led her to believe all this nonsense." He looked back again at Bella with longing and edged closer "Bella…" he crooned "My only love" He pinched the bridge of his nose like he was experiencing pain he could no longer feel. He sighed and changed tack. "I was wrong to leave you, come with me please love" He held out a pale white hand. "We can be together forever as we once planned"
In response Bella stepped forward slightly as the pull from Edward tugged at that long buried desire. Inside like an addict Bella was fighting… she really didn't want to go to him but…just that smell it was so alluring…his voice was so tender…Edward smirked a little then continued his voice sickly sweet and velvety. "Yes love you remember all the good times we had and it can be like that again" Her fingers relaxed in Paul's fur as she leaned forward deeply inhaling Edwards's aroma and her eyelids fluttered closed. Paul whined as he felt the imprint pull…
Bella's eyes snapped open her mind made up she knew what she wanted the battle was won. "No Edward" she sounded adamant as she faced the slim vampire "I belong here with my wolf, the pack" and she looked up at Paul with love filled eyes.
"Why …why Bella?" asked Edward
"Because I love him" she simply replied and grabbed hold of his fur again "And he loves me and that is worth more to me than anything you could buy Edward"
"But I love you Bella!" Cried Edward as he lunged forward only to be grabbed on either side by Jasper and Carlisle.
"Enough!" Jacob's low bass voice echoed around the clearing he had phased back as Edward had lunged for Bella. "This meeting is ended!" he thundered "There is nothing more to be gained. You have seen for yourselves that Bella is well and we will take care of her there is no need for any of you to be involved any further."
"We understand" replied Carlisle sadly as he and the other Cullen's began to back away. Edward watched with sad eyes as Bella retreated with the silver wolf by her side. "I won't give up on you love" he whispered "She still loves me I felt it… it's just they have told her lies." He shook his head "I won't accept she is mated to that…that animal...she can't be!" he sighed in despair as he moved away with Carlisle. "She's worth more than that...the life he will give her will be full of hardship on a rundown reservation"
Jasper turned to Alice with a worried look. "I have to disagree with him Alice" he whispered "I have never felt anything like it. What was flowing between Bella and her silver wolf the sexual attraction, the bonding it's so strong it is almost magical…" Alice nodded
"I know for a few moments I could see it so clearly Jasper" she sighed "It's a pure love…Bella is mated to him for life as he is to her, he's utterly devoted to her" She shook her small head "But somehow I have to see her alone. I still need to warn Bella, that's what we came here to do but Edward spoiled it" Jasper took her tiny hand in his as they made to follow the others "I am worried about him Jasper" she sighed her voice full of despair "I fear he is about to make a decision that will change all our lives for ever…"
000
Paul carried an emotionally exhausted Bella into their bedroom "I'm proud of you baby" he whispered in her ear as he kissed her all too willing lips before dragging his mouth towards his mark.
"I love you…" Bella whispered back "I know I worried you out there in the forest" she sighed "Even if it was only for a few moments." He laid her gently on their enormous bed his eyes gazing into hers full of love for his tiny mate. He opened his mouth to deny what she had said but she placed a small finger on his hot lips "Being so close to him…" she sighed loudly "It evoked memories long buried. But it's you and only you who I want to be with" Paul kissed her slowly and luxuriously his tongue pushing gently against her lips requesting entry which she willingly gave him "Oh Paul" she moaned as his taste filled her mouth and tingles of pleasure ignited the flames of passion in that secret place.
Paul broke the kiss. "Are you still sore?" he quietly asked Bella shook her head
"Make love to me Paul…" she whispered "I need to feel you inside me". He didn't need to be asked twice as he started to undress her.
"I love you Bella" he whispered "So so much…" Inside the wolf and the man rejoiced. Their little mate had faced their enemy and had chosen them today. The bonds of their love tightened even deeper as Paul claimed her all over again...
A/N: The Denali coven are coming for Bella they need her gift. Maybe Laurent will dispose of Victoria before she takes revenge on Bella, but using the pack to do his dirty work…well what do you think? Thank goodness Bella chose Paul and the pack but we know Edward will not give up…do you agree? Poor Alice she desperate to share with Bella what she has "seen" but Edward is in the way. What about Jacob? He is acting as Alpha he just hasn't realised that he has transitioned into the role.
Till next time xxxxxx