Bella dropped Maddie and Collin off at home. Paul was relieving him from patrol, and was already waiting there, having discovered, much to Collin's disappointment, the left over turkey.
"Save some of that for Jake", she chided him. Paul looked a little guilty as he worked on the enormous turkey sandwich he was washing down with a beer. "Heard you bought a dress this morning".
"Yes I did"! she responded excitedly. "I need to take it over to Charlie's so that Jacob doesn't see it".
"Sure. Just let me finish my sandwich. Anywhere else you need to go this afternoon"?
"I need to stop at the bakery and sample cakes. Feel like having some dessert"? she grinned.
Paul pointed a finger at his chest and stared at her like she was an idiot. "Uh, Bella? Wolf- always hungry".
"Yeah, yeah wise-ass, I know. Finish your sandwich. I have to make some calls. By the way, where's Jake"?
"Working on the headboard". Paul took a long drink, draining his beer. "Said he'd be back around four".
"Alright. I'm going to make those calls and fix some sandwiches for me and Maddie. You want another one"? Paul gave her an exasperated look. "Again Bella, wolf. Always hungry".
Bella rolled her eyes. Maddie wandered into the kitchen grabbing a plate, joining Paul while Bella was on the phone with the florist. Paul dug Maddie. Saw some of himself in her. She lost her parents, he had been abandoned by his. Life hadn't been easy for either of them, but they were survivors. Cut from the same cloth. She was a bright, happy spirit, but tough as nails making her way through the world. He had seen through Leah's memories how she had stood up to everyone, cussing like a sailor the whole time.
"So Maddie". He stretched his arms above his head, flexing his muscles, trying to intimidate her- just a little. Really, because he wouldn't be Paul if he didn't. "You freaked out by all this shit yet"?
She eyed him warily. "You asking because you're really interested, or are you just fucking with me, trying to freak me out by flexing and reminding me how strong you are"?
Paul grinned wickedly. "Both. Is it working"?
"Nope".
Oh, a challenge! he thought. This little girl needed a lesson, and even though he liked her, the tiny part of him, the part that he tried to keep locked away these days, that asshole in him just couldn't help but screw with her a bit. He moved closer to her, almost, but not quite leaning into her. A growl, small, low and deep reverberated from his chest. He stared at her intensely, allowing the wolf out just a little, making his eyes change enough to look menacing. Then he whispered quiet and threatening. "You should be. Afraid that is".
Maddie's eyes widened, and for the first time, real fear of what they were, the made her insides quake. "None of us would ever hurt you, but you need to always remember, what we really are. Even Embry, can be very, very dangerous. He's only second to Jake in strength and size. Our anger is nothing, nothing to play around with".
Bella had ended her phone call, and she knew that Paul was aware of her watching the whole encounter. She was torn. As much as she loved Maddie, she was protective of the wolves. They were her family, her pack in way that was different than Jacob's. They had all sacrificed their lives for her before, and might well do it again. Maddie needed to see their power, not to be afraid, but so she could respect it. She also needed to know the danger that came from being around the supernatural. Emily was gone before she came to visit, so her scars were not a tangible sign of caution for her.
If Maddie hadn't been afraid already, she became terrified when she saw the air around Paul seem to shimmer, like heatwaves rising from the pavement on a hot summer day. The edges of his being seemed to blur. Bella decided it was time to put a stop to it. "Paul! Enough! She's gotten the point"!
Faster than Maddie could blink, Paul was once again in his seat, finishing his sandwich, visibly relaxed as though nothing had happened. She was pissed. "You son of a bitch". Maddie raised her hand to slap him, but Bella grabbed her wrist mid swing. "Wouldn't do that if I were you. You'll just get hurt". She dropped her arm, and settled for shooting him daggers with her eyes.
Paul gave her a half smile. "That's good. You've got a thick skin, and you don't take any shit. You'll need it running with us. Just be careful, and learn to pick your battles".
As much as Bella hated to admit it, Paul was right on the mark. Maddie was getting an accelerated education thanks to the situation with the Volturi and Bella's association with the Cullen's. Things could get very sticky.
"Maddie, I'm sorry if Paul scared you", her voice was serious as a teacher. "But, he's right. I know that you didn't ask for any of this, but neither did he or the others". Choosing her words carefully to make her understand, she continued. "I am Jacob's mate, imprint to the Alpha of the pack, the leader of the the Spirit Warriors. Being an imprint comes with a sense of duty and responsibility. Perhaps more so for me, and for you as well. Embry is Beta to the pack. You also will take up that mantle. You will learn when to speak, and how to choose your words, whether forceful or kind". Bella wasn't trying to hurt her friend, only guide her. Her voice gentled as she continued, and she reached for Paul's hand. "They will protect you with their lives, because you are one of the pack. It's up to you to become a friend and sister to them all. Then they'll protect you because they love you". Giving Paul's hand a squeeze, she added "and their capacity to love is great".
Maddie knew that she was right. In all of the excitement, she had begun to look at their lives as though they were teachers and she was a student. She'd been looking at it from an outsider's perspective. Maddie needed to let them in. All of them. "I understand". Turning to Paul, the new respect she had for the wolves was apparent in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I will be cautious in the future, and even though you just about made me pee my pants", Paul laughed a little at that, "I know you would never hurt me on purpose".
"Just do right by Embry, and you're ok in my book". Paul reached over and gave her a hug. "Do me a favor, though. Don't tell Embry I how bad I scared you. Fucker's big and he'll kick the shit out of me".
Bella rolled her eyes, laughing the two of them. "Really, Paul. It's your own fault".
"Oh, like you're so innocent, Swan! You knew exactly what I was doing"! he exclaimed.
Maddie turned on Bella. "Some friend you are"!
Paul reached out for Maddie's hand. "It's ok. I'll help you get even with her" he said giving her a conspiratorial wink. "
Bella was screwed. Maddie was creative, and Paul was just plain evil. "Ah, crap. I never should have let you two become friends".
Maddie raised an eyebrow at her. "No, you shouldn't have. I have a feeling that Paul and I are going to get along quite nicely, and you my dear, are going to be the butt of many pranks and practical jokes", she teased.
Bella narrowed her eyes at them. "You wouldn't mess with the Alpha's mate, now would you"? she threatened.
"Oh, please, Bella" barked Paul. "Like Jake wouldn't have a little fun helping us out".
She groaned in frustration and threw her arms up in the air. "Fine! I know when I'm beat. Just remember, paybacks are a bitch! So, Paul, you ready to take off"?
It was his chance. Right now. He had to talk to her. She only had one wolf with her, and Edward remembered Paul. He was unpredictable, easily angered, and simple to outsmart. Bella was getting out of her truck. All he had to do was speak to her. She'd come to him, be glad to see him. All Bella needed was to feel his touch once again, inhale his sweet scent just one time, and she'd be hooked. It was ironic to his mind. Once he had called her his personal brand of heroin, but truthfully, she had been the addict. Addicted to the supernatural, not knowing how to walk away, wanting to become one of them. Faster than should be possible, he dropped from the tall tree he watching her from, and crossed the lawn, stopping just feet away from her as she closed the door of her old rusted truck. "Isabella".
She froze. A voice she hadn't heard in almost four years reverberated in her ears. It was him, there was no mistaking, no faking the velvet richness of it. Edward. Quickly she spun around. "Edward"? Looking at the him, and then the house, where she knew Charlie was waiting, she asked, "What, what are you doing here"?
Before he could answer her, Paul jumped out of the truck and was between the two of them, shaking, fists clenched. "You need to leave, Leech".
Edward didn't move. Paul's thoughts were an angry blur, the only discernible words in his mind were 'protect' and 'destroy'. Giving Bella his trademark crooked grin, he spoke again, his voice smooth. "Bella, please, ask him to back off. I'm not here to hurt you".
She was in a tough spot. Her loyalty to Jacob knew no bounds, but there was real danger out there, to her and the pack. "Paul, it's ok". She put a comforting hand on his arm, and slowly stepped to his side. "Edward isn't here to hurt me, and you don't have to go anywhere".
"Not planning on it", he spat, never breaking eye contact with Edward.
"Paul, please calm down" she looked at him, her eyes pleading. "Charlie".
He tried to reign it in, reminding himself he needed to keep the secret, not to break the treaty. Edward gave him a childish grin. Smug bastard, he thought. I oughta rip your fucking head off.
"But you won't", Edward told him.
"Stay out of my mind, asshole", the words gritted out snarls issuing from his chest at the same time.
"Both of you stop"! exclaimed Bella. "Edward, answer me. What are you doing here? Are the others with you"?
Edward extended a hand to her, his expression soft. "No love, I'm here alone. I just wanted to see you".
"No offence, Edward, but I haven't heard from you in nearly four years", she responded, taking a step back from him.
Reluctantly, he stuffed his hands in his pockets, and shrugged. "I care about you. Can't I visit you anymore"?
"Edward, I don't think that's such a good idea. I'm getting married. To Jacob Black. You should go". Her voice was firm. He needed to know that she meant business.
Paul crossed his arms over his chest. "You heard her. She doesn't want you here. Leave".
Edward ignored him, responding only to Bella "Ah, yes, the dog". His smile twisted. "I saw you today, picking out your wedding dress".
Bella was livid. "Are you- have been following me"?
"I merely wanted to see you. That's not the point. Love, come with me. You don't belong here. You never did. I can give you so much. I've allowed you to have your freedom, a life without me, but you persist in placing yourself in dangerous company", he soothed.
"That's it! Bella, he needs to go now, and if he doesn't go now, I'll fucking make him"! shouted Paul.
"As if you could catch me".
"You allowed me? Edward, you need to leave, now", she demanded. "I don't want to go anywhere with you. My life is here. I'm happy. I'm getting married. Go now, before the pack shows up".
That's right you filthy leech, thought Paul. Yeah, that's right. I know you can read my mind. Read this. He allowed images of Bella and Jacob to flood his mind. Edwards eyes were black with anger. "Bella, how could you? You let that filthy mutt defile you"!
"NOT HELPING PAUL"! she shouted.
Edwards eyes darted towards the house, and Bella saw it. "Crap, Charlie. Edward get out of here".
Paul allowed more images flood his mind. Bella with the pack, helping Jacob carve her ring, Bella at Thanksgiving, Bella hugging him, Jacob telling Bella she's his imprint.
"No"! whispered Edward. "That's not possible. She doesn't belong to him. She belongs to me".
Bella knew what Edward was seeing in Paul's mind. The anger and devastation on Edward's face was clear. "Edward, I'm Jacob's imprint. I'm going to marry him. I love him. Please, go. Now".
"NO! I'm not leaving without you Bella" he shouted. "You need to come with me! You're in danger, you belong with me! I'll do it. I'll change you. You'll be strong. We'll travel the world together. You can't marry him"!
Paul was incensed. "GET OUT OF HERE NOW"! He was shaking, on the verge of phasing. The sound of a gun being cocked startled him, causing him to jump, nearly losing it.
Charlie was standing in the doorway, a rifle in his hands, pointed clearly at Edward. "Boy, she asked you to leave. I don't know, and I don't care what you're doing here, but it's time for you to go before I fill your ass full of lead".
"I'll leave when he does" sneered Edward.
Bella didn't know what to do. If Charlie shot either of them- "Daddy, put the gun down. Edward is leaving".
"I'm not going anywhere", he stated.
Paul was shaking harder, growling and snarling, starting to blur around the edges.
"You see, Bella! They're a bunch of filthy Indians who can't keep their emotions in check. You'll get hurt or killed around them. You can't possibly be Jacob's imprint. They're lying to you. I saw his mind years ago. He's going to leave you".
Edward dug into Paul's mind, searching for the truth. Finding it, he pushed harder. His voice was velvety smooth. "Ah, I see. So, Sam isn't the only alpha these days. Looks like your Jacob can't seem to commit".
Paul shoved Bella to the side as Edward walked forward to her. "You will not touch her"!
Charlie had enough. There was something wrong with Edward. He'd always thought the kid was off, but now that he'd been gone for awhile Charlie had started piecing things together. If there was one thing that made him a good cop, it was being observant. "Get the fuck off my property, Cullen. I've been living here my whole life, and I know you're not normal. Now, these bullets, they probably won't kill you. I don't know what you are, and I don't want to know. But, I'll get a damn good shot off, pumping your ass so full of lead that you'll be sitting on an inflatable doughnut for the rest of your life". Training his rifle skyward, he cracked off a shot into the air.
That did it. Paul couldn't keep it under control. Shredded pieces of clothes fluttered to the ground like confetti and an enormous silver wolf burst forth in his place. Growling and snapping his jaws, Paul chased after Edward as he ran from the yard with vampire speed.
Charlie stumbled backwards. "HOLY SHIT! Bella, what the hell is going on here"?, shouted Charlie.
"Not now Dad"! she snapped. Quickly she opened her cellphone. "Rachel, you need to send Jacob here, now! I'm at Charlie's. Then have Seth drive Billy over. Paul lost it in front of Charlie". She closed her phone and collapsed onto the ground, burying her face in her hands.
"BELLA! You need to give me some damn answers right now. What the hell was Edward Cullen doing here"!
Bella's head snapped up in shock. Was Charlie serious? Paul turns into a mutant wolf in front of him, and he's asking why Edward was here? Shaking her head, she stood up, opened the door to her truck and snatched out her wedding dress. "Dad, I don't know why Edward was here. He thinks he still loves me". Marching past him she walked into the house, and headed upstairs to stow her dress.
Walking back downstairs, she found a pale Charlie slumped in his recliner, some sports game on, the TV muted. "Dad-"
"Not now, Bella". Charlie opened a beer and downed it.
"Charlie, if you would just listen to me"!
Charlie got red in the face. He was angry. While he had no idea what the hell was really going on, he knew he had been lied to, and it seemed that not only did his daughter know, but since Billy was coming over, it looked like he did too. Seeing Paul change into a wolf was a surprise, and it didn't take him long to realize that the stories Billy had been telling all these years were true. What really scared him was the way Edward Cullen had been looking at his daughter. He always knew something was off about that kid, for all he did like Carlilse.
Charlie was jumpy, pissed and armed. Bella knew better than to push him right now. Just as she was going to go in the kitchen and try to give him some space, the door burst open, Seth and Brady rushing in.
"Bella, are you ok"? asked Seth.
"Yeah, I'm fine". Relief flooded through her at the sight of the two large men. Brady stationed himself in the doorway, his eyes never leaving her. Seth pulled her into a hug, and the damn broke loose. Bella sobbed. The chaos had been too much. Seeing Edward after all this time, knowing that all of her well kept secrets had done nothing to keep Charlie out of this mess. She needed to let it out now so that she could be strong later.
Charlie had heard the commotion and walked into the kitchen. "Oh, for the love of God! What in the hell are you boys doing here, Seth"?
"Jacob sent us".
"Yeah, and just where in the hell is he? My daughter, who he claims to love is a damn mess, Edward Cullen was in my front yard ready to abduct her-". Brady started to growl. "Don't you even start with me boy. I'm nervous as hell, and I have no problem getting out my tranq gun and shooting you".
Shit, thought Seth. Charlie meant business. His hand kept reaching for his holster. "Charlie, calm down. Jake will be here soon". Then turning to Bella, he cupped her face with his hands. "Everything is fine. Jacob, Embry and Paul were chasing Edward. They just want to talk to him. Paul told us what happened. Edward doesn't seem right, and Jacob is upset. They just want to keep you safe. Do you understand"?
Bella nodded her head, sniffling. "Bella, you need to get it together, ok. Jake will be here soon, and so will Billy".
"Son, you want to tell me how you got here so fast? How in the hell did Paul tell you anything when it looks like he turns into a damn monster"! Charlie was about done waiting. He wanted answers, and by God, he was going to get them.
"We, were uh, close by". Seth was a bad liar, and Charlie had known him since he was a baby. There was no way he was going to get away with this.
Charlie slammed his fist down on the table. "BULLSHIT"! Brady started shaking. He was very protective of Bella, and the stench of vampires had pushed his control almost to the limit. Much more and he was going to snap.
Bella pulled herself together and issued an order. "Brady, go out back". He turned and made a hasty exit out the door, but refused to go far. Instead he chose to pace the treeline, listening to the howls of his brothers echo through the cold air.
Sitting up straight, Bella turned to her father. "Dad, you need to calm down. I know it's alot to take in, but Seth and Brady are here to help. Jacob will be here as soon as he can. They're making sure we're safe".
"Safe from what"?, he demanded.
"Dad, just wait for Billy. He'll be here soon".
"Look, Bella. I'm not stupid. I know what I saw. Paul turned into a giant wolf, and obviously you knew about it. What's Billy coming here to tell me"? Turning to Seth he asked pointedly, "Is he going to tell me that you turn into one too? That Jacob is a wolf? That all you boys, who I've known since you were kids have been lying to me all these years. That you're all a pack of wild animals"?
Seth stared down at the ground. He couldn't look at Charlie. He had been his father's closest friend. The fact that he was disappointed in him, and might think he was dangerous hurt. If Charlie only knew the half of it, how much this life had cost him, had cost his mother and Leah.
"That's exactly what it is, Daddy", supplied Bella. "You need to treat them with some respect. You have no idea what they have gone through, having their childhoods, their dreams robbed from them because of a bunch of selfish vampires".
Charlies eyes were wide with shock. Ah shit, she thought. Bella hadn't meant to blurt out that last part. "What? Bella, what are you saying? Are you telling me that Edward, the Cullen's".
"Yes. Please, please wait for Billy", she begged him.
Charlie stood up and walked over to the pantry. Pulling out a bottle of whisky and three glasses he poured each of them a drink, and waited for his old friend to arrive. In the meantime, he had every intention of getting rip roaring drunk.