Previously: "Let the festivities, begin," Billy said, and the crowd dispersed.
I looked over at Seth who had Bella held against him, as he kissed her breathless. He pulled back looking down at her. "We're getting married," He whispered against Bella's lips.
"Let's give them a few minutes," Harry said taking my hand as we walked with Leah and Brady towards our booth.
CH.42 Festivities and Jealousies Prt. 2
Sue's Pov
When I arrived at our booth, I was blown away with how much work Leah and Bella had put into their display. This was the first time I was seeing the finished product, and the care they had taken into presenting their cakes was evident. It was stunning. They had two wedding cakes sitting on a platform; the platform was decorated with tulle and ribbon, and a small photo album full of pictures of cakes they made during the process of practicing. It looked very professional.
On the other side of the table, sat the glass pie case Harry and I took out of the diner for Bella to house her pies in. Each pie was listed and the prices. Beside the glass case, were several jars of the spicy sandwich spread Bella makes, each jar had a fabric covered lid with a ribbon.
"Girls, this looks amazing," I told them, as Harry nodded in agreement. I could see he was proud of the girls.
"I don't know, it's missing something," Brady said stepping away and looking at the table.
"What?" Bella said as she and Seth made their way to us.
"Yeah, something is missing," Seth agreed.
"Here, this might help," Seth said handing Leah and Bella a small box. Harry and I moved to see what the boys had given them, and all I could do was smile. It was a stack of business cards with
'Sister Cakes' printed in the center with a cake design and Leah and Bella's names and numbers on the bottom.
"Thank you," Bella whispered so quietly I barely heard her before she stood on her toes to reach Seth and give him a kiss.
"All right Clearwater's and soon to be Clearwater's," Harry laughed. "Let's open for business,"
"Babe, Brady and I are going to make sure Old Quil, and Billy have everything, then we'll be back to help," Seth told Bella kissing her bye as Brady leaned in and gave Leah a kiss and then took off with Seth.
Mr. Meyer, Seth's principal was the first to come to the booth. I almost laughed when Bella blushed seeing him walk up. She knew that he had known about the locker room incident, even if she and Seth were not officially caught in the act.
"Congratulations on your engagement," He offered with a smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Meyer,"
"I'm here to find out what it is that Mr. Call is always mumbling about, a cheesecake, I believe I heard him talking about," Mr. Meyer said eyeing the pie case.
"Caramel," Bella said handing him a plate with the sample. Harry snorted when a small moan escaped his lips.
"Oh my," Mr. Meyer said looking slightly bashful. "You're selling these by orders, right?" He asked looking around the table.
"Yes Sir," Bella told him, sliding the clipboard and order forms to him. Mr. Meyer ordered a cheesecake, and promised to have his wife come by and check out the blueberry pie, it being her favorite. I almost laughed at the squeal Bella made when he walked away.
Bella's pies were a huge hit, her samples were gone in only two hours, she had over fifty pie orders, and all but one jar of her spicy sauce had sold.
Harry and I made our rounds around the different booths and were making our way back to the girls when I saw Talise walking towards Bella, her face smug and I knew trouble was about to start. "We better hurry," Harry sighed.
Talise stood in front of Bella, looking at her with such hatred it made me flinch. I could see Leah take a defensive stance next to Bella and I'm sure the only thing keeping her from jumping over the table was Bella's hand on her arm.
"There is no way an Elders son would be marrying a white trash whore like you, unless you trapped him. What did you do, get knocked up?" Talise said just loud enough to guarantee an audience.
"Dear Spirits," Harry mumbled walking faster as we watched Leah begin to shake. Bella turned from Talise to look at Leah, whispering something we couldn't hear, but thankfully it stopped her shaking, though the rage in Leah's eyes was on full display. Brady wrapped a comforting and restraining arm around Leah's waist, his own eyes glaring at the girl in front of them.
I could see Paul pushing Billy over to the scene as a small crowd gathered. Quil was walking with Old Quil, and just off to the side, Jared, Jake and Sam were trying to get Seth into the tree line. This had the potential to turn into a disaster.
"I think you need to leave," Bella calmly stated, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Our people will never accept you. Seth should be marrying a Quileute and having Quileute children to pass on the Clearwater name, you're going to ruin his bloodline," Talise sneered. "You might have been smart enough to get pregnant, and force Seth to marry you but you can't be stupid enough to think his parents or the Chief of the Tribe want you here, they're just biding their time until they can get rid of the white bitch who ruined their good family name," Talise said glaring daggers at Bella.
Leah and Brady were both shaking, and I could hear faint growls coming from all directions, as Sam and the others fought to keep their hold on Seth as well as their own composure.
Bella put a hand on both Brady and Leah never flinching as they shook under her touch. "I am marrying Seth because we love each other, we have been given the Spirits Blessing and that far outweighs anything you, or anyone else has to say. Your disrespect, harsh words, and outright false accusations are against everything the Quileute believe in, and you as a member of the Tribe should know that. Seth will one day become an Elder as is his birthright, and I will be appointed an Elder at his side, do not think for one instant that I will allow you to insult and disrespect the Tribe I am bound to by love, respect and marriage, you need to leave before I decide to be unforgiving." Bella told her forcefully.
I took the opportunity to glance at the small crowd that had gathered, maybe Bella's acceptance wouldn't be so difficult after all, I thought. Disrespecting your Elders and Chief is considered a crime within the Tribe.
"You'll never be accepted," Talise said smugly then turned around and saw all of our faces. Paul and Quil had both moved to stand with Brady without me even noticing. Embry stood just behind them, holing both Rene and Mel back. Each of the pack looked like they straining not to lunge at the girl.
If Harry had the ability to phase I was pretty sure he would be snarling in wolf form. I don't think I have ever seen him so angry in all our years together. "My much loved and respected new daughter has an amazing heart and an unprecedented ability to forgive, I do not." He told Talise. "You will not disrespect me or my family and Bella is a part of my family," He declared as Seth walked up looking half crazed, with Jake, Jared and Sam hot on his heels.
"You are to be escorted to the Tribal Hall, your parents will meet us there," Billy told her, and I knew he was angry enough to step out of his wheelchair and strangle the girl. "Leah, Jared, I'd like you to escort Ms. Stanford to the Tribal Hall." Billy ordered and his voice told everyone within hearing distance he was not Billy Black at the moment, he was Chief Black.
Seth jumped over the table and engulfed Bella in his arms he turned around and looked at us, the crowed and then turned his enraged eyes on Talise. "No one talks to that bitch without me," He said before picking Bella up and walking away. I could already hear the whispers, Bella might have impressed a few with her defense of our Chief, but I knew without a doubt, the rumor mill would be churning, and everyone would be watching to see if Bella was in fact pregnant.
Seth's Pov
I knew my eyes were yellow. I could feel my wolf rising inside me, begging to be set free. I cradled Bella against my chest as I carried her through the Jenson's yard and into the forest. The rational part of me knew she was ok; the wolf inside me needed to make sure our mate was unharmed.
I set Bella on her feet and stepped back looking at her. "Seth," Bella whispered so quietly I had to strain to hear her. I shook my head, pulled her to me, burying my face in the crook of her neck, and inhaled as we sank to the forest floor.
I pulled her to her knees, ran my hand from the back of her neck down her spine and cupped her ass moving behind her. My wolf was in complete control, I didn't even realize I had stripped us both of our clothes until Bella's whispered voice reached my ears. "I know," Bella breathed looking at me over her shoulder. "Claim me." Bella offered.
I entered her in one fluid motion, burying myself inside her. "MINE!" I growled feeling myself fully sheathed inside her warm body.
"YOURS!" Bella moaned as I thrust inside her. In, out, faster and harder, the sounds of our skin slapping together and my growls, echoing off the trees that surrounded us. I held her hips in my hands as I buried myself inside her over and over again. I could feel Bella's legs begin to shake, smell her as her body readied itself to succumb.
"Cum!" I ordered slamming into her as I dropped my head and sank my teeth into the back of her neck. I could feel Bella's entire body tightening around me, pulsating until her release coated my cock. I slowly slid in and out of her until we were on the brink once again; I quickly pulled myself from her warmth and flipped her on her back. "I love you," I whispered sliding back inside my mate.
"I love you, too." She said pulling me as close to her as she could, her legs wrapping around my waist as I made love to her slow and quiet, the only sounds that could be heard were our whispered words of love.
"Seth, I am ok" Bella soothed me and my wolf as we lay next to each other on the forest floor. "Talise is a jealous girl who tried to make me feel insecure, but I know you love me and I know your family accept me. I feel it every day. The way they joke and tease, the way they make sure someone is always near just in case … Seth, Babe, no one can come between us." Bella promised looking at me with eyes that shown with complete love.
"I love you," I told her pulling her until she lay across me. You are my imprint, my mate, my wife and in just over a month I'm giving YOU my name. One day, we're going to have babies and the tribe will celebrate, because with you, the Clearwater name will go on." I told her.
"You and I, together," Bella whispered kissing me softly as we pulled ourselves from the ground and dressed.
I held Bella close to my side as we walked to the Council Hall. My wolf climbing to the surface once more as Talise's bitter scent washed over me. "Seth…" Bella called my name rubbing circles on my back. My mate knew I was holding on by a thread.
"I'm good," I assured her as we entered the Conference Room.
Chief Black's Pov
As Chief, it's been difficult to watch as our children transformed before my eyes, their lives interrupted and forever changed. Those who have been gifted by the Spirits to meet their soul mate find a peace they haven't felt since the transformation. Seth and Bella had to overcome so much and for this insignificant girl to say…. to say what she did, makes me wish we could share the true identity of the pack with all of the Tribe.
Bella is as much a member of this Tribe as anyone born with Quileute blood. The Spirits guided her to Seth, one of our chosen and they gifted her with the foresight of healing. The tribe will never know of the protection they receive from our children or the sacrifices made by those children and their significant others. Watching the pack compose themselves was a sight to behold. Talise had insulted one of their own. It was in their DNA to protect the pack with their lives, and I know suppressing the urge to protect Bella in that moment had cost each of them.
We gathered in the conference room, Harry looked ready to phase himself and Old Quil, that old man looked like he wanted to strangle the Stanford girl himself. She truly had no idea how close to losing her life she had come. Sue was seething beside me, as Brady desperately tried to calm not only himself but Leah as well. Kim and Emily each looked ready to pounce.
"What is this about?" James Sanford asked after everyone took their seats.
"Your daughter… started rumors about my son's fiancé and has disrespected my family name." Harry told him, the anger in his voice unmistakable.
James looked at his wife, sharing a worried expression with her; he knew the seriousness of disrespecting an Elder's family.
Seth walked in with Bella tucked into his side, his muscles were tense and his wolf was scanning the room for any possible threat to his mate. He walked to the front of the room taking a seat beside Harry with Bella perched in his lap. One day he would take his own seat as Elder and looking at him and the others, I could see glimpses of the future as I looked at the pack sitting amongst the Elders.
"We will begin, the Elders are in attendance as well as Council member Charlie Swan," I announced only to be interrupted when Quil's Mom, Pam walked in.
"Uh, Mom?" Quil asked.
"I apologize for the interruption," She said walking straight to Bella and Seth, and handing them a brown paper bag.
"Thank you," Bella said as she stood taking the bag, and calling Leah to her. They walked out of the room. I wasn't sure what to make of the situation.
"Seth?" Harry asked.
"Bella will be right back," He said through gritted teeth. "We can start then," he said glaring at Talise.
Bella and Leah walked back, Leah taking her place next to Brady and Bella once again sitting in Seth's lap. She pulled a box out of the brown bag and set it on the table.
I could see Sue trying to hide a smug smile; taking a closer look I could see the object was a pregnancy test. Smart girl, I thought trying to stifle my chuckle.
"If I may?" Seth asked looking at me.
"Of course," I grinned, wondering how he was going to handle this. I had a good idea how he would like to deal with the situation.
"Today is not the first time Talise has disrespected my relationship, or worked earnestly to harm my relationship with Bella. While it was offensive, mine and Bella's relationship was not officially known to the Tribe, therefore Talise's actions were not held against her." Seth began and already I was impressed.
"However, as everyone in this room is aware my engagement was announced and made public, making your lies and failed attempt to do harm to mine and Bella's relationship accountable under Tribal Law. Your lies will have lasting effects, and I do not take that lightly. I am the son of Elders, my last name is one of authority in this Tribe and you will not disrespect my wife… without penalty." Seth stated.
"Bella knows our Histories; she memorized our legends and is learning our language, something I seriously doubt you can say for yourself. My wife…. to be, may not have been born with Quileute blood, but make no mistake, she will be a member of this Tribe when I give her my name." Seth finished.
Yes, my Tribe is in good hands, I mused watching as Seth showed restraint, authority and passion. I could see both Harry and Sue sit up straighter with pride for their son.
"Talise Stanford, you are accused of disrespecting an Elder's Family, making false accusations and spreading untruths about the Clearwater's, what do you have to say for yourself?" I asked.
"I've done nothing wrong," She defiantly said, glaring at Bella. I could see Seth's jaw clench as Bella squeezed his hand.
Honestly I was shocked by her disrespect. I could see her parents holding their breath, as they looked towards the floor.
"A future Elder should not be permitted to marry an outsider," she sneered.
"Talise," her father, James barked.
"It's not fair. Seth is one of the most eligible guys on the reservation; he has the right bloodline and what… he's going to marry a white girl. It's wrong," she screeched. "He's supposed to marry one of us," Talise said and I almost expected her to stomp her foot.
This girl was a fool; I thought listening to her screech and all but throw herself on the floor in a tantrum.
Seth stood up, Bella standing just behind him and for a moment I worried all hell was about to break lose. I could see Bella rubbing his back, and watched as he relaxed in front of my eyes. Amazing, I once again thought of the imprint magic.
"I didn't think it was necessary to embarrass you, but your stupidity warrants it," Seth hissed glaring at Talise.
"Let me be very clear, there is no scenario where you and I would be together, and we all know that's what this is really about. I do not like you. You are disrespectful, cruel to the people we go to school with, your personality is vile, and honestly you make yourself look like cheap whore with your actions, and the way you carry yourself. I respect myself and my family enough to know, you are not the kind of girl I would ever be with," Seth told her making her cheeks flame red even under her russet skin.
I could see the women in the room trying their best not to full on clap at Seth's little speech. Sue looked ready to swallow him in a hug, and Old Quil was trying to hide his smirk.
"I think you prove my point by suggesting pregnancy is a 'smart' way to trap a guy into marriage." Seth said as Talise sat shrinking in her chair. "And just so you know," Seth said reaching down and holding the pregnancy test in his hand. "Bella is not pregnant. I'm marrying Bella Swan because I love her, she is who I choose to give my name to, and she is who will one day carry my children. Bella will sit beside me when I take my seat as Council Member and Elder of La Push. You will not disrespect Bella again," Seth said sitting down.
"You will make reparations to the Clearwater family; Elder's Harry and Sue will contact your parents when they decide how they want to handle your punishment." I told her. "Ms. Stanford, I would take this opportunity to evaluate just who you want to be. I will not be as lenient if there is need to gather again," I warned, dismissing the Sanford's.
"Damn," Sam said shaking his head as he looked at Seth through new eyes.
"I'm real proud of the way you handled this," Harry told Seth.
"Dude, you called her a whore in front of her parents," Quil roared folding in on himself as he laughed.
"She is a whore," Kim hissed. "She and Kaylee are always trying to start trouble." Kim confessed.
"Baby Clearwater done growed the fuck up," Paul chuckled slapping him on the back.
"Yeah, and now I'm taking my wife home," He said pulling Bella into his side and leaving.
