A/N Wow! If someone would have told me a year ago, when I started this fic, that I would write over 100,000 words I would have laughed in their faces. It has been a long year and a rough road to get here. I just want to say thank you to all of my readers, and especially to Mist, Tonya, Angela, and Lori for all their help. Their assistance and encouragement, along with all my readers, have kept this story going. Hugs, Reign.

Oh and I own nothing!

~B of L~

Chapter 17: Clusterf*ck

Songs: Chances by Five for Fighting and Titanium by David Guetta & Sia

BPOV-Tuesday (morning after poker night)

After prying myself away from Paul this morning, I made my way into the Outfitters for a long day back at work. Paul had been like a wild animal last night, and I had loved every minute of it. Especially the growling sounds he made when he got really worked up. I didn't think he was even cognizant that he was doing it.

He would have started with me as soon as we left the Ateara's last night if I hadn't refused to do it against a tree. Not that I didn't find sex with Paul tempting, but I was so tired from cooking and my head was killing me from the conversation with Quil, and then Embry.

But Paul was like some soothsayer, pulling the headache out of me like a rabbit out of a hat. By the time we made it back to my camp, I had forgotten all about my head and minutes later I had trouble remembering my own name. I had lost track of how many times we had done it during the night, but we finally had to stop, much to our dismay, because he ran out of protection. If that wasn't an advertisement for the pill, I didn't know what was.

So even with the prospect of another dull day of work, I couldn't keep the smile off my face. It was like I slept with a hanger in my mouth. I hadn't, but I had Paul's tongue in my mouth plenty of times. And my lower lips were smiling just as wide from all the lip service Paul had gave them as well.

The man was insatiable. I had to come back to work to rest.

"You had sex."

I whirled around and looked at Angela Weber incredulously.

How did she know? I had looked in a truck mirror while fixing my hair this morning. I didn't look any different. There was nothing on my forehead that had said 'Virgin no more'.

Now my hips? They were a different matter entirely. I suppressed a moan at the thought of Paul's large, hot hands guiding me as I rode him last night.

Focus, Bella!

"Wh-What?" I wheezed as I tried to feign innocence. As good of a poker player as I could be, you would think that I would be a better actress.

"You are in too good of a mood. Either you are an alien, or something happened to put a smile on that otherwise bitter face."

Ouch!

She chuckled at my offended scowl. "Just kidding. You just look bored sometimes, or annoyed if Mike is here," she said as her obsidian eyes sparkled.

I tried to give her an annoyed look, but for the life of me I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Angela was too likable a person. A truly endangered species, like virgin brides and honest politicians.

"Soooo…" Angie persisted. I saw the determination on her face; she wasn't going to back off, much to my dismay.

Reggie had been like that. She had possessed that uncanny ability to look at me and just… know. My feelings, my fears, and my dreams had seemed to be common knowledge to her. But perhaps that was a prerequisite for a best friend.

"So, how are you?" Angela asked, deciding to go about things in a less direct manner, hoping that I could be lulled into spilling all the dirt of my sordid life.

"Good." Sore. "Tired. How about you?"

She gave a noncommittal shrug, but answered anyway. "Ben and I broke up."

Ben Cheney was Angela's boyfriend of a little over a year, and the only nice thing that I could say about him was that he didn't seem to be as much of a dumbass as most of the guys in Forks. Of course, that was before he let Angela Weber slip through his fingers. Moron.

She could definitely do better.

"I'm sorry. You okay?" I said, trying hard to put the proper amount of empathy in my expression. I wasn't sure how tore up she was about it; they had seemed pretty happy.

"Yeah. I would be hurt if he hadn't been such an ass about it. Told me we should keep ourselves open to new 'experiences' our senior year," she said mimicking the quotes with hand gestures. Asshole, perhaps I had judged him too fairly. "Of course, I'm sure he is just wanting to tap Lauren Mallory. He's the only dick in a thirty mile radius that hasn't climbed that particular sand dune yet. So, I'm pretty okay with it. Fuck him," she finished with a passive grin before taking a drink of her Route 44.

I smiled brightly at her curse. Angie was a minister's daughter and a really sweet person. But she did have a touch of a temper and a mouth to match.

I was beginning to think we were kindred spirits. "Well, good for you. I'm happy for you."

She was getting ready to ask something, when she was interrupted by the foreign sound of my cell phone ringing. I quickly scrambled to get the phone out of my back pocket and quickly answered to stop the annoying sound. "Hello," I greeted after noticing the caller ID, walking toward the back for some privacy.

"Hello, Ms. Swan?"

"Speaking."

"Oh, This is Beth from the Williams Clinic. The doctor has to reschedule her appointments for next Thursday and we were hoping you could make this Friday at 3pm instead."

"Oh," I said, thinking of my options. I already had that day off; I was actually taking the GED in Silverdale. This just made things a lot easier, and would save me a tank of gas. However, Paul's birthday was the night before and there was going to be a bonfire for him, so Friday would be a long ass day for me. But I needed to get this over with so I didn't have to take anymore time off. "Sure. No problem. I'll see you then."

"Have a good day."

"You too," I replied turning around to go speak with Angela again, but she was dealing with a customer. Sighing with relief that I avoided her interrogation, I busied myself with work.

~B of L~

After watching the the clock for the last hour, it was finally time to go home. Or rather, go to Hank's for Makala's homecoming party. Paul had been disappointed that I hadn't went with Hank and him to pick her up. But I had spent most of Sunday and yesterday there with her and had endured far too much time in the hospital. Anyway, I needed to come back to work.

A short time later, I walked apprehensively back into Hank's house. I gave Joy a hug and got busy with finishing the meal that I had prepped the night before. Joy and the guys had brought everything that had been pre-made. We had just placed the lasagnas in the oven and had the skillets full of meatballs when Quil and Embry hollered that Makala was home.

I had been too busy to really dwell on my last visit here. I did feel like there was eyes on me, but that seemed to be typical of any day of the week nowadays.

I wiped my hands with a towel as I walked toward the front door, noticing the pictures along the hallway that I hadn't last time. Pictures of Paul in his childhood and adolescence. There was a particularly good picture of Paul and Makala laughing, oblivious to the camera.

"That is one of my favorite pictures of them," Joy said from behind me as I stopped to admire the photo. "I took it about a year ago. They had been through so much after their mother died and to see them so carefree… I just couldn't help but capture the moment." She wound an arm around my waist and pulled me into her side. "We can never thank you enough for saving them." I looked at her and she continued, "It would have killed him to lose her too. You saved Paul just as much as you saved Makala. Never doubt that."

I remained quiet, unsure what to say. When we got outside, we joined the receiving line to greet the young girl. She was currently being carried by Paul to hug her cousins and Billy. She looked happy and when she saw Joy and I waiting, her grin widened.

Joy gave her a warm, motherly hug, kissing the top of her head tenderly. When Paul brought her to me, I gave her one too and said, "Welcome home, Makala."

She surprised me with the amount of strength she returned in the hug, but not as much as her words did. "Welcome home, Bella," she whispered. She pulled away as Paul walked toward the front door, but gave me a knowing look that unnerved me a little from over his shoulder.

We all filed into the living room, watching on as Hank and Joy fussed over their patient. She was strong enough to leave the hospital, but the doctor had advised for her to take it easy for a day or two. I excused myself to the kitchen, seeking the solace that only cooking could bring. As if the spirits of the women of my past could bring me comfort as I remembered sitting in the same kitchen with them in my youth.

I was slicing several bread loaves and spreading them with a homemade garlic spread of my Nana Marie's for dinner, when strong arms wrapped around me from behind. Paul kissed along my neck up to my ear and whispered, "Thank you."

"For what?" I queried as I watched the serrated blade slice through the bread like butter, careful not to slice one of my fingers off. Not only would that be a real party pooper, but it would probably pass out from the blood as well.

"For helping with all this. For just being here," Paul replied softly as he squeezed me to him.

"Paul, you don't have to thank me," I said sincerely, leaning back into his muscular chest. "I want to be here." And I truly did. I adored Makala, but with Paul I was so confused. I wanted to be in his arms so fucking bad it terrified me. Part of me was planning, years in advance, while the other part of me was screaming that this was all going way too fast. I felt like I was being pulled apart.

"Can I help?" I smiled at his offer of assistance.

"No, I got this under control. Go back in the living room with your sister." He kissed the top of my head and left the room, leaving a sense of emptiness in the kitchen that I tried, desperately, not to think about as I plopped the noodles in water.

Dinner went well, everyone eating and talking happily. Afterward Joy and I put up the leftovers, while Quil and Embry cleaned up for us. We sent food home with Jake and Billy. Billy seemed tired and I was worried about him. So, I invited myself over to his house the next day after work to cook and keep an eye on him. Diabetes could be difficult even if you were relatively healthy, and I suspected that he didn't take care of himself near as much as he should.

I left later with Old Quil and Joy, much to Paul's disappointment. I didn't want to intrude. Makala had mentioned how much she missed him since he had moved away, so I decided this was a good opportunity for some quality time for Hank and his grandkids. I had packed up the campsite before leaving for work, so I needed to return stuff to the Atearas' anyway. Old Quil was lobbying for some blueberry pancakes and thought his chances were better if I slept at the house.

When we walked in the Atearas' home, I took the liberty to make my own bed on the couch, trying not to be too much of a nuisance.

I had told Old Quil that I was only sleeping over because I was too tired to drive back to Forks, but I could tell he didn't believe me. I wasn't sure where his suspicions came from, but it didn't matter. I kept our conversation before bed short, feigning fatigue from dinner.

"You know, you are welcome here anytime. I think more of you than my own granddaughters." He joked as his hand rested on the bannister of the stairs. But I wouldn't be surprised if he was serious.

Rachel and Rebecca were spoilt brats as children, and I could only imagine what they were now. As reprehensible as I found their abandonment of an ailing father and a younger brother to be, I couldn't help but feel relieved that they weren't here. They were miserable here, and their incessant complaining about it only made others miserable as well. However, it was possible that they were now wonderful people that everyone adored. Yeah, right.

I felt myself being embraced, bringing me back from my thoughts, as Old Quil pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry that I didn't make more of an effort to stay in touch with you over these last few years."

"It's okay," I said nonchalantly. "Renee would've pitched a fit. She hated it here and any reminder of it annoyed her."

"I think we both know that Renee wasn't the only problem," he stated knowingly, looking into my eyes with his concerned ones. I could see love and compassion, but I could also see pity.

And I didn't like it.

He was fishing for details, but he wouldn't get anything from me. Not because I didn't love him and thought he didn't deserve to know, but rather that no good could come of it now. He would feel guilty; and he couldn't be hurt by what he didn't know.

"Well, I am tired. I am going to go to bed, before I don't feel like cooking tomorrow."

He smiled at my subtle threat, but didn't challenge me further.

~B of L~

The next morning after breakfast I dragged myself into work for a six hour shift. The day dragged horribly because my back was sore from the less than comfortable couch and Angela had the day off. Once I work was done, I went back to the reservation and stopped by Atearas' store for some groceries. After escaping Joy pestering me for Nana's garlic bread recipe, I pulled up to the Blacks' faded red house where Billy welcomed me and my bags of food into his home.

I walked into the small kitchen to find it, once again, in disarray. There was only junk in the fridge and an assortment of soups in the pantry. I was far from a health nut, but I understood the importance that a good diet could play, particularly for someone like Billy. It was a miracle he was still alive.

"Billy, this can't go on. You have to be eating better," I scolded.

"Well, I'm still dancing," he said with a smile on his face. I scoffed at him, but I had so much admiration for the man in front of me. Even with everything that had happened to him he could still laugh and joke as if nothing happened.

"Not for much longer if you keep eating this crap," I quipped as I threw a box of powdered donuts and several empty Cheetos bags in the trash. "Do I need to teach you about the four food groups?" I then pulled one of the Rainers out of the fridge, "and this, just so you know, is not one of them."

I rose my hand, pointing my fingers to my eyes, then turning them to point at the ailing Chief, silently declaring "I'm watching you." He merely chuckled in amusement.

I continued on my rant. "Do you have a doctor? When was the last time you saw him?" I could tell by the sheepish expression on his face that it had been a while. I understood his reluctance after being in a hospital so long; I couldn't stand them or doctors. For every good, compassionate physician there was nine other patronizing, arrogant pricks who made you wish for death rather than to have to endure their non-existing bedside manner.

But I didn't have diabetes with a family and tribe depending on me.

"Damnit Billy!" I admonished. "Do you ever want to meet your grandchildren in the future?"

"Actually, I already have one. Rebecca has a nine month old boy in Hawaii, and one on the way.

I wanted to ask if he had ever seen him, but didn't bother, the sadness in his face was answer enough.

Damn bitch!

"You have got to go to the doctor. People die from this shit, Billy. Don't you think Jake has lost enough?" I asked rhetorically.

"I go as often as I can, but it is difficult to get to Port Angeles."

"What about Forks?" I asked as I chopped onions and garlic.

"I don't care for some of the staff," he said with a bit of bite in his tone.

I wonder if this had to do with Paul's wigout the other night. I looked up from my cutting board and quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. "That shouldn't stop you, unless they were your doctor," I committed as I concentrated on the knife as I chopped.

"Cullen is not my doctor," he said indignantly as he gave me a hard look. But the expression merely flashed on his face as he seemed as surprised as me at his words.

Hmmm, Cullen? I tried to place the name, and then I remembered the doctor Charlie had attempted to introduce me to.

"Jekyll? Yeah, he is a little creepy," I conceded absently to myself as I washed more vegetables in the sink.

I caught the movement out of the corner of my eye. Billy was shaking with what appeared to be laughter. I watched in utter confusion as he let out a boisterous laugh. What was so damn funny?

After a few minutes he composed himself, dabbing at his eyes. "Thank you honey, I needed that."

I gave him an annoyed look. "Your welcome, I guess."

His chuckling finally stopped as he looked at me, "How did you meet Doctor Cullen?"

"Charlie tried to introduce us the other day."

"Tried?"

"It was at the hospital after Makala's incident. I was not exactly in a social mood at the time." Among other things.

He nodded in understanding. "How come he wanted to introduce you?"

"You assume I know," or care, "what Charlie's motives are. I don't," I said, aggravated, before I could even think about it. He raised his eyebrows at my sharp tone, but didn't otherwise comment.

Idiot, I cursed myself for the error. I did not need to shine a spotlight on the dysfunction of my family. I already had Old Quil sniffing around, and I sure as hell didn't need him and Billy comparing notes. Fuck!

An uncomfortable silence descending upon us. I tried to busy myself with the five different meals I was preparing. I was pulled away from my culinary thoughts by the soft cadence of Billy's voice.

"Bella, if I can, I'd like to offer you some advice. Keep your distance from the Cullens."

"Okay. Why?" I asked, not looking back from the pot I was stirring on the stove.

"Why?" He parroted back in a perplexed manner. I turned to look at him to see his incredulous face staring blankly at me.

"What is wrong with them? Maybe the mysterious comment works with others, but I am going to need a reason." I was feeling fairly argumentative, trying to divert attention from my earlier faux pas.

"Let's just say that their reputation precedes them."

"Reputation? With all due respect Billy, people in this town are not exactly known for their tolerance. If you believe everything you're told, then I am screwing half of Forks and La Push with designs on the rest."

"Not funny Isabella."

"Wasn't meant to be," I chuckled without humor. "I need more information about why I should avoid these people, not that I planned on becoming BFFs with them. I work in a business that apparently they frequent. I will run into them again."

"Again, have you met more than the doctor?"

"I've only seen the big guy and the blonde at the store, but I was not introduced. He seemed okay, but I will admit the girl was a little… intense. The point is that they are good customers of the store, and as capable as I am of being a raging bitch to them, I refuse to just do it because that is what I have been told to do." I gave him a look that said I was not budging on this and to pick his battles. I was actually thrown for a loop that he would even bring this up to me.

"Look Bella. I am not trying to tell you what to do or persuade you. You are an intelligent woman and can make your own choices. I'm only asking you to pay attention and to listen to your instincts. Just be careful," Billy said, his words dripping with concern and wisdom.

I nodded my head in understanding, figuring that was the easier way to go. I wasn't agreeing or disagreeing with him, merely acknowledging his warning. I would ponder on it when I didn't have to cook enough food for an army.

The tension was pretty much dissipated when Jake wandered in thirty minutes later. When he saw that I was making stroganoff with all the other stuff I was cooking, he came and gave me a bear hug. I laughed at him then told him to get out of my damn kitchen.

Paul stopped by to pick up some wood carvings from Billy and stayed to eat with us. He asked me to go home with him, although he had some work he had to work on later in the night. I passed since I just didn't feel comfortable staying at his house without him there, but I just didn't know how to tell him. I gave him the excuse, however legitimate, of needing to bake off all the bread that I had raising. He didn't seem to believe me, although he hid it well.

Billy went to bed not long after Paul left and I sat and joked around with Jake for a while. I threatened him to within an inch of his life if he didn't ask for help if he needed it with his dad, including driving him to doctor appointments. After the fridge and freezer were stocked with meals that could be easily reheated, I went to bed on the Blacks' slightly more comfortable couch than the night before..

~B of L~

"So how are things going with that Paul guy," Angela asked me the next day out of the blue.

I studied her from the corner of my eye. Why the interest? And how the hell did she know his name?

"Small town," she said to my unspoken question. As she stocked the shelves with rope. That was starting to get a little disconcerting. "Do you like him?"

I blushed despite my best efforts. I am far past like, I admitted to myself. I was head over heels for him. I couldn't say love yet, nor would I. But I could see that in the not so distant future, if I didn't get things under control.

I really hadn't seen much of him in the last few days, but tonight there was a bonfire for his twentieth birthday. So I was excited and nervous about the evening. I had never really dated anyone, so the whole idea of sharing the evening with them on a major event like a birthday was foreign ground for me.

Plus there would be a large group there too. The last couple of days had really only been family, and I was somewhat nervous to be around the others of their group after the fiasco with Leah. I wasn't sure where loyalties laid.

I sighed. I was overthinking things. The important thing was to have fun and enjoy my time in La Push while I was here. Overanalyzing shit would only ruin my evening and possibly Paul's and I refused to do that.

I walked onto First Beach at about six that evening. I was running behind because it got terribly busy with a large group of campers coming into the store. Apparently, buying sporting goods is the new Thursday pastime.

Walking over to Joy who appeared to be guarding the food table, I apologized, "I'm sorry I'm late."

"No worries, Hon. We are waiting for Paul to get back. He had to make a delivery near Lake Quinault."

"Oh?"

"You've seen his shop haven't you?"

I felt my face heat up, ashamed. We had only briefly spoke about his wood-working. I had walked by his shop every time on my way to the path down to the beach. He didn't offer to speak about it and I didn't pry. I wasn't that I didn't want to know; I was… was…

Fuck! I didn't know what was wrong with me.

"Not yet," I said.

"Well, you should see. He is very good, got the talent from his other grandfather. Such beautiful heirloom pieces. His mother would be so proud," she finished with a huge smile that showed that his late mother was not the only one proud of Paul's accomplishments.

I gave her a smile even though I didn't feel like giving it. I felt like shit for some reason. Not only mentally, but I was starting to get a headache as well.

"Bella!" I turned around to see Makala speeding toward me. She was so vibrant and full of life, it made me feel exhausted just watching her.

"Hey, Makala. How are you doing?" I asked as I gave her a hug.

"Good. Thank you again for the dinner the other day. It was great," she replied as she pulled me away from Joy.

"It was my pleasure, Honey."

"I am so happy about you and Paul. He's so happy now, and I know that he will make you happy too. He will keep you safe."

What? I looked at the young girl as if she had lost her mind. It had been only about four days, and it seemed like she was ready to plan my wedding.

And safe? What the hell does that mean?

Before I could respond, I was startled by a squeal from Makala as Paul lifted her off the ground in a bear hug. "Hey squirt, you seem warm. You need to cool off," he finished, giving me a wink. He started sauntering toward the ocean theatrically, teasing his little sister.

"Noooo! You are the one that is hot!"

Damn straight, I thought. Both literally and figuratively.

"Put me down Buddy!" Makala ordered through her squeals.

"You're right. I should take a swim," Paul said playfully as he began to walk into the ocean.

I laughed, recalling the night I had met him.

"Papa! Help!" Makala screamed, a last ditch effort for a reprieve. It was heartwarming to see them together. How did I never run into them together before?

"You little tattletale!" Paul said in faux-anger, stopping when the water was just starting to reach the bottom of his cargo shorts. "Next time Gramps won't be here to save you Max," he said as he walked her back to the beach. When he released her, she stuck her tongue out at him and ran off with Jax in tow.

Paul turned around slowly and gave me an impish grin, slowly stalking towards me.

"Don't even think about it Lahote. I'll never cook for you again."

He stopped for a second, feigning hurt, but quickly abandoned it when he saw I would not be swayed. "Well played," he said as he reached for me, pulling me into his chest.

"Thanks."

"Hey gorgeous. Did you have a good day?"

"Can't complain. How's the birthday going? Are you having a good one?"

"I am now," he said into my neck as he took a deep breath. "Can I have one of my presents?"

"Presents? As in plural? Greedy, much?" I teased, hoping that he wasn't expecting gifts. We had only known each other a short time. I didn't get him anything really besides making him some different pies. I still didn't know him enough to get gift ideas and he rarely wore much clothes, not that I minded. "I don't know if you have been good enough this year to deserve multiple gifts," I whispered back into his ear, in what I hope was a sultry voice.

"I promise to be extra good tonight." he hedged, a devilish grin on his face. I'm sure I blushed at the poorly veiled innuendo.

"How much better can it get, really?" I questioned with a smirk, but I was serious. I was damn near dehydrated after the last night I shared with him. I had been elated to find out that multiple orgasms were not a myth.

"Oh Bella, I will take that challenge." My legs went weak as he growled into my ear and pressed our hips together, but thankfully his strong arms held me to him. He ghosted his lips over mine, his warm breath wafting over my face. I tangled my hands around his neck and pulled him in for a short but tantalizing kiss.

But that wasn't enough for Paul. He lifted me up, forcing me to wrap my jelly legs around him, and kissed me hungrily. I got lost in the feel of lips and his lone hand roaming over me shamelessly while his other hand held firmly to my waist to keep me up.

We were pulled back to reality by the sound of wolf whistles.

"To hell with food, I'll just have you," he growled against my lips. I blinked my eyes open and looked over Paul's shoulder to see Hank's and Old Quil's smirks.

"Paul, the others," I nodded toward the audience that was looking at us, blushing despite myself.

"Stay with me tonight. Please." he whispered in my ear, making me melt with the amount of longing in his voice.

He had to do something for the reservation last night and I wouldn't stay at his place without him. I had ended up spending the night at Billy's, doing some cooking and cleaning while I caught up with him and Jake while we all watched a ballgame. I had fun with them, despite the cryptic conversation with Billy the day before.

But I did miss Paul, a lot, and that thought made me feel unsettled and borderline panicked.

I pulled away to look at his handsome face, and nodded my head. It was his birthday after all. But something told me I would be getting more 'presents' than him tonight.

He slid me down his body and kissed the top of my head. "I can't wait. Go mingle," he ordered as he patted my butt playfully. I rolled my eyes at him and walked back to help Joy, Emily, and Kim set up for dinner..

We had hotdogs and hamburgers to eat, cooking directly in the bonfire. I found the blue and green flames of the fire just as mesmerizing as I had when I was a kid. When we were done with dinner, everyone laughed and talked, and after a while Paul and I were talking quietly to ourselves. I asked about his delivery and he explained that he had delivered a bed frame and a matching dresser.

After a slightly awkward pause, he looked toward me. "Actually, I need to deliver a curio cabinet in two weeks to the same customer. Maybe you could come with me and we could camp out for the weekend." He gave me a smirk, but the hope in his eyes belied his nervousness. I tried to hide the smile at how sweet that was.

But the smile slid off my face as I remembered what he had said. Did he invite me on a romantic weekend away?

Uhh… uhh…

What the hell is wrong with me? I have screwed him five ways to Sunday over the last few days. And the thought of a weekend away has got me wanting to run away?

I finally noticed the concern that was beginning to show on Paul's face. Say something stupid!

When in doubt, stall. "I would need to check the schedule at work first."

But my salvation came in the form of three little words from my own personal angel. "Can I come?" asked Makala, who we had momentarily forgotten, her puppy dog eyes pleading with us.

I could absolutely kiss her! How much of a coward does that make me?

Paul turned to me, begging silently for help with his grey eyes. But he wouldn't get any help from me. I was still having an internal debate if I should have gave into my hooha and slept with him. I really, really liked him, but I didn't want a relationship. Liar! Okay, I was scared to get in too deep.

Suppressing a chuckle, I gave him a small nod. A little excitement would do Makala some good. It would be character building for her. Perhaps for me and Paul as well.

"Sure, you can. Why would we go without you?" I replied cheerily to her, ignoring the defeated moan from Paul. I needed it to look like I was acting like a sweet, compassionate adult instead of the sniveling coward I was. "Come on, we need to fix dessert anyway."

"What's for dessert?" I laughed heartily at Paul's now excited expression. I wonder if he had a choice between a plate full of food and me naked, what would he choose?

I sighed. I probably didn't want to pull at that thread.

"You'll see," I teased as Makala and I made our way, hand in hand, back to the food table where my stash of goodies was waiting.

I pulled out fixings for s'mores, including items safe for Billy to have, while Collin and Quil went hunting for sticks long enough to roast the marshmallows on. It was alarming how much the guys could eat, particularly after the amount they had put away with their meal. They were like a pack of ravenous wolves. And some seemed to be having a contest, as if they needed incentive to eat more. I ate two and I felt like i was going to go into sugar shock.

I got up after a while to start cleaning up, since I had been too late to really assist with the setup. Kim got up from her seat to come help me. It looked like Sam and Emily, whom she had been sitting with, were walking down the beach together.

"Hey, Bella." Kim said as she reached the table.

"Hi." I replied, occupying myself with my tasks so as not to invite conversation. Kim and Emily had kept their distance from me during the entire evening. I wasn't sure why, but really didn't care either. It really wasn't much different from the first bonfire a couple of weeks ago. I had thought we had got along fairly well together that last movie night, but perhaps I was mistaken.

I worked silently, looking up occasionally when laughter would travel to us from one of the groups of people. And although I was comfortable, I could sense her tension and her internal battle over something as she tried to busy herself with the leftover buns.

After watching her tie and retie a bag for the third fucking time, I was ready to scream. She let out a melodramatic sigh that wasn't fooling anyone, least of all me.

I am going to regret this... "What's wrong Kim?"

"It's just not the same having bonfires with people missing," Kim spoke softly, like the other people around could hear every word she was saying, let alone give a shit about it. Jared and Seth weren't here, but I knew she meant someone else.

"I was hoping I could talk to you," she continued in a whisper.

Why of course you did.

"Okay," I whispered back cautiously. My spidey-sense was telling me that I was not going to like this conversation.

I will not lose my temper. I will not lose my temper.

"I know that you have been away for a long time and have just got back. But we," she waved a hand around, "have been a fairly tight knit family until recently. You see, all pa... group functions, including birthdays, have had everybody in attendance." I quirked a brow at her little slip up; it wasn't the first time I had heard that before.

I had a sense where this was all going, and I was going to have to fight really hard to not resort to violence.

"Well, the thing is, you seem to be causing some problems for others and myself. Your presence is proving distracting to some, and they have not been paying attention to others as they should." I looked around, but no one seemed to be paying attention to us. The guys were horsing around and the adults were by the bonfire listening intently to Makala as she told a story.

Kim didn't appear to be trying to be hateful; she just didn't seem to have much of a filter. Or maybe she was just that narcissistic. I took a deep place, trying to find my center.

"Kim, I fail to see how my coming back to Forks has affected anyone," I said in a placating tone, trying to keep my rising anger down. Then a thought came to mind, "I'm sorry, are you interested in Paul?" I kept my voice down and tried to keep my mind away from how acidic that tasted coming out of mouth. I didn't want to know about him with other women, past or present. I was having enough trouble in keeping things in perspective with regard to Paul and I without bringing jealousy into the equation.

"Paul?" She said incredulously, struggling to keep her voice down. I found her poorly veiled revulsion at the thought of liking him beyond offensive. Paul was a prize compared to Jared in my opinion. Hell, Paul was the very epitome of a man. He had this raw animal magnetism that I would argue that lesbians couldn't even resist. "No, I am not interested in Paul, but I do love Jared. And he is questioning us now."

My head tilted to the side, not sure I had heard her right. What the hell did that mean? And more importantly, how was it my fault? She started to speak again, but I raised my hand to stop her. "Do I look like I care about your relationship? Do you see me rubbing against any guy here or Jared for that matter, who I might add is not even here?" I nearly snarled at her. "I am not a threat to you."

"You're causing Quil to push Leah away, turn his back on the love of his life."

Oh my God!

I looked over toward Quil. He was laughing heartily as he watched Collin turn a little green as he tried to eat what looked like a mouthful of s'mores. Boys.

"You see Leah was meant for Quil, like Emily for Sam and me for Jared." I thought I was going to be sick, seriously regretting the second s'more.. "It was written in the stars long ago. We complete each other. It doesn't matter how we got together, just that we found each other."

Wow, did she get attacked by a gang of Disney princesses or what? She really is in her own little world.

I'd be questioning a relationship with her too if I was Jared.

"Newsflash Kim: I don't have any control over Quil. I haven't told him to do anything." And I hadn't.

While I was cooking the sauce and preparing the pizza dough the other night, Quil had wandered into the room under the pretext of sneaking food. However, his demeanor showed that he needed something else, so I ended up listening to his issues with Leah. She had played hard to get for a while at the beginning of their relationship, citing their age difference as her concern. I wasn't sure why, but I highly doubted that.

I had continued to listen and provide answers when they were required. However, I couldn't tell him how I really felt, that the idea of them together was painful to think about. He was probably my favorite cousin, and I loved him dearly. Although I had plans to leave Forks forever, the thought of permanently losing him saddened me. I couldn't tell him to let her go or what I thought of her, although I'm sure he suspected plenty, because I could tell that he did love her. My tongue was literally still sore from how much I'd had to bite it.

Quil deserved the best, and as much as I was sure that Leah Clearwater was not that, I knew that was something Quil would have to determine on his own. I took comfort that he had seen part of her character that night and had stuck up for me, but more importantly himself. She had insulted him and Jake, however unintentionally, as much as she had me and was now paying for it.

He had explained that they had talked a few times over the last week or two, but it seemed she always ended up verbally attacking me and he would leave once again in anger. He said the separation was hard on him, and he thought her too, but he was determined to suffer through it. He had said that Leah was worth it. I had fought hard not to laugh at that, trying not to insult him, but it was really, really hard.

I only hoped his patience with her would wear thin quickly.

"But he won't bring her around, when you're here. Maybe if you weren't, Quil and Leah would work things out."

Was she really going there? Like I had the power to keep a couple apart. If only I did have such a gift, like a anti-Cupid. Oh, the possibilities! Stupid people would never breed again.

Focus!

"Well you see, you just defeated your cause right there. I am completely against anything that puts that harpy bitch back in my cousin's good graces." I gritted out, venom in my voice.

"But they are meant to be." She whined annoyingly. "The Spirits have…"

I pretty much blocked her out after that.

It's a small brain after all. It's a small brain after all. It's a small brain after all. It's a small, small brain.

I really didn't know what to do with this. I wasn't going to be run from the reservation from a twit trapped in a fairy tale world. But before I jumped to conclusions of what it was that she was looking for me to do, I thought I'd ask. Reduce ambiguity and all that.

"So you want me to stay away from your group events?"

"Yes! I'm so glad you understand." She said, relief radiating off her face. As if my question was my acknowledgment of my horrid actions and compliance to remedy the situation.

I just shook my head in awe. Bat shit crazy.

"I promise not to come to anymore 'pa... group' functions." I smirked to myself when I saw the fear in her eyes when I repeated her earlier slip. There was definitely something up with that. Later, I needed to finish putting her in her place. "That does not include Billy's or Old Quil's houses." She was going to argue, so I quickly added, "They are family and I don't give a shit what you want. Also, I would ask you to keep your interaction with Quil and Jake to a minimum. If you are so loyal to Leah that you would speak to me to stay away, you probably share some of her other views. They don't deserve to be around any more two-faced idiots. Please pass my request on to Emily as well if her thinking coincides with yours." I didn't really believe that she was a racist; I didn't know what to believe with regard to her. Half the shit out of her mouth didn't make a damn bit of sense.

Though that should have been a given considering I had already established her insanity.

"But-"

"I don't care. Take it or leave it," I cut her off. I was done talking to the loon. "Oh, here comes Jared," I said as I nodded toward where Jared was standing with Quil and Seth. "I wouldn't want to be accused of trying to steal him, so I will take my leave now." I walked briskly away and sat by Old Quil and Hank.

"You okay kiddo?" Old Quil asked as I sat down on the driftwood, pinching the bridge of my nose. I shook my head no, but it was best to keep my mouth shut at the moment. However, I did want to ask if he trained Jax to piss on people's stuff. That would make me feel a lot better, I thought as I eyed Kim's sandals beside where she had been sitting during dinner.

For a few minutes, I listened as Hank and Old Quil bantered back and forth about their younger days. Suddenly I heard a commotion and looked up to find Embry and Jake holding Paul back as if it was a matter of life and death. Paul's feral expression was locked on none other than Seth, and he looked like if he got the opportunity, he would kill the kid.

I knew the Clearwaters had that effect on people, but geesh.

~B of L~

3POV

Quil Ateara V stuffed another two s'mores into his wolfish mouth. He could kiss Bella for bringing one of his favorite desserts.

Embry and Jake had bet him that he could not eat more s'mores than Collin and Brady combined. You would think his best friends would quit betting him to do stupid stuff for money. There was very little he wouldn't do for only bragging rights. Add in some cash to boot, and that list could be counted on one hand.

And to bet that he couldn't eat something? Quil was half inclined to feel guilty at taking the fools' money. But he would.

With his current count at seventeen, Quil owned this contest. And seventeen had merely been his pre-wolf personal best. The two newest wolves were tied at a measly nine apiece, and were starting to wane fast. Amateurs.

He could see the defeat in their eyes.

What should I spend my 20 bucks on, Quil pondered to himself as he popped another piece of marshmallow and chocolate goodness into his mouth.

Ten minutes later Seth walked out of the forest and approached the young Ateara. He had been on patrol with Jared while the rest of the pack enjoyed the festivities. Besides being absolutely starved, he wanted to talk to Quil about his sister.

"Can I have one of those Quil?"

"I guess," Quil said as he handed a plate full of dessert to the famished wolf. Brady had already puked and Collin had admitted defeat. Quil would hate to get sick and be ruined for life on the tasty treats. Perish the thought.

When Quil noticed that Seth hadn't grabbed the plate, he looked back at him. "Dude…" Quil stopped mid-sentence when he saw the bewildered expression on Seth's face. He knew that look. Did he ever know that look.

Quil followed Seth's line of sight, almost dreading to see who he had imprinted on.

Ahh Fuck! Quil groaned when his eyes landed on Makala Lahote.

This is bad. This is so, so bad, Quil thought. Looking around, Quil tried to determine if anyone had noticed. Paul was rough housing with Jake and Embry, thankfully. Words could not express what would happen when Paul became aware that his kid sister had just been imprinted on. If she had been Seth's age maybe Paul would be understanding. Maybe, but doubtful since he was fiercely protective of his sister.

But Makala wasn't ten. As many problems as he had faced with his own imprint, Quil thanked the Spirits that he had not imprinted on a kid. That was just a clusterfuck waiting to happen.

Just like now.

"And I thought I had it bad imprinting on your sister. You are going to be FUBAR when Paul gets his claws on you." Quil teased in a whisper to the younger wolf, trying to lighten the mood.

However the words had the opposite effect, as Seth visibly blanched at them. Seth then turned his frightened eyes to his sister's imprint.

The look of panic on Seth's face was so gut wrenching that Quil's iron clad stomach almost turned. He felt for the kid, but they all had their own crosses to bear.

"Quil! Can I have some of those?" Jared said as he walked toward them, oblivious to the drama he was approaching.

"Here take these." Quil quickly moved to hand Jared the plate that Seth had still not taken, hoping that Jared wouldn't notice Seth's demeanor. Jared had marginally more filter than his imprint. And if Paul found out? Quil shuddered at the mere thought.

"Anks an," Jared mumbled as he tried to the chew the first s'more already in his mouth. Quil gave a curt nod, and turned to block Paul's view on the newly imprinted wolf. Any other time, Jared would have made a beeline to Kim's side. But Quil wasn't that lucky.

Nor was Seth.

"What's wrong with Seth?" Jared asked, peering around Quil, before he stuffed his mouth again. Quil quickly shushed him but the damage was done. Quil watched Jake start to walk toward them, leaving the others behind, Embry having Paul in a headlock. Sam and the boys had already left to patrol.

"Wow! Did he just…" Quil clamped his hand over Jared's mouth before he could say any more.

"Shut the fuck up!" Quil whispered into the dumbass' ear. Quil looked to Jake, panic in his eyes, pleading for help. Behind Jake, Quil saw Embry and Paul looking at them curiously but not approaching… yet. Thank the Spirits for small miracles, Quil thought.

Jake arrived next to him and whispered as quietly as he could, "Q, what's wrong?" Quil nodded toward the younger wolf and mouthed 'imprint'. Quirking an eyebrow in question, Jake was having trouble seeing the reason for this much drama. Quil sighed and discreetly pointed to the bonfire, where Makala was currently laughing with Joy.

Sonofabitch! Jake thought as realization dawned on him. Can't anything be simple, he thought to himself. Paul was going to fucking rip Seth apart.

"Jared, you go sit with the others. Don't say anything about this, and keep your eyes away from here." he alpha ordered into Jared's ear quietly. Jared complied, although reluctantly.

"Dude, he'll kill him," Quil whispered to his cousin, as they watched Jared sit down next to a pouting Kim.

"I know."

"Tell me that you have a plan," Quil asked hopefully as he stared at Jake. "Because I've got nothing besides sending Seth here to Siberia," he finished trying once again to lighten the situation, failing miserably.

Jake squeezed his eyes shut. How was he supposed to deal with this? Paul was volatile on his best days. He was going to go ballistic when he finds out about the imprint. What the fuck were the Spirits thinking? he thought. "Not yet," he replied, frustrated.

"Well, not to put any pressure on you, but I hope you come up with something fast. Seth and I both have a couple of patrols this weekend with Paul." Quil didn't mention that he doubted that they could keep this quiet that long though. No need to be a negative Nancy.

Jake wondered if there was even a protocol for this. He looked over at his Dad and Grandpa, who were both talking to Joy and Bella respectively. He started walking toward them, seeking the Elders' council but was stopped halfway by the grating sound of Kim Connelly's voice.

"Seth imprinted on Makala?" Kim whisper yelled to Jared in astonishment.

Fuuuuccccck, Jake thought. Imprint trumped Alpha orders every time. All Kim had to do was ask what was going on and Jared would be compelled to comply, and probably would anyway because he could be a douche. If he had a stronger constitution he wouldn't be a slave to the imprint, as Quil was showing. It was hard to do, but it was possible.

None of the other humans appeared to have heard her, as they were all deep in conversations around the fire. But to a shapeshifter, she had may as well have shouted it across the beach with a foghorn.

The time for chatting was over, and it was time for damage control. Jake swiftly pivoted on his heel and made his way back to Paul and Embry. Embry had his arms locked around a snarling Paul, but was rapidly losing his grip as Paul fought to get free. Just as he slipped out of Embry's hold, Paul was tackled to the ground by his Alpha.

"Paul! Calm down," Jake commanded.

"I'm going to kill him. She's not even ten!"

"Paul, I know..."

"Fuck you, Jake. You don't know shit!"

Quil cringed as he listened to Paul's ranting. Paul was an angry bull, literally pawing at the earth, and Seth was the bright red target that he was eyeing to obliterate. And Quil? He was the poor bastard holding the target. At least he wasn't wearing a ridiculous matador outfit.

As Quil watched the clusterfuck unfolding, he didn't think it could get much worse.

Oh, but he was wrong.

He watched in horror as a concerned Bella rose from the driftwood log she had been sitting on and walked purposely toward the three shapeshifters struggling in the distance. Quil couldn't help but liken it to a jug of kerosene walking up to the fire to jump in.

Damn curious girl! he thought.

A/N Thanks for reading!

So, we are close to Bella finding out about the supernatural. I have a very specific way for her to find out, so bear with me. It will be soon. Next chapter has some Quil and Leah. I won't make promises on when the next chapter will be out.