I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter: 53 Coming to
My head was throbbing and I heard voices. One sounded like they were angry.
"What the hell? I told you to ask her to come. Not knock her out and tie her up," a male voice shouted that was also vaguely familiar. "Are you trying to start a war?" I opened my eyes and noticed I was in a small house with a bunch of Quileute males and one female with a scar face. Most of the males were huge, they must be wolves. The female must be Emily. I thought they were supposed to be protectors; why on earth would they kidnap me. My arms were tied and my mouth was covered. Edward must be freaking out right now and I can't get to my phone.
They must have noticed my movement because all eyes moved to me. I shrank back, watching carefully for signs of trembling. One boy moved to me and I tried to back away.
"Hold still, Bells," I recognized the voice to belong to Jacob. I shrank way from him.
"Jacob, move away, you're scaring her," Emily's voice came sternly. She came over with some bandages in her hand.
"I'm Emily, please let me help you out. I won't hurt you," she said kindly. I held out my hands and she untied them. My wrists were scratched and bleeding from the rope cutting into them. She removed the cloth covering my mouth too. She started cleaning my cuts and bandaging them. I hissed from the sting of the antiseptic.
"Sorry," she mumbled. "Would you like something for you head? It looks like you have a good size goose egg." I moved a free hand and winced when I touched the spot she indicated. I nodded my head not ready to speak quite yet. I looked around at the boys in the room and spotted the biggest.
"I am assuming that you are Sam?" I asked trying to keep my temper. I remember angering a wolf was not going to be to my advantage.
"Yes," his voice was cool.
"Mind explaining this?" I gestured around. Emily brought me some pills and water.
"We wanted to talk with you. We read the books and wanted to discuss some things. Paul and Jared were to ask you to come with them, not abduct you, my sincere apology," his voice stayed calm.
"Apology not accepted. Carlisle has been trying to reach you about the books. None of this was necessary," I kept my voice just as cool.
"We know, however, we wanted to speak to you away from the rest of the Cullens." Sam kept his voice even and his arms crossed his chest.
"Bella, can I get you something to eat or drink?" Emily asked kindly. I refused.
"One problem with that; I am a Cullen. I'm Edward's mate and I proudly wear the family crest." I held up my wrist to show them the crest on my bracelet.
"Bells, honey, it doesn't…" I cut Jacob off.
"One, only my family calls me Bells. Two, I am not or ever will be your honey," I hissed. Jacob flinched then scowled. His actions made me curious on how much they have read.
"We would still like to talk to you, please?" Sam asked.
"May I use the bathroom first? Is that going to be allowed?" I asked.
"Of course, it's just down the hall there," Emily pointed out. I went into the bathroom and pulled out my cell. I decided to text; I didn't want to risk the wolves overhearing me. Edward was probably frantic right now. I turned on my phone and made sure my settings were on silent. There were 10 missed calls and about 5 texts. All from Edward, but one call. That one was from Alice. I quickly texted him, not bothering to check messages first.
B: Please calm down. Don't overreact. I'm ok.
E: Bella, thank god. Where are you?
B: La Push, I think? But it wasn't my idea.
E: How? Please tell me, you didn't go on your own.
B: Apparently the wolves want to talk to me about the books and I had no choice in the matter.
E: Did they hurt you?
B: They took me against my will from Charlie's before I could even realize what was happing. If I told him I was hurt he would go ballistic.
E: Are you hurt?
B: I'm fine.
E: Bella, I hate it when you say fine. Crap, he is not buying it.
B: Nothing major, I am fine.
E: I'm coming to get you hold on.
B: No, don't cross the line. Don't be the ones to break the treaty. Let me talk to them.
E: Bella, if something happens to you…
B: They are only supposed to be protectors; they aren't going to hurt me. They can't hold me here forever. Nothing they can say is going to change my mind from coming home to you.
E: Please be careful. I don't like this. If they hurt you, they will pay for it.
B: I will, do not call me though. It may be best if they don't know that I have a cell. I love you!
E: I love you! How many wolves?
B: Possibly 6? I am not sure if they all have changed yet though. Jacob is bigger, but not near the size they describe in the book. Two of the others are not that big either yet? So at least 3 definite.
E: Stay safe, my love. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call.
B: I will. I started to slip my phone back to my pocket; then I changed my mind and stuck it into my bra. I looked quickly in the mirror to flatten my hair and brushed the tears away from my eyes. I gave the toilet a quick flush.
I went back to the room to face the wolves. I moved to a chair that was a good distance from where the others were sitting.
"So?" I spoke, trying to get the ball rolling. The sooner they questioned me, the sooner I could get back into Edward's arms.
"Before I start you already know I'm Sam and this is my fiancée, Emily. Over there is Jacob, as you also know. Beside him are Quil, and Embry. At the table is Paul and Jared." Each boy raised a hand and gave a short wave when their name was called.
"Let's cut to the chase. You know what we and the Cullens are. We read most of the books," Sam started.
"Most? As in which ones?" I interrupted.
"All except this last one, Breaking Dawn," he replied. I was instantly relieved, they have not found out about Renesmee yet. "Are these books true?"
"Well, the ones of the past are accurate, but the future ones will mostly likely change a little due to recent change of events," I answered honestly.
"What about this army?" Jared asked.
"Edward killed Victoria and Jasper took care of Riley a couple of weeks ago. So no army is going to be forming," I informed them stoically.
"But how did this all happen? She sounded hard to catch," Embry knitted his eyebrows.
I explained the whole story to them, including how the Cullens got the books and that prompted them to come back. How I got the books then ended up in Seattle leading up and continuing to Victoria and Riley.
"No big fight, that is good news," Emily looked relieved. The others looked disappoint though. BOYS! I tried not to roll my eyes.
"That's right, because of these books multiple lives were saved by the Cullens from either becoming part of a newborn army or victim of it," I stated proudly of my family.
"What about the bloodsucker from the meadow?" Paul snapped.
"As far as I know, Alice says he is in Denali following the vegetarian diet. The only reason he left in the first place was because of Victoria. Jasper and Emmett visited him this past week to see how he was doing. They got back last night and I haven't seen them yet," I told them to the best that I knew.
"So they are going to let him live?" Sam questioned.
"I'm not sure, if they find that he is trying to reform himself, then I imagine they aren't going to kill him. He might be Irina's mate; if they kill him then they anger Irina, who will want revenge. As you saw with Victoria, that doesn't work well. Again, he only came down here in the first place because of Victoria. He has no reason to leave there now." I stated. Sam's eyes were dark, but his face was unreadable.
"Look, we know you trust the Cullens, but we're only asking these questions to ensure safety for all," Sam continued. "You say you're Edward's mate." I nodded. "Do you have any idea how unusual that is?"
"Like anything of my life is normal," I rolled my eyes; there were a few snickers around the room. "Besides, it is no less unusual then imprinting on a two year old." I added.
"Don't remind me," Quil muttered looking disturbed; Jacob and Embry snickered.
"Imprinting is involuntary," Sam told me, a look of regret in his eye.
"Edward tried to fight against it for my own good as well. In the end it only caused both of us more harm than good. We're meant to be together," I said softly and firmly.
"So you're okay with all that he did? Leaving you in the woods like that?" Jacob asked rather harshly.
"He didn't leave me in the woods. I stupidly ran in after him; he was already long gone and didn't know I followed him," I sighed. "I will never be in agreement with what he did. But, I understand why he did it. He wanted to protect me from himself. Sometimes you hurt the one you love, without meaning too." I whispered the last part. I saw Sam eyes briefly flicker towards Emily; who was busy cooking.
"What about this other bloodsucker in the family, the one who lunged at you? Do you really feel safe around him?" Jared asked with suspicion in his eyes.
"Jasper? Of course I do. He is like a brother to me. What he did wasn't on purpose. He feels horrible about it, even when it may not be his own fault. He can feel the others thirst as if it was his own. That day it was amplified at least six times. It would be like dangling a bloody steak in front of a lion and not expect it to lunge. It was an accident." I might have embellished a little; we really didn't know if that was true or not yet.
"They didn't say anything in the book about that," Paul looked at me accusingly.
"That is because they didn't really know themselves then. We only started to realize that it was the case," I sighed. "I would trust Jasper or any of the others with my life, without a second thought. Besides this kind of like 'the pot calling the kettle black'; it not like he attacked me out of anger." I shot a glance at Paul. He scowled at me, but didn't say anything.
The wolves exchanged looks, probably debating whether or not to believe me.
"Am I allowed to ask a few questions?" I asked. Sam looked back at me; his face was on guard and nodded.
"I guess that is only fair," he said.
"Why don't you warn any of the boys before they change for the first time? I get needing to protect the secret, but if you notice signs that they're about to change, why not tell them so they don't freak out the first time?" I asked. I noticed Jared and Paul quickly glance at the three on the couch; who shifted uncomfortably. Does this mean they haven't changed yet? Sam however, kept looking at me.
"I guess part of us hopes that change could be stopped and not happen. Some of that may change though after new things have been brought to light." He said without any expression. I wondered if he would be able to hide his emotions from Jasper as easily.
"Well, what about the others, like Seth and Leah, do they not have the right to know this?" I asked.
"Right, now that they are showing no signs. We are hoping that if we can help Harry, their change can be stopped; especially, now that the army will not be happing." Sam said I saw a brief glimmer of remorse in his eyes.
"Does that mean we may not phase?" I could hear Quil whisper to Embry. Sam gave him a sharp glance. He shrunk back into his seat.
"You know the Cullens aren't your enemies, right? They'd rather be allies with you than be against you," I said softly.
"It is their fault we are this way! If they never came here none of us would be like this!" Paul started screaming and was trembling from head to toe. Crap! I thought. Should I stay still or run for it.
"Paul calm down!" Sam ordered. "Jared, get him out of here!" Jared pulled the trembling boy out of the house. "I'm sorry about that."
"They honestly didn't know they were the trigger. If they knew they wouldn't have come here," I whispered. "It wouldn't be fair to just blame them."
"What do you mean?" Embry asked.
"Well, it is any possible threat to your tribe that triggers the change, right? It was one tribe member, Utlapa, who betrayed the rest that caused Taha Aki to become a shape shifter to save his people. It wasn't originally vampires. So, if I don't know, warlocks came in the area you might have been changed too." I tried to explain my theory.
"I see what you mean. I guess we do not know for sure. Just past history have always been vampires." Sam remained stoic. I couldn't tell if he believed me or not.
"Can I have my books back now?" I asked. I wasn't going to let them read the last book, if I could help it.
"We haven't read the last one yet?" Jared was frowning as he reentered the room.
"You were never meant to or this S.M. person would have sent them to you. They were my books that were taken out of my room," I stayed firm but was wary about upsetting them too much.
"Charlie gave me permission." Jacob said irritably
"He gave you permission to take a book. Not five. Besides he really didn't have the right to do that." I replied back.
"What is it in this book that you are hiding?" Paul snarled, but at least he wasn't shaking.
"Nothing," I lied. "I will happily answer questions to what happens in the book. However the book talks about mine and Edward's wedding and honeymoon. I will be damned if I let a bunch of adolescent boys I hardly know read about it. Edward's brothers weren't even allowed to read about it." I crossed my arms across my chest, feeling a slight blush creep across my cheeks.
Emily moved to the table and picked up the three last books; she walked to where I was sitting and handed them to me.
"She has a right to her privacy," Emily announced firmly sitting on the arm of the chair I was sitting in. "I think everyone here has heard enough of this poor girl's private thoughts." I groaned and blushed; I really didn't want to know what they thought. Particularly, after I heard them laugh, except for Jacob who was scowling.
"Wait, you two have a honeymoon. Does this mean you're changed in the book?" Sam narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, I eventually have to be changed in the book. Angering the Volturi is no laughing matter." I said firmly though I didn't know the outcome of the book, yet.
"So we go to war with the leeches," Jacob spat. I ignored his tone and flinched at the word.
"No, at least not the Cullens. Although, we couldn't get direct permission; Sam doesn't take issue with it, because he doesn't want to cause a war." I opened to the particular passage before any of the wolves knew about the pregnancy and showed it to Emily.
"She is right, you do. But were you really sick? Is that why they had to change you" Emily looked concerned as she first looked at Sam then at me.
"Yes, I got a really rare condition in Brazil that led to an emergency vampirezation or death," fudging the truth a bit.
"Well, can't that be avoided in this reality?" Sam asked without emotion.
"Volturi may not be though. Irina, when she was mad about the wolves, went to the Volturi to tell them about you and that I was still human." I was really lying now, but I was trying for their permission in this reality to be changed. I hope the advice Rose and Alice gave me worked.
"Why would the Volturi care about us?" Quil shrugged.
"Caius has this personal vendetta about all werewolves. He won't rest until they all are extinct." That much wasn't really a lie.
"The Cullens stand by to help us, in this fight?" Sam seemed suspicious.
"Yes, you have helped us in the past. Plus, they come because they wanted an excuse to destroy the Cullens family to gain access to Alice and Edward's powers." I answered
"Do we win the fight?" Embry asked.
"I don't know yet. We have not finished the books. But with their strengths it will be very difficult." I then explained the different powers from the guard. They didn't look happy at all with Alec's power.
"So the situation doesn't look good," Emily looked fearfully at Sam. I saw his eyes slightly soften as she went over to him. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly to him. Instantly, I missed Edward; funny enough the seat I was sitting in felt to soft and warm, I wanted to be on his lap with arms tightly around me.
"But if that leech is still alive, then the other bloodsucker won't go to the Volturkey, right? So you don't have to be force to be changed." Jared pointed out.
"It's not a matter of being forced to be changed. Eventually the Volturi will find out about me. I want to be with Edward as equals…." I trailed off trying to find the proper words to explain this better.
"I understand what she is getting at. Both myself and Kim understand how she feels. What if you are not able to stop phasing for a long time? Then I look like your grandmother more than your wife. It would hurt in so many ways. We have discussed this when we read New Moon and Eclipse," Emily came to my defense. She and Sam shared a long look between them. Jared looked broodingly at the table too. Jacob was staring out the window with a scowl on his face. Please, he doesn't think he has a chance does he. He better not try anything. At least if he is not a wolf yet, it wouldn't hurt if I have to punch him.
"What about your soul?" Embry asked.
"How after reading about the Cullens can you question if they have souls. They know how to love. They know right from wrong. They try their hardest to not to harm others. They all have souls" I stated firmly.
"I take it then you want my permission to be changed then." Sam looked back over at me.
"That would be nice, no one really wants a war," I said softly.
"You would follow all the same stipulations as the Cullens?" he asked.
"Yes, of course." I nodded with a small smile.
"Sam, you can't let her do this," Jacob hissed his, hand shook ever so slightly.
"No one has the right to decide what I chose to do with my life, but myself. The only thing you can do is not start a needless war over it." I answered back. Sam had his eyes closed and sighed. He did not say anything, but went over to table and wrote something down on a blank sheet of paper. He walked over to me, handed me the paper and a pen.
"Sign it and then Carlisle Cullen needs to sign it as well." He informed me stoically.
I looked down where he had written permission for my change not to be breaking the treaty.
"Thank you." A tear formed in my eye as I sign the paper. Sam nodded stoically. Jacob got up and stormed out of the house letting the door slam shut behind him.
"Am I allowed to go?" I asked.
"Of course, again I'm sorry for those two boneheads they weren't supposed to make you feel kidnapped," Sam glared at the two again; Paul rolled his eyes and Jared actually looked guilty.
I picked up the books and slipped the paper inside one of them. I started to head for the door, wondering how I was going to get back.
"Ah, Bella, Um, here are your keys. Sorry about earlier," Jared gave me a sheepish smile.
I nodded, taking the keys, then left the house. My truck was sitting out front; I quickly got in and started the engine. I wanted to get out of there; I decided I would call as soon I was sure I was out of La Push. I was sure Alice would see me by then, anyways and I wouldn't be surprised to see Edward already at the border. Before I could drive away the door opened and Jacob jumped in.
"What do you want Jacob," I sighed.
"A moment of your time, Miss Swan," He asked in a cold voice.
"I really do need to leave; the Cullens have been expecting me a long time ago." I told him.
"So drive. I will get out at the border," he challenged. I sighed then leaned back and grabbed my bat from Emmett and Jasper. I placed it on my lap. Jacob raised an eyebrow, but kept his mouth shut. I started to drive and then stopped. I had no idea where I was in La Push.
"Take a left," Jacob smirked. I started to drive again.
"Well?" I sighed.
"Why chose the bloo… him after everything," Jacob had a sour look on her face.
"I love him more than anything. He is my heart and my soul. Certainly you figured that out in the books, Jacob." I stared at the road straight ahead.
"But you love me too or you are suppose to," he mumbled the last part.
"No Jacob, we were never meant to be. We were suppose to be friends, nothing more. You deserve someone to love you truly, honestly and fully. I could never give you that in either reality. What happened in the books, especially Eclipse,was wrong. I should have let you go much earlier when I realized your feelings. It only hurt you, Edward and myself. That love I might have had for you in the books was never true love. You deserve that. My bookself used you to heal, not realizing she was going to hurt you and for that I am really sorry. Edward is my life and my destiny; you're going to have to understand that." I informed not looking at him still. After that he was quiet for a long period of time until I finally looked over at him. He was staring out the window. Finally he sighed and looked back at me.
"I guess you can't blame a guy for trying. You do know it's his fault for you being a danger magnet," he said smugly.
"It is not," I snapped.
"Embry had this theory. Edward should have either changed you or killed you on the first day. After that it was like you were living on borrowed time. He thinks it was possible you shouldn't have lived past that day. Since you did, fate is trying to finish the job." He reasoned.
"Do me a favor and never think that around him. He already blames himself enough for everything." I pleaded with him
"If I do, can we be friends?" he asked wistfully.
"Can you accept Edward and his family? I'm technically already a Cullen, changed or not. So I won't be coming back to La Push. If you want to be friends it will have to be on neutral soil. You will also have to accept that Edward would be there." I looked over at him.
"I guess we could try. The bloodsuckers don't seem all that bad." He looked a little resigned.
"They aren't. You would all probably get along great if you look past the whole wolf and vampire thing." I smiled wryly.
"Think they would play baseball against us? Quil is dying for it if he is still changed." Jacob grinned.
"I'm sure most of them would love it; especially, Emmett." I smiled back.
"I'm guessing blondie wouldn't like it too much." Jacob snickered.
"It takes Rose a lot longer to accept and trust others," I said softly.
"I can't say I blame her, giving her past and all. I don't think any one of us thought those men didn't get what they deserved." He said a little darkly.
"I'm sorry for myself in the book, forcing myself on you. Not too mention tricking you into kissing me by saying I would kill myself. The guys and Emily really ripped into me for that one," he gave me a sad smile.
"You can't apologize for something you haven't actually done, Jacob." I gave a small smile back offering a small olive branch.
"Yet it must have bothered you if you have a bat on your lap," Jacob pointed at the object resting on my thighs. I blushed slightly.
"It was a present from Emmett and Jasper. They were very unhappy to say the least for that in the book. They wanted to make sure I knew how to defend myself. They plan on teaching me kickboxing as well." I told him, he visibly gulped a bit.
"They do seem to care for you as a sister. They should have you practice on that wimpy kid." Jacob laughed.
"Actually, I think they both did a good job scaring him away from me when they came in to buy this stuff." I grinned. I knew I was getting close to the border, so I asked him a quick question.
"So they are expecting you, Embry and Quil to change then?" I asked.
"We think, so at least myself and Embry are pretty close. Quil will be pretty pissed if he doesn't" he smirked. "Stop here." I pulled over to the side. He started to get out; when I stopped him.
"Jake, wait. Would you sign this as well? You are Ephraim's true heir." I asked showing the paper Sam had given my earlier. Jake paused; then he signed his name.
"Any idea what you are going to tell Charlie?" He looked at me.
"That I still have to figure out. The hardest part will be leaving him alone." I whispered, he nodded.
"Take care, Bella. Tell the Cullens that we are looking foreword to a baseball game Leeches vs. Dogs. Maybe the Virgo can Referee." He snickered. I laughed at his joke as well.
"Get out of here, Jake." He jumped out and slammed the door.
Before I restarted the truck I noticed the bandages on my wrists. I would want to hide those. Knowing Edward, he was probably waiting at the border. Edward's Harvard sweatshirt was still in the truck. I pulled it over my head, the sleeves were long enough to hide the bandages and pulling the hood up to hide the bump. I knew I couldn't hide them for long, but hopefully long enough to get him home and away from temptation of crossing the border. It was going to be a given he was going to be pissed about all this. Finally I started to drive back towards the border.
A/N: For those looking for fight I am sorry, but since it didn't come to it in the books, I didn't put into my story. If you are wondering why Edward didn't cross the border, well his POV is next. I will give you hint though besides Bella asking him not too the other reason starts with a C. If you think the Cullens are too calm, you should wait to the next chapter to really find out. All in all I think having the wolves read most the books is a good thing.
