Hello again! I don't usually do this but I felt I needed to respond to the reviews this chapter. People take time out to let me know what they think and I always feel so guilty you don't get a proper response to your questions. So:

Asiasea - Thank you for your review! Yeah I totally understand too, it would be really annoying for her! I think Gemma just finds it difficult to not stand up and protect Jacob, she sees him like a younger sibling after all. The entire pack have strong familial bonds which I hope comes across!

Twin68 - I am so glad you're enjoying it! I totally get where you are coming from because Paul and Gem have such an open relationship, so she will undoubtedly tell him in time. I think they were both enjoying a few minutes of relaxation and no drama, even if it didn't last long! As for Leah I completely agree and there is so much room for her character to develop. She's around a fair bit in my story so hopefully you'll see that as time goes on. Thanks for the review.

.2021 - Thank you, I have noticed you review most chapters just to let me know what you think. Really appreciate it!

Thank you also to the guests who reviewed. I am going to continue answering your questions as best I can so if there is anything you guys want to know just leave your comment.

Enjoy!


Two days later I finally finished pulling my hair into an elegant low bun, mentally preparing myself for the event ahead. This afternoon, we are all going to the Clearwater's to say our final goodbye's to Harry. The pack, understandably, have been a complete wreck since finding out the news, his death having a huge impact on many on the reservation as well as in Forks.

Paul for his part has been silent as we dressed, pausing every few minutes to release a long gust of air, as though the action brings him peace. Yet with the emotions of the entire pack plus the newly phased Seth and Leah to deal with, I am not at all surprised at his unease.

If anything, I am shocked that he is able to stay so calm.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked quietly as I pulled on my simple black heels.

My entire outfit is simple today, from the plain heels to the knee-length black dress, covered with my smartest coat. The only colour is brought from my silver jewellery, the necklace, drop earrings and usual ring which adorns my right hand.

"Yeah" I murmured back, gently touching his hand as he made to leave the room without another word.

Instinctively he turned back to face me, bowing his head as I gently ran my hands down the outside of his arms.

"I'll drive" is all I could think to say "and you know I'm always here-"

"I know you are" he cut me off with a murmur, pressing his nose into my hair "and I don't know what I would do without you."

We made it to Sue's house still in relative silence, Paul climbing out of my car and walking around to the other side before I had opened the door, helping me out and tucking my hand into the crook of his elbow. Then together we entered the house.

I had expected it to be a sombre occasion of course, a funeral never exactly being a joyous event. However, I hadn't prepared nearly enough for the wave of emotion which rolled over me the second we crossed over the threshold.

The whole house feels dark, incomplete. And as for its owner who greeted us at the door, well, she looks exhausted.

"I am so sorry for your loss, Sue" is all I could think to say as I hugged her, the older woman then clutching my hands in between us with a watery smile "Harry was a wonderful man."

"Thank you, Gemma" she sniffled "and you as well Paul. Thank you for being here."

"We would never have missed it" Paul replied, inclining his head towards her in respect.

Stepping into the house it's clear we are one of the later pack members to arrive, Sam and Emily already moving forward to greet us, their faces taut with grief.

"Hey" Emily whispered as she hugged me tight "you look beautiful."

"So do you" I whispered back lowly "how is everyone?"

"As expected, I think" she looked around warily, stepping back as Sam approached me, kissing me on the cheek "But Leah and Seth are taking it the hardest, for obvious reasons. Leah is putting up her best front but I know she's hurting. We used to be so close after all…"

"But now she knows the secret, Em" we continued talking in low voices as we made our way towards the rest of the pack "you just need to be there for her, as best you can be."

"Yeah" she agreed, opening her mouth as if to say more. Yet in that second Jacob stepped towards us, interrupting our conversation as we all turned to face him, Sue appearing just behind.

However rather than greeting us like I expected he came to a stop, twisting his hands together in an unusual display of nervousness.

"Look I have to go. I need to check on Bella" he said gravely, cracking under the combined weight of our shock "but I will be back before the funeral starts. I just need to make sure she's not dead yet…I have to know."

None of us said anything, and I doubt we could have even if we wanted to. Even Sam looked astounded, all four of us automatically looking to Sue, who to her credit didn't react. At least not to the extent that the rest of us did.

Instead she only nodded once, briefly.

Upon this Sam cleared his throat, exchanging a quick glance with Paul who had also just remembered to pick up his jaw from where it had fallen slack. None of us expected this today, after all. Despite how on edge Jake has been at a vampire being back in town, we assumed he would wait a few more hours before rushing over.

"Fine" Sam conceded, sounding unsure about what he was supposed to say "go, before Charlie arrives – he's due with your dad any minute."

"Right. I'll be back, I promise" Jacob nodded, flashing one last apologetic look towards Sue, before taking off out the door.

For the entire ceremony and after, Jacob was a no show. And although nothing was said out loud about it, his absence from the funeral had a profound effect on the entire group. Billy especially seemed mortified at his son's lack of attendance, even having to break away from Charlie for a few minutes as he calmed himself back down.

None of this is Charlie's fault of course, we just didn't see this coming. Jake was supposed to check on Bella and then come straight back.

Unfortunately for the wolf I doubt he will get away from this particular incident unscathed, if Sam's expression is anything to go by. It is only by obvious force he managed to smooth the frown out even hours later, when the younger Clearwater sibling approached him after the service.

Instead he exchanged a few brief words with him, before pointing in my direction.

This seemed to satisfy Seth as he nodded and turned towards me, making his way across the room with some haste. I haven't even spoken to him yet, but I can already tell he has a kind heart. The way in which he is greeting everyone on his way over, smile sat on his face and a spring in his step despite the awful situation he finds himself in.

It is clear that Seth Clearwater is an absolute angel.

"Hi" I smiled at him as he finally came to a halt, suddenly looking a little shy and unsure. He can't be older than 15, seeming young despite his sudden growth spurt "I'm Gemma."

"Hi Gemma, I'm Seth" he gave me a small wave, despite being stood right next to me "I asked Sam if you'd be okay with me talking to you. I'm sorry, usually I would have come to introduce myself to you much earlier, but today has been…hard"

He cut himself off as he shot me an apologetic look. As though anticipating being told off for his slight rambling, though why he would feel that way goes beyond me.

"Seth you have nothing to apologise for!" my statement seemed to put him at ease slightly, his shoulders relaxing as his dark eyes met mine, flickering slightly.

"I am just so glad to meet you. I want you to know that if ever you need anything, and I mean anything, you have the support of the entire pack. Or if you just want to have a rant and eat cake, my door is always open."

Thankfully this seemed to confirm for him that I am not going to bite his head off, his gaze finally settling on me more comfortably.

"That's really nice of you, I think I may take you up on that" he turned his back on me for just a second, reaching to pick up another biscuit from the pile, turning back with a smile "after all, I am just so hungry all the time now!"

Oh, bless him. Only fifteen and yet he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Just losing his dad, turning into a wolf and being made aware of the existence of vampires; it would be too much for anyone to cope with.

I mean what is he going to do about school? That's a question for another time but I need to talk to Emily about it, she will definitely have the same opinion as me after all. Seth can't lose out on his education as well as everything else, that's just not fair.

We'll bring it up with Sam when the time is right. Make sure that his current life is impacted on as little as possible. He needs all the support we can give of course, but it's vital he doesn't start skipping classes for patrolling. He cannot have his future taken away from him too.

"I believe you Seth. Paul's stomach is just a bottomless pit!" I smiled before picking up my cup of coffee "so honestly I mean it, anytime."

"Thanks again. I think my mom needs me but it was nice meeting you" he surprised me by giving me a brief hug after our short exchange, before wandering back off in the direction of Sue, who disappeared into the kitchen.

Watching him go I lifted the cup up to my mouth, gently blowing on the hot liquid as my eyes took in the remainder of the room. It does seem a little lighter now. More like a celebration of Harry's life, as opposed to mourning his death.

Sue has clearly done the right thing by surrounding herself with the people she loves. Us imprints will have to start inviting her over for afternoon tea more often, from now.

"Hey you" Paul drew me out of my inner musings as he appeared beside me, having detached himself from the polite conversation he was locked in with Billy and Charlie "everything okay?"

"Hi. Yeah, although does this smell off to you?" I asked him quietly, passing the cup over to him. He gave me an odd look before bringing the cup up to his nose and inhaling, even going so far as taking a sip.

"No?" he responded, shaking his head "but do you not want it?"

"I don't think so" I bit my lip, glad when he assumed ownership without another question, sipping on the hot liquid "Thanks. Although I would have thought you'd be on the beer?"

"I was" he smiled down at me, a semblance of his usual spark back in his dark eyes "but then some giant pain in the ass decided she didn't want her coffee. So, I thought I'd do my duty and make her day a little better."

"Oh" I acted surprised, bumping my hip into his "so I'm a pain in the arse now?"

"Oh yes" he pressed a kiss to the top of my head, whispering in my ear "but don't worry, you're still my favourite person."

"Right back at you, Lahote" I stuck my tongue out at him childishly, before my eyes caught a figure retreating quietly out of the door "go speak with the guys, I'll be back soon."

I didn't give him a chance to respond as I kissed him quickly, before grabbing a beer and a glass of lemonade from the table of refreshments. Lemonade definitely seems like a better option right now; all the emotions of the day are throwing me right off.

I never have coped very well with grief, be it others or my own.

It was only then did I follow after the figure, who had stopped to sit on the wooden steps outside of the house, leaning her chin on her tanned forearms.

"Leah" I approached the newest member of the pack carefully, making my presence as noticeable as possible. Not that I needed to, no doubt with her super senses she heard me coming a mile off "may I sit?"

She barely glanced at me, her beautiful brown eyes remaining hard as she turned once again to face the trees with a huff. It took her a couple of seconds, but she eventually shook her newly cut hair away from her face, exposing her flawless complexion and striking features. Leah Clearwater is to say the least, absolutely stunning.

Yet right now, her features are stern and unyielding, as they have remained all day.

"I guess it's a free country" she replied, not bothering to look at me as I approached "but if I hear one more person say they're sorry-"

"Drink?" I interrupted her, holding out the beer can. I already know that the last thing she is going to need from me is pity, particularly with what she's having to deal with from everyone else. Even with Emily and Sam making an effort to maintain a respectful distance I know it must hurt. Hell, if I ever saw Paul with another woman, I would never be able to cope.

She eyed it for a second, before snatching it from my hand. I took that as my invitation to sit, not at all surprised that she didn't bother thanking me.

"You not got one?" she asked as she cracked it open.

"No, I'm driving" I explained truthfully "and wine is more my thing anyway."

Leah only shot me a withering look as she took a large gulp, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand to get rid of the excess moisture. In that moment she could have been anyone of the guys – it seems that something about the change makes them eat and drink like literal animals, if they don't concentrate enough.

"Right. I forgot you're the prissy English girl"

I didn't react to her distaste, having almost anticipated it. Given the fact that she has just lost her father, has phased into a wolf and now she is spending the day with the man she loved and his fiancée, I don't blame her.

Especially given that said 'prissy English girl' is their best friend. If anything, I'm surprised she's still sat with me. Especially as she is now in the centre of this mess, having to parade around and accept people's condolences with a smile, as her mum expects.

I think if it were down to only Leah, she'd have told the lot of us to go fuck ourselves and drink herself into a coma.

If she can even do that these days, with her enhanced metabolism.

"Yep, that's me" I instead shrugged, raising one eyebrow "clearly I've made an impression on you"

"Only because you're in Paul's head a lot. He's an asshole" she picked at the wooden decking under her, glaring at the offending material.

"I hope he hasn't said anything horrible?" I looked over at her seriously, taking a sip of lemonade "I know he can sometimes be a little short-tempered."

"Nah" she took another swig, before sneering at me "I just said that you were just the latest in his string of whores. He's known for it after all."

"Ah" I nodded "well, I can see why you'd think that – but you're wrong"

"Yeah, I've heard about all that imprinting stuff. Seems ridiculous to me, it ruins perfectly good relationships"

I couldn't think of anything to say to that particular comment, the words hanging in the air between us like a tangible fog. It is no secret that Leah is still in love with Sam, after all. And I do feel for her, seeing the pain that he caused her.

No wonder all of the wolves now tend to avoid relationships altogether. None of them want to ruin the risk of the same thing happening again. Sam loved Leah deeply, hell everyone thought they were going to marry, according to Emily.

And yet as soon as he saw Em, none of that mattered to him.

I guess that is the awful, unnatural side to imprinting that we try to gloss over. The side that none of us really like thinking about. I love Paul more than anything in the world, but I do wonder what would have become of us if he never imprinted on me? Would we have got together all the same, only for him to imprint on someone else at a later date? Or would he simply be another member of the pack, a close friend to Sam and Emily?

There are so many possible answers to that question, none of which I want to even think about.

"He'll probably run off with the next attractive blonde he comes across" she added spitefully. Only unlike Bella's, her words had no effect on me. In fact I almost empathised with her anger, knowing that despite her aggressive tone, the front she has put up is only that – a front.

It is the same defensive front I see in so many of my clients, near enough every day.

"You're entitled to your opinion" is the only response she got. This seemed to surprise her, as though she was waiting for me to flip and storm off. Like she's deliberately trying to get a rise, just to start an argument.

"Are you just, like, impossible to piss off or something?"

"Oh no" I leant back on my hands, staring into the dreary day. As usual the weather is the finest La Push has to offer, overcast and drizzling "in fact just two days ago I laid into Bella Swan pretty hard"

"The leech lover who is basically torturing Jacob?" she asked, finally looking at me properly for the first time, her tone betraying her curiosity.

"That's the one. I probably got a bit too involved really; I told Jake that his imprint is likely out there somewhere, who is clearly not Bella. She took it the wrong way."

"He thinks about her constantly" Leah mimed gagging before finishing her beer, crushing the can and tossing it to the side. I mean that thing only lasted a couple of minutes. Perhaps I should have brought another one with me, as a further peace offering.

"It makes me want to throw up" she continued.

"He's in love" I sighed, staring at the trees "it's not like he can control it"

"Oh believe me. I know" she stood abruptly, half leaping down the steps, her tall frame easily eating up the distance "I need to run. Later, prissy English girl"

"I'll see you around, Leah. You're welcome whenever" I called after her. She paused for just a second, looking back at me with a hint of surprise in her eyes. Yet her answer came back, blunt as always.

"Whatever" she grumbled, before taking off into the woods. She had phased before even hitting the treeline.


Later that evening saw everyone over at ours, almost the entire pack sat in our living room. Yet despite the normality of the situation, the atmosphere was anything but our usual joking selves.

In fact, at this point it was so tense you could cut it with a knife.

"What do you mean, she's gone?" Sam asked gravely, shifting Emily slightly on his knee as we all turned to look at Jacob. He made a reappearance just as we were getting ready to leave Sue's. For a second I thought Sam was going to chew him out there and then.

Only this time, Jake's facial expression made everyone pause.

"Exactly that, Sam" the wolf spat from the other side of the room "when we got back to hers earlier, the little bloodsucker was there again."

"Alice?" I asked curiously, grimacing when Jacob nodded, his dark eyes flickering over to me.

Whilst Jacob had filled the pack in on all the details from the past couple of days, Emily, Kim and I were yet to know anything beyond what was necessary. Yet with this afternoon's happenings it suddenly seems vital that we know all the details, and fast.

"She said that she saw Bella jump off the cliff. Thought she was committing suicide" he dragged his hand through his hair angrily "When Bella explained that she did it for fun it all seemed like it would be okay for a second. Like upon that information the vamp would piss off."

"But I am guessing, she didn't?" Jared piped up from where he sat, Kim on his own knee as she curled into her imprint, chewing nervously on her thumb nail.

"Yeah, nice one genius" Embry quipped, making Sam glare at them both. It seems that nothing can lift his spirits now. He has gone into complete overdrive, already assessing what can be done to protect the rez from the Cullen's likely return.

"No." Jacob continued, before grimacing "and then Edward rang, literally just before the funeral. I picked up the phone and wires may have been crossed."

"What do you mean?" Sam boomed, repeating his name as Jacob hesitated "tell us now"

"I told him that Charlie was at a funeral, meaning Harry's" we all winced at the fresh information, half of the pack still coming to terms with the loss that they have suffered. After all most of them knew Harry their entire lives – it has hit them all hard.

"But he apparently came to the conclusion that Bella leaping off the cliff meant she was dead" Jacob finished, dragging a hand down his face "and then Alice started raving about how he was going to get himself killed, and dragged Bella off."

"Willingly?" Sam's voice cut through Jacob's story like glass "or are we dealing with a kidnapping?"

"Willingly. You should have seen her" Jacob answered, furiously rubbing at his eyes "as soon as she clapped eyes on that vamp, realised that her precious Edward was in danger…it was like I no longer existed. She basically told me to get the hell out, and that she was leaving."

"Do you know where?" the Alpha asked sharply, his hand tightening around Emily's knee.

"Italy I think – dunno where though, something about the Volturi who are like, vamp royalty. But she just left a note for Charlie and ran out."

"A note?" Kim spoke for the first time, asking in shock "she has literally up and left to go to the other side of the world, chasing after a vampire, and she left her father a note?!"

"Yep" Jacob popped the 'p', stuffing another cookie into his mouth "Because Charlie was out. At his friend's funeral of all things!"

"Oh well that makes it all okay then" I remarked sarcastically "as long as she has left a note, it's perfectly fine that she has no regard for her own safety and is happy to bring a load of vampires back into town."

"What will this mean though?" Emily asked worriedly, taking a sip of water with shaking hands "I mean, if they come back? There could be more shifters – an expansion to the pack, not to mention we are all in danger just with their presence."

"Quil is basically there already" Embry stated "I saw him a couple of days ago and he damn near bit my head off. Having a Cullen in town will be the final straw."

"Not to mention Leah and Seth" Jared looked at Sam apologetically, despite his lack of reaction.

It's clear to us all that Leah's phasing is a massive and very awkward blow for Sam. Given their history, it has meant only further heartbreak for Leah, who is now constantly surrounded by the pack's thoughts, which a lot of the time contain memories of Sam and Emily together. Or even Sam's own thoughts which he simply can't hide.

Paul has explained that it's awkward, to say the least. We can only hope that she comes to terms with it; a feat which I don't feel is totally out of reach after our earlier conversation.

"Well with any luck she won't get there in time" Paul muttered darkly "if Edward is really serious about going to their leaders, whatever the hell that's about, then hopefully they will never come back."

We all fell silent at the implication of his words. It was a good few seconds before Sam spoke again.

"For now, there is nothing we can do" Sam said with an air of finality, standing up. Emily quickly followed suit, grasping his hand "but we remain on our guard. And if they come home and Bella is no longer human… well, the treaty is broken."

"What would that mean though? For all of us?" Kim asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Yet Sam turned to meet each one of us in the eye, his jaw squared as he considered the weight of his next words.

"It means we would be at war."


3rd Person POV

A few days after taking off, Bella, Alice and Edward sat on the flight back to Washington from Italy. The poor human girl was exhausted from the day's events, having not slept the entire time. Even now, leaning heavily against her boyfriend's shoulder she slept only fitfully, as though afraid he would once again disappear the second she let go.

Edward on the other hand only smiled down at her adoringly, one cold hand carefully pushing back her dark brown hair. He missed his Bella ever so much, to the extent that I could never possibly let her go again. It hadbeen a minor lapse in judgment, after all. They are so clearly meant to be together and this time, nothing and no one will stand in their way.

God help them if they try, he thought to himself.

Bella stirred as Alice brought her hand down violently on the arms of her seat, making the plastic shudder and creak. Thankfully it didn't splinter altogether, however it didn't stop Edward from shooting a concerned look at his sister.

"There's a man" Alice murmured, her eyes glazed over as she once again submerged herself in her visions "I've seen him before, we both have."

"The one at the bar" Edward supplied, completely unnecessarily considering their perfect recall of detail "the one who attacked that girl, Gemma."

"Yes" Alice confirmed "he's involved somehow, but with what I can't see. I only know he keeps appearing in my visions. Yet between everything else I am watching, as well as those mutts, I can barely see anything."

"Involved with what?" Edward asked curiously "nothing to do with Bella I hope?"

"I can't see" she huffed "it's so annoying – I'm not used to feeling so useless!"

"It has to be to do with Gemma though" Edward thought out loud, once again consoling a restless Bella "I have seen her a lot in Jacob's thoughts before he even phased. Even he knew she is important to the wolves. Do you think this man knows that?"

"No, I don't even think he knows about the wolves" Alice shook her head "Even that incident at the bar can only be a coincidence. Yet he keeps appearing and I know there is something he is yet to do. It's part of a bigger picture, and I am certain Bella is involved."

"The wolves killed Laurent, according to my darling Bella" Edward cocked his head to the side, as though once again trying to hear her thoughts. Yet once again, he remained unsuccessful "do you think it has something to do with that?"

But Alice only pinched the bridge of her nose with a huff.

"I just can't see! It's annoying, Edward!" she tilted her head back and closed her eyes, thinking that perhaps pretending to sleep for a while would do her some good. It seems to work wonders on humans, after all.

"I know it is" her brother said sympathetically, rubbing her arm "we will just have to keep looking. We need to keep Bella safe."

"I know" at this Alice glanced across at the girl who had practically become her sister, her mouth pulling into a small smile "we will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, Edward. I'll make sure of that."


So the Cullen's are back...

I know this chapter may seem to not have much going on, but I assure you it's pretty vital! Hopefully as you continue reading you'll understand why.
Plus we only ever see this part from the Cullen's perspective, so I personally think it's nice to witness what was going on at the wolves end.