The Only Exception
AN: I apologize for the delay with this chapter, I had a death in my family and I haven't been able to find my muse to write. Thank you for your patience and your continued reading.
Chapter 10: Bella's POV
It's hard to believe an entire month has passed since Paul told me he loved me. I smile thinking back to that night. Things have been all around better since then. The pack has come together; forgiveness has done wonders for them and just in time too. A few days ago, they came across a couple different vampire scents. They were around Charlie's as well as my new place. I had a feeling deep down the scents had to belong to the Cullen's. What I didn't know is which ones. They have been on high alert ever since and I haven't been alone. One of the pack is with me at all times at home. If I have to leave the house, there are always two wolves with me. It's not as annoying as one would think. Today, Jake and Leah are the wolves with me while I get some groceries. Jake just keeps throwing a bunch of shit in the cart but I don't really mind because I need to stock up on food for everyone.
While everyone gets along, it's still awkward for Embry and I so he's the only wolf who doesn't have to babysit me. Sam also keeps his distance. He doesn't really like that Leah and I are best friends not only because of our past but also the shit that with down between Leah, Emily and himself. I can understand that and I don't hold him accountable for his imprinting. I don't really have too much respect for Emily because she definitely could have done more to not date her cousin's ex. That's really low. I let Embry go for a girlfriend he already had that I knew nothing about until I met her. Emily knew about Sam and Leah since she was Leah's family. I didn't know about Leah when I messed around with Sam but we also weren't friends so there wasn't any issue.
"Bells, will you please, please, please, make some chicken alfredo for lunch?" Jake asks.
"Jake there's so much that goes into that!" I stomp childishly.
Jake chuckles at me and Leah agrees to help me make the food as long as I tell her what needs to be done. Almost $300 and 30 minutes later, we're back at the house cooking listening to music. Jake is playing some game on the Xbox, bitching about losing to some other player using Live. Leah and I have been talking about what went down with the Cullens when I was with Edward. She is completely and brutally honest as she expresses my stupidity and I can't help but agree. My phone rings and I pick up quickly when I see that it is Charlie calling.
"Hey Bella," He says cheerfully.
"Hey Dad. How's it going?" I ask with a smile.
"Good, good. Can't complain. I was calling to let you know that you got some mail at the house today. Are you home? I can drop it by really quick," he suggests.
"Yeah, I'm home with Leah and Jake making some chicken alfredo. Let yourself in when you get here," I tell him before hanging up.
No need to repeat the conversation. I know both of the wolves in the house can hear me. I'm hoping the food gets done before Charlie leaves so that he can either eat with us or take some home with him. He is still dating Tammy who still adores Embry despite him cheating on Kelsey. She really likes me but understands why there hasn't been another family dinner. Charlie still hasn't gotten over Embry's cheating ways so he deals with him at a distance. A few minutes later Charlie walks through the door and I meet him in the dining room. We exchange and hug and he passes me the envelope. I set it down before telling him that I have some food for him. Leah pops her head out of the kitchen and eyes the envelope with extreme distaste. I look at her confused and she mouths "vampire" to me.
I tense up actually looking at the envelope and see Edward's perfect handwriting on the front. Jake takes moment to come into the dining room halting and becoming instantly on alert. He expertly exchanges pleasantries with Charlie before sneaking off to call Paul I'm sure. I completely ignore the letter and venture into the kitchen to check on lunch. Thankfully, it is ready and I offer some to Charlie who happily obliges. He opts to take it with him which Leah, Jake and I are happy to hear.
Just as he is leaving Paul walks in the door and he is not impressed. He looks ready to kill. "Open it now Bella," he demands fiercely.
For a moment I find myself wanting to cuss his ass out for the way he is speaking but the look in his eye makes me change my mind. I move to the table and grab the letter opening it carefully. "Read it out loud please," Paul says in a calmer tone.
I nod before finally opening my mouth. "Bella love, it seems I've been away too long and in my absence you've made some new friends. I'm not mad Isabella, do not fret, but I do wish for you to send them away so that we may speak. Call me so that we may choose a time and place. I can't wait to see you and get our lives and relationship back on track. Signed Edward," I finish with a shake of my head.
"Tell me right now Bella, just this once do not fucking lie to me and I won't ever ask again. Is there any part of you at all that wants to go back?" He asks watching me closely. Leah and Jake fade into the living room at Paul's question to give us a show of privacy.
I would have been pissed off at this question if it weren't for the fear I find in his eyes. I drop the letter and walk right up to him. I reach a hand up to touch his face making him close his eyes. "Paul, I love you and only you. I do not now nor will I ever want to be with Edward again. You're it for me and you're fucking stuck with me so deal with it. You're not getting away from me," I tell him making him chuckle.
"And you're never getting rid of me," Paul leans down and kisses me roughly.
"Alright you two. Enough of that shit. We've gotta meet with the rest of the pack and figure out what the fuck we're gonna do about this mess. Because the scents we found are different from the one on this letter," Jake says coming out of the living room.
"He's right. We might as well go to La Push since the rest of the pack is there," Leah reasons.
"You guys go ahead, I'll drive Bella down shortly," Paul says shooing them away.
I smirk at him because I know exactly why he wants some alone time. I playfully smack his chest when he squeezes my ass. After a not so quick quickie, we finally arrive at Sam's and find all of the wolves assembled in the backyard. Paul and I quickly hop out to meet them ignoring the stares of disgust and looks of amusement.
"Bout damn time you got here. We were starting to think you got lost," Jared jokes.
"I fucking told you," I elbow Paul whispering even though I know everyone can hear me. He grabs me and pulls me close making me relax against his chest.
"Down to business, what's going on?" Sam asks.
I tell them about the letter I received today and hear a few growls. A couple of them start pacing while Jake, Leah, and Embry stare at me waiting to hear what I'd like to do. "I would like to call and tell him the fuck off. I do not want to see him," I say strongly.
"I don't think you should use your own phone," Sam admits and the rest of the pack agree.
"Yeah, I thought about blocking my number but he'd just figure it out anyway. I definitely don't want those problems and I don't want anyone else to have them either. I thought about using Charlie's house phone but I can't say everything I want to say to him unless Charlie isn't home," I ponder aloud.
"Use mine B," Paul rumbles behind me.
I turn slightly to look at him. "Are you sure? Even if I block the number he will figure it out and continuously call," I tell him.
"I know. And he will have to deal with me each time he calls," he says.
"Hand it over then," I stick my hand out.
"Are you seriously gonna call right in front of us?" Jake asks.
"Well yeah, why not? I'm gonna have to tell you all about it any way," I shake my head digging out the letter to make the phone call.
It rings only once before his voice is on the other end. "Edward Cullen, how can I help you?"
"Edward, it's Bella," I say simply.
"Hello my love, I've been waiting to hear from you. When can we meet up?" Edwards says hopefully.
"We can't and we won't. Did you forget that you just fucking left me in the woods? Did you know that I was lost and nearly fucking froze to death? And if you did know, which I'm sure you did because your sister can fucking see the future, and you still didn't come back or check on me once, that's very fucked up. Why would you think I'd want anything to do with you?" I snap.
"Love, I don't like how foul you're speaking to me. Please do not use such language. I left to protect you from my lifestyle and I told Alice not to look for your future. When she finally did, it was black, we were worried that you had died so we immediately rushed back. Imagine our surprise to find you've been with the wolves of La Push," Edward informs me disapprovingly.
"Yeah, I have been. They found me and kept me safe since you left me to die. I want you all to leave, leave town and leave me the fuck alone," I demand.
"Isabella, we are not leaving without you. I'm here to move you with us. I'm finally ready to make that change you wanted," Edward tries to tempt me.
"Right, past tense wanted. I no longer want that, I'm happy with my human life and the people in it. I'm in love Edward and nothing or no one will come between us or make me change my mind," I state firmly.
"You're my soulmate. Whoever it is that you think you are in love with is just a place filler. I'm back for you now and you are going to have to let him go," Edward sighs annoyed.
"Don't you ever try to fucking tell me what to do with my life. Do not fucking contact me. Don't go to my house, don't go to my dad's house, and don't send me any fucking letters. If you contact me even once, that will be the fucking end of you, Edward. Do you fucking understand me?" I hiss into the phone seething.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk Isabella. One way or another you'll be mine again," Edward says creepily making me hang up.
"You handled that well Bella," Leah nods approvingly.
I nod back to her and take a deep calming breath. "He's going to try to get to me. So many ways. He'll start with Charlie. Oh God, this is never gonna end. He's never gonna give up," I realize starting to panic.
"Bella, look at me. Babe, calm down okay? I will not let him get you or Charlie," Paul rubs my arms and back.
"Neither will I, Bella. Fuck that treaty," Embry says.
"Now, let's not doing anything rash," Sam tries to reason.
"No, fuck that. You and I heard the same conversation Sam. He basically just threatened to take her and change her against her will," Paul snaps.
"He threatened. By the treaty, we can't harm them until that has been broken," Sam says. I look at him feeling my anger flair up.
"So you want to wait until he kidnaps and bites me and maybe just maybe you find me before I start to change?! Fuck you Sam!" I shout at him.
"I will not allow that to be more than a thought in his head," Jake whispers deadly.
"Bella, I didn't mean it like that," Sam says holding up his hands.
"What exactly did you mean? Because that's damn sure what it sounded like!" Leah growls.
Sam opens and closes his mouth like a fish looking between Paul, Leah, Jake, Embry and I. He looks down in defeat opting not to say anything. Jake takes a step towards him and it looks like he's growing taller with each step.
"Samuel Uley, I am taking over the role of Alpha. You can hand it over or you can fight me for it but you are no longer needed. Even though Bella chose not to be with Embry, she is still technically an imprint. She also shares a soul bond with another wolf in this pack. You were willing to put her in harm's way. Do you disagree?" Jake says in a voice I've never him from him.
I look confused at Paul for a moment when Jake talks about a soul bond. That's never been discussed and I can't help but wonder exactly what that means. My mind is reeling but it's going to have to be put on the back burner until later.
"I don't disagree with my actions but-" Sam is cut off by Jake.
"Then are you going to step down or do we need to fight it out. Choose fast I have no time for games," Jake demands.
Sam looks at each pack member silently waiting for someone to disagree with Jake. His eyes linger on Jared a little longer than necessary. A look of defiance comes across his face until Jared opens his mouth. "Sam, just give it up. You were wrong to want to wait until something bad happened. Whatever issues you have with Bella aren't important enough to allow her to be captured by her crazy ex. She is an imprint and has done a lot for each of us in this pack. Imagine if it were Emily at risk," Jared shakes his head.
Sam hangs his head and refuses to fight Jake for Alpha. He looks at me briefly before apologizing to me. Each wolf has to agree and accept Jake as Alpha before it's official. For this, they all have to phase and once it is done, they will need to inform the Council. Paul tells me I will need to go before them and give proof as to why the treaty needs to be revoked. No pressure. Paul refuses to let me out of his sight so I sit off to the side to wait while they handle their wolf business.
A good half an hour later, the meeting is over and a new Alpha is in charge. Jake calls his dad and asks him to have the Council ready to meet in an hour at the hall. Billy asks a bunch of question which Jake refuses to answer until the Council is all assembled. Billy huffs and hangs up with the promise to have everyone ready and prepared. Everyone except Sam heads over to Paul's to waste time until the meeting. When we get there, Paul pulls me into his room to check on my well-being. I assure him that I'm okay and will be fine.
"Bella, we're going to kill him. I will kill them all if I have to if it will keep you safe. You know that right?" Paul touches my cheek.
"I know you will. I wish they'd just leave so they won't have to be destroyed but I doubt that will happen," I respond sadly.
"I know you also want to know what the soul bond is. I can't really answer that for you but the Council definitely can. That's another reason I wanted you to come with us," Paul tells me.
I nod and wrap my arms around his waist holding onto him tightly. I hate having this complicated ass life but there is nowhere else I'd rather be than where I am right now. If everything had to happen this way, so I could end up with Paul, then I wouldn't change a thing.