A/N: Hey guys! Sorry, it's been a bit. But here is the next chapter for ya! I am a wolf girl 100%, but who says a vampire can't have a happy ending? Hope you enjoy it!
Before I could make sense of what was just said, Paul had his hand around Edward's throat. He had shoved him against the wall and lifted him until he was eye level with him.
"Paul, stop!" I yelled at him. I doubt he heard me over his growling,
"You won't touch her." The way he said this sent shivers down my spine. It was pure animal talking. If this had been any other time, it would have been an absolute turn on. As it was, I was afraid. I wasn't afraid of Paul. I was afraid of what a war would mean. Because Paul killing Edward would start a war, and I didn't want to lose anyone.
"You misunderstood," Edward said trying to appeal to Paul's logical side. "Please allow me to explain."
"Alright…" Oh shit! We all forgot about Charlie. "Paul, you need to put the boy down. Don't make me call Sam. He's got enough to deal with there being new wolves and all." That got Paul's attention. Wide-eyed Paul turned to Charlie.
"You know?"
"Of course I know. I've been friends with Billy and Harry for close to forty years. I'm not blind or stupid. I've heard the legends. Then when Sam went missing and suddenly came back a giant. I put two and two together. It really wasn't hard. Besides I'm the police chief, I didn't get that position by being unobservant. Now like I said, put the boy down and tell me what is going on." My dad had placed his hand on Paul's arm. Pushing slowly down until Edward's feet hit the ground. "Now let go," He said squeezing slightly on Paul's arm. Exasperated Paul let go and wiped his hand down his face.
"Charlie, you don't understand what he…" Paul stopped. I knew he couldn't continue. If he told Charlie what Edward was he would be breaking the treaty.
"I know exactly what he is. Like I said, police chief here." Charlie said pointing to himself. "I know that they are not a threat. And about the treaty and that it was Carlisle who signed it. I also know what he and his family has done for this town and my daughter. Now, that being said, I understand he is dangerous but I'm willing to hear the boy out."
"Thank you, Charlie," Edward said. "I misspoke when I said I felt a connection to Bella. It's not really a connection per se. It is more that, I feel like I need to protect her. Like she has the answer to some important question I don't know to ask." I deliberated on that for a minute. What answer could I have? I studied Edward closer. After I woke up, I noticed I could read people's auras. Each person was surrounded by dim colors. But Edward and Carlisle were surrounded by blackness, with a pinprick of color so dim it was almost unnoticeable. I closed my eyed and centered myself looking for a meaning behind this difference and I found it easily.
"You are not soulless," I said opening my eyes. Edward slowly turned towards me.
"What did you say?" Edward asked. I assumed it wasn't because he didn't hear me, but more so because I floored him.
"You are not soulless. I can tell by your aura. Your soul is there it is just covered by blackness." I paused a moment to let that sink in. Carlisle came to stand next to Edward placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Bella, what do you think the blackness is?" Carlisle asked.
"I know what it is," I said clearing my throat. "It is your vampiric nature. It is a condition upon your soul. I also know how to remove it." Carlisle staggered back.
"Remove it? How?" Carlisle asked.
"A soul is a part of nature. The vampiric state is not. It is a dark magic, a perversion of nature and I can, through the spirit realm remove the 'stain' it leaves on the soul."
"Absolutely not!" Paul shouted. "Bella, are kidding me? You're in a hospital bed there is no way I'm letting you do that. Ever!" I bristled at the order. I understood where Paul was coming from and I partly agreed with him. That kind of spirit walk would take a lot out of me. Not to mention the danger the magic posed and I wouldn't try it while pregnant. But…
"Do not think just because I'm your imprint, you can order me about Lahote!" There take that! "No I will not attempt to help them while I am pregnant, but this is what I am meant to do. Protect nature and any vampire wanting my help to return to their intended nature…I will help." Paul just grumbled as he sat on the couch to sulk. My dad came over and spoke quietly,
"Are you sure it is something you want to try. It sounds dangerous. I'm not sure what it all entails but if you aren't willing to do it while pregnant it must not be safe."
"I won't lie to you, Dad. It isn't safe. The magic is strong and dangerous but there are things I can do to prepare and give me the best chance possible. I have twenty-eight more weeks of pregnancy and then say six weeks of recovery time. That will be plenty of time for me to make the necessary preparations," I said. Then I motioned for my dad to lean in closer and said, "You know they all have supernatural hearing. Whispering does nothing." I laughed as my dad's cheeks reddened.
"Bella, when you say you can help us, is it one at a time or…?" Carlisle asked in an attempt to save my father from the laughing.
"One at a time. I'm afraid the magic is too strong for me to take on like that I will need to rest and prepare each time. Hopefully, it won't take too long." I said and Carlisle just nodded his understanding.
"We'll leave you to your family now Bella. The nurse will be in with your discharge papers shortly. Remember, bed rest."
"Ugh! Don't remind me." I said giving him an impish smile. He was really growing on me.