It was early. Too early. The sun wasn't out yet. Something was tickling Bella's nose, forcing her a deep sleep. "Rise and shine sleepyhead"! Bella cracked open one eye.
"Go away", she growled.
"Nope"! Maddie bounced up and down on the balls of her feet. "Time to get up. It's Black Friday".
"You are an evil horrible woman and I hate you. Let me go back to sleep", she grumbled. For the last two years, Maddie had been dragging Bella out of bed to do battle with the crowds for Black Friday sales.
"Bella" she whispered in her ear. "Get your ass out of this bed right now before I throw a bucket of cold water on you. Think long and hard, Swan. You know I don't make idle threats".
"Bitch".
"Good. Coffee is ready downstairs. I'll be in the kitchen going over my list".
Bella leaned over and kissed Jacob lightly. Nothing woke him. Bella swore that he would sleep through a hurricane. Quickly she gathered her things, and snuck out into the hall bathroom so that she wouldn't disturb him. Pulling her hair back into a ponytail and putting some cream under her swollen eyes, she appraised herself in the mirror, and stuck her tongue out at her reflection. "3:00 in the morning" she grumbled. "I'm gonna fix her sorry ass wagon".
Bella stalked into the kitchen, and poured a hot cup of coffee, slamming the pot back on the warmer, muttering obscenities under her breath. Maddie ignored her. This was how Bella was every year, and as soon as she had her coffee she'd be better. So, she went back to her list, outlining the stores she wanted to go to.
Bella finished her coffee. "Ready to go".
Maddie gave her friend an excited smile. "Yup! Let's go get some breakfast. We've got plenty of time to eat".
Bella grabbed her keys and drove them over to the diner in Forks. Collin, who had been on patrol before they left, followed them. Jake had given strict instructions that Bella was to be guarded at all times. There was still the possibility of a vampire roaming the area, and he wasn't taking any chances. The wolves were instructed to guard Bella, but not invade her privacy. In other words - leave her alone. Arriving at the diner, he kept his distance, but he could hear her as she told him to come in and and order some breakfast. Collin was grateful. His stomach had been growling for an over an hour, and he knew once they got to Port Angeles he wouldn't be able to just leave them in order to satisfy his hunger.
Bella and Maddie ordered their food. The diner was all but abandoned this time of morning, most people opting to get in line at the stores and eat later. This was their tradition. After all, why stand in the cold for hours when you know that only a few people were going to get the freebies. Besides, Bella was less inclined to want to claw her own eyes out if she had a full stomach before they shopped.
Looking around the quiet diner, Maddie figured it was safe to ask some questions she had about the pack. Keeping her voice low, she started in. "Bella, what can you tell me about the guys. I mean, not their personal lives, but the way this has affected them, physically, I mean".
It was easy for all of them to forget that Maddie hadn't been around them for very long. Bella understood that she must be full of questions, and it was her duty not only as a friend but as mate to the true alpha to ease her transition into this lifestyle.
"Most of them were teenagers when they changed for the first time. Sam was twenty, I think. He was the first of them to go through it. I don't know about all of their experiences. You'd have to ask Embry about his. I can tell you that Sam was very alone and afraid when it happened to him. He had no idea that the legends were all true, and he thought he was losing his mind. When the council finally picked up on it, they put all of his fears to rest, and told him what had been passed down for generations, the things they all needed to know to keep everyone safe".
Bella paused, wrapping her cold fingers around the coffee mug, inhaling the pungent aroma and taking a long drink. "When I first moved back to Forks, I ran into Jacob at a party on the beach". Bella smiled at the memory, he was so young then, both of them awkward teenagers. "He was average height, probably about 5'9 or so. Gangly, like most 15 year old boys. He was graceful in his movements, even back then. Who knows if it was the other part of him, already making itself known. I didn't really see him again for another year. He had turned 16, and grown to over six feet. All of the childlike features were gone. He called himself a beanpole, but the muscles he was developing would have driven any girl wild. I told him he was beautiful, and he really was".
The waitress came over with steaming plates of eggs, pancakes and sausage, fresh biscuits and warm butter. Bella audibly groaned as she took her first bite. "Oh, man, now I can forgive you for dragging me out of bed at an ungodly hour". Maddie stuck out her tongue. "You love me. Now finish telling me. I'm dying to know what I've gotten myself into".
Bella took another bite of her eggs and continued. "So, like I said, he was growing. We went to the movies one night with Mike, this guy I went to high school with-", Maddie raised her eyebrows at her, "don't ask - and part way through the movie Mike got sick. We were in the lobby waiting, and Jacob was holding my hand, confessing his feelings for me, when I noticed how warm his hand felt. I thought he was getting sick too. Not only that, but he was really got really irritable with Mike. I just chalked it up to a male ego thing, but when we got closer to my house, I noticed that Jake didn't look good, and I thought that he was getting the flu. He was burning up".
Bella paused, the memory of it still stung. "When he left me that night, and I didn't see him for a few weeks. He was ignoring all of my calls. When I got tired of him dogging me, I found him hanging around with Sam, Paul, Jared and Embry. I couldn't believe the change in him. He was angry, and he looked older. Almost like he does now. Embry had changed too. I didn't recognize him at first. They looked like grown men. Jacob had grown again, towering over me like he does now. His muscles were bigger, fully developed, just a little smaller than they are now. All of them looked that way. His long black hair that I loved was gone, and so was his million watt smile. Jacob looked hard. Later, when he was finally able to tell me what had happened, he said Billy told him looked strange, and it set him off. He got angry, full of rage, and started shaking. He said it was only a second, but it seemed like an hour. His body felt like it was breaking apart, he thought he was going to die. The next thing he knew he was on all fours and looking down at Billy. He tried to speak, but obviously he couldn't. Then the voices were in his head, screaming at him".
"Whoa". Maddie's eyes were full of wonder, the only thought in her mind was how terrified those young boys had to have been when it happened.
"Yeah, whoa is right".
"So, did it change anything else for them"?
"Their senses are keener than ours", Bella explained. "Sight, sound, touch, taste. It's all enhanced. They can hear great distances - always stand downwind if you don't want them to hear something, or turn up some background noise".
"The radio in the kitchen"? Maddie asked.
"Exactly. You learn a few tricks. Their body temperatures run hot. 108 degrees. They don't get sick, their metabolisms are fast. They eat enough in one meal to feed a family of four", Bella jerked her head in Collin's direction, who was busy working his way through a mountain of pancakes, steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy.
Maddie nodded her head. "Well, that explains why there was no turkey left last night. I thought you were crazy for making two huge birds".
Bella took another bite of her pancakes, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, there's turkey left. I made sure of it. It's hidden in the garage fridge behind the beer". Collin's ears perked up at the fact. "Don't even think about it", Bella threatened under her breath, and Maddie watched the young mans shoulders slump in defeat.
"So, like I was saying, they eat alot, and often. Their bodies burn it off at an amazing rate. When they run, they're impossibly fast. They can reach 100 miles an hour if they have to. They heal quickly too. Broken bones, wounds, scrapes. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a day to heal, depending on the injury".
"Must be nice" Maddie mused. "Never needing health insurance".
"Well, at least they get something out of it. They have to give up far more in exchange. They are tied to the reservation. Jacob called it a life sentence. All of them, they lost their freedom, their choices when it happened. Even with imprinting, there is no choice for them, Maddie. They all talk about how it just intensifies the feelings that would have happened anyway. Maybe they're right. I don't know. Jacob was always in love with me, so it didn't change for him".
The weight of what she was telling her sunk in. Maddie couldn't imagine how it must have been to have their dreams and choices taken from them. "So, what would happened if one of them was already married or dating someone else when they imprinted"?
"It has happened".
Maddie's eyes were wide in horror, praying she wasn't the other woman. "Who"?
"Leah. She was going to marry Sam. Then he saw Emily and imprinted on her. I questioned it, didn't understand. Emily told me it was hard to resist that level of devotion. Leah thought it was a crock of shit. When a wolf imprints, he's supposed to be whatever you need. Friend, brother, lover, whatever your needs are. The only imprint that hasn't worked that way is Quil and Claire".
"Claire"?
Bella nodded, swallowing another bite of food. "You'll meet her. She's adorable. She's six".
"Six"?
"Six. And Quil is the best big brother she could ever ask for. Like I said, they will be anything you need. Someday things might change for the two of them. We'll have to wait and see".
Maddie was quiet, and worked her way through the rest of her breakfast with no more questions. It was information overload, a crash course on her new life. They finished their food, and Bella signalled the waitress for their check. "Maddie, are you ok? I know this is kind of overwhelming".
"Yeah, it's just alot to think about. I'm ok".
"Good. Well, let's head out then. Collin, you want to ride with us"? He nodded in agreement, it would be easier. He climbed into the back of Bella's truck, leaving the two girls alone in the cab.
"Won't you get cold"? Maddie asked him with concern.
Collin smiled. "Didn't you listen to Bella"? Then he pointed two thumbs to his chest. "Wolf. 108.5. I don't get cold". Then he grinned suggestively to her. "If you do, I'd be glad to warm you up".
Bella rolled her eyes. "Get in the truck, Collin. Don't let Embry catch you flirting with Maddie. You know how strong their imprint is", she reminded him sternly.
Collin, paled and climbed in the bed of the truck. Embry was beta, and nearly as big and tough as Jake. He sure as hell didn't want to piss him off, especially when it came to his imprint. He was still in the overprotective phase of it.
Bella navigated the truck down the dark winding highway to Port Angeles. Pulling into town, she turned to Maddie "Where to, oh mighty Queen of Sales"? Maddie consulted the directions she had printed out. She had been there on Tuesday, but Embry had driven. "Go down the main drag, the touristy section and hang a left on Water Street. Park anywhere".
Bella did as she was told, and climbing out of the truck, followed Maddie to a small storefront, with no lines, no throngs of people. The windows were softly lit, flowing dresses displayed above rice lights and rose petals. "Maddie, a bridal shop"?
"Well, yes. You don't have your dress yet". Maddie grinned at Bella and began to explain. "Ok, so I was with Embry the other day, and we came up to Port Angeles. We were walking around and I saw this shop. I dragged him in- don't give me that look, Bella- and I asked if I could make an appointment for you. I told them we could be here today, and the ladies that own the store let me know they were opening early today, and that they were running an unadvertised sale this morning. So, here we are".
Bella just stared at Maddie as she blurted out her explanation. When it was all over, she grabbed her friend into a huge hug. "God, I'm glad you're here! Let's do this"! The girls walked towards the door and suddenly Bella remembered. "Collin! Crap, you can't be here".
"Bella, I have orders from Jake. I'll leave you alone". Collin wasn't about to let the girls out of his sight. Not after the what had happened just three days before.
"Collin, it's not that. It's just if you see me in my wedding dress, then everyone, including Jacob will see my in my wedding dress". Bella bit her lip. "I'm going to call him. You can talk to him, and whatever you two decide is fine. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed Jacob and smiled when he answered, his deep voice soft and sleepy.
"Hey Baby. I miss waking up with you".
"Mmm... I missed that too. Jake, I've got a little problem".
"What is it? Is Collin with you". If he was asleep before, he was wide awake now, ready to bolt out the window and run hell for leather to Port Angeles.
"Yeah, he's here. That's kind of the problem. Maddie and I are at a bridal boutique so I can try on wedding dresses".
"Really"? He couldn't keep the excitement out of his voice. When it came to his wedding with Bella, things couldn't happen fast enough. He'd waited forever to make her his, and it was finally happening. "That's great, honey".
"Yeah, I know, but Jake, if Collin sees me in my wedding dress..."
"Oh, I get it. You don't want me to see it. Put him on".
Bella handed the phone over to Collin, who listened intently as his alpha issued instructions to him. Collin gave her back her phone and walked down the street, leaving the two women alone.
"Jacob"?
"Bells, I told Collin to stay in earshot of you, but to back off. He'll be close by, but this way he won't be able to see you. You're in a public place, so I'm guessing you'll be safe".
"Thanks, Jake. Could you do one more thing for me"?
"Anything, anytime", was his confident answer.
"Could you call Quil? I know Claire is with him, and that they get up early to watch cartoons. Ask him to bring her up here. If they leave soon, then they can be here by eight. I'd like to get Maddie and Claire's dresses while we're here".
"Oh, so Quil gets to see the dress, huh".
"Quil can guard his thoughts".
"Yeah, yeah. Ok, have fun to day, baby. Pick out something beautiful to marry me in. Love you".
"Love you too".
Tossing her phone back in her purse, she grabbed Maddie's hand. "Let's do this".
An hour later, Bella had tried on and discarded several gowns. "Why is this so hard"?, she groaned.
"Perhaps we're going about this the wrong way". The sweet older woman running the shop pondered for a moment. "Dearest, do you have a theme for your wedding"?
"Yes. We're getting married on Christmas Eve at the tribal center in La Push. I want a woodland themed wedding. Bring the outdoors in, Christmas trees, branches, fairy lights. Rustic but elegant".
"Well, my dear, why didn't you say so? I think I have the perfect dress for you". The sweet woman walked to the back of the store, and slipped through the doorway. She re-emerged with an ivory colored gown, flowing with layers of organza. "There is nobody like Vera. This is romantic, soft and dreamlike. Try it on".
Bella shook her head doubtfully. The dress was beautiful, but so far she had no luck, and was discouraged. The shopkeeper helped her carefully step into the dress, pulled it up and zipped the back. Walking out to the large set of mirrors, Bella was speechless. Even Maddie had nothing to say as she admired her. It was lovely. The bodice was strapless, ruched and fitted, flaring out at her hips to layers upon layers of organza that curved and draped artfully. The look and feel was almost organic, and seeing herself in the mirror, her pale skin against the ivory silk, the mahogany color of her hair, adding to the richness of the gown, she felt and looked like an elfin princess.
A deep voice interrupted her reverie. "I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful bride. Jacob is going to be blown away". Quil was standing with Claire in the doorway. Bella smiled when she saw him. "You like it"? she asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
Gently he put his young charge down on the floor and strode over to Bella. Taking her hands in his, he looked into her bright shining eyes. "You have never looked more lovely, Bella". Lowering his head, he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
A small hand tugged on her skirt. "Auntie Bella, you look like a princess". Claire's six year old eyes were big with wonder.
"Yes, she does, Claire".
Bella bent down so that she was eye level with the little girl who had captured her heart so many years ago. "Claire, I have a really big problem".
"You do"?
"I do. I need a pretty little girl to be my flower girl. It's an important job. She has to carry a basket, and scatter petals down the aisle for me to walk on at our wedding. Do you know a little girl who can help me? She gets to wear a princess dress".
Quil watched his sweet little Claire bounce up and down with delight. "I can do it, Aunt Bella! I can help"!
"You can"?
"Uh, huh, and I'll do a really good job. Quil can help me practice".
Bella laughed. "I'm sure he will. I guess we need to find you a pretty princess dress. Would you like to try some on"?
"Yes, please"!
Quil hugged Bella. "Thank you".
"Your welcome. Can you introduce Claire to Maddie while I change"?
When Bella came out of the dressing room a few minutes later she was amused to find Maddie and Claire putting gown after gown for each of them into Quil's arms, who was now sporting a tiara, compliments of a sweet little girl he didn't have the heart to say no to.
"Look, Aunt Bella! Quil's a princess too".
Bella nearly doubled over with laughter at Claire's enthusiasm. "Yes, he is! What a pretty princess he makes"! she agreed.
A half hour later, dresses picked for Maddie and Claire, they made their way out of the shop. Bella smiled to herself at the dress they had picked out for Claire. It had an ivory underskirt, and layers of red organza tumbled from the waist. The shopkeeper had suggested a white fur hooded cape for Bella, and also had a smaller one for Claire. With her dark hair, Claire looked like little red riding hood in the outfit.
Quil glanced up and down the street, feeling uneasy somehow. "Where's Collin"?
"Jacob said he'd be close". Peering around her, craning her neck, Bella spotted him down the street coming out of the bakery. "There he is. We should be fine Quil. You two have a fun afternoon. Thanks for bringing Claire up".
"Thank me by picking out a good chocolate cake for the wedding", he bribed.
"You got it".
"Claire give Aunt Bella and Maddie hugs, it's time to go home".
Little arms wound around Maddie and Bella at the same time. Maddie had fallen in love with the sweet little girl's charm and winning smile.
"Bye Claire, come see me soon and I'll bake you some cookies", Maddie told her.
"Ok. Quil, we have to visit Maddie for cookies. Can you remember that, please"?
"You bet. Ladies, have a good day".
Flagging down Collin, Bella and Maddie departed for home, three dresses between them the skirts flowing over their laps.
Edward stepped from the shadows he was hiding in, downwind so that the young wolf didn't catch his scent. His golden eyes were black with rage. He had been watching as Bella tried on dresses for her wedding with Jacob Black. A wedding he was determined wouldn't happen. Edward wouldn't allow it.
Sam Uley stepped further into the small doorway, unnoticed by all. Edward Cullen would never set foot on his land again, he was going to make sure of it.