Hi All

Sorry for the delay in this update. RL has got in the way a bit recently. Swimming season has started and for those of you who don't know, my son swims competitively, his training and comps have taken up a lot of spare time.

Major Announcement. I've had to change the rating of this fic. I decided it was time for Bree and Seth to start moving there relationship to the next level so from here on, this is an M rated fic... Please stop reading if you are not of age. On the plus side if you are too young to read, please PM me and I will send you an edited version. I don't want anyone to not be able to get to the end. That would be unfair.

Chapter 36

Bella Cullen

Hours had passed since my beloved father had been almost fatally shot in a bungled bank robbery, hours where I'd experienced every kind of human emotion possible, except now they weren't human emotions, they were heightened a thousand times by my vampire abilities to feel.

Words cannot describe how I'd felt when Edward told me Charlie'd been shot and it was likely that he'd die. They failed me again when Carlisle explained that he was going to be okay. I'd never loved my father-in-law as much as I did in that exact moment.

I'd spent the next few hours sitting by Charlie, explaining to him that he was going to get better and telling him over and over again that I loved him. Edward finally managed to pry me away by telling me that there was work to be done elsewhere, work that would help Charlie to heal.

Alice and Bree took over from me when I left the hospital; I'd only agreed to leave if they promised never to leave him alone and to call me the second that Alice 'saw' him wake up. I needed to be there for that.

Edward surprised me by driving us straight to Charlie's house. What surprised me further was the fact that most of the others were already there, including some of the wolves, albeit in human form.

The house was a hive of activity and strangely my tiny unassuming mother-in-law appeared to be in the centre of it all, barking out orders.

"What's going on, Edward?" I asked. "Why are they here, what are they doing?"

"Shhh," Edward soothed me. "Bella, Charlie is going to need some help whilst he recovers his strength, but knowing how stubborn and proud he can be, Esme thought it would be an idea to make things as comfortable as possible for him, before he got the chance to say no; so to speak."

"Bella, sweetheart, how are you? How's Charlie?" Esme joined us on the side walk.

I knew I must have looked a little startled by everything as I told her, "he's still asleep. Alice will call when it appears that he's going to wake up."

"Bella let me explain what we're doing. Carlisle told me that Charlie might struggle a little physically to begin with when he's allowed home. Knowing Charlie, he wouldn't want to impose on anyone any more than was strictly necessary, so I came up with a plan to do a little re-modelling of the ground floor of his house. I hope you don't mind?"

"Mind? Why would I mind Esme? You're doing this to help Charlie – right? Thank you." I assured her. "So what's the plan, tell me what I can do to help?"

"Well, all of these great hulking men will be doing most of the hard work," she chuckled nodding in the direction of Emmett, Sam and Jared, who seemed to be moving huge timber beams around like they were tiny twigs at the side of the house. "I just need you to tell me what you think should go where, Bella."

Edward took my hand and we followed Esme inside.

"What I was thinking, Bella, is that we could use the side of the house nearest the woods. We'll knock a hole through the wall on the far side of the kitchen for a door and construct a small corridor that would lead to a single room with an en-suite shower room. The bedroom would have some patio doors, leading to a small deck where Charlie could sit and enjoy some fresh air now that the weather is getting better. It would be at the back, so he'd enjoy complete privacy."

Given everything else that I'd had to take in today, I found it strangely easy to wrap my head around good news.

"That sounds wonderful, Esme. Don't we need planning permission or something though?" I really didn't want the town planning committee showing up to ask us to take this down, just as Charlie got home.

"Jenks," the name seemed to be shouted at me from several directions. Edward whispered it; Esme said it and the other Cullens in the vicinity just called it... Of course, I should have known better.

I helped Esme and Rosalie move the crockery and white goods from Charlie's small kitchen into the dining room. Eventually this would become just one room, a kitchen/diner. This would allow us to make optimum use of the small space, whilst still keeping a separate living area, Esme explained. It felt somewhat strange to watch my mother-in-law take charge. I was more used to her just being a mom to all of us. It was easy to forget that she was an architect and interior designer. There was a buzz in the air and not just from the power tools either. It was obvious that everyone was up for this bizarre challenge. They all had the same goal, to help Charlie. I felt humbled.

My cell phone rang an hour later and I made my way straight back to the hospital, assuring Esme before I left that I would keep this all a secret from Charlie and that I'd pass on her love to Carlisle.

Alice and Carlisle met us at the door of the hospital. Bree was keeping her promise by not leaving Charlie alone for a second.

"He'll be awake in around five minutes, Bella," Alice told me. "He's going to be confused and groggy but Carlisle will be with you. He'll give him any necessary meds." Carlisle nodded in agreement.

"Wait, Edward, are you not coming in with me?" I asked, slightly confused.

"Bella, I had to get the hospital administration to bend the rules to allow Alice and Bree in with Charlie," Carlisle explained. "In ICU, only his next of kin is allowed. So you should be with him alone when he wakes up."

"I have work to do back at Charlie's house," Edward said. "I'm sure you wouldn't want everyone else to do all the work."

He had me there. There was no way that I'd expect my family and the wolves to do all of the work. Edward would be doing his share, on my behalf.

"Thank you," I told him and kissed him gently before joining Carlisle.

I thanked Bree, who left as soon as we entered the room. Charlie still looked bad, all hooked up to wires and drips. It shocked me to the core to see him like that, all vulnerable.

I took my place by Charlie's side, Carlisle hovered in the background. I took my father's hand and a few seconds later his eye lids fluttered as he became conscious again.

"Dad," I whispered. "How are you feeling?"

"Bells?" he seemed confused.

"It's okay, Dad, you're in hospital. You got shot. Carlisle reached you in time. You're gonna be just fine."

"Carlisle, he asked me..."

"Hush, Dad, save your strength. We can talk about that tomorrow." I knew exactly what he was thinking.

Carlisle adjusted his IV, giving him more morphine.

"I'm so sorry Bells," he whispered before falling asleep again.

I knew he wouldn't wake up again for some time.

"You know that Esme is re-modelling his house?" I asked Carlisle.

"I didn't," he answered. "But it doesn't surprise me. She is always looking for a new project."

"She sends her love," I told him. "She is quite a fiery character when she gets the bit between her teeth, isn't she?"

"She sure is, Bella. She loves you so much; she'd do anything for you and Charlie."

"I'm beginning to understand that now," I chuckled. "She's not the quiet, un-assuming sweet-pea that she portrays."

Carlisle laughed. "She's far from that person. She has more strength than the rest of us combined," he said proudly.

~TCOB~

Bree Cullen

To say that I was happy that Grandpa Carlisle had saved Charlie would have to be the understatement of the millennium. I couldn't imagine what it would have done to Bella if he'd died. So, when Aunt Alice text me to ask if I'd mind sitting with him at the hospital, I was delighted to be able to do my bit to help.

When Bella got returned, I headed back to Charlie's house, eager to do my bit to help with the re-build. Aunt Alice had explained Grandma's plan, and even though I was small, I was strong and I was determined to do my bit to help. I soon found out that my dad had other ideas.

"You don't have to help sweetie," he told me. "The guys have it covered."

I was not having any of that.

"So what am I? Chopped liver? I want to help, Dad. Let me help."

Mom came up to us then and smacked Dad, hard on the arm. "Do not dare patronize her, you fucking halfwit. Bree, we need the decking cut to size. Can you use a saw? Seth is already doing the same."

"I'm sure that Seth will be happy to show me what to do," I answered. "Where is he?"

"Behind the house, sweetheart. Go help him."

"Thanks, Mom."

I made my way past Uncle Jasper and Paul, who were cutting large pieces of MDF to size and found my Seth behind the house.

"Hi baby," his smile would have lit up a stadium. "How's Charlie?"

"He's about to wake up. Bella and Carlisle are with him."

"He's in good hands then. How are you holding up? Today can't have been easy for you."

"I've had better days," I admitted. "I could use a hug."

He dropped the tools he was using instantly and gathered me in his arms. He was so warm that I couldn't help but feel safe there.

"Thank you, I needed that," I told him.

"Any time, sweetheart, you know that."

"Kiss me Seth," I implored

His lips were on mine instantly, his warmth saturated me and I melted. His tongue pressed on my lips and I opened them, allowing him access to my mouth. I shuddered, knowing I both wanted and needed more.

"Seth, please," I groaned.

His kiss continued, whilst his hands roamed over me, sending my senses and body into overdrive. God I wanted him badly.

"Bree, I love you so much," he told me. "But we can't. We need to talk to Carlisle first, although I have to say the wait is killing me."

A truth dawned on me suddenly.

"No, you're right, we can't. Not yet at least. But I can please you, if you'll let me?" I asked, placing my hand on his erection to show him exactly what I meant.

"Oh hell, Bree. Are you sure?" Seth asked.

I'd never been more sure of anything in my life. The only problem I could see was our vicinity to the others. They would hear and smell everything. I didn't want that.

I took my Seth by the hand and led him into the woods. I knew we'd have to be quick, so as we wouldn't be missed.

When we'd gotten far enough away, by my calculation, I turned to my wolf man and kissed him deeply, my hands wandering over his body until they reached my desired target.

The growl from his throat told me all I needed. I pulled back from our kiss and worked my way down his torso, stopping only when I reached the top of his shorts.

"May I?" I asked.

"Oh fuck, please,"

I unzipped his cut off jeans and released his manhood. I thanked the Lord that it didn't appear to be too big. It was thick certainly, but not too big.

Okay Bree, you can so do this... I was slightly uncertain about how the venom in my mouth would affect him... I had to say something.

"Err, Seth, before I do this... you need to tell me if it hurts you in any way."

"What, why would it?"

"My venom."

"Bree, please, I'll shout out if it's sore."

I knelt down and kissed the tip of his erection, then slowly took him inside my mouth.

"Jesus H Christ!" he exclaimed.

"Is it painful?" I asked.

"No, it's kind of tingly. It's an amazing sensation," he assured me.

Glad and re-assured, I started again. I licked and sucked, not really knowing what I was doing. I used my hand to stroke him at the same time.

His moans, growls and groans told me I was doing this right.

"Bree, I'm close baby," he moaned, I could feel a change in how he felt in my mouth, so when I felt a light pulsing sensation, I guessed that he was about to cum. I knew that I wouldn't likely be able to swallow, so I took my mouth away and just continued with my hand alone. Seconds later, his body seemed to lurch as he wailed my name and climaxed. His semen covered my hand.

I felt strangely empowered that I'd been able to do that for him. It was a pity that it had made me extremely horny too though. There was no way that he'd have time to reciprocate, even if he wanted to.

"Bree, that was just... amazing. Thank you so much," Seth breathed, straightening himself out. I was standing up again and he took me in his arms and kissed me. "Can I do the same for you? I want to." He was looking at me shyly and I loved him all the more for it.

"Maybe, soon, but we need to get back to Charlie's and finish the decking, hopefully we've not been missed," I insisted.

We got back to the house and started cutting the timber to size just before Alice joined us.

"Bree, Seth," she eyed us knowingly and I swore I'd have blushed if it was possible. "You need to speak to Carlisle and soon." She said before walking away.

"She saw, I am so mortified." Seth said.

"No, she couldn't have, she can't see you guys, remember?" I asked, referring to the holes in Alice's visions. She'll maybe have seen us disappearing and put two and two together. She's right though, we need to speak to Carlisle tomorrow." I admitted.

"Tomorrow," Seth agreed...

~TCOB~

Bella Cullen

Charlie had a fitful night, he tossed and turned a little. Carlisle stayed with us for the most part and administered pain relief whenever my dad moaned or cried out in pain. It pained me to see him so weak. Charlie was one of the strongest men I'd ever known and I'd thought that he was invincible. He wasn't though. He was human, a mere mortal and had chosen to remain that way and die rather than let Carlisle change him. I had all night to try to make sense of that fact but I couldn't. I just couldn't come up with a reason for him wanting to leave me.

"You're quiet, love," Carlisle commented.

"I'm just trying to think things through, work out what I am going to say to him when he's strong enough to have that conversation."

"Ah, I see, you mean about him not wanting to be saved at any cost." Carlisle nodded knowingly.

"Can you tell me exactly what happened?" I asked. "It might help."

So Carlisle gave me the blow by blow account of what happened at the bank. I knew he had left nothing out. His memory, like those of all of our kind, was impeccable.

Unfortunately it didn't help my dilemma in the slightest. I wondered if it would be better to ignore the situation completely.

"I'm just going to slip home and change, Bella," Carlisle said. "Charlie's comfortable now, I've just topped up his morphine. I won't be long, I promise."

"Oh, of course you must go, Carlisle. I shouldn't have kept you here so long. Could you bring Edward back with you? I'd like both of you here when I talk to Charlie. Jasper and Alice too if it's at all possible."

"If you want Jasper and Alice to be with you when you speak to Charlie about his choice, you may have to wait until he's moved out of the ICU. As I said earlier, it should really just be you in here. Let's wait and see how he is later this morning. If I think Charlie is fit enough, I will make the necessary arrangements to have him moved back to Forks General. I'll make sure he has a private room, where you wont be disturbed."

"Thank you, Carlisle, I'd really appreciate that." I told him sincerely.

"I'll get going now, I'll be right back."

And with that he left, leaving me to my thoughts.

~TCOB~

End Notes

Thanks go to my brilliant pre-reader Courtney0624 and to my awesome beta Kymbersmith90. I couldn't do this without you. Thanks also to Hkp_Jen_73 for her assistance on the final bit of this chapter.

Animechick1998 made me a banner for this fic. Check it out, it's on my profile. Thanks babe.

Finally thanks to every single reader who have added me to alerts and favorites. Your reviews keep me doing this. I appreciate every single one. So please, please review. I will reply to each and every one.