Paul couldn't help the tremors that shook his body. Zima's diner.

Paul closed his eyes as he tried to calm down.

He refused to meet his mother in Tacoma, and she refused to meet him in la push. So, the compromise was Seattle.

He had to do this…He needed to do this…

While holding his breath, Paul walked into the diner. His eyes met a pair identical to his own.

Paul didn't know whether to be happy, sad, or angry.

He chose angry.

….

Tawny lahote held unto her coffee cup as if her life depended on it. Her son…. her son was huge.

When did he get so big? How long had it been since she'd seen him? He was practically a man now.

"you have every right to be angry at me…" she whispered.

"I didn't come here for pleasantries or apologies. Just tell me why the hell, my father told me you were dead! Or should I even call him my father!?" Her son hissed

Tawny jumped. His voice was so deep and cold… and his eyes…his eyes held pure hatred.

Pure hatred for her and she deserved it.

Tawny opened her mouth to speak but her son cut her off.

"Don't lie to me. Just tell me what I need to know so I can never see your face again."

Tawny closed her eyes and prayed that the tears brewing in never came. However, her prayer was ignored as tears started to pour.

"Malcolm lahote is not your father… He's not even a blood born lahote, He was adopted. Well, he and I... fell in love at a young age...but... but I wasn't one to settle down. So as soon as I could I left la push. Leaving him behind…and as soon as I could I partied and partied hard. While I was partying in Seattle…I …I met a man. I didn't realize who he was until it was too late. And by the time I found out I was pregnant… he was long gone. He had gotten married and was settling into his role. But …Malcolm stepped up and we got married. No one questioned it. The lahote's family tree was growing, that's all that mattered. Until…until… I got restless. I wanted out of la push. Malcolm and I moved to Tacoma and you were born we raised you there...until the divorce. But...I didn't want to go back, so he took you with him."

"And you just let him! knowing he wasn't my biological father!" her son hissed

Tawny scowled.

"I did what I had to do boy! And you better be damn grateful I didn't abort your ass when I had to the chance!" Tawny shot back

Her son let out a humorless and a slow handclap.

"and there it is ladies and gentlemen. There's the true women that abandoned me. now, I want the real story! And none of that in love with Malcolm bullshit."

Tawny let a small evil smile crawl upon her face.

"Fine. You want the truth…here it is. I got Billy black drunk in Seattle during his bachelor party and took him back to my hotel room. It was supposed to be a one-night stand that ended there but lo and behold I fell pregnant with you. My family being ashamed sent me to live in Tacoma and Malcom wanting his own freedom followed me. Except he couldn't be free oh no, my father made us marry. Not wanting his youngest daughter to be seen as a slut and since, Malcolm was adopted it was no issue. Of course, neither one us of wanted it. We hated each other and we hated you. So, there's your story. Of course, your aunt Jenna nor your grandfather wanted the truth revealed. That's why they kept us away so long, but Malcom and I had enough we signed the divorce papers and went on our way. But here's the catch. If the council were to find out what really happened, the Lahote name would lose all of its power…that's why Malcolm called and told you I was dead. They want to keep you from knowing the truth but now you do. So, you can go ahead and wreck all the havoc and chaos you want, I could care less. The tribe has never done anything for me. Happy now?"

Tawny smiled as her son was silent. She knew he couldn't handle the truth and she definitely knew that Malcolm was not acting alone. He had to have help and she bet it was Jenna. Tawny resisted a snort. Her older sister was so stupid.

"Why couldn't you just have been a normal mother? Why not move out of the state and raised me on your own?" Her son asked. His voice had cracked and what was once anger dissipated into what disappointment?

It was rare moment when Tawny felt her maternal instincts rise. She cautiously reached over and grabbed Paul's hand.

"Listen kid…I never planned on having you. I never planned on having kids anyway. And then you came. I was not and am not a good mother…I'm not mother material. I wanted the quickest way out and handing you over to Malcolm is what was easiest for me…but I admit it wasn't best. I could have kept my pregnancy Hidden and eventually dropped you off at the black's front door, but my young mind never thought about it. I'm a horrible person and a screw up… but…you…no matter the hell we put you through...you turned out good. Really good. So…and I know this wont help or fix things...but I am sorry. I'm not going to say I would've done better because I probably wouldn't. I'm not parent material but you…no matter how much I thought you ruined by life…you are my greatest achievement and that's all I can leave you with. So, I'm going to get out of here before they know that I told you. And you… you better get your ass to Chief black and quick…"

With that said she handed him a piece of paper, threw a wad of cash on the table, and whispered.

"Goodbye…my son."

…

Tawny held her breath as she boarded the grey hound.

Houston Texas, Far beyond the state of Washington.

The rain trickled down and matched the small tears coming down her face.

Why was she crying? She never wanted to be a mother.

Never wanted to get married but she made her choice.

She drank too much that night and saw a very important guy from her tribe.

She hadn't really liked him she just wanted the bragging rights.

Well, look where that got her. She was literally running for her life because once everyone connected the dots. She would surely be a target.

Tawny looked up at the grey sky. She was a horrible mother.

But her son…Her son was a good man and she could live with that even if it meant she would never see him again.

….

Charlie swan stood outside his son in laws front door. He had gotten the address from Billy.

The night after Renee left, He thought long and hard.

And he had been wrong. Seriously wrong. Yes, he was disappointed in his daughter. But he was also afraid to be left alone.

But one thing he did know was that he loved her, and no amount of words or apologies could ever excuse his horrible behavior.

He needed to set things straight.

His heart pounded faster as he knocked on the blue wooden door.

The door opened and a pair of brown eyes that were identical to his own met his.

"hey…uh bells…can I... Can I come in?"

...

Charlie shifted Awkwardly as his only daughter invited him in. He froze, however. Because standing behind his daughter was Seth clearwater and he looked pissed.

"Everything ok sis?"

He watched Bella give Seth a gentle pat on the bicep and nodded.

"Dad…Why don't you sit down?" She asked him.

Charlie grunted and watched as Seth gave him another angry look and walked out.

"Harry mentioned Seth was living with Paul…didn't know that included you."

"Yeah well Paul and I are married now. And Seth needs his space away from his parents. Besides, he's been living with us for a while, so I'm sure they have no say. "She hissed

Charlie swallowed hard. This definitely was not going how he thought it would.

"yeah, well then…listen bells...I-"

"No, dad. you listen to me." Bella interrupted. "I came to you! To you! My father! And I gave you the truth! That I was pregnant yes, but that I wasn't giving up on my dreams nor was I quitting school! I gave you my plan dad and you told me to abort my children. Your grandkids! I know you were shocked and upset but you asked me to kill my children! Because it didn't fit your plan for me! and then you gave m ultimatum! Dad, Paul, and I are married now and ill be damned if I choose between you and him! So, tell me what you could possibly want now?"

Charlie closed his eyes.

How could he gather the words to tell his daughter he had been a complete jackass?

"I was wrong. And a Jackass…Bella…it's no Excuse but I was terrified of losing you. Of being alone again and that you wouldn't need me anymore. You're my only daughter and once again you kept secrets from me. It hurt Bella and for you to just tell me what you were leaving…. What was I supposed to do with that? What happened to a fair warning I mean vampires? Werewolves? Really Bella! you left out vital information that I could have used to protect you."

Anger arose in Bella.

"Protect me! Dad I was trying to protect you! You have no idea the dangerous world I live in! There were multiple times I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. I wasn't allowed. I had to keep you safe!"

Charlie shook his head.

"Look, honey I'm not making excuses. I'm just saying… I'm sorry. My reactions and responses are wrong...and it's going to take a while for me to wrap my head around being a grandfather…Especially to twins. You're my baby girl, my only daughter and I cherish you. I really do. I just didn't want to be left alone again. your mother had left me, and your grandparents had died... all I had was you…when you would come and visit you kept me sane. I love having you here Bells. I just didn't want to lose you. But giving you an ultimatum.…its was wicked and selfish and wrong. I'm asking for your forgiveness Bella. Please I love you."

Bella looked at her father as tears poured down his face. Her own eyes had filled with tears. She had never seen her father cry and as much as she could understand why, her heart still hurt. She could forgive him yes; he was her father after all, but nothing would change overnight.

"I…I love you too dad. I truly do and I accept your apology, but I need you to give me some space. I just need a little time…ok?"

Charlie stood; he could accept that.

"can I hug you bells?"

Bella wrapped her arms around her protruding stomach.

"no dad…, I'm sorry, not until you earned my trust back."

With that said Charlie nodded and left.

As soon as he left, Bella let the tears fall. However, she didn't fall. No, she stood on her own two feet and waited for Paul to come home.

….

"Paul?" Bella called as she heard the front door open.

Not hearing a response, she walked out of the kitchen and into dining room.

sitting at the table was Paul. His head in his hands. Seth was hovering in the corner, looking confused and disturbed. Scattered on the table were papers.

"babe? What's going on? What's wrong?"

Paul sat up and looked at her with bloodshot eyes, as if he had been crying for hours.

"…Billy Black is my father."

Bella gasp and took a seat across from him.

"Wait? What..how?"

Paul took her hands in his.

"My mom met Billy at a party. She got him drunk and they had a one-night stand, which then led to me. The issue was by the time mom realized who my father was, he was already married. So, in order to save their skin and keep my parentage a secret, the lahote family had my mother marry her adopted brother Malcolm. They then moved to Tacoma. Eventually My mom got fed up and left Malcolm. Long story short, Malcom brought me back here and that was that."

"But if Billy is your biological father and your older then Jacob, than that makes you-"

"The Rightful alpha." Seth finished. "It makes a ton of sense. The power that rolls off of you in waves. What does this all mean?"

Paul breathed in Bella's scent as he raked his fingers through her hair.

"It means...I need to take my rightful place as Alpha. But first. We need to talk to Chief black and then get the Pack off their lazy butts. Seth you made sure Jacob was on patrol, right?"

Seth nodded.

"Good. Seth, I need you to round up the pack. I'm sure there are multiple topics that we need to cover. I know they were silent about Bella and I dating but I know all Hell will break loose when they find out we are married, Especially Jacob. And with Sam trapped by the imprint things are about to get Hectic."

…

Billy sat woodworking at the table when there was a knock on the door.

"Rachel! Can you get that?" He shouted

"I'm kind of busy dad! Rebecca will be here in an hour!"

Billy sighed. His oldest would be returning home after being away for six years. He wasn't too happy about that. She had left with no notice, gotten married and didn't tell anyone. And now she was returning with barley any notice. Six years. Six years and no contact. No phone calls, no letters. It made Billy want to see red. But could he really be too angry? This could be the only time he saw his daughter. Oh, and that God-awful husband of hers.

Ok, he couldn't say God awful, he didn't know the man. But as a father, he could still be skeptical.

The knock sounded again, and Billy rolled his eyes.

"I'm coming." He hollered

Billy rolled past the kitchen, and grimaced as he saw Rachel sitting on Embry's lap and pawing at him.

So much for being busy. He thought.

Billy opened the front door and gasp.

"Bella? Paul? Bella?!" Billy Called again. He was stuck Staring at Bella's protruding Stomach.

"Hey Billy. May we come in?"

Billy nodded wordlessly.

"is there anyway, we could talk to you in Private?" Bella asked gently as she side eyed Embry and Rachel. By now, Embry had noticed the couple and was openly staring.

"That seems fair. Rachel, Embry, why don't you two head out for a while."

Rachel rolled her eyes and gave Bella a dirty look, but Embry was stuck on stupid. He couldn't decide on following his imprint or looking at Paul. The power radiating off him was unbearable. It made Both the man and the wolf want to bow down in submission.

"Embry go." Paul ordered.

That was all it took to get Embry to move.

Once the two were gone, Billy ushered the couple to sit.

"So, Paul, Bella what brings you too by? The last time I saw you Paul you were tearing Chunks off my son and threating Charlie swan. And you Bella, Charlie had told me you were Pregnant, but I just thought he was drunk calling me. looks like I was wrong."

Paul and Bella exchanged a look and nodded.

"Chief Black…I need to ask you a few questions." Paul asked

"oh, have you come to disrespect my household again boy?" Billy hissed

Paul surrendered himself to Billy's scrutiny.

"My apologies, Chief black. It wasn't my intent to disrespect you or your household. I just wanted to talk to Charlie swan."

"And you couldn't ask to meet him somewhere or call him? like any normal human? Instead you caused damage to my house and forced me to reveal tribal secrets that I nor Bella was ready to tell!" Billy practically roared.

Paul was going to defend his actions but stopped. He hadn't thought of that. Had his wife been ready to tell her father about the secret?

With earnest Eyes he turned to her. questioning?

Bella hitched a shoulder to her ear, a nervous habit.

"I wasn't ready for him to know Paul. Billy's right about that but I don't regret you talking to Charlie. Billy, Jacob Kissed me…without my consent, Paul was just defending my honor."

"And I agree with that Bella. But the manner of which he went about it was inappropriate. However, I digress, you have been warned Paul. Next time think your way through things before you go off on a wolf instinct. You can't let the wolf have all the control. He's not always right. While you are a shapeshifter, you are also a man, a grown, smart, and mature man. I would hate to see the potential you have go to waste. Some of the tribe's men have told me the excellent craft work you have done, but also how you have fixed things to perfection. As much trouble as you cause this old chief, I am proud of you Paul lahote."

Paul couldn't respond. He could only stare at Billy as if he were superman.

"um…why don't I make some tea while you two talk." Bella said quietly. She could tell Paul needed to be the one to tell Billy.

"no ones ever told me that…." Paul whispered. But loud enough that Billy could hear him.

"well, I mean every word." Billy assured.

"Chief…can I ask you something personal?"

"of course, son."

Bella winched at the word son. Billy just didn't know how close he was.

Paul pulled out an orange envelope and set between Billy and himself.

"…on the night of your bachelor party…do you remember meeting a woman?"

"There were plenty of women at my bachelor party. I don't see why this is important. Why are you asking Paul?"

"Because there was women, who gave you multiple drinks…. she took you back to her motel room…and when you awoke the next morning, she was gone….do you remember that?" Paul pushed

Billy eyebrows Furrowed.

"I think I do remember something like that. The night was so long, and I had way too many drinks… but I do recall waking up in a motel room alone. Paul why are you asking me this…"

Unable to keep it in any longer, Paul shouted

"BECAUSE THE WOMEN YOU SLEPT WITH WAS MY MOTHER! YOUR MY FATHER BILLY!"

He then pulled out the papers from the envelope and slammed multiple pictures onto the kitchen table.

There on the table was Pauls birth certificate, a picture of Pauls mother. And next to it, a letter addressed to Billy.

Billy was silent and Paul was shaking, ready to phase at any moment.

Bella was going to step in, but she saw Billy motion her to stop.

With gentleness and ease, Billy rolled into Paul's eyes sight.

"Paul…look at me son. You can't let the wolf overrule you. You're a man too, listen to me Paul. I believe you. I know your telling me the truth…and I know you are my son."

Paul's trembling stopped and in their place were tears.

"How can you just accept this so easily?"

Billy's giant hands held Pauls even larger ones.

"Because I remember your mother's eyes…and you have them. while I didn't know who she was, I could never forget those eyes. Besides, you would never make something like this up. Even if it does complicate things. So, tell me, how did you find out this information?"

Paul relayed everything he had found out within the past few days.

"I see, that does sound like something Jenna and Malcolm would come up with. And your theory is correct, being older than Jacob, you are the rightful Alpha and unlike your Brother, I know you won't hesitate to take your place. We have much to discuss Paul…and we will but this is a lot for anyone to take in. But I do want to make at least one thing right."

Paul looked up in concern and to his shock, Billy reached over and signed the blank spot on his birth certificate.

Billy went to say something but was interrupted.

"Dad! I'm home!" a voice shouted

"Dad! guess whose here!"

The front door opened and in Walked…Rebecca black. Alongside her, was a man with long blonde hair that was tied in a ponytail. Beside them was Rachel, who was practically dancing on her toes.

"Well dad! aren't you gonna greet me!"

…

The forest was silent as the shadows turned into human forms.

Paul shivered as the Pack emerged, yellow eyed, tired, and confused. He was glad he convinced Bella to stay with Billy. Tensions were high.

"Paul! What the hell is this? Seth said you called a pack meeting and set up some meeting with the leeches! They can't be trusted!" Jared snarled.

Paul ignored Jared and turned to Sam, the man looked high and almost out of his mind. He couldn't even stand, having to lean on Leah and Seth for support.

"Sam? Where's your head at man?"

"I can't…I just can't…" Sam babbled.

"What is this?" Paul growled " I thought you completed the imprint break by marking Leah!?"

Sam didn't get to respond because the pack was all talking at once.

"Everybody shut up!" Paul roared.

Everyone fell silent.

"now, Sam? What happened after we left, I thought you were able to break the imprint?"

Sam shook his head and glanced at Leah. Who in turn looked pissed and angry?

"someone tell me what the hell is going on?!" Paul growled

"Leah refuses to let Sam mark her! which means Sam is stuck with Emily." Seth finally responded.

Paul let out an earsplitting roar and stomped towards Leah.

"you would let your Alpha. Your pack mate be stuck in a wicked imprint, knowing you had the key to his freedom? Why!"

Leah sneered up at Paul.

"None of your business lahote! Look just because you banged the leech lover and have some special voodoo connection with her doesn't mean you have a right to boss us all around! Who do you think you are!"

Paul wanted to respond but his father's words came back to him. His fathers words. That had a nice ring to it.

Don't let the wolf have all the control, you're a man too.

Paul took a breath and looked at sam. Really looked at him.

He looked exhausted and he could tell that Sam was tired of fighting.

So he had two options. Give Sam his freedom...or keep a good friends and a would be awesome beta.

Paul sighed. He had to choose the hardest option.

"Sam phase. Everyone else stay human."

Once he and Sam phased, Paul opened certain pieces and parts of his mind for Sam to see.

"Sam? Are you tired of being Alpha?"

"it wasn't my position in the first place Paul. I was just filling in. What are you suggesting?"

"Sam, you saw the important parts. I am the rightful alpha and I will fight you for the position if necessary."

"your willing to take on this burden?"

"it's my birthright Sam…besides…I think it's time for you to retire. Sam, I think in order for you to break the imprint you need to give up the wolf?"

"give up the wolf…?"

The very thought sent Sam into shock.

"There are two ways to break an imprint. by marking or giving up the wolf. And since Leah refuses…"

"But what about the newborn battle! You'll need all the wolves you can get."

"I know Sam, but the Cullen's have their own army as well, so one wolf down won't hurt us. Please sam. It literally hurts me to see you like this. The imprint is killing you."

Sam nodded.

The duo phased out and Sam wearily turned to face the pack.

" I Samuel uley …am stepping down as Alpha."

The pack went into an uproar, but Sam put a hand up in silence.

"Sam! You can't do this! I am not ready!" Jacob yelled, stomping his foot like spoiled child.

Sam let out a weary snort.

"no one said i was choosing you anyway Jacob."

"Sam…I'm not fit to be alpha…its tiring." Jared complained.

"All of you shut up. Paul is taking my place. And that is the end of it!"

Before anyone could stop him or complain.

Sam craned his neck in submission and bowed before Paul.

"Paul Lahote…I surrender my Alpha title and submit to you. Our new Alpha."

The pack had no choice but to comply.

Except Jacob.