Chapter Thirty Nine

Bella

By lunchtime I was exhausted, the test had been really tough and then in English we had a pop quiz, it seemed all the teachers wanted to make sure we were nervous wrecks by the time we broke up for the holidays, well I had news for them...it was working! I walked to lunch with Alice because Jasper had PE and they were always late getting out. I wondered how difficult it was to pretend to be slow at running and less strong in the gym, with Emmett it was expected he could do better than anyone else but Jasper always appeared less than he really was at school, almost as if he shrank himself as he walked in. I knew he was almost as muscular as Emmett I'd seen him without his shirt on but he had a knack of appearing more like the other students. When he appeared I couldn't help standing up and smiling while Emmett and Alice just grinned, even Rose had unbent enough to merely roll her eyes. He came straight to me and we embraced and as always he inhaled my scent giving him a short respite from the emotions of the rest if the students in the cafeteria.

"Miss me beautiful?"

I nodded and sat down still holding his hand,

"I'll be glad when today is over and we can be together all the time. Which reminds me Charlie wanted to know when we're leaving for Alaska and we need a few pointers on presents, especially as neither of us know any of the Denali clan."

"They wont expect presents from either of you Bella. Your presence will be present enough. None of us get to meet new people very often, especially the girls, but you might want to warn Charlie that they are a little predatory."

Rose snorted in amusement,

"Predatory? They make the Greek sirens look like nuns. Bella, explain to your dad that the term nymphomaniac was invented for Tanya and her sisters. As an available male he will be in their sights from the moment we arrive."

"Oh right. Would they be interested in someone his age?"

"Bella he's breathing and wears pants, that's their criteria. Their only criteria."

"Right I'll be sure to warn him then. Do they try it on with Emmett or Edward?"

"Emmett no, not since I threw Irina out the window. As for Edward they tried but he was indifferent. I think because he can hear their thoughts they disgusted him."

"I think what Bella was really asking was if they ever tried it on with you Jasper"

I coloured because Rose was right and Alice grinned,

"Are you going to tell her or shall I?"

Jasper groaned,

"Bella they leave me well alone these days."

"Oh why?"

"Jasper explained that he liked his sex in the open air and dragged Tanya on a ten mile hike to the top of the glacier before sitting her down all panting and eager just to explain he wasn't in the slightest bit interested in her or her sisters and if they came on too strongly again he would give them a healthy dose of self loathing. It worked."

"Good. I didn't want to have to tell them to butt out as soon as we met."

"Oh it wont stop them teasing you Bella, so be prepared."

When I got home from school with Jasper Charlie was already there but he looked angry,

"What's up dad?"

"The Quileutes had my deputies hunting a non-existent bear all day in the pouring rain while the local store was broken into. I've a good mind to have words with Old Quil, tell him to stop wasting our time or I'll start giving out hunting licences for wolves out of season."

"Talking of hunting I heard something interesting earlier, about the Denali family, well the girls."

"Oh right, anything I should know?"

I made him a coffee and we sat down as I explained what Rose had told me.

"You mean the girls are likely to be chasing after me? They must be desperate!"

"Its their nature Charlie, all men are desirable to them but Tanya is the worst. You could do worse than encourage her though. I hear she's quite something."

"You only hear?"

"Yes, I've managed to avoid their clutches so far and I don't think Bella will be too pleased if they make a play for me this time."

Charlie looked at me and grinned,

"I guess not. So what about the presents?"

I told him what Alice had said and although I knew he would feel a little awkward arriving without anything he did understand.

"So how did your test go?"

"Awful. I couldn't remember anything and then we had a pop quiz in English."

"I bet you ace'd that one though."

I smiled, dad knew how much I loved my books.

Jasper

The closer we came to the flight the more concerned I got, I didn't want Edward anywhere near Bella but she seemed surprisingly unconcerned,

"I know you'll be there with me so I don't need to worry."

Her trust in me was complete, it seemed knowing I had saved her when she was a small child she trusted I would do it again if necessary although a bear was a piece of cake compare to another vampire and one who could read my mind to boot. I had already spoken to the others and they'd promised to make sure she wasn't left alone at any time if I were absent, Emmett especially. He was very fond of Bella and he wasn't Edwards greatest fan which was a plus. Alice promised me she saw nothing to concern her but we were both aware that things could change and make her visions less than 100% reliable. I had also rung Eleazer and spoken to him about Edward. It seemed my "brother" was deeply involved with Josie and they were talking about getting married which was a wonderful idea, perhaps he would stay away permanently but of course it wouldn't stop Bella's blood calling to him, we were all hoping it would be enough to prevent him trying anything.

Charlie

Another report of a bear sighting from a Quileute came in the evening before we flew out and I'd just about had enough so I rang Old Quil. He wasn't pleased to hear from me but he did listen,

"I want these stupid bear reports to stop Quil. We both know they are just a smoke screen. I know the two attacks were made by your guardian wolves, the reservation police know it too and sending my guys on a wild bear chase every few days isn't going to achieve anything except to get me really pissed off. Any more and I will make good on my threat about the hunting licenses."

"Chief Swan, it saddens me to hear you so hostile, after all we have been friends for many years."

"Yeah well the friendship ended when I found out you'd lied about my attacker. Your boys are getting dangerously out of control and if I have to go looking for them in the forest I will and I won't be alone. You tell the others to stay on the Res and stop making hoax reports and we'll get along just fine."

"I hear you are leaving us for the holidays? Going away with our mortal enemies. Taking sides are you Chief?"

"No, there are no sides as far as I can see. The Cullens aren't your enemies, they have a treaty with you. Your biggest enemy is an out of control wolf pack. Just remember what I've said Quil and there wont be any more trouble."

I thought I'd got my message across loud and clear, now it was up to the tribe because I meant every word I said.