Seattle Washington.
Emmett hissed as they took down one of the newborns. They had been stalking them for two whole days and finally managed to get one alone.
With jasper giving him a dose of fear and Emmet roughing up, they were able to get a few details from the vicious male. Victoria was creating an army, but it was much worse than they thought. She was recruiting newborns all the way from the south and worst of all she was partnering up with Maria. They had made a deal. Victoria would give Maria the territory in Washington and the promise of jaspers allegiance, if Maria helped destroy Bella and the Cullen's. She was even trying to get smaller covens involved. Especially those that didn't like the Cullen's.
This was much worse than they thought.
"Dammit!" jasper hissed as he ripped the newborn to pieces and Emmet threw them in the fire.
"if Edward had been here, we could have gotten much more information I do not know what his problem is, ditching us like this…but we have what we need for now. This is much worse than we thought, she's smarter than we know." Emmet groaned
"let's get back home. We might have to recruit the Denali's after all."
Emmet nodded. He could feel a headache coming on.
…
Edward didn't stay with the Denali's for more then a day. As much as he wanted his lustful urges to take over, he refused to touch Tanya. She wasn't what he wanted. Wasn't what he needed.
He needed Bella but the thought of her pregnant….no, the thought of her being touched… by someone who wasn't him. All of his fantasies he had of her, had come crashing down when the words pregnant fell from her lips.
He always imagined them adopting a child or even her getting a surrogate if she ever so desired. But to know another man had put his filthy hands on her… it made him want to break something.
However, his need for his singer, his love was much stronger. He needed to see her. They could raise the child togather.
Yes…this plan would work! He could take her and get married and then he could give the child his last name. it would all work out…
…
Leah clearwater sipped the blueberry lemonade Bella had handed her. Paul had taken Sam upstairs, while Bella stood in front of the stove cooking something.
They had not said one word since Emily left.
Leah was going to speak but Bella spoke first.
"This is your chance Leah…. Don't blow it."
"excuse me?" Leah asked
"you heard me. this is your second chance…do not blow it. Emily has broken Sam's trust. She cannot get it back. Imprint or not, once you've lost someone's trust its almost impossible to get it back and Emily did the one thing the wolf won't forgive."
"wait, wait slow down what the hell are you talking about? What about the wolf? And what would you know?"
Bella stopped stirring whatever it was and took a seat across from Leah.
"Leah…I have been around the pack and with Paul long enough to know the deeper levels of the wolf. Wolves in nature mate for life…For life Leah. In the pack, the wolf only request one thing. Loyalty. Haven't you guys always wondered why you used to be so wary of me? you didn't know where my loyalty lied, so that made me an enemy. It was not until I got with Paul that the hostility died down, except for yours. And no one really realized it. have you wondered why Jared, Embry, quill and even Sam have been more friendly? The wolf sees the loyalty. Now the man doesn't know why, he probably just thinks there being friendly but it's the fact they know my loyalty has shifted, the same thing goes for mates. They only ask for loyalty. It's a need, the foundation. Your mate knows he can trust you. He knows that you would never turn your back on him. so, he can relax. With everything you guys face, the wolf can turn to the one person who he can lean on. Emily broke that. She broke that foundation Leah. Did you not see Sam's face? He was gone. His spirit is broken and you're the only one who can fix it."
"your crazy! I'm not his imprint I'm not- "
"Dammit Leah! The imprint is broken! it has no power anymore! That day I snapped at you and told you to move on and stop being so bitter, I rethought my words. I did some research and…Leah…you haven't been with anyone since Sam have you?"
Leah's face morphed into anger and then confusion. She did not answer.
"that's what I figured. Your body could not do it. would not do it. you did not want anyone or anything but Sam. Even before you phased, Leah your wolf knew that Sam was still loyal. Underneath it all he still wanted you. Its why you have been waiting for so long… it also explains why you are here. you knew something was off with Emily for a while but didn't want to jump to conclusions huh. Its why Sam set Paul to guard you from her. because deep down, his wolf knew. His wolf knew that something was off about his mate and the man refuse to believe it."
"I …I came her to see you about Jacob. I came to yell at you and tell you that you were insane for hitting him. that you – you could have been killed." Leah excused lamely.
Bella however shook her head and said "we both know that's not true. What really happened is that you have been spying on Emily for a while and when she made her way here you followed. Ready to get some evidence for what you already knew but what you did not expect was too see Sam here as well and when you heard what Emily said, you knew all your suspicions had been right. She had been giving off the scent of arousal on and off for some time, you just couldn't pinpoint who because you knew it wasn't for sam. He was never around when she was horny. And you know what else, I think you knew Paul and I were togather...at least to an extent. That's why you really came down here. you had all the proof you needed to cause a shit storm but once you got here, you realize things were way deeper than expected."
Leah took a long swallow of her drink. Struggling with how to just say what she needed to say.
"look…i…I resent you…at least I did until an hour ago. I resented you because …you had everything…I wanted and yet you were throwing it away and to make matters worse you were torturing Jacob. keeping him close and yet choosing the leech. It was disgusting and in truth it reminded me of Emily. Being with someone while the one you love looks on and to make it worse…you were doing it on purpose. Loving that leech and making Jacob suffer. Yeah vocally you said no but your actions said otherwise. Verbally you pushed him away, but you would come to him for comfort…and then… then you guys stop hanging out less and less. And after Jacob phased and was told to stay away from you. You come barreling down here and throw yourself in the mist of it and what really pissed me off about you was how much my brother adores you. He's my brother and yet I barely see him. he's like a complete stranger now. of course, Paul has a part to play too. Corrupting him like the thug he is. I don't understand how you can fuck him! you're just playing the ropes aren't you swan. First your leech, then Jacob and now Paul!"
"I suggest you watch your mouth Leah. I won't tolerate any more disrespect from anyone in my home. Now I suggest you get your ass up stairs and go see Sam before you lose your chance. And the next time you want to accuse people of stuff I suggest you learn all the facts. Paul and are as you put it not just fucking. Were in love. He is my man and I'll be damn if I let anyone try to change that. So once gain get your ass upstairs and fix it your alpha."
Leah snarled but said nothing as she stalked upstairs. At the same time, Paul came stomping down the stair's suitcases in hand.
"babe? What's all this?" she asked. They hadn't gotten a chance to talk since Emily ran out the house.
"were leaving. I know its sudden but just got off the phone with the vamp. Both him and Sam agree about your suggestion to lie low for a while. "
"wait. Are we leaving now? what about school? I can't just leave yet. Spring break hasn't even started yet."
Paul pinched the bridge of his nose and growled. She watched as she tried to control the tremors.
"Babe…we need to leave. Too much is happening at once. Emmet and japer are on the way back to forks and they found some disturbing news and right now my only priority is to keep your safe. So, we need to leave."
Bella crossed her arms and scowled. "Not until you tell me what's really going on. Be being safe is just a cover story. You were hell bent of me not leaving and now all of a sudden you want to leave. What's the issue?"
Paul put the suitcases down and snarled at his mate.
"dammit Bella don't make me bend you over the table. I swear I will, Sam and Leah be dammed. now if you're not in the truck in five minutes I will carry your out!"
Bella stepped back from her mate in shock. She knew he was jerk, and he violate but he had never expressed it towards her, at least while they were dating anyway. Now when they first met, he treated her like dirt. So, what had changed now? her emotions and hormones wanted to rise and fight…but the women mated to the wolf was trying to see the under his mask. This wasn't about her safety. Well, it was but it was only a piece of the wolfs mind. What had him on edge now…?
And then it hit her.
The wolfs den had been invaded. Not just by a woman that tried to seduce him but by his Alpha and the alpha female. Paul and his women felt…violated. His mate had been threatened and now people were encroaching on his territory. He had two options he could stay and fight or he could take his mate and run. Now the wolf wanted to fight but the man knew Sam needed time to recoup.
A soft touch brought her from her thoughts. Bella looked into the eyes of her wolf and saw fear, anger, and regret.
"I'm sorry, I am so damn sorry. I'm being a jerk. I shouldn't have tried to force you or order you… but baby…I'm so goddamn scared and I'm so angry. Everything we've built is starting to fall apart. And we...we just need to get away. our house…our home…. It doesn't smell right anymore...its full of the disgusting smell of Emily. I can smell the things she touched. I can still smell her arousal and it makes me sick. It doesn't make it any better that there's sexual tension between Sam and Leah and I know there going to screw. SAM YOU BETTER AIR THIS PLACE OUT AFTER YOUR DONE! I DONT WANT MY DEN SMELLING LIKE YOU WHEN I GET Back! AND WASH THE FUCKING SHEETS FOR CRYNIG OUT LOUD! AND KEEP THE PACK AWAY FROM MY HOUSE! "
Paul took a breath and looked at her. his hands began to roam over her body and Bella felt herself melt.
"let's at least finish this week in the boat house and then well leave. Just let me get everything in order ok. "
Paul rested his head in the crook of her neck and let out a shaky breath.
"baby…I…I...I need you…I need you please." He pleaded.
Bella let her hands trail over his body, her hands grazing the hem of his shorts but was surprised when Paul gently pushed her back.
"n-not like that babe…I …I need you to hold me…and I... I need to hold you."
it was then Bella realized that Paul didn't need sex…he needed…intimacy. He was coming down from the high that he was on. The high of beating Jacob, talking to her father, and then coming home to see his mate unprotected and confronted by a hostile imprint They both needed intimacy. To just be held. Something they lacked growing up. neither of them had the luxury of intimacy. Until now.
….
Friday night, the first day spring break begins.
Bella smiled as she watched Jessica dive off the boat and into the cold water. Not wanting to leave her friends in the wind. She called them over two days ago to have one last fun day before they went their separate ways for spring break. However, Bella wasn't really present. Her mind was on the horrible argument she had with her father just two nights ago.
Flashback:
Bella sighed as she opened the front door. The lights were off and all she could see was the low glow of the tv. The house smelled strongly of beer and she knew her father was pissed. Before she left, Paul had warned her about Charlie. He warned her that Charlie was now in on the secret and he had shot Paul. He told her to be careful because Charlie was going to be beyond livid.
As soon as he heard her footsteps, the tv was put on mute and Charlie took a swing of his beer. At his feet had to be about five or six.
Oh lord, how many did he drink? She thought
"I tried to be a good father." His icy cold voice spoke as his eyes stayed glued on the tv. "I tied to give you your space. I let you have a boyfriend. I let you hang with your friends and I sure enough put up with so much crap from you that I'm drowning in it! I watched you abandon your friends for those Cullen's. I watch you runaway not once! BUT TWICE! From my home! Not knowing where you were or what was happening to you! And then to find out that you have some secret boyfriend! WHO DECDIED TO THREATEN ME! THREATEN ME! THE CHIEF OF POLICE! AND TO MAKE IT WORSE! HE BEATS ONE OF THE KIDS I KNOW FROM BIRTH HALF TO DEATH AND THEN RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES TRANSFORMS INTO A GIANT DOG! AND THEN TO FIND OUT THAT THE PALE SKINNY ASS BOY YOU'VE BEEN DYING OVER IS A BLOOD DRINKING VAMPIRE!"
He had stood up now, throwing the full beer can at the wall. Bella jumped. she had never seen her father this angry.
" I...I DONT GET IT BELLA! DO YOU HATE ME!?" he shouted "BECAUSE FROM THE DAY YOU MOVED HERE. IT SEEMED LIKE YOU DO! THE SECRETS THE LIES! THE RUNNING AWAY! I DONT KNOW HOW MUCH MORE I CAN TAKE! I AM AT MY LIMIT WITH YOU YOUNG LADY! AT MY LIMIT! AND IF YOU KEEP UP THIS BEHAVIR DAMMIT BELLA I WILL SEND YOU BACK TO RENEEE! YOU LIED TO ME! YOU HID SECRETS FROM ME!YOU HURT ME!AND I WILL NOT SIT HERE AND WATCH YOU THROW YOUR LIFE DOWN THE DRAIN FOR SOME BOYS WHO DONT GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOU!"
In this moment…Bella was completely numb. She had never seen this side of her father before. He was always in control even when he was angry but right now, she was honestly afraid of what he might do next. He had never had so many beers in her presence before and she could smell the alcohol on his breath.
But...could she really blame him? From his perspective and looking on the outside in, she had been a pretty selfish and shitty daughter. She was going to have a kid of her own now and couldn't imagine coming home to find an empty house with a note that said she was leaving to god knows where and who with? She was not going to hide behind excuses. She had put him through hell and when she opened her mouth to say something, he stopped her.
"..just go to bed. . Please…I ..I know I've had too much to drink and I am not In control right now. So please just go to bed and ill see you in the morning when I have a clear head. And for god sakes keep Edward, Paul, Jacob and whoever else may have been in your room out. Just...just give me the respect I deserve for once."
Bella had agreed to everything her father said up till now. did he just say give him the respect he deserves?
In a rush of anger Bella turned to her father and yelled "RESPECT!? YOU WANT ME TO GIVE YOU THE RESPECT YOU DESERVE?! WHAT ABOUT ME DAD!? YOU NEVER RESPECTED ME! NOT MY DESCIONS! NOT THE PEOPLE I WAS AROUND AND ESPECIALY NOT WHEN YOU CHEERED JACOB ON AFTER HE KISSED ME WITHOUT MY CONSENT! OR HOW ABUT THE FACT YOU WERENT THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEEDED YOU!"
Where was this coming from? she thought. However, her emotions and all the things she kept buried were resurfacing.
"WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE WERE MOVING AROUND! WHERE WERE YOU WHEN RENEE WOULD LEAVE ME ALONE FOR DAYS! WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP HER WHEN SHE WALKED OUT THAT DOOR AND WHY DIDN'T YOU FIGHT FOR ME! WHY DIDN'T YOU WANT ME! WHY DID NT YOU CHASE AFTER US!...why dad? II wanted to stay with you…. I didn't want to leave…I didn't want you to go and she took me away from you…"
The father and daughter stood in silence as their emotions created the intensity of the atmosphere.
"I had no idea you felt that way. I thought you were better off with her. I- I didn't have the money to fight for you and take care of my parents…I had to make a choice Bella. fight for you and lose or stay here and lose. Either way I was at a loss. And lose I did. I didn't want to drag you or your mother through court. I didn't want to hurt you and confuse you more than what you already were. I mean admit it Bella we were basically strangers when you came to live with me and what made it worse is that you shut me out. You never talked and I can't fault you because I never talked either. Were so much alike that it's killing us. Why didn't you tell me about Edward? Why didn't you tell me he was hurting you baby girl?"
The pain and utter sorrow in her father's voice had Bella in his arms, crashing into his chest, causing him to almost fall over.
"I didn't know how, and I couldn't tell you he was a vampire. There are rules I couldn't break for your protection but now that I'm with Paul…things are different. He didn't make you too mad, did he?"
"Bella, he walked in like he owned the place and had the worst attitude I've ever seen…and I still don't like him but I will say one thing…the only thing he was concerned about was you and your protection. He said he was irrevocable, insanely, and passionately in love with you and ill be honest Bella, I don't like him…but if any man is willing to do what I couldn't do for you then, He has my respect. But I would like to meet him without the having to shoot him. and about Jacob…your right I shouldn't have encouraged him, and I apologize. I just…I thought he was good for you and I wanted you guys to get togather so badly. But that's no excuse."
Bella nor her father got any sleep that night. there was still more to tell, the issue was…was he ready to hear it.
End of flashback
Bella yawned. That fight had taken a lot out of her and him. matter of fact that hadn't spoken since then. It wasn't because they didn't want to but they both needed to process everything that was spoken. Bella had to learn not to lie to her father and Charlie, well Charlie was learning to be a parent. Which was why she, Paul and Charlie were having dinner at her father's house. Charlie wanted to meet Paul on good terms and well, Paul wanted to tell Charlie the whole story. Bella was pregnant, they were getting married and she was going to move in with him. End of story and then after that they were heading to Florida to spend spring break with her mother. She and Charlie needed some time away from each other and everyone else needed to focus on the war that Victoria was creating. As soon as Bella left, the Cullen's would go and recruit some help of their own. She didn't know the details, but she knew they were working hard.
Speaking of working hard, Bella looked down the lake to see Leah and Sam sitting on the sand. She had no idea if they were getting back togather quite yet, but Sam did seem better. At least he was eating. In the meant time Jared, being the beta reported to Sam daily and no one had said anything about Emily. In a way, Bella understood. They were focusing on a war and right now keeping everyone safe was priority. So, Emily may have thought she was safe now but once the war was over, she would be getting her butt kicked. They couldn't afford to get distracted by things that didn't matter at the moment.
"Bella these brownies are awesome!" Tyler moaned in content as his booming voice brought her back to her friends.
Mike, Tyler, Angela, Eric, and Jessica had been more then excited when she called them up to have a spring break send off. She didn't really want to invite mike, but he was a part of their group and once he saw her with Paul, she knew he would give up. Thinking about Paul made Bella sigh. With Sam not in his right mind, Paul had taken the reigns alongside Jared. They were the most powerful in the pack with Sam down and Jacob didn't dare try to challenge them. Besides, he was still recovering from the beating Paul gave him. She was shocked to hear from Seth the vicious and raw beating Paul gave her former best friend, but she felt no pity. He should have never kissed her.
"What do you put in these Bella?" Eric asked her
"Weed." She joked
Eric and Tyler choked and looked at her like she was crazy.
"I'm just kidding guys. I just added extra chocolate and just a little bit of marshmallow fluff."
"man, you keep cooking like this and I'm going to get fat. I need to get in the water!" Eric cheered.
"Careful Eric you just ate!" Angela shouted from beside Bella as they lounged.
"So, Bella when are we going to meet this mystery boyfriend of yours?"
"soon, he's just working right now. matter of fact he should be getting off soon."
….
Paul snarled as he gave an order to Ramon. No wonder Sam was always so strict he had to put up with these fools, himself included. He had no idea how hardheaded he was until he and Jared took over temporarily. The past two days were killing him, and he was ready to tear someone's head off. It was a good thing he and Jared made a good team. Jared was the brains and Paul was the bronze.
"That is, it! I have had it! do you any of you buffoons realize how stupid you are acting! We don't have time for this! Embry and quill, you two have been in the pack long enough to know the drill! Help keep the cubs in line!" Paul shouted in his mind at the remaining pack members. Embry, Quill, Collin, Brady. Ramon and Seth. Jacob should join them by Monday and prayerfully Sam and Leah would be ready by then as well.
Embry and Quill whimpered in shame. They knew Paul was right even if they didn't like it.
"Good now take Ramon and go patrol!" Jared ordered.
With those three gone. Jared sent Seth, Brady and Collin to patrol the reservation but to stay hidden.
Jared then nodded for Paul to phase out. It was time to go home. Home to Bella. By now, the pack knew about him and Bella. They had all seen the fight that transpired between he and Jacob and in truth it had Gained Paul more respect amongst the pack. He was not one to be messed with.