Honestly, I was half tempted to ban Paul as well. Perhaps they could find solace with each other and leave us alone in that respect.
"Jeez, thanks a lot boss." Paul grumbled and I chuffed, forgetting that my mind was open for all at the moment.
"Back to business, please!" Jake intervened.
The pack began showing themselves in my backyard and Bella's eyes lit up when she saw all of them. She ran forward and greeted each of them with a pat between the eyes and a loving caress before heading inside. I knew she was going to make some big casserole that would feed all of us.
Phasing back to human now that I had my wits about me, I pulled on a spare set of cutoffs that I kept in a wicker ottoman on the back porch. Tossing another pair to Quil who for some reason didn't have his own on his leg, we all sat down on various pieces of outdoor furniture and proceeded to discuss how we were going to get this leech...This 'Victoria', away from Bella for good.
Our pack meeting lasted for another hour as we ran scenarios and ploys to each other, each one getting knocked back down until we were able to build a solid plan along with a backup plan.
The smell of chop suey wafted through the back screen door and we all jumped up, eager to sink our teeth into the deliciousness that was always guaranteed by Bella.
As I sat at the head of the table, Bella sat to my right with Jake next to her. Jared and Paul sat on my left and the rest filled the remaining chairs wherever they chose to sit. I tucked into my food, feeling ravished from not finishing dinner earlier.
I felt like a complete ass for bringing the subject up at all.
"I put the lasagna away, Sam. I figured you can bring it for lunch tomorrow."
Laying my hand upon hers where it rested between us on the table, I smiled at her in thanks. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled back and I was glad to see the faith she had in me that I would protect her from this vampire. She knew we had a pack meeting about it and she entrusted all of us to protect her and not get hurt. It would have made things so much more difficult if she had tried to run off to protect us. What a foolish notion that would have been. I am glad my girl's smarter than that.