Chapter 25: Tearing Down and Building Bridges

Bella was sitting on Charlie's couch soon after putting Atticus down for the night. She knew she should get some rest, but it was nice to have some free time when he was sleeping. She certainly had plenty of issues to mull over, but she hoped her father would distract her with something: a cop show, a ball game, a talk about anything other than Jake. She was impressed by his new leather living room set, but then again, she'd been gone for a long time. Did she expect it to all look the same? He was kicked back in an over-sized recliner.

"This is comfy."

"Thanks, I sure like it. You're in Billy's favorite spot."

No such luck, as soon as he mentioned Billy, she thought of Jacob.

Her father continued trying to make conversation. "I'm stuffed. Boy, how I missed your cooking. That was the best meatloaf I ever eaten. You've gotten better and I didn't think that was possible."

"Thanks."

"Bells, about tomorrow. I sure wish you'd stay with me a little longer, figure some things out." Bella told him what she knew, at least the parts she understood. He was furious was putting it mildly. Charlie couldn't believe that Jacob could have changed so many things with one word from his lips.

Seth helped to calm him down. She was glad he'd been around for her all afternoon. He was outside doing a patrol currently. Her talk with Seth had been a eye opening. He apologized in a way, but it seemed to her like they were all under an order from Jake even when Sam was the alpha. She wasn't sure how that worked. Bella was sick of talking about him, so she asked Seth how he was handling his own relationship.

Jacob, Sam and the other guys agreed he could tell his fiance, Amelia a long time ago and since she was from the res, she already knew the legends. Bella had no idea she knew all this time. Amelia was the one that drove him to Collin's clinic. How nice to be in a relationship that was built on openness and honesty. Before Seth went outside, she got up the nerve to ask. "Do you think Jacob will ever tell Kaleigh?"

"Between just the two of us?"

"Of course, you have my confidence."

"He says he didn't want to burden her, but I heard him discussing it with Billy once. The truth is, he doesn't trust her enough because it's such an important secret. Her family's a trip, I've met them. Jacob can't risk a falling out and her taking out her anger on him. This conversation was way before we knew about you, by the way."

"Oh... "

"Pretty telling, isn't it?"

She didn't care what happened between Jacob and Kaleigh anymore. He could stay or divorce her. Bella shared a child with him, but that's all she had in common with him now. Maybe if she said it everyday, she'd eventually start to believe that statement.

Seth was a little concerned Leah wouldn't answer him back. She said they were all nuts to agree to what Jacob was suggesting. Apparently, she'd given Jacob an earful after one brief conversation with him right before Seth phased again. Bella was concerned that Seth said she never visited. He said, she at least promised to be at his wedding in December.

Bella had a moment of concern. "You don't think, Jacob's talk inadvertently gave Leah an order, do you? She's all alone in another state. I hope she's okay."

"Naw, she's just pissed. She's on a job thing in Canada for the week. She's probably living it up, thinking we're a bunch of schmucks."

"Oh, she never liked me much. Did she?"

"Not too much. Sorry, but I think if she'd stop with the grudges and allow herself to know you, the two of you could be friends. I hope that will happen one day, maybe when she comes for the wedding, I could put in a good word for you." Sweet Seth, he was thinking about her even when he didn't have to.

December sounded so far away, it almost seemed like everyday of Bella's life dragged on at a snail's pace after she'd gotten pregnant with Atticus, but when she looked back, it all blurred together. Hopefully, getting back to work would be the first step in feeling normal for once.

Bella told her father why she needed to go back. "I have to work. I believe this job with Collin will benefit us both and the sooner I make my own money, the quicker I can move out on my own."

"I'm still worried."

"I know. I would expect nothing less from you. You're a great dad and I'm sorry it took me so long to appreciate that fact." She told him it was fine to turn on the television, so he settled on a ballgame. He told her she looked sleepy and it wouldn't hurt his feelings if she turned in. Bella needed to put away the rest of the food. She had it in containers, but was letting it cool down and then she planned to go to bed.

Charlie asked if she was expecting Seth again. "Someone's knocking."

Her heart fluttered. Seth wasn't coming back unless she requested him. Jacob said he was coming tomorrow, but she found out earlier, she couldn't believe much he said. She was torn for a second, but she headed back into the the living room to face whoever was at Charlie's front door. He peered out before he opened.

"Embry." That was the last person she expected to see. "Something wrong?"

"No sir, I know it's late, but would it be fine if I speak to Bella for a second?"

Her father turned around and asked what she wanted. "Sure, it's fine. Wanna come inside?"

"Um, no, Jake doesn't want us indoors just yet, could you step out here on the porch, just for a few minutes. It's not even that cold out."

Bella grabbed her jacket just in case and walked out to the steps. She had a seat and Embry jumped down to the ground. "Hey."

"You look well. I guess the phase wasn't too hard on you in spite of everything." She was eyeing him closely for injuries and didn't see any, so hopefully he and Jacob were no longer at each other's throats in the literal sense.

"Yeah, the first 24 hours are the pits, but then we evened out. Look, Bella, we knew each other pretty well back in the day. I always liked you."

"Thanks, Emb. I like you too."

"I wouldn't blame you if you didn't now, but I came here to say that I'm really sorry. I was out of line to get so mouthy and volatile in front of you and Ace."

"It's okay, emotions have been running high for days."

"No, it wasn't okay by any means. I swear, it won't ever happen again and I want you to know that no matter what differences exist between my brother and I, you can trust me. I will always protect you and my nephew."

Bella extended her hand so she could grab Embry's. He squeezed her fingers. She opened her arms up wide. He informed her Jacob was going to kick his ass again. "It's too soon to get so close."

"Nonsense, you just made me a promise. I insist you give me a hug."

She stood up and he picked her off the stairs to give her a warm, friendly embrace. When he sat her back down, he remarked he thought she didn't like the order thing.

"Yeah, well it has its perks, I guess. Are you and Jake going to be okay? I can't believe I've made a rift in your family after you both worked so hard to make amends."

"You didn't. This isn't something you should worry about. I love him. I'm mad as hell at him right now, but he's my brother and I'm his beta and we were friends way before that. We have to get along. It's kind of a huge obligation."

"Beta? Wow, that must have been an interesting request." He made a funny face.

Embry said he needed to get going. They were working on the patrol schedules on the res and for following her around as well. It was an important meeting. "Jacob's fucking up in his personal life. I have no problem saying that, but you can trust him when it comes to your safety. I'm sure you've heard I might have let something get out of hand as far as Kaleigh. She and I clicked, but it's strictly platonic. I don't expect the two of you to get along. She told me about meeting you."

Bella was about to ask, but didn't. Embry communicates with Kaleigh? She wondered how often and was that always the norm? What did Jake think? Why did she even care so much? That's why she kept her mouth shut and let him continue.

"I've judged Jake pretty harshly, but my reasons weren't strictly noble and I've had two days in his head. It's not very easy to decipher. None of us would ever want to be in his shoes. It's important, everyone knows that I would never betray my brother, but I think I'm man enough to admit I've been a hypocrite. I'm judging him while I'm fighting with my own problems."

Bella was speaking for Embry and herself, "Feelings have a way of screwing us all up one time or another. Thanks for stopping by and I know Jacob trusts you or you wouldn't be his beta. Oh, wait. I just remembered, can you hold on a few more seconds?"

Bella rushed back inside to quickly make him a meatloaf sandwich. She wrapped in a paper towel and brought it out to him.

"Jeez, thanks. This smells so good and it's warm. The guys are going to be jealous."

"Well, too bad. The rest of the leftovers are for my dad's lunch." Embry took a big bite and mumbled his approval with his mouth full of food. He waved as he started to leave.

Bella yelled back to him. "I trust you too!" and she meant it wholeheartedly.

It felt good to smile. Watching her dad on the floor with Atticus was her new happy place.

"Dad, he's not ready to get on all fours."

"I'm just showing him for future reference." Charlie was rocking back and forth on his hands and knees. "This is how it starts and then the crawling comes soon after. He'll be all over the place then. You'll need to plug up all the outlets and pad the corners. Oh, and don't be careless emptying your pockets. Your mother yelled at me when she caught you with a mouthful of change a time or two."

"That's good advice. I'll remember that even though I don't normally fill my pockets with change."

Bella noticed the time, it was just after 2:30. This was the longest Jacob had ever gone without seeing Atticus. He would be there soon, no way would he let her leave without seeing his son. Charlie wanted to know what the plan was, but she wasn't sure. Nothing new about that.

"Alice and Jasper are willing to hang around as long as they're needed." She tried to reassure her father.

"Yeah, but I can't picture him letting you on the road alone. That even makes me nervous now that I know everything."

Bella shrugged. Seth was doing really good. Maybe Jacob trusted him to go back. Collin told he wanted to wait a few more days before he came back. She kinda missed the apartment. It definitely wasn't in an ideal location, way too close to Jake and Kaleigh, but she'd gotten used to it and all their things were there.

She was up early making all sorts of resolutions. It was going to be strictly business between the two of them when Jacob came back. She worked out a visitation schedule and for once she agreed with Kaleigh. He would not be allowed in her apartment. They wouldn't be hanging out like they were a real family. At first, she thought there was a possibility of salvaging their longstanding friendship, but not anymore. She could be civil for Atticus's sake, but that was as much as she was willing to try.

Bella drew one last conclusion, the pack wouldn't suffer because of her problems with Jacob. She sensed they needed her and they were already making sacrifices to protect her. She fully intended to get to know them all better and make their patrols go as smoothly as possible. They were all welcome in her life.

Her father had packed up most of their things. She could tell Atticus was wearing out on the floor, so she picked him up and tried to feed him. Jacob might be seeing him asleep in his car seat by the time he showed up. Bella draped a thin blanket over her shoulder and began to nurse the baby. Her dad made himself scarce. He said he didn't want to disturb them, but he insisted she take his chair to be comfortable. Bella could use a chair like that. Although, she was afraid, she'd never want to get up on days that she was exhausted like today. Her sleep had been terrible for the past 48 hours, but she still had to get up and take care of the baby.

She heard some noise outside, so she assumed Jacob had arrived. Her father was already out there, no doubt giving him the third degree. Atticus finished up, but surprisingly didn't nod off. He was practically digging his way out of the blanket when Jacob came inside and spoke to them. Their son recognized his voice. He walked straight over.

"Hey buddy. Daddy missed you."

Bella adjusted everything underneath the cover and passed Atticus off to Jake so he could have a few minutes with him. She used the excuse she needed to use the restroom and double check she hadn't left anything upstairs.

Seeing them together always did funny things to her. She washed her hands in the sink and gave herself a lecture in the bathroom mirror. "Don't let him get to you. He made his choice. It's not you."

She walked down the stairs to see Jacob had worked his magic and gotten Atticus asleep. "He was just giggling like crazy at you only a few minutes ago."

"I know, I tossed him around a few times, blew raspberries on his belly and then he nodded off. Oh, but he burped really loud. I'm pretty sure he upchucked some on my shoulder. I guess the tossing was too much since you just fed him. Can you check?" Bella saw a small clump of curdled milk on his right shoulder. She just realized it was the first time he put on a shirt since they arrived. She ran to the kitchen and wet a paper towel to clean off the spit up. As soon as her hand made contact with him, she felt that familiar stir in her belly. He made it worse by turning towards her to catch her eyes on him.

"Did you two sleep better last night?"

"Um, Atticus slept fine."

"But you didn't?"

"I'm not your concern? Don't ask about me anymore?"

He blew out a frustrated breath and rolled his eyes. "That's a little irrational, Bells. You're still my concern. You're my son's mother and... "

He left at it at that. The rest of what she was to him would forever remain unspoken, but continue to be the giant pink elephant in the room.

"Well, I guess we should be going. You can strap him in his seat and kiss him goodbye. I need to drive while he's sleeping."

"Hold your horses. I'd like to hold him a few more minutes. It'll probably be the end of the week before I get back home and we need to discuss something important." She avoided looking at them too much. Jacob was so tender and gentle with their son. There was something so sweet about a big strong man holding a tiny baby in his embrace. Jacob loving their son was more than something, it was everything and that's why she continued holding on and not running for the hills.

"Fine, is Seth going back with me?"

"No, he's probably good to go, but I'd like a few more days, all of us training together. Remember when I said desperate times call for desperate measures?"

"Yeah, like when you showed up with Alice and Jasper. I guess they'll be my sole bodyguards for a few days."

Jacob went on to say he had to make a few other decisions. "First things first, Ace can't go back to that daycare."

"What? I need him to, at least until Collin gets back. I barely know what I'm doing there. Most of his staff is plenty busy with their own jobs. I can't do everything Collin asked me to do and take care of him. He's a good baby, but that's not possible. We already agreed on the daycare."

"Well, I changed my mind. You know damn well you have something to tell me, don't you."

"Seriously, is this about the bite?"

"You're damn right it is. How did those incompetents allow him to get bitten?"

"It's barely a nip, I can't believe you even saw it."

"I can't believe you didn't tell me."

She didn't tell him because he would have overreacted just like he was at this very minute. The daycare owner apologized at length. Apparently, Atticus's teacher had to help calm down her three year from the other class. She said her daughter bit when she was upset. They had tried everything to get her to stop, but it was a terrible habit and she managed to briefly clamp onto to Atticus out of jealousy. They almost never allowed the older children in the baby room. Bella explained it all to Jake, she was upset but understood things happened and all the workers admitted he didn't even cry, it was so quick.

"Sure, he didn't. They all got their stories straight before you got there."

"They offered me two free weeks. That would actually be huge since I'm trying to save money."

"I was paying for it."

"Well, I planned on splitting it with you now that I have a job. Look, if anything else questionable happens, I promise not to take him back, but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt for now."

"Nope, not going to happen. He goes to work with you. I have a solution, trust me. Take him and it'll be fine."

"Trust you? That's a laugh. Are you suffering from a mental problem? I'm not going to do everything you tell me to do. Those days are over."

"No more daycare, Bells. End of discussion. You know they're open all weekend. I gave them an earful on the phone. They won't be accepting Ace back, I made sure of that."

"You're the most overbearing asshole that ever lived. If this wasn't Collin, I'd be fired by the end of the week. I'll take him for now, but we'll revisit this topic when I find a reliable sitter." One more thing she needed to add to her long to-do list.

He said since she was already pissed, it was time she heard the rest of it. "You're not going to like it."

"You're consistent if not anything else. Why? What else did you do?"

"I've asked the Cullens to move back... all of them."

"What? You can't be serious. You hate them."

"Maybe, but I need them. Besides, I think the pack needs to grow. I'm hoping their presence will stir up the gene in a younger group. It's going to be challenging, since I have obligations in Seattle and that's where you and Ace will be as well."

"You mean your wife? Does she like being referred to as an obligation?"

"Of course, I'm considering Kaleigh, but I also mean my career. I have bills to pay."

Bella had learned how his complicated mind worked. It only took her a few seconds before the truth hit her like a ton of bricks. She jumped up and ran to the window. A black Volvo sat next to her Jetta.

"NO!"

"He wasn't my first choice, believe me, but Blondie and the big guy were out of the country at least another week. Dr. Fang is finishing up his obligations at his hospital and his wife is getting their old place habitable again."

"I don't want Edward as a bodyguard. This is insane. Did you ever consider my feelings?"

"I'm sorry, but this is strictly about safety, not feelings and as much as I hate to admit, he'd still do anything for you. I know you'll be safe. He knows not to get too close to Ace. You don't even have to speak if you don't want. In fact, that's what I'd prefer."

Jacob didn't understand. Edward was a reminder of a girl she truly hated. Bella was under Jake's thumb, so to speak, but she was nowhere near the spineless teen she'd been with Edward. Her entire existence revolved around him, she only wanted to please him. For God's sake, she chose him over her own family. She wouldn't dare have these heated exchanges with him when they were first together. She could clearly see now, both men tried to control her to an extent, but how she reacted to it was the complete opposite.

"Was your divorce not amicable?"

"What do you think? I had to turn into the bitch from hell to get away from him. He constantly patronized me when I stood up for myself. He kept trying to make excuses for my unhappiness. He thought he could fix our relationship, but it was broken from the beginning. It took me too long to realized that."

"He still loves you."

"Well, I don't love him, but the truth is, I don't hate him, Jake. Sometimes, I think Edward is almost like a small child. It's impossible to reason with him. I will always have some type of attachment to him, but seriously, if I act nice, then he thinks there's still hope. It's exhausting. I freaking hate you for this and yesterday day I already had a hundred reasons to hate you. Now make it one hundred and one."

"Desperate times... "

"Oh, take your ancient proverb and shove it where the sun don't shine. This is going to suck. Now, kiss your son and load him in the car. I have to go out there and face my past."

Edward glanced their direction. She was surprised her father was outside being civil to him after all he'd found out. "Bella you look lovely. Motherhood only enhanced your beauty. I always suspected it would."

Jacob pulled his head out of the backseat and sneered at him. This was all his fault, so he didn't have a right to be upset. "You know what you're supposed to do, bloodsucker. Follow Bella, stay away from her, don't bother her unless there's an emergency. When you get to Seattle, you and the pixie can switch places since your presence irritates Bells." Bella knew one other individual that irritated her, but she wasn't going to air their problems in front of Edward.

"I'm sure Bella is capable of telling me her wishes, dog. We were married once. She'll be safe under my protection."

"Stay away from my kid, that's the deal."

He ignored Jake and asked if she was ready. Edward told her to signal whenever she needed to make rest stops.

Bella had one other thing to say just for spite. "This feels like Déjà vu except it's the opposite. This time you're turning me over to Edward and not the other way around, plus we aren't at the treaty line."

Jacob's face contorted. Satisfied she got to him, Bella approached her dad for one more parting hug and then made her way to the car. Jacob came up behind her and put his hand on the car door so she couldn't open it. "Excuse you."

He lowered his voice, Charlie wouldn't hear, but Edward would know exactly what was said. "For the record. I'm not handing you over to him. It's a business deal, cut and dry. I know you think your being fucking cute, sticking it to me, but if I can give you away, then that would make you mine, correct?" He squeezed her firmly at her waist and she reacted in ten different ways to his touch. Jacob slowly pulled back his arm to let her inside. He looked smug as hell versus her deer in the headlights expression. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

~Thanks for reading.

Edward, huh? Who was expecting that? Oh Jacob, he doesn't know when to quit. Jeesh, some readers are so pissed about his behavior, but the broken trust between these two continues to be the cause of lots of bad decision making. One day, I swear, they'll slowly start to reverse their direction, building trust and faith in one another and if you get fed up with the process and toss the story aside, then you'll miss the best parts. ;)