Chapter 29 - Transformations

"Bella, I really am sorry," he apologized. "I tried, but I couldn't control it."

"I know you couldn't. I'm still pissed though."

Yet the small smile that quivered on the corner of her mouth told him all he needed to know. She understood and what's more, she had forgiven him. Probably before it was even over. "Good. Then you won't be angry when I kiss you in front of that weasly, little fuck."

"Probably not."

Hesitating at the door, Jacob was unsure. The instinctual urge to protect, the hunter in him wanted to know the answers, not a leap based on blind faith. The woman whose tiny hand he held in his own was his whole life. There was danger lurking somewhere. He could feel it in his bones, raising the hackles of his neck. Something dangerous beckoned in the darkness.

But, Bella was there, reassuring him every step of the way. "It's alright. Nothing is going to happen. Whatever it is, Leah knows and she's not afraid. We have to trust them. I've known Matt for two years and in all that time he has never done or said anything to frighten me. Somehow, I know he doesn't mean me any harm."

Jacob breathed deeply, then crossed over the threshold into the unknown.

Upon entry, his eyes immediately sought out the two members of his pack, his father and Charlie. Allowing his wolf senses to take over, he took in the scents of the room, willing himself to focus and concentrate on each individual one. Nothing. He smelled nothing. Whatever Matt was, he left no trace... a fact that made him edgy.

Clients began to rapidly approach them and without hesitation, Bella began to introduce Jacob to people, pointing out his work. Smiling, he answered questions and did all that was required of him. At some point, Emily and Sam wandered in, the former hiding the scars of her face in the shadows. Immediately, Sam sensed the tension in the room, but one look from his alpha told him that whatever it was, now was not the time.

While Jacob stood by his father's side, explaining to interested strangers the deep meaning of the masks worn by his people during ritual dances, Bella circulated the room. He couldn't help but notice how self-assured she was. This life, doing what she loved, it brought out all the best in her. There was nothing left of the uncertain girl that Edward Cullen had left behind. Though he had managed to steal away the happiness of her childhood, the leech was unable to rob the bloom of womanhood from her tiny hands.

Over the bubbles of french champagne, her eyes glowed with real excitement. Making a difference meant something to her, but it was more than that. Tonight, Jacob could see each and every change, marvelling over the transformation that had taken her from girl to woman. With utter confidence, she walked around the room in a black cocktail dress, paired with high heels that in their formative years, he was certain would have garnered her a broken leg or maybe even two.

It was with male pride that he noted the most beautiful girl in the room belonged only to him. From the wisps of curls that clung to the nape of her neck to the graceful sway of her hips, she left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Not even the nervous glances cast his way by Sam and Embry, nor the warning in Leah's glare could diminish that fact. It was only when a voice, annoying and one Jacob Black never wanted to hear connected to his girl again for so long as he lived, broke him from that train of thought.

"Excuse me, everyone, if I could just have your attention for a few moments, please." The clinking of silverware against a glass and Michael's booming voice quieted the chattering crowd as he raised a champagne flute into the air. "A toast to those responsible for bringing this all together tonight." His eyes drifted over to Bella with a meaningful glance, clarifying that his intent toward her was clearly anything but friendly or business-like. "The Makah are proud to count them among our friends and are very grateful to this beautiful young woman for asking us to be a part of this venture."

Charlie and Billy watched with amusement as Jacob's mouth tightened into thin lines while Bella blushed wildly from where she stood. Restraining himself until the applause died and the crowd began to mill about again, before staking a claim. Head held high as the future chief of a tribe should be, Jacob strode across the room with a singular purpose. Taking Bella's hands into his own, he effortlessly slipped her out from underneath Michael's arm.

Jacob cupped her chin gently, tipping her blushing cheeks upward. "I'm so proud of you, honey." Then without a second's hesitation, kissed her, long and slow in front of whoever or whatever was watching. Before his lips ever left her mouth, the defeated footsteps of one Michael Samuels shuffled to the other side of the room.

The night wore on, interminably long but in reality just a few hours before they were free to leave and lock the doors behind them. The room around them was a physical reflection of the mental chaos they all felt. Empty champagne glasses, delicate white plates littered with crumbs, crisp linens now crumpled and dirty spoke of wild success. When the last of the partygoers exited the building, Matt turned the deadbolt and then pulled down the shades, masking their presence from the outside world.

All eyes were upon him, waiting on baited breath when he turned to address them. Matt knew he owed them answers. The time had come and for the safety of Bella Swan, he must give them, but first there were things he must do. "We have much to say to each other, but now, tonight, is not the time. I must leave. Leah can show you the truth, but there is more I must share with you. I will be gone for two days, no more. At the dawn of the third, I will return and you will know everything."

"Where are you going?"

"That I cannot tell you, nor can anyone come with me. I go to seek answers from one more powerful than me." He turned to Jacob. "You sensed it too... lurking deep within the shadows. Something unnatural in the air. The time has come for safety. Do not let her leave your sight. Guard this child with your life."

Then he was gone. Slipping out the back and fading into the darkness like a creature of the night.

oooOOOooo

On the ride home, Bella's head lolled to one side. Shoes off, her tired legs curled between the warmth of the two wolves. After Matt's sudden departure, Leah had bolted through the door after him, though they knew instinctively she would be phased tonight come hell or high water.

After carrying Bella through the door, Jacob bade her go upstairs and get some rest while he slipped outside to shift and check the pack. "No way," she replied, her mind moving a mile a minute. "I want to know what Leah has to say. Not going anywhere, not tonight."

"Somehow, I knew you wouldn't. Tell you what," he bargained. "Give me fifteen minutes. I need to make a quick run. Maybe, if you wouldn't mind... those little finger sandwiches and crackers weren't enough to fill up a kid let alone a hungry wolf."

"Yeah, yeah," she agreed, rolling her eyes and rubbing her sore feet. "Get going. I'll put together something to fill your bottomless pit. Send Embry in when you're done."

Bella watched as he slipped out the patio door, exchanged a word with Embry and then ambled into the shadowy trees.

oooOOOooo

Sitting at the small kitchen table, Bella picked at the half sandwich on her plate while she waited for the wolves to return. Without a doubt, tonight had been one of the strangest experiences of her life. Coming from a girl whose romantic entanglements could be the very definition of weird, that was saying a lot.

The kettle on the stove whistled, interrupting the drowsy feeling of contentment that was slowly creeping over her tired limbs. Pouring water over the leaves, Bella thought about the night and what had occurred.

What was it Matt had said? He called her family, she was sure of it. But how could that be? Charlie didn't have anyone left and Renee... well she supposed it was possible. Her mother never spoke much about any relatives, but it still seemed strange to her. A distant cousin perhaps? If that was the case, why wouldn't he tell her before now? More than that, the magic that shot out of his hands should have scared the ever loving shit out of her, but for some inexplicable reason it didn't. At the time, she wanted to reach out and touch it, harness it somehow. Furrowing her brow, Bella realized that was not normal. Not by a longshot.

The howl of wolves echoed in the distance, sending waves of comfort. Comfortable. That's what this house had become to her. Not just a place she occasionally stayed, but more and more often it was becoming home.

Home. It was a foreign word to the child of a gypsy mother. Inadvertently, Bella had become that woman. Forks, then Miami, Phoenix and Seattle. Being here was peaceful. Being around Jacob was peaceful... most of the time, she thought, reflecting with some satisfaction over his jealousy tonight. Michael was an arrogant prick. But, he was an influential one at that. She'd have to deal with him, but would only put up with his advances to a point. That was not how she brokered deals and the sooner he figured it out, the better for everyone concerned.

Picking up her tea, Bella slid onto a stool at the kitchen counter, drumming her fingers against the amber grain of the thick butcher block. She liked this room. It was inviting. Just what she would have chosen for herself. Nothing too flashy. White cabinets that looked as though they'd been salvaged from a farmhouse, dark knotty pine floor that had the same feel. Fleetingly, the image of Jacob and his brothers tearing apart an old barn with their bare hands entered her mind, making her giggle. The tea was doing nothing to sooth her obviously overwrought nerves.

Jacob was right. She needed rest.

Bella wandered out into the living room, sinking into the deep cushions of the sofa. There was a chill in the air tonight. Automatically she reached for a throw to pull over her shoulders, but found herself clutching nothing but cold leather. It was a habit, really, having always kept a small blanket on the back of the couch in her apartment. It occurred to her that this house needed a woman's touch. Jacob had done a nice job building it, although it was a bit spartan, lacking some of the tender comforts she was accustomed to. Little things, like a throw pillow to rest her feet on, not to mention a warm comforter on the bed for the nights he had to patrol.

When she'd explored the house the night Embry was babysitting her, she found that several of the rooms were painted in that off-white landlords were so fond of for covering stains. It was only here, in this room that the walls radiated warmth.

Her mind wandered to the apartment full of furnishings sitting in a storage pod in a Seattle warehouse. One day soon she'd have to figure out what to do with them. The idea of hunting for new digs was enough to give her a headache. Not to mention the fact that she was sure Jacob wouldn't be crazy about the idea of her living anywhere but here... even though he'd never asked her to move in. It was almost as if he expected it. Expected her to bring up that conversation. Really, it was her own fault.

Before she had time to dwell on it, Embry came striding in, washing the dirt from his feet at the door before entering. Bella waved in greeting, waiting on baited breath for something, anything to explain what happened earlier.

Embry however, didn't offer up much other than a warm smile. "Heya, Bells. Jake'll be back in a few. He's just letting everyone know the score, handing out schedules and stuff. There was a trail they found while we were gone, but it was pretty old and faded. Doesn't look like a problem."

"There's sandwiches in the kitchen," she offered, thinking maybe food would entice something out of him. "Want me to fix you a plate?"

"Nah, you know I can help myself. Come on though, you can keep me company while I stuff my face." Embry held out a strong hand, pulling her up on her wobbly feet and then carelessly tossed a steadying arm around her shoulder. "Atta girl. It's been a long night. I'm betting you're exhausted."

"Long night? Try a long couple of weeks," she groaned. "Tired is the understatement of the century."

"Yeah, but it was worth it," he reminded her. "Look at everything you accomplished. A lot of good is gonna come out of this for everyone."

"I hope so." Bella settled back into one of the counter stools, watching the stretch and pull of Embry's muscles while he danced around the kitchen, pulling down a plate and rummaging through the refrigerator for a beer. It always amazed her how the wolves were so graceful. Men that large should be clumsy, running into everything. "So, you enjoyed the party?" she asked, wondering why they were making idle chit-chat at a time like this.

Embry paused before putting the beer to his lips and quirked an eyebrow at her. "Apart from Jake almost bursting out of his skin and Matt pushing fire out of his hands? Sure. Can't say it wasn't eventful."

There. He'd brought it up. It happened. "What did Leah show you?" she blurted, all the while knowing this was too easy.

"Nuh-uh," he replied, shaking his head. "You're gonna have to wait for Jake to answer that. I value my hide too much." Noting the disgruntled look on her face, he decided to change the subject. "So... that dipshit from the Makah reservation. Think he's gonna cause you problems?"

"Maybe. Doesn't matter." Bella rubbed her temples, a tension headache slowly building just thinking about the young council member. "I'm not going to put up with it and neither is Leah. She all but drove her heel through his foot tonight. He'll get the hint and if he doesn't, a knee to the balls should do the trick."

Swallowing a bite of sandwich, Embry choked back a snort. "Or you could just turn Jake loose on him. That would seal the deal."

"Yeah... and cost us the account. I'll deal with it my way."

With a heavy sigh, Embry laid down his sandwich, looking her intently in the eyes, signalling that she was going to get some free, unsolicited advice whether she wanted it or not. "You know, this might not have happened if you'd just tell him how you feel, Bella."

"Em..."

Holding up one massive hand, he cut her off before she could say another word. "No, I know what you're gonna say. Save it. Remember what I told you?" Embry patted his heart emphatically. "Feel it in here and let go. It's simple, Bella."

"I know it is," she admitted with frustration. Looking into his warm eyes, Bella knew he was right. Whatever it was that held her back, the uncertainty, Jacob wouldn't let her get away with it for much longer. It wasn't fair to either of them. "I suppose, I don't know. Maybe I'm just waiting for the right time," she fumbled, aware it was a lame excuse.

Yet Embry just reached across the counter and patted her hand lovingly. "Babygirl, there is no right time. That's the beauty of love. It's never going to be perfect, so saying it doesn't have to be either. Jacob's been patient. He's waited a long time for you, Bella. There's never going to be anyone else for him and I know you feel the same way. Don't screw it up now by not saying what's in your heart. You owe yourself and him better than that."

"You should have your own radio show," she quipped. "Counsel the hapless citizens of greater Clallam County." Being the daughter of Charlie Swan, Bella was better at deflecting her own feelings. She could be the best listener and the dearest friend in the world, but sharing what was in her own heart was never easy.

"Oh yeah, baby... Lovelines with Dr. Call." A half-grin that would have been sexy had it not been completely ridiculous turned up the corners of his mouth. "I'm the answer to all the ladies' prayers and the cure for all the lonely souls out there, I'll set your body free from misery."

Laughing hysterically, Jacob joined in having heard it all just as he walked in the door. "Please tell me he's not handing out relationship advice, or the world as we know it is doomed."

"Hey, you know I'm the original Doctor Luv!" he cried, feigning hurt at the insult to his manhood. Bella only laughed harder when Jacob swatted him on the back of the head. "Wanna explain why you're still single?"

Stretching out his arms, Embry flexed his muscles like a two-cent circus sideshow strongman. "Keepin' my options open my friend. Keepin' my options open."

"Enough about Embry's love life." Now that Jacob was here, Bella was dying to know about Matt. "What did Leah have to say?"

Suddenly, the laughter stopped. Bella swore that you could have heard a pin drop in the room and the look that passed between the two men did not escape her notice either. Whatever it was, they were both unsteadied by it.

Jacob's dark eyes suddenly became serious. Leaning heavily against the counter and exhaling one long breath, he braced himself for whatever reaction she might have. "Bells, you sure you wanna hear this? We can wait. Matt'll be back in a few days and he can probably explain this better than I can." The look on her face told him otherwise and Jacob nodded his head in comprehension. Embry moved to her side, grasping her small hand in solidarity. "There's no easy way to say this to make it believable, so here it goes. Honestly, if I hadn't seen him tonight... hell, I still don't know what to think." Then, looking her squarely in the eye, blurted it out. "Bells, he's a fairy." Even as the words escaped his lips, Jacob realized how absurd they sounded.

Silence. Bella sat there mute, unblinking, then burst out in a fit of nervous giggles. "Sorry, I thought you said Matt's a fairy."

Jacob's steady eyes never left hers. "I did."

Bella jumped back out of her seat as if the words bit her. "Holy shit! Seriously... this isn't some kind of joke?"

"No joke. That bonfire a few months back when we ended up chasing that trail all night? Leah sensed danger and started to shift in the middle of the gallery when there were still renovations going on. Evidently he was strong enough to push her behind a half wall and he pulled the same trick on her that he did me tonight."

"Oh my God. I don't... I don't know what to say. I've known him for two years. I just... Jake, what about... tonight he called me family."

Shaking his head, Jacob wished he had more answers for her. "If Leah knew anything about that, she didn't show us anything. I don't think she did though. Something like that, I'm pretty sure she'd have told you no matter what the consequences, but Bells, there's something else..." Jacob struggled, still shocked beyond recognition by the revelation. "He's not gay."

Bella laughed again, fairly certain that idea was nothing more than the result of an overactive imagination or else too many reruns involving Mr. Furley's rather innocuous impressions of Jack Tripper. "Ok, now you're dreaming. I've been out with him in public. I've seen him eye up a nice ass, but it belonged on a man each and every time. He's gay, I promise you."

"Actually, uh no, he's not. That's what he told Leah. I suppose, technically, he's gay in this life... oh man... look I don't really get it. Maybe that's something he should explain whenever he comes back from wherever the hell it is he went. All I know is this is the kinda shit you'd find in a book, not in Washington."

"Mmmhmm..." Bella drummed her fingers against the counter, doing her best to digest the information. "Just like vampires and werewolves aren't real."

Looking at his girlfriend's raised eyebrows, Jacob knew she was right. "Point taken."