Authors Note:

I hope you all are doing great and staying safe. I feel like this chapter turned out so bad. So sorry if you notice a dip in quality. But this chapter is definitely a filler because, in the next chapter, shit gets real. I don't own Twilight, only Lily.

Nettle

Lily POV

(May 25th, 2006)

"God, Baby-Bugga-Boo, I'll never get tired of your cooking. It's like an orgasm in my mouth." Paul's loud voice yelled from across the bright blue fire. I just let out a bark of a laugh in my response. I genuinely loved his rude, crude comments; well, when it isn't about my body.

"Glad you like it, Zippy," I said with a bright smile as I snuggled up into Sam's body. His heavy arm wrapped around my shoulders. I took pride in the fact that most of the pack had enjoyed the expansive food selection that I had provided for the bonfire. I had luckily had the day off, so I was able to cook all day for tonight. The only one not eating was Leah, who purposefully sat as far away from me as possible instead of choosing to sit next to her mother.

Billy also laughed at the interaction between Paul and me. He was sitting at the head of the fire, his back facing the sea. Everyone seemed to find enjoyment out of our teasing. Well, everyone but Old Quil who disapproved of everything, really.

Suddenly the whole pack tensed up. "Leech lover alert." Paul sneered out.

I turned my head to see Bella and Jacob walking down to the fire, hand in hand. I sighed; there she was, leading him on again while never genuinely committing to either Edward or Jacob.

I starting to wring my hands. Since our trip to Florida, I hadn't seen her, and I was scared of what will happen tonight; something in my gut told me that it wouldn't be ending in a happy reunion.

Sam noticing my nervousness, took my hands into his and leaned down to my ear. "It's going to be alright, Ana. Just calm down."

I took a deep breath and nodded. I wanted so badly to go up to her and welcome her, but I saw the icy glare that she gave me and shrunk back onto the log I was sitting on.

"I'll be right back, Ana," Sam said as he got up to go talk to Billy. I flashed him a small smile as an indication that I was alright with him leaving me.

Kim seemed to notice my shaking form and walked over to me. Wrapping her arm around me and starting to rub my arms. "Lily, just take a deep breath. You're surrounded by people who love you."

I had told Kim pretty much everything that had happened in Florida during our weekly imprint hangout. I had instituted it not long after Jared had imprinted on the sweet shy girl. I helped her improve her confidence, and she was a nonjudgmental ear. She could relate to me on a deep level as she understood what it was like to love a shifter. She had become a close friend.

I leaned my head on her shoulder and gave her a tight squeeze.

"Thank you," I whispered.

Sam quickly made his way back to me and kissed my hand as he sat down on the other side of me. Noticing I was shivering from the slight chill in the air, he took the blanket that laid behind us and wrapped me uptight. "Better?"

I gave him a bright smile. "Yes."

A few moments later, Billy called attention to the group, and Kim left me to join Jared's side. I snuggled up next to Sam, resting my head on his upper arm. I loved bonfires. I loved learning more about Sam's culture and history. It helped me gain insight into his world and shaped the way our relationship worked.

"Tonight, I will be telling the story of Taha Aki and The Third Wife," Billy announced with a clear voice. I had heard this story before; it was one of my favorites, even though the ending strangled my heart with emotions.

As Billy started to weave the legend into the air, the whole group remained silent, focusing only on the words being said. Bella especially seemed to be paying attention. I couldn't help but glance at her and Leah every once in a while, dreaming of sitting next to them and being enchanted by their side.

Sam leaned down and pressed a kiss against my forehead, comforting my hurting heart.

Billy wrapped up the story with a gloomy voice, "Once the battle was over, and Taha Aki had conquered the Cold Woman, he laid beside his wife's body for three days before vanishing into the forest, never to been seen or heard from again."

Everyone paused, giving a moment to both the great man and to the brave woman who sacrificed her life to give her husband a fighting chance.

The moment past and small whispers broke out throughout the group. I saw Jacob lead Bella away from the group; they didn't go far but far enough that their conversation wouldn't be heard.

"I have to tell Leah, she's patrolling tonight. Wait here."

"Alright," I responded, knowing that Sam didn't want me around Leah; he still didn't trust her to be close to me after she attacked me.

I could only wish that my dreams would become a reality, but they were just that . . . dreams.

Bella POV

(May 25th, 2006)

The story of the Third Wife spun in my head as Jacob took me off to the side. Could I be as self-sacrificing as the woman in the story? I would do anything to protect Edward; I had to believe I could if I needed to. But something in the legend struck me as odd. "Why did Taha Aki lay beside his wife for three days but didn't do it for his first two wives?"

Jake sighed and looked up to the sky, "She is considered to be the first imprint."

"Imprint like baby ducks?" I gave out a little laugh.

"Not exactly," Jake said, looking me in the eyes. "It's kinda hard to explain, Bells."

"Well, give it a shot. I'm sure I can piece it together."

"Imprinting is when we find our soul mates, we can't control it, and we can't control when we or who we imprint on," Jake replied with a sad tone. I didn't understand why he sounded so sad.

"So it's like fairy tales, where the prince immediately falls in love with the princess at first sight?"

Jake shook his head. "From what the legends and Sam explains, it's not really like that. It's more like . . . gravity moves. .. and nothing is holding you down to earth but them. You want and need to become whatever they need you to be"

"Have you imprinted?" I said in a quiet voice. I couldn't bear to think of Jake not being by my side anymore.

Jake's eyes held a heartbreaking look. "No. Only Sam and Jared have imprinted. But it could happen to anyone of us. It's spontaneous, and you can't force it no matter how much you try."

I gave a relieved smile. "So why does it happen?"

"Sam thinks it's for the best of the pack, ya know, to find someone who can help pass the shifting gene to the next generation. But dad thinks it's to make the wolf stronger. I think I agree with dad more. If it were about reproducing, Sam wouldn't have imprinted on Lily. He should have stayed with Leah."

"So that's the real reason Sam broke up with Leah? Because he imprinted on Lily?" I asked, remembering the conversation on the beach all those months ago.

Jake nodded. "It's been really hard with her shifting. She constantly fights with him and seems to enjoy causing him pain. But I can't really blame her. But at the same time, Sam really cares about Lily. I mean, he rushed to save her."

"What do you mean? When did he save her? How did he save her?"

Jake leaned closer to my ear and whispered. "You can't tell anybody this, I shouldn't even know this, but Sam let it slip one day earlier this month."

My curiosity was undoubtedly peaked, and I needed to know this secret. "I promise I won't tell anybody."

Jake looked around to make sure we were truly alone. "It was not long after Sam imprinted on Lily, he found her being attacked in the groves next to the beach. She was being molested by Luke Newton, and Sam rushed in like a superhero to save her. After that, the rest was history, and they started their relationship."

Pieces of questions I long held finally fell into place. Lily's freak out on my first trip to La Push and the constant warnings to stay away from Mike Newton. I felt a chill rush over me, and apparently, Jake noticed as he reached out and started to rub my arms.

"Let's get you back to the fire. You're freezing."

Lily POV

(May 25th, 2006)

I let out a tiny sneeze, and Paul let out a laugh at the sound. "What are you part mouse?"

Jared, however, immediately became concerned. "Are you getting sick, Lily?"

"No, it's probably the smoke," I said, taking a drag of my cigarette.

"Then stop smoking," Paul said with a sly grin.

Giving him the side-eye, I responded, "It's not that smoke, dumbass."

"He's right, Ana, you really need to cut back. Hell, if you would stop, it would make me ecstatic." Sam said, sitting beside me, placing his hand on my shoulder.

I leaned my head into his hand, feeling the warm buzz of electric current flowing through me. "I'll quit when I want, guys. Till then, shut it."

I put out the cigarette in the sand and picked up the bud, making sure it was entirely out before placing it in my bag to throw away later. I watched as Bella and Jacob walked back to the group. Jacob looking pathetic with his puppy dog eyes following Bella's every movement. I wanted to go over and talk to her, but something stopped me, and besides, I wouldn't even know what to say. "I'm sorry." wouldn't cover it, and I knew that. She wouldn't even believe me anymore. I was torn in two.

Sam saw the look on my face and immediately wrapped his arms around me. "We can leave if you want. We don't technically have to stay anymore."

I shook my head. "No, I'm enjoying myself, Sam. I just need to accept my loss."

"Alright, but when you want to leave, say the word, and we'll leave."

I gave a grateful smile and began talking to Kim about her upcoming calculus test. A subject I struggled in, but I tried to give her advice. We quickly moved on to making plans to go to Port Angeles to go shopping for her prom dress. We had wanted to go for a while, but the weather hadn't been permitting, and we had both been busy. I kept sneaking glances at Bella and Leah; they were standing together, talking. I could only wonder what they were talking about.

"I'll be right back, guys," I said, getting up and dusting the sand off my shorts.

"You sure about this?" Paul asked with a serious voice. They immediately knew what I was going to do.

"Yeah. I mean, what's the worst that can happen, right?"

"Ana, I don't think this is a good idea," Sam said, standing up beside me.

"I just want to talk to them, Sam." I sighed.

Sam grimaced, "I'm coming with."

"Alright, babe," I replied as I walked over to the shoreline. My body was shaking with nerves, but I steeled myself and took a deep breath.

Leah saw me approaching and immediately walked away, I opened my mouth to tell her to stay, but my mouth became dry. Bella stayed still and sized me up as I walked closer.

"What do you want, Lily?" Bella asked with a sharp tone.

"I just want to talk. I just want to know what you're up to. We haven't talked in a while." I responded with an unsure smile.

"Whose fault is that?" She snapped.

"Look, Bella, I really do regret what I said. I know that you don't have to accept that as my apology, but you have to believe me. I made a mistake; now I'm living with the consequences. But I regret it, I really do. And I'm sorry."

Bella crossed her arms, getting in a defensive stance. "So are you ready to take back that you don't think Edward and I are in love? That our love is valid." Quickly saying under her breath. "More valid than yours."

I stepped back as if I was slapped. "What's that supposed to mean? We are at least built on mutual trust and respect. Tell me how many times Edward has stopped you from coming down here."

Bella growled and started to escalate the conversation quickly, "Our love isn't based on some cosmic bullshit. We didn't feel obligated to love each other like you and Sam."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about imprinting. You and Sam wouldn't even be together if it wasn't for that."

I raised up to my full height, straighten my spin. Sam snarled at the implication. "We fell in love on our own. Sure the imprint helped show us that we were meant for each other, but our decision was to be lovers. We had feelings for each other even before the imprint."

Bella's voice started to rise, drawing looks from everyone surrounding us. "Oh sure, that's what you want to think. Besides, just admit that you're only with him out of obligation."

"I'm not. Why would you even think that?" I said, stepping closer again.

"Because it's true."

"But it's not!" I shouted. Jacob started fast, walking over to us.

"Oh, if he hadn't saved you from being RAPED! Would you even given him a second glance or even betray your best friend?! You are only with him because you need to, not because you want to."

My body moved on its own, and my hand immediately connected with her face. "You know nothing, Bella! You know nothing about my relationship with Sam!"

Sam had heard enough. "Jacob, take Bella and leave!"

I was shaking with fury. How dare she cast judgment on us. Looking around, I saw various looks of pity and shock—the full implication of what she had said rushed through me. Now everyone knows my secret. My darkest secret, what I never wanted anyone to know, was exposed.

Sam seemed to understand that I didn't want anyone to see me and wrapped me up in his arms, my face buried into his chest, as he led me away from everyone. "I'll get your stuff. Go sit in the car." He whispered.

I could only nod in agreement. I felt numb as I walked to the car.

Sam POV

(May 25th, 2006)

I was shaking in a fury. I was angry at Bella for senselessly announcing Ana's business to the pack and elders. She should have known that wasn't something you use against someone, especially your own sister's trauma. But I was even angrier that Jacob had decided to tell someone after he promised he wouldn't. I regret not ordering him to keep quiet because now Ana was feeling exposed again.

"Sam. Is she alright?" Kim asked quietly.

"No, but she will be. Just give us space for right now." I replied.

Paul came up with rage burning in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"It's not my information to share."

Paul glanced to the car, and we could see Ana curled up in the front seat, knee's tucked up to her chest. "I'm going to kill that leech lover. She does nothing but hurt Lily, and Lily cares too much about other people to ever cut them out."

I sighed. "As much as I agree, we can't become monsters. We're not leeches; we have humanity."

Paul frowned but nodded in understanding. I grabbed Ana's bag and started heading back to the car. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Leah with a glazed-over look in her eye. I raised my eyebrow, but all I got in return was what looked like a halfhearted glare.

Lily POV

(June 1st, 2006)

I sat with Sam and Mom at the kitchen table; wedding magazines covered the entire surface. Perfectly polished models in elegant white dresses stared up at us with bright fake smiles.

"Well, the first thing we need to do is set a date. Figure out whether you want a summer, winter, autumn, or spring wedding." Mom said with a cheery tone.

"I think an autumn wedding, a day in November, would be nice, I guess," I replied, taking a sip of my wine.

"November is important to us. I mean, it's the month you agreed to be mine." Sam agreed with a kiss on my forehead.

Mom smiled. "Alright, that doesn't give us a lot of time, but it can work. But knowing you, you don't want anything elaborate, so that'll help."

"You're right. I don't want anything elaborate; it's just not me. I just want to marry Sam."

Mom reached out and grabbed my hand, giving it a squeeze. "And that's all that should matter at the end of the day. Now, where do you want to get married? There's that nice wedding venue in Forks?"

I shook my head. "I want to get married here in La Push. It's where we fell in love."

Allison nodded and looked at the clock. "Well, I need to get going, I knitted a blanket for Joy Ateara, and I need to drop it off."

Sam and I both got up to give her a hug and watched as we walked out the door.

I sighed as I went to pick up the magazines.

"Ana, what's wrong? I can tell some things wrong. You've been distant since we started talking about the wedding." Sam said as he wrapped his arms around me. Tucking my head under his chin.

"It's nothing, Sam."

Sam began to rub my arms in comfort. "Now, I'm not going to believe that. Now just tell me."

I took a deep breath and finally let out what I had been avoiding. "I just . . . it doesn't feel right."

Sam pulled me back. "What doesn't feel right?"

My hands clenched. "It doesn't feel right. I'm happy, but at the same time, I'm breaking on the inside."

"I don't understand, Ana. What's got you feeling like that?" He asked gently.

Words suddenly started to vomit from my mouth. I couldn't stop the turbulent feeling from overcoming me. "I just feel so alone. I know I have you, our parents, and the pack, but I don't have Leah. The woman who I always imagined to be my maid of honor. We swore when we were 11 we would be each other's, and now she's not going to stand up there with me. And then there's the fact that Bella won't be there either. Not only does she refuse to do anything without Edward, but there's the fact that she doesn't even accept me as her sister anymore. It's just like I'm alone without two people, the two people I really want to be there by my side. To see me marry the man of my dreams. "

"Do you regret the imprint?" He whispered in a crackling voice.

I shook my head violently. "I would never regret accepting you. Do you?"

"I don't. The only thing I regret is the pain I brought into your life."

I sighed. "You brought me happiness, Sam. You can't have a little heaven without hell, and I just need to accept that yes, I lost two people, but I gained so much more. I gained you."

Sam leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on my lips. "And I gained you. I never knew I could be this happy. But I won't ever forget what I've put you through."

"I love you, Sam. Nothing will ever stop me loving you." I whispered.

Sam just gave me a small smile. "And nothing will stop me, Ana."