AN: Happy Sunday, everyone! Here is chapter 17 as promised. I appreciate all reviews and love. Have a WONDERFUL Christmas! I will see you all in 2020. Please add me on Facebook – kridafanfic – if you want to check out what I am up to or just chat.

😊 Krida

A Girls' Night Out

Emmett and Rose's home is like something out of an Architectural Digest Magazine and I'm surprised by how a couple as young as them can afford a house like this. My thoughts about the subject are quickly distracted, however, as Leah and I are both almost barreled down by an excited Alice as we approach the front door. I take a moment to hug Alice closely, relieved to see that she is truly alright. I'd been so worried about her, but finally, after verifying it with my own eyes, I am able to let that worry go. When she steps back, I keep an arm around her slim waist.

"It's so good to see you," I greet her, her responding smile is radiant.

Alice looks and acts the same, but I can't help but notice that there's something different about her that I just can't seem to put my finger on. Walking together towards the house, I study her and realize that there's a new glow to her skin that wasn't there before her imprint. It's very subtle, but it's there.

"You look great, Alice," I compliment her, causing her to giggle happily.

"I'm going to do my best not to gush about Jasper all night, but he is -," she pauses as if she's overcome by emotion. "He is everything to me, Bella, and I am so happy to finally have him by my side."

I still have several questions and doubts concerning this "imprint-business", but I decide to bite my tongue and be supportive instead.

"I am so happy for you, Alice, truly," I say sincerely as we walk through the front door.

"Yeah, yeah, I've told Alice that she needs to try to tone it down a little tonight. Newly mated couples are sickeningly sweet," Rose says pulling her face into a mock grimace as she teases her sister. She's just pulled Leah into a hug and is moving in my direction. Alice releases me so that I can greet Rose.

"To be honest, hanging out with a newly mated couple is probably going to make several of us uncomfortable tonight," she says continuing her teasing.

"And why is that?" I ask, deciding to take the bait while the other girls giggle.

Rose places her hands on my shoulders comfortingly and sends me a serious, yet somewhat mischievous look.

"For the first few months of an imprint the couple becomes insatiable for one another and all they can think about is sex."

I feel my cheeks burn in embarrassment as Rose continues.

"It's a way to ensure our physical and emotional bond. Emmett and I almost didn't leave our bed for a month."

She sends me a saucy wink before pulling me into a hug. Alice and Leah's bell-like laughter rings through the house, but I can hear that they have moved away from us. I step back from Rose, but am startled by a sudden change in her.

"You smell different," Rose comments when she pulls back, her brows tight with what appears to be suspicion. I do my best not to react, unsure of what exactly she's implying, but I feel my shoulders rise as anxiety builds inside of me.

"Yeah, Nanna surprised me with a new Shampoo and Body Wash this week," I answer lightly. Rose studies me for a second longer before the suspicion luckily disappears from her face.

"Sorry, the smell just reminded me of someone," she apologizes and moves ahead of me abruptly, leading me out to the living room where the Alice and Leah are drinking some fancy-looking homemade cocktails.

Alice quickly hands me one and I take a careful sip. I can feel the sharp taste of alcohol on my tongue and realize that I'm going to have to take this slowly or I'll be wasted before we even hit the nightclub.

I'm quickly distracted by Alice who has grabbed my bag and is looking through my outfits. Rose comes from the kitchen with a wide variety of take-out bags, Leah helps her and I can't help but raise my eyebrows in question. There's enough food to feed an army.

"I can't cook and, to be honest, I couldn't make up my mind," Rose answers my unspoken question and Leah laughs.

"Rose might look like she doesn't eat much, but don't let her sweet looks deceive you. She once beat Emmett at a Hot-Dog Eating Challenge," Leah explains and a smirk grows on Rose's lips.

"After I beat him, he looked lovingly into my eyes and told me that he loved me for the very first time," Rose reveals and we all laugh.

The rest of the evening is filled with good food, way to strong drinks and wonderful company. Alice treats Leah and I like her little dolls and gives us both makeovers. Rose helps out with our hair and by the end I can hardly recognize myself. I'm dressed in a short cream colored dress with brown and wine-colored details that Alice brought with her. She's matched it with a chunky silver necklace around my neck and an elegant pair of dark brown ankle boots with silver details. Rose has straightened my hair and helped me out with my makeup, keeping it light and natural.

Leah has curled her hair slightly and is wearing a stunning pale pink jacket with sparkly sequins and beads. Alice has matched this very girly jacket with a simple black top, tight black jeans and high pumps. She looks incredible. Rose is wearing a simple red beaded dress with large golden jewelry. She's allowed her long blond locks to curl naturally down her back and she looks soft and feminine. Alice has chosen a slightly more rocking look with a grey leather vest, long sleeved top and a flowy, pale blue skirt. I'm finishing the final touches on my makeup when the conversation suddenly turns towards Leah's upcoming birthday and possible imprints.

The girls are all a little tipsy, but I've been taking it easy so I'm simply feeling a slight buzz.

"Well, I hope it happens quickly for you, Leah. You deserve to get over that asshole who will not be named," Alice slurs as she pats Leah's back.

"I just want to finally not have to deal with their constant pity. I feel like until I mate, I'll be the black sheep of the Pack, the girl who everyone has to treat delicately because she was stupid enough to get her heart broken by falling in love before the imprint," Leah declares bitterly, her voice audibly louder than usual.

Alice wraps a comforting arm around her. Rosalie is observing Alice and Leah silently from a nearby chair sipping her cocktail and I can see when she decides to join the conversation.

"You never know, though, imprints may take some time," Rose begins and both Leah and Alice shoot her a look.

"Just look at Edward, he's been waiting for his mate for five years now and it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon," Rose continues rather bluntly.

I wonder at what she means by what she's just said, but Leah beats me to it.

"Why would you say that?"

Leah's voice is hard, but Rose doesn't appear to notice. She stands up and refills her glass while she answers Leah's question.

"Please, Edward needs a mate who is his equal in every way. He is the strongest wolf our Pack has had for years and is the only one eligible to take over as Alpha when my father decides to step down. None of the women in our Pack have proven themselves as his equal. The closest is Jessica and you, Leah, but you both aren't a close enough descendant to the Swan's Alphas and Betas, so it's unlikely."

There is a slight pause while Rose walks back to her seat and I can see that Leah is debating whether she should say something or not.

"There is another option, Rose," Leah begins, just as Rosalie has found her seat.

"Bella is a direct descendent of a Swan Alpha."

I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise as a palpable and very uncomfortable silence grows between all of us. Inside of me, my wolf begins to grow restless at all of this talk about Edward and his future mate. She's extremely annoyed with Rose and I can feel her growls flow steadily from her mouth. These quickly turn into loud snarls when Rose breaks the silence by laughing.

"Please, Bella could never imprint with Edward. That would be unheard of," she utters as if it is the funniest and most unlikely thing in the world.

I brace myself to push back my wolf's furious reaction and find my own anger also begin to build. Why is Rose so confident about this?

"May I ask why that thought is so unlikely?" I ask, forcing myself not to portray any emotion.

All three women glance in my direction, almost as if they've forgotten my presence and Rose has the decency to look a little contrite. Leah shoots Rose a glare and I find myself thinking yet again about how lucky I am to have her in my corner. Alice simply looks away, obviously uncomfortable by the topic of our discussion. This surprises me because she had been so positive and almost pushy in regards to Edward's feelings for me just a few days ago. Then again that was before her imprint and not in front of her sister.

"Bella, I'm sorry if offended you somehow, it's just that a Pack's Alpha and Beta are specifically chosen because of their ancestry, size and strength, both physically and mentally. They are our protectors as well as leaders and are constantly tested and challenged throughout their lives to prove that they truly are worthy. Any sign of weakness is enough for another pack-member to challenge them and attack. The survival of the fittest isn't just a slogan, it's an essential part of our nature as wolves."

I feel my stomach roll at the thought of someone attacking Edward and realize the severity of what Rose is trying to explain to me.

"As a Beta's mate you automatically take on his responsibilities. You essentially become a part of him and receive status as Beta by imprinting."

"Rose!" Leah's voice holds a harsh warning and I quickly reach out and touch her clenched fist.

"It's alright, Leah. Once again there are things about the Pack that I know nothing about and need to learn. I appreciate Rose's honesty," I say as gently as I can.

As the word's leave my lips, I find myself analyzing what Rose has revealed about the Pack and it suddenly dawns on me why she is so adamant about why I'm not fit to be Edward's mate. My mouth runs completely dry in a matter of seconds and I feel my stomach sink.

"And as a halfling, I wouldn't-," I begin to add, showing Rose that I understand where she is going with this, before allowing my voice to trail off.

I can feel my heart accelerate in my chest as the very dire consequences of a relationship between Edward and I are revealed. Rose confirms my speculation with a nod, softening her voice when she continues.

"As a halfling you are perceived as weak and if you and Edward ever imprinted, he would have to fend off so many attacks. Ultimately, it would only be a matter of time before he'd have to relinquish his status as Beta, and you'd both have to leave the Pack."

I can feel my heart breaking in my chest and panic quite literally sets in my bones, but I force myself to hide my reaction, keeping my face blank. My wolf is going crazy inside of me, completely disagreeing with Rose's reasoning, she is furious and wants to attach. All of a sudden, I'm able to see Edward's hot and cold reaction to me and his hesitancy in a different light. He's been trying to hold back, I realize, because he already knows the consequences that undoubtedly would follow if he and I were to engage in a relationship.

"I don't think I have the strength to stay away from you any longer." His words suddenly hold a whole new meaning. I feel as if someone has kicked me as hard as they can in the stomach. Our wolves had already mated? Was it too late? Could an imprint between us be stopped? Did I want it to be? Just the thought of Edward getting hurt because of me made me feel sick to my stomach. At the same time though, not being able to be with him… That hurt like a knife to the chest.

I see that all three of the girls are silently awaiting my response and I swallow heavily, licking my dry lips as I answer, trying to lay the conversation dead for the time being.

"Then let's hope that will never happen."

My wolf howls in agony inside of me and I can see that Leah is bursting to argue, but I quickly shoot her a look and she stays silent.

During the taxi ride to the Den, I feel numb and nauseous. I'm longing for the moment when I can finally return home and leave this night behind me. I have no idea how I will be able to get through the night, but I'm hoping that I'll be able to feign an illness after a short while and be able to leave without argument. At the moment, I won't even have to fake feeling sick. I think about how much I've been looking forward to seeing Edward again, and the familiar pain in my chest begins to grow. This and the new pain from my shattered heart is almost too much to bear and I have to force myself to breathe carefully through my nose and mouth.

It's a long drive and Alice and Rose are happily chatting away as if they don't have a single care in the world. I try to add a few comments here and there, and smile or laugh when necessary, but everything just feels false and forced. Leah has also grown quiet and I know that she's observing me carefully. I try to send her a reassuring smile, but I think she can see through my bullshit. She doesn't call me out on it though, and for that I am grateful.

When we finally arrive, I take a few moments to breath in the fresh night air, trying to find strength for what's about to come. I can feel my mouth drop slightly when I turn around and see the nightclub for the very first time. The building itself is spectacular with a wide variety of shapes, geometrical lines and materials. There is a large brick column between two walls of windows where you can see a large sign with the Den from a mile away. The building is expertly lit to highlight its unusual structure and I can see that there are several floors through the windows, each showcasing its own signature look. Everything is luxurious and extravagant and I realize that this is not a place that will allow just anyone to enter.

Very quickly, I notice how popular this place is by the large amounts of people I see already inside of the building. This also becomes apparent when I see in the incredibly long line of people waiting outside of the entrance. Briefly, I wonder if we'll even get in since both Leah and I are underage, but my worries are quickly forgotten when instead of taking our place in the line Alice and Rose confidently lead us directly to the front of the line. Rose hugs one of the bouncers, who apparently is a good friend, and he quickly allows us to pass through ahead of everyone else. This is something that probably should feel fun and exciting, but I just feel numb.

We decide to head up to the second floor where the music isn't as loud and we quickly find a booth. Alice is adamant that we will have to go downstairs to the basement when the boys get here, because that's where the best music and dance floor is.

"Yes, and the space is also filled with small, shielded spaces where one can easily hide some dark deeds as well," Rose teases, shooting a wink in her sister's direction, but Alice simply smiles and doesn't take the bait.

I haven't been drinking much the entire evening, but suddenly I feel like getting absolutely plastered. Alice has ordered some shots and as soon as they hit the table, I quickly throw one back, feeling the burn of alcohol down my throat. Both Alice and Rosalie shriek out in approval before following my lead. I'm about to grab another, when Leah takes my hand, pulling me from my seat.

"We're just going to visit the ladies room," she says sweetly and drags me behind her.

Her grip is hard and firm around my wrist and her gait is hurried, so I actually stumble a few times trying to keep up with her. As soon as we enter the area holding the restrooms, Leah quickly finds a handicap stall and pushes me through the door before locking it behind her. We're suddenly alone and for the first time, I'm actually a little scared of her. Leah's eyes are blazing and I can see that she's furious.

"What's been going on between you and Edward?" she demands and I can see that she won't accept any lies.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I move to the sink and lean heavily against it, keeping my back to her. I can see her reflection in the mirror and I know I need to come clean with her. I shake my head and look down trying to figure out what I should say.

"We've been hanging out," I say, cringing at how my words remind me of the revelations of a stupid teenager.

I shoot a glance in Leah's direction and see that she's crossed her arms in front of her chest, but her eyes are calmer, more understanding than before.

"His wolf started visiting and it's always been nice, but then every time we met as humans he'd be this big Jack-Ass and we'd often argue for some reason," I begin, my voice growing stronger by the minute.

"Then things changed, and we've been-," I pause searching for the right words and I can feel tears build up behind my eyelids and I quickly look down.

Leah must read my reaction, because she moves towards me and gently rubs her arms down my bare arms.

"Have you been intimate?" she asks softly.

I shake my head and try to swallow back the large lump that has formed in my throat.

"We've kissed a few times and held each other, but we haven't had sex," I admit with a whisper. For some reason, I decide to only reveal how far our humans have gone, unsure if Leah will understand the situation with our wolves, when neither Edward nor I have had a chance to wrap our minds around their mating and incredibly strong relationship.

She nods and continues to rub her hands down my arms.

"Rose shouldn't have said those things to you."

At her words, I finally find the courage to raise my head and meet her gaze.

"Why? She was simply enlightening me," I say in Rose's defense.

Leah inhales deeply before releasing a frustrated sigh.

"Bella, the imprint reveals to us who our soulmate is. That person is our other half and finding that is a gift. If Edward is your mate, then you are meant to be together, no matter the consequences."

Her words are like a healing balm flowing over my newly shattered heart, but fear and uncertainty is still raging inside of me.

"But what if he gets hurt?" I ask, my voice breaking as a single tear trails down my cheek. Leah leans forwards and very gently brushes it away with her thumb. She stays close, her dark brown eyes comforting and sure.

"Then you will be there to help him recover."

A shudder runs through me at the thought of Edward getting hurt, but I recognize the truth in her words. If something were to happen to Edward, I'd be there in a heartbeat, imprint or no.

"Bella, it's okay to have feelings for him. Sometimes a future imprint can leave some subtle, or not so subtle, hints as to who our mate will be. Since you've basically grown up outside of the Pack, I'm not surprised that this is happening to you. Your bond hasn't had the chance to develop gradually over time like the rest of us, so that's probably why you both are feeling the draw towards one another," she explains calmly.

I ponder her words for a moment and find comfort in them, but yet again the deep fear that's been building up inside of me after Rose's revelation shows its face and I can't help myself from it into putting words.

"I'm just scared, Leah, what if-," I begin, but she cuts me off quickly.

"Don't play the 'if'-game, Bella. What if you're hit by a car tomorrow and die? Life is short and incredibly fragile. You're a nurse, you know this."

Her words silence the overwhelming panic and deep sadness within me and, although I can't expel the worries completely from my mind, I feel lighter and more at ease.

"Whatever happens will happen and you will face those bumps in the road hopefully together, as mates. For now-," she pauses and takes both of my hands in hers. Giving them a tight squeeze she smiles widely and I can see an excited gleam in her eye.

"For now, just enjoy getting to know him."

I feel a soft smile grow on my lips and finally feel a hint of the swarm of butterflies that often appear when Edward is around or when I think of him.

"There you are," Leah says with a comforting smile.

"Now, let's get some water before we go back to the table. Those Cullen girls are drowning themselves in alcohol and will be beating themselves up about it in the morning."

Linking her arm with mine, we both make our way to the bar. There is a little bit of a line, since the bartender is otherwise occupied with flirting with another customer and Leah, who I've learned doesn't like to wait, is getting a little frustrated by the lack of efficiency.

"Screw this!"

I hear her mumble before she jumps up on the bar, quickly kicking her legs over to the other side. My shocked cry doesn't faze her as she expertly finds two glasses and fills them with ice and water. The bartender, however, immediately notices the movements on the wrong side of his bar and rushes angrily in her direction. I stand frozen in my spot, unsure if I should leave for help, or what I should do.

"HEY!" he shouts in warning, but Leah continues what she's doing without even reacting.

"Calm down, I'm just getting some water," she says while setting the two full glasses on the bar.

"You can't just do that!" the bartender rants, grabbing her hand to stop her from jumping back on the counter.

"Well, if you'd been doing your job, I wouldn't -."

They both freeze when they finally set eyes on one another and I can see recognition dawning on both of them. He's good looking, I realize, with almost jet-black hair, a toned body, strong jaw and smoldering dark eyes.

"Leah?"

The way he says her name, reveals that they apparently know one another quite well.

"Paul."

His name falls from her lips in a soft whisper and I can see that she's surprised to see this Paul, whoever that is, again.

"I haven't seen you in years," he announces while slowly drawing his eyes down the shape of her body. "You've grown."

Leah huffs out an angry breath and I can see that his comment has annoyed her.

"Yeah, that's kind of what happens when years go by," she pauses, looking over at the girls Paul was flirting with at the bar. "You haven't changed a bit, I see."

They keep studying one another for a moment longer before Paul moves to grab a cloth to wipe the bar with and breaks their gaze.

"I heard about Sam and Emily."

I can see tension and acute sadness spread across Leah's face before she is able to wipe it away. Paul looks up from the cloth he's rubbing on the bar and I know Leah is bracing herself for the look of pity that usually comes when Sam and Emily are mentioned, but all I can see is understanding and a little bit of anger.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he says genuinely, before quickly continuing.

"Want me to kick my little brother's ass? He's gotten a lot bigger over the years, but I can still knock him down a peg or two."

My mouth drops when I connect the dots and realize that Paul is Sam's older brother. A soft lopsided grin grows on Leah's mouth in response to his words. She slowly turns her back against the bar and jumps up, keeping her eyes on Paul.

"You don't have to save me from the big burly boys any longer, Paul," she says as she flips her legs back over to the correct side of the bar and takes the two glasses of water from the counter.

"I'm a big girl."

When she leaves, I can see how his eyes trace the lines of her ass appreciatively before he is forced back to work by the waving hands of several new customers. I have to jog after her to catch up, but when I stop her to ask her about Paul she's busy downing her water. I grab my glass from her clutches and try to stop her.

"Leah, calm down!" I exclaim.

She discards her empty glass on a table and leans heavily against a wall.

"Did that really happen?" she whispers.

I take a sip of my own water before answering.

"You mean, did you just get hit on my a very handsome bartender, I'd say hell yeah!"

Leah whines and makes a face and I have to smile at her childish reaction.

"No, Bella, that's Paul," she stops. "Sam's older brother, Paul." Pause. "Paul who is like 10 years older than me." Pause. "Paul who-."

"OK, enough with the 'Paul', I think I've learned his name by now," I interrupt her and she snaps out of whatever thoughts she was having and calms down a little.

"I haven't seen him in years. He moved away after his 21st birthday and hardly ever comes home to visit. I remember Sam mentioning that he had a falling out with his Dad and basically just packed his bags and left, never looking back."

She looks thoughtful. I wrap my arm around her pulling her with me in the direction of where the other girls are.

"Well, I'd say if there is one good thing to come out of this evening, you getting reacquainted was just that. And let me just say this," I stop and Leah looks curiously my way. The next words I don't say out loud, but simply fan myself while forming my mouth into the words

H-O-T. I can see a blush on her face and laugh. She's helped lighten my mood this evening and now I had the chance to do the same. Walking back to our table, I feel much more like myself than when we arrived.