My eyes burned as I shifted myself upright. Dizzily I looked around, disoriented. It felt like I had been asleep for a long time. As I stretched my arms up above my head, I noted my stiff, achy muscles. Scanning over the area, I realized that I was back in my room. I could hear some commotion stirring downstairs. Hushed conversation. I couldn't make out what was being said. But there was a smell of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air.
It wasn't Rene, if she was home, she would know better than attempting to make coffee. She was a kitchen dunce. Anything she touched ended up burning. The last time she tried making coffee, half the kitchen almost burned down to nothing.
Cautiously I slipped out of my bed, walking towards the door, but I paused as I caught a glimpse of myself in my mirror. I felt my jaw drop slightly. I barely recognized myself. My skin had turned a slightly darker tint, giving me a more natural tan. There was a bit more definition to my muscles. In short, I truly looked like a La Push wolf. I glanced at my shoulder, taking note of the new bold tribal tattoo on my skin.
Did this mean… I phased? Shouldn't I have a memory of it happening?
I made my way out of my room, and bounced down the stairs. Curiosity burning in my stomach. The conversation ended in the kitchen as I reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Sounds like she is finally awake," I recognized Alice's quiet voice.
I stepped hesitantly into the kitchen, taking in the sight of everyone assembled. Charlie, Alice, Rene and Edward. My face warmed as everyone stared at me.
"Oh sweetheart, how are you feeling?" Rene dashed to my side, pulling me in for a tight hug. Reluctantly I hugged her back, embarrassed that she was doing this in front of Edward.
"Hey mom, I'm fine, I didn't know you would be back."
Rene let her arms drop back down to her sides. "Your father called me, so I hurried right back of course." She cooed, taking me to make me sit down.
Edward smiled kindly at me as I sat close to him. Alice sat on the other side of me, a sheepish grin on her face.
"That was a tough couple of days, wasn't it?" She mused.
I blinked a few times. "What? I've been sleeping for the last few days?"
Charlie sighed heavily. "Thanks to Alpha Edward, you made it through this ordeal safely. And Alice of course. We were pretty worried about you Bells."
"Honey, why didn't you tell me you found your imprint?" Rene spoke up with twinkling in her hazel eyes.
My cheeks heated up, ducking my head down. "Mom," I groaned.
Charlie cleared his throat, glancing between Edward and I. "I hope it goes without saying, the two of you are taking things slowly."
I felt like I was about to die of embarrassment. Alice silently giggled under her breath, enjoying how uncomfortable I was at this moment.
Edward smiled crookedly. "Nothing to worry about chief Swan, we are taking time to get to know each other." His eyes flickered to me.
"Well that's a relief," Charlie muttered quietly, resting back in his seat.
"Nonsense, there is no such thing as moving too fast. Give into your passion. Just let things move naturally. Fast. Slow. Whatever feels right." Rene beamed, fluttering her eyes at us. She had such a child-like view of the world. It wasn't a big surprise she would say something like that. It was just another piece to the puzzle, as to why my parents decided on divorce.
Charlie made a face, but didn't comment.
Alice laughed softly, nudging Rene. "I have to agree with you momma Rene, they are already bound together for life. Why wait."
I wanted to get off of this topic, before Charlie had a melt down.
"Anyway, can you guys fill me in on what exactly happened these past few days?" I said calmly.
"Well, you phased in and out of wolf form a few times. Edward followed you, making sure nothing happened. You ran a fever for a while. Slept a lot. I mean a lot. I thought you were never going to wake up." Alice said with a slight nod.
"Why can't I remember any of it?"
"It's pretty common with newly phased wolves. It was all just too much for your mind to handle at the moment. I'm sure some of your memories of it will return over time." Edward commented.
I couldn't help but get distracted by him. He sat, poised, like a king at his throne. Powerful. Mysterious. Dazzling. I fought back the urge to reach out and take his hand. His fingers were even perfect, thin and elegant. Like the hands of a master pianist.
"What did I look like?" I've always wondered what my inner wolf would look like. Charlie was a decent sized wolf, gray fur, but I always had the sense it was him. Sam with Rene. She had soft brown fur, a bit smaller than Charlie.
"Snow white fur, small but feisty. You were breath-taking." Edward spoke in a smooth velvet. I felt a shudder roll down my spine.
"Yeah, you were beautiful, I hope someday… I will be able to phase too." Alice said, tilting her head downwards, her eyes casting down to her feet. She looked a little defeated.
"Oh Alice, I'm sure it will happen for you. These things take time." Rene smiled warmly, wrapping her up in a hug. Alice leaned on her, sighed heavily.
"You're right, as usual." She sniffed.
Charlie nodded, but I noticed him stiffening. It was just for a second, before he forced his tense shoulders to relax. He looked like he wanted to speak up, but he remained silent. His eyes flickered to Edward, who like him, was tense. I wonder what that was about. I would have to ask one of them later. Clearly they were keeping something secret. Or there was something going on with Alice.
For at least an hour, we all talked, just updating each other on things going on. Apparently Rene had taken a trip to Canada, she met a nice man, named Phil, who she seemed really attached to. Although she made no comment on if he was an imprint, boyfriend or just potential companion.
Charlie caught Mike violating his house arrest the other day, he had snuck out and crossed our boundary line, into Forks. He wouldn't mention why he was lurking in that area, but Edward was livid. I could see this becoming a big problem, surely Sam wouldn't allow this kind of behavior. He had to really punish Mike, at some point. I hoped.
Edward filled us in on the new family of vampires that took up residence in Forks. They have made things challenging for his pack. Several of his members have started to phase, in response to their arrival. Something would have to be done. Not just with his pack, but all the surrounding packs. We all would be summoned to a huge council meeting in regards to this. Packs from Forks, La Push and Port Angeles. It was a big deal. A new treaty would be formed with these new vampires and the packs. It would be the first time in centuries that all the packs in the area would come together. Our relationships have been strained in the past. From greed, jealousy, or the natural urge of competition among wolves, we have never had a successful peace treaty. That might all change. Soon.
It was really nice having all my favorite people here in one place. But all good things come to an end. Charlie was called back into the station. Alice's parents called to have her come home for dinner. Rene was already heading back to Canada, to reunite with Phil. That meant, only Edward and I were here. But he would be leaving soon as well. His men waited patiently outside, ready to escort him back to Forks. His pack needed him. Another one of his members had started showing signs of beginning to phase.
He lingered on my doorstep, watching down at me with sad eyes. His arms swept around me, pulling me to his muscular chest. "I hate to leave you alone, I wish you would come with me."
I sighed. "I'd love nothing more than to come with you, but I'm needed here for now."
"I understand of course, it doesn't make this any easier. When I'm not around you, it feels like I can't breathe." He admitted, closing his eyes as he leaned down, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. My body trembled in response.
"Someday, we won't have to say goodbye," I said quietly, feeling my cheeks warm. With some courage, I leaned up, lightly letting my lips touch his.
Heat washed through my body. Kissing Edward was even better than I had thought it would be. My legs felt weak. He caught me, steading me on my feet as he leaned into the kiss. Our lips danced against each other for a moment. It was pure heaven. I didn't want it to end. I've never felt this way. When Mike and I kissed. I felt nothing. It was like kissing a rock. But with Edward, I was left breathless and wanting more.
We both broke apart, catching our breath. He groaned, letting his head rest on mine. "Bella Swan, what are you doing to me?"
I chuckled quietly, meeting his smoldering gaze. "Giving you some incentive to hurry back."
"I'm not so sure it's possible to leave now."
We stared at each other for a moment, sharing one more sweet kiss, before he slowly backed away from me. Emmett smirked at him, lifting his hand up, asking for a hi-five. Edward ignored him completely, walking past him quickly. Jasper merely nodded in my direction, before following after his alpha.
I stood there on the porch for a while, my fingers touching my lips, that were still tingling. Once the three of them were out of sight, I let out a collective sigh. Edward was the only thing on my thoughts as I turned back inside. For now, I would find some simple distractions. It was torture being away from him. I didn't know when I would see him again, but I would count the hours.
It was clear, I was in love with Alpha Edward.
A/N: Thanks to all who took the time to review the last chapter. It means a lot to me. I hope you are all enjoying the story so far. Jacob will finally be making an appearance in the next chapter!