Chapter 19: Taking over for the brothers

The man pinched his nose as if he was being bothered and sighed.

"Indeed, you do. I've seen you in my dreams. My name is Paul Jose Garcia Lahote. I am your older brother. Well not just yours, someone else's as well."

"I knew it." a low voice said from the doorway.

Sam turned to see Embry looking at him and Paul.

"Come sit down pup," Paul ordered.

Sam was shaken by Paul's presence. He had seen him in his dreams for a long time and now here he was.

"Did you dream about him too?" Sam asked. He always knew that Embry was his brother but parts of him just wanted to ignore it. it just added more damage to the mess his father had created. He couldn't even call him a father, just a lucky sperm donor.

"I never saw his face just his wolf. But then one day I met him in person, and I had a vague recognition, but I ignored it." Embry admitted.

"It seems we have been ignoring a lot of things," Paul said as he put three cups of coffee down in front of them.

"Why didn't you find us sooner?" Embry asked.

"Well, two reasons. One, I didn't know who either of you were. I knew you two were wolves, and I knew you were probably living in la push, but I didn't know you. number two, and don't take offense to this but …I didn't want to know who you were. I had a life. I had my son and I had found my mate. I didn't want anything to disrupt that, and we didn't want anything to do with Joshua Uley. We knew how stubborn the elders could be and we didn't want to deal with any of it."

"You have a son?" Embry questioned.

"Yes. he's five."

"How could you say you didn't want to know us? you don't even know who we are. You don't even know what we have been through." Sam growled.

Paul, however, wasn't moved. He simply arched an eyebrow at Sam as he sat back.

"don't feed us that crap Uley. You're just angry that we were not here to phase first. You are angry that Joshua left you. your angry that you had to give up your life to be bound to the wolf and the tribe. You are angry because you think Joshua stuck around for us. Well, let me tell you something, Samuel. Joshua wasn't there for me the day I was born. He wasn't there for me when my mother became sick with cancer and died. He wasn't there for me when I phased at age sixteen alone and afraid. I was lost to my wolf for two years. Completely out of my mind. It took me bonding with my wolf and trusting him for me to be able to phase. He trusts me and I trust him. We are one person. So, get off your high horse thinking that I just have it made."

"You living the life I always wanted," Sam admitted.

"no one said you couldn't live your life brother."

"You have no idea what it's like here. Dealing with the elders, having an imprint you don't want. A pack of wolves who are temperamental. Everyone looks to me for guidance but im only 21 men and im tired. Im so tired" Sam admitted. He had no clue why he was pouring out his heart to a brother he never knew he had but here he was letting it all out.

Paul sighed. This is exactly what he didn't want. The responsibility or at least more of it. While he always yearned for family, the thought of being responsible for more people scared him. It scared him the man. If he became responsible for them, there came a chance for him to lose them. First Joseph and then Bella. He was already terrified he'd lose them too. Psychologically he knew his mother's death had something to do with it. she had died so suddenly. Even though she had cancer, her doctors said she would get better. They had caught the cancer in time. But then one day after what was supposed to be a simple operation, they lost her on the table. He had been so alone.

Where is your faith boy? Andres asked him. Where is your faith in our God?

Paul closed his eyes.

God was the one who let her die. Paul told him.

I won't deny that. He did and no I don't know why but doesn't it give you some comfort that she is in heaven smiling? She's not suffering, and she is still with you. Look at these lost boys in front of you, these lost pups. They have no one. Don't you remember what it was like to not have anyone there to guide you? These are our brothers Paul. They need us.

Paul opened his eyes. Looking between Sam and Embry, he could feel it. He could feel their desperation. Their need to belong. Their need for a leader. Sam was burnt out. He couldn't do it anymore.

"Embry, what do you want out of this? I've heard Sam but what about you?"

Embry looked down at the table, playing with his mug.

"…Being a wolf never bothered me. I don't mind it…but not knowing who my father was, who my family was…it drove me nuts. Made me feel like I didn't belong anywhere. "He admitted. "The pack has helped fill a large gap in that but a part of me still feels…unfulfilled."

Paul closed his eyes again. right now, all the man needed to do was to be willing. Just be willing.

"Samuel give me your hands." He ordered.

Sam did. Putting his hands into Paul's.

"Give it to me Sam. I don't want to force you."

"Give you what?" Sam asked in confusion.

"Give us your pack. let it go. Give us the burden."

Sam swallowed hard.

"You will still be of use little brother. We will not shut you out."

The tension on Sam's shoulders released, as he clasped Paul's hands.

With his eyes closed Sam spoke. "Take it. I submit."

Paul groaned as he felt the power shift. His wolf, however, howled in delight. This was their purpose. Their job. To lead. To protect. To guide.

When he and Sam opened their eyes, they were surrounded by the pack. His pack. His people.

"Ahhh what the heck just happened?" Jared asked.

"What is going on? And who is this?" Jacob asked in annoyance.

The pack began to talk all at once, however, Paul put a hand up for silence. Immediately their mouths closed, some of them looking at him in shock.

"let's all go out to the back porch, so we don't wake up the rest of the house."

As soon as they were outside Jacob began to demand answers.

"Who are you? And who do you think you are bossing us around? Sam what is going on!?"

Sam looked at Jacob. A look of relief and contentment on his face.

"everyone" Sam began "this is Paul. Mine and Embry's older brother. He's also your new alpha."

Immediately the pack was disrupted in chaos. Well some of them did. Embry Leah and Sam watched from the sidelines.

"QUIET!" Paul ordered.

The pack froze, their lips locking up.

"How dare you all." Paul reprimanded "Acting like a bunch of uncontrolled puppies! You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. We are spiritual wolves! Not children. The enemy will be on our land at any time, and this is how you act! PHASE!" He ordered.

As soon as everyone was on four legs Paul took off, they had work to do.

…..

Bella yawned as she made her way into the kitchen. On the stove were five omelets. Not nearly enough for everyone that was staying here. Looking at the kitchen table she noticed three cold mugs of coffee.

She wondered if Paul had started to make breakfast but then had to leave. She didn't know for sure, but she was going to finish what he started.

By the time her parents and the pack imprints had woken up, Bella was in a cooking storm.

On the table were omelets, sweet potato biscuits, crepes, fruit salad, yogurt, bacon, sausages, fresh squeezed orange juice, and coffee.

"Wow, Bella this smells amazing!" Phil complimented her as he approached her for a hug.

Bella hugged him back and handed him a cup of coffee.

"good morning everyone." Bella greeted me as she began to serve coffee and orange juice.

Her father and Sue stopped to give her hugs before she handed them their coffee.

" Bella can I help with anything," Kim asked shyly.

Bella smiled and told her no. Kim was so sweet and caring. She was completely opposite of Emily. The latter put on a fake act that Bella could see right through.

" Bella what's in these eggs?" her mother asked without saying good morning.

" Butter, onions, cheese, spinach and mushrooms. I have some more that have different stuff in them."

" butter? Bella you know I'm trying to watch my figure! And you should be too! How are you ever going to win Edward back if you're putting fat in your food? You already look a little puffy!"

Emily laughed And said " I noticed it too!"

Bella felt her face turn red as she looked at the women.

" that's it! Get out! Now!"

Emily and Renee stopped laughing.

"… wait what?" her mother questioned

" you heard me, Mom! I asked you to get out! I will no longer take the insults and disrespect! I invited you Here to help keep you safe from my stalker! But if you're going to sit here and make snide remarks and treat me as if I'm crap under your shoe then you should get out. And Emily! I don't know what your problem is but I suggest you get it together! I won't hesitate to send you back to the reservation without so much as a care of what happens to you next! This my house and you will respect me do you both understand!?"

Both women were stunned to silence, so they could only nod their heads.

It was then that Phil decided to ask some questions.

" so Bella, can you tell me why this woman is stalking you? I mean if its not to difficult to talk about?"

Bella turned her back on him and began to cook again as she talked.

" she's mad at me because a car accident Edward and I were in killed her boyfriend. The road was icy and Edward couldn't see too well. When we turned the corner, her car was sliding on ice and we crashed head-on. We weren't too banged up but the boyfriend died on impact."

" But it was an accident it wasn't your fault Bella why would she blame you?." Her mother asked her in genuine concern

Bella shrugged.

" she needs a scapegoat."

" And what's with that dome thing? Why can't the Cullens get in?" her mother asked.

Bella turned to face her mother, as she leaned against the counter.

" I have some connections that allowed me to get my hands on a very expensive security system. It only allows people that I want to be let in. In the system, I've put in the names and faces of the people that can cross over the system. The cullens are not one of them."

"But why Bella? What did they do to you that has you in so much hatred against them?" her mother questioned

But this time it wasn't an accusatory question her mother was genuinely confused.

" drop it, Renee." Her father said as he intervened.

" No, it's ok Dad. I don't think Mom knows."

" know what?" her mother questioned

"Mom as much as the Cullens try to pretend they are not good people. That night Edward broke up with me, it wasn't mutual. He took me into the woods and told me that I wasn't worth his time and that he was toying with me. His whole family was."

" But you took him back?" Her mother questioned

" not because I wanted to Mom. The Cullens are involved with some really shady people and one of their associates decided to beat me up to get their attention. After that, I decided to cut off all contact. They are dangerous and not to be trusted."

Her mother put her coffee cup down as she looked at Bella in shock.

" …are you telling me that the Cullens are involved In the mob and that they tried to get you involved as well?"

Bella wanted to hold back a snort. If the Volturi was the vampire equivalent to the mob then sure.

" yes and it cost me a lot of pain because I was too stupid to see. Edward was controlling and manipulative. He used to sneak in my room and watch me sleep, Mom. I just couldn't deal with him or his family anymore."

Her mother gasped. But Bella didn't stop there she need to keep the ball rolling for her mother to finally see who the Cullens really were without revealing the secret.

"Mom, why do you think the Cullens are so rich? Why do you think they have all these houses everywhere? Do you really think a small-time doctor can keep his rich lifestyle without a little help? Think about it mom, Dr. Cullen helps the mob out and they help him keep a comfortable lifestyle. Esme plays the dotting housewife when she's really helping him funnel the money the mob gives them. And then Jasper and Emmett are good with technology so they help get some stuff done."

"it's true Renee." Charlie began as he gave Bella wink. " we've been investigating the Cullen's. It's why they left the first time. They knew we were on to them. However, it's above my pay grade to look into it too much. Besides Dr. Cullen paid somebody to keep their mouth shut so they can move back."

Renee shook her head. " I knew something was off about them…but... I' just didn't expect this. What happens now?"

" We let the higher-ups handle this and we keep our mouths shut. Don't want to make us a target more then we already are." Charlie said seriously.

" Ok." Renee said meekly. " but Bella they have wedding plans for you. How are you going to cancel it?"

" I did last night when they came by."

Renee nodded worry etched unto her face.

" good morning Hermosa!" Rudy greeted Bella as he kissed her cheek and made himself a Plate

" hey, you slept in late," Bella told him

" I did. Good morning everyone. " Rudy greeted

"Oh hello? Bella who is this?"

Her mother asked

"Mom this is my cousin, Rudy."

Emily and Kim gave Bella strange looks.

Before Renee could ask a knock on the front door was heard and the alarm announced a presence.

" Bella the lahote family is on your doorstep. "

"it's open!"

The front door banged open, and Paul's grandparents walked in

"Where is my beautiful granddaughter!" Gene boomed.

Bella laughed as he picked her up and swung her around. For an old man Gene was still strong.

"Grandma, Grandpa. It's nice to see you. Why don't you guys sit down and I'll make you a plate."

"Nonsense darling. We've heard what a rough time you had last night. You come sit down this instant" Sophia ordered sternly

Bella wanted to argue but she didn't have the energy.

" um.. Bella who is this?" her mother asked

Bella was going to answer but the back door opened.

Bella stood. She could feel Paul. Feel his emotions of contentment. Excitement and purpose. He had found his purpose.

The pack entered in first. All of them looking like they had received a proper scolding. Jared went to Kim, Seth, and Leah went to sit next to their mother but the rest spread out at the table. It seemed as if they were waiting for something. Someone.

The pack immediately bowed their head when her mate entered the door. He was bigger than he was last night. The power pouring off of him was heavy.

" Buen dia everyone. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Paul. Has everyone already eaten? I just want to make sure before the guys dig in."

" Pauli ." Sophia greeted as she took her grandson in her arms.

Paul ducked down to her hug her.

" Hey, gran have you eaten?"

" I'm getting ready to make my plate but you might want to make sure that wife of yours does. She looks exhausted," she whispered.

Paul looked over at his mate. She did indeed look exhausted. She was currently talking to Jared's imprint Kim. Andres snarled at the very thought of an imprint. To have your choice taken from you was disturbing. The only reason Paul didn't imprint was because he was strong enough not to. He and Andre's were strong enough to choose their own mate. He wasn't surprised when Sam told them about the pack Imprint on Bella. She was their alpha female. She helped keep the order.

He knew his mate wanted to keep things quiet but it was hard to resist. He wanted her in his arms.

He chose to resist and sat at the head of the table. After he checked to make sure that all the humans had eaten. He gave his pack the ok to eat.

As soon as the words left his mouth the wolves dug in.

But Paul was quick to make a plate for himself and his mate.

Looking up at her, he signaled her to come to him with his eyes.

Everyone was deep in conversation or eating so no one paid attention when she stood up.

Bella came over to him. Their eyes locked. A wave of love and concern washed over him. A wave of longing.

Not being able to resist, Paul reached over and cupped Bella's face. She leaned into his touch. A sigh of relief flooded over him. It was then, his mate broke down all her pretenses and cuddled into his lap.

All Paul could do was smile and nuzzle into the top if her head.

" you need to eat." He told her seriously as he took a biscuit from his own plate and put it to her lips. She bit into the biscuit, her stomach growling.

Paul's eyes flashed yellow. A rumble of content emitted from his chest. Being able to provide for his mate was the best feeling in the world.

"Could someone tell what in the heck is going on? Bella, why are you in his lap? I thought you were with this guy?" Jacob asked pointing at Rudy as he began to shake.

" Jacob Black you will calm down. You're being rude to our guest." Paul ordered sternly but quietly as he never took his eyes off Bella.

" I for one agree with Jacob, Bella what is happening? Why are you huddled up with this man."

Bella looked at Paul and smiled.

" everyone. For those of you that don't know this is my husband. Paul Garcia Lahote."

Gasp and multiple things were shouted at once.

Paul spoke over them all.

" Let my wife speak." He voice boomed

Everyone froze.

" ok. Now everyone listens 'cause I'm gonna say this once." Bella began. " Paul is my husband. Rudy is our cousin. I met Paul in Norway and a few weeks later we were married. I didn't tell a lot of people because I didn't want any drama. And I didn't want Edward messing with him. When I came home, I pretended that Rudy was my boyfriend just to keep the Cullens off my back. Any questions?"

" so … you two are married?" Sam clarified.

" yes," Bella repeated

"This is great! Bella, you are officially my sister-in-law! Which means Leah will be your sister and your sister-in-law!" Embry cheered.

And then he quickly covered his mouth when he realized what he said.

"Wait… embry? Leah? Are you two dating?" sue asked.

Leah shrugged shyly and gave Embry a glare.

Bella however interjected

" hey no drama or arguing in my house Embry and Leah have every right to date as much as the next person. And if anyone had a problem with it, they can talk to his big brother." Bella hummed as she rubbed Paul's chest.

Sam however sighed and looked up at Paul.

" may I be excused?"

Paul nodded.

Leah watched Sam go and then turned to Paul.

Before she could even ask Bella spoke.

" go Leah."

"Does everyone understand now? Any other questions?"

" How are you going to protect Bella?" Phil asked Paul "That crazy lady is still out there"

Paul smiled darkly.

" every young man you see here right now is a trained protector on the reservation. They are specially trained to kill and protect they won't have a problem stopping her."

" and what makes you so sure?" Renee asked.

" I am a retired military veteran mam, I trained these guys myself. Now if you excuse me I'm going to put my wife to bed."

It was then everyone realized that Bella had fallen asleep in Paul's arms.

…..

Paul sat in the tree looking towards the treaty line.

The rest of the pack stayed hidden in the shadows of the trees.

Sam, Embry, and Jared were leaning against the tree, waiting. For now whenever they were in front of the cullens they would pretend that Sam was still in charge but the pack knew, Paul was calling the shots.

Everyone was on board and had submitted except Jacob. That was why Paul had him running patrols until this meeting was over.

If Black didn't want to submit then fine, Paul would make him. Just because the pup was born to be alpha doesn't mean he earned it. Jacob Black was weak and in the depths of his heart, he didn't want the alpha position but because Paul was married to Bella and had easily taken over Jacob was rebellious. However, they didn't have time for that.

The smell of sweet vomit and bleach hit his nose. Paul held back the urge to gag.

They are coming. No one move. No one speaks .he told them telepathically

The Cullens appeared before the pack. All of them were nervous.

" Hello, Sam I thought there would be more of you." Dr. Cullen greeted

Sam waited until Paul gave him the ok.

Go ahead, Sam

" there are. They will watch from the sidelines. Now tell us what we need to know."

"Well, Alice sees the army coming sometime in May. It seems she wants to build up her army."

Sam… tell him it's best we go to her. We can drive them away from Seattle. We can drive them toward the edge of Seattle.

Sam repeated this and the Cullen's looked at him in Surprise.

"We never thought of that." Dr. Cullen muttered.

Once the logistics were done, they agreed to meet in a nearby clearing for their first training session the next day.

As the wolves departed Edward hissed and Jasper collapsed with his hand over his chest.

" Jasper? Edward? What happened?" Carlisle asked

" I couldn't hear a single thought from any of them."

" and I couldn't feel anything! It was like they didn't exist but there was this heavy power surrounding them."

"Hey, guys," Rosalie spoke . Everyone turned to look at her

"Did you notice you didn't hear their heartbeats either? It was like they didn't exist."

If the Cullen's could have gotten any paler they would have.

...

Bella hugged her husband tight as he stood in the backyard.

" can't they send someone else?" Bella asked

Paul laughed

" you do want this to be over with right?"

Bella chuckled.

" yeah, your right. I guess you're the only wolf for the job."

Paul leaned down and kissed her like no Tomorrow.

Bella moaned, if she wasn't so sore and her house wasn't full of people she pull her husband's jeans off right now. But he made sure she had been well-loved and well-marked.

" I have a surprise for you. It's in the shed. Go look for it when I leave. Now remember, you are my partner. You are in charge. Sam and Embry will keep the wolves in line but you and Rudy are the final say. Got it?" he questioned

" yes, alpha." Bella purred.

Paul shivered.

" bad girl, you know what that does to us."

Bella smiled evilly.

Paul kissed her one more time before he ran into the woods. His black cloak flowed behind him.

And when Bella checked the shed, sitting under a tarp was a shiny red motorcycle