Disclaimer - I do not own Twilight, if you recognize anything that means it's probably not mine. This is purely for entertainment.

"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
'Pack Mind'

Chapter 12

Bella P.O.V.

When I get home I immediately go to Carlisle to ask that he call a family meeting. He happily obliged and called everyone into the living room. I quickly explain the situation and the only complaint I got was from Rosalie about having to be around the 'stench' for that long. I'd gotten long used to hearing all about it when I got home from La Push so I just roll my eyes and ignore her.

Carlisle was quite happy he would be able to tell his side of the story for the first time. He believes that there are some parts that were left out of the legends so that the later generations didn't get too 'soft' on them. I just laugh and told them that there weren't even any humans who were more generous and compassionate than this family.

The next day arrived quickly and I head down to La Push first thing in the morning. We would meet the Cullens at the treaty border at dusk and they would be escorted to the bonfire. My Leah and I decided to spend a bit of time with Emily before we all head to help get things set up. I was so happy that the council was giving the Cullens a chance to possibly bridge the gap between them and possibly allow more communication and understanding between each other.

There are still a couple of council members still grumbling about allowing 'blood sucking leeches' on their land but the majority weren't putting up a fight. In fact many look excited, especially to hear about the legend of the treaty from someone who was actually there. I smile and listen as some of the Quileutes start singing some of the tribal songs. They are very beautiful and just when I thought things couldn't get better my Leah began to sing! Oh I can't even describe how perfect her voice was. We had just finished setting up when it was time for us to go meet the others. I watch as my Leah walks off into the woods…not even a minute later a large light grey wolf comes trotting out of the spot where my Leah disappeared.

She walk up to me slowly and I was in awe, this was the first time I'd seen one of the wolves since she rescued me. She tips her head down and I gently pet her for a few minutes. I could hear a rumbling noise coming from her. After a bit the rest of the wolves come out of the forest from the opposite direction as my Leah. The big black wolf which I knew to be Sam barked something to the others. My wolf knelt down and let me climb on her back and then we were off. She told me she was the quickest of them all and now I could believe it…even with me on her back she was easily keeping up with the others. I just let my body slump forward and hug her tight. I felt so at peace…at home that I nearly fell asleep on the five minute run.

We didn't have to wait long for the Cullens to show…I just started petting my wolf breathing in that deep woodsy scent of her fur until I saw them. We escorted the Cullens down to the fire and after introductions and pleasantries the stories began. They told of the spirit warriors and how the ability to change into wolves came to pass. Then came how the Cold Ones became known to the tribe. It was a horrific story to be sure but that doesn't mean they are all like that. Finally it was Carlisle's turn to tell the story of the treaty.

Leah P.O.V.

When it was Carlisle's turn to tell his story I'm sure everyone was expecting a lot of wolf bashing, they were wrong. His story began and we were all enraptured in his tale. He began with the part we all knew well the current tribal chief Ephraim Black finding him and his 'family' in the forest.

"Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Edward who is currently absent, and I were hunting in the woods nearby." He points off to east. "We had just finished and had met up where our newest at the time Emmett had made his kill. Three men came upon us in the traditional wear of your hunters, they didn't smell like normal humans so we were very weary. Two of the three, those I now know to be Levi Uley and Quil Ateara II wanted to fight. The third which I later learned to be the Chief of the tribe and Alpha of the Pack, Ephraim Black pacified the others and chose to hear us out.

We told them how we were different from others of our kind and how we choose to drink the blood of animals instead of killing humans. We noticed that they were out hunting and offered them the bodies of our prey to take back to the tribe for food as we had no need. We eventually worked out a treaty that is similar to the one you know…but it is missing a few key points." I look around at the council and they seemed as confused as the rest of us. "What you apparently were not told is that for the five years we were living here we continued a tradition of meeting on your land every month on the full moon. We would bring a few drained deer as an offer of peace and we would trade stories much as we are doing now." Nearly everyone gasped at the revelation.

"As to why this was left out of your stories I have no answer. I've been led to believe that some of your council did not like socializing with our kind even though we had come in nothing but peace. I often acted as a doctor on the reservation during this time and even delivered many children. One of those whom I delivered is present here today." Eyes all around snapped to the only one old enough for this to be possible. That was Quil Ateara III, son of one of the three wolves who witnessed the creation of the treaty, who looked just as surprised as the rest of us. "For many years you've only known part of your tribe's history. I know it might be difficult to believe your elders didn't tell you the whole truth but I believe it is important that you know that for many years we were trusted and respected members of the community. There was no law forbidding us from crossing the border nor was there one to stop the many visits your grandfathers made to visit us at our home." He left us all in a stunned silence.

I look at Carlisle and he has a proud and compassionate look on his face. 'So this is why he seemed so excited to get the chance to tell his story. It really would explain a lot…maybe just maybe this could change things.' He smiled compassionately to everyone and nodded. "I think it would be best if my family and I left now to give you all time to think about things and I'm sure you will all want to do your own research…might I suggest the journals of the old council, especially those of the alpha. If you wish to speak us for any reason please feel free to do so, Bella can get you in contact with me or another of my family. "

Carlisle turned to my Bella and I and he motioned to her with his head. "She's practically asleep…if you would like Emmett could carry her home. I'm sure she'll call you about her truck tomorrow." I nod my approval and my thanks. They Cullens and my Bella speed off leaving the rest of us still stunned at the information we have gained this evening.

After a few minutes everyone seems to come back to themselves long enough to clean up and head home but I know this will be on the minds of everyone in the time to come. I just shake my head and hope they find some sort of proof of this. If they do then this could cause some major, and hopefully good, changes in the tribe.

Bella P.O.V.

I wake up slowly wondering how I got back home until I remembered last night. Carlisle's story was amazing and it could open up a whole new connection between the Cullens and the tribe. I yawn making my way downstairs after detouring to the bathroom for my morning rituals. I find a steaming breakfast on the table and sigh happily. 'It can be very nice living in a house with a cook that knows you're waking up before you do.' I giggle at my thought. 'I wonder what's going on over on the res.' I quickly eat my breakfast and give my appreciation to Esme.

'I swear she is probably the best mother I could ask for.' I freeze at that thought…I haven't talked to Renee since before the party. I quickly dig out my phone and call her. "Bella!" she answers happily.

"Hi mom!" I answer with almost as much enthusiasm.

"Well Bella you certainly sound happy." I nod to myself.

"I am mom…but I need to talk to you. You haven't heard from Dad this week have you?"

"No honey, I haven't heard from your father for some time." I sigh in relief. At least I can break this to her my way.

"Well…um Dad kinda kicked me out."

"HE WHAT! Why?"

I take a deep breath. "Um because he doesn't like the person I'm dating."

Her voice lowers with suspicion. "Bella, why doesn't your father like this person."

"umm… because it's a girl." I answer sheepishly hoping she doesn't disown me too.

"Oh that's all? You're father kicked you out because you're dating a girl…" she sighs through the phone.

"So you're ok with it mom? I mean…I wasn't sure what to expect after…"

She chuckles. "Are you happy Bella?"

"Extremely." I answer without hesitation.

"Then that's all I can ask for. I'm going to have to meet her you know…how serious is this Bella."

I smile widely "Very" she giggles at my excited tone.

"I haven't heard you talk like this since you were a little girl Bella. I'm so glad she is helping you to loosen up a bit." I nod to myself. "So who are you staying with?"

"Do you remember Alice?" she answers in the affirmative. "Well I came here right after I left Dad's because I just wanted to see Alice and Esme offered to let me stay here as long as I need to. She's great mom, they all are, going out of their way to cook for me and the boys protect me at school like another little sister. I really love it."

I can hear the smile in her voice. "That's great Bells…I think I should come out for a visit...maybe knock some sense into your father."

I giggle at this. "That would be great mom when do you think you could come?"

She's quiet for a moment. "Well this is just perfect! Phil has an away game this coming weekend! I could fly out and visit you for a couple days then come back just in time for him to get home." I smile at the thought of seeing Renee. Alice comes in the sliding door just getting back from hunting I'd guess. I mouth 'Renee' and she nods just as Renee starts to talk again.

"Alright Bella its set. I'll see you next weekend!"

"Alright, by mom!" I look up at Alice excitedly…"Well Alice…you finally get to meet Renee." I giggle again.

She bursts into a grin. "I bet she and Esme will get along splendidly. Did you tell her about everything?"

I nod. "She said she was going to knock some sense into Charlie…god knows he needs it." Alice nods in agreement.

"So what's the plan for today Bella?"

I think for a moment. "I guess I'll head down to La Push and see how everything is going…and of course to see my Leah." I slap my hand across my mouth… 'I can't believe I just said that please say Emmett and Rose aren't home…please.' I beg the universe and everyone who is listening.

Just when I think it's safe and they are gone I hear Emmett's loud laugh and Rose yelling from upstairs. "So she really is your pet! I knew it!" I sigh. 'Crap, I'm going to pay for this later.' Alice's tinkling laugh interrupts my inner monologue about how I could be so stupid. I shoot her a glare and she bites her lip but still can't stop shaking with laughter. I decide it's a good time to call my Leah.