Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Fifteen

I knew where I was, but I couldn't focus on anything. As soon as the name left Sam's lips, I shut down. It was my only defense mechanism against it. I was in complete and utter shock.

The Cullens were back.

Why? What would make them come back? Why now?

I could hear people talking around me, but none of it made any sense. It was like a faint buzzing. There was no substance to the sound. I could feel pressure on my skin, but I couldn't tell how hard or soft the pressure was. I knew it was the pack because it was hot. All I could see were blurry shapes. Colors swirled around me, but refused to solidify.

SMACK!

My head whipped around and my hand flew up to my cheek. My eyes got wide as I looked at the lamp on the table beside the love seat.

Some one had just slapped me!

"WAKE UP, BELLA!"

I turned my wide eyed stare on Leah. She was standing above me, frowning furiously. The sound of growls reached me and I noticed Jake being restrained by Jared and Sam. He was struggling to get to Leah, snarling ferociously. Embry and Quil were trying to push him back and help Sam and Jared calm him down. Seth had his arms wrapped around Leah and was pulling her away from me. Paul was kneeling in front of me, trying to pry my hand away from my face.

"You hit me," I gasped, staring at Leah.

Everybody froze. There was a collective sigh of relief as they realized I had come back. Leah smirked, obviously pleased with herself.

"Yes, I did," she preened.

"You actually hit me," I said, still shocked.

"Well, none of these pansies were going to do anything. Someone had to," Leah snorted, glaring at the guys.

Jake had finally broken out of Sam and Jared's grasp and was kneeling in front of me where Paul had just been. He took hold of my hands and searched my face, his own completely miserable.

"Bells. Talk to me," Jake pleaded softly.

I looked at him and I felt the shocked look fall off my face to be replaced by one of concern.

"What's wrong?" I asked, cupping his cheek with my hand.

He leaned into it and brought up one of his hands to hold mine to his face. He was watching me cautiously, waiting for me to say something, but I didn't know what that something was.

"How… Are you… What's going through your head?" Jake finally asked.

"I'm just surprised. I didn't think they'd ever come back," I declared, shaking my head.

"Is… Is that all?" Jake pressed.

"Well, I'm a little pissed off. I mean, he promised me they would never come back, but here they are. But, I'm happy, too. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't missed them," I confessed.

I would never lie to Jake about anything. He deserved to know the truth and the truth was what I'd give him. No matter what.

Hurt flashed across his face briefly, but he hid it quickly.

"Do you… Are you going to go back to them?" Jake asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.

I gaped at him, shocked and hurt that he would ever consider that.

"Jake! Are you insane?" I growled.

Jake just looked at me, waiting for my answer. I took both his hands in mine and stared in straight in the eye.

"Never. This is my pack, too. I could never abandon them. I could never abandon you. You're the love of my life, Jacob Black. Nothing will ever change that," I vowed.

Jake searched my eyes for any signs of doubt or indecision. I knew the moment he actually believed me because his entire face lit up and he stood, pulling me into his arms. He laughed and spun me around, placing kisses everywhere he could reach.

"Thank you!" Jake shouted to the ceiling.

I laughed and pulled him down for a kiss. He was grinning against my lips and I couldn't help, but smile myself. I broke the kiss and gave him a mock stern look.

"Don't you ever go doubting me again, Jacob Black, or you'll regret it!" I warned, shaking my finger at him.

"I promise you, I won't," Jake laughed, kissing me again.

"Get a room!" Leah called.

Jake and I broke apart, smiling wide.

"I love you," Jake said.

"Good," I grinned.

"Wrong words, Bells," Jake scolded.

"What are the right words?" I asked in mock innocence.

"The same words I just said," Jake informed me.

"'Wrong words, Bells'?" I laughed, tilting my head.

"Haha, very funny," Jake glared, grinning.

I laughed and threw my arms around his neck.

"I love you, too," I gave in.

"Thank God for that!" Quil cried.

The atmosphere had drastically changed in the last ten minutes. I grinned as we all took our seats around the living room again, preparing to continue the meeting.

"So, what happens now?" I asked.

"We have a meeting with the Cullens to discuss why they've come back and go from there. I've already called Carlisle and set up a meeting in the clearing where we found you and the human bloodsucker that night," Sam explained.

"When?" Jake asked.

"Tonight. I want this taken care of as soon as possible. We'll go right after sunset, so be ready," Sam instructed.

"Do they know about me?" I asked, biting my lip.

"No. That's not something to be explained over the phone. Besides, you are no longer their business," Sam frowned.

"Sam-" I started.

"Bella, I understand your relationship with them before they left, but, as you said earlier, you are part of the pack now," Sam interrupted.

"Yes, I am part of the pack. I'm meant to bring peace to the pack. I'm supposed to ease relations with our enemies. I have to have some form of a relationship with them in order to do that. It doesn't mean I will change where my loyalty lies," I stated.

"I'll think about it," Sam offered.

"That's all I ask," I said.

Sam nodded once before going back to pack business.

"Bella will remain in La Push until the time for the meeting. I don't want the Cullens to see her until then. They'll notice the changes in her and I'd rather have the pack there when it happens. We don't know how they'll react and she may need the pack protection. When we go to the clearing, Bella will be in the middle of the pack. She will be surrounded on all sides. Seth will be by her side at all times. Where she goes, he goes. No exceptions," Sam ordered.

Everyone nodded. I was surprised Sam didn't assign Leah to be my body guard. She normally was the one who stayed with me while the others took care of the threat. I glanced over at her to see her frowning at Sam. I knew she took her job as my personal protector very seriously. I wondered what was behind Sam's decision to make Seth guard me tonight.

Leah opened her mouth to say something, but Sam stopped her with a hand.

"I know what you're going to say, Leah. I need you to be in the circle. You're the fastest out of all of us. You'll be able to stop any potential problems before they get too close. Not that I'm expecting any problems," Sam assured me.

I nodded. It made sense, but Leah still looked miffed. She and I shared a look and I smiled at her. She rolled her eyes at me, but grinned a little in response.

"I guess I'll be the only one on two legs?" I asked, smiling as I looked back at Sam.

"Yes. With Edward and you being able to tap into the pack mind, there won't be any need for us to phase," Sam agreed.

"Sounds like a plan," I said, rubbing my hands together.

"Alright. Everyone meet back here about half an hour before sunset," Sam instructed, standing up.

Everyone dispersed, going to make arrangements for tonight. Jake took my hand and led me out to my truck.

"We'll call Charlie from my place and tell him what's happening. Depending on how late tonight runs, he may let you stay at my place tonight," Jake grinned, giving me a wink.

"Ha! You wish!" I snorted.

"You know it!" Jake laughed, wiggling his eyebrows.

I laughed at him as we headed towards his house to wait out the hours until sunset. I was surprised that the meeting didn't fill me with nerves at all. I had expected to be worried about seeing my used-to-be vampire family, but I was completely fine.

Jake squeezed my hand in reassurance. I looked up at him and realized he was the reason I was so calm. No matter what happened with the Cullens tonight, Jake would still be there for me in the morning.

Everyone was nervous as we stood outside Sam's house close to sunset. We were waiting for our marching orders and the wolves were having trouble staying still. The guys were rough housing and Leah kept rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. Jake and Sam were the only ones not fidgeting. Sam was standing in front of the steps while Jake was beside me. He had my hand in a tight grip and I was pressed against his side. I was resting my head on his arm that was wrapped through my own.

I looked up at him and smiled. He looked so serious, all business. He was preparing himself for any situation that might come from tonight's meeting. I squeezed his hand and he looked down at me.

"Everything will be fine," I whispered.

Jake's eyes tightened and I knew he was worried about me. I tugged on his arm sharply, forcing him to pay attention to me.

"Everything will be fine," I repeated more fiercely.

Jake smiled tersely and nodded. His kissed the top of my head briefly, inhaling my scent. I sighed and leaned into him harder.

"I love you," Jake murmured, his voice strained.

"I love you," I replied, nuzzling into his arm.

"Alright, everyone. Time to head out. Jake, you'll carry Bella until we get to the edge of the clearing. Then, she'll dismount and we'll form the circle. Bella, be sure to keep yourself open to us," Sam instructed.

I nodded and followed as they walked towards the woods. I stopped at the edge and waited patiently for them to phase before walking into the dense foliage. Jake stepped forward and knelt before me. I smiled and climbed onto his back.

With a howl, they took off. I clung to Jake's fur, glorifying in the feel of the pack, running as one. I closed my eyes as the wind whipped across my face and through my hair.

Open up, Bella, Sam said, reprimanding me slightly for not paying attention.

Sorry, Sam, I grinned.

I focused on the pack mind through him and threw open the barriers. Everyone's thoughts were suddenly there for me to read. I laughed at the excitement that coursed through them all. They were all looking forward to a good confrontation.

Don't get your hopes up, guys, I warned.

Come on, Bella. You can't blame us for wanting some action with these assholes, Embry grumbled.

Yeah. After what they did to you, they deserve some sort of retribution, Seth agreed.

Wow. Big word there, Seth, Quil teased, laughing.

Shut up, Quil. Just because you can't understand it, doesn't mean it's a big word, Leah snapped.

Any word that has more than six letters is too big for Quil, Paul laughed.

Good thing Claire's so young. He won't have to use any of his high artillery words until she's older, Embry added.

They were all laughing at him now, but Quil took it well. I was surprised until I realized he was thinking about Claire. It was amazing how innocent his thoughts were. He was thinking about taking her to the beach soon and playing in the waves, maybe making a sand castle.

Game face, guys. We're here, Sam ordered.

Everyone stopped and I slid off of Jake's back. He pushed his nose into the crook of my neck and whined.

Everything will be fine, I told him again.

All his thoughts were jumbled. He was terrified of something going wrong. He didn't want to lose me. He was scared I'd run back to Edward or that there would be a fight and I'd get hurt.

Seth will keep me safe, I assured him.

Yeah, Jake. I won't leave her side, Seth agreed, coming to stand by my side to emphasize his point.

Anything happens to her and you're dead, Jake warned, showing Seth exactly what he would do if something happened to me.

Seth gulped and nodded.

Ease up, Jake. Nothing's going to happen to me, I huffed, threading my fingers through his fur.

Line up, Sam snapped.

We all moved into position. Seth settled in beside me with Leah on his other side. Paul was on my other side with Jared in front of him. Sam was in front with Jake on the opposite side as Jared. Quil and Embry brought up the rear.

I smiled as we walked forward because we all moved at exactly the same time. The pack mind had taken control and we were one mind in nine bodies. As we walked into the clearing, all eyes moved to the seven figures standing about halfway across the field. Sam led us over to them, stopping about twenty feet away.

I took my first look at my ex-family. Carlisle was standing in the front. His family stood beside him, Emmett, Rose and Edward on one side with Jasper, Alice, and Esme on the other.

Alice was somewhat difficult to look at. She and I had been so close when I was with Edward. She had been like a sister to me. I refused to look at Edward, simply on principle. I was still angry with him. I was surprised at how easy it was to look at the rest of them.

Sure, I had missed them and it had nearly killed me when they left, but they weren't my family any more; the pack was.

I could tell they were surprised to see me there. Edward actually made a move to come forward, but Emmett stuck out an arm to halt him. Jake growled and watched Edward with narrowed eyes. Seth bristled beside me, seeing the movement.

Easy, Jake. He's not coming closer, I soothed.

I don't want to stay here over long. State your purpose for returning, Sam thought to Edward.

I looked over at Edward, waiting for him to translate for the others, but he didn't say anything. In fact, he was frowning as he looked at the wolves.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us," Carlisle bowed his head in greeting.

You're welcome. Now, tell us why you came back, Sam insisted.

I frowned when Edward still didn't say anything. Carlisle glanced at Edward, questioning him silently.

"I can't hear them," Edward murmured, his eyes wide.

The surprise that ran throughout the pack nearly threw me back with the force of it. I gasped and clutched Seth's fur as it was. In a matter of seconds, the shock had worn off and the pack was all talking at once.

Stop, stop, stop! I shouted.

They all got quiet.

I'll translate, I sighed, struggling to get past all the emotions.

I glanced over at Jasper, wondering how he handled it.

Ask them why they came back, Sam instructed.

"Why did you come back?" I asked, looking straight at Carlisle.

All the Cullens looked surprised when I spoke. I smiled a little; the pack was enjoying this a little too much.

"Bella. It is good to see you well," Carlisle said, smiling slightly.

Stick to the questions, Bella. You can catch up later, Sam ordered.

Jake growled at the thought, but otherwise kept quiet. He knew there was no threat of me leaving him for Edward.

"I'm sorry, Carlisle. We'll have to save the pleasantries. Sam wants to know why you came back," I pushed.

"We found out some… troubling news while in Europe," Carlisle hedged.

What news? Sam asked.

"What news?" I repeated.

God, I felt like such a parrot.

A very hot one, Jake smirked.

Game face, Jacob, Sam scolded.

Jake just grinned and gave me a wink.

"We were spending some time in Italy when Alice had a vision of you diving off a cliff. We assumed the worst. Edward went to the Volturi for execution. The Volturi are the only form of government we have. There are three vampires at the head; Aro, Marcus, and Caius. Aro has an ability similar to Edwards. With one touch, he can see all the thoughts you've ever had. Marcus had the ability sense relationships. Caius is the only one without an ability, but he is the most brutal. Together they rule the vampire world. When they found out that you knew about vampires, they demanded either your death or your change," Carlisle started.

The pack started growling, their ears flattening against their heads.

"Hush," I scolded gently.

They instantly fell silent. I noticed the curious looks the Cullens kept giving me and the pack, but ignored them. I motioned for Carlisle to continue.

"Of course, Edward spoke up, refusing to allow it to happen. We made a case against the Volturi to leave you human. Unfortunately, it didn't work. By the time we made it to Volterra, Aro had already sent Afton after you. When he didn't come back with Chelsea, Aro looked through her memories and saw the wolves. Caius wants the wolves eliminated. Aro is reluctant, but understands how dangerous they are. He'd much rather have them as guards, though, than kill them," Carlisle continued.

"That won't happen," I vowed, my eyes narrowing as I felt the packs determination and irritation.

"You have to know, the Volturi are very powerful. If they decide something, it is nearly impossible to dissuade them," Carlisle shook his head.

"We will stop them," I growled, my hand fisting in Seth's fur again.

Carlisle frowned at me, obviously confused as to my position in the issue.

"Bella, they will want to kill you or change you. We have bigger concerns than these wolves," Edward pointed out.

"Nothing is more important to me than my pack," I snarled, glaring at him.

"Your pack?" Edward gaped.

The rest of the Cullens were watching the exchange intensely. I knew it was time to come clean and tell them my own story. I addressed the entire family as I spoke.

"When you left, I was a wreck. I basically died inside that day. For the following three months, I went through the motions, but there wasn't anything going on inside. It wasn't until mid-January that I actually started coming alive again. I started spending time in La Push with Jake and his friends. I started smiling again, laughing again, and actually feeling again.

"Then, the pack started phasing and everything changed for a second time. I was barred from coming to La Push. I wasn't allowed to contact Jake. I was going back into the dark hole I'd been in when you left. So, I ended up driving into La Push one day and confronting Jake. We decided it was worth it to spend time together. He knew how much I needed him and he wanted to be there for me.

"That night, I had a dream and when I woke up, I was in this field. Laurent found me and tried to kill me," I paused briefly when I saw everyone wince.

I wondered at the Cullen's reaction, but didn't question it.

"The pack caught the scent and came to my rescue just in time. Once the threat was taken care of, Jake came back and phased right in front of me. The next morning, Jake told me all about the wolves. He took me to Sam's house and I spent the rest of the day helping them figure out what to do about Victoria.

"We found out later that I was able to break the Alpha's command. Sam conducted some tests and I was able to break every command he gave the wolves. When we went to the tribal elders, they told us I was an Omega. For an entire night, I worked on forming a bond with Sam and, through him, the rest of the pack," I finished.

The Cullens looked at me, confused.

"What is an Omega?" Carlisle asked, his brain fairly ticking.

"Omega brings peace to her pack. She heals the body and soul. She brings truth from the lips of man and beast. She is connected to the pack in a primal way. She feels the emotions of the pack just as strongly as the pack, stronger even in some cases. She assists the Alpha in taking care of the pack. The pack is her priority," I explained.

"And you are the Omega of this pack?" Carlisle asked carefully.

"Yes."

Bella, we need to return to La Push. Inform Carlisle that we will be in touch and remind him that the treaty is still in effect, Sam instructed.

"We will be in touch at a later date. I have been told to remind you of the treaty," I said.

"Of course. We shall await your call. I hope that you will allow us to return to our lives from before we left?" Carlisle questioned Sam.

No! I don't want them going to school with Bella! Jake denied.

Jacob, calm down. I will not stop them from going about their lives. We will simply have a wolf outside the school at all times, Sam stated.

"You will be permitted to return to your former lives. However, you must understand that the pack is very protective of me now that I am a part of them. There will be a wolf placed outside of the school at all times. You are not permitted to contact me until I have contacted you first. I will also add that the treaty has been extended to include my home," I informed them.

Well done, Bella, Sam praised.

"Very well," Carlisle bowed.

The Cullens turned to leave, except Edward. He stood there, watching me warily.

"Carlisle," Edward frowned.

"Come, Edward. We will do as the wolves have requested," Carlisle insisted.

Edward stayed where he was, staring at me.

"Edward. Come on. It's too late," Alice murmured, taking his arm.

Pain flashed across Edward's face, but he quickly masked it.

I don't trust him, Jake said, watching Edward carefully.

Until he proves himself to be dangerous we will do nothing, Sam ordered.

I don't like the way he's watching Bella, Jake frowned.

Don't worry, Jake. Nothing's going to happen, I assured him.

"What are you telling them?" Edward asked.

I looked up to see him still watching me. I frowned at him.

"I don't see how what I tell them any of your business," I glared.

Edward's eyebrows raised and he looked hurt again. I didn't understand why my words hurt him. He didn't love me anymore. Why should it bother him if I was cruel?

"You should go. We'll be in touch," I reminded him.

With one last look, Alice finally was able to pull him away. As soon as the clearing was empty, the wolves relaxed.

Let's go home, Sam sighed.

Jake came over to me and knelt down. He huffed as I climbed onto his back. I nestled down into his fur, resting my head in between his shoulder blades. He growled softly as I settled down, but it was a contented growl. I smiled and began stroking his fur as he took me home.

Alright! So the Cullens are back. I hope this was a good reunion. I tried not to make it too "typical" or "cliché". I tried to stay away from things I felt leaned towards that direction.

Seriously, the last chapter got some major reviews! I'm almost tempted to leave you guys more cliffhangers! Hahaha! Not to worry! I won't! I don't like cliffhangers, so I try not to leave you with too many.

Not sure when the next chapter will be up. Might not be until Wednesday. Last week before Spring Break is always hectic. Try to be patient with me. I promise, I'll update as soon as I can! See you next chapter!!