Chapter 8:
A/N: another reader had a few questions I would like to answer:
Question 1: When will the pack find out that Paul and Bella are friends?
Answer: Well, I have a flair for the dramatic, so when everyone does find out it going to be intense! But anyway, the real reason no one has found out yet is because I want Paul and Bella's friendship to really develop before the Pack intervenes.
Question 2: Why is Paul always away from the pack? What I mean is why is he not at the bonfires or pack meetings? Does Sam keep him away?
Answer: Remember, During Emily's point of view she explained the pack like to keep Paul away from Bella and that they were determined to keep him away at al cost. Also remember Paul told Bella in the beginning that She had only ever been to two pack meetings. So, we can assume that he has been to other meetings just when Bella is not present. However, I won't reveal the reasons why Paul is almost never with the pack., you will just have to keep reading ! On with the story.
Quil pov:
"I am so proud of you Bella bee. You and I are going to have to get together soon. We have much to discuss…"
Quill smiled as his mom hugged Bella. It was something he hadn't seen since they both were children. Just seeing his mom and Bella together made him happy. His smile however turned into a frown, as Jacob walked up to the whispering duo. Holding back a growl, Quill watched as Jacob led Bella farther down the beach, away from prying ears.
That bastard. First, he talks all the crap he wants about Bella and now he wants to be her friend! It doesn't make sense. I'm following them. Jacob's nothing but a hypocrite.
His anger brought back the memory of when Jacob first started his hypocritical behavior.
Flashback:
Jacob in bold
Quill underline.
Quill was taking a nap when the howl rung out. On instinct, he jumped up and leaped out of his bedroom window.
Instead of landing on two legs, he landed on four.
What's going on? He thought.
Your late for your patrol!
Quill rolled his eyes at the angry wolf waiting for him by the tree line.
Our patrol doesn't start until 3:30 jake, last time I checked it was 3:25. I had a few minutes. You can't just howl like that man, I thought it was an emergency.
Yeah well, if it had been one, you would have been late! Your always late! Why can't you be on time! Jacob snarled unleashing a fury fueled growl.
Ok, Whatever stick is up your butt don't take it out on me! You need to chill out jake and if you can't handle being on patrol right now, we can find somebody else, but your anger is going to get both of us killed.
Quill was not ready when his friend launched himself at him. Teeth barring and spittle flying everywhere.
Don't tell me what I can or can't handle! If it hadn't been for her! I wouldn't be like this!
Quill was quick to get away from Jacob's teeth, but the latter chased him anyway.
Her? You mean Bella? Jacob what are you talking about! Bella has nothing to do with us phasing.
She has everything to do with it! If she hadn't gotten involved with those leeches, then I wouldn't be this way! We warned her and she didn't listen!
Quill felt his own anger rise as Jacob continued.
I mean, how could she? Screwing the leeches while she left me behind in the dust! I hate her! I hate her!I-
That's when Quill decided he had had enough.
You can be angry fine! But don't you dare blame Bella on you phasing Jake! You knew about the wolves from the beginning. You hung out with the pack long before you phased! You knew it was a possibility. You're the one who decided not to take it seriously! I swear if I hear you blame Bella again! I will rip your throat out!
With that said, Quill let go of Jacob and started his patrol.
End flashback
The very thought of that day had Quill trembling. With steady feet, he made strides to where Jacob and Bella were standing. He just about to get close enough to hear when a hand bigger than his own clamped down on his shoulder. He turned to see his Alpha looking down at him.
"let them alone Quill, they need to talk."
"oh, come on Sam, you can't tell me you're not a bit nervous with him around her! Just a month ago, he said he hated her!"
"I know that Quill, but we have to at least give them the chance to talk." Sam urged but Quill could see the doubt in his eyes.
"Fine but lets at least be noisy…"
To his surprise, His alpha rolled his eyes but agreed.
"don't make a sound..." Sam ordered.
The two stood there in silence as they listened to Bella and Jacob's conversation, willing to intervene if they needed too.
"So, what's up jake?" they heard Bella asked nervousness filling her voice.
"what's up? What's up? You owe me an apology that's what's up? I mean are you crazy Bella! Going off with that pixie and then not returning for two weeks. Because of your little stunt I lost my life! My whole life Bella! And you owe me!"
Quill couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was Jacob really pulling this stunt?
"Woah, woah, Back the heck up! Are you, serious right now? Did you not just hear me make an apology to everyone? And Five seconds ago, you made it seemed like we were ok but all sudden we are not? And correct me if I'm wrong but you knew that you had the potential to phase whether the Cullen's were around or not! So, you cannot blame me! What's your problem!?"
"My problem!? My problem? My problem is you Bella! If you were going to go on a suicide mission you should have completed it!"
In that moment Quill saw red but it was Sam who moved first.
"Don't move!" he alpha ordered.
So, Quill was stuck to watch as Sam intervened. He called for Jared and Embry and had them drag a trembling Jacob away from a red-faced Bella.
Sam then turned towards Bella, his hands cupping her face yellow eyes glowing.
"Don't you even think about it! Do you hear me! Jacob is an immature child who needs to grow up! But don't you dare take his words to heart! You are not a martyr Bella; do you hear me?!"
Bella nodded silently but Both He and Sam could see the wheels turning in her head.
"Quill, Take Bella home. The bonfire's over anyway. I will be over to check on you in the Morning Bella." Sam instructed.
With the Alpha order lifted, Quill was quick to pick Bella off her feet and run her to her loud truck.
"I can walk Quill!" she grumbled.
"not right now, you can't. Right now, your too shaken up to even think Clearly. I swear Bella, if your even considering what Jake said, I will tie you to my Bed, so you can't get away. Jake is just angry right now. He never really thought he would phase. Even after seeing everyone else do it. He thought he was exempt and he's not. None of this is your fault. You made your mistake and you apologized. End of story. It happened, its over, now we moved forward but Bella I swear if you think I'm leaving you alone tonight your wrong. I'm crashing on you couch. Besides, we can watch one of those zombie movies!"
Quil felt his wolf settle when Bella let out a laugh.
"yeah, quill we can watch zombie movies!"
…
Quill watched Bella from the corner of his eye.
She's seems fine and she's laughing. I guess everything is ok. At least I hope but knowing Bella, she's probably hiding her emotions.
I'll just have to give her some time, I guess.
The next morning, Quill woke up to the smell of Bacon and quiet conversation.
"...I think it's just an act Sam. "
"What do you mean chief?"
"I mean, the animal attack was already bad enough but whatever happen when she left with the Cullen's has Bella more spooked than before and the nightmares are back. I don't think they stopped; I think she just got better at suppressing them. I swear… I tried to contact them when she came back but it was useless. She's eating again...though. Regular food. It small in portions but its food. She lost a lot of weight. It going to take a while for her to gain it back."
There was a pause before Charlie spoke again.
"what made her cut her hair?"
There was a clink and clank of a dish and Sam answered.
"She saw Leah. You know everyone who joins the tribal security team, must cut their hair. Its protocol. Anyway, she saw Leah and Empathize with her. I- well, speak of the devil and she shall appear."
Quill listened as the front door opened and a snort sounded.
"Whatever Sam. Good morning, Charlie. Sorry to barge in. I came to see Bella, but I also need to update Sam."
"hey kiddo. No need for apologies, you know you guys are always welcome day or night. Help yourself to some breakfast. Bella's not up yet."
"Thanks. Um, Sam we have a problem."
"what's up?"
"well…it's About…Paul."
Quill almost stopped breathing when he heard the name. Paul Lahote. The bane of the pack's existence.
"What about him?" Sam's voice rang out in the silent kitchen. Even Charlie went quiet as he listened.
"well, He ...He beat Jacob up ..."
"HE WHAT!"
The house Shook as Sam's voice practically became distorted.
"...yeah. it was out of nowhere. Jared, Embry, I, and Jacob were on patrol when Paul appeared. He didn't say a word, he just launched himself at Jacob. We couldn't get him off. My mom, Billy and old quill are taking care of Jacob now. But Sam, Sam he broke the whole right side of Jacob's body."
The plate that Quill assumed Sam was holding fell to the ground. At the same time, Quill Felt he needed to make his presence known. Fearing his Alpha would phase on the spot.
"my god. Are- are you serious? I should call Billy. He might want to press charges. This wouldn't be the first time I've had to haul Lahote in for violence… but Jacob..."
Pretending he didn't hear anything Quill strolled in with a fake yawn.
"good morning everybody. Chief swan, you got to invest in a new couch. That thing is worn out..." Quil stopped when no one responded.
For the chief's sake, he pretended to be clueless.
"what's going on?"
"Paul happened." Leah hissed.
"oh crap, Lahote the freak? What did he do now?"
"He beat Jacob senseless." Leah said as she sat down at the breakfast table
"He what?! Is Jacob ok?"
Leah shook her head.
"They... think his back is broken and his whole right side..." She whispered.
"Charlie, I have to go see about this. Do you mind following me, something tells me Chief black will want to press charges?" Sam said devoid of any emotion.
"That's fine, Sam. Leah, quill would you mind staying here until Bella wakes up?" Charlie asked.
"you got it Charlie. No worries." Quill said solemnly as he turned his back to the stove. He didn't know what to think right now. One his best friends had been severely beaten and nearly killed by the pack psycho.
With that said, Sam and Charlie rushed out while Leah and He stayed. Waiting for Bella to wake up.
End of Quill POV
Unbeknownst, everyone else, Bella had heard the whole thing and right now, the only person she could think about was Paul.