A/N- I am so sorry that I have taken so long to update again! I give no excuse except that sometimes our personal lives throw us obstacles that we don't expect. Hopefully the fact that this is the big wedding chapter will make up for the wait. There is one particular scene between Bella and Dustin that actually inspired me to write this story in the first place so keep your eye out for that and yes the big Bella/Jacob moment will be in here as well. Also I'd like to give you all a small warning to the fact that this chapter is extremely long reaching over 13,000 words. I didn't want to post another chapter without the Bella/Jacob moment but to do that the chapter had to be longer than normal. I suppose that's enough rambling from me, I hope you enjoy the chapter and a huge thank you to all of you who have stuck by this story even though it hasn't been updated regularly.
As Bella and Drustan walked down the trail that would lead the beach they could hear all of the excited chatter coming from the area the ceremony was going to be held.
"It sounds like we might be the last ones to get there." Dustin observed.
"Just my luck. You know it's bad form to show up late to your own father's wedding." she answered with a small smirk.
Drustan barked out a laugh as they slowed to a stop just at the edge of the treeline still out of sight. They quickly scanned the assembled group confirming that they were indeed the last guests to arrive minus the bride and the bridal party.
Charlie was standing off to one side looking nervous while Old Quill and Harrison attempted to draw him into their conversation. Sam, Emily, Jared, Kim, and Seth all stood huddled in a group with smiles on their faces. Emily and Kim both looked stunning. Finally Bella eyes drifted to Jacob who was standing with Embry and Quill directly In front of them across the beach at the waters edge.
Bella's stomach clenched and her heart sped up at the sight of him. He looked incredible. His black suit hugged his body in all of the right places, drawing attention to his wide shoulders and chest in just the right way. His white shirt had two buttons undone as a skinny black tie hung loose around his neck. Only Jacob Black could manage to look that sexy and adorable in equal measure. Leaving Bella unsure if she wanted to drag him into the woods to have her way with him or kiss his cheek while wrapping her arms around him to protect him from the big bad world. As her mentle debate ran on Jacob's tongue darted out and wet his lower lip sending a jolt right to her core.
Definitely have my way with him.
Bella shook her head to clear her dirty thoughts, she would definitely not be jumping anyone this evening.
"Well it looks like you were right we're late as if they all needed another reason to dislike me." Bella mumbled bitterly.
Drustan gently turned her to face him.
"Hey we're not late, we still have fifteen minutes before everything is supposed to start. Plus, consider it as waiting for the perfect moment to make our grand entrance." he finished cheekily.
Bella couldn't help but smile, Drustan always knew just what to say.
"You do look quite dashing in that suit." she said giving him a very obvious once over.
Drustan grasped her hand and expertly twirled her, her dress spinning out around her as he pulled her tight against his chest.
"And you you my darling look exquisite, eat your heart out Jacob Black."
Bella giggled before nervously scanning the group beyond the trees. She knew it was silly to be nervous something so trivial as a wedding but she couldn't help it. Forks, Washington seemed to bring out more of the old Bella than she would like.
"Are you ready Angel?"
Bella took a deep breath and nestled her arm into the crook of Drustan's drawing strength from their bond.
"Ready as I'll ever be. Thank you for being here with me, I couldn't have done it with out you." she said meeting his eyes.
"Yes you could have but don't worry Angel I'll always be here to help you face down everything from weddings to demons." he quipped lightening the mood in just the right way.
"Now let's go make sure your Dad doesn't pass out."
Bella and Drustan were both laughing as they took the remaining steps through the trees and out on to the sandy beach.
All conversation stopped as everyone turned to look at us as we took our first steps out of the trees. No one moved and I swear not a single person breathed. It would have been impossible because my Angel had taken their breath away, just as I knew she would. How could she not when she was the picture of beauty itself. Her smile out shone the sun and her musical laugh drifted on the ocean breeze like a fairy's song. I laughed along with her while my eyes locked on the one person whose reaction mattered the most, Jacob black.
Jacob, who was currently starring opened mouthed with an emotion I couldn't quite name shinning out of his eyes. I was sure if someone were to ask him a question as simple as his name he wouldn't have been able to answer in that moment.
Mission Happily Ever After was going swimmingly. Quill and Embry had done their part so far by getting Jacob in the exact spot where he would get the best veiw of Bella. Tonight was the night. Fate hung heavy to the air, tonight had their blessing, and with fate on our side Bella and Jacob didn't stand a chance.
Where was she?
Everything was getting ready to start and she wasn't here. Didn't she know it would kill Charlie if she didn't show? Yes, Charlie not me. I didn't care if she came or not I was only concerned for Charlie's sake. She was probably off with Mr. Perfect doing god knows what. My stomach turned at the mental images of what they could be doing.
Not that I cared.
What Bella did was none of my business, my stomach only hurt because I hadn't eaten since this morning. They were just hunger pains definitely not due to jealousy.
Suddenly the skin right above my heart started to feel warm and tingly right where Bella rested her hand this morning. My head snapped up and I began to almost frantically searching the for a glimpse of her but she wasn't there. A wave of disappointment hit me and settled in the pit of my stomach.
I tried to concentrate on the conversation Embry and Quil were having bit it was meager attempt. I nodded, laughed, and smiled in the right places but my mind was to busy imagining all of the reasons Bella hadn't made an appearance yet.
Then a laugh drifted out of the trees on the other side of the beach. I knew that laugh, it was stamped on to my soul. Back when we were kids Bella laughed freely and all of the time. She was always so happy then after that bastard Cullen left her laugh all but disappeared. During that time I counted every laugh as a gift holding each one close to my heart.
My eyes shot up just in time to see Bella walk out of the trees. She looked like something out of a dream with her hair loose and blowing gently behind her on the breeze. The air around her seemed to sparkle as I willed my heart to start beating again. I heard someone gasp and wasn't completely sure it wasn't me. The sight of her was enough to leave me breathless and a little dizzy. My mind was a jumble, unable to form a coherent thought.
"She's gorgeous." Embry whispered.
I wanted to tell him that there wasn't a single adjective in the English language capable of doing her justice in that moment but I couldn't get my mouth or tongue to work. Her eyes met mine from across the space between us and the tingling on my chest intensified. Her lips curved into a small smile as she wiggled her fingers in my direction in greeting.
I wanted to wave back or walk over and say just the right thing that would make her leave Mr. Perfect ' s side and stay by mine. Instead I stayed rooted in place, open mouthed, and as still as a statue. My heart plummeted as she frowned obviously hurt by my lack of greeting.
"Why do you have to be so rude to her?" Quill grumbled.
" I wasn't trying to be rude!" I scrambled.
"So blatantly ignoring someone isn't rude to you?" Quill hounded.
"I get that your mad about everything that happened before but have you ever considered asking for her side of the story?" Embry asked.
" Ha! Why so I can hear how I wasn't enough? So she can tell me how she replaced me after Cullen left her again? No thanks she can keep the details to her self. There's nothing she can say that I want to hear" I snapped.
My mouth said the words that my brain was thinking even though my heart was screaming something different. Yes I'd admitted that I still loved Bella but that didn't mean I was suddenly going to try and win her back. She broke me last time and I couldn't risk that again...could I?
"You know what this is bullshit! There's a lot about Bella that you don't know and you don't even care to find out. You can try to deny it but I know you still love her and if you don't stop being such a wounded stubborn prick you're going to miss your chance with her."
Before I had a chance to reply Quill and Embry turned and started walking over to where Bella (on the arm of Drustan) was standing with Charlie, Harrison , and Old Quil leaving me alone with the questions bouncing around in my head. Questions I planned on getting answers to tonight.
Drustan grinned as he and Bella made their way towards her father. Bella as usual was completely oblivious to the effect she had on everyone. Most beautiful women knew there were attractive using their looks to their advantage but not Bella. She has no idea how gorgeous she was which only added to her charm.
Over the years Drustan had watched as many men tried to woo her only to leave disappointed with a broken heart. Not because Bella was cruel, she always tried her best to let them down easy. Not to say that Drustan and Harrison didn't firmly remind a few of the more persistent suitors that she was off limits.
"Bella honey you look amazing. "
Bella unhooked her arm embracing her father in a tight hug.
"Thanks Dad. Who knew you cleaned up so well." she teased stepping back to straighten Charlie's bow tie.
Charlie ' s face turned a slight shade of pink at her compliment.
"Well I couldn't have Sue change her mind at the last minute."
"Sue is a very lucky lady you're quite a catch Dad." Bella smiled meaning every word.
"Speaking of Sue I think it's time for everyone to take their places." Old Quil said.
Charlie gave Bella one last squeeze for luck dropping a quick kiss on her cheek before following Old Quil to the beautiful archway Bella made that morning. Old Quil took his place e under the arch just behind Charlie where he would officiate the ceremony. Sam wheeled Billy black to his position as best man before taking his seat next to a lovely looking Emily on the brides side.
For the first time Bella realized what it meant for her father if she wouldn't have made it home. Charlie was an only child and with both of his parents being gone for over a decade Bella was his only remaining family. Without her Charlie wouldn't have had anyone at the wedding who was just there to support him. It would have been terribly lonely looking out at your own wedding to not have someone there to share your joy. Yes the pack would have been there but it wouldn't have been the same. Now he had Bella and both Drustan and Harrison by extension.
Bella was jolted out of her thoughts by the sound of someone clearing her throat. She was surprised to find herself standing alone with Jacob. Sneaking a glance over his shoulder she saw Harrison and Drustan standing fifteen feet away trying to act innocent.
Very clever boys.
Bella pushed down the feelings of hurt from his early lack of greeting plastering a cheery smile on her face. Today was her Dad's day and she would not do anything to ruin it.
"Hello Jacob Black." she said politely.
Jacob flinched at the sound of his full name; he didn't know what hurt worse her formality or the fact that she had to fake being comfortable around him.
"You look beautiful Bella, more than beautiful actually. " he whispered meeting her eyes shyly.
Bella blushed looking down at her feet. Jacob Black was never shy and when he looked at her like that it made her want to do stupid things. Things like telling him she was still in love with him.
"Thanks." she managed after a moment.
The pair stood there awkwardly neither one sure of what to say. Unable to stand still Jacob buttoned up the rest of his shirt and began trying to fix his tie. His fingers fumbled with the knot as he tried pulling into place until her had it lopsided and uneven.
"Stop, stop, stop! Just let me do it." Bella laughed reaching for his tie.
Jacob sucked in a breath as her fingers brushed his out of the way. He leaned forward bringing his body closer to hers.
" You know you never were good at this " Bella mumbled into his chest looking everywhere except his face.
"Your right about that." Jacob smirked.
"I remeber Sarah and Billy chasing you around the house and yard with one of these. You told them they'd never put a leash on you."
Both laughed at the memory as Bella managed to untie Jacob's mangaled mess. She pulled both ends to even out the tie bringing her face only inches away from his.
"Dad was so mad but Mom was smart, she had a secret weapon. You."
"She promised me I could spend the entire weekend at your house if I got you to wear it."
"You came out the front door and yelled. Do you remember what you said?" Jacob asked.
"I told you that I'd never come back to see you if you didn't come out and put on the tie."
"Yep," Jacob nodded, " and that's all it took for me to come running."
Bella swallowed hard, every nerve in her body was aware of how close their bodies were to one another. She pulled the tie tight straightening it into place leaving her fingers lingering on against his chest. The air around them seemed thicker as they stared at one another.
"The jokes on you because I was bluffing. There is no way I'd ever willing have been able to stay away from you " Bella whispered unsure if she was talking about the night the Cullen came or that sunny day when they were just kids.
"That wasn't a risk I was willing to take."
Jacob reached forward slowly flexing his fingers before wrapping his hands around her waist. Bella's heart warmed under his touch filling her with an emotion she hadn't felt in years. Right then she decided that she would tell Jacob the truth. Drustan was right Jacob deserved to know what really happened to make her leave. She would just have to deal with what happened at afterwards one step at a time.
"Jake there's something I really need to tell-" she started bravely but was interrupted by the sound of someone calling his name.
"Jake! Jakey Poo!" a feminine voice sang.
Jacob groaned pulling his hands away from Bella's waist leaving her feeling empty and bereft. She looked over his shoulder to see an extremely attractive woman slinking her way to Jacob's side.
The woman was tall with long thick black hair swishing back and forth above her lower back. She wore a a skin tight dress that dipped dangerously low into her over flowing cleavage. The dress stopped just above mid thigh, showing off her mile long tanned legs. The woman looked like she belong in some Las Vegas night club.
"Kayla what are you doing here?" Jacob asked quickly.
Kayla curved her blood red lips in a predatory smile. She'd seen Jake looking cozy with a pale faced stranger and quickly decided to stake her claim.
"Don't be silly Jakey." she cooed snuggling into his side pressing a lingering kiss to cheek, "Sorry I'm late but perfection. takes time."
Bella barely contained the vomiting noise she desperately wanted to make. She'd had never really gotten a long with other girls even ad a kid she chose to be alone rather than play with the other girls her age but girls like this Kayla were the worst. The kind that thought that they are better than everyone else because of the way that they look. She was about to make up an excuse to remove her self from the uncomfortable situation when Quil threw his arm around her shoulder.
"Ah Kayla do what do we owe this displeasure?"
"If you must know I'm here as Jakes date god know no one else is good enough." she snipped turning her nose up in the air.
"Ah poor man. I personally prefer woman with a natural elegance and beauty around them instead of the distinct smell of bitch." he countered sharply.
Kayla shot Quil a glare that would have brought most men to their knees that he easily ignored turning his attention to Bella. Luckily Embry chose that moment to come over and tell everyone It was time to find their seats.
"You're planning on sitting over on Charlie ' s side right?" Embry asked ignoring Kayla completely.
Obviously neither Embry or Quil were fans of this Kayla Bella mused.
"That's the plan." Jacob answered noticeably uncomfortable and unable to meet anyone's eye.
"Oh no! I promised Paul we'd sit next to him!" Kayla whinned.
"Good why don't you go sit over there while Jake here goes and sits on Charlie ' s side." Quill quipped pointing at an empty seat in the last row of Sue's side of the Isle.
"You know what never mind I'll just go sit where ever you do." Kayla snapped clutching tighter to Jacob.
"Actually why don't you both sit on the brides side. I'm sure my dad will understand you wanting to sit with your date." Bella rushed.
There was no way she was sitting near that woman during her father's wedding. Hell she'd rather not even be standing next to her now.
When Jacob looked like he would protest Bella continued, " Really it's fine Jake go with your date." she finished sweetly even though every word tasted like ash in her mouth.
"If it's okay Quil and I were hoping to sit on the grooms side with you." Embry said in a hopeful tone.
"Of course you don't have to ask Charlie will be flattered." Bella answered with a happy smile.
Drustan was right about Quil and Embry too. They were both putting a lot of effort quickly becoming two of her very best friends. She'd liked both of them before she left spending countless hours with them in Jake's garage. Back then she'd been quiet, happy to just shit back and enjoy the banter between the three best friends.
"No."
Bella, Quil, and Embry all looked to Jake unsure of the reason behind his outburst.
"Uh, I don't want you to hurt She's feelings." he mumbled trying to sound nonchalant.
"She'll be fine. She's always asking us to include Charlie in more things plus it's getting a little crowded on Sue's side." Quill said shutting down Jacob's objections while eyeing Kayla out of the corner of his eye.
"Now that that's settled it would be pleasure to escort you to your seat." Embry smoothly offered holding out his arm for Bella.
"Or you could give a real man the honor of your comapny." Quil teased puffing out his chest.
"Sorry to disappoint gentleman but that falls under the right of her date, which would be me." Drustan cut in finally joining the group.
Drustan easily stepped around Jacob ignoring the angry glint in the alphas eyes as he took Bella's arm leading her away. If Jacob stared at her retreating figure longer than necessary he didn't notice his mind was already working on a plan; a plan to make Bella realize she was on the arm of the wrong man. Jealousy is a two way street.
Bella took her seat in between Drustan and Harrison with Quil and Embry on Harrison ' s other side. She saw her Dad nervously babbling to Old Quil who was doing his best to keep Charlie calm. She heard her grandfather mention her name as both men promptly looked in her direction. She flashed a reassuring smile giving two thumbs up.
No sooner had Charlie returned her smile did the sound of Cannon in D softly drifted out of a boom box hidden next to Seth. All at once everyone stood and faced the trees.
Leah came first holding a small bouquet of pink and yellow roses. She wore a stunning flowing pale yellow gown the ended just above her knees. Her hair was left down brushing against her shoulders, minimal up covered her letting her natural features shine. Leah ' s normal stoney expression (or normal expression around Bella) was gone, replaced by a small smile. Bella thought she looked perfect.
A quiet hush fell over the guests as they all waited for the bride. The music grew a little louder filling the beach as sue took her first step into the mossy isle. She wore a cream empire cut dress her bare feet peaking out of the bottom hem. Light reflected off of the ice crystal Drustan strung between the arch way of trees causing rainbows to dance around the bride. The sun shined brighter as a light breeze brushed her hair behind her creating an ethereal feeling and Sue slowly made her way down the isle.
Bella and Harrison shared a conspiratorial glance both knowing what the other was doing but what was the point of having elemental powers if you couldn't use them to make people happy? The guests all sat when Sue finally stood opposite of Charlie.
Bella had never seen her father so happy she could feel the joy pouring off of him in waves. Bella reached out clasping both Harrison's and Drustan ' s hands relishing in the sense of peace and happiness from their bond. Her light danced with in her but she kept it out of sight as she always did around people who didn't know about the warriors. The Warrior's powers we're used to fight the darkness, always at the ready to extinguish it but their light was just as equally effected by the happier side of life. Right now her powers wanted to dance and create in an atmosphere filled with so much love and cheer.
{Today is a beautiful day Angel and you played a big part of that, you should be proud.} Drustan whispered into her mind.
It seemed both Harrison and Drustan's lights were equally effected by the happy occasion.
{I'm glad I'm here to see it. Look at him. This is all I ever wanted for him.}
{It's what we all want for the people we love most.}
{I think your right about that.}
The rest of the ceremony flew by in a literal blur as Bella shamelessly wiped her tears from her eyes. The crowd cheered as Charlie dipped Sue back planting a huge kiss on her lips before Old Quil could even finish the iconic "You may kiss the bride.".
The sun sank below the shore as the pack lit torches that were placed around the tables and dance floor. Food was served, laughs were had, and toasts were made (the most memorable being Billy Black's who couldn't pass up an opportunity to embarrass his life long best friend) before Bella got a chance to congratulate the happy couple. She hugged and kissed both telling them how happy it made her that they'd found each other
Everything seemed to be going perfectly (or almost perfectly) until Paul plopped down beside her during the one moment when Everyone else at her table had left to get drinks or mingle.
"So I see you've met my cousin." he stated matter of factly.
"Don't think so." she answered scanning the crowd for Embry, Quil, or Drustan; really anyone who could save her from having to sit and exchange small talk with Paul.
"Ah but you have, she's over there dancing with Jacob " he smirked pointing at the couple dancing directly in the center of the dance floor.
Oh that makes perfect sense.
Kayla was Paul's cousin which explained the entitled attitude and slutty persona.
"She seems lovely." she answered sweetly; ignoring the numerous more offensive responses her mind had come up with.
"Glad you approve because she's going to be the next Mrs. Black soon." he finished smuggly.
Bella felt her heart drop into her stomach at his words.
Next Mrs. Black.
Meaning she was going to be Jacob's wife. Her Jacob was going to marry someone else. Her stomach rolled as her delicious diner threatened to make a reappearance. She tried to school her features into a mask of in difference knowing Paul was watching her reaction. From the conceited gleam in his eyes he knew his jab had met it's mark.
"Dance with me?" came a voice from behind her.
"Gladly" Bella sighed not even bothering to see who had asked before taking their hand and practically running onto the dance floor. She was relieved to find that it was in fact Embry who had came to her rescue.
"You okay there Bells?"
Bells.
Jacob's nickname for her. The Jacob that was currently wrapped up in Kayla ' s arms.
"I'm fine its just a side effect of enjoying Paul's wonderful company." she lied.
Embry caught Bella's eyes drift to Jacob and Kayla not missing the quick frown that followed. He wanted to kick Jake for agreeing to be Kayla ' s date to the wedding. He knew she was bad news. They'd met years ago when the pack saved her from a cold one. She had come to La Push to visit Paul for a month and was attacked in the woods. Of course Paul wasted no time telling her about the pack and the evil they hunted.
She started seeking out Jacob claiming to be having nightmares. Jake being Jake felt bad for her and started spending more time with her. Quil and Embry both knew he was just trying to replace Bella.
"One broken girl in place for another." Sam had once said.
When her month came to an end and it was time for her to return to her own tribe she begged Jacob to let her stay saying she'd never be able to have a normal life after heI attack. Jacob took her request to the council which they quickly approved. Two days later they became a couple and that's when everything changed.
Kayla became extremely possessive of Jacob guilting him into spending all of his free time with her. She moved in with Jacob and Billy loading over their house like a queen. She became obsessed with the pack and becoming the alpha ' s mate pushing Jake to propose. Jacob started withdrawing from his friends only seeing them during official pack time. He worked hard spending all of his money on her trying to make her happy but no matter what he did it was never enough. She was always wanting and expecting more from him. Billy, Quil, and Embry begged Jacob to see what was obvious to all of them; that their relationship was toxic.
He got angry pushing all of them even further out of his life until one day over two years ago when he suddenly broke it off with her. He never explained his reasons to anyone , always shutting down when anyone asked questions. Paul was irate and even harder to handle than usual. Kayla was no better throwing a fit of epic proportions leaving no plate, glass, or picture frame unbroken the day she moved out. She was convinced she and Jacob were meant to be together following him every where, always trying to win him back. Thankfully he'd never shown any interest in that idea having zero contact with her from that point on. Which is why them being at the wedding together was such a shock.
Embry knew Bella deserved the truth about them but he didn't want to be the one to tell her. Especially not tonight so instead he'd use humor to distract her.
"How do you think she's keeping her boobs in that dress?" he asked with a goofy grin.
"Tape, a large breasted woman's best friend." Bella answered with out missing a beat.
Embry heard Jacob snort from a few feet away. Obviously Mr. Jacob Black was more interested in what Bella was doing than his own date which gave Embry an idea.
"And how would you know that Miss Swan?" he asked raising a playful eyebrow.
"Is there something hidden under your lovely gown? Because I'd be very interested in sneaking a peak, for education purposes only." he teased pulling the edge of her dress pretending to try and look down her gown.
"Hey no peaking Quil!" Bella giggled slapping his hand away.
Embry heard Jacob's low growl.
Good get territorial.
"It's Embry sweetheart. You might want to practice saying it because It's the name you're going to be screaming later." Embry said smoothly dipping her low and wagging his eyebrows in his best Quil impression.
"Oh no you must be Quil because the Embry I know is a gentleman." she quipped as he brought her back up flush against his chest.
"What can I say you bring out my naughty side." he purred spinning him away from him as the song ended.
Ball laughed long and hard as the pair returned to their seats Embry making sure he blocked Bella from seeing Jacob's angry glare.
"What's so funny?" Quil asked as they sat down at the table.
"Embry was trying to seduce me with his naughty side." Bela smirked.
"Well if it's naughty you want baby everyone knows I'm the naughtiest wolf around." Quil quipped never one to miss an opportunity.
"You two can decide whose the naughtiest while I go get everyone a drink." Bella snickered.
Bella was relieved to find the punch table pay she'd been having a good time but needed needed a few moments alone with her thoughts, which mainly revolved around Jacob.
No surprise there.
How ironic on the day she decided to reveal the truth about her past and feelings towards the alpha he spends the evening tangled up in another woman's arms. What did she expect for Jacob to become a monk? Just because she'd been unable to have a relationship with anyone due to her love for him didn't mean he had that problem. Plus she'd spent the last six years assuming he hated her so what would possibly keep him from moving on?
Understanding that fact and witnessing it first hand were two very different thjngs. If it felt like there were dozens of knives being plunged into her chest, or that her heart was shattering into a million pieces She was determined not to show it.
Today was a happy occasion and she really was enjoying herself with Drustan, Harrison, Quil, Embry, and her grandpa; so she would focus on that and break down in private.
"So your the infamous Isabella Swan. It's nice to finally put a face to all of the stories." Kayla said coming to stand next to Bella.
Bella ignored her concentrating on getting enough cups for everyone at her tanle, she could feel the woman's assessing gaze on her.
"Honestly I thought you'd be prettier." Kayla sneered.
"Sorry to disappoint." Bella scoffed.
Stepping in front of Bella blocking the table and punch bowl Kayla shrugged her shoulders, "Eh were creatures of habit and from what I hear your good at disappointing people."
"Who told you that Paul?"
"Jacob actually. " Kayla smiled, "He told me how you chose to be with the even though you knew what they were. From the moment you moved back to Forks all you did was care about yourself and your precious blood sucker not giving a damn about who you hurt in the process. Quite the selfish bitch if you ask me." she sneered.
Bella felt every word like a blow to the chest because every word she said was true. She hadn't cared who she'd hurt. Under Jasper ' s control she had been a selfish bitch but she didn't need to stand here and listen to someone she'd just met judge her. She turned to leave but Kayla reached out and snagged her arm.
"I know what you are now Ms. Warrior of Lightm, I want you to understand that you have no chance with Jacob. I've spent the last three years listening to him berate and belittle everything about you. He hates you as much as the leeches he hunts, so don't for one second think he holds any affection for you Because he moved on with me a long time being here is making him miserable, the pack doesn't want or need help from the likes of you or your friends. Jacob is planning on asking you all to leave tomorrow so take the hint and leave tonight."
Bella was starting to get angry.
"If Jake wants us to leave hell have to be a big boy and tell us himself." Bella snapped.
"Don't worry he will we decided that last night. I'm only going to say this once stay away from my Jacob. We're getting married and if you do anything to get in in the way of that Warrior or not I will kill you." Kayla threatened tightening her grip on Bella's arm.
"You might want to ask your cousin and Leah how that worked out for them " Bella hissed through clenched teeth her light sneaking out just a little bit.
Kayla hissed janking her hand away from Bella's arm as Bella's light contacted with her palm. Her hand felt like it was on fire but when she glanced down it looked untouched, as quickly as the pain came it disappeared.
"It looks like you haven't changed at all, still hurting others when things don't go your way. I'm sure Charlie would be proud."
Shame flooded bella.
What have I done?
She'd used her light against a human for no other reason than she didn't like what she was saying . Harrison would be horrified at her lack of control. Her hands started to shake and her breath was coming in short gasps. Bella felt like she was about to have a panic attack.
What's happening to me?
Ever since she came back here she hadn't been herself. She never should have come.
Bella felt him approach rather than heard him, she couldn't hear anything over the ringing in her ears. Drustan wrapped his strong arms around her waist pulling her gently against his chest. Bella tensed under his touch. Drustan started to worry she'd never pulled away from him before.
"What's wrong Angel your light is starting to show." Drustan asked.
"It doesn't matter she knows what we are." Bella mumbled.
Drustan knew she was talking about Kayla, she was the only guest present that wasn't aware that they were Warriors of Light...or so he thought.
"What?" he asked confused.
"She knows what we are." Bella snapped trying to pull away again.
Drustan loosened his grip enough to allow her to turn and face him.
"Did you tell her?"
Drustan was surprised at the guilt and panic that flooded their bond at his question. Tears pooled at the edge of Bella's eyes right before she buried her face in his chest.
"It was aweful Drustan; I'm aweful!" she sniffed.
"What happened, what did she do to you?" he asked getting angry at himself for leaving her alone.
"It's what I did."
"Talk to me, I can't help if I don't know what's happening."
His words just caused Bella's body to shake with concealed sobs, she didn't deserve his help.
Drustan pulled his light blending it lightly with hers, both barely visible to the naked watched as Bella replayed the conversation with Kayla in her mind.
{Oh Angel.}
{I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I never meant to. I don't know what came over me.}
{I can't say that it's okay but we all make mistakes Bella. Just because we have these powers doesn't mean we suddenly become infallible. We still have our human soul we can still make mistakes like anyone else.}
{I have to get out of here. I shouldn't have ever come in the first place.}
Bella lurched back expecting Drustan to let her go but he held her in place.
{You can't run.} he thought forcefully.
{What are you going to do sneak away in the middle of your father's wedding reception? That would crush him! What about Jacob are you just going to disappear on him again?}
{He's going to ask us to leave in the morning anyway.}
{No Bella, I won't let you do this. If Jacob wants to ask us to leave let him but you're not going anywhere tonight.}
{Please Drustan }
{No you will regret it as soon as you leave, ruining the relationship you've built with Charie, not to mention Embry and Quil. If you leave here we both know you won't be coming back so there are some things you have to do before we go.}
{Please Drustan don't ask me to stay. I can't control myself here. I'm back to being the weak girl I was when I left.} Bella pleaded.
Drustan could feel hee desperation, it was so strong he could feel Harrison and old Quil concern through the bond.
{Angel listen to me.} he pushed gently.
He waited until he had her full attention before continuing.
{You are not that girl, you never were those monsters made you that way and a weaker person wouldn't have been able to fight let alone break the hold they had on you. you are strong and you need to be strong now. I know it hurts to see them together when you love him like you do but it's because of that love that you still need to tell him the truth. It obviously still effects him, even I can see how much it still hurts him. You need to help him move on from that pain because you love him.}
Bella understood the truth in his words she couldn't run away. Drustan was right again.
Damn him.
Drustan led Bella to an empty table near the dance floor and guided her to a seat. He knelt in front of her as she sat wiping away her remaining tears.
"Stay here and take a breather while I go fill in Harrison and old Quil they're both getting nervous feeling how upset you are. Are you going to be okay for a minute?" he asked gently.
"Okay I'll be right." Drustan assured her as she nodded her head.
Drustan didn't have to go far to find Harrison and Old Quil because the pair was already making their way towards Bella looking very concerned. With a slight nod of his head the pair met him at the edge of the trees out of sight and hearing range of everyone else but where they still had a direct veiw of Bella.
"We have a problem." he told the pair.
"What is it? What's wrong with Bella?" Harrison asked quickly.
"Bella had a run it with Kayla. She cornered her at the punch table and said some things that were out of line and honestly non of her business. "
"Kayla's good at that. No one likes her here, she's as slippery as a snake, more volatile then Paul, and always trying to get her claws into Jacob" Old Quil spat.
"Well Jacob and her must be closer than you think because he told her who and what we are along with everything about Bella and the Cullens."
"He what?" Old Quil exclaimed.
"Ssshh!" Drustan hissed, "keep your dammed voice down!" Drustan snapped.
"This is a huge insult to all of us. As a supernatural creature Jacob should understand the need for secrecy. I know your tribe hasn't had any exposure to other clans of tribes with special powers but by revealing our secret Jacob just broke one of our most important laws. By right he should be exiled or if we demanded it dead." Harrison said flatly trying to keep his temper in check.
One of his gifts was to see almost every out come of situation but lines began to blur when his emotions came into play, he needed to keep a level head.
"It gets worse, Bella stung Kayla with her light."
"No!" Old Quil gasped in disbelif, Bella has never lost control around a human.
"In her defense Kayla grabbed and threatened her saying that if she got in the way of her and Jacob she'd kill her."
"Was the girl hurt?" Harrison asked.
"No, it was only a sting not even a burn."
"That's a relief but this makes everything more complicated."
"There's more, Jacob is going to ask us to leave LA Push tomorrow morning."
Old Quil Cursed under his breath.
"Why would he do that? The wedigo could be just the beginning without training the tribe will be a sitting duck!" the old man cried.
Harrison ignored his old friend if this were any other tribe they would have been punished or at least left in their own but because of Bella and her connection ti them they'd been given a lot of leeway.
"How does Bella feel about this?" Harrison asked willing to respect his adopted daughter's opinion on the matter.
"She wants to leave. I convinced her to stay until tomorrow and tie up all of the loose ends but she is adamant about going." Drustan explained.
Neither Harrison or Old Quil could blame her after everything that had happened since her return. Old Quil sighed; that meant tonight would be his last night as a member of the La Push tribe. When the warriors left tomorrow he would be going with them. The decision hurt but staying would have killed him. It was was only a matter of time anyway he'd been living a double life for far to long.
"I'll be ready by mid morning." he stated sorrowfully.
Both Drustan and Harrison clasped a hand on his shoulder they knew what he was giving up.
"I will be informing of the laws of our kind so if they should ever come in contact with another light creature he can avoid making the mistakes he made with us." Harrison firmly leaving the fact he may have a few other words for the alpha unsaid.
The trio's attention was grabbed by the sound of slightly raised voices to their right. Embry was toe to toe with Paul, both men shaking on the brink of phasing. Kayla was standing off to the side pointing at an unaware Bella obviously egging Paul on. Quil stood just behind by beginning to shake as well. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the pair was most likely defending Bella.
Paul roughly shoved Embry in the chest trying to get past him. Embry ' s shaking intensified as Quil shoved Paul back. The trio were moments from phasing something that could Not be allowed to happen.
Old Quil immediately moved to the group to try and defuse the situation, as Harrison moved to Bella's side, which left Drustan on distraction duty. He swiftly made his way to the small stage swiping the microphone out of its stand. Pushing a boost of electricity into the microphone causing it to screech loud with feedback. All of the wolves growled covering their ears at the painful high pitched sound while everyone else snapped their heads to look who was on the stage. Except Bella who had just noticed the altercation between Paul and embry.
"Hi everyone, I'm Drustan Mortenson." he started waving at the crowd.
"Some of you I know, others I dont. Moments ago I was just informed that everyone here even those who are not an imprint or part of the council are aware of what Bella, Harrison, and I are." He said tersely looking directly at Kayla, even an idiot could tell he wasn't pleased with that information.
Drustan moved his attention to Jacob interested to see if he would at least have the decency to look guilty but all he saw was confusion on the alpha ' s face. Drustan let his light out just enough to become visible, surrounding him in a blue halo against the dark night sky. He had no idea what he was going to say now that he had all of their attention. He had only been trying to avoid a situation that would have definitely escalated out of control. He felt confusion from Bella but more importantly he felt her silent support, unwavering always. Suddenly, he had an idea.
{If I told you to stay quiet and trust me would you?}
{I'll always trust you.} Bella answered.
"What you don't know is five years ago today we stood on a beach very similar to this one for a very different occasion. Bella, Harrison, Old quil, and myself were hunting one of the more malevolent demons, one we call a Skinner. Named for the fact that it strips all of the flesh from its victims before sacking the soul from their body killing them. The demon we were chasing had a knack for evading us we finally tracked it to a small village about the size of this one deep in the Amazon. Unfortunately, we didn't arrive until he had slaughtered the entire tribe. We came upon him in the process of sucking the soul from his final victim; a small girl no older than five."
Drustan paused seeing the the tears in Bella's eyes. He knew she was still just as effected by that night as he was but they all needed to hear this. The pack needed to realize just what it meant to be a Bellatore de Lumine.
"It didn't take long for Harrison and I to dispatch the demon while Bella rushed to the little girl. We tried everything we could but she was too far gone, we couldn't save her. So Bella pulled the small bloodied girl into her lap and sang her a lullaby until she passed from this world. Bella insisted on burying her herself and wandered down the beach with that small broken girl cradled against her chest." Drustan voice caught, the vision of Bella and that little girl frozen in his mind.
He could see the look of horror on everyone's faces. The imprints were clinging to their mates as if they held them tight enough they could hide from his words. Harrison stood directly behind Bella resting both hands on her shoulders sending his silent support to both of his children; Bella by his touch and Drustan through the bond. Old quil was slowly making his way towards his granddaughter and his best friend, abandoning the hostile wolves whose attentions were now focused on Drustan.
Regaining his composure Drustan continued, " An hour after Harrison and I had finished cleaning up the carnage the Skinner had left in it's wake Bella still hadn't returned. I knew what must have been going through her head so I made my way down the beach looking for the one place I knew she'd be. After a few minutes I found her sitting with her back against a large piece of drift wood at the waters edge. Years later I would ask her why it was always drift wood she ran to and she told me it was the one place when times got dark that made her feel closer to her sun."
Jacob couldn't help the spark of recognition at Drustan ' s words and with the blonde warrior's eyes trained on him he felt as if there was a message in those words meant just for him.
Bella felt the eyes of everyone on her. She wanted to turn to look at Jacob but kept her eyes on Drustan. This story was about one of the most important moments in her life; a moment that involved the family she had found with the warrior's. . Old Quil placed a gentle hand on her right shoulder standing behind her next to Harrison.
"I said nothing as I sat down beside her pressing my shoulder against hers, because sometimes there aren't any words to say. Our job is difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally. That night more than most. That night was the first time Bella witnessed darkness gain the upper hand. The first time she witnessed that even though light prevailed in the end she had to see the evil atrocities that a single member of darkness can cause. The night that she realized for the first time that the odds were greatly stacked against us. At this very moment there is over one thousand types of dark creatures and demons roaming the earth, their numbers reaching to huge numbers, while we are only three. Three Champions of Fate charged with the duty of vanquish darkness from the world."
Everyone stood frozen hanging on Drustan's every word. He reminded Bella of Harrison in that moment with his strong voice captivating all who listened.
"I don't know how long we sat there silently watching the tears that were falling from both of our eyes fall into the sand only to be washed away by the waves. I could feel the guilt, the desperation, and the bone numbing loneliness coming off of Bella. Unable to stand another second of her pain So I did the first that that came to my mind and asked her to dance. I still don't know where the music came from that night but it filled the sky and as we danced across the sand it filled us with something we desire try needed, hope. It was that night dancing with my best friend that I realized that even though we are greatly outnumbered we have something they never will. We have something worth fighting for; each other."
Drustan paused allowing the warmth and love being sent to him by the only family he'd ever known wash over him. They were strong, they were a family and he'd be damned if he let this tribe think that they were anything but that.
"That was the night everything changed. That was the night we became what we are today. No longer just comrades in arms, not just a group fighting for the same cause. Oh no, we became much more than that. That night we became bound to one another by our very souls. Making us a family with ties so strong not even the most powerful enemy could hope to shake them. For the first time I truly believed in my heart that we could make a difference. That we could be the Champions to change the tide of this ageless fight. The three of us Harrison, Bella, and I along with Old Quil who may not be a warrior by name but is surely one in our hearts could be strong enough together. Strong enough to stand side by side to face down what ever evil the darkness wants to throw at us, knowing that we would never be alone in this fight. So tonight on a beach so similar to the one we stood on all of those years ago it seems as if the Fates themselves are asking for an encore preformance."
Drustan gracefully stepped down from the small stage and made his way across the dance floor coming to stand in front of Bella.
"So with out further ado Isabella Marie Swan will you please do me the honor of having this dance?"
"Always." Bella answered with a smile.
Instead of pulling her to her feet knelt down down slowly removing one of her shoes setting it next to the microphone on the sand.
"I always thought it was Prince Charming's job to put a shoe on not take them off." Bella teased as he took off her other shoe.
"You never needed a glass slipper to be special, not to me or anyone else that matters." he answered rising to his feet.
Bella rose as Harrison and Old Quil came to stand on either side of them.
"I'm proud of you son, everyday you make me so proud to be your father." Harrison said low his voice thick with sincerity.
"I love you lass, always have and I always will." he said turning to Bella.
"Shine bright Little Light." Old Quil beamed.
"So what do you say should we show everyone what it looks like when an angel decides to dance?" Drustan said reaching out for Bella's hand.
Bella wasted no time in clasping her hand in his. As they walked hand in hand to the center of the dance floor Old Quil spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.
"You're going to want to pay attention, the last time they danced I swear the earth stopped turning to watch."
I walked hand in hand with Drustan onto the homemade dance if on cue the sound of what could best be described as a piano drifted on the breeze from the heavens. Part of me could hear the collective gasps from everyone on the beach. I could imagine their shocked faces as they looked around for the source of the music. Drustan released my hand and swept his arm across his stomach in a deep bow from a different era. I pushed everyone else from my mind as a small sweet smile graced my lips. I clasped my dress dipping into a low courtesy. Drustan and I maybe from this century but we carry the hearts and presence of the warrior's before us.
He stepped forward placing one hand on my waist while the other held mine in the formal hold. I rested my other hand on hIs broad shoulder stepping closure towards his chest.
[Hope seems lost your so scared not sure which way to go]
Drustan stepped forward with his left foot as I stepped back with my right just as the vocals began. The voice was captivating low, rich, and deep; yet high, shimmering, and angelic all of the same time. With our steps perfectly in line we moved around in a small circle.
[Nothing makes sense it's unfamiliar and you're feeling all alone.]
I remembered the first night we danced The last hopeless feeling that over took me. We haven't danced together since that night and I understood why tonight we were dancing again. Being here, back in forks facing my fear of coming home, being met with hostility, and watching my hopes of Jacob and I ever finding our way back to one another crumble before my eyes had left me feeling lost and hopeless once more.
[I'm closer than you think I'm there when you're a sleep when you've fallen down]
Drustan was right tonight the Fates were asking for an encore. I felt them in every step we took, every breath we breathed, and every beat of our hearts. Tonight was a gift to me, a night to remind me that no matter how dark the night there is always light. No matter the obstacle I am never alone.
[Every second you're awake ever second everyday call out to me now]
Our circles widened as Drustan led us all over the dance floor. Blue and green dancing around us in time with the heavenly beat.
[Don't have to say a word which ever way you turn nothing to worry I'm watching over you.]
Dancing with Drustan was effortless with every turn the weight I had felt pressing on my chest eased.
[I'm never far away don't have to be afraid look up I'll be watching over you]
Drustan grabbed me by the waist lifting me high above his head and back towards the ground in a large arch.
[I'm right here even when it seems I'm so far out of reach]
Drustan gently placed me on my feet I immediately spun away from him my arms and dress fanning out wide away from me. I felt the wood under my feet change to the soft gritty sand as I continued to twirl.
[Take my hand I've got you safely in my arms hold on to me]
In one fluid movement Drustan grasped my hand pulling me back towards him under his arm and back into our hold. We fully opened our bonds to one another letting all of our emotions rush together. Our lights shined bright, mine filtering into the ground below us His reaching for the waves on our right. The sand beneath us became firm allowing us to glide across the beach without sinking.
[I'm closer than you think im there when you're asleep when you've fallen down]
My body began to hum with electricity unlike anything I had ever felt before. it was as if I was bursting out of my skin. I felt alive and a little dizzy. Warm ocean water pushed and pulled against my ankles as Drustan expertly spun me in an intricate series of lifts and turns.
[Every second you're awake every moment everyday just call out to me now.]
My head was spinning my whole body felt incredibly light as if I would drift off into the clouds at any second. Drustan ' s light shot directly into chest as mine shot into his. I gasped in shock my vision was overcome by an intense pure white light.
The light vanished just as quickly as it apleared. Drustan and Bella were still holding on to one another but instead of dancing of dancing in the waves they found themselves standing in front of all three of the Moria. Altropos , Lachesis, and Clotho all stood in a semi circle before them.
"Wha...what?" Drustan stuttered in shock while Bella stood there like a deer stuck in the headlights.
"Close your mouth little warrior you're not dreaming." Clothing giggled.
Bella's mouth closed with an audible snap as a lite blush covered her cheeks, "How?" she asked.
"Magic you silly girl." Clotho giggled again bringing her hands up to cover her mouth.
Bella had not spent very much time in the presence of Drustan ' s sister of fate since it was very rare for the Fates to interact with anyone but their chosen warrior but she always marveled at Clotho's ability to turn anything into a joke.
"Enough Clotho!" Altropos snapped annoyed at her sisters humor, "Do not mock my champion." she seethed.
Clotho ' s eyes narrowed and Bella felt power ripple around her as the sister opened her mouth to respond when Lachesis stepped in between her sisters with a sigh.
"Easy sisters, our time is short it would be prudent not to waste a moment on such petty arguments when there are much more important things to discuss." she said in a kind yet firm way effectively ending any argument.
Harrison had always said Lachesis was the peace keeper between the sisters but Bella and Drustan had never seen them bicker in such a human way before.
"You've never been able to bring us to you unless we were asleep or with the use of ceremonial smoke; yet we were just dancing in front of everyone at the wedding. How are we here?" Drustan asked again not wanting to waste any time, he knew this must be important.
"Actually you're both still dancing in LA Push, rather beautifully I might add." Cloth smirked.
"We haven't brought you into our realm, we are projecting ourselves into your minds. It takes a massive amount of power to cross the veil between our world's and is extremely draining for us. The technicalities behind behind it are a moot point just know that it will be centuries before we could even attempt something of this magnitude again." Lachesis answered seriously.
Bella and Drustan we're both afraid and curious about what could be so important to cause them to resort to such a drastic measure to reach them instead of just waiting to come to them in their dreams.
"The war is coming. Forces are in motion that can not be stopped very soon you will be pushed to your limits against a force stronger and darker than anything any champion has faced before. Your bond and the bond of those around you are the only hope you have, without them you will fail and fall into darkness. It's time for the two of you to become bonded."
"Now?" Bella asked shocked.
"In a few moments if you both agree to the bond but first we have more to explain." Clotho affirmed.
"We also brought you here to warn you. You are about to make a grave mistake that would ensure your defeat. You can not leave La Push." Lachesis commanded the pair leveling them with her gaze.
"The darkness will come to Forks whether or not you are there to meet it. With out you it will wipe everyone out of existence before spreading chaos and evil all over the world. The wolves will be your biggest allies in this fight; train them prepare them they must be ready to do their part." Clotho proclaimed.
Altro posted could feel the concern from Bella. She knew she was worries about being able to work with the wolves and knew Jacob Black was a large part of that. She walked forward enfold on Bella's hands in her own.
"I told you long ago that there would be a time when Jacob Black would once again play a major role in your life, that time is now. It's time for you to claim your mate." she urged gently but firmly.
"No, I can't he's getting married I won't ruin that for him"
"Lies." Altropos hissed with fire dancing behind her eyes.
"That woman is a viper biding her time until the perfect moment to stike." Altropos spat with venom of her own.
Bella blanched at her words, what could she mean?
"Regardless you are my daughter and my greatest champion, you must be strong enough to fight for your heart. I know that if roles were reversed Jacob Black would fight for you until your heart stopped beating and beyond. So now you must fight for him. Tell him the truth, lay your heart on the line, trust him to be the man and mate you need. Lives depend on the two of you be coming the force of light you're destined to become."
Bella squeezed Altropos's hand fear and confusion filling her. How could so much rely on her and Jacob? None of it made any sense.
"You must talk to him tonight, too much time has been wasted and now time has run out. I believe in you Bella. I can not lie, trust my words when I say that if you follow your heart all will be well." Altropos reassured her looking deep in her eyes.
"Our powers grow weak our time is almost done. Be strong Drustan, be true, trust your instincts I gave them to you for a reason." Cloth spoke sincerely cupping Drustan 's cheek before turning to Bella wrapping her in a small hug.
"Very soon it will be you're turn to fight for his happy ending. His bond is just as important as yours and your alpha 's; do not fail him." she whispered releasing her.
"It is time to form your bond if you are both willing. With this bond you understand that you will be bound to one another in the purest way. By accepting this bond you will be tied to one another in a way that has never been attempted in the history of the warriors. You will both be free to be bound to you're mates while maintain the soul twin bond you will create here today. From today on your souls will be bound to one another in both life and death. Do you agree to forming this bond of you're own free will?" Lachesis asked formally.
"I agree." Bella and Drustan choroused immediately smiling at one another.
"Clasp each other's hands, close your eyes, and blend your lights." The sister ordered.
Bella and Drustan quickly did as they were told, their bodies once again humming with power.
"With the power of the Moria we bind you. From this moment your souls are no longer your own. They will remain woven together until the end of time it's self. with this bond you swear to stand by each other, guide each other, be the light for each other in times of darkness. Together you shall be a light, a beacon of hope for the world. So mote it be!"
Once again the pair was surrounded in a burst of white light and pure power. Holding tight to each other they began to spin at an impossible speed.
"Beware the viper. Tomorrow it begins."
Bella felt her stomach rush to her throat at the sound of Altropos fading voice, wind whipping past her and Drustan with the force of a hurricane. In perfect unison their eyes shot open, their light was brighter than ever before. They fell from the sky like a meteor crashing to earth, spinning at dizzying speeds. Neither attempted to stop the free fall closing to plummet closer to the awaiting sea trusting in Harrison. They fell and fell until a large gust of wind mixed with a silver light swept underneath them slowing them down until their feet gently brushed against the sand.
Harrison released his light letting it dance around him and Old Quil. He sighed with relief as his children's feat came in contact with the sand. What had they been thinking scaring him like that?
Everyone on the beach stood motionless in shock and awe. More than one person whipped their eyes at the magnificent sight they had just witnessed. No one spoke, Drustan had been right sometimes words just weren't enough.
When Harrison's light reached out mingling with the swirling mass of blue and green surround Bella and Drustan he immediately realized the change between them. He stumbled forward in a very un-warrior like manner half dragging a confused Old Quil in his wake.
"Ha ha! I knew this day was blessed!" he shouted to the sky joyously.
"You've bonded!" he exclaimed throwing his massive arms around the smiling pair pulling them into a vice grip hug.
Old Quil stood rooted in place, his mouth hanging open.
How? When?
"Congratulations! The first of of your kind. I knew this day would come, I knew you we're meant for more!" Harrison sniffed into their shoulders overcome with happiness and love.
Bella smiled around Harrison ' s shoulder and held out her hand knowing Harrison wouldn't be letting go anytime soon. Old Quil rushed to the group looking at Bella with such hope in his eyes.
"You're truly bonded?" he asked finding his voice.
"It's true Grandpa." Bella answered with a blinding smile as Old Quil launched himself at the trio wrapping his arms around as much of them as he could manage.
Drustan was sure they made quite a sight four adults wrapped around one around other in a crying heap but there was no where else he'd rather be.
"No!" Roared Jacob from his spot next to a very confused Charlie.
All eyes snapped to the clearly devastated alpha. His eyes had a dark yellow ring around his irises, his body shaking violently. Charlie quickly shoved Sue behind him walking slowly away from his godson. Billy had explained the danger of being to close to an on edge wolf, Emily was proof of that.
Jacob's heart shattered. As much as he had tried to tell himself otherwise he wanted Bella in every way and now it was too late. He tried to breathe. He tried to think of a happy or calming memory to calm his spasms but all he could focus on was his last ray of hope being dashed away. With one last tortured look at Bella he sprinted into the woods.
"Jake wait!" Bella called after him knowing he wouldn't turn around.
"Go, I'll handle things here." Drustan stated firmly.
"Thank you." Bella whispered before spring ting after then who always held her heart. It was time for Jacob to hear the truth.
Luckily for Bella Jacob hadn't phased into his wolf form or it would have been much harder to catch up to him. As a wolf he could almost match her for speed but in his human form be was much slower.
"Jake!" she shouted.
"Jake wait up! I need to talk to you you."
Jake snarled at the sound of her voice. Why hadn't he phased? Why had he let her catch him. He was a glutton for punishment that's why.
"Jacob Black you stop right now and listen to what I have to say!"
Her shouts were met with silence if anything he increased his speed the closer she came to him.
Fine be that way.
Bella ran behind him until he passed under the perfect pair of trees, calling on her powers she manipulated the branches to grab and hold him ten feet off the ground much like she had Old Quil.
"What the hell!" Jacob bellowed struggling hard against the branches. The harder he pulled the more branches attached themselves to him.
Bella stood out of the way and waited for him to calm down.
"Bella get thsee fucking things off me NOW!"
Calm might take awhile.
"Not until you promise to talk to me."
"Are you crazy? No way!" he growled.
Why was she doing this to him? Couldn't she see how much pain he was in? Was she just here to rub in his face that he had never really had a chance with her at all?
"Fine I'll talk you listen." she retorted.
"What makes you think I give a damn about anything you have to say?" he scoffed.
"Because I know at least a small part of you wants to hear an explanation about what happened all those years ago between us. What really happened between me and Cullens."
Whatever Jacob had been expecting to hear that hadn't been it his shock showed clear on his face. Bella took his silence for agreement lowering him to his feet, releasing him from his wooden shackles. She was taking a risk hoping he wouldn't storm off but she need him to see the truth in her eyes as she told him everything.
Bella started pacing back and forth in frustration. She wasn't getting cold feet. No, she knew how important this moment was but there was so much to tell.
"Is this conversation going to consist of you waisting my time?" Jacob snapped.
Bella tried to hide her flinch from his tone, she'd known this wouldn't be easy.
"I'm sorry there's just so much to say and I have no idea where to start."
Jacob mellowed at the nervousness in her voice he could see she was trying and felt bad for her. The fact that he still gave a shit about how she felt pissed him off again.
"How about the night you ran ofa with those bloodsuckers." he snarled not even trying to hide the disdain on his voice.
Taking a deep breath and sending a quick prayer to the sisters she began the explanation that was a long time coming.
"Do you remeber how I told you about the Cullen ' s special abilities?"
At the slight nod of Jacob's head she continued, "Edward can read minds, Alice can see the future, and I told you Jasper could influence someone's emotions. I was wrong. Jasper can actually control a persons emotions making them feel whatever he wants them to. That night the only thing I wanted was to be with you. When I refused to go with them that was real, that was my decision but Jasper used his power to control me. My heart knew that going with them was the last thing I wanted but my mind was screaming something else. I fought the pull even though I didn't know what it was at the time. I swear I fought to stay with you. When Alice ran you over something onside me snapped. I was so scared all my mind could focus on was you, how I felt about you, and my desperate need to get back to you."
Bella's voice was strained, she felt it shake more than heard it. She saw a plethora of emotion s race across Jacob's face none staying long enough to tell which had taken hold. When he opened his mouth she held up her hand to stall him.
"Stop. Just stop. Let me finish. You need to hear this. You deserve to hear this." she pleaded choppily.
Jacob couldn't be sure if it was the desperation in her voice, the wild look in her eyes, or the small flicker of hope in his chest but he grunted in agreement waiting for Bella to continue.
"I managed to break Jasper 's hold on me just as Alice slammed on the brakes. I hit the dashboard, opened the door, and fell to the ground. I should have been worried about what caused Alice and Jasper disappear but I wasn't. All I was worried about was getting as far away from them as possible and back to you."
"So why didn't you? What made you go with them?" Jacob questioned unable to contain his bitterness.
Bella continued as if she hadn't heard him. She couldn't afford to snap back at him, the time for arguments was done.
"I ran, walked, limpid and crawled my way back to my house before collapsing to the ground at the edge of my yard. Everything was burning. I'll never forget the pain I felt that night, it was like I was being burned alive from the inside. I thought I was dying, I hoped for death if it would end the pain. Everything was dark, the fire that scorched me claiming my vision but I heard you. I heard your voice as if you were right beside me. I yelled for you but my body refused to call out, too focused on keeping me alive. I felt myself leave my body when I heard your voice again; you were taking to Sam. My heart broke and with your name on my lips as everything faded to black. I woke up five days later in South Dakota, that's when I met Harrison and Drustan.
They told me how they chased off the Cullens and found me in my yard bloodied and broken. They tried to explain about the warrior's but I passed out from shock I guess. That's when Harrison called Old Quil. The next day we preformed the ritual that allowed me to meet Altropos and become a Warrior of Light. The rest is history." she finished.
She felt the tears and willed them not to fall. She still a had so much to say but facts first emotions second.
To say Jacob Black was shocked would have been a gross understatment. He stood rigid as a statue speechless. If what Bella said was true everything he'd believed for the past six years was a lie. He had questions, he knew He did, if only he could get his brain to form them.
"Wait...So..." he stuttered as he tried to force his mouth to work.
After a few minutes of pacing, pulling hard on his short cropped hair in exasperation, and more than a few curses later Jacob managed to get himself under control.
"So you're telling me that you haven't been with the Cullens at all? That since that night when I lost you you've been with the warrior's?"
"Yes." Bella answered nervously, she couldn't tell what Jacob was thinking or feeling.
"And you never wanted to leave in the first place?"
"That's the last thing I ever wanted."
"Why?" Jacob asked roughly.
Bella met Jacob's gaze head on and answered with every ounce of love she'd been holding inside for over six years, "Because I was in love with you. Because I'm still in love with you, I've never stopped loving you."
Hope and relief flooded Jacob's system making him a little bit light headed. He'd dreamed of Bella saying those exact words thousands of times only to wake up miserable and utterly alone. He took three steps forward closing some of the distance between them before stopping suddenly.
She said she loved him hut that didn't change anything. Not now when she was bound to Drustan. A strangled cry left his mouth at the irony of the situtation. He'd finally gotten his wish of Bella's love only to have it be ripped away before it could become anything.
Bella saw the pain on his face and moved forward.
"Jake," she whispered reaching put for him, her chest constricting at the sight of his pain.
"Don't touch me!" he exploded, jumping back away from her touch.
"Why? Why now? Do you know how long I've waited to hear that? Now you tell me the one thing I've waited my entire life to hear when you're bound to another man. To yo- your soulmate!" he shouted throwing his arms out in front of him his eyes wild.
He started to shake but Bella just stepped closer. Tear began to fall from his eyes and she swore she'd make up for everyone that fell.
Jacob closed his eyes in a desprite attempt to stop the flow of hot tears but it was no use. He couldn't handle being this close to her, his wolf was going crazy with the need to claim her.
Mine. it snarled
His wolf was wrong. She wasn't his...she never was.
"Please Bella..." he pleaded brokenly.
Bella couldn't take another moment of his pain, in a flash she was before him wrapping her arms arms round him, pulling him against her chest. Jacob struggled to pull away broken cries shooting past his lips but She held on refusing to let him go.
"Jake stop. Sshhh. You don't understamd. I'm not Drustan's, I'm yours, I've always been yours." she whispered over and over again.
Jake's body went still at her words, had she just said what he thought she said? His hands shot out and firmly cupped her face pulling it far enough away from his to look into her eyes. His wolf purred when her arms never left his waist.
"What are you saying?" he asked gruffly.
"Drustan and I are bound as soul twins not soul mates. It's a bond of pure friendship nothing romantic. I love you, I've always loved you." she explained quickly praying he understood.
Jacob shivered as her light covered them, washing over his body in a soft caress. A quiet moan slipped his defenses as Bella's body pressed hard against his. A wave of desire crashed into him so strong he had to close his eyes to contain the intense emotions.
"Tell me what that means! You're not his?"
Bella's head was swimming, her knees buckled slightly pusing her body even closer to Jacob's. Their bodies pressed against one another tingling with heat.
"Not his," she whispered, "Yours always yours."
Jacob's hand clenched harder on her face but not hard enough to hurt she wasn't fragile Bella anymore. She moaned with need as he shook her once.
"Again, say it again!" he commanded.
Bella looked into his eyes and saw yellow, saw the wolf; she understood what Jacob needed and she was happy to give it to him.
"I love you Jacob Emphrium Black. I love you with my entire heart and soul, there has never been a day I haven't loved you and there never will be. I am yours."
As soon as the words left her mouth Jacob's mouth crashed into hers and then they ignited. Fire and heat crawled and locked it's way over their bodies and deep into their bones. Tongues danced, hands grasped and grabbed, as teeth nipped and pulled. Neither knew where one began and the other ended. They broke apart chest heaving and hearts hammering against their ribs.
"I love you too." Jacob breathed before pulling her mouth back against his.
He knew there was more to discuss, he knew there were still numerous things they needed to talk about but that was for later. All that mattered in that moment was Bella loved him; she loved him and he was never letting her go.
A/N 2- Well I hope you all enjoyed this chapter I know there was a lot happening. This is just the beginning of Bella and Jacob and I am so excited to have finally hit the point where they are now together. The next chapter is where the fun really begins there will be Cullens, demons, and a plot twist I doubt you can see coming. Please read and review this chapter holds a special place in my heart seeing as with out the ideas in it I never would have started this story in the first place. Until next time!