So, I'm pretty excited for Eclipse. I'm mostly going by the movie because I don't have a copy of the book.
This story isn't really AU, but FeralG3 gave me a great idea for a story that I'll be incorporating into this book. So, another plot, that wasn't really explored in canon in addition to the newborn army/Volturi. It begins next chapter though.'
If anyone has ideas for me you can PM me, and I can try to incorporate them. If you see any of my dumb mistakes, you can let me know too. I don't bite... unless you want me too ;O
As for imprints for each wolf, I do have a few changes in mind as well (:
Jacob wasn't replying to Bella or I. After our little family talk, Bella began reading notes her and Jacob used to pass through Billy and Charlie, because you know, they couldn't send texts like normal people would. I had to watch my dad and Jacob's dad gossip like little old ladies over the notes.
But that time had ended when Bella decided to become a vampire.
as Charlie had asked, Bella wanted to use her new-found freedom to go see Jacob.
Leah and I were watching over the house that night, because Paul and I weren't speaking.
"So, how are you?" I asked nonchalantly. Leah couldn't stand when people gave her concerned or pitiful looks.
"Fine, I guess." she sighed, "They're having a girl... As much as I hate Sam, I can't say I'd wish what he did to me onto his daughter. I'm really hoping it won't, actually."
"I guess she'll have her ol' Aunt Gabz and Aunt Leah to protect her then." I smiled slyly at Leah. She cared for the little one. I had a feeling she still cared for both Emily and Samuel. They really had no control. Although I couldn't blame Leah for the way she felt; I couldn't imagine if I was in her situation with Paul and he'd imprinted on someone I was close to. Well, we hadn't been together before he imprinted on me but I like to imagine we would've ended up dating somehow without it. What if we did date and he imprinted on Bella?
Ugh. That was a nasty thought.
Luckily, Leah was able to distract my wild imagination before it got too far, "Sometimes I wish I'd just imprint already so I could forget these feelings." she admitted sadly. I resisted giving her the pity look. She was looking up at the sky as if looking for a shooting star and to my surprise, one flashed through the starry sky.
My eyes grew wide, "Did you see that?". Leah nodded, a smile playing at her lips. We walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence. I hoped it would come true for her.
When we'd gotten to the house, we sat at the edge of the forest, watching Bella read old notes from Jacob and Edward taking apart her car engine. He was so into his work that he'd hardly noticed us. Well, if he had, he didn't bother to tell us off.
I'd made sure to sneak into the kitchen for some popcorn, and now we sat on the grass watching and gobbling the two bags of popcorn.
"Oh, look. Here comes Bella." I said, mouth full of delicious butteriness. Bella was marching out of the house with a confident smile on her face. Edward sat on the roof, watching.
Bella tried turning the key in her truck's ignition but it wouldn't fully start. I'd have to ask Edward to teach me his trick. He swooped down from the roof and landed on the truck. He made sure to wink at me to let me know he was aware of our presence, just before he hopped inside the truck. Leah scoffed and rolled her eyes, stuffing a handful of popcorn into her mouth and grumbling. She didn't like the vampires, Bella, or well, anyone. She tolerated me because I was the only other female in the pack.
So, Edward wouldn't let Bella go onto the rez. He didn't want her hanging out where he couldn't protect her or so he claimed. To the rest of us, we could sense he was obviously jealous. Gee, and who would have guessed calm and collected Edward would be petty enough to break her truck to stop her from going.
I'd have to tell Jacob, he'd be so proud to know he could rile him up like this.
Bella threw a fit and marched back into the house. She locked her window angrily to let Edward know she didn't want him in.
"Do you think she'll let him back in?" Leah asked.
"Yeah. She's just being theatrical as usual." I chuckled. Moments afterward, she did as I'd predicted and opened her window again.
"Ugh. Idiots." Leah rolled her eyes. "Are you this way with Paul?"
"Oh, goodness, I hope not. You have permission to punch me in throat if I ever am."
"So, how's Paul?" Nikki asked, not bothering to hide her distaste.
"Fine, I think." I shrugged, not missing the way Chris was peering at us from a few seats away. Ever since I'd come back without Paul, he'd started sitting closer and closer. He wasn't daring enough to take his old spot though. Sometimes I did wonder if he'd cleaned his act up. I hoped he would find someone else.
"Are you two still together?" Cameron asked. The rest of the lunch table seemed to get quiet. I only shrugged. "Girl, it kills us to see you like this. We need to party again." I wished I could feel more excitement but the idea of drinking and dancing just did not appeal to me.
"I don't know if I'd be up to it." I answered honestly.
"But it's your birthday next week!" Cameron complained.
"What about the Cullens party coming up? That Alice girl is throwing it." Nikki suggested. That caught my attention. Jasper almost killed Bella the last time the Cullens tried to have a party.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Look, here." She pushed forward a purple paper that had details of said party printed on it. It was a graduation party happening in a month.
"How fun." I forced a smile but they didn't buy it. "Excuse me."
What. The. Hell. Was she thinking?! I took the paper and stood up, making my way over to my sister's table.
"What is this?" I slammed the paper onto the table between Edward and Bella but flicked my glare over to Alice. She raised an eyebrow and stared back.
"Whoa, ladies. Calm down." Mike tried to ease the tension. To my surprise, I felt a calming sensation rush over me and my attention snapped to Jasper, the mood controlling vampire. I narrowed my eyes at him, letting him know I knew what he was doing.
"Easy. Alice has every detail planned out." He said, subtlety telling me they'd hunt just before the party. "Besides, we only graduate high school once." He'd meant it as an inside joke and luckily the others didn't catch on, excitedly chattering away about the party while the vampire continued with their inside comments.
"Another party, Alice?" It seemed this was news to Edward and Bella.
"It'll be fun." Alice clapped.
"That's what you said last time." Bella added. Alice was suddenly solemn, Edward's eyes widened as he stared at her. My sister and I both looked between them, then at each other. Alice had a vision. I had a feeling it had to do with the recent Seattle attacks. Bella didn't know. Edward and I agreed on that much but he did not want us wolves to get involved in the vampire problems. The pack already wanted them gone, he didn't want to make matters worse.
"Fine. We will be there." I interrupted to distract Bella. "Don't worry, Bells. I'll tell Jacob." I informed her, Edward's eyes narrowing at me. He wasn't fond of Jacob at the moment but it was the only way to divert my sister's attention from Alice's vision. Bella had been trying to contact him but Jacob was still angry with her. He hadn't been replying to me much either, and had been going on patrols alone to shut us all off. I quickly got out my phone to text him about the party, and now that Bella was thoroughly distracted by her own thoughts I looked at Edward, thinking about Alice's vision. I knew he'd seen it by reading her mind and I wanted to know.
When the bell rang, students began to go to their classes but I stayed behind. I follow Edward from a distance, and watch as he walks Bella to her class. Once she is in, he makes his way straight back to me.
"I told you. Don't get into this." he said once we were far from anyone who might be listening. With both of our enhanced hearing, we could speak in very low voices as we pretended to pick drinks from the soda machines.
"Edward, don't be stupid. If this puts my sister in danger, it will be all your fault. Again." It was a low blow but desperate situations call for desperate measures they say.
"I know you're trying to guilt trip me. But you are right." the pessimist sighed. I couldn't help but grin at my winning and he shoved me playfully. "Don't look so smug. I'm only telling you because Bella's safety is more important. Alice saw Victoria. She'll be here this Saturday on our land."
"I'll let Sam know but stay off our land. The others still disagree with our family being here again. Especially Paul." I sighed. Paul and I were still at a disagreement over some things. "He's been with Jacob a lot. He doesn't think Bella should go through with it. They think we can hide her and your family can deal with the Volturi."
"I don't disagree but... the last time I left."
"I know. I was there." I said, more harshly than I'd intended. His face fell and I tried to amend my reaction, "Just get Bella far away. Take her to Renee. Tell her it'll be her last time to see her before we graduate." I advised, "She won't be able to resist that."
"You could go with her." he offered but I shook my head.
"Renee can't stand seeing me. I'll be at home, watching over Charlie." Edward nodded in agreement with my plan, "Oh. Bella can't know about Victoria. She might do something stupid. As usual." We both smiled halfheartedly at my joke and parted ways.
Jacob still hadn't replied to my text. I went outside and opened up my phone to call Sam.
"Gabriella." Sam answered after half of one ring.
"Samuel." I said with less humor than normal, "The freaky one saw something. Edward's taking Bella to the station, come pick me up after school and we'll talk."
"See you then." he answered and I hung up. I went back to class but found it impossible to focus.
"Hey, little one." Sam got up from leaning on his car and gave me a big hug, "Haven't seen you in so long."
"Yeah, well it was your decision to take me off patrols." I rolled my eyes, noticing several people watching. Many females seemed curious as to who my big beefy friend was. Being the gentleman, he was, he opened the car door for me before getting in.
"Charlie and Bella need to be watched at all times. Your job is the most important." he said seriously, "Now tell me, what is going on?"
"Alice saw the red-head leech come here to Forks. This Saturday. I told them to stay off our land and that I'd warn you." Sam only nodded, so I continued, "Bella doesn't know. Edward is taking her to visit her mom in Florida."
"Is he going to do it?" He meant turning Bella into a vampire. The thought made me sick to my stomach. We'd agreed on after graduation and their marriage but Bella was being impatient.
"I'm not sure. He's not supposed to yet."
"We will be patrolling on our side of the land. If the Cullens aren't going to involve us in their investigation on the Seattle murders, they must stay off our side." I nodded in understanding. "You," he said is his alpha tone, "will not patrol with us while Victoria is still here." I groaned. "Watch Charlie."
"Fine." I said, slamming the door in frustration when we arrived at the police station.
"Laters, midget. Am I going to let Paul come check on you tonight?" he asked. Samuel always respected my wishes when it came to whether or not I wanted to see Paul or not. I knew he would try and make me go with Bella and Edward so I didn't want to. Hell, he'd probably do the beta order again on me and force me to go. He hadn't done it again since Italy but I had a feeling he would in this particular situation.
"No. Not until after the leech is gone." I said in a low tone, eyeing Bella next to Edward to make sure she didn't hear. Sam looked unsure but nodded and drove away, not forgetting to give. I appreciated that he respected my decision despite the fact he disagreed. He had the power as alpha to order me to do anything.
Now, to deal with Charlie. When I arrived, he was just coming out of a meeting with a middle-aged couple and Edward was saying goodbye. Charlie seemed relieved to know just us three
"Oh. Bella." he pretended to remember before getting into his car. "My parents wanted me to remind you the airline tickets you got for your birthday are about to expire."
"What airline ticket?" Charlie asked, not sounding happy.
"A round-trip ticket to Florida to see mom." Bella answered nervously, giving Edward an angry look.
"Well, that was generous." Charlie said in the same tone.
"It expires soon so you might want to use it this weekend."
"I can't just drop everything and go." Bella argued.
"It might be your last chance to see her before you graduate."
"Might not be a bad idea." Charlie seemed excited, "Get out of town for a couple days. Get some distance." Ah, any time away from Edward was a good thing it seemed. Bella caught on to this as well.
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing mom." Bella agreed, "As long as you use the companion ticket." she said to Edward.
"What? There's two tickets." Charlie looked from Bella to Edward, both nodding eagerly. "Super!" Charlie added in a small cartoon-like voice that made me giggle. "Makes me really happy." he added, now sarcastic. What can I say, I'd definitely gotten it from him. "Hey," he looked at me with a hopeful expression, "Why don't you just take your sister? She's never been to Florida. Or anywhere outside the Fork-La Push area for that matter." I narrowed my eyes. There was no need to insult me when dragging me into their mess.
"Dad. No. Renee." Those three words were enough to make Charlie understand. He was aware of why Renee couldn't stand to look at me. I saw a guilty expression start to form on his face so I intervened. With food. "Hey, I thought we were going to dinner. C'mon dad before I call CPS on you for starving me."
"You're going to be 18 in a few days. And stop being so dramatic." Charlie said resting an arm around my shoulders.
Everything went as planned. Bella went to Florida with Edward and I stayed home with Charlie, even convincing him to not go on patrol that day. I told him I missed Bella and needed my dad. It wasn't a complete lie. With everything going on it was nice to sit on the couch and watch movies with my dad all weekend. When my dad had fallen asleep on the couch, I draped a blanket on him. I couldn't sleep that night. It wasn't until just before 4am that I heard tapping on my window. I ran up my stairs, already knowing it was Paul. I was relieved, it meant that she was gone. I'd hoped he'd brought me her head on a silver platter but instead saw just Paul covered in bloody scratches.
I quickly opened the window to let him in, "What the hell happened? Did that bitch touch you? I'll kill her."
"No." was his short response. I crossed my arms and watched as he sat on my bed.
"Well? Are you going to tell me what happened?" I said, putting my hands on to my hips.
"I don't know if I feel like it. You told Sam not to let me come over until she was gone."
"You would make me leave Forks with Bella." he didn't disagree, "I wasn't going to leave Charlie."
"She was trying to get here the entire time." He growled, and stood up to sweep me in his arms and kiss me. "What if she had gotten to you? "He rested his forehead on mine, breathing deeply to calm himself. I looked at his wounds up close. They were deep and sharp, definitely the work of a vampire.
"Where's the head then? Did you get to rip it off?" I asked, a little too excited.
"She got away." he said in a frustrated tone, "It was the other Cullen."
"Wait, what?"
He sighed, "He jumped to get Victoria on our land. I was pissed because you were here and in danger. It's all their fault. So, we fought."
"And Sam just let it happen?" Paul shrugged. "Baby, let me clean you up. Those cuts won't heal properly." They were all open, and he had several bruises. "I think you could rock the sexy scar look... but I'd feel bad."
He finally cracked and gave me a grin. "Your birthday is on Monday." I wiggled my eyebrows as I wiped his cuts clean then put ointment on them. I'd temporarily forgotten but it was my birthday. We always celebrated on the reservation. The entire tribe came for story-telling and dancing.
"Finally, 18."
"Yeah. Jail bait no more." I joked. He didn't appreciate that one. He was only a few months older than me. His birthday had been just before Bella's when Edward had left her. I'd gotten him handcuffs as a joke since I was technically a minor and him an adult at the time.
Yeah, he really didn't think that one was funny.
Paul's birthday flashback
"Get down here!" Paul yelled from the bottom of the large waterfall. He sat in a small wooden canoe we'd borrowed to ride down the river. Sam, Emily, Jared, and Embry were with him, cheering me on.
"I can't do it! It's too high!" I screamed, hardly daring to peer over the edge. It was at least 30 feet up.
"Get your ass in the water!" Paul yelled.
"Yeah, or we'll leave you here!" Jared threatened.
I took in deep breaths. I was absolutely terrified of heights, but I was also afraid of being left behind in the middle of the forest. It seemed so far that we had to be out of La Push territory already.
I shook myself and did some jumps, "Okay! I'll do it!" I backed up a little then gave myself a running start and jumped into a dive. I opened my eyes mid leap, feeling the wind beneath my arms.
"Eeeeeeeeaglllllleeeeeeee!" I yelled on the way down before I dove face first into the water. When I emerged from the water, the group was cheering. I was amazed that I could even float. Paul had been teaching me to swim, starting with him holding me as I floated like a toddler learning to swim.
Paul was giving me a smirk that annoyed me. He looked too comfortable on the canoe. I felt like he needed to get back in the water with me.
"Gabby? Why are you smiling like that?" He asked suspiciously as I doggy paddled towards him.
"Just getting in." I said pleasantly while motioning to get on. I used my weight at the same time to pull the boat down until it quickly tipped over, sending Paul plunging into the water. Our friends burst into laughter with me.
"Aren't we way too old to be doing this type of shit?" Paul asked when he'd emerged from the water and had regained composure.
I shot a stream of water from my mouth into his face in response to his question. He stayed there for a moment without opening his eyes, taking a deep frustrated sigh. This only made us all laugh harder. Except for Paul, of course. He muttered something to himself as he flipped our canoe back over and helped me in before getting himself in.
Of course, Edward and Jacob would be arguing first thing in the morning on my birthday.
And here I was, hoping for confetti cannons, a marching band, and a hot air balloon. But nope. Nothing. Nada. Just a good ol' fashioned Jacob-Edward show down.
Lucky me. (Insert heavy sarcasm here)
Edward tried to get Bella to stay in the car with me but of course she wouldn't once she spotted Jacob. Edward sighed.
"Hey." Bella said chipperly.
I tried to outshine her. What can I say? I'm a competitive soul. "Jacob! Are you here for my birthday?" I accused him playfully like I would with a five-year-old.
He ignored me, his eyes not leaving Bella to even blink in my direction. "Charlie said you left town."
"Hey, happy birthday Gabz!" I said to myself, "Oh gee, Gabz, how kind of you to remember!"
Bella kept talking despite me sliding in front of her and blocking her with my arms. "Yeah. To visit my mom. Why?"
"He's checking to see if you're still human." Edward announced smugly. Jacob finally looked at someone other than Bella, to give a special glare he reserved just for Edward.
How sweet.
"I'm here to warn you. If your kind come on our land again..." Jacob trailed off, finally paying some attention to me after I'd been humming the birthday song on repeat for a minute and a half. "Really, Gabz?" He asked in a matching 'you can't be serious' facial expression.
"Just trying to diffuse the tension." I shrugged feigning innocence.
"Wait, what?" Bella tried to redivert the conversation to what Edward and I were hiding.
Which I thought was extremely rude, seeing as I'd gone through so much trouble to divert the conversation in the first place.
"You didn't tell her?" Jacob looked at us in disbelief. He focused on me, "I expected better from you." I looked away. I really wanted to support my best friend but he was wrong.
"Just leave it alone, Jacob." Edward said, noticing my diversion techniques weren't working. It's like we were tag-teaming. If only Jacob would get with the picture and quit trying to bring down Operation: Don't Make Bella Do Something Stupid.
"Tell me what?" Bella butted in again.
"Emmett and Paul had a misunderstanding. It's nothing to worry about." Edward lied smoothly. Nice one, partner.
"Listen to you." Jacob smirked, suddenly realizing how to get Bella pissed at Edward. Gee, fourth-wheeling this love triangle of theirs was tiring. Definitely less awkward than third-wheeling. "Did you lie to get her out of town too?" Jacob asked, a little too enthusiastically. Edward rolled his eyes like I'd never seen him do before, which was saying a lot because he was always rolling his eyes at my shenanigans. I watched closely to make sure his eyes didn't get stuck in the back of his head.
"You should leave. Now." He sighed wearily.
"She has right to know! She's the one the redhead wants!" Jacob had a point. Except this was my sister. You know, two left feet, 99.9% chance of almost dying on a daily basis. Yeah, that sister. She'd probably try recreational cliff-diving when a vengeful vampire who wanted to kill her was on the loose. Oh wait, she already did that. Then ended up in the den of the most powerful, bloody thirsty vampire coven on earth.
I'd have to remind her to tick it off her bucket list.
"Victoria?" Edward groaned. Bella had caught on, "Alice's vision." She said suddenly putting two and two together and getting four, "That's what it was about."
"I was trying to protect you." As usual. I appreciated Edward not dragging my name down with his. I figured it was because it was my birthday. Finally, some recognition.
"Okay, we're going to talk about this." She said to Edward, then turned to Jacob. "You. Why haven't you returned my calls?"
Jacob shrugged. Now, it was his turn to lie. Somebody get me some popcorn!
"I had nothing to say." I snorted, not from what I'd heard. Jacob shot me a dirty look that said 'you're not helping'.
"Yeah. Well I have tons." Now that I could believe. "Hey." She said when Jacob had turned to leave.
"Bella." Edward began but Bella didn't let him finish.
"You have to trust me."
"I do. It's him I don't trust." He narrowed his eyes at Jacob.
"What about me?" I said, throwing my arms up. It was Edward's turn to give me the 'you're not helping look'.
Sorry, Edward. It was nice working with you but it was my birthday and that meant Jacob and I were ditching school. We'd take Bella if it meant we got to leave sooner. We were wasting precious moments here. Every year on both Jacob and I's birthdays, we ditched school. I was sure the attendance office had already marked me off as absent before classes even began.
Edward watched as Bella got onto Jacob's bike. Jacob was reveling in his victory.
"Hey, lose the grin. We're just going for a ride." Bella told him but her tone said differently.
"Hold on tight."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Uh-uh." I interrupted their flirting, walking towards the bike, "I'll just..." I lifted a leg onto the bike between their bodies, "squeeeeeeeze on in." I eased myself between them and patted Jacob's back when I was good to go.
I made sure to make double pretend gun hand gestures and clicking noises at Edward to let him know I still had his back. He smiled appreciatively, but went back to frowning quickly, still upset over his loss in this round of Jacob-Edward showdown.
Jacob drove carefully to make sure Bella did fly off the back. They were mistaken if they thought that was going to be me.
At Emily's we were instantly greeted by the usual four idiots. They all seemed happy to see me and for Jacob. Bella seemed surprised at their warmth. She just didn't get. Even though we didn't want Jacob to get hurt, we knew he loved her so we loved her. And they knew I loved my sister, so they didn't have a choice really. We were family like that.
Paul was first to meet us, grabbing me and pulling me right off the bike and into his arms. He kissed me all over. I knew it was probably because he didn't like me being so close to Jacob but I giggled anyways and kissed him back. We got some cheers and cat calls from the boys.
"Hey! Look whose back!" Jared called out, taking a bite of his piece of chicken. I knew I'd tasted fried chicken on Paul's lip. It made my stomach rumble. Paul kissed it to make it better but it didn't work. I needed food, damnit.
Quil was first to greet Bella. "What up, Bella?"
She smiled, still unsure about their behavior, "Oh. You too, Quil?"
"Yup." he answered proudly, also eating a piece of chicken, "Finally made the pack."
"I'm glad you're here Bella. Maybe we'll get a break from Jacob's obsessive inner monologue." Embry joked.
"I wish Bella would call!" Paul mocked in a whiny voice.
"I wish Bella wouldn't call!" Jared joined him.
"Maybe I should call Bella!" Embry added.
"Maybe I should call Bella and hang up!" Quil finished it off and they all laughed harder.
I loved these idiots.
Bella laughed with them but was embarrassed.
"Yeah, okay. You can shut up now." Jacob said with wide eyes.
Leah Clearwater came out from the house, angrily stalking towards us.
"Ah, Leah. Feisty as ever." I announced. She smirked at me but went back to scowling at Bella.
"Bella, this Leah, Harry Clearwater's daughter." Jacob formally introduced them.
"Hey. I'm really sorry about your father." Bella gave Leah the pitiful look she loathed. Ooh, wrong move sister. I winced, I'd hoped Leah would go easy on Bella. Then again, Leah had a lot going on.
"If you're here to torture Jacob some more, feel free to leave." She warned before stalking off.
"Fun, isn't she?" Jacob's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Don't mind her, Bells. She takes a while to warm up to." I assured her. Though that wasn't all. The Edward-Bella-Jacob triangle was something Leah could relate to. She was Jacob in their Sam-Emily-Leah love triangle. The awkward one who didn't get chosen by their significant other. Leah was worse off, in my opinion. Emily was her cousin. Leah had phased when she found out Emily was pregnant and then caused her dad to have a heart attack. I couldn't imagine the pain of being the reason your father dies. But she was way too hard on herself, it's not like she asked to be a shapeshifter. It was all Victoria's fault. Even Seth Clearwater had shifted. He was only like 12 years old.
Emily and Sam were next to come out and greet Bella. Emily had started to show now.
"Hey! I was wondering when I'd see your pretty face around here again." She gave Bella a hug and I cleared her throat to get her to compliment my pretty face.
"Gabz. Oh, how I've missed you." She gave me a huge hug, her baby bump hitting my stomach. "Happy Birthday, sweetheart! The food is all ready, as you can see some of them have already taste-tested it for you."
"So, what's going down tonight?" Jared asked, "The usual Gabz B-day bash?".
"You know it! There's going to be dancing and a campfire! And more food, of course." Emily answered.
"What? You're going to be dancing, Emz?" Embry asked, sounding doubtful.
"You didn't think this big belly was going to stop me, did you?" She laughed.
"Hey. Take it easy." Samuel said, kissing her again and wrapping his hand over her bump.
"That could be you." Paul whispered into my ear in a low voice. My eyes widened, and I hit him playfully. "Kidding... kind of." He added.
"Oh hush." I quieted him, not wanting to talk about it in front of the guys. I got out my phone to text Cameron and Nikki, telling them to come later tonight.
This was it, I thought. Jared was finally going to imprint on Cameron and make my dreams come true. I just knew it.
After we ate, Emily brought out a cake and candles for me to blow.
"What do you wish for?" They cheered.
"For Jared to hurry up and imprint tonight!" I declared but they all became quiet looking from me too Paul. They were even more confused when Paul just smiled at me. He knew exactly what I meant.
"What do you mean, Gabz?" Jared asked cautiously.
"Uh, so we can finally get some new dirt to mess with you. Duh." I answered and everyone began chatting once more. Jared wasn't completely convinced and kept a distance from Paul to be safe.
The feast began at 5pm. Cameron had arrived with Nikki but to my dismay, Jared had gone with the others for a quick patrol. By 7pm, they weren't back yet and the dancing and other festivities began. I hadn't realized Paul was such a great dancer but then again, the last tribal event we'd interacted at was the one where he'd imprinted on me, less than a year ago. It felt like we'd been together so much longer.
Jared and the boys eventually showed up, and just as planned, Jared stopped mid-job when he saw us. His mouth gaped like a fish out of water and I knew the imprint was happening. I spun around to see Cameron's reaction to find it wasn't her behind me but Nikki who had suddenly stopped dancing. Cameron was behind her, also staring.
Wait, what? Could he imprint on both of them? Okay, a little awkward but I'd still get what I wanted I guess. Jared had started walking towards us when I noticed Embry was also headed towards us, same stupid expression on his face.
Oh piss, which guy had imprinted on which friend?
I watched in slow motion as Jared approached Nikki and Embry to Cameron.
"No! No, no, no!" I stomped my foot, interrupting their moment. The boys gave me clear 'what the fuck, Gabz?' looks. "You imprinted on the wrong one, Jared!"
"You know I can't choose." he argued.
"Okay, what the hell is going on?" Nikki asked. Cameron and her had their hands on their hips and confused looks on their faces.
"Come on guys. We've got some 'splainin' to do. Call your parents and tell them we're having a sleepover."
The festivities ended at around 9pm, because it was a weekday but Billy had us stay, except for Bella who Jacob took home to a furious Edward.
Nikki and Cameron both thought the whole thing was a prank. That is, until the boys phased into giant wolves, sending my friends running into the forest. They didn't take too well but it was understandable, they hadn't grown up hearing our tribe's stories. We didn't let them leave that way though. Seeing the guys phase back into human form without attacking them made it a little better but they were both pretty shaken. Billy explained the imprinting several times, emphasizing that they had a choice to turn their back on their imprints but that it would be devastating to Jared or Embry. The three of us had a sleepover that night at Billy's place. I made the guys, including Paul, all leave and stay at Emily's. I didn't want either of my friends to see Emily's scars just yet.
"So, this explains you and Paul's strong connection." Cameron began when it was just us girls. I nodded with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Gabz." Nikki apologized, "For everything."
"You didn't know. It's fine." I gave her a reassuring smile, "What's important now is how you two feel. I know it sounds crazy but it is all true. You have control in this situation but I really hope you at least give them a try."
"Well, Jared is pretty fine." Nikki grinned, "Why didn't you introduce me to him before?"
"I did! He wasn't a werewolf then so the imprint didn't happen. He wasn't so big back then. And I guess it's okay that your name won't be as awesome as Cameron Cameron, but I do see now that you guys are a better match."
"He's definitely not my type. Embry is though." Cameron wiggled her eyebrows. So far, they were taking it all pretty well.
"Yes. And you don't have to be scared of the wolves. We're here to protect you."
"Wait. We? Girl, don't tell me I'm about to turn into scooby doo."
"No... it's just me. And it's only tribe members as far as I know." I explained, and Nikki let out a breath of relief.
Cameron started to put two and two together. "So, that was the coming of age month you were gone?"
"Yeah. It's not really age specific though... it just happens and we use that excuse until we are able to control ourselves from phasing. It's difficult at first. But Jared's been a wolf much longer than me. He's never really been an angry person anyway." Like Paul, I thought but left out. Leave it to my friends to be the crazy ones who'd try and beat a temperamental werewolf's ass for me. "Embry's a sweetheart too, Cam. I'm glad it wasn't Jacob or Quil who imprinted on you two."
We spent the rest of the night talking about less serious things and doing our nails like we used to which seemed to calm their nerves. Both girls promised not to say anything to anyone, and if there was anyone I could trust to keep their word, it was them. We found a new table to sit at during lunch that day and the girls ended it with the guys they'd been talking to at school. After school, Paul, Jared, and Embry were already waiting with their motorcycles. I guess Harley Davidson's were a new wolf thing that Paul had started.
We went to get pizza together, having a good time as if we were all normal teenagers. It was nice to pretend for once but it didn't last long.
When we got to my house, Jacob was coming out of it. Edward and Bella stood outside.
"Whoever he was, he left his stink behind. It'll be hard to miss when we cross it again. We'll handle it from here." Jacob informed.
"We don't need you to handle anything. Or anyone." Edward's eyes were dark. He hadn't fed in a while.
Jacob answered with the same anger, "I could care less what you need.". They were looking at each other like they were going to kill each other so I decided it was time I intervene.
As usual.
"Whoa, guys back up. What did I miss this time?" I asked in a bored tone. Honestly, the Edward-Jacob tension was getting old.
"A leech entered." Jacob answered. Edward hadn't known my friends were imprints now, until he read everyone's thoughts. He whispered his discovery to Bella. "It wasn't Victoria." Jacob added, not wanting to hear about imprints. He was against it and hoped that he never would imprint. He was only saying that because it hadn't happened yet. I had high hopes it would still happen for him and that was why I still tolerated his silly crush on Bella.
"Ok great. Then we all work together." We all gave Bella skeptical looks, "We all have the same goals here. To catch the bad vampire." Well, that much was true.
"As if there's a difference" Jacob scoffed.
"Alright, we're done here." Edward started to pull Bella but Jacob grabbed her other arm.
"No, you're done here." Jacob argued. Edward gave him an exasperated look. He was more grumpy than usual when he was hungry. I looked at Bella, telling her she needed to put an end to this.
"No. Stop! Let go." she shook off both their grasps, "I'm tired of this. From now on, I'm Switzerland here."
"Girl, I could use some popcorn right about now." Cameron nudged me.
I snickered, "Tell me about it."
Bella rolled her eyes at us, not appreciating our comments. She continued talking, "Okay, I know you guys don't like each other." That was an understatement, "But we've got bigger problems. And this is just a temporary solution." She turned to Edward, "If you'd be willing to try."
Neither of them liked it, but they agreed.
It was weird, the wolves and vampires working together for a common cause. We'd taken over half of the patrols and searches so the Cullens would be able to hunt. Jacob had started baby-sitting Bella, as I liked to joke.
Billy decided to host a story-telling night that Friday at the council meeting, not only for Nikki and Cameron but also for Bella. Billy was trying to convince her not to become a cold one and we were going to fill Nikki and Cam in with the whole vampires are real issue. They'd been curious with Edward and Jacob's argument, quickly figuring out it was probably bigger than the little blood-sucking bug leeches. I told them we'd explain when it was right, and instead the wolves started patrolling their homes more carefully. We didn't know if the enemy vampires would try to take one of them. We weren't sure if they were aware of the wolves in the area or of our imprints but we weren't going to take chances.
To ease up Edward's jealousy, Paul and I did most of the patrolling around the house and Bella brought over some female friends. Well, friend. Jessica was still weirded out by Bella from the last time they'd hung out. I was happy about this, I liked Angela much better. Nikki and Cameron spent a lot of time around our house as well. I tried to keep things as normal as possible for them. Sometimes we eavesdropped on Bella on her friends at her door, making sure to have popcorn as we did. Charlie was happy with all the females around. It must have been nice with all the guys who had been hanging around his daughter.
"By the way," I whispered to Nikki and Cam as we sat at the camp fire waiting for Jacob and Bella to arrive, "Keep the PDA to a minimum when the boys get here. That's my grandpa." I pointed to the oldest council member, "The other two are Billy, who you know, and Sue Clearwater. She took over for Harry after he passed. It's his kids first time tonight as well. You know Seth and Leah." I informed them.
Paul, Jared, and Embry arrived together and we scooted over to make room for each next to their imprints. It wasn't wise to get between a wolf and their imprint. Paul gave me a kiss on the cheek as a hello and put an arm around me but that was it. He knew better than to do that with my grandfather around. The arm around me was already pushing it.
"Hey, are you going to eat that hot dog?" Paul asked Jacob, who was sitting on the ground in front of the fire, resting on Bella's legs. Jacob's hot dog was on the wire in the fire and was now burning. He'd been distracted it seemed by his thoughts because the Jacob I knew would never waste a perfectly delectable hot dog.
"I guess," Jacob said slowly, "I'm so full I feel like I'm going to puke. But I won't enjoy it all." Jacob joked, but he should know better. You just didn't do that in front of a hungry wolf with a temper. Paul growled, and I let them deal with it. "Okay, sheesh. Here you go. How many have you had?"
"I just got off patrol." Paul answered as he caught the stick and hot dog Jacob had tossed to him. Bella seemed amazed at his hand-eye coordination. It was something she couldn't relate to.
Jacob leaned over to whisper into Bella's ear. "The histories we always thought were legends," he said. "The stories of how we came to be. The first is the story of the spirit warriors."
It was almost as if Jacob's soft whisper was the introduction. The atmosphere changed abruptly around the low-burning fire as my grandfather through something into it to produce smoke. Paul and Embry sat up straighter. Jared nudged Nikki and then pulled her gently upright.
"The Quileute have been a small people from the beginning," Billy began. "And we are a small people still, but we have never disappeared. This is because there has always been magic in our blood. It wasn't always the magic of shape-shifting — that came later. First, we were spirit warriors."
Bella was in awe of Billy's story-telling skills. She was looking at him with wide eyes. When he started to talk about the cold ones, he stared her in the eyes not leaving them for a moment. Not even when he told us how we killed them- by tearing them apart and throwing them into the fire. He only looked away when my grandfather began telling the story of Taha Aki's third wife. She was his imprint, his true love. My grandfather paused to smile and nod at Cameron and Nikki. As he continued he mentioned Taha Aki decided to stop phasing and finally age to grow old with his third wife. This I had never really thought much of when I'd previously heard it. So, Paul and I wouldn't age if we continued phasing. The others would have to stop to grow old with their wives. I looked at Bella, maybe I did have more time with my sister than I thought.
"The third wife, did not possess any special magical talents but she did possess one very important trait," Nikki and Cameron were on the edge of their seat as grandfather told this part of the story, "Courage. The third wife knew that Taha Aki would lose the fight so she took a knife and plunged it into her heart to distract the cold woman with her blood." His eyes now flicked over to Bella at this part. He finished the story and moved on to that of a small coven of vampires who made a pact with Ephraim Black, Jacob's great-grandfather. This tale was even more lively than the others, because my grandfather had actually been there. He had only been a boy but he said his father's pack only consisted of three wolves. Grandfather's hypotheses on this, which was why they were holding the meeting, was because more shape-shifters emerged when more vampires came near the land.
"I suspect that there is a larger amount somewhere nearby. The pack is at the largest number we've ever seen." He told us wearily. "The number is rising so quickly, I fear that this someone is intentionally creating new cold ones. This is very dangerous for they are stronger and faster when newly turned... and have much trouble controlling their lust for blood." We all gasped. A few of us eyed Bella. Would she be able to control her lust for blood? I felt Paul bring me closer and knew all the others did the same to their imprints.
The council ended the meeting on that not, warning us to be vigilant and not stray from our paths.
"Granddaughter. Let us speak." My grandfather called and I followed as he walked.
"I'll be right back!" I told the others, mostly Paul who was reluctant to let me go after what we'd just heard. I saw Jared and Embry leading their imprints towards Sam and Emily. Emily would talk to them. I knew they must be panicking with what they'd just learned. If werewolves weren't enough to scare them, finding out vampires were real would.
I sensed Paul lingering to wait for me.
"Your friends are good for the tribe. I know they will not share our secrets. I wondered when we would start seeing imprints from outside our tribe. You and Paul seem to be the final connection to all the lines. There are only few lines now that aren't connected."
"You aren't worried they will tell?" I was a little surprised. Most of the imprints in the past came either from our tribe or others so I'd been afraid the council would be less than accepting of my friends.
"Are you?" He teased.
"No. Not at all."
"I trust your judgement. And the spirits. They have never let us down before. Remember that, my granddaughter." He said, more serious now. "I wish your mother and grandmother were alive so I could see with my eyes how proud they are of us. I definitely feel it." He breathed deeply as a strong wind came past us. Odd, we hadn't had any wind earlier. "Our loved one have moved on with the spirits. Listen with your heart, young one, and you will hear them." He lef after that, going into a building where Sue and Billy had gone.
After he left, the wind stopped completely. I wondered why he'd told me all that. Obviously, he wanted me to trust in the spirits. It was easier said than done. You would think once you've turned into a giant wolf and chased vampires, you'd believe anything but all those things were physically present and seen with the eyes. It took faith to believe in something you couldn't see.
"You okay, baby?" Paul asked as he made his way over to me. He held my face tenderly and gave me the greeting he'd wanted to earlier but couldn't in front of others. It was just what I need to pull myself together.
"I am now. How are Jared and Embry? More than half of us have imprinted already."
"They're making progress." He had a knowing smile, it seemed the boys did kiss and tell. Well, it was less humiliating for me now that I wasn't the only one. "But it's not quite half. Just this morning, two more tribe members phased. Their names are Collin and Brady. They're only 13." Paul was upset by this. Rightfully so.
"Something has to be done." I felt my eyes water at the thought of such young kids phasing, "They're too young for such a big responsibility... They deserve to enjoy their youth."' As I'd discovered about myself in Italy, this was a bit of a tender spot for me. I'd had such a happy childhood, I knew that's how it should be for all kids.
"Something will be done. The Cullens are going to train us to fight these newborns leeches. They say the mood-controller has experience with them." He looked away, he was hiding something.
"When do we start?"
It was just as I expected. "You will stay here with Collin, Brady, and Seth." I narrowed my eyes into slits. "Emily could go into labor. Someone has to protect them."
"But I need to protect you too." I argued. Paul smiled and kissed me.
"They can't hurt me." He said in a cocky tone. I rolled my eyes and he seemed satisfied but he was delusional if he thought I'd given up so easily.
When we entered the building where my friends were, Emily was already speaking to them. "There is no safer place in the world from the cold ones. We will make arrangements for you to come here if there is ever an attack. We will make room for your families too and an excuse to get them here." She assured them.
Cameron nodded but Nikki still looked terrified. Jared started whispering things in her ear and making her smile. The way he looked at her seemed to make her glow.
Embry was shier than Jared but he still held Cameron close and gave me a big smile when I came in.
"Hey kid." I ruffled Embry's hair, remembering that he was a year younger. "A younger man, huh? You, cougar, you." I said to Cameron, making Embry blush. She did a small clawing motion at me behind his back.
"We should get you all home. I'm sure these two will come in through the window." It was already late and I didn't want their families to worry so we all rode home in Bella and I's truck, dropping each couple off.
Edward was waiting at our home, eyes now a bright golden. He seemed happy to know Jacob wasn't with us and had stayed behind after the meeting. He probably had patrols.
Jacob watching Bella became routine, much to Edward's dismay. He'd began to get used to it and they ignored each other instead of arguing. So, when they came home and were in each other's faces, I knew something was up.
"Daaaaaad. Shits about to go down outside between Edward and Jacob." I informed him, hoping seeing Charlie would remind Jacob not to phase right now, "And as usual, Bella, your injury prone daughter, is hurt again."
"What?" He dropped whatever he'd been doing and ran outside, not even bothering to scold me for my cussing. He put his hands on both guys' chests, pushing them away from one another.
Oh, Lord. My dad's getting in between a vampire and werewolf. This was not good. "What's going on you two?" Edward was too upset to talk, I don't think I'd ever seen him so angry. I narrowed my eyes at Jacob. What did he do this time?
"I kissed Bella." Jacob admitted, not backing down, "And she broke her hand." Charlie looked ready to explode. "Punching my face. Total misunderstanding." Jacob added before Charlie blew up. I couldn't help but snort.
"Nice one, Bells." I snickered. Jacob gave me a dark look and I stopped. Bella looked as if she wished the ground would just swallow her whole.
"Oh." Charlie answered awkwardly. He probably did not want to know about either of his daughters kissing boys. "Hey. Well, no fighting on my lawn. And you," he pointed at Jacob but he didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry." He said honestly, "For kissing her. It won't happen again. Unless she wants me to."
"Okay, well, I'll let you two talk about it. Talk, that's it. I don't want to have to take anyone in." He sighed, quickly making his way back inside the house.
"If you ever touch her without her permission again, it will be the last thing you do." Edward warned.
"Jacob. Let's go." I said, ending their death stare before it got worse. "Take me to the rez."
"Please leave." Bella's harsh words finally got Jacob to budge. He got onto his motorcycle and I climbed on behind him. Charlie waved at me from the window. He seemed to be rooting more for Jacob than Edward when it came to Bella. I understood why, Jacob had never let any harm come to in the 18 years we'd known each other. But that really wasn't fair, Bella would get herself nearly killed multiple times with or without Edward. She really didn't need him.
When I got to the rez, my sexy man was already waiting for me at Emily's. The whole pack was there and were trying to stop themselves from smiling. I had no idea what was going on but there was definitely something.
"Hey baby, can we talk?" I nodded, waiting for Paul to say whatever he needed to say, "Outside?"
What in the world was going on?
"Sooo, I was excited when you texted you were coming. I know it's last minute but my dad seems to be having a good day... at least by his standards." I smiled hoping he was about to say what I thought he was going to say. "I bought him some beer and wanted to go introduce you. Like I promised." Yes, this was exactly what I'd hoped for.
I pounced onto him and covered him in kisses. I hadn't been bugging him about his promise as often because of the vampire situation so I was definitely not expecting this. "Let's go. If you keep this up, I'm taking you into a room and we'll never leave."
He didn't have to tell me twice. I got into his truck before he did.
"I always get what I want." I said happily as he drove.
"Brat."
"Sarai is my sister's name. Dad is very protective of her so I'm not sure how all this will go down. I won't let him hurt you though." Paul seemed to be reasoning more with himself than talking to me. I squeezed his hand to comfort him. I wondered if Paul's dad had hurt him but I was afraid to ask. I might not be able to control myself when meeting him. It would explain Paul's behavior growing up. Why he bullied me, was so rebellious, and had such a temper.
Paul's house looked a lot like Emily's but that was what most houses looked like on the reservation. It seemed less taken care of than Emily's though, and as if it might have been nicer at another point in time. Paul got out of the truck first, coming around to open my door and help me out. He kissed me again, catching me by surprise.
"I feel like it's just a dream again. I missed you so much." He said kissing all over my face. He took my hand and led me to the front door. He took out a key and unlocked it. "Dad? Sara? I'm home!"
"Paul!" I heard a young girl scream before she ran downstairs. She paused when she got to the bottom, suddenly realizing I was there. She was young, only about 8 or 9 years old. She was beautiful with long eye lashes and big eyes. She didn't look very much like Paul though. She was a little darker in skin tone but had the same hazel colored eyes. "Who's this?"
"Sara. This is Gabriella Swan, my girlfriend." She smiled and waved shyly at me. Paul let go of my hand to run and pick her up. He spun her around as they hugged making her giggle.
"Are you going to play princess with me?" She asked when he put her down. I didn't realize at first that she meant me.
"Of course. I love princesses!" I did. I mean who didn't, right? Sara giggled and took my hand.
"My favorite is Jasmine. You can be Belle! Your hair already looks like her." She said, leading me into the next room which was a kitchen, dining table, and living room. Sitting at the table was a man who I figured was Paul's father. He looked exactly like him but much older. He had a gut as well as if he drank a lot of beer. He had one in his hand at the moment.
"Your girlfriend, Paul?" He didn't look at me, keeping his eyes on his beer.
"Yes, daddy! Her name is Gabriella and she's going to play princess with me!" Sarai answered for him. Their father smiled when he looked up at her.
"Of course, my angel. Who wouldn't want to play with you? Sweetheart, please go upstairs. I need to speak with your brother."
"Okay!" She said, blissfully unaware of the tension in the room. "Gabriella?"
"I'll be right up. Get my tiara ready!" I smiled nervously. She nodded and skipped happily off.
Paul's father's smile fell when he looked to his son. "Is this what I think it is?" Paul winced but he nodded slowly.
"You can't do that to this family, Paul. How do you know she won't leave you?" He stood up, slamming his can of beer onto the table, "Then what will happen? You'll come here and take it out on your sister?" Paul shook his head but didn't say anything. "I won't let you. Take her home, now." Paul didn't say anything but he moved in front of me as if to protect me. He shook his head again. "No? You ungrateful son of a bitch!" He grabbed a plate and threw it but it landed three feet to the left of us. Paul flinched but still moved in front of me to make sure I didn't get hit by the shards of glass. I gasped. Paul was right, his father didn't take the imprint issue well. But maybe if he knew I'd also imprinted on Paul. Paul was too nervous to think right now.
I cleared my throat and his father looked up at me, expression unreadable. "Sir, um, Mr. Lahote? I just wanted to say... I imprinted on Paul, too. I'm also a shape-shifter."
"Women don't phase." He accused, upset as if he thought I were lying.
"There's been a lot of leeches in the area. The Cullens came back and it attracted more vampires." I explained. Mr. Lahote nodded, taking it all in.
"If you'd just come to a meeting, dad. Billy will tell you." Paul begged, finding his voice now.
"I can't. I'm embarrassed." He shook his head and sat back down, sighing. "So, you're the reason my son hasn't been fighting back anymore. No calls from the school either... are you going to hurt my son?"
I shook my head. "Never."
"That's all I ask. Gabriella Swan, huh? Are you Charlie's daughter?"
"Yes. His second one. My mother died giving birth to me." He seemed to get what I meant, which was that I wasn't Renee's daughter Bella.
"Paul Lahote. Senior." He held out his hand.
I was ecstatic that everything was going so well, and I was unable to hold my tongue. "Is it too early to call you dad?". I laughed nervously and quickly shook his hand. To my surprise and evidently Paul's, he let out a booming laugh.
"That sure? Alright then." He sighed sitting down, "You have both been through the imprint so you might understand what being rejected does to us. It's worse than you can imagine. Like you're just empty." He shrugged. I looked behind me at Paul. His eyebrows furrowed as if confused by it all. I decided I needed them to have some much-needed father-son time.
"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I've got a princess party to attend." I curtsied dramatically, gave Paul's hand a quick squeeze and left the kitchen to go upstairs.
Upstairs were two bedrooms, with a shared bathroom in-between. Both doors were identical and I wasn't sure which room was which so I chose to try the one on the right side of the bathroom. When I entered, I saw that it was definitely a guy's room and by the smell, it was Paul's.
What can I say, curiosity killed the wolf too apparently?
I stepped inside to look around. The walls and bedsheets were all different shades of grey but all were mostly darker grey tones. There were a few sports team's flags and posters on the wall. There was a football jersey that said "LAHOTE" on the back from La Push High School. I'd forgotten that he played on the school team before switching to Forks High School. Did he miss playing at all? He probably didn't have time anymore with patrols and school.
I was surprised that the room was fairly clean, considering all the guys I knew had messy rooms. I'd only seen Jacob, Embry, Quil, and Sam's but they all looked as if hurricanes had come through them.
On his desk, there were a few pictures. He had several of me which he seemed to have taken from Jacob's or Sam's house. There was one of me in my dance uniform, one in a bathing suit, and another in a short dress. I noticed they were all of when I was already in high school and those which I had skin showing. Well, not that much skin but more than I usually let show. Oh, my possessive imprint.
There was another picture of Paul and his old group of friends. From what I'd heard, he wasn't speaking to them anymore.
There was one more of a woman who looked much like Aria. I didn't have time to wonder who it might be.
"I don't know if I can handle you in my room any longer without throwing you on the bed." Paul was leaning on his door's frame, "Did you see Sara yet?"
"No. I got distracted. Who's this?" I held up the picture of the woman.
"My mom." He moved closer, looking at the picture. "I've been thinking of going to find her. I wonder what she's doing. If she has a new family. If she cares. Everything went so well today... I was hoping you'd come with me."
My heart sank. I knew the pain of not having a mother. I loved Charlie but I'd always wished I had a mother to talk to.
"Do you know where she is?"
"I heard she moved back and was staying in Seattle. It's what my dad and I fought about the first time I phased." He shared. "With all the things going on in Seattle, I wonder if she's safe."
"Let's do it."
It was hard keeping the secret from the pack but Paul had asked me not to tell and finding his mom was personal. It wasn't my place to tell anyone.
The only person to find out was Leah Clearwater whose mother had been the one Paul's mother had contacted. Sue and his mother had been good friends.
As for Charlie and Bella, I had to lie. I avoided Edward at all costs to make sure he didn't get any glimpses into my mind. I told them we were going to be at Leah's house. Sue agreed to cover for us.
We made plans for the weekend, since it was the only weekend we'd have for the next two months where we weren't scheduled to patrol or anything. Leah got her patrols switched quickly, having something up her sleeve to guilt Sam with. I don't know what she texted but Sam agreed instantly.
"So, why is she in Seattle?" I asked Paul while we were driving there. Leah was in the back seat, with headphones in her ears.
"It's where they met. She went to college there and has some friends in the area. Her and my dad stayed in Tacoma when they had Sara and I." He explained. Sarai we'd left at home with her dad. Paul wasn't sure if she was ready to meet her mom and wanted to make sure she was serious before letting her see Sara. "I'm not exactly sure why she came back. She'd returned home to Mexico when she left dad."
The drive to Seattle was beautiful. We took the 101 and got to see more of the coast and beaches. We only stopped to eat because our time was limited. We had to be before Monday night. I hoped his mother would come back with us. Paul would be graduating Tuesday and my graduation would be on Thursday. The entire pack would be attending both, of course and Alice's party.
"Leah, the address." I nudged Leah to wake her up when we'd arrived in Seattle.
"Huh?" she wiped a bit of drool from her chin, "Oh, 3398 Newcastle Commons Drive, Newcastle, WA 98059."
"Hm, Newcastle. Sounds fancy. The map says you'll have to take the 405 freeway. It's coming up in 4 miles." I instructed. Paul's grip on the wheel had been tight since we'd seen the 'Welcome to Seattle' sign. I was constantly reminding him to loosen up or he'd snap it in half. "Steering wheel babe."
It only took about 30 more minutes to get to Newcastle. As we drove, houses became farther and farther apart with more green forest in between.
"That was 3396 over there so it's probably that one ahead." I pointed to a big apartment complex that was at the edge of the thick forest. It was a few miles from any neighbors. "It looks like new construction." We pulled into a fairly empty parking lot. I wasn't sure if it was because we'd arrived during business hours and all the tenants were at work.
"You stay here, I'll make sure it's safe." Paul instructed but I should my head in defiance.
"We'll all go together. We're safer in numbers. We'll smell danger before we see it anyway. I don't smell leeches." I opened my door to sniff again. There was something but it was unfamiliar.
"I think it smells... nice. Like pumpkin pie or something." Leah said, puzzled. "That's my favorite."
"I don't smell it. I hope there is though, I'm starving."
"You're always-"
"Shh. You said apartment 329, right?" Paul hushed Leah and I and the three of us walked up the flights of stairs to the apartment. Paul knocked on the door and my heart hammered in my chest. I held onto his free arm to control my anxiety.
After peeking through the hole, a woman emerged.
"Ai, mi hijo."