Emily was making the pie crust out of worry. All of the imprints were at her house, helping with the get togather. at first, everything was going great but then a howl had sounded and not a good one. Ramon, Collin and brady were set on guard duty but when they found out the news, Emily's heart broke. Paul had been kidnapped by a vampire. But what made it horrible was the fact that it had been a Cullen. Their so-called allies. All the anger Emily once felt at Paul had evaporated. While she didn't like the fact that Bella had sex with Paul, Emily knew that she was just a fling. Something to get him by. They couldn't be togather anyway, she wasn't his imprint and besides, Paul needed a strong woman who would take care of him. And as soon as they found him. she would be that women. Her poor wolf. He was probably scared and yet angry. She could see him now, his silver fur and his blazing grey eyes. But she could also picture him. chiseled chest, copper skin, sweat…pounding her from behind….
"Emily!" Rachel's voice screeched, pulling the scarred girl from her sweaty fantasy.
"huh? What?" she asked
"pauls on the phone!"
"What!? Kim tell Collin to get Sam! Tell him Paul's on the phone!" Emily yelled as she snatched the phone away from Rachel
"Paul?! Paul are you ok?!"
"Em, quit yelling." Paul's deep bass voice scolded.
"oh, sorry sorry, but are you ok? Are you hurt?" Emily asked
"I'm fine. And no, I'm not hurt. Listen, tell the Sam to call off the search. The leech and I are just talking. He didn't mean nor wanted to hurt me. it was just a miscommunication."
"Miscommunication? Paul that can't be right! He kidnapped you!" Emily shouted.
By now, Sam with the pack behind him had entered the room. Shirtless, barefoot and yellow eyed. Emily Felt fear run through her. Sam motioned for her to hand over the phone, but Emily hesitated.
"Paul?" Emily called.
"yeah, I'm here Em. Is Sam there yet...?"
"ye- yeah...here he is."
Emily with shaking hands handed the phone to Sam and stepped back.
"Paul! Are you hurt?" Sam asked
After a few minutes and Sam's face twisting into unrecognizable rage.
"Paul, I order you to come home now!"
Sam's hands trembled even more as he hung up the phone. He then quickly ran outside and disappeared into the Forrest.
….
Paul sighed as he hung up the phone. If he wasn't already in trouble with his alpha, then he sure would be when he returned.
"Alright, now that that's over with. Let's get down to business. You and I need to talk."
"you keep saying that! talk already!" Paul growled
"dude, chill. Have a seat. Are you going to be able to control that temper when the baby is born?"
Paul's anger was simmered down when the leech asked him that question.
"W-What?"
"you heard me." he said as he took a big puff of his cigarette.
"you know cigarettes can kill you? Why are you smoking anyway! And how do you know about the baby? Did she tell you?"
"once again…dude…chill...do you want a smoke, because it looks like you need it."
That was when Paul lost every shred of sanity he had. He reached across the table and grabbed the leech by his throat.
However, Emmett was able to lock his legs around pauls waist and flip the both of them. For a whole hour Emmett and Paul went at it.
By the time they were finished. Paul had a black eye, a broke nose, a missing tooth and a broken rib. Emmett himself had lost some limbs. He lost his right arm, a foot and a few fingers.
Both of them now sat next to each other against the wall.
"where are we?" Paul asked as he spit some blood into a cup.
"A rental I have in Port Angeles."
"Bella's pregnant." Paul said as he looked around the room.
"I know man. Alice came home, saying how she was puking up a storm. And from the last time I spoke to her she was smelling strongly of Sex. You knocked up my little sister man. I mean…I don't even know what to say to that other than to continue beating your ass. But I know she loves you and…I know you love her…. Right?"
Paul snorted.
"I love her with my life man. I... I can't see my life without her. When she came home from Italy the only thing, I wanted her to know was how much I loved her and how much…how much I can't live without her. you know I asked her to marry me? She said yes. I knew she would…but...but I know neither of us were expecting a kid so...so early. I mean we both have some screwed up childhoods. Both of our parent's divorced when we were young and they both took us away from our respective parents. So, marriage was a ...a huge step. Wanting to make that commitment, it was enough for us…and now…now we have a kid on the way but what hurts the most is that she still hasn't told me yet and I'm afraid why. ...I'm afraid she doesn't want me anymore."
There was a short silence and then Emmett let out a booming laugh.
"oh, you poor man! It's not that Bella doesn't want you, it's that she's scared. She's probably scared of what you'll think. And she's terrified, of being a mother. I mean, like you just said, you both have some messed up childhoods and has she not told you about her mom and why her parents divorce. Its ugly. Truthfully., I think you should just tell her that you know. It would put her mind at ease and let her know that you're not going anywhere. And…well, I want to see her too. Just to make sure she's alright. Have you guys gone to the doctor yet?"
"No. I haven't gone with her, but when she knows I know, then, then we will go see one."
Emmett nodded.
"…your guys are going to be good parents you know that." he commented. "if…if Rose and I could have had a kid…maybe she'd be truly happy. I try, you know but…I know I'm not enough. ill never be able to fulfill her true desire. What she's always wanted. So…be glad man. Your going to be a dad."
"But the timing couldn't have been worse" A southern voice said
Both men looked up to see Jasper leaning against the door.
"hey Jas. Bout time you made it. what's this about timing?" Emmett asked
"There is an enraged vampire hunting after Bella, and here she is pregnant. That just makes things more complicated."
"yeah complicated but fun! I mean come on Jas; our little sister is having a kid! Were going to be uncles! Now, lets talk about how we can protect Bella even more!"
…..
Bella let out a chuckle as Jacob swept her up in his arms.
"Hey, bells! I missed you!"
Bella felt herself get a little nauseas' when Jacob picked her up, but it passed as soon as he sat her down.
"hey jake! I missed you too! I'm so sorry I haven't been down more often. I've just been trying to catch up with School."
"yeah, sure bells. You don't have to make excuses for your leech." Jacob replied in irritation.
"huh…. oh...oh jake...um…I... I broke it off with Edward about a week after I got back from Italy."
Jacob's face displayed an array of emotions. From surprise to joy to love. An overwhelming, suffocating love.
"That's great bells. that's really great I- "
"Jacob! Come move these logs!" Rachel called interrupting their conversation.
"alright. I'm coming. Hey are those brownies?" he asked as he tried to pry the container open.
"oh no you don't Jacob black! Go help your sister!" Bella ordered as she playfully pushed him away.
"alright alright but I'm getting those brownies once I get back."
"not if I get them first!" quill joked as he snatched the brownies away from Bella's hands.
"Quill! No!" she yelled as she chased after him.
"Embry! Catch."
Bella groaned in frustration but turned her attention towards Embry, who was chuckling like a little kid on sugar.
"Bellllaaa, come and get me!" Embry sang.
Bella made a dash towards Embry but as soon as she reached him. He threw the container in another direction. This time it landed in Sam uley's hands. Sam was sitting with the elders, her father and a man she didn't recognize. She hesitantly approached the group.
"Sam…you not gonna make me chase you, too right?"
Sam looked at her and smiled.
"Of course, not Bella, I would never" and just as she reached for it, Sam threw it. "Jake!"
Bella turned to chase Jacob but tripped, right over her own feet and as she saw the ground getting closer, she braced for impact, but she never felt it.
Two strong arms. Two familiar arms wrapped around her.
"you having fun without me baby?" The voice whispered. Bella shivered. Paul.
"I could never have fun without you." She whispered back to him. By now the pack had surrounded them. She had no idea though. She knew Paul was whispering low enough, for no one to hear them.
Paul let Bella go and when she turned around, she gasped.
"Paul! What happened are you! -"
Bella didn't get to finish because Emily had stepped between them
"Oh my gosh Paul! What happened to you! Are you alright! Here let me help you! Oh my, well have to get you cleaned up let's take you inside!"
In that moment, Bella didn't know whether, it was the changes in her body, the stress of leaving the Cullen's or just the fact that she was tired of hiding her relationship with Paul. Maybe it was everything but one thing she would not do Was let Emily young touch what did not belong to her.
"Hey Emily." She called. "I'm sure your really busy. Why don't you let me help Paul?"
Pauls eyes lit up. His mate was standing up not only for self but also for him. Excitement and joy ran through him.
"yeah, Emily. You got your hands full, let Bella help out. Besides I don't need much."
"Well, I think I'm more …qualified with helping Paul out. So why don't you- "
"Emily! Hey, I think we have a pie missing and were running out of drinks! Quick over here!" Seth said as he ran over to the trio. He quickly winked at Bella and Paul and gently guided Emily away.
Once Paul was settled at the blacks kitchen table, Bella brought out a warm rang and a small bowl of water. While her touch was gentle, her eyes were blazing.
"Who does she think she is. Touching what's mine. I swear I'll snap her neck." Whispered harshly.
Paul however was turned on. He had never seen his mate so fired up. it was hot. She was trying to protect him.
"Paul, I love you honey but you can't be this oblivious. Don't you see it babe? She wants you. Like wants you wants you. I know a horny woman with I see one. And What the hell happened to your face? You have a black eye and your nose is a little crooked. I swear Paul. I'm going to beat the next person who touches you with a crowbar. I am going to go total joker on their ass I- "
Paul cut Bella's ramblings off with a deep kiss, he then picked her up, her legs wrapping around his waist. The duo then disappeared out the Blacks back door.
….
Sam and the elders had decided the best way to talk to Paul was when he was alone. By now Emily had to be done helping in.
"Paul? "Sam called as he and the elders walked in.
No response. They walked in further to see that the kitchen was completely empty.
"what in the world?" harry asked.
"huh, well how about we do this Sam, lets just call him to the council hall tomorrow morning. I'm pretty sure he went home."
"Sam! All the foods done! Everyone's ready to eat. Hey…where's Paul?" Emily asked as she walked in.
"He probably just went home. Let's go eat."
As everyone walked out Emily remained. Staring angerly at the back door…which was wide open. With her mind made up, Emily stormed outside right up towards Charlie swan who was sitting with Billy black, Harry clearwater and old quill.
"Chief swan." She called not caring if she was interrupting their conversation.
"oh, hey Emily what's up?"
"do you have any idea where that whore of a daughter of yours is.?" She asked her voice laced with anger and coldness.
"Emily?!" Billy scolded. "Watch your tongue of yours! What has gotten into you!?"
By now Sam had approached his angry imprint, his face red with anger confusion and Embarrassment.
"Emily…" he tried to say but she ignored him.
"Chief swan tell me do you know where that skank is!?"
"Now hold up young lady-"Charlie said as he stood up ."Emily young!" Billy scolded as he raised his voice.
"Sam get your imprint under control." Harry clearwater ordered, completely forgetting Charlie was beside him.
"Alright Emily, that's enough, I think you need to go home." Sam said coldly as he gently but forcefully tried to get her away from the elders.
However, she wouldn't budge.
"Don't touch me! I will leave once I'm done telling chief swan what he needs to know about his slut of a daughter!"
"Alright, I am giving you five seconds to get out of my face before I arrest you. "Charlie ordered, his face tomato red with anger.
Seth watched the drama unfold in horror. If no one got Emily out of here soon, then she would definitely expose Paul and Bella, and no one was ready for that. He needed to improvise or somehow get ahead of this without the secret being Exposed. Suddenly it made sense. The female scent that had been lurking around pauls house. It was Emily's and Emily was jealous.
With an idea forming in his mind, Seth opened his mouth and shouted
"I KISSED BELLA !"
All eyes turned to him. it worked.
Seth walked over to where Charlie and the elders stood.
"yeah, I'm sorry that's what Emily was probably freaking out about. You know Bella and I have been hanging out a lot more and we were joking around you know. I was telling her about how all my friends though I was dating an older woman and it was hot and blah blah blah. And one day, leaving from school, Bella swung by to pick me up and as a joke she kissed me on the cheek. Obviously, she did it to make me cool with my friends you know. It wasn't anything serious or perverted but I guess from where Emily was standing it looked different. I'm so sorry chief swan, I swear it wasn't anything sexual, Bella was just playing a long to make me feel better. I didn't realize it would turn into this …" Seth trailed off and made a few tears appear in his eyes.
Tears they always worked.
…..
Paul stroked Bella's hair as they laid on their bed naked and tangled in sheets.
"…I'm tired of hiding Paul." She told him
Paul sighed.
"I am too babe, but is it really the right time? I mean the last thing I want to do is tell our secret when you have one you haven't told me."
Bella tilted her head up in a questioning manner.
"What do you mean?" she asked
Lime alert! Lime Alert!
Paul rolled them over to where Bella was on her back. She gasped when she felt his fingers slowly enter her.
"please …tell me baby. Just tell me the truth. Tell me what you so afraid of me finding out. Because whether you know it or not, you've already told me, but you were asleep. So please just tell me."
Bella breathing hitched. The faster he went, the harder it became to keep it in.
"tell me baby." He whispered huskily in her ear. "Tell me, and ill let you explode. Come on babe. O know you want to."
Bella groaned in pleasure. It wasn't until she was realizing unto his hand that she said it.
"IM PREGANT!"
And after she said it, Bella began to sob.
"I'm pregnant and it wasn't supposed to happen! I only have one ovary Paul! I got the other one Removed because I had endometriosis! It was so painful Paul! There were days I couldn't even stand. And I wasn't having periods regularly. It just got so bad and my ovaries were so messed up, the doctors just decided to just remove the one with the most issues. They told me it would be near impossible to have children. I was only fifteen. So, I just sucked it up that I would never have kids. I mean, why would I want to raise a kid when I my own parents couldn't raise me right and then I met Edward and that dream really went out the window. So, imagine after I meet and fall in love with you that the pregnancy test said positive. I mean I bought five of those Paul and they all said positive. I thought I was going crazy; it wasn't until the doctor confirmed that I was pregnant! I'm so scared Paul!"
Paul flipped them back over, so that Bella was lying on his chest.
"I'm scared too, terrified. And at first, I thought you wouldn't tell me because you didn't want me. like…you were ashamed of us. But then I talk to Emmett. You know he actually kicked my butt for knocking you up. of course, I tore a couple of his limbs off for doubting me. who did he think he was, trying to tell me about my mate? But then he made me realize that your just as scared as I am. And I know we have had some hard childhoods but baby, we won't be alone. Well have each other, well have the pack and hopefully our parents will come to terms. I'm mean its not like you'll be an unwed pregnant woman. I did propose to you before we knew, besides…I want you as my wife as soon as possible. How about after graduation?"
Bella let out a small chuckle.
"you want to get married after graduation? Isn't that a little soon?"
"nothings too soon when it comes to you babe. Hey, so I was thinking…maybe we can tell Charlie and Sam …you know…about us. I mean it will soften the blow when everyone else finds out." Paul told her
"Well, we were already planning on telling dad, why don't we tell them both at the same time?" Bella asked
"I don't know babe. I don't want our relationship to be a distraction…. I mean, I don't know if jake or the Cullen's told you yet but…for now, we've decided to uplift the treaty. We will try to get Charlie down here on the rez as much as we can but for the most part, your time will have to be spent between the Cullen's and the rez. They someone around you at all times. And it would be beneficial for everyone, when the Cullen's need to hunt, you can be with us and when well, we have work and what not and you do too…"
"So, what, I'm just going be babysat between supernatural creatures? Am I supposed to just stop everything? I mean…now I fee; like I'm burdening everyone. I'll be sitting on my rear while you all fight for me! I'm sick of people having to fight my battles Paul."
Bella had rolled off the bed and paced nakedly around their bedroom.
"I mean... if had been changed into a vampire when I asked. I could just destroy her myself and everyone could move on with their lives."
A growl sounded and Bella gasp at her words.
"oh crap. Paul...I.I don't regret falling in love with you and I don't regret…being…pregnant…but I…...I hate sitting on the sidelines. That's all I'm saying. I don't like feeling helpless."
Paul stood up and cupped Bella's face.
"you have one of the most important jobs in the world right now and that's nurturing and protecting our baby. And I'm not asking you to sit around the house or even stay locked up on the rez, but you have to be smart about it…and remember you're not the only one sacrificing anything. and actually. I've been needing an assistant during work…you want to help? I mean on the days you're not working. You can join me…"
Bella threw her arms around Paul and cried in joy.
"I would love too!"
…
By the time Bella appeared back at the party, it had died down. Sam and Emily was nowhere to be found.
The fire was low, and everyone had split into small groups.
"Bella?!"
Bella looked up to see Jacob.
"hey jake. What's up?"
"What's up? What's up? you've been gone for an hour and Emily...well, Emily just exploded. I'm not going to get into it, but where in the word did you go?"
"oh, I went to help Paul clean up. he has a black eye, a broken nose and a few missing teeth. Plus, I think his rib is broken. But anyway, I helped patch him up and I got blood on my clothes. So, I had to wash mine and borrow some of his. As you can see" she gestured as she showed off Paul's spiderman shirt.
"oh, I see. Well I saved you a plate come and get one. So, can quil, embry and I have a brownie now?"
Bella let out a chuckle.
"of course, you guys can. I'm surprised you waited."
So, for the rest of the night, Bella sat Between Jacob, quill and Embry, telling jokes and laughing until it was time to go home.
"hey Bells, you want to come down and hang out tomorrow? you and I haven't gotten to do much." Jacob asked
"sure jake. Ill come down. But it will have to be after work. That cool?''
"Awesome! I'll see you tomorrow bells." Jacob said excitedly and went to help his father.
Bella looked back at the pack and saw Paul leaning against a tree.
He was right. She did have something to protect and she would protect it with her life…and that would start with taking care of her health first. She just had too.
...
Charlie watched his daughter get ready for school; he studied her movements noticing she seemed to be extra careful. Normally, Bella would trip on the stairs, or burn herself cooking but this particular morning, she did none of that. it was almost as if she were hesitant to do anything at all. Another thing he noticed was that she began to eat more. She filled both their plates to the brim. The only thing that wouldn't change were the dark circles under eyes and the consistent puking.
"hey bells, you want to have a seat. Your looking kind of pale."
"huh? Oh yeah. I guess I could." She said as she set down a stack of pancakes.
"So, what are your plans today after school?"
"Well, I'm actually going to leave school a little early, I have a doctor's appointment and after that I'm going to work and then after that ill be spending the rest of the day at jakes. "
"Really? That's funny because Billy invited us down for dinner. So that works out." He told her.
"sounds good. Ill make something before I go down there."
Charlie shifted his newspaper awkwardly as he tried to figure out his next words.
"hey...Bells…you ...wouldn't happen to have had any issues with Emily young, do you?"
Charlie watched as Bella's face looked like she ate something sour.
"Well…when I first met Emily…she was sweet but recently…recently she's just been a little off. Ok, well…you've met Paul, right? Paul lahote?"
"yes. I've met him briefly; he has a bad track record…I mean I haven't seen him in the station for a least a year. Why?"
Charlie watched as his daughter's fist curled up and her voice laced with frustration.
"Well…Emily is Sam's fiancée but …recently she's been Fawning over Paul. He's completely oblivious though. I mean they are good friends but …I hate to see her fawn over him when she's with Sam and I told Paul this but…I don't think it has truly sat in. I mean, Emily is with Sam who's a good guy, so why would she have a reason to try to flirt her way over to Paul."
Charlie cocked his head to the side and said "well…bells, I'm sure Paul and Emily are both grown enough to handle their own problems. I mean I can understand your irritation, but it sounds like that something Paul Emily and Sam have to work out. And has Edwin being giving you any problems recently?"
"No, he's kept his distance since we broke up. and …and ...I think it's only going to get worse. Especially if Paul doesn't see what I'm seeing. I just wish he would just open his eyes. I- "
"Wait!? Did you say you broke up with Edward?" he asked in shock. While he had banned the Cullen's from coming onto his property, he definitely thought Bella would be sneaking off to the Cullen's house anyway. So, to hear her say she broke up with him. It made Charlie literally stand up and hug his daughter. While, he wouldn't admit to it, he did shed a few tears.
"I ...I...am so proud of you bells. I know it was probably hard…but…I am so goddamn proud of you. That family has caused you so much pain and trouble. And it killed me. it killed me everyday to see you struggling. I mean Bella you've been looking like death since the day they left. And it ...it just enrages me that I couldn't protect you like I could have. Like I know I should have. And then you've been sick and stressed lately, I know it's because of them. whatever the doctor orders, I want you to do. please baby girl. I swear I'm going to charge those Cullen's with everything in the book."
"Dad…me being sick…only half of it is from stress. And I won't blame the Cullen's for everything. Part of it was my fault and not all of them are bad. Emmett and jasper are good. They want nothing but the best. Rosalie…well she doesn't like me much and she's glad Edward and I are not togather and well the rest of them…the rest want Edward to be happy. That's all that matters to them…..."
Charlie hugged his daughter tighter.
"one day bells, one day you'll find someone who will treat you like the beautiful warrior you are. and until then you have me, Billy and Jacob of course."
His daughter shifted in his arms to where she was facing him. A slight blush showing on her face.
"Well, dad I…...I kind of did find someone who treats me that way."
Charlie's eyebrows went up.
"I see…and do I know him?"
"yes…you've met him once or twice. Were supposed to have dinner with him tomorrow night."
"huh...well, I guess I'll have to bring my gun then." He joked
"Dad..."
"I'm kidding I'm kidding. Now go on before your late for school."
With that said, Charlie watched his daughter drive off for school. As soon as she left, he called Billy.
"hey chief! Guess what I heard. It looks like our kids are finally getting togather…"
…
Bella wrote her notes in frustration. Why wouldn't he stop staring? She could feel his eyes on her.
She had talk to her friends about switching seats with them and she managed to switch with Tyler who normally sat next to mike. It wasn't that she was afraid of Edward. It was the fact; she knew how he could be. In truth she didn't mind talking to him, but it would definitely be outside of school. They didn't need an audience.
Before she knew, it was lunch time and was time for her to leave. She was only doing a half day today.
"hey Bella! Can your notes at lunch?" Jessica asked
"oh well you can look at them now. just give them back to me tomorrow. I'm on my way out."
"what your leaving? But your supposed to help me survive English lit." Jessica pouted
"aww, one day won't kill you. Jess. Anyway, I have to get going. I'll see you"
With that said, Bella went into the office and signed herself out.
"are you feeling alright Bella? I have never seen you leave school so early." The secretary asked.
"oh yes mam. I just have an appointment."
Bella felt herself breathe easy once she was outside. Being inside was starting to feel suffocating but she gasped when she saw who was leaning on her truck. Emmett and jasper
"baby bell. Sneaking off somewhere? You know you can't be trying to give your guard the slip." Emmett joked
"guard?"
"Did Paul not tell you anything?" jasper asked
"oh! Yeah that sorry. I just…I'm kind of confused how all this works? I mean I'm going to the rez today. But…When exactly am I supposed to hang out with you guys?"
"well, truthfully it doesn't matter who you're with just as long as you're with somebody. But I can see how that can confuse you. So how about we go see Carlisle and he can tell you what he and Sam talked about?"
"um, well can we do it after I or we go to port Angeles. I have an appointment." She asked.
"why don't you have…"
"Don't finish that sentence Emmett Cullen. I don't want to cause anymore tension and division than there already is in the family."
"alright, that's fair. But can we at least take my car. Not saying I don't like the improvements Paul put in but…my car is still faster."
"fine but you have got to stop hating on the truck."
"Deal." He smiled
….
Bella hummed along to the party rock anthem, as Emmett drove.
"Bella are you nervous for some reason?" jasper asked
"huh…um I guess I am. This is only the second appointment I've had with the doctor and ...I'm not going to lie my health hasn't been the best. So, we will see what she says. Thanks for not calming me down. I've been needing to sort through my emotions."
"no problem..." he said quietly.
"hey…. jasper…. I'm just curious but…why are you here exactly? I mean...I…well, I thought my scent was unbearable."
Jasper smiled and said "Well, I guess I think I'm trying to make up for hurting you. I mean I hate that your eighteenth birthday was ruined because of me. and as for your scent, well, with you being pregnant, I'm not going to lie you smell much sweeter than before but…it's, more like craving an apple than a hamburger. Most people can resist an apple. Does that make sense?"
"about the hamburger vs apple yes. But about you trying to make up for hurting me. jasper it wasn't your fault. It was no one's fault. "Bella tried to say.
However, jasper shook his head.
"Bella, I went ballistic over a paper cut. When I had been exposed to plenty of bloody situations while going to high school. I guess with your blood being so tantalizing, I didn't realize how not in control I was. So yes, it is my fault and I do have to make it up to you. If that hadn't happened, we would have never left, and you would still be with Edward. Not saying that's a good thing."
"Jasper hale, listen to me now. it was not your fault and in truth…somehow, someway, Edward and I would have broken up. it was bound to happen. Things were jus too complicated. And even though it killed me for you all to leave…I'm glad it happened. I mean, all my time was spent with you guys and I wound up avoiding everyone else who was important to me. So, let's just put the past behind us and moved forward."
Jasper nodded and Bella turned back around to watch the road pass by her.
…
Paul sighed as he saw the text message. He had just gotten off of work when he received it. the council wanted to see him. Paul wasn't surprised. With everything that's happened within the last two days, he was surprised that hadn't called him sooner. But something else that was agitating him was what went down yesterday. Seth had showed him when they went on patrol this morning.
Emily young.
Paul had no clue why, but she had gone up to Charlie swan and began to call his mate all kinds of names. She accused Bella of being a whore, a skank, a slut and so many other names it made him want to phase. Was Paul angry? absolutely but Emily was Sam's imprint, she was untouchable. But that didn't mean crap to Paul.
Suddenly, it all started to make sense. The touches, the lingering eyes. At first…At first Paul thought it was just the Alpha's mate, wanting to fulfill her duty by caring for the pack. He thought she was just being kind. He thought...he thought she was his friend but instead, she called his mate hurtful words that made Paul seethe. He wanted to know why and before he saw those elders he was about to find out.
Paul scented Emily out and to his surprise he found her at the council hall. She was sitting outside on a bench.
"Paul!" she exclaimed in Excitement.
If Paul wanted to find the truth, he needed to play the game.
"hey Em. What are you doing here?" he asked
Emily however didn't answer him and hugged him instead. Paul didn't hug back but he did gently pat her on the back. However, when Emily stepped back, she put one foot behind her and literally threw herself backwards.
On instinct to protect the alpha's mate, Paul caught her. His arms were wrapped around her waist as he brought her up.
"Emily what are you-"
Paul stopped because then he smelt it. The smell of arousal. The same smell he smelt around his house a few days ago.
He immediately stepped away from Emily. What was he going to say? What was he supposed to say? His Alpha's mate, no, his Alpha's imprint, was…was Sexually attracted to him and just like Bella had said, she was trying to …to what…get him in bed? Paul felt disgust run through him and a little bit of hurt. Despite his disagreement with Sam, the guy was good. No, the guy was his brother and yet his imprint was lusting after another guy! It didn't make sense. Everything they knew about imprinting was wrong…. Paul was lost.
In anger, Paul walked away from Emily who was looking at him in confusion and into the council hall.
All conversation stopped when they saw him.
"Paul we are in the middle of a meeting. We will call you when were ready." Chief black told him.
Paul however addressed his attention to his alpha.
"Sa-Sam I- I need you to alpha order me. I don't care what it is but I'm about to lose my sanity."
Sam looked at his pack brother in confusion but understood. He knew how it felt to be completely drowned in the wolf.
"Alright. Paul lahote I order you to jog around the rez and don't stop until I tell you or you hear a howl."
The order was like a chain around Pauls neck. His body instantly jogging out of the hall.
…
Sam sighed as he sat back down.
"Alright, where were we?"
"Well, we pretty much covered everything, but we do need to talk about the outburst your imprint had yesterday. Quite frankly I am shocked Sam. We have never known Emily to display that kind of anger. Has an altercation happened between her and Bella swan?"
"no, not that I'm aware of. and as far as I know, Bella has only been to the rez whenever we have had our bonfires or when she is visiting Chief black. She has only been to Emily and I's once. I honestly have no idea why Emily would respond that way to her. I understand she was upset about the kiss between Seth and Bella but like Seth said, I don't believe it wasn't anything Sexual. Bella doesn't exhibit those kinds of characteristics."
The Elders nodded in agreement.
"Well, an apology to chief swan and Bella will have to be issued. We as a tribe cannot represent nor condone that behavior." Old quil spoke
"But we also must get to the root of the issue so that it doesn't happen again. I mean with the rogue vampire running around, is it possible your imprint blames Bella for the involvement she has with the Cullen's?" Sue clearwater asked
"Well there has been an adjustment with Bella swan's involvement with the Cullen's. I received a call from Charlie swan. he informed me that Bella and Edward are no longer dating. She broke up with him. So maybe if the pack knew of this news the hostility wouldn't be as…harsh. Have you tried gathering the pack togather outside of the bonfires Sam?" Billy asked
"well, if I'm speaking honestly, we don't get a lot of time to do those things and when we do. Well, when we do get togather, you all are present. So, it doesn't give the pack to truly…well, to truly relax and rough house. They are constantly keeping their guard up. I mean as you saw with Paul, we are always trying to stay calm…"
"So, your saying that they need an adult free event?" harry asked with a smile
Sam grinned back "yeah. That's exactly what I'm saying."
"I see well, have a few events without us. Alright our last order of business. We need to bring in Paul and figure out what happened between him and the Cullen. Did you talk to the coven leader about the assault?" Billy asked
"I did and he was peaceful as always. He said he would deal with his …son accordingly. But we still don't know why he attacked Paul nor why Paul disappeared with him. I checked Paul's thoughts, but he hid them well from me."
"I see well, let's bring him in…." Billy responded.
…
Bella held the sonogram to her chest as jasper helped her out of the jeep. If motherhood hadn't sunken in before, it really sank in now. While her child was only the size of a grape, she was still overwhelmed with how much she loved him or her already. She refused to let Emmettt or jasper see the sonogram until she showed Paul first. It was only fair.
"jasper, I can walk you know."
"yeah, I know but I can't have my little sister tripping over her own two feet. Besides you look exhausted. Did shopping wear you out that badly? We only got a few things."
Bella rolled her eyes and said "you and Emmett bought up the whole store. I'm only two weeks along. Half the stuff you guys bought is for the second trimester. I wish you guys hadn't spent money on me at all."
"oh my gosh…baby bell. Get over it. now, I think Esme has some...human food in the fridge. Go check it out. Carlisle and Esme should be here soon. Jaspers going to get your truck and bring it here. What time do you have work?"
Bella yawned and said, "four o clock."
"alright, well, go fix yourself something to eat and well go from there."
"alright. Oh, and hey…. thanks, you guys." She said sincerely.
With that said, Bella headed inside the Cullen home and into the kitchen.