I took my time, changing out of my wet clothes. A nice warm shower, warm pajamas and a cup of hot tea always did the trick. I felt much better, although as I sat at the kitchen table and worked on my homework assignments, Edward kept drifting into my mind. His cold brooding eyes. A topic of discomfort for those who know him. But the gentle touch of his warm arm, that had been resting around my shoulders. The dazzling smile that came to his face when I looked at him. Irresistible.

Chewing my bottom lip, I let my mind wander a bit. I wasn't used to daydreaming, it wasn't something I did very often. In fact, I've made fun of Rene, when she lets herself get lost in thought, like this. I finished the remainder of my school work and tucked it away in my backpack. Hesitantly I looked out the window, the rain had stopped. But the gray clouds still lingered. I was beginning to forget what the sun even looked like.

Charlie called, not long ago, just to check if I made it home alright. I didn't mention the truck breaking down on the way home. I didn't want to discourage Charlie. He had gone out of his way to buy me the truck. I wasn't about to complain when it broke down. I just had to figure a way to get it fixed without him catching on. I didn't have much money and I really didn't know the area well enough to find a repair shop.

I wasn't sure when Charlie would be home, he mentioned it was a slow day, so he should be able to make it home, at his normal time. We decided to go out to eat for dinner tonight. There was a little diner in town that he frequented. It's not like we had too much of an option, the kitchen was practically empty. I made plans to go grocery shopping tomorrow.

Suddenly, there was a light tapping at the front door. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as I rose from my seat at the table. Was it him? Did Edward come back for some reason? The mere thought of getting to see his face again put a spring in my step. Without a second thought I raced to the door, swinging it open. Only to be disappointed.

My shoulders slumped, as I took in the big guy from school. Emmett. A smirk was on his face as he held up my truck keys. "Expecting someone else?" I detected the teasing tone in his face. He scanned over my face, taking note of my obvious embarrassment.

My face warmed as I snagged the keys away from him. "No, I most certainly wasn't expecting anyone else."

Emmett tilted his head back, feigning amusement. "Sure, whatever you say. Come to think of it, I just had a similar conversation with Edward."

My heart skipped at the mention of his name, but I kept my expression controlled. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh nothing really, I just find it funny watching two stubborn people struggle so hard against fate. It's pretty entertaining to watch." He laughed openly.

"I don't know what you mean," I grumbled, feeling my blush creep up to my ears. "But, thanks for dropping off my truck."

"Don't mention it. Rose fixed it up for you. It shouldn't give you any more issues." He replied with a wink.

"You mean… she fixed it?" My eyes widened, I moved past him to look towards the driveway. The truck sat there, looking pristine. It was washed, waxed, new tires and most of the dents were gone. It almost looked like a brand new truck. Panic struck me. How was I going to explain all this to Charlie? There was no doubt in my mind that he would notice. He wasn't like Rene, he was very observant.

"She is the best mechanic on the reservation, you really lucked out. But I suppose she didn't have much of a choice in the matter," Emmet grinned.

"I'm very appreciative," I stuttered, nervously biting the bottom of my lip. "But I have no way of paying for this. I'm sure it would cost a fortune to do all that work on it."

Emmett shrugged his shoulders easily. "Edward covered the expenses. Like I said, no worries."

I groaned, leaning on the doorframe. "He can't do that, what's the jerk trying to prove?"

My heart squeezed uncomfortably. He was making things so much harder. If he was going to say ignorant things, then turn around and do something really thoughtful and kind, I wish he just wouldn't bother with me anymore. It was so confusing. I didn't know how I felt. My mind and heart was tied up in knots.

"I assure you, Edward can do whatever he wants," He replied, rolling his eyes. "That's what kinda sucks about him. He's the boss."

"What do you mean? Some of the others at school mentioned that you and your group were some kind of gang. Is that really true?" I blinked a few times.

Emmett laughed loudly, a smirk coming to his face. "I mean, I wouldn't use those exact words. But yeah, I suppose. We all stick close together. We've been friends for a pretty long time." He glanced behind him, his eyes narrowing. "Keep in mind, there is a lot of gossip in school. Don't read too far into it. And don't go out on the hiking trails alone… there are some pretty big bears out there this time of year."

"U-um, alright."

I couldn't imagine why our conversation turned to La Push's wildlife. It seemed really random. And the concerning look on Emmett's face only brought up more questions. But he didn't stick around. He waved nicely to me, before heading in the direction that had gotten his attention. I watched him until he was completely out of sight.

What a weird guy. But it was nice of him to come all this way with my truck. I would have to think of a good reason as to why it looks so clean and shiny. I wasn't sure how Charlie would react.

I decided, since I didn't have anything else to do, I would clean up around the house. I hated to get out of my comfy pajamas. But I ended up putting on some regular lounge clothes. Charlie wasn't much of a cleaner. It wasn't as bad as I had thought it was going to be. There were some stacks of beer cans in each room, some cobwebs lingering in the upper corners of the walls, I ran the sweeper across the carpeting in the living room, swept and mopped the kitchen floors. It took a while, but as Charlie's police cruiser pulled in, I was just finishing up. I would have liked to open the windows to get the slight musty odor out, but of course, the rain had started again.

I was waiting patiently in the living room, just about to start reading a book, as Charlie came in. He eyed me with a smile, hanging his coat on the rack next to the door. "Hey Bells, how was your day?"

"Can't complain, how about yours?"

"About the same as usual. Nothing too exciting." He kicked his boots off, before cautiously looking around. "I can see you've done some cleaning up."

"I hope you didn't mind. I was a little bored and wanted to keep busy."

"No, that's fine. It's a nice surprise. If you give me a few minutes we can head on out and get something to eat." He offered, passing by to begin climbing the stairs. His clothes were a bit wet. I'm sure he wanted to change into something dry. I wasn't in a huge rush to leave. But I was full of questions. I was dying to hear the answers to.

It didn't take very long for Charlie to return, out of his uniform and into a more familiar outfit. A flannel button down top and a simple pair of jeans. He looked comfortable. The both of us threw on raincoats as we left the house. We passed my truck on the way to his cruiser. He glanced at the truck, then at me.

Confusion danced across his face. "What happened to the truck?"

Crap. I never did come up with a good excuse. I was never a very good liar. Even Charlie would be able to see right through me. Rene has told me countless times that I was an open book.

"It broke down on the way home. A u-um… friend gave me a ride home." I admitted gently.

Charlie frowned as we got into his car. He looked closely at my face. "A friend huh? Well, that doesn't explain why it looks brand new. Did your friend happen to be a mechanic?"

"Well no, but he took it to a mechanic to fix it. And apparently do some other minor work on it."

"A female mechanic, well that would have to be Rosalie. But she has a pretty lengthy waiting list. I don't know how your friend would have been able to get her to look at it."

This was beginning to feel like an interrogation.

"I don't know dad, I guess he is good friends with her."

"So, what's his name?"

My cheeks warmed, I shifted slightly to avoid his analyzing gaze. "Edward,"

It was quiet between us for a moment, only the sound of the rain hitting the windshield, and the wipers screeching against the glass could be heard. I gathered some courage and peeked over to read Charlie's expression. But I couldn't tell what he was feeling. His face was blank of all emotion. He turned his attention more to the road now. He didn't seem pleased.

"So, you're friends with Edward?" He said after a while.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I barely know him. But he was kind enough to get me home."

"You be careful around him Bells,"

I raised a brow. "Why?"

"He has an explosive temper, he tends to lash out when provoked." We pulled into a parking place in front of a little diner now. It was pouring down rain at this point. Lightning crackled through the sky. I hadn't anticipated a storm today.

"He did mention something like this. That he hurts people."

Charlie made a face. "The boy has been through a lot of heartache. Lost both his parents pretty young. He's not a bad kid, just very burdened by his past." He shook his head slowly as we got out of the car and entered the diner.

He led us to a table near the back. There weren't many people here thankfully, or it would have felt a bit uncomfortable. I didn't enjoy being in cramped spaces. But this was nice. Mostly quiet, but a few people took notice of me. People stared. But I did my best to ignore it. I focused on what Charlie was saying instead.

"Some of the kids at school mentioned that Edward's bloodline came from the original settlers of La Push." I mentioned casually, scanning over the menu. I would probably pick the grilled chicken salad.

"That's right, the Cullens were one of the three families that made this reservation what it is. This area started out as a war ground, where three tribes battled for resources, along with the Hales and the Swans." You couldn't mistake the pride that came to Charlie's eyes.

Our waitress arrived, with a kind smile, she took our order, already knowing what Charlie wanted. They shared some pleasantries back and forth, before she left. He seemed a little distracted now as he took a sip from the fresh coffee she had brought him.

"That's really cool, I didn't know that your heritage went back to the original people who lived here." I mused, playing with the straw in my glass of water.

"Yep, in fact, your great, great, great grandfather had been one of the chiefs of the tribe."

My eyes widened slightly. "Well, that's really , would you say the Cullen and the Hale families get special treatment here?"

Charlie snorted, shrugging his shoulders. "They do carry a lot of influence in this community. We have an elder council, they basically make all decisions when it comes to the safety of La Push. And out of four seats at the table, three of them have a Cullen, Hale and Swan in them."

Our waitress returned with our food and refilled our drinks. She fluttered her eyes as she poured coffee in his mug. It was no secret that she was interested in my dad. Which was incredibly embarrassing to witness. But Charlie was oblivious. Or at least he was pretending to be. As observant as he was, I would think that he would notice someone flirting with him.

"I noticed that a few other students seem to follow Edward around a lot." I commented as we ate in relative silence.

Charlie tensed for just a moment, before swallowing hard. "Edward is a well liked boy. It's not surprising. His adoptive father is pretty charming as well. Pretty boys usually get the majority of attention on this reservation."

I found it amusing that Charlie's opinion of Edward was that he was a pretty boy. I'm not sure if it was meant to be a compliment or an insult.

"I just thought it was a little odd."

Charlie shrugged his shoulders, keeping his eyes on his burger. "Wish I could tell you, but it's really not up to me."

I froze, watching my father closely. So there was something further into this. A secret. Curiosity burned inside me. I loved mysteries, but I didn't enjoy being kept in the dark. Especially by my own father. I hoped that he realized that I wouldn't be letting this go.

"There is something, you aren't telling me?"

"There is, but I'm not at liberty to say any more than that." Still avoiding eye contact.

"Why is that?"

"I've already said too much. Don't worry, you are my blood. The elders will most likely decide to bring you up to speed on the situation here in La Push. It's just expected of the original families. We all have the burden of carrying the secret." He said quietly.

"Everyone has been talking so cryptically, it's getting a bit frustrating." I sighed, taking a few bites of my salad.

"Sorry Bells, give it a few weeks. I'm sure they will give me permission to fill you in, on the true legends of the Quileute tribe." He said with a sad smile.

I could see that this conversation was stressing him out a little, so I decided against pushing for more details. At least I knew there was something going on here. And Edward was right in the middle of it. That was enough motivation. I would figure it out on my own, without dragging my father into it.

It turns out La Push is more than what it appears.

Edward's Point of View

I turned my face up to the sky, letting the rain sprinkle down over my face. It was refreshing and brought my stress levels down. The rain always soothed the beast dwelling inside me. I could always sense my inner wolf, the heat, the aggression, the urge to hunt, track and kill my prey. But there was something else now. Something new. Gently, but passionate. Faint, but consuming. It felt like my soul was on fire. My heart twisted under the pressure. It was such a foreign feeling. To desire being close to someone.

Bella.

Closing my eyes, I felt the familiar pull of our imprint. It was a comforting feeling. But it brought a sea of different frustrations. Mainly, the fact that the entire school found her just as appealing as I did. I was a deeply flawed man. She would realize that soon. I was angry, I was possessive, I was selfish. I wasn't sure how long I could resist the imprint. I fought hard against it, for her sake. She deserved so much better. I would only hurt her. I couldn't control my phasing, not as well as I should. She would never be safe around me.

With a deep breath, I focused on the pulling feeling in my chest. I knew that she was close by. I felt on edge, it's been a while since I've seen her. At least a few hours. It was increasingly difficult to be separated from her.

I strolled through town, passing a few shops. I didn't know where I was going, I just let my legs move. After a while of aimless walking, I felt myself pause outside a diner. I've been to this place a few times before, but it's been years. I glanced into the windows, only to spot Bella. Sitting with her father. They appeared to be in the middle of a serious conversation.

Something was tumbling around in my stomach as I watched her. Why was she so beautiful? What made her such a stubborn girl? If I kept getting swept into her life, would she eventually suffer the same fate as my mother? No. I wouldn't let that happen. Even if it means staying away from her.

I forced myself to keep walking, ignoring the dull ache that it caused. It doesn't matter how I feel. And it doesn't matter what the elders say. Bella isn't mine. Only if she wanted me/ The real me. Not this frail human form. If she could learn to love a monster like me, I'd gladly claim her as my mate. But what would I have to offer her?

As I continued walking, it began to feel like something was tugging at me, harder and harder, the further I got from where Bella was. It was painful. I felt anxious and on edge. Was she alright? Did she wish that I was there, as much as I wish that she was here with me?

No, probably not.

I reached the first beach, taking solace as I watched the waves crashing against the shores of the beach. I spotted Emmett and Rose wrapped up in each other's arms. Their lips locked in a passionate kiss. I averted my eyes, giving them some privacy. But they sensed my presence and quickly separated.

Rose appeared a bit annoyed at my intrusion, while Emmett joyfully jogged over to where I stood. Rose lingered behind him, remaining quiet for the most part. She narrowed her eyes on me. Clearly, she was still unhappy with the fact that I had asked for her help to fix Bella's truck. She had to adjust her entire waiting list, just to have time to fix her truck. I'm sure she will get over it eventually.

"Edward, how's it going? Did you have any orders?" Emmett wondered with a hopeful grin coming to his face. He was always eager for tasks, until I actually assigned them. Then all he does is complain. I don't understand how Emmett's mind works.

I shook my head. "Not yet, but I'd like to run a patrol later in the evening. Maybe we could switch it up and do a couple passes around Clear-Bay street." I tried to keep my expression nonchalant.

"Clear-Bay street?" Rose muttered, raising a brow.

Emmett smirked, chuckling darkly. "Ironically, that's the street our new girl is living on."

Embarrassment tumbled around in my stomach, I felt my ears getting hot as I swiftly turned away from him. I'd ignore that comment for the time being. It was obvious Emmett was enjoying himself at my expense. Although, I haven't come out right and admitted that I had imprinted on Bella, the pack has sensed it though our mind-link, when we all were in our phased wolf forms. I knew that everyone was aware, but no one ever brought up the subject. I didn't know if it was because they were afraid I would get angry, or if they just didn't care.

"I don't see why she is such a big deal. Everyone is acting like she is some kind of goddess. She is so pale, it's odd." Rose frowned as she messed with her dark braids.

Her comment irritated me. My shoulders started to tremble as I glared towards her. But I didn't comment. I didn't want to give them the impression that I cared. But of course, they noticed my tremors.

"Don't get me wrong, she is kind of pretty… but it's really hard to believe that she was born here." Rose said, shrugging her shoulders.

"There is no denying that she is Charlie's daughter, they look pretty similar, aside from the skin tone. She is a La Push purebred." Emmett said with a casual glance in my direction. "Not to mention, she is a bit of a feisty one. Isn't she?"

She really was stubborn, it was something we had in common. I could see us bickering in the future. The thought of the slight challenge was slightly thrilling. A smile pulled at my lips, but I forced my emotions from my face. "She is,"

"I bet she would make a good addition to the pack. Assuming she can phase at all." Emmett said, stretching his arms out, continuing his aloof facade. "Although, it would sure be awkward having another woman join, phasing out of her clothing, stripping down to nothing. It makes it a bit hard for the rest of us."

My entire body ignited. Hormones that I thought I kept buried deep, surfaced in full force. The trembling in my body now, wasn't from the result of anger. It was something else. More animalistic. Raw and uncontrollable. Hunger for skin. Desire for her. And her alone. I turned my back on the others, letting my head fall back. I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to charge in the direction of my imprint and take her. Flashes of her body entered my mind. I tried desperately to keep my thoughts clean, but I couldn't stop my fantasies. Bella, standing right in front of me, her chest exposed.

I groaned, marching away from them.

"Where do you think you are going?" Emmett called out to me, sounding like he was having trouble holding back his laughter and glee.

"Home," I growled, quickening my pace. "I'll meet up with you two later."

Emmett's booming laughter could be heard in the distance, but I ignored it. I needed to phase. I needed to exhaust myself. Distractions. That would keep me sane. I hoped.

A/N: Thanks for taking the time to read this! Let me know what you all think so far.