I have a few questions from reviews that I've responded to privately already, but I thought all of my readers needed these answers as well.

Q - "Based on the summary, of Bella claiming to have never been in love, one can assume that this isn't a New Moon AU, right? Does this mean that Bella has been in Forks all her life, or is she still relatively new to the town? If that's the case, how did she and Jacob become such good friends? Also, where is Renee? There hasn't been any mention of her."

A - I have actually mentioned this in the chapters already. Bella did live with Renee for a long time but she spent a lot more time with Charlie. In my story, Bella moved in with Charlie because Renee remarried, but she's a lot closer with Charlie than Stephenie Meyer created her to be. Because she spent most of the summer with Charlie for years and years, Jacob and Bella were able to become friends. In this story, Bella's been back in Forks permanently for a few weeks - plenty of time for the two of them to reconnect again. Bella likes control because never really had it in the past, being shoved back and forth between her dad and her mom and her mom's random boyfriends. She's finally old enough to control her own life and she wants to keep it that way. Introduce Sam - and I'm sure you can see that Bella's plans will be challenged.

Q - "Where are the Cullens? Will they be making an appearance in the story?"

A - Keep reading to find out.

Q - "I wonder and worry about this Bella. Why does she wonder about taking a chance on love? Why is she so skeptical? A typical teenage girl isn't afraid of dating. Isn't that what this is or would be from a girls POV? Why is she scared? It doesn't feel like a typical reaction for a teen."

A - My Bella is not a typical teenage girl. Stephenie Meyer's Bella - the original Bella - did not react the way a normal teen did, if you remember. Edward commented about her maturity and seriousness multiple times. My version of Bella is the same Bella - only intensified. Yes, Bella is very serious and uptight and set in her ways. That's a very important character trait for her to have.

Q - "[Bella] is so rigid and methodical in her actions and thinking. It's got to be almost paralyzing to live like that. I mean what normal girl freaks about an unscheduled knock at the door."

A - Once again, yes. That's my Bella. That's her personality. I think it leaves a lot of room for a certain sexy Alpha wolf to turn her world upside-down.

Q - What's with Charlie being such a jerk?

A - Charlie is being the protective dad that I wanted him to be in Twilight. I thought he was too absent to be called a dad in the original series. He needs to be involved in her life - and c'mon. This is a man he's only ever met once before, and the entire town thinks he's a gang leader, for Pete's sake. Are you telling me he should let his daughter hang around a strange man who may or may not be a violent criminal? Especially since he's the Chief of Police? Charlie needs to learn about Sam, bond with Sam, and learn to trust Sam. He doesn't know him at all. Charlie just needs to learn that Sam is a good guy, and that will take time.

Q - Did Sam imprint on Bella, or are they just mated?

A - Keep reading to find out.

Well, that was a lot longer than I intended it to be, but oh well. Half of you will have skipped over it anyways and went right to the chapter. But from the bottom of my heart - thank you for reading this if you did.

Disclaimer - This is based off of the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. She created the characters and the basic plot, and this is my spin on it. These are my words about her world. Stephenie Meyer has all of the rights to her characters and the parts that were taken from her plot.

This scene picks up right where Chapter Four left off - just in case you need a refresher.

Chapter Five

Sam and Charlie both sat with their eyes glued to the television. Charlie occupied his reclining chair, as usual, while Sam sat stiffly on the couch. Bella glanced into the room when the silence had dragged on for a nerve-wracking amount of time to make sure Charlie hadn't somehow killed Sam without her realizing it. When she peeked her head around the corner, Sam's head turned towards her as if he could sense her eyes on him. Their gazes met and a blush flew onto Bella's cheeks. He lowered his head, watching her closely. His eyes swept over her body slowly. She disappeared back into the kitchen, her heart flying.

She went to work doing the dishes. And it was a great distraction for her – until she felt a presence behind her.

His deep voice rattled her entire body. "Do you need any help?"

She licked her lips. "I've got it. There really aren't that many." Bella was surprised Charlie hadn't followed him into the kitchen – even if there was a baseball game on.

"Chief Swan is asleep," Sam explained as if he could read her mind.

"Oh," Bella breathed. She bit her lip nervously and tried to think of another way to continue the conversation but came up short. She widened her eyes at him as the silence stretched on.

Sam stood perfectly still, watching her fingers as she twisted the dishrag through her fingers. She felt anxiety rolling off her body and she tilted her head to brush her ear against her shoulder shyly. His own shoulders tensed and he froze mid-breath, eyes zeroing in on her newly-exposed neck.

Bella straightened. The pressure in the room finally became too much and she just couldn't take it anymore. He was just watching her – always watching her! – and he was silent and brooding and controlling and sexy and infuriating and heartwarming and dominant and powerful and strong and attractive –

And Bella couldn't stand that he'd just popped up out of nowhere and caught her off-guard. If there was one thing she couldn't stand, it was having unanswered questions. Of course, she hated being rude to a house guest as well, but that didn't stop her from blurting, "What are you doing here, Sam?"

He blinked but said nothing, so Bella continued. "I-I mean, it's not like we're such great friends that you should really worry about me. If anything, that's Jake's job."

Sam's eyes flashed with momentary anger as she mentioned her best friend, but he remained silent once again.

Bella shook her head. "I don't understand you."

"But you could," he said vaguely.

"What does that mean?" Bella demanded. She heard her complaint echo around the tiny kitchen and quieted herself. If Charlie woke, he would interrupt this discussion within a second, and Bella really needed answers.

"I want us to get to know each other, Bella," he said lowly. He inched forward slowly, as if he were approaching a rabbit and didn't want it to hop away.

Bella ignored the fact that he hadn't answered her previous question or provided any clarification at all. "Why?"

He stepped closer. "Because we have a connection that you cannot deny." Bella's heart practically stopped. He'd done it again – the unexpected. Bella hadn't anticipated him admitting to feeling any sort of attraction to her. And she suddenly couldn't think, let alone form a response. Sam took that opportunity to move even closer to her. Now the two were standing almost toe-to-toe. He exhaled loudly, deeply, and Bella felt it fan over her face. She blinked against the air and felt her breathing hitch. He reached up to place his hands on the counter behind her, placing one palm on each side of her hips. He'd caged her in once again, but he didn't need to. Bella couldn't run if she wanted to. And she definitely didn't want to.

"But we shouldn't," Bella finally whispered. "We've only known each other for two weeks, Sam." Oh, it felt good so say his name. She'd thought it over and over in her head, heard it in her dreams, but it was marvelous to let it pass through her lips. "We shouldn't feel anything for each other. And – and think about what it would do to Jake."

There was an angry rumble deep in his chest. "Jacob has nothing to do with us, Bella."

"He has everything to do with us," she contradicted stubbornly. "He introduced us!"

"We didn't need Jacob, Bella," he murmured, leaning down and dropping his head so he could meet her gaze again. "We would have met on our own if he hadn't introduced us."

Bella shook her head. Some of her hair brushed against Sam's shoulder and he closed his eyes for a brief second, inhaling deeply. "How can you be sure?"

He stared at her for a moment, thinking. Finally, he reached up to brush his thumb against her cheek. Sparks flew through her entire body and she gasped. "You feel it, too, Bella," he whispered. "You feel the attraction – the chemistry. I promise you I would have found you without Jacob's help. I will always find you, Bella."

She should have been frightened by that statement. The little red flag should have shot up to caution her against stalker tendencies. But instead, Bella felt safe, protected, cared for. Desirable. "I still don't understand. I have so many questions."

"I'm sure you do," he said, "and I will answer them in time." He leaned down to press his nose against her temple gently. His lips brushed against her cheek and Bella's body ignited. She carefully reached out to press her palm on his chest, fisting his faded T-shirt in her hand. The material was soft and served as the perfect opposite to his dominant personality. She could feel his abnormal heat through the thin fabric, and even though it was a hot summer night outside, she welcomed it.

Bella pulled back to look at his face. His eyebrows pulled down in concern as she continued to synchronize his face. His eyes flickered to her rosy lips. They called his name, begged him to press his own against them . . .

They'd known each other for two weeks, and Sam's control was slipping. Logically, he knew they needed to build up a friendship before escalating it to a romantic relationship. And they would do that.

But he needed a kiss first.

Just one kiss. One peck.

Then he'd be able to ignore the siren call that pulled him towards her. He hoped.

Slowly – agonizingly slowly – he leaned his head down towards her. Their noses brushed. Their eyes locked. And their lips met.

It was gentle, but more passionate than Bella could have ever imagined it.

The footrest of the reclining chair in the living room clicked as it was put down. Charlie grunted as he heaved himself up and out of his seat.

Bella's eyes snapped open. All too quickly, their moment was over and Sam was pulling away. His eyes, a dark brown before, were now a lighter caramel. Almost approaching yellow.

Primal. Bella pushed the thought away. It didn't make sense.

"How long does it take for those brownies in the box to bake, Bella?" her father called.

Sam leaned back and stepped away, sitting himself down in the chair he'd occupied at dinner. Charlie was cracking his neck as he entered the room with an empty beer can in his hand. He startled when he saw Sam but his shoulders sagged in recognition after a moment. "Sorry," he grumbled, not looking apologetic at all. "It was kind of a long day."

Sam shook his head. "It's no problem. I imagine being the Chief of Police is very demanding."

There was an awkward silence. "The brownies take about fifteen minutes to make," Bella informed. She was very proud that her voice sounded as calm as it did. She was sure she wasn't giving Charlie any clue of what he'd missed. "I could go for something sweet. I'll make them now." She retrieved the box from the pantry and glanced at the ingredients and directions. "Will you have some, Sam?"

Their eyes met. "Sure," he agreed. "That sounds wonderful."

"Well, I'm gonna run up to the bathroom before the game comes back on," Charlie muttered. He glanced between Bella and Sam warily, hesitating to leave them alone. He obviously didn't feel comfortable leaving his daughter alone with a man who half the town expected was gang leader. Annoyance bloomed in Bella's stomach. He didn't have a problem with her hanging out with Jacob. And if Sam was the leader of the gang, then Jacob was a member of it – and in Bella's mind, that was basically the same thing.

Sam's lips pressed together in a grim line and he rested his hands lightly on the table in front of him. Bella poured the brownie mix into a bowl and opened the fridge to get the milk, eggs, and butter to combine with it. She ignored Charlie as he waited for her to make eye contact with him, probably so he could give her a warning look – Make sure he doesn't kidnap you until I get back. Finally, he sighed heavily and stomped up the stairs. Sam's eyebrows pulled closer together each time the steps creaked and cracked. Bella frowned apologetically.

"It seems to me that you are the caregiver in this household instead of your father," he noted.

Bella sighed. Her fingers gripped the mixing bowl as she whisked the batter together. "Charlie is a lot more incapable than he looks," she said lightly. "People give him too much credit."

Sam smiled, but then grew serious. He stood and sauntered over to her slowly. "Join us for another bonfire this Friday evening," he invited. Who, exactly, is 'us'? Bella wondered. Charlie would absolutely not be okay with her attending a party with a host and guests who have reputations like Sam's. Sam must have read the hesitation and concern in her eyes because he explained, "The Clearwater family invites their entire street over for a monthly block party. I know Sue Clearwater adores you. She'd be thrilled if you joined us."

The Clearwaters' house? He was going to hang out at the Clearwaters' house where there will be alcohol and romantic moonlight and Leah Clearwater? Leah Clearwater, a girl who'd sat in Jacob's kitchen not two weeks ago, babbling to Kim about how passionate his kiss had been and how she'd like to go on another date with him? Jealousy surged through Bella like wildfire, but she bit her lip. She'd already promised Jessica Stanley that she would go to Port Angeles with her that evening and help her find the perfect dress to wear on Saturday, when she would be going on her first date with Mike Newton. If she agreed to go with Sam, she would have to cancel her plans. And if she cancelled her plans for him, she relinquished some of her control.

But was she willing to let him go spend the evening with a girl he had a history with?

Yes. Yes, of course she was. After all, Bella and Sam were barely friends. She'd met him two weeks ago, he'd come over for dinner unexpectedly, they'd chatted – and kissed once. That didn't make them a couple. Even if that was what Bella wanted more than she'd ever wanted anything before. She shouldn't cancel her plans with a good friend because a man had invited her along to a party at his ex-girlfriend's house. She was more confident in herself than that.

But what if he saw Leah and decided he wanted another date, too? What if Bella's rejection pushed him back into arms? Would he think she didn't like him if she didn't go?

Why does it matter? she scolded herself. She had a plan! High school, college, career, and then love and romance and marriage and kids. In that order! Bella knew exactly what she wanted out of life and how to get it, and having a relationship with Sam Uley was not a part of that plan! Let him go to the party, she ordered herself. Let him fall in love with Leah. You need to keep your life on track! Bella would not let herself end up like her mother – forty years old and financially, emotionally dependent on her twenty-eight-year-old husband, and living in a town she despised more than anything. Bella wanted happiness.

But what if Sam can give you that happiness? What if he's your soulmate? What if you're meant to be with him?

Ah! Bella's stomach flip-flopped as she went back and forth, contradicting herself. She needed to make a decision fast, before Sam realized she was more or less talking to herself in her head. She opened her mouth and blurted out, "Okay!"

Sam broke into a grin. "Should I pick you up?"

"Um –" No. No. No. You're already changing your plans for him. You will not give him all of the control in this relationship! Stand your ground, stand your ground! She bit her lip. "You know, I think I'd rather drive myself. Besides – it's a bonfire. I'm sure you'd like to have a few drinks, and if you don't have to worry about getting me home, you won't have to worry about driving anywhere." There. That was a perfect excuse.

He nodded in acceptance. "Alright. We eat at six thirty, and the bonfire is lit at eight."

"I'll bring a pie," she whispered.

He smiled. "Excellent."

The oven beeped to inform her it had been heated to a roasting four hundred degrees. Bella remembered herself and poured the brownie mix into a small pan and carefully placed it on the center rack. As she leaned over and felt the heat blowing up onto her face, she couldn't help but compare this heat to the warmth that radiated of Sam's skin. Bella straightened and closed the door. Sam caught her gaze, and Bella found that she couldn't look away, so she counted to number of beeps that came from behind her as she set the oven timer instead of watching the tiny screen. When she was finished, Sam stepped forward and connected their lips again. Bella gasped as his hands slid around her waist and pulled her against him. Her own hands slid up to rest on his chest. He lifted her and sat her down on the counter behind her so he didn't have to bend down quite so far. The kiss deepened and Bella wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer, threading her fingers in his hair.

Oh, yes. Bella had made the right choice in choosing Sam over Jessica. She didn't even like to shop, anyway. She sighed contently.

He broke the kiss off suddenly; his head snapped to the right, towards the window. His eyes widened and he froze.

"What?" Bella whispered, breathless. She kept her arms clasped around his neck, ready to pull him back down to her level. She was not ready to stop kissing him yet. After all, she knew the effect lettuce had on Charlie, and he'd eaten two bowls of salad that evening. He wouldn't be making an appearance for quite a while.

Sam said nothing, continuing to stare blankly outside. His eyes narrowed and he cocked his head to the side, listening. Bella thought she heard a howl echo through the woods; perhaps the Benson's German Shepard had escaped from their yard again and was running through the woods. Sam eyes flashed with the same yellow glow she'd seen earlier and Bella gasped. He glanced down at her briefly and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before returning his concentration outside again. Bella could feel his hands fisted against the small of her back, but he was tender with her. She realized he was always gentle towards her, even if he was in the worst of moods.

"Sam," she insisted. "What is it? What's wrong?" He was acting strange, and his worry kicked up her anxiety. Had he seen something outside, heard something dangerous?

He blinked. "I have to go," he grunted. He released her from his grasp and backed away without taking his eyes off of the window. He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear blindly. "I'll see you on Friday. Be safe, alright? Please – stay inside for the rest of the night. Lock your door behind me." He met her gaze and his expression softened when he saw the fret and unease written all over her face. He freed her bottom lip from her teeth with his thumb. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Thank you for dinner – it was delicious. I wish I could stay for those brownies, but –" He stopped, frowning. "There's something that needs my immediate attention."

Could he be any vaguer? Bella almost asked, but he swooped down to peck her on the lips once more. She removed her arms from his neck and he lifted her from the counter. She instantly missed being able to run her fingers through his hair. Standing side-by-side, Bella's head barely reached his shoulders.

"Stay safe," he whispered, "and be careful. Please – stay inside tonight."

Bella didn't know what to say to that, so she simply nodded.

"Thank you." And then he was gone. Bella stood there like an idiot in her kitchen for a few moments, blinking and attempting to clear her thoughts. She waited to hear a car start, but after a two minutes went by, she wobbled over to the front door and peeked outside. The only cars in sight were her truck and Charlie's police car, and Sam was nowhere to be found.

Bella remembered what he'd said and reached up to slide the deadbolt into place. Keeping her hand resting on the door, Bella shifted her weight and pressed her fingers to her lips. And then she realized –

She and Sam had shared their first kisses in the tiny kitchen in Charlie's creaky old house.

And it had been as special as it possibly could have been.

Bella bounced up and down on her bed with her cell phone pressed to her ear. She didn't know why she was so anxious. "I just wondered if maybe we could change our evening shopping adventure to an afternoon shopping adventure." She didn't even know why she was bothering. Reasoning with Jessica Stanley was impossible.

"Why?" Jessica demanded. "What else do you have planned?"

"I just have a lot to do that evening," Bella explained, trying not to sound annoyed with Jessica's blunt rudeness. Really it was none of her business – Bella's cancelling didn't give Jessica the right to know Bella's entire life story. "The afternoon would really be better. We could do lunch at that good Italian restaurant after you find your dress," she suggested. Sweetening the deal would be the only way she could possibly pull this off without having to tell her about the bonfire. She needed to distract Jessica.

"Oh, yeah!" Jess hollered. "Mike's cousin just got hired there. She's a hostess . . . or waitress? I don't know, I wasn't really listening when he told me."

Bella rolled her eyes at Jessica's selfishness. She crawled off of her bed and moved to sit down next to the window. She looked out into the darkness, wondering what had been so urgent as to force Sam to leave so abruptly. Downstairs, Charlie was cheering as his favorite baseball team of the week won their game. Bella ran her fingers over the carpet beneath her mindlessly. "So it's settled then," she said into the phone. "Shopping in Port Angeles, and then lunch."

"Perfect!" Jessica squealed. "I'm so excited!" She launched into a very detailed description of the exact dress she hoped to find, down to the kind of fabric it would be made out of and the height of the heels of the shoes she would by.

Bella zoned out, her thoughts drifting back to Sam. She thought about his hands, his eyes, his hair – everything. Logically, rationally, she knew she needed to be careful and take this relationship slowly. After all, she was still waiting for her chance to get the answers to the questions that were flying through her head. She knew so little about Sam, but she wanted to learn about him. She wanted to know him. Her intense attraction to him hadn't been a part of the plan when she'd returned from Arizona . . .

But for the first time, Bella was okay with the unanticipated. Suddenly Friday couldn't come soon enough. She had no idea what was going to happen – and she was excited to find out.

Once again, thank you for reading! Please leave me a review. I love to have feedback. Give me your favorite line from the chapter, predictions - anything.

See you in Chapter Six.