AN: Hello, hello!

I am finally back with a new chapter and believe it or not, but chapter 32 is also written and ready for next week.

Inspiration has hit me this week :-).

Enjoy!

OOOOO! And please let me know what you think! I'm horrible at responding to the reviews, but I love each and every one of them dearly!


(On) My Own


A sharp knock on the door, followed by Alice's annoyingly high pitched voice, shocks me from my sleep. With a racing heart, I sit up immediately, temporarily confused by the enormous king-sized bed and unfamiliar bedroom. It takes an abnormally long time for me to connect the dots and for the memories of the night before to clear in my surprisingly fuzzy brain. A low groan escapes my lips as the beginnings of a pounding headache joins the flashes of memories. Edward leaving, me making dinner, Alice opening a bottle of wine, Jake arriving with a large duffle bag stuffed with my things, yet another bottle of wine… A wave of nausea joins the increasingly painful headache and I quickly close my eyes and allow my body to fall back onto the soft mattress of my new bed.

"Ugh!" I moan, turning my head so that I can bury my face in the mountain of pillows I've surrounded myself with.

Inhaling deeply, I catch a whiff of Edward's scent deep within the sheets and for a blissful second my headache disappears and my rolling stomach returns to normal. However, as the memories of his departure become clearer, both aches return with a vengeance, joined by that strange and empty pain in my chest, reminding me that something essential is missing. Lost in thought, I almost don't react when the door abruptly opens and the smell of strong coffee and bacon reaches my nostrils.

"Rise and shine, Bella!"

I moan out in pain at Alice's cheerful greeting and throw a pillow over my head to escape her.

She clearly doesn't know how to take a hint, because the bed soon dips as she finds a seat next to me at the edge of my bed and I can feel a tray being placed directly over my hips.

"Come now. We don't have time to dawdle. Work starts in a little over an hour."

The bed shifts as she gets up again. I groan. How the hell am I supposed to get through a day at work feeling as though I've just been run over by a truck?

"Jake made a good and fatty breakfast to help get the aftereffects of the alcohol out of our systems. Eat up, take a shower and meet me up front."

I pull the pillow from over my head and glance her way, annoyance surging inside of me as I take her in. Alice is already impeccably dressed and looks completely unaffected by our seemingly endless drinking last night. How the hell is that even possible?

Stopping at the door she turns around and sends me a knowing smile.

"There are some painkillers, a bottle of water and a God-awful, but highly effective smoothie on your tray. Drink that first, it will settle your stomach and then eat as much as you can of Jacob's breakfast. Everything combined is the best hangover cure I know. You'll feel better in no time. See you in 60 minutes, sis."

Then she pulls the door shut and I immediately release a tired, but resigned sigh. If I've learned one thing about Alice, it is that she is annoyingly persistent and usually right. Using my arms, I force myself back up into a seated position and place some of the pillows at my back as I try to focus my attention on the very oddly colored smoothie. Plugging my nose with two fingers, I lift the glass to my lips and gulp down as much as I can. The taste is… well… horrible, but instead of revolting, my stomach actually calms and when a jolt of hunger replaces the constant nausea, I have to shake my head. Never bet against Alice.

Washing down the painkillers with some water, I turn my attention to the crispy bacon and enormous breakfast I have in front of me. As I eat, I find my phone, suddenly reminded of some rather embarrassing texts Alice and I sent to Edward. My cheeks heat as I find and browse through our conversation, my mouth dropping at the pictures from the impromptu photoshoot Alice convinced me to do. Edward must think I've lost my mind.

My heart leaps in my chest as the phone suddenly vibrates with a new message and when I see his name and I feel my chest flood with warmth.

Good morning, baby! Although I thoroughly enjoyed all your messages and photos last night, I hope you aren't in too much pain this morning. We've just left Port Angeles and every single instinct is urging me to turn around and return to you. Please, help me stay sane by sending me messages and photos throughout the day. I need them. I miss you so much already, babe. Love you… so very much.

Tears well up in my eyes as I read his sweet words and I hold the phone to my chest imagining that it's him. Releasing a sigh, I take a picture of the tray of food and send it off to him.

Good morning, handsome! Just finished off what Alice assures me is the best hangover cure there is and am feeling a little more like myself. Need to jump into the shower and get ready, but wanted to let you know that I'm okay. Please, stay safe and keep me updated. I need both pictures and messages of you too, to get through the day. Miss you... so much. Xo

My heart races as I watch the dots and await his response. When a picture of him pops up on my screen, a powerful surge of something spreads through my entire body making me feel giddy and incredibly happy. It's a quick selfie of him inside my uncle's car wearing a black cap and t-shirt, but just seeing him means more than I can even say. The intense longing I feel for him and the pain in my chest is soothed by just the sight of his smile. A surge of energy rushes through me and I finally get the push I need to meet the new day. My mate may not be with me physically, but he is definitely not far from my mind.

Edward continues to message me as I get ready, obviously bored. Unfortunately, his constant messaging has me running late, so when I throw the covers of the bed aside looking for my jacket and hear the heavy thump of something falling heavily onto the floor, I curse, but don't have time to check what it was.

Running through my new home, I'm struck by a strong sense of belonging and immediately my lips curl into a smile. Stepping out onto the front porch, I can't help but pause for a second to take in the magnificent view of the rising sun touching the towering trees. Inhaling deeply, I breathe in the fresh air before I finally turn my attention to Alice and Emmett who is waiting for me. Jake is nowhere to be seen and must have left earlier. Alice simply glances at her wristwatch while Emmett sends me a wink.

"Heard you and Alice had quite the little party last night?"

My cheeks heat at his teasing, but Alice quickly puts him in his place.

"You'd still be nursing a bottle trying to numb your body with a bottomless amount of alcohol if you had to be separated from Rosalie for an unknown amount of time, admit it."

Emmett simply shudders, before opening the doors of his enormous truck for us like a gentleman.

"You ladies are stronger than I am," he declares and holds his hand out to help us enter and bows his head like a footman.

Both Alice and I can't help but laugh at his exaggerated act. The ride to work goes by in a flash and Alice and Emmett's humor and Edward's constant messages makes the work day go by in a flash. I'm reading Edward's latest extremely corny joke as I wait for Alice to get ready in our locker room.

Her giggle distracts me from my reading and I look up to find her smiling at me.

"What?" I ask, oblivious as to what she might be reacting to.

This only makes her smile widen and she chuckles as she shakes her head.

"You are worse than a lovesick teenager, you know that?"

She brushes against my shoulder as she walks toward the exit, finally ready to go home. The way she casually mentions "love" makes my stomach drop slightly, but I quickly realize that my reaction is not of dread or fear. In fact, the sensation reminds me a lot of excitement and anticipation, but unsure of what that means I decide to push it from my mind.

"So, what is my darling brother up to?"

I quickly follow her out, putting my phone into my back pocket, giving her my full attention.

"What do you call a pig that does karate?" I ask her seriously.

Alice shakes her head and releases a sharp laugh.

"Oh God, my brother's jokes are the worst."

I simply smile. I'm quickly learning to love Edward's sense of humor. After a brief pause Alice motions for me to tell her the answer.

"A pork chop."

When Emmett meets us in the reception we're giggling like a pair of silly school girls.

On our way back to my house, Alice announces that she needs to drop by her own house, which is just down the road.

"I don't know, Alice. Edward and Jasper were very clear in their instructions. Neither of you are to be left alone until James and Laurent are safely behind bars."

Alice releases an annoyed sigh and is about to argue when we all notice the familiar vehicle in my driveway.

"My Mom's here, probably with a bodyguard of her own, if I know my father correctly. We can drop Bella off here and make a quick run over to my house. Please, Emmett? I forgot the charger to my computer and with everything that needs organizing for the Mating Ceremony, I'm desperate!" she pleads and I quickly support her.

"I'll be fine, Emmett. She won't be if you don't help her out with this."

I nod my head in Alice's direction and open my door, exiting quickly. Emmett's eyes take a sweep across the area, before he makes a hard U-turn and speeds down the small road leading to Jasper and Alice's home. Enjoying the rare moment of solitude, I take a moment before I slowly begin making my way towards the main entrance. Passing the double garage, I find the doors to one side wide open and realize that this is probably why Esme has dropped by. All of my mother's things have been moved from the storage unit and are now neatly placed inside of the garage. I smile and decide to take a quick photo and send it to Edward.

Your mother is a saint. I add and send it off. Edward told me he might be unavailable for a few hours, so I'm not surprised when he doesn't answer right away. Placing my phone back into my pocket, I walk over to one of the boxes and pull out one of the old Grimoires, deciding that one of the first things I should do is return these back to the Coven. Distracted by the contents in the box, I don't realize that I'm not alone, until I eventually turn around and jump to high heavens as a cold shiver runs down my spine as I meet the other person's hateful gaze.

Clumsily, I drop the heavy book in my hands, but don't dare to pick it up, keeping my attention focused on those icy blue eyes of my unexpected guest. The way he looks at me, as though I'm some disgusting bug that should be squashed, makes my anger flare and deep within me I feel my wolf prepare herself for battle. She recognizes the strength and dominance flowing from this previous Alpha, but she doesn't give a damn. She's yearning for a good fight.

"Mr. Cullen," I greet Edward's grandfather as politely as I can, but even I can hear the subtle shake in my voice.

Edward Sr. lips twitch as though he's just discovered a great weakness in his opponent. If he only knew that the slight tremble in my voice was not caused by fear, but simply a reaction to the overwhelming rage and bloodlust I feel rising from my wolf.

"Isabella," he spits out my name through clenched teeth.

Stepping out from the boxes, I make sure to boldly hold his gaze. This makes his blue eyes flare with rage.

"I wasn't expecting you," I reveal and watch him carefully as he reacts to my words.

The way his lips curl into what looks like a snarl, makes my skin crawl.

Inside of me, my wolf is battling for control, but I know I need to keep her at bay. Taking a calming breath, I try to convince her (and myself) that attacking Edward's grandfather and the former Alpha of the Pack wouldn't be beneficial to us. His response however, almost makes me reconsider. He laughs harshly and shakes his head.

"You think that just because you've imprinted on my grandson that suddenly whatever he has is yours? Let me assure you that that is not the case. You don't belong here. In this house, in this family, in this Pack… You're unworthy, weak."

My entire body begins to tremble at his hateful words. It would be so easy to simply give in and hand over the reins of control to my wolf, but I bite my teeth together and clench every single muscle to fight her off.

"As soon as I can figure out what spell you've used to brainwash Edward, I will expose you. You're just like your mother. A manipulative b-."

"Edward!" an unfamiliar female voice filled with authority interrupts his slew of insults and he immediately whips his face around to stare down whoever it is.

I make sure to keep my eyes fixed on his tall frame, ready and willing to defend myself from his attack if he makes even the slightest move. My wolf is furious, snapping her sharp teeth threateningly as she struggles against my control. Deep within me, I can feel my insecurities rise and am temporarily drawn back to that painful incident where Edward himself slung a very similar accusation my way. Shaking my head, I force the memory from my mind.

Something passes between Edward Sr. and the woman who is staring him down and I can sense just how furious he is about being interrupted. Instead of arguing, however, he takes a menacing step towards her, before changing course, striding over to Esme's car instead. Flinging the front open, he gets in before slamming it shut, revving the engine as he speeds away from the house at an alarming speed. I watch the taillights for a second as he leaves, but soon drag my eyes slowly back to the female who stopped him. I'm met by Edward's grandmother, Elizabeth, who is staring back at me with a terrified look in her eyes.

The front door opening distracts us both and we turn to meet Esme's worried gaze.

"What the hell?!" she exclaims, catching sight of her retreating car.

Her shocked question appears to be exactly what Elizabeth needs to pull herself together.

"Edward just needed a moment," she explains vaguely, her voice void of emotion. "Isabella's home," she continues, stating the obvious with a wide smile that doesn't touch her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I thought we'd be long gone by now, but the movers took longer than usual. Edward and Elizabeth had the last of their things stored here in the garage, so we-."

"Don't worry about it, Esme. I'm so grateful to you for doing this for me," I interrupt her, waving her off as I pick up my discarded bag and leather bound book.

Moving towards the house, I motion for Elizabeth to join me.

"Emmett will be back soon with Alice. Why don't we go inside and have a cup of tea?"

As I utter my invitation, I realize something quite remarkable. In a few short moments, three generations of female Alphas will be joined under one roof in light conversation. And instead of feeling inferior and weak in comparison to the other females, my wolf feels indestructible and unusually confident. Drawing from some of her courage I take the lead, opening the front door wide as I welcome my guests inside.

It doesn't take long for my very human nerves to build within me, growing increasingly stronger as it mixes in with the shock and insecurities conjured up through my encounter with Edward Sr. Needing a distraction, I walk briskly towards the kitchen and busy myself by putting the kettle on. I'm looking through the still very unfamiliar cabinets when I catch the scent of Elizabeth behind me. Glancing over my shoulder I see that we're alone.

"Esme's calling Carlisle to ask for a ride," she says, answering my unspoken question.

Our eyes meet and for a moment I'm distracted by the strange mix of green and brown in her gaze. Immediately, I'm able to recognize the natural authority in her wolf, but for some reason I'm overwhelmed by a strong sense of pity. She's the one to break our connection, averting her gaze as she reaches down into the cabinet next to her, revealing an unopened packet of cookies.

"Edward loves these," she whispers, eyes fixed on the packet she's holding between her hands. For a moment I wonder which Edward she's talking about, but her next words take me by surprise.

"Isabella, I'd like to apologize on Ed's behalf. He's been under a lot of stress lately."

I feel my eyebrows rise in disbelief. Was she really trying to excuse his actions?

Luckily, we're distracted by the sharp whistle of the kettle. Turning around I focus my attention on getting everything ready, but inside my emotions are swirling. Esme has joined Elizabeth at the kitchen island where Elizabeth is pouring the cookies into a large bowl, chatting along as though everything is perfectly normal. Using a tray, I carry the rest of what we might need and force myself to stay calm.

Esme thanks me with a warm smile and touches my back with a familiar touch.

"Thank you, Bella."

I simply nod and pour her a cup, before doing the same for Elizabeth and then myself.

"Alice should be back any moment," I begin, doing my best to start up a light conversation. "She forgot her charger at home and apparently the responsibility of the entire Mating Ceremony lies on Alice's computer."

Both Esme and Elizabeth chuckle at my description. Esme shakes her head and takes a cookie from the bowl.

"Well, I have to say that I'm quite pleased that she's staying here with you. Perhaps you'll be able to get a word in edgewise and take part in the planning?"

I don't even have to fake the shudder that ripples through me.

"Esme, I know that as Beta I should probably take a more active part in planning the ceremony, but your daughter is a genius and she's seen you do this her entire life. I trust her judgement."

Esme nods and takes a sip of her tea.

"Isabella and Edward will be the main focus of the ceremony regardless. I presume you found a fitting dress?" Elizabeth joins in the conversation and I make sure to acknowledge her as politely as I can.

Esme, however, answers for me.

"It's perfect," she says simply.

Silence builds between us as we all take a sip of our warm tea, searching for the next appropriate topic of conversation.

"I truly don't understand why Ed would just take off like that."

Esme's usually sweet voice is surprisingly hard and I can hear the Alpha's demand in her tone. She wants an explanation. Boldly, I hold Elizabeth's gaze, curious to see her reaction and hear her response. The slight shake in her hand is the only sign of weakness, but it's enough for me. Beating her to it, I respond.

"Mr. Cullen and I shared a few words before he left. He wanted to take the opportunity to share with me his unaltered opinion of both myself and my mother," I pause, holding Elizabeth's gaze.

"I believe brainwashed and manipulative bitches were common denominators between my mother and I, or am I mistaken, Mrs. Cullen?"

Esme's sharp intake of breath almost makes me break eye contact, but yet again Elizabeth is the one to avert her gaze, bowing her head in submission and obvious embarrassment.

"As I told you already, Isabella, all I can do is apologize on my husband's behalf."

My anger flares and I feel my wolf snarl in her direction.

"I don't need your apology, Elizabeth, nor your excuses. Your husband is the one who is in the wrong, but I think we all know that it will be a cold day in Hell before he ever admits to that," I take a breath, allowing my words to sink in.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I need a moment. Alice will be here shortly."

Then I get up and leave, making sure to keep my head held high the entire time as I make my departure. I'm just about to open the door to my bedroom when I hear Alice's bright voice burst into the house.

"I'm back! The Mating Ceremony is saved! Bells, let's get to work!"

Closing the door, I lock it before leaning heavily against it for a moment as Edward Sr.'s hateful words echo in my mind. Brushing away the stupid tears that have risen to my eyes, I pull out my phone, suddenly desperate to see if Edward is available. My latest message has gone unanswered, bringing with it a new wave of tears. The pain in my chest grows and becomes almost unbearable. Walking over to Edward's closet, I pick out a t-shirt and pull it over my head, covering myself with his smell. This soothes away some of the pain and I quickly throw myself onto the bed, covering myself with the sheets as I reread every single one of my mate's sweet messages.

It takes a while, but soon the tears stop flowing and I'm able to calm down. Feeling silly and angered by my somewhat pitiful reaction, I send a quick "Missing you"-gif to Edward and force myself to get out of bed. Making my way to shower, I cringe at the sight of my puffy eyes and red nose and decide to jump into the shower, determined to wash away my temporary moment of weakness. The warm water feels good against my skin and I take my time, wiping every insecurity from my mind. Edward wouldn't want me to be upset.

I decide he might appreciate the fact that I'm wearing his clothes and take a quick photo of myself in the mirror, making sure to hide most of my face behind my thick hair. I smile imagining his reaction. Walking back to the bedroom, I find a pair of my most comfortable jeans to wear with Edward's t-shirt and am about to leave the room when my eyes catch something hidden just beneath the bed. Carefully, I pull it out, instantly recognizing my mother's jewelry box. Some of the contents have fallen out, so I take my time and search for every small piece. Studying each necklace, bracelet and earring with interest and loving care, I could almost feel her with me.

Leaning heavily against the bedframe, I balance the box against my thighs as I move my hand to the bottom, searching for the dial to wind up the music. As I do, I notice a small abnormality in the usually smooth surface of the box. Very carefully, I close the lid and turn it over in my hands to study it further. The bottom is made up by a smooth wooden surface, but right next to the dial, I see that there is a perfect outline of a square which has been jarred open, likely because of its fall from the bed. Gently, I use my fingers to open it completely and am surprised when I find a thick, folded piece of paper. Taking it out, I place the jewelry box at my side on the floor and carefully open the folded paper. For some reason, my heart begins to race and I feel as though I'm standing at the edge of a cliff. In a matter of seconds, I realize that I'm in fact holding two pieces of paper in my hands. One clearly much older than the other, written in a language I don't understand and the other bearing my mother's messy handwriting. As my eyes fall on the title, my breath catches and I can physically feel how my heart shatters in my chest.

Breaking an Imprint or Mating Bond

Oh, Mom, what did you do?