Chapter 7: Family Ties

Bella realized it wasn't quite the same preparing pounds of food and tidying up as a regular person. She thought maybe Jacob had enhanced some of her other abilities by marking her, since she healed rapidly. Upon tripping out of the bed after their morning lovemaking, that obviously wasn't the case. Damn, she thought. I bet I can't ski for shit any longer. They had gone several times since the wedding.

Jacob came inside from running a patrol and said they'd all soon be there. Of course, the pack all knew what had happened, but she'd be seeing a few of them for the first time. She was a little surprised when Sam and Jared arrived first, but it made sense, pack was pack. It made no difference if they no longer phased; they still belonged. He told her Leah was actually going to make it later, probably when the parents arrived. The guys all shuffled in one by one or in pairs. They were use to the place by then and made themselves at home which meant they went straight for the food. The new boys were last and all three moved hesitantly through the door.

She went to greet them. They'd been around her some, but always looked at her wide-eyed and a little unsure. "Come in, guys. How are you?" She hugged Mark, then Shane. Linx was the one that was the most high strung. He held her longer than the other two and she realized he was breathing in her scent. When he let go, he told her how good she smelled. "Your scent's so sweet, with just a bit of wolf. It's calming, don't you guys agree?"

They all did, but Jacob came over and put his protective arms around her. "Alright, pup...don't get carried away. Think of her as the pack Momma."

"Jealous?" she whispered after turning around and kissing him.

"Little bit, sorry."

They all sat down after finishing up dinner to brainstorm. Everyone had their own ideas how to proceed, but Jacob had the final say so. Bella watched him attentively. It was a new role for him, but that wasn't evident at all. It was a very natural dynamic from both sides: both alpha and pack.

"I say, we go bust down the door at the vamp house and pull him out kicking and screaming because he knows we're going to rip him to pieces on the front lawn." That was Paul's solution.

"No, there'd be no element of surprise. Seven vamps, they'd see us coming from miles away. And I predict the others are clueless, but they wouldn't idly stand by while we dismantle him."

Jacob wanted to hear from Jared, since he was doing some digging at work. "After some research, I did find a report. A box of those types of bullets were reported lost in some sort of customs seize over a year ago." Bella cringed thinking how long Edward had been plotting. Her mind went back to the streets when he tricked her, the last time she saw him. He agreed to the divorce, but he hadn't given up. She knew that now. Something had felt off with him that moment. They were all so gullible, he'd played it well waiting over two years.

Seth spoke up, "How much is in a box? Do you know?"

"Yeah, twelve."

"Two already went through Jake...that's ten left." Quil reminded them.

"One for each of us phasing," Paul quipped.

She shuddered. That wasn't something she ever wanted to consider. All that Jared told them, made that ammunition sound so lethal.

Jacob was convinced Edward was doing his dealings elsewhere, not under the family's nose. He wanted to know if Jared had gotten any word on the publishing company.

"Nothing turned up in my initial search."

"He had to apply for a patent or a trademark...something. I bet he has an office. I need something to go on, even a PO Box."

They all agreed Bella's secret was the highest priority. They hoped to hone in on Edward before he ever realized what had occurred. Jacob believed that as days went by without Edward being able to connect with his men; he would realize the hit failed. If he was that hell bound to see him dead, he most likely had a backup plan. "So, for now, I'm going to need one of you patrolling our area as well as two on the rez for regular patrols. When I have to work next week, there's going to be two here...never less than two. No one will be late, no distractions, no mess ups. Everybody clear?"

They agreed wholeheartedly.

Bella piped in, "The cabin's in great shape."

"Yeah, Bells thinks if any of you wanted to volunteer for extended stays, she'd make it like a vacation. Don't let that word confuse you...it's work, it's duty, it's life and death."

Jacob had already told her they'd reveal the marks, so he nodded to her. She made sure to wear a cami under her shirt. She wasn't about to flash any of them her bra. He let them know he wanted them to see something. He showed off Bella's first. They all had a good look but Jacob almost took off Paul's hand for trying to touch it. A few of the guys had seen his the day before, but he showed them all for the first time.

"Damn, you guys are kinky. I can't believe you let her bite you, man. It didn't make you sick?" Paul asked.

"No, not at all. I was confused how it healed, what it felt like. I think it's more than physical between us, obviously." He explained the rest, like how she was healed hours later and about her burn. They were completely enthralled with the whole process and had lots of questions.

They went over more details and plans, so she made herself busy cleaning up some of the dinner. There might be a little bit leftover for his snack the following day. Jacob wasn't concerned with stepping on any toes. He said he wouldn't allow two rookies at once for Bella's protection. There had to be a veteran with one of the three pups even though they had all been phasing well over two years. "Let's get those two at school going as well. I want that distraction out of the way, so they can start training."

"What do you mean by that?" was Shane's question.

He surveyed the room. "How about our number one asshole pays them a visit?" They all knew he meant Paul. He added, "You, number two, go with him and make it good."

"Hey, who says I'm the other asshole of the pack?"

Embry was happy to break it to Brady, "We all do, we thought you knew."

They had a few laughs, but Brady sulked because he swore he didn't think realize that's how they saw him.

"I'll do it, but it better work the first time, because I'm a grown ass man. I don't want people talking shit about me preying on young boys at the high school. I'm not going to start lurking the halls or anything." Paul also asked Linx for help since he knew the boys personally. He was quick to point out, they were just abnormally large after summer break. He still wasn't certain it meant it was about to happen. Devin and Dawson Whitefoot, were both seventeen. Sam knew they were distant relatives on his father's side, so it wasn't out of the question. They were first cousins, not brothers.

Jared pledged to continue to help. Jacob was getting Charlie involved as well as soon as he and Bella had their reunion.

Bella spoke up, "Dad swears he's retiring next month, remember?" He was going to help Sue with a little boutique she'd always dreamed about opening up. He was worn out from decades of slow and steady police work.

"Trust me, until this is settled, he won't retire." Jake was probably correct about that.

The sound of an engine outside, made her jump. Speaking of her dad, he had arrived. The moment had come. Jacob quieted them all down. "Let's give Bells and Charlie a private moment." He ushered them all out to the deck. He was going to head off Sue and Billy as well, so she could reconnect with her father one on one. She stood in view of the door and waited. The door slowly opened in front of her.

"Bells, what's going on?" he asked as he slipped inside.

She was under the lights near the bar so he could really see her. It might take a minute. He wasn't going to pick up on her heartbeat or breathing like the pack. She might have to say it out loud for him to realize.

"Dad...come in."

He took a few steps towards her. She saw some trepidation, but also calm assurance.

"I'm not sure what's going on out there. You said you had something to tell me, but obviously, they all think we need privacy. And why's everyone here tonight?"

She took one step closer. "A lot has changed over the past couple of days."

"Changed?"

It was definitely a new word to use about herself. She reached for his hands first. He stilled completely. She saw him study her face. The eyes had to be the first clue. His fingers rubbed over her palms. "You're warm."

She nodded.

"Your eyes are back brown. Those aren't contacts, are they?"

She shook her head side to side and when she looked at him again, a steady stream of tears began. He let go of one hand and wiped the moisture off her face.

"You're crying? How Bells? How's all this happening?"

"I'm human again."

He pulled her into his embrace, and the both of them spent some moments in silence.

"I can't believe this, you look exactly like I remember you...like the day I had to give you away." That was hard to hear, but it had been the last day he saw her human. "Is this permanent?"

"Of course it is."

He said he was so happy for her, for all of them. He knew how much she regretted what had happened. They'd come a long way from all that hurt and pain, but she knew he missed the old her. "No matter how I acted, you need to know, I always loved you."

"I know and I loved you, but I didn't know how to express it. I felt so guilty."

"No more guilt or apologies, this is a new start. I'm so excited for all this means for you and Jacob." He kissed her forehead and brushed her hair down like he use to do when she was a kid. The two of them looked out towards the large windows that separated them from the outside. There were several sets of peering eyes watching them. She could see where they were fogging up the glass.

"Do you mind if I let those curiosity seekers back in?"

"No, please do. I can't wait to see what Sue and Billy think."

Bella opened the floodgate and allowed the room to fill back up. Sue grabbed hold of her and cried. "It's a miracle. You're so beautiful, Bella."

She stepped in front of her father in law. He took her hands and told her the spirits had finally saw her worth and granted all their wishes. "I knew you deserved this chance. I'm so happy you and my son have this blessing. I know the magnitude of what it all means is far greater than any of us comprehend right this second. I'll do everything in my power to help you both."

She bent down to hug him and kiss his cheek. "I love you, thanks. This means so much to Jacob and I. We're still celebrating every moment."

Jacob held her close and kissed the side of her head. He brought her back over to the sofa so she could sit between him and her father. Charlie held her other hand tight as Jacob explained the story in vivid detail. Some of the happiness they were all consumed with dwindled at the realization, Jacob had briefly been killed...executed in their yard by hired assassins.

"Goddamn Cullen...Jacob, what are you going to do?"

Billy added, "Let's get you both to the reservation tonight."

"No, Dad...not so fast. I promised Bells we'd try and make it work here for now. This is our home and we don't want to be driven out by him."

"You can always come back here, Jacob, once he's been dealt with. I'm sure you both agree this whole situation is way too uncertain to take unnecessary chances."

She was feeling slightly conflicted. Maybe they were all right and she was being her usual stubborn self about staying put. "Jacob and I still need to talk about that obviously, but rest assured for now, we're protected. I trust our pack."

Jared and Jake filled Charlie in on all the possible leads. They both concluded his experience was valuable and of course, like Jacob predicted, he wouldn't leave his position until Edward was dust in the wind. He wished Jared would have thought to try for prints on the two perps.

Quil, as usual, lacked much tact, "Oh, trust me chief...doubt we could have gotten prints on those two. They were nearly liquefied." Jacob gave him the look of disapproval, "Sorry, Bella. I'll never speak again."

Her face fell. She still felt shame at what she'd done for some reason.

Charlie squeezed her hand. "It's alright, Bells. Everyone's capable of ruthlessness if pushed far enough. You had abilities that took that to the next level. I wouldn't hesitate to unload my weapon on anyone I found hurting my family. You merely used your weapon. It's over and done. None of us see you as a monster." He knew that's what she was worried about.

A couple of guys needed to get back to patrol. Everyone thanked her for dinner. She hugged each and everyone of them and told them thanks for their protection. She'd almost forgotten about the final guest until she barged in. Seth had filled her in already, but she had to see with her own eyes.

"Damn Sis...it's really you?" She and Leah had developed a good relationship since her coming out that night at the bar in Seattle.

It was Leah, all those years ago, that first told her she thought Bella was living a lie to say Jacob was still just her friend. She'd been around during those early days, when Jacob, Leah and Seth formed the mini pack. It was important for Bella to admit to her that night at the bar she was right about a lot of things which put them on track for being friends finally and eventually the two really felt like sisters, just like Seth felt like a brother.

She hugged her tight, actually lifted her up off the ground. Leah was still a bit of a beast. "This all suits you so much better. I'm so happy...you're happy, right?"

"Definitely."

She motioned for her mother. "I think we should check her out. What's it been...less than 48 hours? I doubt we can get you to see a doctor."

"No, I'm great. I was shaky and confused at first, but I got the hang of it fast."

"No arguments, come on." Leah pulled her by the hand to a spare room. Sue followed. They asked her every question imaginable, some very personal ones. "See, I told you...all is fine. I'm perfectly normal. I'm completely human."

"Uh huh, and I guess you and big, bad alpha have already exercised this new bod."

Sue frowned at her daughter. "How about I let you two talk that out in private? I'm sure Bella doesn't want her step-mom in on this particular conversation."

"Thanks, Sue."

"Alright spill, just us girls. Well, how was it?"

"It's been amazing...every time."

"So multiple times? Jeesh, you two are never going to change."

"You won't believe this, but I was a virgin the first time."

"The hell you say. I don't envy that."

"Oh no, it was fantastic, actually. He was so gentle, so loving and perfect. I never would have dreamed it could be so special, but my body was brand new for him."

Bella lifted her top off so Leah could see the mark since she'd missed it earlier. "Wow, this was last night?"

"I heal fast like Jake, but we don't know if that's a permanent side effect."

Leah seemed satisfied with her exam but Bella had one more question.

"Do you think I can get pregnant right away?"

"Hard to say, but remember when I phased? I stopped cycling."

"Yeah, but it came back, didn't it?"

"Yes, it took almost a year." Bella really didn't want to wait another year. "I'm just saying, you might have to start actually having a period again. If your body's new then I don't know when that might be."

"Yeah, well, it's new, but I'm obviously a woman, so shouldn't it just happen."

"There's nothing in the books about this, so I don't know how to answer you." Leah's advice was similar to Jake's...wait and see. "Try to relax and not obsess about it," but she assured her if nothing happened in six months she could get her in with a doctor and have some tests run.

It had gotten late, so everyone said their final goodbyes. Jacob made Quil finish cleaning the kitchen while she was off with Leah, because he'd been callous in his description of the bloodbath she created. Bella came up to him and gave him a hug so he'd know all was forgiven. "Sorry, I say dumb shit. I never meant to make you feel bad."

"No, you wouldn't be you if you didn't speak without thinking. I love how you're honest and you make us all laugh. That's important. How's Jenny?"

"Getting big, but Lil Quil keeps her busy. She says it's easier this time." She was happy he had her. In a round about way, she felt like she had a part in their meeting. Jake was trying to make her jealous when he told Avery about their get together and if that hadn't happened, there was a chance Quil would have never met Jenny.

"So...you're not telling your grandfather about any of this, are you?"

"No, Jake won't let me. He's going to do it his way tomorrow."

"Oh, well I'm not sure what that means. I guess we should talk more about that tonight."

"Um, Bella."

"Yeah."

He pointed to her shoulder but didn't dare touch it. She noticed Jacob leering from across the room as he talked over a few more details with his father.

"Was that alright? I mean...it didn't hurt you?"

"No, it was intense." She noticed he was very quiet for a change. "Why?"

"No reason."

"Is your wolf thinking about it?"

"Maybe...actually, I am more than the wolf. I mean Jenny's cool with the situation, but I'm still imprinted, you know. We never severed it, only changed the direction. Claire's a young teen now. I was just thinking, maybe it'd give Jenny an extra peace of mind. I know it isn't possible right now. I wouldn't try it with her already pregnant."

"Talk to Jake, Quil. He's honestly the best possible guide. I don't know all the things that went through his mind about it, but from my perspective, it wasn't brutal in any way. It was beautiful." He told her he would and she thanked him for finishing up the dishes before he headed out. Jacob followed him outside and the two of them talked over schedules for awhile.

Finally, after many hours, they were alone again. Embry was running patrol at their place for the night. Jacob joined her again, for a soak in the tub. "It was a good night."

"Yes, busy, but good."

"I listened to your conversation with Quil."

"I imagined so."

"You gave good advice. I'll talk to him in private later. I guess I'll talk to all of them about it a little more. About tomorrow..."

"The council?"

"Yeah, I'm going to need you with me."

"Sure, I figured you were going to take me to the reservation."

"No, I mean, you're going to walk inside the hall with me when I introduce myself as the new alpha."

"You sure that won't be too dramatic? They'll all think I'm a vampire initially."

"It doesn't matter. I think they all need to see with their own eyes."

Bella turned around and situated herself in his lap. "Whatever you say, husband."

"Oh yeah, does that mean right now what I say, as well?"

He gripped her a little tighter.

"Sure, why not?" He whispered, despite the fact they were all alone what was on his mind.

She giggled, "That's so naughty, but I'll try."

He kissed along her neck, "I love you...you know that right?"

"Yes, I know. I love you too." The two spent another night proving that to one another.

He didn't hesitate barging through the double doors at the impromptu council meeting. He gave them all time to be inside and at their places before arriving. The pack was there with all their significant others. Bella clung tightly to his hand as he walked them down the aisle of onlookers. The majority of the head table audibly gasped or held their hand over their mouths.

Old Quil spoke up, "What's the meaning of this Jacob Black? You know our stipulation."

"Yeah, well things have changed. Take a good look. This is Bella Black for those that don't know. He motioned to Sue who pulled an electronic stethoscope out of her bag. She must have already planned it out with Jacob. Sue put the device over her chest and Billy passed them a microphone. The whole room echoed the sound of Bella's heart. Sue went one step further by pulling out another stethoscope which she placed over his chest to reveal the exact cadence between the couple's hearts.

"How can this be?" an elder asked.

"Like I said...things have changed. Now, I'm going to tell you all a story. Don't interrupt." Not another sound was made until the alpha was done speaking. The guys pulled up a chair for Bella. She didn't feel as out of place as she would've imagined, sitting in the center of that room next to Jacob. In fact, she felt like she was exactly where she belonged.

~Thanks so much for reading.