AN: Hello, hello!

So, I had to rewrite a little of Chapter 2- The Family Tree in My Stubborn Mate after writing this because the pack structure is getting clearer now.

I also made a change, that I really wanted to make a long time ago. Esme is now Bella's second cousin twice removed, making Bella and Edward third cousins (they were much closer before, which was a mistake on my part).

Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and comments.

Enjoy!

My Shopping Trip

Leah stays close to me as we enter the main door of this extravagant and breathtakingly beautiful dress boutique side by side; both of us a little apprehensive about what we are about to experience. The moment we enter, Alice, pounces on us.

"LEAH! BELLA! I am so glad you guys made it!" she exclaims, wrapping her arms tightly around each of us as though she hasn't seen us in days.

"This is going to be soooo much fun! You'll see!" It is obvious that Alice knows this is not our idea of a good time.

Neither Leah and I say anything in response, but Alice doesn't let our lack of enthusiasm stop her. Soon Esme shows up with two glasses of champagne in her hands and greets us.

"Leah, I'm so glad you were able to come," she says, greeting Leah with a light hug before handing over a glass. Leah immediately downs the whole thing in one go, much to Alice's horror.

"Bella, my dear, welcome," Esme greets me with a warm smile, her vibrant green eyes the exact shade as Edward's. She's dressed in a simple, but elegant dress and she looks poised and beautiful. The perfect hostess.

When she leans in for a quick, yet tight hug, I can't help but notice how my wolf happily wags her tail in obvious affection and respect for the Pack's Alpha female. She likes Esme much more than she does Carlisle and I can't help but feel the same way.

"I'm so happy to have you as part of our family, Bella," she whispers in my ear before pulling back, a tender smile on her lips.

"Thank you," I respond politely and Esme's eyes sparkle with joy. I see a lot of Edward in her which might be why I feel so at ease with her.

"We have much to talk about, you and I, but right now we have other things we need to attend to," she squeezes my shoulder affectionately.

"Allow me to introduce you to the others," she continues, taking my hand and placing it in the crook of her elbow before turning to Leah and Alice who are having an argument of some sort. "Come this way, ladies."

Alice and Leah send each other a look, before they obediently do as they are told, following behind Esme and I as we walk through the lobby and deeper into the store. Around me are rows of beautiful gowns, perfectly displayed and color coordinated to perfection. Extravagant flower arrangements are placed in specific areas to give somewhat of a distraction and the ceiling is lined with stunning chandeliers. Around us several members of staff nod their heads in greeting. The room opens up into what appears to be a waiting room. Some of the walls are lined with mirrors and I can see a line of changing rooms off to a corner. There is a large table set up with a wide variety of food and beverages and in the center of the room there are a large number of lush couches and dining chairs. I'm a little surprised by how many women are present. There looks to be about 20 women present. How many newly mated couples are there? My wolf rises to a proud pose within me, bravely meeting every single glance in our direction. Some of her courage rubs off on me and I'm able to keep my head held high and not shy away from their open stares. Feeling their eyes on me, I get the distinct feeling that I am about to be tested; in more ways than one.

Glancing around the room, I see some familiar faces, but mostly unfamiliar ones. Some don't even try to hide their suspicion and judgment, but most of them are simply curious. Realizing that it is prudent for me to make a strong impression right off the bat, I force myself to meet their gazes head on and not shy away from them. It feels strange and a little unnatural, but with a little help from my wolf, I'm able to stand tall and confident against those who visibly show judgement. I realize that I desperately want the Pack to accept me, so I make sure to smile and keep my expression as open as possible as well.

"Allow me to introduce you to everyone, darling," Esme begins, releasing my hand as she instead places a warm, comforting hand at the small of my back. Making it easy for her to lead me around the room.

Each female gets to her feet and greets me both sweetly and politely, however there are a few that are unable to hide their obvious dislike of me. My wolf snarls at each of these, locking their scent to memory. I have a feeling that the next Pack Phasing will be interesting. Each of the founding families (Cullens, Swans, Whitlocks and McCartys) are represented, but through several marital unions over the years, there are quite a few other families represented as well. As Esme makes her introductions, she makes sure to explain which family each person belongs to and who they have imprinted on so that I can see the connections. She consistently uses the males last name with the mated female and it makes me wonder if I'm supposed to be called Isabella Cullen from now on. The abrupt name-change feels very strange and I decide not to address it at this moment. It's difficult enough to keep up with Esme, and I feel like I am faced with an enormous puzzle of some sort, but I do my very best to follow and save each piece of information to memory. I notice that there is a certain hierarchy within the Pack from the way Esme introduces me and how the pack members react both to her and to me.

"Bella, this is Emily. She and Sam Uley imprinted this May."

I can see how Emily stiffens, but quickly gets to her feet to greet me. I see the almost fully healed bruise around her neck and expect to feel guilty for attacking her, but I don't. When she openly casts her eyes down as a sign of submission, I feel proud.

"And this is her mother Eliza Bell, who was born Eliza Whitlock before she imprinted on Bodaway Bell from the Quileute tribe." I shake Eliza's hand as well and tell her that I'm pleased to meet them both. Emily keeps her eyes downcast and I can't help but feel pleased that she has learned her place. As I walk to the next person, I see that although Emily from time to time glances longingly over at Leah, she keeps her distance, which means she has learned her lesson. Mission accomplished.

I'm surprised to spot Victoria seated next to a stunning blond who appears to have had quite a bit of champagne already. A dark haired woman with an olive complexion is seated with them as well and it takes me a moment to place her. My eyes flicker to Alice who is still standing with Leah as a distant memory rises. Our eyes meet and although she's doing an expert job at trying to hide it, there is a hint of uncertainty and pain visible in her expression. This is Maria. Jasper's ex.

"Lauren, Victoria, Maria," Esme pauses for a beat between each name "meet Bella." There is a strange bite to her tone as she makes the introductions.

Victoria and Maria immediately rise to their feet, but the blond, Lauren, doesn't react; downing her entire flute of champagne instead. The two friends share a look and I can see that they are worried for their friend and whatever consequences there might be for not obeying their Alpha female right away. Esme's eyes harden.

"Well, Bella this is Maria García, she joined us about 5 years ago after moving here from Mexico."

"¡Hola, Isabella! Nice to meet you," Maria greets me with a hint of an accent when she speaks and a natural huskiness in her voice that only makes her more alluring. She looks older than her friends and luckily she explains this right away.

"My family are good friends of the Whitlocks. Jasper and Lauren visited our pack many times when we were younger. When my mate José died, I decided to come here."

I feel how my eyebrows rise in surprise, I didn't know Jasper and Lauren were siblings. She sends me a sad, but knowing smile.

"I am here to support Lauren, who isn't exactly herself these days," Maria explains, trying to excuse her friend. "After the accident with Tyler-," her voice trails off and I nod in understanding.

"And then everything with Jessica being in the hospital," Victoria's sugary sweet voice joins in and my jaws immediately clench tightly together in reaction to her words.

"Victoria," I manage to bite out a greeting. "Why am I not surprised to see you here?"

Victoria's bell-like laugh echoes through the room in response to my words.

"Oh, Bella, don't worry. I haven't imprinted, yet, and I have no interest in doing so. By some incredible stroke of luck, I've managed to stay "mate-free" for years now." Before I can react to her strange explanation, she continues.

"I'm here for Jessica. Her birthday is in just over a week and I want to make sure she has a gown to wear, should she need it."

"I see you've met Victoria, already," Esme smirks, gazing down at Victoria as though she's a bug that needs to be squished. Esme's obvious dislike surprises me.

"Victoria is Siobahn and Liam O'Connor's eldest daughter. They moved here from Ireland 25 years ago, when Victoria was just a baby," Esme explains trying to use the same kind voice that she's used in every single introduction, but it's clear that she's trying to show dominance and put Victoria in her place.

"Edward and I are the same age. We grew up making mud-pies together, amongst other things."

Meeting Victoria's wide and overly innocent eyes, I know for certain that she is baiting me, and it takes everything in me not to blow a gasket as she mentions Edward. My wolf is furious and immediately tenses her muscles, preparing to attack, but I do what I can to keep my expression neutral. I need this to go off without a hitch. Victoria clearly wants me to lose my cool, so I have to do what I can to not give her what she wants, even though she obviously has a death wish.

"Of course," I respond simply before reaching my hand out to Maria to greet her. "It was nice to meet you." To Victoria I simply nod, before moving on to the next group.

The final women I'm introduced to are Vanessa and Angela, from the McCarty family. I remember Leah explaining how the McCartys were a large family when I first arrived here and she wasn't kidding. These are apparently only a few of them here today. Angela's mother, Amber, was a McCarty before she mated with a rogue wolf passing through, but is now a Webber. Angela, a dark haired beauty with glasses, is 23 and just recently imprinted with her mate, Erik Yorkie (a distant Cullen relation apparently). Erik left the pack years ago and moved abroad first for school and then for work, but since his mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he decided to move back home in late January of this year. Angela was working as a nurse at the home where Erik's mother was admitted and the rest is history.

Vanessa McCarty, the only child of Joseph and Mary McCarty, is a stunning young woman with beautiful creamy white skin and clear green eyes. Her 21st birthday is just a few days shy of the Mating Ceremony and she is here to pick out a gown just in case she imprints, much like Leah. I notice how Vanessa seems to be incredibly shy, but for some reason, I instantly feel a kinship to her. I can't explain it, but there is strength in her that draws me to her. Both women are very sweet and welcoming, a strong contrast to the other group of ladies I just met.

I'm distracted by movement out of the corner of my eye, when Rosalie suddenly joins our conversation; this causes my wolf to absolutely lose it. It takes every single shred of control that I have to keep her at bay.

"Rosalie," I greet her, keeping my voice as steady as possible, but even I notice the slight chill in my tone. She, in turn, keeps her distance, which I'm thankful for, but everything in me is itching to wipe off the self-righteous expression she has plastered on her face.

"Bella, you look well," there is a slight strain to her voice that sends a wave of pleasure through me.

Her icy blue eyes hold mine for a second, before she quickly averts them. Whether it is because she's uncomfortable meeting my gaze or if she's actively dismissing me, I don't know; nor do I care.

"Angela and Ness, your changing rooms are ready. We need to begin, Mother."

Apparently Rosalie is here to assist. Interesting. An idea forms and I quickly swallow the last of my champagne. Deciding that she wouldn't dare do anything to upset her mother, I make my move. Esme has moved to have a stern word with Lauren and Rosalie is about to find a seat in one of the plush couches, when I stop her.

"Rosalie, would you be a dear and fill this up for me?" I ask sweetly, daring her to dismiss my request. I enjoy seeing her entire body stiffen as she contemplates what she should do. A tense silence rises between us, but luckily I don't have to wait long.

"Of course. Right away."

She bravely holds my gaze for a second before nodding her head in a small bow as she takes my glass to refill it. Leah comes up behind me to whisper in my ear.

"Not sure if I'd drink that," she states in a skeptical tone as we both watch Rosalie's every move as she fills my glass to the brim.

"Wasn't planning on it," I respond in kind and we both share a grin.

"Bella, Leah, here," an excited Alice suddenly appears next to us with two sleek iPads in her hands.

"Start browsing. They have their entire stock online, just put a heart by every single gown that catches your eye and then Denise here will take your measurements and go get the dresses you want to try," she explains as she hands the iPads over to each of us.

Rosalie sets the full glass on the table in front of me before turning abruptly to leave us.

"I put you both in a private section of the dressing rooms. Most of the girls want to show off everything they try on, but I figured that you and Leah would appreciate having some privacy. Vanessa and Angela will be pretty close by, but they'll probably keep to themselves," Alice continues and I can't help but appreciate her efforts. She's really trying to make this experience as comfortable as possible for Leah and I.

"Thank you, Alice."

We share a smile and then she leaves to help her mother organize everything. Leah and I begin browsing. There aren't any price tags, which makes me feel a little apprehensive. I have some savings put aside, but knowing that I'll probably have to buy a new car makes me a little reluctant to use all of it. Deciding that I need to figure this out before I start trying things on, I raise my concerns to Leah.

"Oh, hon, don't worry about that. The Pack foots the bill for the Mating Ceremony. This is one time where budget is not an issue. Enjoy it," she answers with a smile.

I still feel a little uncomfortable about the whole thing, but soon both Leah and I are able to pick out a few potential gowns and our personal shopper, Denise, leads us to our dressing rooms. Our measurements are meticulously taken before Denise and her assistants leave to find some of the dresses Leah and I have picked out. The rest of the afternoon is a blur of extravagant gowns probably costing a small fortune and rounds of laughter. It doesn't take long before we invite Angela and Vanessa to join us, showing off the different gowns we try on as we try to decide which dress we should go for and I realize that I'm actually having a wonderful time with my new friends.

Angela, who picked out a dress two years ago, has exchanged her old one for an eye-catching red gown while Nessie (my new nickname for Vanessa) decides to go for a more subtle golden and cream colored dress. Leah looks incredible in most of the dresses she tries on, but ends up going for a simple rose gown that fits her body perfectly. I find that I'm struggling to make a decision, but when Denise comes by with a light pink gown with brown details resembling weaving branches, my breath catches. This is the one. When I put it on, there is no longer a doubt in my mind. It is stunning. The other girls agree wholeheartedly and a giggle bubbles through me. I can't help but imagine Edward's reaction when he sees me in this gown. A swarm of butterflies take flight in the pit of my stomach and I realize that I'm actually looking forward to the ceremony.

Time has flown by and I know it won't be long before Edward arrives to pick me up for our date. The girls help me out getting ready and I settle on a pair of lacy black shorts, a simple white t-shirt and heels. I'm ready in no time. Together, we walk back to the main lounge where most of the girls are hanging out together, clearly letting loose with the large quantities of good food and a few too many drinks. Needing a breath of fresh air, I step out the main doors and sneak a look at my phone to see if Edward has sent me a message. He has and my lips immediately curl into a smile when I read that he is on his way. There is also a message from Aro, wondering if Edward and I would like to come over for dinner and a training session tomorrow.

Before I am able to respond, however, I'm startled by the presence of someone coming up behind me. My wolf's sudden and very aggressive reaction, leaves no uncertainties as to who it is.

"What do you want, Rosalie?" I ask coldly without turning around.

She stops and yet again makes sure to keep her distance.

"We need to talk."

I sigh, feeling weary all of a sudden.

"No, we don't. You've said your piece, and since it has no bearings on my actions, there is nothing left to say," I respond, turning around to face her. She stands tall and has a determined look on her face, but I think I can see a hint of nerves cross her face.

"You made yourself very clear the last time we spoke, Rosalie. You don't approve of my relationship with your brother."

She begins to argue, but I quickly interrupt her.

"Don't try to deny it."

"I won't," she answers abruptly and we both simply stare at one another for a tense moment as we both try to figure out where we should go from here.

Breaking eye contact, Rosalie looks up at the dark sky for a moment before she continues.

"You are from two different worlds, Bella and I'm not going to lie, I'm still not convinced that the Pack will accept you as Edward's mate. Your wolf's transformation will help and your strong bond to Edward," she pauses.

"But?" I ask, urging her to lay everything out there.

"You are a witch, Bella, and there is too much bad history between our kinds for you and Edward to overcome."

I hate that I can feel a seed of doubt find root within me, anger wells up and I can't stop myself from reacting.

"Yes, Rosalie, I am well aware that I'm half witch. You all keep reminding me of the fact. But my abilities as a witch has helped this Pack on several occasions already and I'm not about to stop. Is the fact that I have abilities that you don't what scares you? Or is it simply your inbred prejudices that cause your fear?"

"This isn't going to end well, for either of you," she declares ominously and shakes her head slowly. I feel my stomach sink at the certainty in her voice.

"You can't know that, Rosalie. None of us can know what fate has in store," I argue, but even I can hear the hesitation in my voice. My wolf snarls in her direction and she gives me the push I need to continue.

"For some reason destiny brought your brother and I together and yes, we have our battles ahead of us, but we are willing and able to face those together. Come what may."

Rosalie sends me a sad look in return.

"I wish I could support you, I do," she whispers, her blue eyes burn into mine with an intensity I've never seen from her before.

"But you will be his downfall, and I can't just stand by and watch as you both destroy everything our family has tried to build," her voice shakes with emotion and I feel as though I've just been slapped.

"Rosalie," Edward's voice is dripping with accusation as he suddenly steps into view.

He doesn't appear to have heard much of our conversation, but I can feel how he is carefully trying to analyze my feelings.

"Edward, how good to see you. I was just asking Bella about her dress," Rosalie lies through her teeth before kissing her brother on the cheek to welcome him as though nothing has happened.

Edward allows her touch, but his movements are stiff and cold. His eyes find mine as though he is checking for any visible injuries. I'm able to feel how much he cares for his sister through our bond, but I also realize that he is keeping her at arm's length because of the animosity he feels coming from me. I also have no doubt that with his timing, he did hear her last statement, but he's chosen not to bring it up for some reason. I feel his anger burning hot within him, but he is trying to push it back as though he doesn't want to cause a scene in public.

Glancing around, I realize that there are quite a lot of people wandering the streets this evening and decide that now is clearly not the best time to involve my handsome, but quite hot-tempered mate in my ongoing discussion with his sister. Instead, I try to focus on how happy I am to see him and immediately I see the barely constrained anger and weariness in his eyes fall away.

"Hey, baby," he greets with a grin as he moves with purpose filled steps towards me, as though he can't stand yet another moment without having me in his arms. I know exactly how he feels.

When his lips drop to mine, it feels as though my entire world revolves around him and I finally feel complete again. His warm tongue enters my mouth and I find myself desperately clinging to his strong body as I lose myself in the incredible sensation of being in his arms again. The kiss quickly escalates and my knees weaken as I follow his lead. Desire explodes between us and it doesn't take long before we are both out of breath and his large hands are dancing across my lower back and ass as though he is playing with the idea of lifting me up against him. Before he has the chance, we are interrupted by a knowing chuckle.

"Edward, have I taught you nothing?" Esme's musical voice breaks through the fog of lust that has suddenly surrounded us, like a cold ice bath. I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment, but Edward simply tucks me to his side and kisses the top of my head affectionately before we both turn to face his mother.

She's watching us with a teasing glint in her eyes and elegantly crosses her arms over her chest. It is then that I notice that Rose has left, probably back into the boutique and I feel my shoulders drop in relief.

"You kiss her after the date," she instructs as though she's talking to a child. "You don't maul her on a public street."

Edward barks out a laugh in response and I can't help but bury my burning face into his chest, making him laugh even harder.

"I apologize, Mother," he replies after his laughter has died down.

Esme comes closer and I realize that she is carrying my bag in her hands.

"I figured you might need this. I'll tell the girls that you left."

She hands me the bag and then cups my cheek tenderly before placing a soft kiss on my skin.

"Renee would have been very proud of you, dear. I hope you had a good time," she says, her green eyes glossy as though she's trying to hold back tears.

My throat tightens at the mention of my mother. It's clear that Esme misses her as well, and I quickly vow to spend more time with Esme. She too knew my mother and I know she will probably be able to shed even more light onto what my mother was like as a young woman. An idea forms in my mind and I decide to ask Esme about it immediately.

"Esme?"

She's already at the door to the boutique when she hears me call her name.

"Aro gave me a key to a storage unit with some of my mother's things. Do you think you might have some time to help me sort through it?" I ask, the smile and soft expression on her face proves that I've made a good decision.

"I would love to, Isabella, thank you."

Then she sends a wink to her son and goes back inside. I tighten my hold around Edward's waist and just enjoy the fact that he's here.

"You ready for our date?" he whispers against the top of my head and nothing in the world would hide my excitement.

His beautiful lips curl into a soft smile as he reaches out his hand to intertwine them with mine.

"Let's get something to eat. I'm starving!" he declares lightly and leads me down the softly lit streets of Port Angeles.