Hey guys, this is basically all of New Moon in one chapter. Lots of stuff goes down though.
I somehow surprised myself with this one. I included Gabz where I thought I wouldn't and didn't include her in scenes I'd been so sure she'd be a part of.
Hopefully it isn't too predictable! But then again, maybe I'm just so gullible I easily surprise myself xD
I'd originally included part of Eclipse but the chapter was way too long.
After a week of my training, I had started to make progress on controlling my emotions and phasing. I was also taught the reason we had started phasing, there were near vampires nearby. Jacob phased not too long after me. Apparently, he'd been having temper problems and fever since we went to the movies with Bella and Mike. He was the biggest wolf of them all, apparently his family came from a long line of Alphas.
We were both doing so well with not phasing, I thought I might be able to go home and see my dad after just a week.
It wasn't until one morning when I woke up and Paul's phone was on the floor. I knew he wouldn't want his fancy new smartphone stepped on so I picked it up to put it on the dresser. Normally, I wouldn't ever think of going through his texts but his phone was open to a conversation.
From Rachel.
'What do you mean you won't be coming over anymore?' It said. My curiosity burned through me. Wasn't it a bit late to be texting that? They'd broken up months ago. I opened up the conversation. So, they'd been texting recently... scrolling I found he'd seen her a few weeks ago. 'Come over then.' She had replied. I found more as I kept scrolling. He'd been telling her everything. How he couldn't have sex with me because I was a virgin and if I chose someone else he didn't want them to love me less because he'd taken it from me. She'd replied that she would wait for him.
This was why she'd been smiling at me all the time. That desperate bitch. I clicked back, not wanting to read anymore but I saw another name other than mine. Alyssa. From what I could read in the texts, they had also been seeing one another. And doing more it seemed from her texts.
I threw his stupid phone on the desk, waking him up.
"Hey, baby." He stretched as he woke. His smile fell when he saw how angry I was. "What happened?"
"You left your phone on the floor. I picked it up so you wouldn't step on it. I wish I hadn't." His jaw dropped. "Are you going to explain?"
"Baby, please don't leave." Was all he could say. I could feel myself shaking, no matter how hard I tried to breathe to calm myself but it wasn't working so I ran outside before I phased. I hadn't even reached the door when I did.
"Gabby!" I heard Paul yell before. Sam and Emily had also rushed out.
"You stay here." He pointed at Paul angrily. He phased and ran after me but I sprinted off. When Sam phased I felt him in my thoughts. He could see the texts I saw, replaying in my head.
Gabriella, I heard Sam in my head. I'll make him go home. Just come back with me.
I can't stay there anymore Samuel. All our memories together are there. I have to go home.
You're not ready yet, was the last thing Sam said before changing back and heading to Emily's.
I thought I was. I mean, could they really blame me? If this hadn't happened I would have had my phasing in full control. Could any of them control themselves after this? Probably not.
I ran back to the house and jumped through the open bedroom window before changing back. I put clothes on and started to pack my things. I could sense Paul was still outside, fighting with Sam. Emily came inside with me.
"Hey, Gabz. Sweetheart, Sam says you can stay at Jacob's. We understand if you aren't comfortable in this room anymore." She gave me a hug and I couldn't stop myself from sobbing into her shoulder. "Shhh. It will all be okay. We are all here for you. Hey, I have something to tell you." I looked up, stopping my sobs. "Sam and I are expecting." She said in a soft voice. I smiled at first, but then I sobbed again.
"I'm sorry Emily," I said between sobs, "it's just, I could be too." She gasped.
"How long has it been?" She asked.
"A week. It was only once, well once that we didn't use protection." I cried. What would I do if I was pregnant? I couldn't forgive him after what he did. I'd have to raise my child on my own. Emily stayed with me, letting me cry until Paul left. Sam came in shortly grabbing my packed bags.
"You don't have to leave, sweetheart. But we understand if you want to." Emily said.
"I'd like to go. Now. Sorry, Emily. Congratulations by the way." I smiled sadly.
"Thank you, sweetheart. C'mon. We'll walk you over to Billy's."
Bella came over a week after Jacob had transformed. He had been avoiding her, as Sam had commanded us to. She had been texting and calling me as well and it broke my heart not to be able to reply. Nikki and Cameron had texted me but I only told them the same tribe's coming of age tradition excuse. Chris even tried to text but I deleted it right away. Because that's what loyal people did in a relationship, even though Paul and I technically weren't in one anymore.
The first time Bella came over, I watched as Jacob told her he couldn't see her anymore. I cried with her, even though she couldn't see me. Not long later, the pack found her alone with a vampire, the one with the dreads. Apparently, Paul had finished him off. I hadn't seen him since I caught him cheating. I couldn't talk to him yet and Sam wouldn't let him come to the meetings until I told him I was ready. Rachel had gone back to her college dorm in the meantime. I wished I could go home so I didn't have to be reminded of the two of them but Sam didn't think I was ready. He was afraid I might harm Charlie or Bella.
"Sam." Our alpha was caught off guard when I didn't call him by his full name like I normally did. He looked to the rest of the pack and they all knew to leave the house and let us talk. "One of us has to talk to Bella She's going off on her own; she's in danger!"
"No. You aren't ready yet. Neither is Jacob. And you can't tell her what's going on. She isn't emotionally stable right now." he said in a stern voice. He was using his alpha tone to forbid me from telling her.
"She has to know to stay safe. Or Jacob and I at least have to tell her we're not upset with her. She thinks she's alone. That's why she keeps doing stupid things." I argued. I had never raised my voice to Sam before but I was worried about Bella with that Victoria leech hanging around.
"Fine." Sam sighed. "You and Jacob can go see her. But you cannot tell her what we are or what we do." He ordered. I nodded. He called Jacob over to explain. The two of us high-fived when he was done. Sam rolled his eyes at us.
"We'll go tonight." Jacob decided and I nodded.
PAUL POV
"What the hell are you doing here?" I snapped at Rachel, ready to close the door in her face.
"Wait. Paul." she held the door so I wouldn't close. "She doesn't want you anymore." Her words stung. Gabby hadn't made a decision yet but it seemed like she would leave me. "Come be with me instead." Rachel offered and I growled making her take her hand off the door and back away.
"No. If I can't have her, I'd rather be alone."
"What about your needs, Paul?" She felt daring enough to take a step closer with a seductive look in her eye. It no longer had any effect on me. She glanced down to check.
"I don't need you. If you hadn't convinced me that I needed sex because I'm male, I would still have Gabby." I took a step back from her, glaring.
"So, she finally gave it up to you, huh." Rachel laughed, "Is that why you don't need me anymore? Or are you seeing Alyssa?"
"I don't want anything to do with either of you. It's none of your goddamn business what Gabby and I have done, Rachel. Get the fuck off my porch and out of my life." I finally slammed the door in her face and locked the door behind me. She banged on the door and sobbed but I ignored her.
After Gabby, I didn't want anyone else. But I didn't expect her to come back either. Not after what I did to her. The entire pack was pissed at me now and I didn't blame them. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her.
Gabz POV
Our visit with Bella didn't go as planned. She'd forgotten the stories Jacob had told her a year ago. She only remembered the part about the cold ones, not the wolves. We let her know that we couldn't tell her. We'd been ordered not to.
"Gabz, don't go." She begged, tugging at my arm.
"I can't, Bells. But I will as soon as I can, I promise." I felt tears fall from my eyes. "Please don't tell Charlie. He can't know. But you have to remember what Jacob told you." We hugged and I let Jacob and Bella have a moment alone before we left. He later told me she'd asked him to run away but I reminded him that he couldn't.
"I know that, Gabz." Jacob answered in a frustrated tone. It wasn't long before he started shaking and phased. I was able to stop myself from doing so and rode home on his back instead. I opened Jacob's window before falling asleep. I had a feeling he would have trouble calming down and turning back to his human form.
Bella came over the next morning. Billy told her neither of us were home but she pushed past him. I wasn't sure if I admired her determination or was upset because she took advantage of a guy in a wheel chair.
"Bella, don't!" I called after her. As far as I knew, Jacob was still a giant wolf. He'd fallen asleep that way. I breathed a sigh of relief when she opened the door and found him sleeping in human form. She angrily looked out the window and ran outside. When I looked out the window, I saw Paul for the first time since we'd broken up.
My heart felt like it stopped and I couldn't move. I wanted so badly to run into his arms but flashes of the texts I'd read came flooding back. I couldn't face him yet. Sam was right. I was not ready.
"She's arguing with them, Gabe. You have to get out there!" Billy pointed at Bella. I nodded, and ran after her. My heart was beating a hundred miles per hour but I swallowed and did my best to be brave.
"What did we do? What did he say? What do you know?" Paul was asking. Sam held out his arm to stop Paul with a quick glance at me.
"Both of you calm down." Sam ordered.
"Is it you? Did you threaten my sister? Why can't she tell me anything?" Bella pointed her finger in his face. "They haven't told me anything because they're scared of you three!". Paul and Jared laughed at this. Bella slapped him hard against his face causing Paul to shake angrily and lose his temper. Sam tried to calm him but it was no use.
"Bella!" I yelled sprinting towards her.
"Gabz! Jake! Run!" She screamed running towards us.
Jacob ran from out of the house, taking off his shirt and phasing mid-leap. He crashed in Paul and they started fighting. I wasn't sure what the hell Paul's problem was but I knew Jacob was already pissed at him with what happened with Rachel.
"Gabz, take Bella to Emily's place. Now!" I couldn't disobey his alpha command so I held on to Bella. Embry and Jared drove her truck while we sat in the back.
"Guess the wolf's out of the bag now." Embry and Jared chuckled.
It was a short drive to Emily's house. I breathed as I tried to deal with the dread of seeing their home again and the memories I'd had with Paul in it.
"I really think we should go back and see if Jake's okay." She said as they were getting out.
"No way! I hope Paul sinks his teeth into him. Serves him right." Jared joked.
"Nah! Jacob is a natural. Did you see him phase on the fly? Five bucks says Paul doesn't touch him." Embry argued.
"Easy money. Jacob's a rookie. Paul's a veteran."
"C'mon, Bella. Come inside, we won't bite." Embry called to Bella.
"Speak for yourself." Jared laughed, winking at Bella.
"Idiots." I rolled my eyes. "C'mon Bells. Oh, don't stare at Emily's scars, it bugs Sam." I opened the truck door and hopped out. Bella followed suit and went inside the house with me.
"Why would I stare?" I heard Bella mumble before entering. When she saw Emily, she knew exactly what I meant.
"Are you guys hungry? Ha, like I even have to ask. And who might this be?" Emily asked. She knew who Bella was, she looked too much like me, but I figure Emily wanted to be polite.
"Bella Swan. Who else?" Embry answered for Bella.
"Ah, so you're the vampire girl." Emily joked lightheartedly.
"So, you're the wolf girl?" Bella answered, smiling. Emily laughed and nodded.
"Guess so, well I'm engaged to one. Wolf girls, actually." Emily winked at me.
"Oh yeah, Paul too. I saw." Bella nodded. I winced at the mention of his name.
"She means me, Bells. I am too." I clarified.
"What? But how?"
"From my mom's side, Bells. I've been learning to control it so I don't hurt you or dad. I can come home when I'm able to." I smiled at the thought.
"Muffins?" Emily offered. The two boys reached to grab some but Emily slapped their wrists. "Hey. Ladies first," Emily pushed the bowl towards us and we each took one. "And save some for your brothers!" She scolded when Jared tried to take two.
"Leave it to you and Jacob to find a way around Sam's gag order." Emily shook her head but smiled. I knew she'd been rooting for us.
"Oh, they didn't say anything." Bella defended us.
"Yeah, it's a wolf thing. We have to do what alpha says whether we want to or not." Embry explained, "Oh, and check it out. We can hear each other's thought." he added slyly, hinting that he saw Jacob's memories of her.
"Hey, these are trade secrets!" Jared complained. "This chick runs with vampires!"
"You can't really run with vampires." Bella laughed nervously. We all looked up at her confused. "Cause they're really fast."
We all snorted except for Jared. See? Bella was great! She wasn't even trying to be funny!
"Yeah? Well, we're faster." Jared challenged. I laughed out loud for the first time in days. Leave it to Jared to get butthurt about something so little. "Scared yet?" He grinned at Bella mischievously.
"Not really. You aren't the first monsters I've met." Bella shrugged.
"Jake's right; you're good with weird. I guess you have to be with this nut for a sister." He pointed at me.
"Hey!" I crumpled the muffin wrapper at tossed it at his forehead but he batted it away with a lazy hand. He moved to Emily and showered her in kisses. Bella watched them fascinated as he kissed her scars and the rest of her face. Emily giggled sweetly.
I heard two familiar voices laughing and messing around outside. Paul and Jacob came through the door together. I should have been more prepared to see him. While Bella stared at Jacob, I stared at Paul. He'd walked in when I had still been laughing at Bella. My face fell when I saw him and he avoided my gaze.
"Sorry." He apologized to Bella with a smile before turning back to get a muffin.
"That's it? That's all you have to say? Were you planning on just ignoring me?" I yelled, beginning to shake but I took deep breaths to calm myself. I couldn't lose control. I had to prove to Sam that I could do it. I looked at Sam, who seemed proud of me as he nodded. I didn't have the strength to smile back.
"Do you want to talk to me?" He asked, looking at me with sad eyes. When he looked directly at me, I saw his eyes had dark circles as if he hadn't been sleepy. They also looked somewhat reddened as if he'd cried. My heart broke seeing my imprint hurt. As much as I wanted to be angry with him, I couldn't. It was probably the wolf instinct.
I nodded at him and he stood up. He came closer. "Words baby. I need to hear you say yes."
"Yes." my voice sounded as small as I felt. He held out a hand to me and I took it.
"Don't hurt her anymore." Sam said in his alpha tone of voice. Paul nodded.
"I'll see you later, Bells." Bella nodded as well, but she kept her eyes on Paul, narrowing them in suspicion.
"Don't you dare hurt my sister again." She threatened. Paul's eyebrows furrowed but he didn't respond otherwise.
We walked in silence for a while, until we were in the forest. I waited for him to speak first.
"Gabby, I'm so sorry but you know I don't sugarcoat the truth." He began.
"Good. My dad was worried about me getting diabetes." I answered angrily but mentally face-palming myself afterward. Be serious Gabz! Paul shook his head, holding back a smile.
"I don't have an excuse for you," he continued, "I shouldn't have done what I did. I understand if you don't forgive me. I'll be whatever you want me to be for you."
"I do forgive you." I surprised myself, but when I said it I knew it was true. Harboring anger would only harm me. It may feel good at first but the negativity would only affect me. "I just don't understand why you did it. Am I not enough for you?" I asked, tears prickling at my eyes.
"No, you're perfect. You're all I ever need and more. I let my insecurities get to me. I was so sure you'd leave me and I was being honest when I said I didn't want to take your virginity if you were going to choose someone else. I did what I did to try and control myself around you. I had trouble resisting without your teasing and I didn't think I could do it without taking care of it. But I could have. Well, it didn't make a difference anyway. I still wanted you."
"Do you love her?"
"I love you more." it wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear but at least he was honest. It stung but it was better than him rejecting me entirely.
"Do you want to have an open relationship? You could see whoever you wanted..." I offered. The imprint instinct in me was willing to accept anything as long as it made him happy, no matter how much it hurt me.
"I don't want anyone else. If it would make you happy to see other people, I'd have to deal with it then." He shrugged. The bond a wolf has for its imprint was incredible.
It was how love should be.
Self-less.
Putting their happiness before yours.
"I only want you." I admitted to both him and myself. "Why were you so happy when you came in?"
"I heard your laugh." Paul smiled, and I understood what he meant, "And Sam had agreed I could come see you today. That's where we were headed when Bella saw us."
"Oh yeah. I'm mad at you for attacking my sister too. You could have killed her!" I smacked his arm.
"Rachel came by that morning." I froze at her name, "I told her to get the fuck off my porch because of what she did. She told me I wouldn't be able to control myself around you unless I took care of my needs. But she was wrong." My blood boiled when I heard the truth. That manipulative bitch. "So, that's why I was already angry when Bella hit me. And because I'm a mess without you. I've been having trouble controlling my emotions lately." I raised an eyebrow and he laughed, "Even worse than before, I mean."
"That's dangerous. So. You need me?" I teased and he nodded.
"Do you still want to meet my family?" He asked, looking down at the ground. I inched closer and held his hands, making him peer up at me. I nodded to answer his question. He leaned closer as if to kiss me but stopped himself.
"Kiss me." I whispered and he did, picking me up at the same time. I wrapped my legs around him and kissed him back. Everything felt right again and it seemed like I'd almost forgotten what had happened. All I felt was my desire for him again and judging by the bulge I felt on my sex, he felt the same. He backed up onto a tree and I ground my hips onto him.
"No." he said, breaking our kiss. I gave him an angry confused look. "Someone might see us. I don't want anyone to see what's mine." he growled. "I'll take you to my place. But my dad... he's not right. Living without your imprint... it destroys you. I thought introducing you might bring back the pain for him but I can't hide you forever. Please try not to judge him. I used to but when I imprinted on you I understood him better."
"Of course. Why didn't you just tell me? We wouldn't have had to go through all this."
Paul shrugged. "You already know why. I'm an idiot." I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling.
"You're my idiot though."
We made our way back to Emily's and were greeted with whistles and cheers. Even Bella couldn't help but smile. She'd have to get used it; there was never a dull moment with the pack.
"I say we celebrate with a feast!" Jared yelled, fist-punching the air.
"You're just hungry."
"Yeah, so?"
My stomach chose that moment to let out a loud grumble, and Jared gave me a smug look.
"Shut up."
Emily was already in the kitchen, and I could hear the clanking of pots and pans.
"Didn't we just eat?" Bella asked with a confused look.
"Get used to it, Bells." I answered and she nodded, but her eyes were still wide. Jacob stood behind her with his hands in his pocket and a face much too serious for a conversation about food. He looked up when he felt me staring and I tried to encourage him by making small motions with my hands as if pushing him.
"Hey, Bella. Could we talk?" He asked and Bella jumped a little, startled by his voice.
""Oh, yeah sure." She answered, standing up.
"Let's take a walk. The beach isn't too far from here." Jacob suggested narrowing his eyes at the rest of us. He already knew we'd try to eavesdrop if he were anywhere in our hearing range. Everyone in the room but him in Bella were suddenly fascinated by various pieces of furniture in the house. We totally weren't avoiding eye contact or anything.
"...okay." Bella said giving the rest of us an odd look. "Gabz, will you be okay?
I still didn't look her or Jacob in the eye but I saw her glare at Paul in my peripherals. "I'm fine, Bells. Love you." This time I looked her in the eye and smiled. She smiled at me, but gave a stern look to Paul, then used two fingers to point at her eyes and then point them at his eyes as if to say 'I'm watching you.'. Paul grinned and winked at her so she gave him the stink eye the entire way out.
It seems my weirdness had rubbed off on Bella for the year or so she'd lived with us. Good. Normal is boring anyway.
"So, I take it you two will be moving back here?" Emily gave us a knowing smile. Oh, Emily, ever the instigator. The guys all wiggled their eyebrows, all except for Sam, who was ever the big brother figure.
Shit. Had Paul been thinking about those moments while on patrol? The way he avoided my eye contact told me he had.
I died of humiliation there on the spot.
Luckily, Emily had made all my favorite foods to revive me. The guys went home or on patrol after the meal and Jacob took Bella home. They'd agreed that Jacob would be busy chasing Victoria with us and our dad chasing us. Apparently, before Bella knew she'd told him that she'd seen giant wolves. Luckily, Harry Clearwater was with dad, covering up any tracks.
When Paul and I were finally alone, things got heated but I interrupted.
"I think... I want to do things differently for now." I sighed.
"Take things slow?" Paul asked, "Sure, baby. I can wait. We don't have to do anything."
"That's not what I meant." I said, "I think we shouldn't focus on the relationship and feelings for now. I don't want us to feel... stuck." Paul looked confused. I didn't blame him, I was shocked with myself but I guess this evening was just chock full of surprises.
Paul became very tense. "What do you mean?"
"I think we should just keep it physical for now. There's too much going on right now to worry about feelings." I tried my best to explain. For some reason, going back to what we had gave me anxiety. That he might repeat his mistakes. I didn't want to be his innocent, boring girlfriend. "Nobody has to know we're together. You can even stay at the school here on the rez. Maybe we were together too much."
"Baby... I don't want to be far from you. I want everyone to know you're mine." his face was dark.
"People don't care if we're together or not. They do what they want. I don't want to feel stupid again. I can't stand another one of Rachel's smug looks." I was shaking just at the thought.
"She won't. I won't let her near you. And she won't have a reason to be so smug."
I couldn't stand how everyone treated me like I was a child. Sure, I could be childish but it was time to grow up. After all, I might have a child myself. Only another week and I'd be able to take a pregnancy test. "I'm not fragile, Paul! I can take care of myself." I snapped, instantly feeling bad when he flinched.
"If that's what you want. I don't like it but as long as I can see you..." I almost took what I said back but it was better this way. That way he wouldn't have to feel guilty. It also made me feel better. I loved him but I also didn't like the feeling of having my future chosen for me. We could try again, maybe when the whole Victoria thing was over with.
"I want you." I said, pushing him back to lay down on the bed. He still seemed unsure but wasn't able to resist.
"Sleep well?" Emily asked as soon as I entered the kitchen, a smile playing at her lips.
"Where's Samuel?" I asked, noticing he wasn't around. Jared and Embry were already digging into the eggs and bacon. Paul sat down next to them. The three of them grinning at one another.
Boys. Ugh.
"He left last night for patrol." Emily laughed. I was horrified. He'd left because he'd heard me last night and couldn't stand it. By the snickering of the three guys, they were aware. I noted Jacob was gone as well.
"Yeah. We're going to have to arrange the patrol schedule. We won't be patrolling with anyone else." I narrowed my eyes at Jared and Embry. Paul growled at the thought of them seeing what we did behind closed doors.
"Relax, Paul. We don't want to see any of that." Embry threw his hands up.
"Speak for yourself." Jared joked, causing Paul to knock him and his chair onto the floor. I rolled my eyes, sipping my coffee. "Sheez, I'm kidding. She's like our sister. Gross."
"So, you're saying my girl's gross?" Paul raised an eyebrow.
"No. Just. We don't think of her like that." That seemed to satisfy Paul. He helped Jared back up, who went right back to eating. "Crazy ass imprinting."
"It'll happen to you someday Jared." Someday soon, I hoped, remembering that he hadn't looked Cameron in the eye yet. "Cameron Cameron." I smiled fondly at the thought.
"What're you on about?" He narrowed his eyes at me. Paul had caught on to what was going on in my conniving mind and was shaking his head.
"Oh, nothing." I said sweetly, already excited to go back to school so I could bring my best friends onto the Rez and use my match making skills. My smile fell when Sam entered with Jacob, greeting Emily as he normally did.
"You." He pointed at Paul, "We'll talk about Patrol schedules because you are not patrolling with me.". Paul only grinned at him.
"Or me." Jacob made a grossed-out face. He's lucky I wasn't the sensitive type or my feelings might be hurt.
The same teasing went on all through breakfast and the pack meeting. Paul and I were scheduled together. We were to keep our "shenanigans" (I laughed out loud when Samuel said this), to nights when Sam and Jacob were on patrol or keep the noise down.
The rest of the week was pretty much the same. At the end of the week, Emily came to see me when we were alone. I hadn't told Paul that I might be pregnant because I didn't want to think about it yet. On Patrols, I kept my mind on other things to distract myself.
My heart felt like it would beat right out of my chest when Emily went to check the pee stick I'd left on the sink counter.
"It's negative." She said, waiting for my response. Before I could breathe a sigh of relief, I heard Paul's voice.
"What's negative?" He asked, his backpack still hanging off one shoulder. I froze as he made his way to us. I quickly pushed the stick into the trash but he'd already seen it, "Why didn't you tell me you thought you were pregnant?"
Emily took that as her cue to leave the room.
"I didn't want you to worry!"
"So, you hid it? What else are you hiding from me?" He looked hurt and my heart hurt seeing his expression. "I wouldn't want you to deal with that on your own, baby. It'd be my fault." I shrugged and he pulled me closer, embracing me.
"Gabriella?" Sam called my name and we broke apart.
"I'm here!" I called back.
"Are you alright?" He asked. It seemed Emily had told him about the test. I smiled and nodded, "I think you're ready to go home." I squealed and ran to give him a hug. "Remember to keep yourself in control. You can't let Charlie know about us or anyone at school."
"Yeah, yeah. Got it." I waved a hand and went to get my things ready. As great as my stay had been on the reservation, I was worried about my dad.
Sam dropped me off at home, to Paul's displeasure but we knew it'd make Charlie feel better about me being gone if it wasn't my boyfriend to drop me off. When we got there, he was sitting on the porch waiting for me. I wondered if he'd been there since I'd called and told him I'd be home.
"There's my girl! I can't believe how much you've grown in a month." He gave me a bear hug and spun me around. "Still didn't get any taller though." He teased and I huffed, crossing my arms. Samuel laughed
"I missed you dad." I said honestly as he ruffled my hair.
"I missed you, sweetheart. I'm sorry we missed your calls the night Bella hit her head." He'd already apologized over text and phone calls a million times and I'd completely forgiven him. I was overly emotional at that time because of the whole shape-shifter thing anyways.
"It's okay, dad. Bella doesn't have to know I'm your favorite child." I patted him on the back, keeping a solemn expression, "Speaking of which, where is my poor less favored sister?"
"She went on to the reservation a few hours ago just before you called. I was wondering why you hadn't come together, actually."
Uh-oh. Where was my adrenaline junkie trouble magnet of a sister now? "So, she didn't know I was coming home?"
My dad shook his head, now alarmed. "I thought she'd find out when she got there. "
"She's probably with Jacob. I'll go find her."
"I'll come with you. You just got home." My dad offered but his walkie-talkie started speaking.
"Officer Swan? We need you to come down to the emergency room. Harry Clearwater had a heart attack." It said.
"Dad, I'll get Bella. Harry needs you." I reassured him and he nodded, not taking another moment to run for his cop car. He turned the sirens on and sped on his way to the hospital.
"Sam, we've got to go!" I reminded him. We hopped back into his truck and he sped on his way to the reservation.
When we got to Emily's, there was a huge commotion. Most of the pack were in wolf form and there was a light grey colored wolf I'd never seen before. Sam hopped out of the truck, transforming quickly and I followed suit.
Sam, it's Leah. She's a wolf. I heard Paul's voice in my head. He looked to me but I was looking for Jacob.
Jacob, Bella's here on the reservation. Have you seen her? I inquired when I spotted him.
What? No, I haven't.
Shit. Where would she be?
The cliffs. Jacob though and I agreed, grabbing the clothes bag from the truck. Shit, I just chased Victoria down that way. She jumped into the water. Jacob realized.
Jacob, go down to the beach in case she jumped. I'll go up to the cliff. We both nodded and sprinted to where I'd said.
Gabby, I'm going with you. I heard Paul again.
We're fine! Leah needs you! I argued, not stopping to wait for him.
They can handle it. He raced through the forest following me. When we arrived at the cliffs, Bella was nowhere to be found. I ran to the edge and peered down at the sea. I could make out Bella's hair in the water. About twenty feet away I saw orange
Victoria.
Gabby, no! I heard Paul's voice right before I jumped.
Apparently, even as a wolf I couldn't swim. Instead of saving Bella, I started to get carried by the strong current, my body shifting as I was pulled by a wave and crashed into the rocky cliff. My vision faded just before I saw Victoria swimming towards me.
When I woke up, I could feel someone pumping my chest in CPR and giving me a rescue breath. I began to choke and cough out water.
"Thank God you're alright." My vision was still blurry but I could just make out Paul. He'd draped a towel over my naked body and was now holding me in his arm.
"Bella. C'mon, Bella. Breathe!" I saw Jacob hunched over my sister's body, doing the same as Paul had done for me.
"Bella!" I tried to scream but my voice came out weak. She started to sputter out water.
"Jake?" She asked in a weak voice.
"Bring her home!" I hadn't realized Sam was there, "I'm going to go over to Harry's!"
"What happened to Harry?" Bella asked.
I answered, "Heart attack."
"Is he ok?"
I didn't know the answer to her question. Apparently, Jacob did. "He's gone." He informed us both. That's why Sam had come to tell us.
"Leah." My eyes widened.
"They got her under control." Jacob assured me. "I'll take Bella home. With her truck."
"Not without me you don't." I tried to stand but wasn't strong enough yet. Paul lifted me up and took me into a thicket of trees and helped me change into some clothes. We got the feeling the two needed privacy so we rode in the back of Bella's truck. The cold didn't bother our wolf heat.
We stopped in front of the house, Paul and I hopped out to give the two more time but we both froze at the door when we inhaled the sickeningly bleach-like stink coming from the house.
Vampire.
It wasn't Victoria but I wasn't going to take any chances with Bella here.
"Bella! Vampire!" I screamed, running to the truck to warn them. They were close together and I seemed to have interrupted a very intimate moment. Jacob tried to start the car but Bella looked around and saw a familiar car parked on the street. She hopped out of the truck and tried to run into the house but I grabbed her arm.
"It's okay! It's Carlisle's car." She pointed out.
"Bella, it could be a trap." Jacob warned. "We can't protect you here."
"It's the weird chick that sees the future." Paul said, recognizing her scent. I let go of Bella's arm and relaxed. I didn't think any of the Cullens would hurt her especially with the three of us outside. Jacob paced around for about fifteen minutes, then decided to go in. Paul and I followed to make sure he didn't do anything stupid.
"What is that god-awful wet dog smell, Bella?" I heard the spacey Cullen ask. Bella explained that she'd been with us wolves.
"Bella! Werewolves are not good company to keep!" I snorted at her comment.
"She's my sister! And Jake..."
Cue Jacob going in, Bella reminding about the treaty, then Jacob not giving a damn and arguing with weird girl. Next, Alice leaves to let Bella and Jacob talk and expects me to do the same. Yeah, right.
Bella and Jacob argue.
Insert sexual tension here.
Phone rings and Jacob picks up:
"No, he's not here. He's arranging a funeral." Jacob answers before slamming the phone and muttering, "Always in the way."
"Who was that, Jacob? Was it Edward? Why didn't you let me speak to him?" The tone in her voice told me all I needed to know. Bella loved Edward more. Bella would always choose Edward over my poor best friend.
"He didn't ask for you." Jacob replied. He knew it too.
Before Bella could react, Alice burst in. "Bella. Edward's going to the Volturi. Rosalie told him. He wants die."
Jacob growled and rolled his eyes. "We have to go stop him." Bella decided. Alice agreed and they both rushed out the door. Jacob and I chased after.
"Bella! Please. Please don't leave." Jacob begged. I felt my tears water for my friend but I knew Bella wouldn't do it.
"Unlock the doors. I'm going with you." I demanded in a no nonsense to e.
"No." Paul said sternly from behind me. I turned around giving him a look, daring him to try and stop me.
"Paul's right, Gabz. You can't go. This is my mess to fix." Bella's eyes softened when she looked at me.
"Unlock the door or I'll rip the whole thing off." I heard the door locks click open.
"Gabby." I didn't look back at Paul's warning. I was going to do this. Paul was my imprint but Bella was my sister. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't protect her. I opened the door and got in but Paul held the door open.
"I'm going." He said but I couldn't let him. This was dangerous.
"Everyone just get in. We're wasting time. You can fight over this on the way to Italy." Alice said, the urgency in her voice obvious. I felt some sympathy for her. Edward was her brother. I'd do the same for Bella. Hell, I was going to the vampire royalty for the man Bella loved even after she'd broken Jacob's heart. "Bella, leave a note for Charlie." Bella did so. Paul and Jacob both got into the car.
"Why can't you just go?" Jacob asked in a bitter tone.
"Edward wouldn't believe me. He needs to see Bella." She explained. "Ugh. You smell. I'll keep the windows open."
We left as soon as Bella got in. Alice was very familiar with the airport and the people there so she was able to get us seats on the next flight to Italy. Bella and Alice sat in the row across from Jacob, Paul, and I. The four of us getting headaches from each other's stench. It was a long flight, we couldn't talk while in the plane because of those seated around us. So, it was until we were crammed into a fancy but tiny Italian sports car.
"Gabby. You can't go. The Volturi are the strongest vampires alive. There isn't enough of us. They'll kill us all." Paul tried to reason with me but I was set on going with my sister.
"You don't have to." I snapped.
"You know I do if you do." He argued, sounding just as angry as I did. I crossed my arms, trying to figure out a way that only I would go with Bella and Alice. I didn't want something to happen to Paul or Jacob.
"Just Bella will go. Edward will read our thoughts and panic. He can't read Bella's thoughts." Alice interrupted my thoughts. "I've already seen it." I wondered if that excuse always worked for her. "If it goes as planned, we won't need to see the Volturi at all." The freak was good. She knew just what to say to get her way.
"How far can he read from? I will not let my sister out of my sight." I emphasized the word sister, letting Alice know that I felt for Bella what she felt for Edward. Oh, the subtle-ness of female communication. Paul and Jacob continuously glared at Alice, glancing at me when I spoke but they didn't seem to quite get the meaning behind our words. Bella was too distracted and staring at the road with a blank expression.
"About a hundred feet. We both won't be letting her out of our sight. I consider Bella my sister. I already know she will be for a very long time." What was she insinuating? A very long time? So, Bella would live... a long time. I hoped she meant into old age but I had a feeling this was just wishful thinking. My eyes widened and she nodded.
"No. She can't." Bella couldn't become a vampire. We'd be on opposite sides of the battlefield.
"We're here." Alice announced as we pulled into a crowded walled city. There were hundreds of people dressed in red hooded capes. I could already smell the sickening bleach smell getting stronger. There were a lot of vampires somewhere very near and it made me sick to my stomach. "Bella, go. He'll be near the clock tower." Bella quickly lept out of the car and started sprinting. I tried to go after her but Alice locked the doors. "Not yet. One hundred feet." I fell back into the seat with a frustrated sigh. The wait felt like forever but finally Alice said, "Okay. Let's go."
It went against every self-preserving instinct I had to follow Alice. Paul and Jacob followed closely behind. When Bella finally found Edward, she jumped through a fountain to reach him quicker. He had just stepped into the light but she used her body to hide his. He smiled pleasantly when she did but later realized something was wrong when she pushed him inside. I pushed past Alice and sprinted as soon as I saw Edward realized Bella was alive.
I arrived just in time. There were two leeches calling Edward.
"The human comes too."
"No. Go to hell." Edward answered.
"What's taking so long?" A female leech emerged from the hallway. I noticed they all had bright red eyes. "What is that smell?" She had already sensed me but I didn't care. They were delusional if they thought I'd let Bella go without me.
"Aro is waiting. Come. All of you." She ordered. I looked around seeing if we could manage to get away but more vampires were appearing to see what was taking so long. We seemed to be outnumbered. Edward looked at me and shook his head as if to tell me my plans were useless. He did the same to the others. With a few more nudges, the six of us were led through the endless hall.
We were led through an elevator, as we went down the dread began to fill me. This was really dangerous. The chances we would make it out alive were slim to none. I winced. Poor Charlie. Losing Bella and I would destroy him...
We entered a large renaissance-esque room with high walls and ceilings made of white marble. There were red eyed vampires all around the room. They were dressed regally and three of them sat in black throne-like chairs. The one in the middle had a pointed face and long brown hair. He stood up and made his way towards Edward.
"May I?" He asked, holding out his hands. Edward reluctantly put his hand on the other vampires. The other vampire smiled and said something in Italian.
"Aro can read every thought you've ever had, by holding your hand." Edward explained to us.
"You're quite the soul reader yourself, aren't you Edward? To be able to hear thoughts without touching..." he wondered out loud, "But Isabella here is immune. I wonder... if she is immune to all our gifts?" He held out his hand to Bella and despite Edward shaking his head, Bella took Aro's hand. He said something else in Italian then called the female vampire who'd come to get us. Jane, he called her.
"Pain." The girl said, her eyes glowing. Edward jumped in front of Bella and he fell as if in pain. So, the girl could cause pain just by looking. I wondered if that was all she could do.
"Enough!" Bella screamed. "Do it to me." She closed her eyes and waited. The girl did the same but Bella did not react at all. Aro clapped.
"It's a shame you don't have plans to change her. I'd love to know what power she might have as an immortal..." he took Bella's face in his hand, inhaling as if she smelled good and I growled. "Isabella." He drew out her name, "What is this? You have some interesting friends."
The leech sitting in the chair to the right of Aro's stood up. "Their stench... are these children of the moon?"
"No." I nearly jumped when Paul answered. "We are not. We shift only when there is a threat in our land. We do not protect outside of our land. The children of the moon become werewolves at the full moon and lose control. We maintain our human minds."
"I see. Come." Aro beckoned. I lunged when Paul stepped forward but found myself being held by two vampires. Paul gave Aro his hand and let him read his thoughts, quickly withdrawing it when Aro was done. "He tells the truth, Caius. You, Quileute shifters may be of help to us."
"How do you feel about the children of the moon?" the one called Caius asked Paul, not satisfied with Aro's conclusion. This one was more ruthless than Aro, it seemed.
"If they come to our land, we will kill them." Caius seemed pleased with Paul's answer as was Aro.
Aro continued, "Unlike the children of the moon, we are civilized," I doubted they were, "intellectual beings. They on the other hand, are an abomination and should be exterminated. Now, this one," he came closer to me, noting Paul's response to this and motioning for the Jane girl and her brother to hold him, "You look like her but you smell like them. Why?"
"She's my half-sister." He smiled and held my face.
"Gabriella Swan... of the Quileute tribe. I cannot read your thoughts... but unlike Bella, I see images."
As for you, you are of no help to us." He stepped towards Bella, a gluttonous look in his eyes but Edward charged and knocked him over. I struggled to break free but the vampires' grips were too tight. Edward had started a brawl with a hefty vampire. Aro, it seemed, did not fight his own battles.
Jacob and Paul were also being held. Jacob struggled to get to Bella and Paul to get to me. Edward was finally pinned down, and held by two vampires who were given a command from Aro to kill Edward. Just as they were about to rip his head off, Bella screamed.
"No! Take me! Kill me instead!" She begged Aro.
"Bella, no!" Jacob and I screamed.
"You would give up your life for someone like us? A soulless monster?" Aro was intrigued by Bella once again.
"You don't know a thing about his soul." She spat.
"Fascinating. A human who care for our kind... enough to give her own life. Oh, such a shame it is that you have no plan to turn her." He told Edward. "Kill them both." He ordered. Jacob and I thrashed madly.
"Wait!" Alice yelled, stopping us all. "Bella will be one of is." Jacob growled, "I've seen it." Aro motioned for the guards to let Alice go and reached for her hand.
"Ah, to see what you have seen before it has already happened... Well, then. Isabella. I look forward to seeing what immortality does to you." He inhaled deeply near her neck again as if to savor her smell.
"We will follow through to see that this happens." The older vampire seated at the left throne added.
The blonde also spoke to them but hadn't stopped staring at Paul. "Yes. Don't take it lightly. We don't offer second chances."
And just like that, we were free to go. As we walked out, a woman who was human, led a large group of people towards the Volturi. I stopped and growled when I saw there were children included. Paul also flinched but tugged my arm after a few moments.
"Come. This is not our land." He commanded in his beta tone. I narrowed my eyes but I could not disobey unless the alpha said otherwise. My feet reluctantly followed despite my struggle. Paul knowing me too well added, "And don't argue. Silence." I shot him a death glare but he ignored me.
It wasn't until we were in squished into the small car that he told me I could speak.
"How could you?" I cried.
"What would you do? Run in there and be killed with them? We were outnumbered and not on our land. We don't know if the tribe's magic will even work here." Paul was right but it didn't stop me from sobbing.
The greatest of all evils had to be to harm children in any way. Paul tried to embrace me but I gave him the cold shoulder and stayed as far as I could from him as the small space allowed.
We checked into a hotel for one night where we were able to call our dad, who informed us we were grounded for life when we got home. We were in Rome, which was the safest city from the Volturi that we could find in Italy. Paul, Jacob, and I shared a room that connected to the other three's, just in case.
"What? Are you upset that those innocent people got murdered by those sick fuck leeches?" Paul asked when I glared at him again, "Don't you think I'm disgusted? What the hell did you want us to do?"
"I don't know!" I cried, confused at what I was feeling. He picked me up and held me, running his hand through my hair but it didn't soothe me as it normally would. I continued to shake.
"Baby. We can't change it. The best we can do is make sure leeches stay off our land." He held me close and I could feel he was also shaken by what we'd seen. He'd been so levelheaded and brave through it all, I felt bad for taking everything out on him. I felt his chest shake and him inhale. He was crying too. "Please, baby. Don't ever put me in a situation where I have to use my beta command on you. What if I had lost you today?" He lifted my chin to kiss me, needing my strength. We couldn't change the past but we'd help each other cope somehow.
We left on the first flight available that morning. Normally, I would've been excited to travel and see Rome but after yesterday's events, I couldn't stomach it. I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to smile or enjoy anything for a very long time.
I was going to lose my sister.
My dad was going to lose her.
We couldn't risk the Volturi coming and starting a war with us.
Jacob was pissed. He couldn't accept that Bella would become a vampire. He went to Sam with the news, and they agreed the treaty would be broken if Bella was changed. Sam understood it had to happen, unlike Jacob, but he wanted the Cullens far away from our land and to never come back. Paul agreed with him but I was on the fence. I wasn't sure what was more dangerous for Charlie; the risk of vampires in the area again or losing Bella forever. It was only a chance of vampires coming back if the Cullens were allowed to stay. A very high chance but still not completely certain. But losing Bella, was certain to destroy him. He'd never be the same again. He would blame himself... and forever question if Bella would have been okay if he hadn't let her come to Forks...
When we got home, Charlie was pissed. We were grounded for life, as he'd promised. Edward was not allowed over. He was more lenient with Paul, allowing him to come once a week, as he appreciated that he'd flown with us to make sure Bella was safe. That was the story Bella told to try and get me out of trouble but he was upset that I hadn't just called him instead.
Other than this, everything returned to normal. We went back to school, where Charlie could not stop Bella from seeing Edward, much to his disappointment. The Cullens had taken to sitting with Bella's friends and I was back with my group. Paul did not transfer back to Forks out of respect for my wishes that we have some time apart. Still, Chris usually stayed out of my way, not that I cared. Boys and dating seemed like such an insignificant issue after all we'd been through in the past few months.
Jacob didn't text me or Bella back after Italy, which worried me but Sam had ordered me to stay home. but when Bella got home from work one day, he showed up. From my window, I saw Bella and Edward heading to the edge of the woods to go meet him. I ran downstairs, knowing this would probably not go well.
"How could you, Jake?" Bella asked, betrayed. I gave Jacob a questioning look but he refused to look at me.
"He thought I was stopping you from seeing him. He brought the bikes to Charlie in hopes you'd be grounded." Edward explained.
"Stay out of my head." Jacob barked, beginning to shake. I hurried to his side, rubbing his arm to calm him.
"I was already grounded! You'd know if you'd return my calls!" Bella accused. By the shocked expression on Edward's face, I figured he hadn't known Bella had been trying to contact Jacob; and Edward was jealous. Jacob got less tense, probably feeling bad. Edward took a moment to collect himself.
"He came to speak with me." He informed us, surprising both Bella and I. "I also have something to say to you: Thank you for keeping Bella safe when I did not. If there is anything I can do to repay you..." Jacob raised an eyebrow, surprised Edward had to ask at all, "I will not leave Bella until she orders me to do so. Don't—"
"What? You don't want Bella to know? I came here to remind you of the treaty."
"I haven't forgotten. Bella is aware." Edward cut him off quickly, "Bella made her choice. She had us vote. I voted no." This was news to me. When had she asked the Cullens to vote? Why hadn't she asked how I felt? "Perhaps you can convince her to reconsider."
"Bella. You can't." Jacob pleaded, "What about Gabz and I? We'll be your natural enemies."
"Jake. I have to. The Volturi." She explained, "As for the treaty, I don't understand why. It's my choice to become one. It's none of your business!"
Jacob shook and despite my efforts to calm him, he phased and ran off. I didn't bother to chase him.
"Bella, it is your choice but you don't even bother to ask the rest of us how we feel about it all. If you'd asked, you would know I'd vote yes. Not only because we have to keep the Volturi away and dad safe but because you are my sister and I love you. I want you to be happy despite it means I'll be losing you." Bella didn't know what to say so she said nothing. After a few minutes of her stand in front of me, letting tears fall, I caved and felt bad for guilt-tripping her and changed the topic "So," I started and she quickly looked up, wincing as if she expected me to hurt her again, "Dad knows about the motorcycles?" I smiled.
"Yes. I do." Charlie was walking over and I panicked, wondering if he'd seen Jacob or overheard me. I looked at Edward, knowing he could read Charlie's thoughts. Edward gave me a slight shake of the head to tell me he didn't. "Edward. If you'll excuse us, I'd like to speak with my daughters."
"Yes, sir." Edward answered politely. Dad watched as he drove off, unaware that Edward would just come back by foot later.
"Bells. Gabz." He put his arm around each of our shoulders as he said our names, "I want to apologize for getting so upset at you two. You're right. You are adults and can make your own decisions." He began as we walked towards the house, "You can see whoever you like but I'm pleading you, as a father, please see some of your other friends as well. You can't make one person the center of your universe or it will break you if they leave. Bells, I know how it feels to be left. I was just like you when your mother left... so learn from my mistakes and yours. It can't just be all about Edward. I can't bear to watch either of you go through what you did..." he sniffled, holding back tears but he didn't let them out. "Now, Billy tells me Jake is going through a rough time. Gabriella, he is your best friend. You've been friends since the day you were born. And Bella, I remember when you were in that tough time and Jake was there for you."
Bella and Charlie weren't great with emotions and both stood awkwardly. I closed the gap and bear hugged them both, being careful not to crush them with my new wolfy strength. All three of us wiped away tears that had fallen then went on to our usual activities. Well, what we used to do before everything happened. I made dinner, which we ate together in front the TV. I cracked jokes causing both of them to roll their eyes but laugh anyway. Before Bella closed her bedroom door, she whispered an apology to me. I waved it off with a smile and closed my door. I crashed onto my bed, tired from all the emotions I'd had in one afternoon.
So, what do you think?
I really thought I'd include Gabz more in Bella's recovery but I felt so much would change if Gabz intervened too much. Bella had to be isolated and go crazy and I knew Gabz would need time to gain self-control.
This chapter was a little more serious, especially after Paul's betrayal and Gabz finding out; but I feel like it's her maturing. Her thoughts are a little calmer as well. I like to think because I'm writing it like four years later and I've matured myself but I'm not so sure.
I kept it this way intentionally though. I feel like the whole imprinting thing and phasing calms her nerves and anxiety.
She did forgive Paul a little too easily, but I feel like the imprint has that effect on them. I also wanted him there for the Volturi because it's important to the storyline. Anyways, Gabz hasn't fully recovered from the pain. She wants a purely physical relationship now. In her mind, she's keeping Paul happy but still guarding her heart by not getting her expectation too high.
Eclipse begins in the next chapter! I'm pretty excited. I think it's my favorite movie.