Catt POV
My subconscious yanked forward as fast as I could when I felt Saphira lunge, I knew she wouldn't actually do it but that didn't stop me from jumping to protecting my mate. The yell left me without a second thought as I once again took control of my body, I flung myself across the room and away from her. "Catt?" I shook my head as she went to sit up and come towards me, my breathing came hard as I tried to catch my breath from the disaster that could have happened. "are you ok?" a dark chuckle left me, I didn't just have fangs at my throat. I did what had to be done. "Damn you Saphira." I finally looked up expecting to see my terrified mate but she only looked concerned for me, and close to tears. "I'm sorry." wait what? "No Bella I could have-"
"No Catt for not telling you about the Cullen's." Oh right, that. Clenching my fists I take a deep breath, "then why didn't you?"
"…I don't know. I just, I knew you wouldn't react well to it. And I just wasn't ready to deal with it."
"I'm not something to deal with." I growled out. "no but they are. I didn't want you going off doing something stupid. I needed time to think of a way to tell you and deal with them being back." It makes sense, this can't be easy on her seeing them. If she has moved on with me it shouldn't be a problem unless she wasn't over him! It wasn't just him that left Catt, it isn't him that she still hurts over, they were family to her. I sighed as her words hit home and made my way slowly over to her but I still had to voice my worries. "I can't lose you." It was barely over a "I love you to. But perhaps its best if I stay in Port Angeles or the reservation for a while."
"if that's that what you need." It's definitely what I need. "this will complicate the patrolling issue. The wolves will need to stick to the reservation. And I will check around here, as well as Forks when I am up to it. Or the wolves can speak with-the Cullen's." she nodded her head before resting it on my shoulder, I pull her into me and press a kiss to her hair. "can you call the Chief and ask if you can stay here tonight, I will drive you back to school tomorrow."
"is that a good idea?"
"hmm no but I am not letting you go right now. You can ride back with Lauren then and I will…work on my control in case I do end up near the…vampire."
"…ok babe. Il go call him. And then maybe use your shower? I need to clean up after gym."
"of course mon ange. I will be more than happy to help you-clean up-that is." A smile showed on her face as it reddened "yes I'm sure that's what you mean." She walked into the living room to make the call as I watched her hips sway, the chief agreed readily not liking the fact that the Cullen's were back either and wanting her to distance from them. Thank you Chief. Shaking my head I go to get the shower ready and step into the burning spray as she enters the room. She leaned against the door way simply looking me up and down for a moment. "I can feel your eyes on me Mon Ange, perhaps it is time to join me yes?" I let my accent slip through enough knowing how much she likes it as I tilt my head back to let the water run down my body. She stepped in and pressed her body against mine. I took her lips in a hungry kiss that she responded to just as enthusiastic as me. Hands roamed naked flesh as I explored every inch of her mouth with my tongue, I pulled back just enough to growl out a "mine" before attaching my lips to her neck. Lifting her up until her legs wrapped around my waist I pressed her against the tiled wall making her moan out my name until there was no doubt in my mind or hers that she was indeed mine.
When I woke up next Bella was no longer in my arms and the apartment was its usual quiet. Checking my phone I read the text that she and Lauren had left for school and that she left some food in the microwave. Gotta love this girl. I scarfed down the last of my food just as my phone rang. "Hey Jake?"
"Nope he's running damage control."
"Leah, is everything ok?"
"Technically. Jake justs wanted me to give you a heads up that there's a meeting today with the Cullen's, in case you wanted to come."
"ahh I see. At what time?"
"just after school." So the boy won't have time to bother our mate. Hmm. "I will think on it, I appreciate the heads-up Leah."
"of course, your pretty much family now anyways. I don't think we have seen Bella this happy before. Il see you later, patrol time."
"aye, goodbye." I hung up the phone and plopped onto the sofa. "What you think Saphira?" …I think if we do this, we should do it from the shadows. "Agreed. We could stick to the trees, there will be so many wolf heartbeats they wouldn't notice ours." True. But can you control yourself? "…we can leave if it gets to that point." …As you wish child. But perhaps… "perhaps what?" Perhaps you should feed. "…No. The full moon is still a way's away." Yes but- "No Saphira."
With my mind made up I threw on some clothes and grabbed my helmet. So soon? "No, I figured we would take a ride around the city, just in case." Tis a bit sunny for vampires in Port Angeles today Catt. "but not for wolves." I threw on the helmet and hopped on the new bike.
We spent a couple of hours riding around the city and not a single thing was found, so I turned around and headed for Forks, by the time I get there school will be out and Bella will most likely be home from school. And sure enough Lauren's jeep was parked next to Bella's truck and the cruiser. Charlie opened the door before I was up the steps, "hey chief."
"Hey there Kiddo, didn't know you were coming over."
"Just stopping by on my way to the reservation."
"Ahhh" he rubbed the back of his head "Something wrong there chief?"
"No no, nothing. But uh, how are you holding up?"
"…are you referring to the Cullen's return?"
"Yes."
"well honestly, I'm pissed. But I'm not going to give you a reason to arrest me so don't worry."
"Haha, good that's good, just wanted to check on ya. Better get in there to her." With my own chuckle I head inside where Bella and Lauren are doing some homework. I snuck up behind her and put my arms around her neck. She only jumped for a second before relaxing into me, "hey what are you doing here?" She tilted her head for a quick kiss, "thought I would stop by on my way to the reservation." That got Lauren's attention, "why are you headed there now?" Pursing my lips I made the decision to be honest at the scowl starting on Bella's face. "Upstairs?"
"Dad we will be back." Once upstairs with the door closed "What's going on Catt?"
"the wolves have a meeting with the Cullen's."
"…and you think it's a good idea to go?"
"I'm going to be surrounded by a bunch of wolves babe. And they aren't going to know I'm there. If it becomes too much I will leave."
"...Catt-"
"Baby, I will be fine, Jake will be right there. I'm just gona go for a little while and see why they are back, then I will come straight back here to you, ok?"
"…you promise?"
"I promise. But I should really get going, I just wanted see you and check on you guys." I placed a kiss to her lips and accepted Laurens hug "be careful."
"I will."
"See you later chief!"
"Later Kiddo!" I hopped back on my bike and headed for the reservation, and I got there just in time as I pulled into the lot I caught the wolves heading into the forest. I climbed off and slowly made my way into the forest as I vaguely listen to the pounding of their feet. As soon as I was far enough in I leapt from branch to branch till I was high enough in that I wouldn't be seen even by the vampires unless they were truly looking for me. It didn't take me long to catch up to where they stopped on the edge of the river, tilting my head I could barely hear the near silent footsteps of the vampires a mile out. Cat ears aren't as good as a wolves.
More than the 7 vampires I was expecting stepped up to the river though. The center male must have been the leader and doctor that she told me about. While I commend the strength and dedication that must take, I still was not a fan. Maybe he just likes the torture? Perhaps. Next to him was a motherly woman with caramel hair that must have been his mate Esme. Behind her was what had to have been what Bella once considered her best friend, one Alice Cullen. Her eyes were dark as if she rarely hunted, her face blank yet broken. She held onto her mate as If he held her together. And her mate, he would be one to watch out for if there were a fight. He was covered I tiny little scars. His face was stoic and he appeared to be concentrating, my guess using his gift of empathy. My eyes locked onto Him next, his bronze bed head a dead give-away. His eyes were what got me, there was no pain, no hurt no regret, nothing to make me think he ever cared at all about her. He must not have to claim her as a mate when clearly she wasn't. She was nothing more than a toy, just as he told her. I bit my tongue to keep the growl at bay at her words. Dragging my eyes off of his arrogant cocky smirk to the two women behind him. The bored "I don't want to be here" ice queen look on her face was easy to recognize from Bella's descriptions as Rosalie. Though it was certainly not the vampire I was expecting next to her. Bella had told me of this mountain of a man, this was a woman, a woman I was sure I would never see again. Tanya. What is she doing here. Her eyes are no longer red. Startled at her words I took a closer look and indeed her eyes had taken on a golden hue, but I could still see shards of red in them so I knew she was not completely off of the human blood diet. There are two more. Off behind Tanya stood two more blondes who could be her sisters, I could feel the age and power rolling off of them. They would put up quite a fight. Don't sound so excited Saphira. One had her dirty blonde hair in a braid over her shoulder. The other had long platinum hair straight down her back, and I admit she was quite beautiful. I felt Saphira perk up at the admission. All vampires are. She murmured. It is starting.
"Jacob what a surprise. Are you the new Alpha."
"Yes, and your coven has expanded."
"yes but not by my hand. This is technically a separate coven. Tanya here is their leader."
"Is this true?" He looks to her as she steps forward. "yes, I am Tanya Denali of the Denali coven, these are my coven mates, my sisters, Irina and Kate. We are far older than the Cullen's, there is no way they turned us, we are simply staying with extended family."
I give Jake credit for simply nodding his head at her, "then the same rules apply, you don't bite, turn, or kill anyone. And you stay off of our land."
"of course."
"And you, Cullen, you stay away from Bella. She's moved on and happy, ruin that and I'll end you." He basically snarled out as a few wolves echoed the sentiment. "Bella is my mate you cant-"
"NO she isn't, she is a toy you pick up when bored! Just as you told her she was when you left! No more Cullen mark my words we will kill you." Clenching my teeth my claws erupted and dug into the tree as I shifted. Cullen stood frozen as his family turned to him. "Edward what is he talking about, did-did you say these things to Bella?" I watched as the little vampire had to be held in place so she didn't launch at him, the platinum blondes eyes turned to pitch black as she looked at him, even the leader glaring at him. "We will discuss this later. Is that all Jacob?"
"No, some of my wolves will be driving through forks to patrol Port Angeles, there appears to be a vampire and wolf problem there."
"I see, well if you need any assistance."
"…I will keep that in mind. Let's go." With that the wolves bled back into the forest in one direction, the vampires in the other. With one last look in her direction I follow the wolves and shift back just in time to join them on the ground, almost all of them jumped. "sorry."
"Catt, where did you come from?" I pointed up to the trees. "you were at the meeting?"
"I was."
"And Cullen is still alive?"
"…I made Bella a promise." Paul nodded his head in understanding. "how is she?"
"worried, angry, upset. Anything and everything."
"has he approached her?"
"I-I don't know. We haven't exactly had the time to talk much on it."
"why is everything ok?"
"we had a…disagreement. All is fine now."
"I see, well I'll let her know if she needs us to take care of it, we will Catt."
"I know Jake, I should head back before she starts to worry."
"of course." With that I said my goodbyes and headed back to my bike, I pulled up next to her truck and slowly made my way to the door, not bothering to knock as the cruiser wasn't in the driveway. With a quick look in the guest room I can see Lauren is already knocked out, so making my way upstairs I stood in the doorway as my oblivious mate messed around with her window. "is there something I can help you with mon ange?" she jumped and spun around, "Catt!" she whisper yelled as her hand flew to her heart, I could hear it racing in her chest. "I do so love it when you scream my name." I murmured and smirked as her face turned bright red, "not funny Catt."
"hmmm perhaps but my question still stands, do you need any help?"
"yes actually, I was trying to lock my window but its jammed."
"why?"
"…he used to come in my room through the window…" my eyes shifted immediately "when?"
"…usually late at night, he said he liked to watch me sleep. Catt, babe-" I flashed past her and snapped the lock into place, the rust giving me little trouble. "I am staying here tonight." I ground out. "Babe you don't-"
"do you not want me to stay Isabella?" I asked slightly hurt at the thought and slightly aware of how I sounded. "you know I would love that Catt."
"but?"
"But there's a good chance he comes by, I don't want you to do something or get hurt."
"and If I promise not to touch your precious vampire?" Catt… I vaguely heard Saphira's warning as Bella's eyes widened and steel leapt in them as they hardened. I could tell she was fighting not to say something as she clenched her hands at her side over and over. We stood there in silence glaring daggers at each other for what felt like hours before I gave in, "I am sorry, I should not have said that."
"But you did. And you meant it."
"Yes and no. I am sorry Bella, part of me still fights at the thought of losing you."
"the same part that seems to want to push me away?"
"…Im-"
"Don't. Stop apologizing. Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do. Its them, him I don't trust."
"if you trust me then that shouldn't matter!" I took a deep breath, She's right Catt. I know. "ok, ok. Your right, I trust you and that's what's important. But I still ask for your patience, this is still new to me Bella." She took her own deep breaths, "this is new for me to Catt. And things were so perfect before he showed up, I just want that back." I closed my eyes as tears filled hers knowing I probably couldn't give her that. You could, we could. How Saphira. We have not spent millenniums perfecting control to lose it on a young vampire. … Your right. Your right. I walked up to Bella and wrapped my arms around her as she buried her head into my shoulder, it wasn't long before I felt the tears. "Ok baby, we will get back there ok. They are back, there's nothing we can do about it, so how about we get back to focusing on us? We will do what we use to do, talk about what we usually talk about, go where we want to, ravage each other as we see fit." I squirmed a little as she poked me at my last words though I felt her little laugh. "just like that?" she murmured. "Yah babe, just like that, he doesn't get a say in our lives, your life just because he decides to come back. So if there is no objections, I would still very much like to stay the night?" she nodded her head against me "I need to go take a shower."
"ok hun, you need help?" I asked while wiggling my eyebrows. "My father is two rooms over Catt!"
"…your right we are not ready for quiet sex." I ducked just as she tried to throw something at me as she walked out the door. "Loooove you!" I whisper yelled and finally got her beautiful smile, "I love you to." I turned around I quickly changed and climbed into bed to wait as she took her shower, doubts swimming around my head. We can do this Catt, for her if anything. I hope so. I have faith. Course you do.
She didn't take long and was soon crawling into bed next me before curling into me. And despite my thoughts of him showing up running through my head it didn't take me long to fall asleep with her in my arms.
When I woke up next she was pulling her shirt over her head off to the side and I let my eyes wander her body. And I still managed to jump at the sound of her voice, "how did you get the scars?" furrowing my brow "I told you, I was run off the road." She finally turned around to face me, "not that scar" she walked over placing a kiss over the almost healed scar that fell across my eye. "the ones on your back." I could feel my entire body tense and I'm sure she could see it but she held her ground. "…that-that is a long story, how about we talk about it after school, you would be late."
"I could miss-"
"No, you have missed enough because of me, your too close to graduating."
"fine, but we will talk about it?"
"yes if you wish. But one more thing before you leave."
"yah?"
"well two things, kiss me-thank you. And well you know I went to the meeting between the wolves and Cullen's? well, Jake had mentioned what he did to you and they all, well they all seemed confused about what he was talking about. Just thought you should know."
She looked to be thinking deeply before shaking her head, "thank you. I have to go, Lauren is ready, love you."
"love you to."
Bella POV
I kissed Catt goodbye and quickly made my way downstairs where Lauren was waiting. "Thanks for letting me crash here."
"of course."
"Catt come back from the meeting last night?"
"yah she's upstairs."
"ok, ima go say hi real quick and we'll leave."
"ok." She was upstairs for a minute before she came back down seeming a lot less worried, we climbed into her jeep and headed down the windy road for the school. We pulled into a spot the same time the Volvo did and I kept walking ignoring the shouts coming from it, determined to get back to my life.
My first classes flew by thankfully until lunch when we took our normal seats, he thankfully didn't try to approach me again, but I could feel his creepy stare. Finally, I made up my mind and told Lauren I would be right back and headed for their table. All of their eyes turned to me and I could see his damn smirk already but he was interrupted as the one who introduced herself as Kate spoke up, "hello there Beautiful" I stopped dead for a minute staring at her, I could feel Edwards Glare at her myself, but I quickly shook my head and turned to Rosalie. I figured she had no reason to lie to me. "something has been brought to my attention I was hoping you could clear up." She stared at me for a minute before nodding her head, "ok?"
"what did Edward tell you of how things went the last day?"
"Bella-"
"Shut up." I interrupted my eyes still on her, "he said you broke up with him, that you no longer felt safe near us and you wanted us to leave, especially Jasper." I nodded my head for a second and couldn't help but chuckle a little. All eyes widened when I spoke again. "He lied." And I turned and walked back to my table to finish my lunch. I could see them arguing out of the corner of my seat but couldn't bring myself to care.
When the bell rang we headed to art and managed to beat the vampires there as they followed shortly after. They took their seats next to us "hello Bella, Bella's friend." Kate spoke with a smirk as her sister sent us a smile. I rose a brow and Lauren spoke up, "It's Lauren."
"right, Bella's friend Lauren." A scowl pulled at Laurens face as she leaned over to me and whispered "can we sick Catt on them?" I could see them frown out of the corner of my eye as I chuckled and looked up as the teacher started on. Just as yesterday I could feel her stare until the bell rang and I tried to make my escape, "Bella?" I turned to face her smirk that was more playful than anything, yet still similar to Catts, "yes?"
"are you busy this weekend?" I'm aware my eyes widened for a moment, "yes." And then I practically dragged Lauren out. "oh shit, oh shit, oh-"
"Lauren!"
"sorry sorry but holy shit Bella…you have to tell Catt."
"…I know."
"she's going to freak out."
"I know."
I walked off to my last classes her doing the same with a promise to meet at the car. We met up in the hallway instead and made our way outside where my entire world froze for a moment as I saw Catt casually leaning against the jeep. She looked as she always did, confident and in a whatever mood as she smirked at me, but I could see how tense she was even as her glasses covered her eyes.
Catt POV
Ok, maybe this wasn't such a great idea. We are fine. Are we? I asked as my whole body tensed, I looked up from where I leaned against Lauren's jeep and watch Bella's feet stick to the ground. I sent her what I hope was a reassuring smile. Not even close. Shut up. Even the girl, Lauren looks uneasy child, I wonder what happened. Maybe she's just worried were about to lose it. then let us show her we are better than him. She knows were better than him! …do you?
I stopped short, not only at her words but because they were now walking towards us. And then I was distracted as some woman threw themselves into my arms that wasn't my mate. I met my mates narrowed eyes before bringing them down to the strawberry blonde hair. "Tanya."
"Fucking hell Catt it's really you." I had to chuckle at the rare cuss word from her as she pulled away. "it is." She was going to reply when not only Bella and Lauren walked up but a few of her coven as well. "do I want to know how you two know each other?" I sent my mate a smirk at her jealous tone. "don't." was all she said at the look on my face. She rose a brow waiting for my explanation as she slowly made her way between us, leaning into my front as she glared the shocked vampire down. Wrapping my arms around her waist from behind, "Tanya is an old friend of mine." Her only reply was to push farther into me, "can we leave before he gets out here please."
"mmm, Tanya we will catch up later."
"we better." I send her a smirk as Bella ushers me into the jeep. We pulled out of the lot just as I saw the little prick leave the building looking around frantically. The ride was silent as I sat behind them in the back seat. We pulled into her driveway and she hopped out opening my door wordlessly. I could see her internally fighting something as she stormed up the stairs to her room. I looked to Lauren who sat down at the table pulling out her homework, "I think you're supposed to follow her."
"…are you sure? The look on her face said to run the opposite direction."
"Ha, true, but you still need to go up there." I let out a sigh before taking the stairs as slow as I could. I made it to her room as she practically tore into her closet. "uhh, babe?"
"I need to go shopping." Well that wasn't what I was expecting, "um ok, we can go whenever you want." She nodded her head still staring into it. I was about to walk up behind her when she spun around to face me, hands on her hips. "So, Tanya?"
"Uhh, yes?"
"how do you know her?"
"I told you, she was-"
"an old friend yah I heard that part. How did you meet her?" I believe our little mate is quite jealous Catt. It took everything in me not to smile at the thought. She was quite attractive when mad and jealous, I was having trouble controlling myself as it was. "Hmmm, She was newly turned when we met, her aunt had turned her. Did I ever tell you about the time I ran into shifters attacking a village?"
"…no Catt, I don't know anything about your past." I shook the memory off at the dejected tone of her voice. "do you want to hear about it?" I murmured low willing her to meet my eyes. "yes."
"… I believe it is the story I told Jacob. I had been traveling through the forest at the time, Tanya doing the same."
"of course."
"Shush you. We were in the forest outside of a village circling each other believe it or not, she was still young, still filled with newborn instincts, we heard the screams before the stench of blood filled the air. A pack of, wolf shifters were, well tearing into this village. Men, women, children, anything and everything they could get their jaws around. The sight was enough to horrify even a blood thirsty vampire." I paused to take a deep breath as she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "did you kill them?"
"every single one. I saved the Alpha for last." I looked down into her face waiting for the judgment. But there was none, just complete understanding. "You saved their lives."
"no, I didn't, everyone was already dead, not a single person lived. We simply avenged them."
"I'm sorry."
"don't be."
"is that-is that how you got the scars on your back?"
"No, no it isn't. Here, let's sit down." I led her over to the bed so we could sit down trying to buy some time. She will understand Catt. Let's hope your right. "Before I explain, I should warn you Bella, there was a time in my past where-where I was no better than these wolves. Some would say I was worse." She looked confused before shaking her head, "I find that hard to believe Catt."
"That doesn't make it any less true. Even after I met Tanya, there were periods of my life where I was, very different then what you know."
"How?"
"first to answer your question about my scars, my mother gave them to me." My attention was split between the gasp at the door from Lauren and Bella's outburst "What! Why!?"
"come sit Lauren." She did as I said and curled into Bella's side. "My mother is full Were, my father not, he is where I got the flame from. My mother-my mother was not a kind woman."
"what did she did to you?"
"Hmm what didn't she do to me. I was beaten, tortured, raped, sold, broken, and then caged like an animal. And I had hated the world when I got out of that cage, we hated the world, and everyone in it. I had turned into just as much as a terror as those wolves. I had turned into every single other Were, feeding on blood like it was running out. Taking what I wanted as I pleased with no concern for others. I turned into just what she wanted me to be."
"you were hurt-"
"I was a monster Bella. I've killed more people than I can count. I took my pain, my anger out on the world, on innocent people."
"you have changed Catt. You're not that person anymore." I look up at Lauren's quiet admission to see her eyes are also filled with tears. Bella's streamed steadily down her face, I brought my hand up to wipe them away shocked when she didn't flinch away. We don't scare her. We should. He next words stopped me dead "I'm sorry that happened to you."
"your sorry? Bella I just told you I murdered countless people-"
"you were hurt and angry Catt. You lived through something no one should ever experience at the hands of someone who should have protected you. And it was a long time ago, your different now. You're not a monster."
"but I was-"
"in the past. You know it was wrong and you are trying to be different, I can see that, why can't you." My argument was interrupted by the knock at the front door, tilting my head I heard no heartbeats. "Vampire, come on, we will finish this later." I pulled Bella with my Lauren right behind her as headed for the door. Opening the door my brow rises as the two vampires "Tanya?"
"Sorry I know you said we would catch up later but I couldn't handle listening to Edward anymore."
"and how did you know I would be here?" She simply rose her own brow gesturing to my hand in Bella's. "right."
"It's just you and Rosalie?" Bella asked. "yes."
"then you can come in." They followed us into the living room before the other blonde vampire spoke "Bella are you ok."
"I'm fine. Why are you here?"
"a couple of reasons, Tanya wanted to see your-friend. And I wanted to know what you meant at lunch."
"And why exactly did you want to see my girlfriend." She made sure to emphasize the word as she once again glared the vampire down. Tanya sent her a small smile, "because it has been centuries since I had seen her last, and she is a very dear friend of mine. You have nothing to fear Bella, I am quite happy with my mate right here. Though I admit I am quite surprised."
"And why is that?"
"Edward-"
"She is MINE" I snarled out as my eyes changed. "babe relax." She placed a hand against my stomach my eyes shifting back almost immediately. Tanya simply observed before murmuring "I can see that."
"what are you?" I looked to the other vampire Rosalie, "pardon?"
"your eyes just changed."
"they did, and I believe you were here to talk to Bella about something." She stared me down looking ready to argue before turning to Bella as I took a seat on the couch. "you've been crying."
"yes I have. What did you want to talk about?" I leaned back as she pushed into my side, "…right, at lunch you said Edward lied."
"I did, because he did."
"you didn't break up with him?"
"Rosalie, you saw how wrapped up I was in your brother, could you have seen me back then braking up with him?" I give the girl credit she actually seemed to be thinking about it, "I admit I did not really give you much credit or thought back then, but no I suppose not. So what happened then?"
"…what happened is your brother showed me his true colors. But I assume you want details. Ok, he took me out to the forest to break up with me, to break me. He told me I was nothing more than a toy to occupy him and your family with. A pet. And then he left, he left me there in the dark with no idea how to get back home in the middle of the fucking forest." I squeezed her a little tighter as she tensed, the curse word a warning she needed to relax. I placed a kiss to the side of her head before pressing my lips to her ears "breath love." She took a couple of deep breathes as Rosalie also seemed to be trying to get herself under control, her eyes almost pitch black as Tanya wrapped her arms around her. "I'm sorry" she finally uttered. "for what? you didn't pretend I meant anything to you just for laughs. You never pretended not to hate me."
"No Bella I'm sorry. I didn't hate you. I didn't like you, but I never hated you. I didn't like that all he had to do was flash his smile and you would do anything for him. I didn't like that you let him walk all over you, you let him isolate you from everyone you knew, including your dad. For gods sake did he even ever take you out? He would spout bullshit about wanting you to have a normal life and then keep you from your friends. He treated you like some fragile doll on a shelf and you let him!" I tensed as her voice rose, relax I sense no danger to our mate. Hmph. "I know Rosalie." We all turned at her admission "what?"
"I know, I could see it in your eyes whenever I went over there. You would glare daggers at me, but most of the time it was aimed at him. I noticed."
"you did?"
"yes."
"…I'm sorry."
"don't be, I meant what I said, I feel no hatred or betrayal from you." She is starting to sound like us. I know isn't it awesome. Haha. "but you do for the others?"
"yes, they left, no goodbye, no explanation, no nothing."
"Alice fought to stay." Her head snapped up "what?"
"it was a vote. Alice didn't believe Edward when he said you were afraid of her. So we voted, the winners chose to leave."
"who voted what?"
"Alice, Esme and Emmett voted to stay."
"…Jasper?"
"…really believed he scared you and it was for the best."
"Carlisle?"
"denies his golden boy nothing."
"…you?"
"…wanted you as far away from him as possible. I know abusive relationships when I see them Bella, just because he never touched you didn't make it any less unhealthy."
"He'd be dead had he touched her." I grumbled out as she took my hand. "I don't doubt that."
"why are you telling me this?"
"I want to ask you to just not be so hard on Alice, she loves you, you were her best friend and sister."
"-I will consider it." she nodded her head before we turned to Tanya "and you?"
"want to know everything. Where have you been? What have you been up to? And how did you meet? Everything." So we explained everything, with my skimming over what I had been up to before Bella.
"you guys make a cute couple."
"thank you Rosalie. Where does Edward think you are?"
"I don't know, I doubt he even noticed we were gone. He spends most of his time complaining to Carlisle and Esme, and even she is tired of it. I think she suspects he's not being completely honest, especially after your-friend Jacob went off on us."
"and the rest?"
"think we are hunting. Though my sisters know I'm here."
"Kate?" I looked to Bella at the tone of her voice "yes, she is one of my sisters. And as much as I would love to continue this, we should be getting back, but we have to catch up more soon Catt."
"and we will."
"Bella, it was nice officially meeting you, and a word of advice, don't let this one go."
"I have no intention to."
"good, Rose you ready"
"yah, Bella, more advice if you will have it, lock your windows." I let out a low growl as she chuckled a little "Oh I already have, but thanks."
"one more thing, Lauren?"
"is under my protection" I shot out. "I meant no offense, but there are rules to humans having-"
"I need not a lecture from a child on rules that I have written-"
"Catt"
"…sorry, sorry. but I know the rules, she will be turned." With that they said their goodbyes and walked out the door. We sat there in silence before Lauren spoke up, "I have two questions. One: what rules was she talking about? And 2 what did you mean you wrote them?"
