Freedom of Choice 6
The smell of food is what brought Bella back to life. Slowly unwinding herself from the sofa, she sat up and stretched her arms above head. As she started coming to consciousness, she stood up and headed towards the kitchen. Amelia was busy making some bacon and eggs. Leaning on the door frame, "Mornin'."
Looking over her shoulder, "Morning." Turning back to the bacon in front of her, she finished up and put the food on some plates and gestured for Bella to sit down.
As they sat down, they ate in comfortable silence. It wasn't a huge breakfast so they finished relatively quickly. Bella grabbed the dishes and made quick work of cleaning them up, Amelia wiped down the stove, and table, once the kitchen was back in order it was time to get on their way.
Amelia looked over at Bella, seeing that there was tension in her shoulders. "So, you still want to do this? While I think it would be the best for you, I don't want you to think that I'm forcing you into anything, you've had enough people dictating your life."
Letting out a sigh of relief, "No, I'm more than ready, I'm nervous. Scared. After everything is said and done, I'm more concerned that I will be alone. After they abandoned me last year, it broke me. Most of it was probably the venom he left in me, but I grew to love them all as a family, and they just dropped me. Everyone of them. Jasper and Rose I never blamed, they never made any attempts to show me love or affection, but the rest, in some way shape or form, I was their family. Or so I was told."
Amelia couldn't truly understand that feeling, she could sympathize with her. She was certain that if Peter and Char left her the way the Cullens left Bella, it would take a great will of power not to get sucked into that kind of depression. But in her heart, she knew that they wouldn't do that, and Bella wouldn't be alone. Char's note said so. Grabbing the little piece of paper, she handed it to Bella. "Don't worry, you'll never be alone."
NOTE: Snowflake, went back to the Cullens, gonna download hubs with the plan. Take care of her, by the time you leave, Peter will have contacted the wolves for you, so no need to worry. Be safe, it seems like I got another sister to look after. LUV YOU!
Bella held the note, and looked up with tears in her eyes. "Amelia, what exactly does this mean?" Logically she knew, but she didn't want to hope.
Nudging her with her shoulder, "It means that once this shit storm is done, you're not a Cullen, you'll be a Whitlock. It means that you are loved, protected, and respected. It means that unless you tell us to get the fuck out of your life, you're going to be stuck with us."
Bella wasn't one to be overly emotional with people, but she threw herself into Amelia's arms.
Returning the hug, they held each other for a few moments. Amelia took a step back, "OK, now that the sweet shit is out there, go up stairs, go clean up, wear something that you are comfortable in. Once you're done, I'll shower and get dressed."
With a slight chuckle Bella took off towards her room and then the shower.
Amelia grabbed her things and waited patiently for Bella to finish. As she sat around in the living room she heard her phone ring. The ring tone made her smile. Achy Breaky Heart. She loved him.
"Hello Johnny Rebel."
"Hey Snowbird, so here's the deal. My knower says this will all work out. So relax a little."
"OK. Thanks. That helps. Anything else I should know?"
"You'll meet the Alpha at his house, Bella knows where that is. Char should be there momentarily, she is going to clean up Bella's room to get his scent out of there. I'll swing by after you guys are gone and take care of that tree, and fix all the windows in the house so that he can't break in unannounced anymore. The rest will be settled when you ladies get here this evening. O, it will be glorious! Have fun!"
With that Peter hung up. Cryptic. But I love him. At least she had a decent starting point for today. A few minutes after she hung up with Peter, there was a slight knock at the front door, followed by a sweet voice,"Mornin' Sug."
Giving her sister a big hug. "Morning! So your husband just called with the itinerary."
Laughing, Char smiled. "Yeah, he's good at that. Are you nervous?" asking kindly.
Amelia nodded. There was no point in lying to her sister. "Yes. I mean, I know in my soul I can do this, but other than you and Peter, I've not really used my gift so extensively on a human before. I just don't want to hurt her."
"You won't. Trust me, if my loving hubs got a bad vibe from this, he would have insisted that we were there to help you. Don't worry Sug, you got this. And I am so proud of you!" Char was very proud of Amelia. She saw someone in need, and offered to help her, she was noble in her heart.
"Thanks Char. I love you guys, you know that right?" Giving her sister another hug.
Char turned her attention to the stairs, "She's heading down, I'll wait here for her and tell her the plans, perhaps she'll let me braid her hair. I'll do yours when you're done with your shower."
Nodding her agreement, Amelia was walking up the stairs just as Bella was descending. "Char is here, she's gonna run down the details of what's happening, see you in a few."
With that Amelia headed towards the shower.
Taking a mental inventory, Amelia was making sure that she had everything planned out. It was a daunting task, but if her Rebel brother said it was going to be OK, she could at least relax a little bit. Quickly washing her hair, and body, Amelia wanted to get started, once she knew that everything was OK with her, and Bella, then she would take a moment to relax.
Finishing up she quickly dried herself off, and dressed. Picking out her black jeans, with a deep purple tank top, and her favorite boots, she rushed down the stairs. Turning into the living area, she saw Bella was on the floor in front of Char getting her hair put in a fishtail braid. Smiling at the scene in front of her, Amelia walked over and waited her turn.
Bella's eyes were closed, she was truly enjoying the moment. Anytime Alice wanted to dress her or anything like it, Alice wouldn't even listen to her. With Char, well that was different, she actually asked Bella first, then asked what kind of braid she would like. It was surreal, an immortal god actually asking for her input. She knew Char less than 24hrs, and she has been treated better, and with more respect than the year and change she has known the Cullens. Was I really just a pet to them?
Char could sense that Bella's thoughts were taking a real dark turn. "Don' you think like that Sug, you my dear are stronger than you give yourself credit for."
Amelia snorted, because the look on Bella's face was priceless.
"I thought Edward was the mind reader." Bella quipped.
Char laughed. "No honey, not reading your mind, I'm just intune with aura's and things of that nature, I guess maybe you can call it a gift, I just could sense you thought you were less than valuable. But you're not." Looking at her work on Bella's hair. "All done Sug."
"Thank you." With that Bella stood up and switched places with Amelia.
Char couldn't help but feel at peace, having these girls around has given her the opportunity to feel like a mother, something that she didn't think was possible. Taking a quick sigh, she knew that Snowy needed to get going, the girls had a lot to do before seeing the Cullens this evening. With vampire speed, she braided her girls hair into two separate braids, then carefully piled them on her head so now she had braided buns. This was her favorite way to wear them. "There you go sweet girl."
Turning towards Char. "Love you!"
"Love you too, alright girls, you handle your shit, Peter and I will take care of the house." Taking a moment to look at Bella, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a locket. Handing it to her. "This is the Whitlock family crest. You are part of our family now. We protect our family."
Bella carefully took it from Char's hand. It was beautiful, an onyx charm, encased in a white gold frame. The motto was in delicate script: Nisi Fortes Superstes Erit. (Only the strong will survive.) Quickly looking at Char, "I don't know what to say, Thank you doesn't even seem like enough."
Pulling into a tight hug, "It is more than enough sweet girl. Now go, free yourself, and come back home to your family." With that Char gently pushed the girls out the door.
Amelia jumped into her truck and waited for Bella to get in. Once they were both wearing their seat belts, they made the trek to La Push.
The trip was a quiet one. But once they passed the sign to the reservation, Bella started giving the instructions to get to Sam's.
As they turned down the dirt road, Bella felt good, she knew that she was making the right decision. "Amelia, before we get there, I just wanted to say thank you. You are saving me, I'm a Whitlock now, I have a real family that loves me, and actually respects me as a person. I don't have this burning need to live up to these unrealistic expectations." she took a moment to gather her thoughts, "You know, the Cullens have called me family since pretty much from day one, but you know, they never gave me their crest, I'm supposedly his mate, but I didn't get a crest? But within 24hrs, I am wearing the Whitlocks, so thank you for everything."
A tear escaped Amelia's eye, gently wiping it away, "Family protects family."
Turning her attention back to the road, she saw the red house at the edge of the forest, standing in front were several boys wearing cut offs, and leaning on the front porch was the Alpha. Amelia needed to keep her wits about her, while he was definitely a fine specimen of a man, today was about freeing Bella from the thrall that Asshat kept her in. Perhaps next time she could afford to flirt. I mean it's been little more than a year since her highschool sweetheart and her broke up, and year since she's had sex with anyone other than herself. Girl, focus, Bella now, dirty thoughts later.
Putting the truck in park, Bella and Amelia shared a look. One asking are you ready, the other saying yes.
As they stepped out of the truck Amelia was greeted with a growl from the wolf that she bitch slapped. "Don't be mad Fido, you just weren't wolf enough." Turning her attention to the Alpha. "Peter said there wasn't going to be trouble," pointing to the trembling boy, "is he gonna be the problem, cause I have no issues making him my bitch again." Her eyes focused on his. His deep baritone laugh made her insides tingle.
Sam kept his eyes trained on the woman in front of him, she wasn't his imprint, but that didn't mean they couldn't be consenting adults looking for a good time. He actually was hoping that they could be friends with benefits. Leah would be all about it, but he wasn't going to deal with that, if he ever did imprint she would make it exceedingly difficult. Tapping into his Alpha voice, "PAUL, enough, you've embarrassed yourself and the pack enough. GO RUN THE PERIMETER!"
The boy in question was fuming, and wolfed out before taking off running.
"I would apologize for him, but there is no point." he said.
"It's all good, as long as he keeps his teeth to himself, he can growl all he wants." Amelia didn't care about the growling, or even the mean words, to her it just showed his immaturity.
"So, Alpha, I need a small fire, extremely sharp knife, towels. And a wolf that wouldn't mind using their healing properties to close the wound. If you can get me all that, we can get started." Sparing a look at Bella, "This is the last time I will ask you, are you sure?"
Bella didn't want to sound weak, but she was scared. Taking a deep breath, "I am."
Turning her attention back to the Alpha, "After you."
Nodding to her. "Embry, start the fire, Jared get the ladies some towels," reaching inside the door of his home, he pulled back with a very sharp looking dagger. "I have the knife."
Bella watched with intense eyes, it was always amazing how the wolves would fall into line when Sam gave orders. But she did notice that Jake wasn't there, neither Leah, nor Seth. "Sam, where is Jake and the rest?"
Sam took his eyes off Amelia and looked at Bella, she looked different, like she was finally comfortable in her own skin. For as long as he lived, he would never forget the image of her curled up on the forest floor, half dead, saying he's gone over, and over again. It was heartbreaking. "I told Jake to guard the perimeter, Peter suggested it, said something like you don't need another needy man in your business."
Sighing, Peter was right, she loved Jacob, but he was someone that she wouldn't love more than friends/siblings. Until she was relieved of this venom, she was terrified of making bad choices, and that was something that she didn't want. "I understand, after this Sam, I know I'm still not going to feel for him the way he wants, I'm sorry if that causes issues with your pack."
Not needing to say any more, he walked towards them, extending his large arms, he showed them the path to the backyard. Amelia intertwined her arms with Bella, for solidarity and to keep her from running. There was no going back now.
As they rounded the corner the boys were sitting by a small pit fire, and a couple towels were laid on the floor right next to it. Getting closer to the circle, Amelia took this time to look at Bella. "It's time, roll up your sleeve, lay down and get as comfortable as you can. I will be with you the entire time."
Bella nodded. Sam could smell her fear, but he was surprised that she pushed through and walked over to the fire.
As Bella laid down near the fire, Amelia looked at Sam. "Which one of the wolves is going to help out with the wound?"
Reaching up to touch her cheek, holding her attention with his eyes, "I will little one."
Smiling with her eyes, "Thank you." Taking a small step back from him, she turned towards Bella and made her way to the fire. Once she could feel the heat from the fire, Amelia kneeled down next to Bella's arm with the bite on it. Grabbing some towels she propped up the arm so it wasn't on the ground, she turned towards Sam, "the knife please." Feeling it in her hands she felt the weight behind it. Taking a deep breath, she placed the knife's blade into fire.
Focusing her mind and body into her gift, she felt it running through her toes to her fingers, up to her head. Taking slow deep breaths; she gently picked up Bella's arm, holding her hand. She thought of the venom as a living entity, trying to feel it in her skin, it was hiding there, it was hard to get a read on it. It was trying to hide, being underhanded, like it's owner. Not anymore Eddie!
Slowly reaching towards the bite, her hands hovered over it. Sending her energy towards the bite, she felt something push against her, this must be her shield. Understanding that this was a possibility, she gently nudged it, trying to send positive vibes towards it. I'm just trying to release you from his thrall, if you let me in I can find his venom, remove it. Please let me help you. As if it understood, a small hole opened up around Bella's arm. Taking the opportunity to reach deeper into the bite, Amelia was finally able to feel the venom. She took her time, she wanted the shield that kept Bella safe to know that she wasn't trying to hurt her, and that leaving the hole would grant her access to save Bella from something worse than death. I need to cut the bite, it will release the venom from the skin, the Alpha wolf is here, watching over us. Once the venom is out, he will clean your wound in wolf form, this will heal your arm. I will try to make it as quickly and painlessly as I can. But there will be some pain.
She felt her power pulling the venom towards the surface. Even though she has been able to loosely communicate with Bella's shield, she needed to speak with Bella herself. "Bella, I need you to take slow deep breaths, this will be painful. But it will be over soon, the Alpha is here with us, he will seal your wound. Once the venom is cleared from your body, you will more and likely pass out, during this time you will probably will remember things that may have been forgotten. Don't fight the pull, let the memories flow."
Bella opened her eyes, looking at Amelia and Sam's wolf. "I'm ready." She closed her eyes again.
They watched her chest rise and fall with her deep breathing.
Amelia looked at the wolf sitting next to her, she stared into his eyes. "You ready?" she asked.
His giant head nodded.
Letting out a slow breath, she reached for the knife, pulling it out of the fire. It was red hot. Focusing her energy once more at the venom, she willed it as close to the surface as she could. Bringing the knife towards the bite mark, she quickly cut the flesh around it, the sound of Bella sucking in her breath made Amelia's heart hurt. Shaking off the feeling, she watched as a silvery substance began to ooze. Dropping the knife gently into the ground, she used her free hand to pull the venom from her open wound, gathering it together in a ball over her arm; pulling her energy towards the venom she launched it towards the fire. The purple smoke left a rancid smell.
"Sam, please can you seal the wound?" she questioned.
The large wolf made his way towards the two girls. Gently leaning down he licked her wound, it took a moment for the wound seal. Once it was done he took a step back.
"Thank you so much. I'm probably gonna need help getting her into the house."
She felt the wolf leave, slowly getting to her feet, she noticed that Bella was out. Closing her eyes she focused on Bella, sending positive energy to her, Let the memories flow.
Feeling a warm hand on her shoulder, she looked up and saw that Sam was back. Looking down at her, "You were amazing. I'll bring her inside." With that Sam made his way towards Bella, gently picking her up; Amelia followed behind him and Bella.
Entering the house Amelia saw that it was comfortable. Sam walked to the back of the house with Bella. Finding her way to the couch, she sat down, closed her eyes and tilted her head back. Everything was tired, she needed to rest, letting her body relax into the couch, she barely felt herself being lifted into strong arms and being led to the back of the house. The last thing she remembered was warm arms wrapping around her before the blackness of sleep took her.