Chapter 21: A Family Matter

Alice POV:

I smiled happily at Bella's whispered words. This was probably the best day of my life.

"So…." Bella backed up further, with a lopsided grin on her face. "Liam told you then."

"Told me what?" I beamed right back at her. Just because I knew about the imprint didn't mean I knew about everything. And I still wanted to hear her say it. I'm needy like that. She rolled her eyes at me.

"Told you about the imprint."

"Imprint? What's this you say about an imprint?" I pretended to be shocked. She was not to be fooled. Bella laughed and walked in the direction that we came from. "Alright. I admit that he told me. But I did like hearing it from you much more." I caught up with her and reached for her hand to hold in mine. She flinched away from my contact. Right, relationship issues.

"Sorry." She was embarrassed about her reaction.

"No don't be sorry. How about this; you are in complete control of whatever this is," I gestured in between us, "I will go along with whatever you decide or do. You set the pace and boundaries. Does that sound good?"

"Are you sure you're ok with that?" She was rubbing her neck in the way I knew meant she was uncomfortable. But her discomfort was coming from concern for me.

"Of course." I nodded to reassure her. She studied me for a while to make sure I wasn't lying.

"Alright." We walked quietly all the way back to the house. It was really peaceful out, and I enjoyed listening to Bella's heartbeat.

Bella POV:

We came back to the entire family outside watching Liam arm wrestle Emmett. Liam was obviously stronger, but Emmett was not giving up. Eventually Emmett's hand was slammed into a rock slab in defeat.

"Dammit! I want a rematch!"

"No problem big guy. Had a nice walk?" Liam asked us as we came near. He was looking at me with knowing eyes. Stupid annoying brother.

"Yes it was pleasant." Alice answered in a dreamy voice. Oh great. Now everyone will know. Emmett's face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning, and Rosalie even cracked a smile. My annoyance at their reactions was interrupted abruptly by a loud growl coming from Edward.

"How dare you Alice? Bella was mine! Of course now you like her when she's a mongrel beast! Do you even know how many people she's killed? How can you love someone with no soul?" I had never seen Edward lose control like that. Every Cullen was staring at him in shock. I was trying to decide if I should lunge at him or not. I mean he was Alice's brother, but the fucker was asking for it. Before I had time to make up my mind however, Alice had tackled him to the ground. That would be my imprint.

"Don't you ever talk about her like that! She's her own person and belongs to no one!" She was beating his face into the ground and I couldn't be more proud.

"Need any help sis?" Emmett looked livid at Edward right now. Actually so did the entire family. Not even Esme had a lick of remorse on her face. Edward had gotten over his surprise of Alice's attack and got a decent hit in, sending my imprint flying backwards. Now he's dead. I lunged for his neck, phasing midair. His face was in utter horror and he had no time to react before I had him. My teeth wrapped around his neck and I tossed him across the lawn like a rag doll. Edward ran at me full speed and all I had to do was bat him like a fly with my paw. He howled in pain, serves the fucker right. I was about to make my move and end his pathetic life, when a soft voice called to the side of me.

"Easy Bells." It was Liam, with one look he brought me back to reality. As much as Edward deserved it, I did not want to kill him right here and now. Probably not the best impression. I grunted at him to show my understanding. Edward fled the scene in fright. Shit. I was now a huge wolf in front of Alice, did she run as well? I turned to look for her, but she was already next to me, reaching out as if to pet me. I leaned my head out towards her to let her know I was in control. She smiled at me and stroked the fur on my head. I let out an involuntary purr at her touch and she giggled.

"Looks like Alice has a new pet." Rosalie laughed at the ridiculous scene. Alice growled at her defensively. "Easy there, just making a joke. You know I like Bella." Alice turned back to me and continued her petting of my head.

"I'll go run and get some clothes." Liam said happily. I laid down on the grass comfortably and let Alice stroke my coat. She was making me so relaxed and sleepy, it was really enjoyable.

"That was pretty bad-ass Bella." Emmett moved so he was sitting next to us. "Too bad he ran though."

"He'll be back." That was the first time I'd heard Jasper speak all day. "Maybe some time away will do him some good. Make him think. It's a pleasure to have you back Bella by the way." Liam came back with some of my clothes and I went under the forest cover to phase back and change.

"Sorry for the mess." I apologized lamely.

"Don't you dare apologize. Edward needed a lesson for what he said. I hope you know that we agree with nothing he said Bella?" Carlisle had a disgusted look on his face when speaking of his son.

"I do now. Thank you." Esme smiled warmly at me and then spoke to everyone.

"How about we all go inside and talk there? Can I get you two anything to drink?" She addressed Liam and me.

"No thank you Mrs. Cullen." Liam replied as we followed everyone into the house.

"Oh please dear, call me Esme."

"No thank you Esme." I said softly to her. She stopped walking and turned to face me, her eyes shining with tears.

"Oh Bella!" She couldn't stop herself and flung her arms around me in a bone crushing hug. She had her youngest daughter back.

A/N: Well there was a small fight as requested. It's not over yet though! I will be traveling tomorrow so I might not be able to update until Tuesday or so. Also, I've been having trouble finding a good cover photo for this story, so if you have any suggestions please send them my way. As always, thank you all for the support!