Chapter 8

Day 2 in Alaska

After breakfast that morning, we talked about today's training runs and how to lock in when you could with rocks around you or in the bottom of rivers when you saw them. I showed them videos of what was expected. Today was the easy day and I took my three boys as Felix called them. Felix would take the others. After lunch, we put on our dry suits and headed into the water and did some training runs.

We also were moving down the river to tents now. "Felix, do you mind if I share a tent with my three boys we already have a rapport with each other?" I said as we started to set up camp for the night.

"As long as they behave," and then Felix looked at all of them and said, "she is like a daughter to me. Izzy, you could always use the gear tent, you know."

"You know we have to really stay warm up here; the reason we share tents is the extra body heat."

"Felix, we'll behave, sir, like our mothers taught us. If there is any trouble, Carlisle would step up and kick our asses," Jasper assured him

We got the two tents set up in record time and started a fire for burgers, potato salad, and fruit. Plus I had hot chocolate and water. After Sam and Jake told us some more funny stories about Edward, Emmett and Jasper, I stretched and said, "I think I'm going to turn in after I use the bathroom."

Edward said, "I'm coming with you to hold the flashlight and whatever else I can help you with."

We started to leave and I said, "You can quit, Edward. We're in no man's land in Alaska. It's freezing cold here and I'm smart enough to know not to run away."

"Izzy, I'm just escorting you like my aunt taught me to do."

He held the flashlight and turned around while I used the nature facility. As we walked back, I said, "Edward, I can feel your smile even in the darkness. What is it?"

He just chuckled and said, "I never thought I would meet a princess that peed in nature."

"Edward, drop it," and I punched him. We then made it our tent and I got ready for bed.

Then I signaled with the flash light and my three boys said, "Good night, Izzy."

The boys came in shortly and then we were quietly talking

Emmett asked, "Why does your country think you are dead?"

"My stepmother."

"Are you going to tell us about her?" Emmett asked.

So over the next three nights they learned more of the story. By talking about my step mother, I also talk about my stepsisters. When I first met them, I was standoffish and I resented them because their mother and they were taking my father's attention away from me. When they all moved to the island to start getting ready for the wedding, I learned that they weren't truly the evil step sisters I thought they were. Together, the three of us made it through the wedding. Six months later, they were there for me when my father died even though I just kept pushing them away; they wouldn't let me.

Just before Emmett turned the light off in our very crowded tent, I caught him smiling at me. "What Emmett?" I said.

"I can't believe you are willingly sharing a tent with us and with all of us this close to you. Think about it a year ago most nights you were twenty feet from us except the last night due to the storm."

"Well Emmett, if you want a separate tent to sleep in, I'm sure it can be arranged. But having four bodies this close together is exactly what we need in Alaska. No Emmett, don't even ask if we can share a sleeping bag because it won't be happening."

"Well Bella, the offer stands if you need it."

"I'll let Felix know; you're willing to share a sleeping bag if you need more heat."

"Gross Bella; go to sleep," and he turned out the light.

I was sleeping between Edward and Jasper. Edward was behind me and I suddenly felt an arm draping over me.

I grabbed it and bent all his fingers backwards and said, "Mr. Masen, I suggest you remove your hand this second."

"Damn, Izzy," Edward mumbled.

"Edward, what did you do?" Jasper asked.

"I was about to tell this little escape artist that she better still be at the camp site when we wake up in the morning."

"Well, I think you were lucky you were already laying down Edward, or you would have been flat on your back again."

"Alright boys, get some sleep because Felix and I are going to work all your asses really hard tomorrow."

Jasper whispered next to me, "Is that anyway for a princess to talk?"

"Good night, Jasper" and I flipped over and saw Edward's dark eyes looking at me and I smiled at him just before closing my eyes to go to sleep for the night.